Almost immediately after returning from the pastor’s meetings in El Salvador, I turned my attention to preparing for the school year. Thankfully, with the help of Stephanie and the schoolchildren, we were able to get the schoolroom tidied up and organized, and the last several weeks of classes have gone well.
This year, we’ve adjusted our schedule to better fit our family’s needs. We’re extending the school calendar to allow me to take Fridays off from teaching. Our school week now runs Monday through Thursday, full days, and we’re making good progress. However, I’ve found that having Friday and Saturday available is necessary to focus on my writing, which provides for our family.
Stocking Up for the Season
With my availability shifting—and without Caleb or Tanner to help make city runs—we had to rethink how we manage our supply trips. We decided to make one large shopping trip to Cusco, stocking up on everything we might need for the next couple months.
The result? A van packed as full as we could manage—while still squeezing ourselves in—and nooks and crannies all over the house now brimming with supplies. Of course, we’ll still make weekly or biweekly runs for fresh fruits and vegetables, but for the most part, we are set.
Seven weeks later, we were in the city for some other errands at the Consular office, so we got a few things to top off supplies. Steph and I have both been surprised and pleased with how things have lasted, and I’m glad for not needing to run to the city any more often.
A Timely Blessing
Right as we were sorting out school and schedules, my cow, Estrella, calved. We now have another bull calf and, more importantly, plenty of fresh milk. Interestingly, the same week Estrella calved, all three of our milk goats decided to dry up. So, just as we lost goat’s milk, we gained an abundant supply of cow’s milk. The timing couldn’t have been better, and we thank the Lord for how it worked out.
Progress in the Classroom
School is moving along well. The children were finishing up their English books from last year, and we had placed an order for new materials. Our English books were shipped via container to Lima and then on to the bookstore in Huaral, from where they were forwarded to us. Meanwhile, our Spanish curriculum had already arrived, and we were ready to dive into it.
Anne finished her English courses from last year and jumped straight into her new Spanish courses. Seth is nearly finished with his English work and has started some Spanish courses. Dane, Shawn, and Abbey are close to finished with last year’s English.
Prayers for the Year Ahead
As of now, I plan to continue teaching until August. We have asked a teacher to come and finish out the school year in Spanish, but we are still waiting on an answer before making any firm decisions.
We would appreciate prayers—for a good school year, for wisdom in teaching, and for the possibility of finding a teacher who can take over in August. Having someone step in would allow me to devote more time to the farm, to my writing, and to church work.
For now, we press on, trusting the Lord for His provision in everything.
Juan David 