This first term in 9th grade has given me many things to think about. For one thing, the workload doesn’t exactly get lighter! I used this term to figure out what I need to push harder in and where I can give slack. This break has gone well, we went to Mombassa. And as I am sure you can see I caught a 40 lb. Wahoo. Matthew and I were able to scuba dive together, and were able to go spear fishing. This term has tried me in many areas, but I will stand firm. And as Chamberlain would say: “Fix bayonets and charge!”

6th grade has proven itself a challenge. It’s a lot of fun, but there are many things to accomplish. It’s shown me a preview of junior high school and what kind of ambitions I need next year. Mombassa was an awesome treat. I got certified in scuba diving. To pass, I had to do certain exercises under the water eighteen meters deep. I also saw the fish I’ve always wanted to see: a puffer fish inflate. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.

“Grace” is the word that best sums up this year for me. I’ve known God’s grace in crises, but this year I’ve desired (and hopefully progressed) in learning to abide in that same grace in the midst of the day-to-day things—receiving as grace the fact that I didn’t get sick during the flu epidemic that hit campus; accepting the grace to be patient with two very curious two-year-olds; knowing His grace in letting go of my teenager when I feel like holding tighter; trusting His grace when my own strength was depleted but there were still meals to fix, clothes to wash, and homework to help with; being more aware of His grace to continue to refine me and reveal Himself to me. Truly, His grace is amazing.

All the things that happened this year, but I keep going back to a little kid who told me `I like school better when I’m not hungry.’ There were so many struggles and so many victories, but that one stays with me. We move up to 25 schools in January and over 8000 children; we are so grateful for what you have done. We pray that this Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ love for you.

Katie’s drawing (left) Ben’s drawing (right)

Merry Christmas!

Steve, Nancy, JT, Matthew, Katie and Ben Peifer