|
|
 On December 20th, we will celebrate our first year of marriage! It has been a wonderful year and we’ve had so much fun establishing a life and a home together. Despite missing family, God has blessed us with each other. Throughout this year we have been continually reminded of His care and provision in our lives.
We praise God that we have the opportunity to visit Bolivia, where Ellen grew up as a missionary kid. We’re excited to celebrate our first year anniversary reliving some of Ellen’s childhood memories.
As much as we all look forward to each school year coming to a close, there is that sad realization that hits, “The seniors won’t be coming back.” This year was another great class of NCA Seniors that will be missed when the school year begins in August.
NCA Graduation is the dress-up event of the year (since there is no Prom). It’s fun to see everyone showing up looking their best.
This class was particularly special to Ellen because she had most of them in class as 9th graders her first year of teaching at NCA.
Luke taught them as 8th graders his first year of teaching at NCA. 6 of the Seniors were in youth group leadership. They helped out in so many ways from running games, leading music, planning retreats, etc.
Congrats, class of 2009!
 A few weeks ago we lead a High School Retreat with the youth group here in Nicaragua. This year there were 37 students who came along with 11 leaders.
With a bus load of kids and a few other vehicles we headed up north, about a 3 hour drive from Managua, near Jinotega. We stayed at a Young Life camp that is run by a family of one of our teens. We all enjoyed the cooler weather up there!
The kids enjoyed various activities such as: canoeing, rock climbing, zip lining, and team challenges. We also had two sessions with our speaker, one that was held in the middle of a prayer labyrinth.
This was a very powerful and unique experience for many of the kids. Each of them walked single file through this labyrinth on a prayer walk until they reached the center that had a cross in it. It was one of the coolest experiences from what we heard. Our youth band was in the middle with a guitar and bongos leading worship and preparing our hearts for the message.
It was evident that the youth had a great time together on the retreat and it was neat to see how teams bonded together. A lot of effort and planning went into the retreat and we praise God for the work that He is continuing to do in these students. We appreciate your prayers as we both seek to lead our students in a way that is wise and driven by passion for Christ.
Ellen's Pre-K level II class
Every day before snack time, our class sings a prayer:
“Thank you, God
For my food
And my many blessings
Say Amen.”
Several days ago I asked the kids to give me some ideas of what other things they could be thankful for besides food. In other words, what are some blessings in their lives.
This is what they came up with:
- my mom
- my dad
- my sister
- books to read
- the sun
- the playground
Before we were done, one of my boys raised his hand and said “You!” He shyly put his head down on his desk as my face filled with joy. What a sweet thing to say. It is my prayer that I have been a blessing to each one of these kids.
As my class heads towards Kindergarten, I am sad to see them go. They all have been little blessings to me. I’m looking forward to enjoying this last month or so that I have with them.
May God send blessings your way today!
 Luke and I did something new this year for Spring Break. We helped out with the childcare at a missions retreat.  I had the 2-6 year olds and Luke was with the 8-11 year old boys. My group was super fun especially because I teach preschool and because one of the girls is in my class at NCA.
 It turned out to be a perfect balance of fun, responsibility, and relaxation.
 The retreat was held at a beach hotel about an hour away from Managua. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets, hammocks, going boogie boarding, and the cool breeze.
 The retreat didn’t last the entire week so we enjoyed being back at home without school responsibilities. It was a blessing to catch up on sleep and to be able to return to school refreshed.
 Luke and I had our first houseguests in March. My good friend, Lisa, came down for 11 days to experience Nicaragua and to hang out with us. Her roommate, Sarah, joined her for the last 5 days of the trip.
One place we took Lisa was Laguna de Apoyo. This is one of our favorite spots in Nicaragua because it is so calm and beautiful. It’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon.
We also spent an afternoon at the beach relaxing, boogie boarding, collecting sand dollars & seashells and ….  ….eating fish!  Lisa and Sarah loved meeting my preschoolers. And my kiddos loved being around them too!  Here we are on a field trip at the Managua Zoo.
 ps. Yes, this is really what our feet look like every Sunday afternoon after we play 2 hours of Ultimate Frisbee!
Reading Corner
Writing Center
 Snack Time
Recess
 Art Center
 Play Center
 Nap Time
 Just being goofy
My class of 13 students is very unique. Every day with them is different and fun. They definitely keep me on my toes! I truly love teaching this age group and am thankful for the teaching ministry God has given me.
This week my Bible Study girls decided they wanted to learn how to make sushi! So we went over to In Ae’s house and her mom taught us. It was a super fun time!
 Each of us got to make at least one roll of Kim Bap. Kim = seaweed and Bap = rice. It is basically a seaweed and rice roll with lots of other yummy things tucked inside (like egg, carrots, hot dog, shrimp, and green onions).
 I had a lot of fun making mine (with help). In Ae’s mom was really patient with us and I think she had a good time too! I even got to make an extra special roll of sushi to take home to Luke which he really liked.  The fixings are on the left and the finished product on the right. YUM!
 Our Bible Study group is a mix of girls from Nicaragua, Korea, Guatemala, and the States. They are super fun and I’m going to miss a lot of them who will be graduating from NCA this June. I praise God for fun memories like this!
Hey everyone,
Just to let you know, our photographer has posted the wedding photos online.
You can go to: http://www.collages.net/
Username: Rosenberger
Password: 9110
We think the pictures turned out really well.
Enjoy!
Ellen and Luke
When I married Luke, I instantly gained 5 sister-in-laws!
 My one and only sister, Karen, who is not my twin.  Luke’s brother-in-laws and groomsman: Mark, Eric, and Jason.
 Our nephew, Caleb, a huge Dallas Clark fan!
 The ever energetic and funny nephew, Elijah, who loves his piggy bank!
 And our smiling and walking little nephew, Benjamin!
 We had a couples candlelight dinner hosted by Luke’s parents.
Afterwards, we all played “synchronized” DDR and Euchre.
Having fun playing Rockband.
 Luke, Grandma Gilliom, and Paul.
|
|
