Springtime in Oregon, there is nothing like it!  I have loved being in Oregon this spring for the snow & rain, flowers blooming, grass growing, all things spring! It has been so enjoyable to sit outside and just enjoy Eastern Oregon.

In December I came back from Mexico exhausted.  At least that’s what I told everyone. But looking back now, I’d say I had hit burnout.  The last year and a half, especially Fall 2017 took its toll on me.  At the Ranch I was spending time studying for classes and barely keeping up, checking homework for 13 students, training a co-worker to take over the finances at the Ranch, and just living between interruptions.  Basically, my furlough came at the perfect time for me.  Before leaving Mexico, I had difficulty engaging in conversations, remembering my to-do list and errands, I had reached a point of mental and physical exhaustion.

My plans for this furlough/home assignment time had been: rest for a month, spend the time to work on classes, work on taxes, get some medical visits done, revamp my classes, update supporting churches and visit as many people as possible.  The reality has been that I needed more rest time just because I was so rundown.  At some point in March, I remember that I started to feel normal!  And by normal, I mean being ready to get up before 10 am, exercise, start the day, and not needing a nap in the afternoon or needing to go to bed early.  Feeling normal in my mind too, comprehending what I’ve read, being able to communicate and engage with people, remember my to-do list and driving directions.  Finally feeling normal is good!  It’s what I’ve longed for and prayed for. Now I feel I’m ready to go back to Mexico and start a new semester serving at the Ranch.

Fall 2018 English Practicum
This year in November for three weeks we need 3-4 couples or singles to help our students in the English Practicum. The dates are Nov. 12-30. Is this something you could do?  I have made a brochure that explains what the English Practicum is and answers a lot of questions.  If this is something you think you could help us out with or you know of someone who might be interested, please reply to this email or crystal_pierce@ntm.org and I’ll email you the brochure.