Hello from New Mexico!
Wow! I hadn’t realized so much time has passed since my last newsletter. A lot has happened so we will see where this letter takes us.

April and May were filled with planning the High school graduation for Latanya and closing things up for the end of the school year. I believe that Latanya is now studying to become an EMT at San Juan College in Farmington.

In June, I was able to visit my family in Pennsylvania. I am very grateful for the time to rest and visit with friends and family. When I returned to the Mission, I had the opportunity to help with a summer lunch program through a local school. They provide breakfast and lunch for the children who came to Vacation Bible School. I or another person would go get the food from DZ school and then we would set up in the gym for the children to eat.

July was spent helping mission teams with VBS and helping Diane in the Mission Office.
In August, Ms. Sue and I went to Albuquerque for Supervisor’s training. When we arrived back at the Mission we finished setting up for school to start on the 14th. 16 students had enrolled for the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

With September came a new student to make a total of 17 students enrolled here at Nizhóní.

The Fall Festival came and went in the month of October.

One of our High School students graduated in November. Bob and Carmie Hess from Pennsylvania came to spend some time serving at the Mission. Carmie was a wonderful help at the Academy while Bob helped Dave complete some projects around the Mission. I spent Thanksgiving with Duane and Diane and the rest of the gang at the Mission.
December was jam packed with Christmas Love Gifts, practicing for a play at the Community Christmas Celebration, enrolling another student at Nizhóní, and packing to go to Pennsylvania for Christmas! I had a lovely time with my friends and family.

The new year has swept along to bring its own challenges. As of January, our enrollment is down to 15 student from 17 and the school is also looking for another teacher to take over the Kindergarten – 2nd grade classroom. Ryan Thrush from Pennsylvania came to work here at the Academy and Mission for about 6 weeks.

In February, two very special ladies have arrived to lend a hand at the Academy and Mission. Ruth and Kate came last year around this time and decided to come back to help again!Valentine’s Day is at hand. I am planing on making some sweet treats for my students to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.

Prayer Needs

In recent months, there have been many things for which I am thankful. I am thankful that my health has been good, my students bring me joy, and God provides everything I need right when I need it. But, I do have needs that cannot be met unless they are known.

•In November, my car stopped on me. It has been diagnosed that I need a new engine for it or I will have to find a newer car to call my own. I am currently using a Mission vehicle to drive to and from town for groceries and appointments.

•Please pray for some more help for the next school year. I am currently the only teacher in the classroom to supervise and teach 15 students.

Sometimes it is very difficult not to doubt when hard times feel like they are here to stay. I know in my heart that God will provide for my every need and that everything is in His good timing.

That about covers a year in the life of me. Your prayers and support will forever be appreciated.

Sincerely yours,
Betsy Shetterly