Updates!

I'm sorry it's been about 3 weeks since I last posted. My life has just been super hectic lately--all sorts of stuff going on! But I'll catch you up...

1. School: We are back into the swing of things. The kids are great--as always--even though they are not huge fans of homework and exams. I actually got a new student, Sunni, about 2 weeks ago. He's fitting in really well, and though he was very shy and quiet at first, he is starting to warm up to the other kids. Aris, one of my Greek boys, officially returned to Greece on the same day that Sunni started. We were sad to see him go!! As a "thank you for being my teacher" he brought me a Venti Caramel Macchiatto from Starbucks on his last day. Super sweet kid! The kids have been way into Ping Pong lately (Portugal is a strange, strange place sometimes!) and they play every chance they get. In fact, we even went to a Ping Pong Tournament today for the Cascais area schools--which Gaby won by the way! I just don't understand their fascination with the game...I lose interest in about 2 seconds!

2. Wyld Life: Bible studies and Clubs are up and running as well. This Wednesday, I'll be leading Bible Study as we finish up the book of Luke. And at our big club event on February 20, I'll be the main speaker. I'm a little nervous--but excited. There will be a lot of kids there--more so than usual we think since we're having a Valentines Day Dance after Club. So that's exciting! I'll even get to wear a fancy dress, and who doesn't love that?? :)

3. ICC: Church is going well...somehow I agreed to lead the music next week with Matt Murphy, a friend who plays the guitar. I don't know how I got into this...but hopefully it'll go well!

4. ICSC NEWS: I will have to make a decision by the end of this month about returning to Portugal for another year and teaching at ICSC. Please pray that I'll have some direction about this...

5. Life in General: Life is good :) I have great friends who are tons of fun! And...in case you hadn't heard, I'm seeing someone here. He's pretty great too. If I decide to stay on another year here, I'm going to have to get a car--being a pedestrian just isn't realistic for all the stuff I'm involved with! So the great search for an automatic car has begun...Keep your fingers crossed! I feel very blessed with my life here--not that it's all daisies and roses! But, God is good, and I am definitely blessed.

Just a little support update too, folks...I want to thank those of you have been such faithful supporters. Your contributions have allowed me to be here and minister to these kids while still remaining faithful to the scary student loans that I have back home. Lately, however, some of these funds have started to dwindle, and things have been a bit tight. I hate having to talk about money, but the truth is that money is an issue for a teacher/missionary...If you feel like supporting me is something you can and feel led to do--awesome! Know that you're really appreciated. And if you're not in a position to do so right now, well, your prayers will be just as welcomed!

Love you all so much!

xoxo
Ariel