• We have a renter for our house
• We found a home for our cats
• We arrived safely in Texas
• Abigail is adjusting well to her babysitter
• We have raised 70% of our needed financial support

• That we would stay focused on our schooling
• That we would grow closer to God and learn from Him
• That our marriage and family would be strengthened
• That we would connect with others in the church and community in San Juan
• That we would continue to rely on God to provide all that we need financially 

The past few months have been exciting to say the least.  We have been very busy preparing for missions training school in Texas.  We purchased our airline tickets to leave for Guatemala.  We officially leave on January 5th.  We also took Abigail to get her Passport.  She is all ready and set to fly!  We were able to find a renter for our house, and we were able to find good homes for each of our pets.  While we were in the process of finding a renter we moved in with Kasey's parents who were gracious to give us housing until our departure for missions training school in early June.  We spent a good bit of time downsizing our belongings and packing suitcases for Guatemala.  We wrapped up our jobs, and we are now trusting God to provide everything we need as we move forward as missionaries with Servants.

The month of June found us finishing things up in Pennsylvania, celebrating our birthdays, traveling and visiting friends and family on our trip to Texas, and arriving at missions training school.  Kasey celebrated his birthday the day before we left for Texas, and it was nice to be able to celebrate the big 30 with family.  Esther celebrated her 25th while visiting friends in Florida.  They even treated us with a trip to the Everglades!  We are very thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with and be encouraged by friends and family we haven't seen in a while.  Thanks to those of you who opened your home for us. 

We officially arrived in San Juan, Texas on June 19 and began classes on June 23.  We're living in an apartment on the missions training school property.  San Juan is only a few miles from Mexico, and we can actually see Mexico from our kitchen window!  We are having a prayer retreat this week, and we are enjoying being able to focus ourselves on God. Next week we will be learning practical ways to deepen our personal relationship with God.  We are learning a lot in our classes, and Abigail is adjusting well to life with a babysitter.  It's nice to be able to see her on our breaks during the day.

Thank you each for your continued prayers and support.  We are so thankful for each of your friendships as we enter this new phase of schooling to prepare us for Guatemala.

Love,

Kasey, Esther, and Abigail Smith

 

 

 

We have enjoyed watching the World Cup.  Soccer is the world's most popular sport, and it is definitely the favorite in Guatemala.  This year's World Cup is being played in Esther's home country of Brasil.  In this picture we are cheering Brasil on in the opening game of the World Cup!