Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Marching Into the New Year

Things continue to change around here. The biggest news is that we have given the keys for both of our Quito properties to the new owners since the beginning of the new year.
Office, Guesthouse and Apartment Building in Quito

In November and December, Scott was in the middle of sorting through more than 50 years of papers and other things that had accumulated in the Avant office. Many papers were shredded and thrown away but we still have quite a stack of boxes of financial records at our house now.
Many of the other things, office furniture, supplies, etc. were given away to other ministries. There are still more details to be taken care of with these properties and others around the country, but things are definitely winding down. As this is taken care of, Scott will once again be able to spend more time teaching.

Scott's next teaching engagement is coming up on February 7 when he will be teaching a one-day workshop on the doctrine of God. Pray for Scott's preparation and for a good impact on the churches of Chimborazo Province.

This week is finals week at Alliance Academy. You can pray for Joel that he finish his semester well with his different exams. The kids will have Thursday afternoon and Friday off of school.

December was a busy month. Here are a few highlights. Lindsey celebrated her 7th birthday.
She also played in her first piano recital. Both Luke and Lindsey were part of the Alliance Christmas Program.
And David arrived home for 3 weeks of vacation.

The last day of school before Christmas, Luke was on the playground, was walking backwards, tripped and fell. Immediately you could tell his arm was broken because of the way it was bent. So we spent the afternoon in the ER. He needed surgery to set the bone and they put a temporary pin in as well. He has an appointment this coming Friday the 20th. Please pray that the bone has healed correctly and that they will be able to remove his cast.

Scott and David also had quite the adventure. David had always dreamed of climbing one of the snow covered mountains here in Ecuador. So they chose Cotopaxi, a 19,300 foot volcanic mountain.
They hired a guide and rented some equipment. They were able to drive up to about 15,000. From there they climbed up to the refuge at 16,000 where they rested and waited till night. It is the safest to climb at night when the snow is frozen. So they took off at 1 in the morning and reached the summit at 6:30 in the morning. As they reached the summit it was snowing and the wind really picked up so all they could see was a few feet in front of them. We're thankful for the experience and for the safety God gave them.

We are also very thankful for each one of you--for your faithful prayers and faithful support! 2011 was a year when our cost of living increased significantly mostly because of having to move out of our mission-owned apartment. But God provided for each of our needs through many of you! Thank you!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or imagine according to the power that is at work in us." Epesians 3:20

Praise the Lord for the sale of our mission property in Quito.
Pray for remaining details regarding transfer of property.
Pray for students at the workshop in February.
Pray for Joel to finish his semester well.
Pray for healing for Luke's arm.
Praise the Lord for special family activities in the past month.
Praise the Lord for faithful support through his people.