July Newsletter '12

Greetings,

June has been an awesome month. I normally write how busy each month is as we are falling into the next, but June has been special. Not only has it been the busiest month (I had 8 posts to the website this month, more than another other), but our physical and spiritual batteries are fully charged - something we would have never predicted for June considering it started with both Emily and I have 2 week long flus.

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Summer Teams

Our Spring teams set the stage for what would be an awesome kickoff to the summer. The first two teams of the summer were Golden Corner and Brookwood, and both of them were amazing. I think coming off of the school year is a little exhausting, but to be around these people who come here ready to serve is so energizing, and its probably the reason why we feel so good right now.

Both teams did VBS and Sports Camps, however the real triumph for me was the completion of the skeletal structure for our new Maintenance Facility or "fancy-shed." I spent a good part of the year planning and factoring how we can get this project built this summer, and our first two teams have just metaphorically "hit it out of the park!"

Our family has also been immensely blessed to serve with these teams. Micah just adores them and its probably because of all the leftover VBS goodies, but their love and support for us has been very palpable. Their words of encouragement and appreciation go a long way on the mission field, and we look forward to lasting relationships and the blessing they will be to both us and the school.

Click HERE for pictures of Golden Corner
Click HERE for pictures of Brookwood
Click HERE for the article of summer team prep and foundation

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Graduations!!!

While there is much to write about this month, the highlight has got to be Micah's graduation from preschool. Yes, I'm not sure how to even address the fact that we call it "graduation" - but its really the celebration of moving from 1 stage of development to the next. Never again will he be in preschool, and for that we might both shed a tear and proudly smile.

You have got to watch some of the videos we took of his graduation. First of all it was at night, past his bedtime, so he was already antsy, but he's just so full of energy. However, our proudest moment came when Micah was elected to give his class's closing prayer to the ceremony. Even thought he forgot the prayer, he recited the Lord's Prayer beautifully. Goodness sakes - its only preschool graduation - but we sure are proud.

Additionally, we celebrated Sandy's graduation. Emily and I are very proud of her, and we've been blessed to watch her grow up and decide to follow the Lord with all her heart. She may not have received all the awards at graduation, but she has honored God with her life and continues to strive towards Christlikeness. Congratulations Sandy!

Finally, last but not least we successfully held commencement for our Windermere graduates. We are proud of all of them, and look with anticipation for what God will continue to do in and through their lives.

Watch the videos of Micah HERE
Read Emily's article on Sandy HERE
See pictures of Windermere's Graduation HERE

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Update

So much more has happened this month. We got to ride on a Bahamian Battleship and have dinner with the Captain (even though Emily got seasick - you have to read the article). We saw the planet Venus make its last transit in front of the sun for our lifetimes.

But next to Micah's graduation, the most special event of this past month was the privilege I had to baptize Sandy. She has been Christian for years, but still wanted to follow our Lord's example and publicly display her allegiance to Him and His gospel. Sandy's story is one of those rare blessings where we see the fruit of being missionaries.

Both Emily and Micah are doing great - finally over the flu! He will start his "big-boy" school in September and we are very excited about Ryan and Melissa Yates arriving in the middle of next month, so stay tuned for updates on their arrival.

Go HERE to see Sandy's Baptism and Emily's article
Go HERE to see the Venus Transit Pictures
Go HERE to see the Battleship Trip

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Prayers and Praises

Praise for a spectacular month of seeing God's goodness and blessings
Praise for our summer teams and their contribution to the school and local communities
Praise for health and life and the joys that come from serving the Lord

Only one prayer request - our van died this past month… dead. We desperately need another vehicle over here, however customs charges 85% of the worth of vehicle in tax. So with shipping and registration we would literally be purchasing a car TWICE. Please pray with us that someone would either have the opportunity or means to donate another van/suv (something that can carry a group of people).

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Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and your involvement in our ministry with God's mission. To find out more about support CLICK HERE.

- Ryan Emily and Micah