Dear Friends,
Hi from Tasmania, Australia. We are really glad to say that all is
well here for the Ferguson family and furlough is cruising along at a rapid pace. The kids have settled really well into school and have made new friends. We’re living in a town called Wynyard (5 Inglis Court to be exact for the Google earthers), and the house we live in is close to the outskirts of town and overlooks a large field with trees and a creek running close by. It is only a five minute walk for Joseph to Wynyard High, and the other kids catch a bus a few blocks away to head out to Boat Harbour Primary.
I’ve been blessed to find work which is very fortunate in a time when many are losing their jobs. We are thankful for the stability that it brings financially. Anne Marie is enrolled in a part-time counseling course which is accredited. It makes her life very busy with the amount of study required, but she is enjoying the challenge. It’s good to be back at our home church and getting together with good friends again. We also have been visiting our supporting churches and have begun presenting our work with the Tepehuan.
Sophia and Madeline are enrolled in a gymnastics school and Julian is playing soccer. A few weeks ago Julian got the awesome privilege of being able to take part in a “learn-to-surf-course”. He really loved it and is looking forward to carving up some more waves. Joseph didn’t take the course, preferring instead to learn on his own. He is also going to a Christian youth group in a church close by. A few weeks ago they went on a “hay ride” at one of the local farms. A home-made 70 metre water slide was set up on a hill for them all top slide down on, and a large bon fire was blazing to get everyone warmed up again. He really enjoys the group.
As a family we really enjoy the beach and so we head there as often as we can. Boat Harbour is a beautiful beach with white sand and blue but very cold water. Nevertheless, it is possible to get used to it and enjoy some swimming. We’ve done plenty of fishing with little to no results. So we’re thinking we may have to head further afield and maybe change tactics.
Anne Marie has been really busy as she has enrolled in a counseling course. This involves attending classes and doing heaps of homework. She is really enjoying it and finding very beneficial. It is a field she hopes to get into down the road.
These days weather is turning colder as we head into winter. Two weeks ago while Anne Marie’s sister Rebecca was visiting, we hiked some of the Cradle Mountain trails. Cradle Mountain lies at the entrance to one of the World Heritage national parks. It was beautiful scenery and we hiked most of the afternoon. We finished the hike just before nightfall and were all really ready for a meal at a lodge nearby.
It’s hard to believe that it is already May. December will be here again before we know it. We’re thankful for how the Lord has provided with regards to housing, vehicles, work and schooling, and also opportunities to share about the work in Mexico. Our prayer is that this time will refresh us and prepare us for another term in Mexico. We are also praying that the Lord will provide a couple or family will be able to help us in Durango on our return. At this point we have no one who will be able to care for Joseph and Madeline whilst we are in Lajas. This is a big need, and we’re trusting for the right people to come along.
Well, this is just a little update from us to bring you up to speed. We miss being in Lajas and being with the Tepehuan, but we’re glad to not have to do that trip for a while. Thankfully Barry and Candy continue to travel in and out of Lajas. They need our prayers as there have been drug related crimes in that area of the mountains recently.
Thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers.
For Jesus,
Andrew and Anne Marie
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May 2009 letter
