June Update

English Tutoring

I have begun tutoring a 12 year old boy in English twice a week. I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would. His father is the brother of my good friend and language helper from church. They would like me to continue to tutor him through the summer. They are not believers so please pray that my life will be a reflection of God’s love and grace. This is also an answer to prayer regarding someone to practice Spanish with.

Moving

Last month during a discussion with my landlord regarding the paperwork necessary for me to file my taxes here in Spain, he requested that I pay the back taxes for this year and he wanted to increase my rent considerably. After discussion with mission personnel, we decided to deny his request since it was not in accordance with my rental contract. He has responded very positively, but has indicated he will change my contract next March when it comes up for renewal. Since Jon & Kathy will be out of their apartment for a year while they are in the States, and I will also be in the States for several months, we’ve decided I will move into their place while they are gone and look for another place next summer when they return from the States. This will help both of us financially and will give me a quieter place to live and work.

This month’s quote:

“Over the margins of life comes a whisper...a faint call, a premonition of richer living which we know we are passing by. Strained by the very mad pace of our daily outer burdens, we are further strained by an inward uneasiness because we have hints that there is a way of life vastly richer and deeper than all this hurried existence, a life of unhurried serenity and peace and power.”

--Thomas Kelly

Praises:

1. Deborah (the wife of my professor) is doing well. She has been back at work and they are taking a short vacation to France to visit her family.
2. The renewal process for my residence card is underway. Pray that there will be no “bumps” in the process.
3. God has provided an unexpected answer to my desire for additional language helpers in the form of my English student and his mother.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray that my English tutoring is an enjoyable time for both of us and that I reflect God’s love and grace to this family.
2. This week I will begin meeting with my language helpers from last fall. I plan to return to language school once a week during the summer. Pray that I would find one more person to meet with weekly to practice my Spanish.
3. Pray that I will find a place to store most of my belongings while I am living in Jon & Kathy’s apartment.
4. Pray that the dollar strengthens soon. We have to live on approximately 25% less income while our expenses remain the same.