Dear Friends,

A new school year is underway! To be honest, I was a little nervous about what to expect coming back in August. We weren’t sure how many teachers we would have, so I was prepared to teach a combined seventh through ninth grade class. However, I was grateful to find that we were able to arrange it to where I am the principal teacher for only eighth and ninth grade, which is what I am accustomed to teaching. I teach one sixth grade language class and one seventh grade language class; but the rest of the day I spend with my twenty-one eighth and ninth graders. The students are doing much better academically now that we are back on a regular school schedule.

Ericka and four teenage girls from her bus route

I am also encouraged by the spiritual interest shown by both my school students and the teenagers that come on my bus route. I became really burdened this summer about making an extra effort to disciple these teens. They are in what I believe to be some of the most critical years of their lives where they will make a lot of life-changing decisions. My goal isn’t just to bring them to church. Yes, that’s a good start. But I want more for them. So, I decided to make it a point to have the bus girls over to my house once a month. I’m teaching them how to bake different types of cookies, as well as giving a short devotional about things the Lord has laid on my heart. I’m also planning outings with the girls from school. It has been a real bonding experience for all of us. Plus, I’ve seen results as several of my students are now beginning to attend church services and teen activities.

A few teenage girls baking in Ericka's house

I can also say that I am officially a permanent resident of Honduras! I am so thankful to finally have this process over and done with. Thank you for your prayers.

Ericka smiling with her new permanent residency card

And finally, my adventure. As always, life is full of its adventures. A few weeks ago, I was on evangelism. It was around dusk, and my friend and I were headed back to the bus. We were walking up a steep hill, stepping over branches that had fallen during a recent storm. But as I stepped over one branch, the “branch” slithered away between my feet. It definitely wasn’t a branch. I might have screamed. People might have come out of their nearby houses to see why I screamed. They also might have laughed with me as I explained it was just a snake.

Please continue to pray for the salvation of my students and for those on my bus route. Please pray that I can make a difference in their lives.

Sincerely,
Ericka Wright