Hello friends,
Well, July is over, and August is starting. I still do not have a definitive word about
my plans to come home for a visit. I am
still waiting on word from both the US and Brazil authorities. So in the meantime, we continue to work.
Nayara and I are working on plans for when we continue the
night classes. At this point, we will
continue with the Tuesday night class and the Friday night class. These two classes are smaller so we will have
plenty of space to be together. The
Wednesday class is a different story with 35 students. Before we had to stop, we were on our 5th
week, so we were just getting started.
Currently, what we are leaning towards is not restarting the class this
year. Then in January 2021, they can
sign up again but this time we will only be able to receive 15 students. We
will try to open another night so we will have 2 beginning classes but no
larger than 15 students. We also will
not be able to continue the class at the Public School. This is a little sad to me but
necessary. Hopefully, those students who
are serious about learning will take advantage of the night class opportunities
on Wednesday and Thursday.
I am continuing to work with students in our Tuesday night
and Friday night groups online along with several alumni students. I am pleased with their progress and I really
look forward to the group dynamic that happens when we are together. This online time has been a good one on one
opportunity for them to practice. They
were a little nervous at first, but they adjusted well.
I am now starting to work on putting the curriculum together
in written form. This is both a huge
challenge and a bit exciting as well.
This online experience has helped us look at different elements of the
curriculum as well. Romans 8:28 is so
true, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
I have started diving into a new program that helps writing
e-books. We are going to start giving
out some encouraging type e-books for our students (1 per month). These titles will be like …. Five things to
remember when you are learning English…….How to use music to help you learning
English, things like that. We will be
using these with our students and with promoting the Amazonas.Languages project
as well as with Nayara/Paty and Ame Idiomas.
I am learning all about Instagram (I know I am a little behind), so we
are using our time wisely.
The church has begun to meet but children and people over 60
are asked not to come. Wow, that has
felt weird. But I appreciate their
caution for my health. The virus numbers
have been going down with the last report being 15 active cases (3348 total)
and 135 deaths. We all must do our part
to keep ourselves safe as well as protect our neighbors.
This month, the focus has been on how Mighty God has BEEN
and IS. Two things have stood out to me
in my devotional time.
·
First, the bottom line is God is GOOD. Don’t let anything or anyone move you. Yes, life is challenging – but He is still
GOOD. Yes, we all have faced some
discouragement and disappointment through people and/or circumstances – but He
is still GOOD. Yes, some aspects of the
future are not clear and maybe a little scary – but He is still GOOD, and He can
be trusted!!
·
Second thought, we need to view God through the
lens of FAITH and CONFIDENCE. (this is
from Christine Cain). This statement
grabbed my attention all month. I have
had to evaluate my own heart, mind, and actions. I choose what lens I view God
through. I like the words here, FAITH
and CONFIDENCE. These are strong
words. These are the lens that I must
view God. I need to fuel my faith and
confidence through the WORD of God and through being IN the Presence of
God.
·
I was reminded of a statement my friend Dee
McKinney made many years ago. When
difficult circumstances arose, she would often say in the middle of it all
“That is a circumstance that is subject to change!” Think about that statement this month.
Please know that I am praying for you my friends,
your families, your city, and for our country these
days. In August, the focus is on the
fact that GOD HEARS. That is a timely
focus!
Thank you for your love and support. I will keep you updated about any travel
plans.
Bless you,
Lisa
