Yes, If you haven't noticed- I changed up the blog a little bit. Different background :)So as I write this know that I am thankful for you reading. Yes, to you all over the world - I appreciate YOU reading.
So as I sit here, at my laptop, thinking that this time has absolutely flown by. I sit here completely humbled with all that has been set before me. I'll tell you this,
I've gotten encouragement notes, facebook messages, text messages and those random calls on my cell that have totally surprised me.
In just over one day I will be landing on American Soil. Yes, I'll be able to look at my phone and see the word T-MOBILE and not VIVA or ORANGE. I'll be able to sleep in room by myself and shower with hot water all morning if need be. It's weird, but I know I'll miss being here. Glad I'm only in the states for three weeks.
Today, I got up around 8:30ish and we proceeded to go to the beach around 9. It was actually really sad because Jordan and Atlea left this morning. :( So then we all went to the beach got some sun, went in the freezing water, and then came back for lunch. Tanned on the roof. Yes. Then, a few of us went with the carter's to El Sueno which is such an awesomely yummy restaurant. :)
I've been thinking of how to phrase this update and what's on but I just can't. There's too much I've been kind of distracted with the fact that I'll be home for Christmas, packing, cleaning, beachin it out majorly. I feel like I have missed so much in the states and in reality, I have.
As things end, I sit here and think where did the time go? I've been here for 111 days and what all have I accomplished?
As I look back at many things I think about what I came unprepared for. No, I'm not perfect and I know you were thinking that I was. haha yeaaah right. However, what I think and realize is what all I have gained throughout all of this first half of the journey. I've learned a few things in general.
- Opening my heart means that I have to be vulnerable. Not just being real in what I say, but caring and taking criticism.
- I've learned the difference between saying thanks and thank you.(There is a difference)
- Memories are made when we're all at our most vulnerable or stuffed into a dominican van :)
- I've learned more about the Bible than I've ever known. It is crazy how an inductive bible study will blow your mind.
- Sharing is definitely caring...
- Sometimes the best nights are the spontaneous ones.
- Godly trust is given - not earned.
- I'm not a fan/cut out for school.
All these and many many more.
I can really say that I've been blessed. This mid way point is crazy stressfull. I have five days left and two of them are like midterms. (like I said- Im not a fan of school.)
There's so much to type here and not enough time.
This week has been quite the adventurous and unexpected one.
First off on Sunday night Jaime comes into each apartment and says 7:30 my apartment. She made it sound like something was wrong and that we were in trouble. Welp, after much to worry about- we show up to a surprise. She had cooked a surprise breakfast for us. Ha, it was the farthest thing from being in trouble. The Carters or rather Ashley made some bacon and cheese eggs and her specialty - coffee. yummy. Let's just say, It is a moment that we all will not forget.
Just Monday I said goodbye and see you next year to the boys at Josiah's house. Let me tell you something, These boys have melted my heart in such a crazy way. I teach them english and they teach me spanish. My favorite thing to do with my older boys is have them read the Bible in english. We have started memorizing John 3:16. Funny story... One of my boys Victor hates to read english and well as he kept saying, "No quiero, no quiero la tarea" which means "I don't want, I don't want to do homework" All I had to say was I'll read in spanish if you read in english. Haha His face literally lit up and as I struggled with my spanish- he laughed and laughed. :)Here's us with a good chunk of the boys. the one in the chair was in time out and not happy. haha this picture just makes me smile. I can't contain my smile just looking at this.
This week has been quite the adventurous and unexpected one.
First off on Sunday night Jaime comes into each apartment and says 7:30 my apartment. She made it sound like something was wrong and that we were in trouble. Welp, after much to worry about- we show up to a surprise. She had cooked a surprise breakfast for us. Ha, it was the farthest thing from being in trouble. The Carters or rather Ashley made some bacon and cheese eggs and her specialty - coffee. yummy. Let's just say, It is a moment that we all will not forget.
Just Monday I said goodbye and see you next year to the boys at Josiah's house. Let me tell you something, These boys have melted my heart in such a crazy way. I teach them english and they teach me spanish. My favorite thing to do with my older boys is have them read the Bible in english. We have started memorizing John 3:16. Funny story... One of my boys Victor hates to read english and well as he kept saying, "No quiero, no quiero la tarea" which means "I don't want, I don't want to do homework" All I had to say was I'll read in spanish if you read in english. Haha His face literally lit up and as I struggled with my spanish- he laughed and laughed. :)Here's us with a good chunk of the boys. the one in the chair was in time out and not happy. haha this picture just makes me smile. I can't contain my smile just looking at this.
As some people know that this place has worked a number on me. The road here has not been easy. There have been times where I've thought about going home, other times of "seriously, not again" and I just want to be free. I will say that this has been the biggest learning experience... ever. To think, I've got five months left. Crazy. Graduation is only 137 days left. After break it will be 115 days or 16.5 weeks. Yes, not that much time when you think about it.
It's hard to think I'm leaving here and though it's only three weeks- It will be a real big adjustment.(I can flush toilet paper and drive!) However, leaving tropical climate for cold and rainy weather. Just kind of crazy how so far apart makes a difference.
As I sit here, I'm excited to get home. To work a little bit,to see my friends that I've missed, to drive and to eat food other than rice, beans, chicken with hot sauce and ranch mixed together (or sometimes Cesar and hot sauce).
As to what I am learning in the word. I've been in Ephesians 5:1-21. It's taking me forever to get through them and it's been really good. I've always had a problem with knowing where to draw the line when it comes to people. I love people and I love hanging out and befriending the unbefriendable. (If that's not a word... I will make it up) It's hard for me to understand the salt and light and what all that really means. You can hang out with these people, but don't partake...just hang out.It's hard for me to grasp that because that's how we can reach others. I know that I've been the lonely one at the bar or restaurant and seeing people come in and go out. It gives a perspective that not many people understand or realize. Just saying hey to someone might make their day or even buying them a beer or soda. I've been having this inner battle and it's affected everything... even my guitar playing. It's been a wild ride to the least.
I will say that one of my fear after this journey is where do I go from there. Will the people accept the new me? Will the ones that said, 'I'll be here when you get back!' Will they really be there? It's questions like that that make me wonder. However, I do have a peace. It actually comes from the book of Lamentations 3:22-24 "Because of the Lord's great Love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The lord is my portion; Therefore I will wait for him.'" That has been on my main go to verses for coming home. The world will not consume me or my problems, but that God will help me through out it all.
See you in America!
"There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed." - Kate Douglas Wiggin
Till Next Time!
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