Latest News From Mexico

Another month spent in Mexico, and so much has happened, some good things and some setbacks. The month started out very well; we had a good rest in Oaxaca City, and we got a real answer to prayer in the form of an invitation to teach various after-school classes such as English to a group of about 12 children in the local church. We've also started instrumental lessons with some of the same kids. So far we've been doing that for three weeks, there are some really keen children, and I've definitely noticed progress. This isn't without its difficulties though, as the range of ages and abilities is massive; although we aim the lessons at children, adults regularly turn up to learn English. And there's not necessarily an easy correlation between age and ability either; there's a fair amount of kids that for some reason or another don't go to school, and so their writing is limited.

Despite this the new opportunity has overall been a real blessing; thank you to everyone who prayed for us.

There has, however, been one fairly major setback. The last month has seen the girls' host geting more and more into her work; so much so that it has badly affected their diet because she's not home often to talk. They've lost a lot of weight and have been getting quite down. One of them particularly, Sian, has been having major stomach problems and it's getting hard for her to hold her food down.

As a result of this, they've been told they're moving to a different house on Monday where their host isn't quite so busy. I think that the situation there will be better, certainly food-wise, but it's also quite a stressful time, getting to know a new family, and having to adjust to a whole new setting. Please pray for the girls; firstly that their health will improve quickly and they'll be able to work to their full potential; secondly that they'll be able to adjust and get on with their new host. This seems to me to be a really important time in the trip - if the change goes positively and smoothly then it could be a huge boost for us.

God bless,

Andrew