October 2026: The Reset

Hi there everyone, welcome back to the Land of Eternal Spring!! 

I'm pleased to report that my car is (more or less) fixed! I was able to get the window repaired fairly cheaply not long after writing the last post. The same, however, could not be said of my radio. Not only would it be incredibly expensive (~$1200-1300US), but my insurance policy also does not cover them down here. Alas, I have decided to go without music (and CarPlay and a backup camera), probably for as long as I continue to own the car. 

Otherwise, things continue becoming busy! Student Council and Debate Club continue to intensify as we grow closer to our major events (more on that below). Classes, while still eating up far more of my time this year than last year, feel more and more like they are under my control. 

For instance, I just finished a World War II simulation this week. While one team (Great Britain) pulled away and dominated the victory points, I was genuinely impressed by how many of my students sought out diplomacy, even if sometimes it did lead to double-crossing. The way my young pupils love each other and seek Jesus is not perfect, but it is baked into the culture here more than any other school I've been to. 

Alas, in the way of true updates, there is very little. I suppose the greatest "new" gift this month has been that nothing else bad has happened to me. I got new debit/credit cards, so I can spend money again, and my car runs as well as I need it to run. I am still getting to know the new Chaplain, enjoying school basketball games, and finding many other ways to blow off steam (I even got a head start on Christmas shopping last weekend!). 

One such way I try to blow off steam is by taking selfies with Pochi, the mascot of my favorite local socer team, Deportivo Mixco--aka Los Chicharroneros (the Pork Rind Boys).

Through all of this, I remain convinced that God has a great plan--something beyond all this. As difficult as the past month was, I love this job, and I love the people God has surrounded me with in this season. There is nowhere else I'd rather be than right here in Guate. And yet, when God calls me on, I'll be ready to answer. 

Anyway, on to praises and prayers! 

Praises:

• Money continues to flow, both through increased donations and through a pay raise at work! That said, if you still wish to donate, your support would still mean a great deal to me, and by extension, to the families I serve. You can make your 100% tax-deductible contributions at this link. 
• Back in the U.S., my dad has a new job!! He will be the head of a new school in Coastal Georgia starting in summer 2027. Please pray for that transition--specifically, that he would find the right housing for our family and that the community he is leaving remains understanding. 

Prayers: 

• I may have a new neighbor!! The head of human resources (we call it "Member Care" at CAG) says a new male teacher will be moving to Guatemala in January, and she asked for information regarding the vacant apartment next to mine! Please pray for the upcoming move for the new teacher and that, no matter where he ends up living, he finds Guatemala every bit as enchanting as I have this past year. 
  

And that's all! See you all in November--ciao!