"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works." -Psalm 145:8-9
Well, I got a better night's sleep last night, so waking up was a bit easier. I was down working at the school by 8:30. I finished all the elementary schedules and pulled together all their curriculum. I started on the secondary school, only to find I made a mistake in my scheduling, and had nowhere for my missionary kids to go during a Spanish-only class. Ugh! So I reworked the schedules, and I think I have it figured out now.
At lunchtime, I said goodbye to the team that has been here all week. This team has been here before, and we appreciate all the work they do each time they come. The team leader is getting married in August, so he will not be back this year. Hopefully, someone else from the church will head up a group and return in six months. :)
My goal for tomorrow is to finish my newsletter and post both this one and the last one on my website. I have not done a very good job of keeping up with it. Blogging seems to work better for me. Although truthfully, I really don't know if anyone actually reads it. I did get a comment once, and my cousin has a link on her blog to mine. So I guess a few people read it! Point? I still need to send out my newsletter for everyone else.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
An Uneventful Day
"LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him? Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow." - Psalm 144:3-4
I did not get nearly enough accomplished today. Actually, I didn't do much of anything. I woke up later than I planned because I wasn't feeling well all night and didn't sleep much. Once I rolled out of bed and got myself moving, it was well into the morning. I went down to the school to try and get some work done, but I ended up visiting with the kids that were working there, instead. They are trying to clean the walls of the school for me, and we all realized today that because flat paint was used, they cannot be cleaned. As the kids tried cleaning, the paint was coming off but the dirt wasn't. So that means that now we have to repaint before school starts, using a semi-glossy paint that can actually be washed.
I did work on some of the elementary schedules and pulled together materials for the 3rd and 4th grade teachers. I didn't finish, but I started. I intended to go back to school this afternoon after lunch and work some more. Well, I got talking with different people, so again, no work was accomplished. The only thing I did do was burn a couple of Micah Boys CDs for my girls. The Micah Boys is a music group from another ministry here in Tegucigalpa. They performed here at the ranch in May, and left us a CD to burn. The kids loved them, and wanted a copy of it. For more info on the Micah Boys, go to www.micahcentral.org
My roommate is off covering a house for the night, so I am here all by myself. I actually thought I would love it, but I am a little lonely at the moment. As soon as my clothes are finished drying, I will head to bed.
I did not get nearly enough accomplished today. Actually, I didn't do much of anything. I woke up later than I planned because I wasn't feeling well all night and didn't sleep much. Once I rolled out of bed and got myself moving, it was well into the morning. I went down to the school to try and get some work done, but I ended up visiting with the kids that were working there, instead. They are trying to clean the walls of the school for me, and we all realized today that because flat paint was used, they cannot be cleaned. As the kids tried cleaning, the paint was coming off but the dirt wasn't. So that means that now we have to repaint before school starts, using a semi-glossy paint that can actually be washed.
I did work on some of the elementary schedules and pulled together materials for the 3rd and 4th grade teachers. I didn't finish, but I started. I intended to go back to school this afternoon after lunch and work some more. Well, I got talking with different people, so again, no work was accomplished. The only thing I did do was burn a couple of Micah Boys CDs for my girls. The Micah Boys is a music group from another ministry here in Tegucigalpa. They performed here at the ranch in May, and left us a CD to burn. The kids loved them, and wanted a copy of it. For more info on the Micah Boys, go to www.micahcentral.org
My roommate is off covering a house for the night, so I am here all by myself. I actually thought I would love it, but I am a little lonely at the moment. As soon as my clothes are finished drying, I will head to bed.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Trying to Make a Difference
"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." - Acts 16:25
Today was a fairly productive day. I spent the morning at school, typing up schedules for the fall semester and collecting curriculum. I am almost finished with the elementary school, and then I will finish the high school.
