Approaching Milestones

The last few months have been packed with some amazing things, and the next few will include a lot of milestones and celebrations! 

Jonah began working as an EMT for two different companies and just recently started new hours that allow him to provide for us AND be more involved with me in Mexico! We know it may not be like this forever, but are blessed to have this time together coming up on one year of marriage! 

Yes, in two weeks, we will celebrate our one year anniversary! 

   

In February, I attended the annual TMEA conference in San Antonio with Mom and some other members of the Countryman Family! While I'm only teaching a few classes here and there, I'm keeping up my professional development and always learning something new! I focused on learning new strategies for inclusion and classroom management. 

We also became Godparents to baby Mayella and had some friends come to Mexico for the day!

Last Summer Jonah and I went to Six Flags and ended up winning a cruise voucher! 

(spin the wheel, sit through the presentation: it's worth it!) While I thought it was fake and nothing would come of it, it wasn't, and we got to go on an early anniversary trip in March! We cruised out of Galveston to Cozumel, MX for a long weekend [unplugged] and completely relaxed! When we got back, we finished up our Deacon Class and were installed as Deacons in our church! It was such an honor to be selected as candidates and we are proud to serve a church that loves us so well! The rest of March was full of visitors from AL, a trip home for Easter and a high school Friend's wedding, and my first Mexico baby shower! There are another four women expecting that I know of! Bring on the babies!

  

On a more serious note, I also went to my first two funerals in Reynosa. One was a woman who had been battling cancer, and the other a 14 year old boyfriend of one of my girls who died in a car accident. Loss is never easy. While I didn't know the two very well, it's not easy to watch those you love hurting for their loved ones. Please continue to pray for these families.

In May, Laura will graduate from high school in the US, as will many others in Mexico this summer, there are SIX (yes six) Quinceañeras coming up and, I'm about to enter year two of the teenage girls' bible study! 

It's been an amazing year of ministry married to the love of my life. Through rough weeks, busy weeks, and great weeks, God is our strength. I look forward to year two of marriage and the adventure it will bring! 

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año!

While we're enjoying a few weeks off in Alabama with family, We'd like to share with you all a few moments from December, our Christmas Card and our update letter! 

Jonah and Leslie

Jonah's graduation

Christmas Crafts!

Roasting marshmallows! 

Bracelets and Bible study with the girls!

Paola's Quinceañera 

"Merry Christmas!                                                                                                                                                                                                  

We’d like to start by saying thank you for your support, prayers, calls, texts, and even “likes.” We feel every bit of it and are blessed to have you all in our circle. Married life and ministry has been wonderful to say the least. This summer we worked alongside mission teams as some experienced Mexico for the first time. It’s a joy to see team members form a bond with a family or child from the colonia. God alone can create this bond, and we have seen first-hand how it can change the life of us “gringos” forever! Now that we live in McAllen and serve in Reynosa regularly, the bonds that we have formed have grown into love for our new family members across the border! 

At a Quinceañera (15th birthday party) last spring, I (Emily), observed young women who were young girls when we first met them. My heart broke to see the choices that they have made that are taking them farther away from the Lord. And so, this summer I stepped out of my comfort zone and began inviting girls to a small group. Now, I have a core group of about 8-10 girls who attend regularly. It’s been amazing to see them grow closer in their faith and in their relationship as friends. I’m so thankful for them and what I’ve learned in this journey. 

For reasons out of our control, the girls’ school was no longer an option for our students that were attending or me as a teacher. The girls who are American citizens (along with one of their brothers) now attend a private school in McAllen, TX! Along with others, it’s a privilege to help them continue their education in the US. They’re amazing kids and hard workers. I couldn’t be more proud of them and how they’ve grown.

On days that we spend in Mexico, we visit with families, learn more about their needs, and spend time with the kids. Because of the THOUSANDS of dollars you all have given, we are able to help with school costs, take over groceries, medicines, and diapers, help pay for doctor’s appointments and braces, or just bless a family that God puts on our hearts. I was talking to one of the moms the other day (she and her husband also do ministry in other parts of Mexico), She said, “It’s amazing how God works. Others give to you and Jonah, so that you can help us. Then we can help others, and then someday they can help others, too.” Your support doesn’t just impact us and the people we come in contact with, it’s spreading far and wide! How BIG is our God!

In other exciting news I (Jonah) decided to pursue a profession as an EMT and my goal is to one day be a paramedic. I graduated as an EMT Basic on December 12 and will start working soon to help provide for our family. I’ll be able spend more time with Emily in Mexico because of new skills and my work schedule. I’m also working on my Spanish, of course. For now, I hang out with the younger kids and hope to be able to lead them well as they grow into young men. 

This Christmas we celebrate the greatest gift God gave to us: His Son Jesus. 

Through grace we have been saved and it is a privilege to be able to share the gospel!

We love you all and God bless — Jonah and Emily Riley 

Read for updates: emilyimchele2819.blogspot.com

Contact for more info: emilymichele2819@gmail.com

Donate to support: paypal.me/emilymichele2819"

Thanks for reading and praying for us!  We're so excited for what 2016 will bring! 

Check back with us next month for more updates! 

Community in Photos

Community

For each month's blog, I usually look back on pictures for inspiration. Today I realized that this month, I was deep in community! Why is community so important? In community you are held accountable, you love others while also being loved back, there is spiritual growth, and seriously lots of fun! This month my community was all ages, three states, and two countries! I served and was served, taught and was taught, loved and was loved, celebrated life and mourned life. Be in the moment. Be in community. This is how we grow!

Mexico

Texas

Alabama

This month I was challenged, I loved and felt loved, I grew, and I laughed. 

Join me starting ... now!

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15