Reflections

Wow! Can you believe May starts in 2 days?! I wonder when I'll stop being surprised at how fast each year seems to go by.

A quick not about Rich's visit: It was the best ever. Oh......you want to hear more? I did say a quick note! Just kidding! Rich was the absolute last one to make it through customs and baggage claim. I was starting to freak out. When I finally saw him, I definitely ran up to him and gave him a huge hug! We ate lunch in the airport and caught a bus home. We took it easy and went to Bible study that night - he was SO TIRED. Travelling is tiring, I don't blame him! Rich stayed with some friends of mine who have an apartment nearby. So thankful for their generosity - it saved him a lot of money and was really convenient! Thursday he came with me to school and met all 75 of my babies...uh....students. They loved meeting him and each class got a chance to ask him a million questions. He had to field the usual "What's your favorite color, food, day, number, car, song, book of the Bible?" You know.

The usual get to know you questions. I gave my 8th graders permission to ask any appropriate question they want so they did ask how we met and what he likes most about me. It was cute and fun. I was able to take just about 4 days off (went in for one 1/2 day) while Rich was here so we had a 4 day weekend to do anything we wanted! The weekend was full of a trip to the lake for lunch, hanging out at the cafe I work in, hiking, swimming, great times with friends (big thanks to the Colbath's for their love and hospitality!), going to the market, going to all my favorite restaurants, cooking yummy food, going to church. Monday was an "us" day. We did some errands, went to stores that I can never get to during the week, ate out for breakfast, did some souvenir shopping and then headed to the Hagler's (my pastors) for the evening to make pizza and play games. So fun! Tuesday was our last day together. We both made an effort just to have a great time and not be sad that our time together was ending. We knew we'd be together soon and that when I go home in June, there is no "expiration date" on our time together. Pretty great! Wednesday morning was a tearful goodbye on my part, but he made it to the airport and home with no trouble.

I'm not at all ready for this year to end. Just recently I feel like I finally understand everyone I talk to without trouble. I can make jokes, have deep conversations and just connect with my Honduran friends. I told my pastor yesterday, "I just have to trust that God didn't give me the ability to speak Spanish for no reason." Obviously, I have used that skill well in the last two years, but I don't want to go back to the US and just forget how to speak it! I'm also not ready to leave friends. I have some great friends here who have given me the support, love, and encouragement I needed to succeed while down here. I will miss them desperately and I will faithfully pray for them and their ministries here.

I am however, feeling ready for the school year to end. All teachers know the feeling. Kids are sick of school and homework. In my case, it is blazing hot everyday and we're all just exhausted from  the heat. Behavior seems to be going downhill. It's a rough time of year. I feel myself loving my students more, but wanting to be at school less. I need to fight the feeling and fight hard. God has called me here and desires that I finish strong and give my absolute best. That does not mean giving up with 5 weeks of school left. That means grading all my papers, finishing up end of the year things, writing lesson plans, doing special activities, coming to school with excitement and energy! I would appreciate prayers for me to be able to do this!

As I look back on this year some, I've considered what God has taught me. I will not give you a comprehensive list here. That would be long and boring! I will tell you two changes I know  He has worked in my in the last year. The first is that just about a year ago, I read the book "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. It made a huge impression on me. The point of the book: thankfulness = joy. You cannot separate the two. True, deep joy comes from being thankful for the things that God has blessed you with in this life. I started keeping my own list. I searched everyday for things I was thankful for, things that gave me joy, things that blessed me. It's amazing what focusing on the positive can do for you. I'm able to sit down at the end of an awful day and think back to the good things that happened or be thankful for the lessons I learned. I know it is God who did this change in me. I'm not capable of changing myself for the better. When I thank God for the things He's given me, He gives me joy. I feel like I need to say that again. He gives me joy. It has nothing to do with circumstances, feelings, or other people. Just God and His joy that He imparts. The second things is that this year, more than any other time in my life, I have recognized my constant need for God and turned to Him at the first sign of trouble, hurt, and danger. He is good. The Holy Spirit is an ever-present help, comfort and guide. I trust that this change will not be a temporary one!

I know this one is kind of short, but I needed to get my ideas down before I forgot them. For those of you who don't know: I'm coming home on June 6th. Just over 5 weeks until I come home. I can't wait to start visiting and reconnecting with people I haven't seen for a couple years. I'm especially excited about celebrating two weddings as soon as I get home! Many congrats to Keith and Colleen and Kristen and Ian. I'm excited for them and praying for them as they prepare to start their lives together!


This verse has helped and encouraged me as I fight to finish strong and live each day as God would have me live it: 


" And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." 

~ Colossians 3:17