Hola from Quito, Ecuador. First, I want to apologize for not having written for some time. Things have been going great here, but we've been very busy and tired and simply have not taken the time to write. I will do my best to keep this short and sweet, while filling you in on the past few months.
In December, we had an incredible time with my parents who came to visit us for 2 weeks. It was such a blessing having them come visit and a real necessity for us as a family. We had such a wonderful Christmas and time to just relax and visit some fun places. (see pics below)
Our family is doing well. We are completely settled now and feel at home in our apartment and in Quito. It's such a blessing from the Lord to be able to call Quito home. We are also glad to say that we have finally found a great, vibrant, Spanish speaking, worshiping church called "Comunidad de Fe". It was a long process, but we are really enjoying our time there. The husband of an Ecuadorian that we work with here at AAI is one of the worship pastors and we have gotten connected with them. We'll see what doors open up to join the worship team there. I also want to let you all know that we will be home for about 6 weeks this summer (June 24-Aug 11). We are so excited and look forward to reconnecting with you all. Our plan is to have another Worship Night at the end of July like we did prior to leaving last year. I will let you know exact dates in the near future.
Ministry at AAI is going well. I am enjoying this second semester and the connection with my students. I have gotten some really neat feedback from some students and parents about their growth and how they've been challenged to grow deeper in Christ. My Worship DNA group is going really well. We have lead worship for multiple school venues (Elementary Chapel & Spiritual Emphasis Week; Monthly high school chapels & Spiritual Emphasis Week; Easter Assembly & Service; and will be leading the Spiritual Emphasis Week again here in May). In addition to that, the AAI leadership has now given me 8th hour on Fridays to draw in and develop more students who would like to join the worship team. I'm excited for the opportunity to invest in the lives of these students and pray God will open up more doors for ministry to and with these students. Carolina is doing well in her classes. She went through a difficult season, but has come through on the other side. The kids are doing well. They really enjoy school and life here, but they are VERY excited to see their Lito, Lita, Tia Leah, Baby Olivia and all their friends this Summer.
Some extra details & prayer requests:
We just had a worship night at our home a few weeks ago with 20+ people in attendance. It was a wonderful night of worship and pray that it was just the beginning of greater things to come. We need a fresh outpouring of Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of all at the school. AAI is in great need for a spiritual breakthrough and I believe worship, prayer, hunger, surrender and unity will be keys to that breakthrough. Please pray for us, our school (students & staff) and the nation of Ecuador. Believing & expectant for great things ahead.
I have applied for the head high school chaplaincy position for next year. I have really felt the Lord leading me to pursue this position and am really excited about the possibility, but want the Lord's will to be done overall. I've had some great conversations with the director of Spiritual Life, but please be in prayer that the Lord's will be done in this.
We have started a marriage group with another couple in our home. There are 5 couples all together and it has been really great. We meet every Wed, have dinner together and are doing "The Art of Marriage" study. Everyone seems to be really enjoying it. Pray that God will continue to challenge us and grow us in our marriages!
Please be in prayer for us as a family, especially Carolina and I. With the transition and all the other things, it's been hard to connect on a deeper level. We've looked back and we have not had a vacation together, just she and I, for over 5 years. That's never good. We are really wanting to get away soon together and are planning some time away when we get home this Summer as well, but we really need your prayers & intercession. Things are good overall, but we're not happy with "good", we want God's best for our marriage (spiritually, emotionally, relationally and physically).
Last but not least, our house is up for sale again. The people who were renting suddenly bought a home and have moved out. We are now having to pay for our mortgage and bills again which is a financial burden, but God is bigger and He is our provider. Please pray for the quick sale of our home and a great price. (If you know of anyone looking to buy or rent, please let us know)
Thank you again for all your love and support (prayer & financial). Without the Lord and you all in our corner, we would not be able to be here. May the Lord richly bless each and every one of you! We love you all!!!
Caleb, Carolina, Joaquin & Milena
