RECAP 

I finished my previous newsletter while working in Doug’s body shop. I learned a lot in the body shop. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to do that job, but there is still much satisfaction to be found within the work. 

I had a good time over winter break. It was good to see my family and catch up with all of my friends. 

BACK AT CMTS 

The first week back took some readjustment, but it didn’t take long to fall back into the cycle. I’m in maintenance this month, and I’ve mainly been working with Mike. He has had me move some things with the front end loader, and also mess around with the back hoe a little bit. We also installed some cabinets and counter tops in the new apartment. We installed a gas range, and a small propane heater as well. Yesterday we were working on shortening an old military truck bed to fit on another truck that we have. We cut around two feet off of it with a plasma cutter, and then I was able to weld the face of the bed back on. The welding was nice because I could make adjustments in real time, so I was able to (somewhat) figure it out. 

SNOW 

We were hit with a fair amount of snow this past weekend from the winter cyclone that has been sweeping through the US. We had an estimated 13 in. of snow, because of this we took most of Monday to do some snow cleanup. When we got finished, it was time to have some fun. There is a large hill leading up to the warehouse which we made a sledding trail down. There were a few pairs of skis handy, and Malakai and I took it upon ourselves to use them. We built a decent ramp near the bottom of the trail, and we went skiing until dark. 

MEXICO 

We had our first Mexico meeting this past Monday (Jan. 19). In the meeting, they gave us an itinerary, and answered any questions that we had about the trip. From the looks of it, the weather in Mexico is going to be in the 60’s and 70’s, so it’s going to be quite the change of pace from the highs in the teens we have been getting here. We are staying at the YWAM base in Monterrey Mexico. While we are there, we are going to be building a house for a family who doesn’t have one. Please be praying that God would supply the funds for the house. We have around $8,200 raised so far out of the $12,000 total. 

PRAYER 

I am so thankful for everyone who is praying and supporting me. Please continue your prayers for my growth throughout this program. I’m struggling with negativity. I find it so easy to pick out all of the bad things throughout my day, but I have so much admiration for the people in my life who are able to pick out the positive things.