After lunch, I took a trip to the city. I picked up the new teacher, Amanda, from language school to give her a break. We went shopping, and then I had a meeting with a prospective missionary. He is interested in enrolling his kids in our school, so I spent some time with him talking about his kids, their abilities, and discussed logistics. After dropping Amanda back at her host family, I returned to the ranch in time for a ranchwide barbecue. Now, I am not usually a fan of large gatherings at the ranch. However, it was nice seeing all the kids since we are currently out of school. I also have enjoyed getting to know one of the team members better this week. The young woman, Lisa, has been here several times before. Lisa stopped over last night and we talked for quite awhile. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and her heart. She'd make a great missionary, but I don't know if that is God's calling on her life.
As for me, I have felt more sure than ever that this is God's calling on my life. I do not know for how long, but last week while on the beach, I had tremendous peace about being here in Honduras. You would hope I would have had that same peace over the three years I have been here, and I have. Somehow though, I was just reassured that I am exactly where I am meant to be at this moment. I love this country and its people. I love the children, and I love reaching out to the poor and needy. But I never feel like it is enough. There is so much need here. I know I am fulfilling a need here, but there are hundreds, if not thousands of other kids living on the streets of Tegucigalpa. I read the Scripture I wrote above in my quiet time this morning. It made me think of a friend of mine here who is witnessing to a gang member that robbed his home - TWICE! This gang member has since been off drugs for almost two weeks, was arrested for suspected gang activity, and PRAYED in jail! He says it brought him peace, and he then brought another guy with him to hear the same witness. I don't know if this guy has accepted Christ, but he is moving in the right direction. And all because my friend allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him, submitting to Christ rather than anger and revenge. I have never had the opportunity to make such a major difference in someone's life. I can only pray that as I pray and sing hymns to God, someone in need, spiritual need, will listen. Please continue to pray for this country, and the countless children who are suffering here. And please continue to pray for me, that I would be an effective vessel for the Kingdom of God.
Today was a fairly productive day. I spent the morning at school, typing up schedules for the fall semester and collecting curriculum. I am almost finished with the elementary school, and then I will finish the high school.
After lunch, I took a trip to the city. I picked up the new teacher, Amanda, from language school to give her a break. We went shopping, and then I had a meeting with a prospective missionary. He is interested in enrolling his kids in our school, so I spent some time with him talking about his kids, their abilities, and discussed logistics. After dropping Amanda back at her host family, I returned to the ranch in time for a ranchwide barbecue. Now, I am not usually a fan of large gatherings at the ranch. However, it was nice seeing all the kids since we are currently out of school. I also have enjoyed getting to know one of the team members better this week. The young woman, Lisa, has been here several times before. Lisa stopped over last night and we talked for quite awhile. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and her heart. She'd make a great missionary, but I don't know if that is God's calling on her life.
As for me, I have felt more sure than ever that this is God's calling on my life. I do not know for how long, but last week while on the beach, I had tremendous peace about being here in Honduras. You would hope I would have had that same peace over the three years I have been here, and I have. Somehow though, I was just reassured that I am exactly where I am meant to be at this moment. I love this country and its people. I love the children, and I love reaching out to the poor and needy. But I never feel like it is enough. There is so much need here. I know I am fulfilling a need here, but there are hundreds, if not thousands of other kids living on the streets of Tegucigalpa. I read the Scripture I wrote above in my quiet time this morning. It made me think of a friend of mine here who is witnessing to a gang member that robbed his home - TWICE! This gang member has since been off drugs for almost two weeks, was arrested for suspected gang activity, and PRAYED in jail! He says it brought him peace, and he then brought another guy with him to hear the same witness. I don't know if this guy has accepted Christ, but he is moving in the right direction. And all because my friend allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him, submitting to Christ rather than anger and revenge. I have never had the opportunity to make such a major difference in someone's life. I can only pray that as I pray and sing hymns to God, someone in need, spiritual need, will listen. Please continue to pray for this country, and the countless children who are suffering here. And please continue to pray for me, that I would be an effective vessel for the Kingdom of God.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
God's Perfect Knowledge of Us
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." - Psalm 139:13-14
I spent most of today cleaning, catching up on e-mail, and playing piano. Overall, it was a good day. My bathroom is now clean, I have a few more e-mails to write, and I enjoyed time using the gift of music.
