Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.” One of my devotionals recently from Jesus Calling I wanted to share with you. “You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.” Reading that devotional, I felt challenged to ask myself if I’m living my life unpredictably. If we live predictable lives how are we following God’s will and trusting Him? I love how it says God is always doing something new within us. Change is good! Not knowing what is next is good! Trusting God’s control and following His will is how I want to live my life.

Last week on the last day before school break, the 8^th graders and I planned a surprise party for Tia Lucy to thank her for all that she does. It was a lot of fun and I was able to interact with the students on a more personal level. Stephanie, a 15 year old 8^th grader, told me what she has been going through. (Above picture, far left girl is Stephanie). Her mom is in prison for drug dealing and she doesn’t know who her dad is. She lives on her own and provides for herself. Stephanie thinks drug dealing is good because it provides money in an easy way. As she said those words my heart just sank deeper and deeper. Here was this young girl barely getting through 8^th grade, with no parents there for her, and being taught drug dealing is a good paying job. As I looked around the classroom I thought about how each student has a unique story and each one God loves and cares about. Please pray for Stephanie and all the students in La Pintana, Chile; that they would feel God’s love and accept His gift.  Thank you again for all your prayers and encouraging words!