Feliz Navidad

Greetings from Central America

Last time I wrote you I was unsure as to how long I would be in language school, but that is no longer the case. I recently was alerted by the ministry that they will need me to be present for a mission team on December 31. So with that being said I will be leaving language school after this next week 12/18 and moving to my more permanent location in Totonicapan. Which is exciting my Spanish is still improving, but I believe it well get better the longer that I live within the culture.

One slight variation to my original job description is that I may also be doing some preliminary design for a project in another city. Sometimes when working on things in developing countries one has to be flexible and willing to change directions, and this seems like one of those times. Although I am very excited at the opportunity to work on as many different things as possible it does make me a little worried that I won't be able to provide the proper amount of attention to both projects. But hey "I can do all things through Him that gives me strength" so I'll get through it.

So with that being said that is pretty much all of the new news from here. Things are still going well with my host family although we did have a little battle with an infestation of fleas, but after several bites and a few loads of laundry we emerged victoriously. So praise the LORD for getting us through that. The people here have continued to be extremely friendly, and I thank God for this blessing because it has helped to comfort me when I feel alone. I also am so incredibly grateful for for all of you. It is impossible to quantify how extremely comforted I feel to know that I have a support team filled with other believers who are praying for me.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas with friends and family. God has blessed us all with incredible things over the course of our lives, and I pray that we all continue to see Him above all things.

Joy to the world the LORD has come!

Matt

One of my favorite Christmas messages is this one from John Piper where he uses the verse John 18:37 Pilate said "so you are a king" and Jesus responded "it is as you say. For this I have been born. For this I have come in to the world. To bear witness to the truth and whoever hears truth will hear My voice"

*pictures should be updated this weekend at this site