Classes Among the Palm Trees

There is a lot happening right now “among the palm trees”.  I’m referring to a housing development known as Las Palmas (The Palms).  And yes, there are palm trees lining the road in Las Palmas.  Actually, there are three “Las Palmas” – creatively named 1, 2 and 3.  We’ve been hanging out in 1, but people join us for classes from other neighbourhoods as well.

On Wednesday and Thursday Julian and Malu hosted English classes in their home.  They just started teaching some English at the local junior high, a school which we’ve had a lot of contact with in the past.  So some of their students came to the classes, along with a smattering of others.

Julian and Malu with a few of their students
Rod and I swung by to help a little this week.  It was fun, although I admit that among the three other teachers I am the one who is not and English teacher.  I am a teacher, which helps, but teaching English is something I’ve hardly ever done.

So in spite of Julian’s modesty, he and Malu seemed to be doing an excellent job. 🙂

Anyway, it was great to make new friends in Las Palmas through the English classes, which are being given under the auspices of Tiempo de Vivir, our community centre.

We would appreciate your prayers as activities continue tonight.  Shari will be doing her first baking class in Las Palmas, with the help of Malu.  At the same time, Hannah and I will be doing a craft class for the kids.

After the baking/craft class is the kids club/School for Parents, which is led by Iglesia Bíblica Sendero de Vida Santa Barbara (Path of Life Bible Church Santa Barbara).  I’ll be leading the parenting study tonight, which, as you might imagine, will be a very convicting experience!  But it is a great review for me, which will hopefully spill over into more action.

Our community centre administrator, Tina Barham, will return home to Mexico on Monday (Lord willing), and there will be more classes starting up in Jesús María as well.  There are already English classes going on up there, currently with Jessica and Emily teaching, along with some help from Julian and Malu.  But other classes will be starting up, such as an exercise class, craft classes, guitar classes, and more.

Thanks for your prayers!  May God’s truth shine brightly among the palm trees and beyond. 🙂