Hello Everyone,
We hope that you are having a good start to the week. We are definitely back to the ol' grind. Our teachers have really
picked up the pace in this second trimester. Things are good though.
We have been busy with things with extra-cirricular activities also. I (Matt) have started leading Bible Studies (in English)
for the teenage children of the missionaries at the langauge school. I have eight teens in our new « youth group. » Please
pray for these new « Third Culture Kids. » Several of them are really struggling with being in a new country that is totally
foreign to anything that they are used to. Also, this past weekend, the church that we attend had a work day so I went and
helped. I wish that I could tell you what I was doing, but I really do not know. I could not totally follow the instructions.
I just know that any time that the substance that I was brushing on the ceiling fell onto exposed skin, it burned like crazy.
I was just following what everyone else was doing. All I know was that I looked like Public Enemy No. 1 while I worked wearing
my toboggan, face mask, and protective glasses. I learned a lot of French on that day that you do not learn in language school.
Cristina has gotten involved with the worship team at school. She has been playing her violin a lot. I have to admit that
she has to be the best violin player in all of Albertville.
In other areas, I want to thank those of you who sent birthday cards and e-mails to me back on the 11th of Janurary. It
was the big 3-0 ! I like being 30 so far. When I forget something, I just blame it on my age. It's great !
Prayer Requests : Please keep Tim and Di Keener (fellow missionaries to France). Di is expecting their 3rd child sometime
between February and March.
Please keep her and the baby (Elmo-that's my choice for the baby's name) in your prayers.
Also, we would like for you to rejoice with us as we welcome Xavier and William Derby to the field of France. These guys
were born on January 10. Please keep Micah and Becky Derby (fellow missionaries to France) in your prayers as they adjust
to parenting twins. Also, pray that the twins will continue to grow strong and healthy.
Lastly, please keep the family of Robert Bryan (fellow missionary to France) in your prayers. Robert's dad passed away
today. Please pray for Robert during this time.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
In Christ Alone,
M & C