Tonight I had dinner with a visiting team. Several from the group have been here before. One of the team members is a young woman that I have spent time with in the past. We sat together at dinner and caught up, summarizing what God has been doing in our lives over the past year. Although we had that conversation about two hours ago, I have thought more on it. We talked about how sometimes we feel like we have no idea what God is doing in our lives. However, as I thought more about it, I realized that God formed us, and had a plan for us before we were even born. How awesome is that! During the times that we are in the wilderness, we can still know that God's hand is on us, guiding us in the way we should go. As it says in Isaiah, His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than ours. Who can argue with that? It gives me great assurance knowing that nothing is out of God's control, and He knows exactly what He is doing. With that knowledge, I can rest peacefully tonight. Good night!
I spent most of today cleaning, catching up on e-mail, and playing piano. Overall, it was a good day. My bathroom is now clean, I have a few more e-mails to write, and I enjoyed time using the gift of music.
Tonight I had dinner with a visiting team. Several from the group have been here before. One of the team members is a young woman that I have spent time with in the past. We sat together at dinner and caught up, summarizing what God has been doing in our lives over the past year. Although we had that conversation about two hours ago, I have thought more on it. We talked about how sometimes we feel like we have no idea what God is doing in our lives. However, as I thought more about it, I realized that God formed us, and had a plan for us before we were even born. How awesome is that! During the times that we are in the wilderness, we can still know that God's hand is on us, guiding us in the way we should go. As it says in Isaiah, His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than ours. Who can argue with that? It gives me great assurance knowing that nothing is out of God's control, and He knows exactly what He is doing. With that knowledge, I can rest peacefully tonight. Good night!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Back from the Beach
"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." - Acts 13:38-39
Wow! What a great quote from Scripture. I am just going to let that one stand for itself.
I just arrived back today from my week at a private island. I went on vacation with five other coworkers - Abby, Hannah, Jae, Jessi, and Ron. Together we split the cost to rent a private island for four nights. Amazingly, it cost me less than a plane ticket to go for a week's vacation here in Honduras. I loved it. We went last year, too. This time around, I got sunburned AGAIN, and was eaten alive by the bugs. However, it was still a great vacation. I feel rested and ready to face life again.
I will try to write more frequently about the summer's events. There will be a lot going on as I prepare for the new school year. We also have seven interns visiting for the summer. They will be doing all kinds of work at the ranch, including some things at the school. They will be doing an inventory of the school resource room, sanding and repainting the tables in the kindergarten room, and implementing a card checkout system in the library. It's going to be a busy but exciting summer!
Wow! What a great quote from Scripture. I am just going to let that one stand for itself.
I just arrived back today from my week at a private island. I went on vacation with five other coworkers - Abby, Hannah, Jae, Jessi, and Ron. Together we split the cost to rent a private island for four nights. Amazingly, it cost me less than a plane ticket to go for a week's vacation here in Honduras. I loved it. We went last year, too. This time around, I got sunburned AGAIN, and was eaten alive by the bugs. However, it was still a great vacation. I feel rested and ready to face life again.
I will try to write more frequently about the summer's events. There will be a lot going on as I prepare for the new school year. We also have seven interns visiting for the summer. They will be doing all kinds of work at the ranch, including some things at the school. They will be doing an inventory of the school resource room, sanding and repainting the tables in the kindergarten room, and implementing a card checkout system in the library. It's going to be a busy but exciting summer!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Waiting for the Redemption of the LORD
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope." - Psalm 130:3-5.
I'm not going to lie. The past couple of months have been extremely difficult. However, I have now reached a point of respite, and it couldn't have come at a more needed time. As I look back, I see how my sin overtook me so many times, and how often I screwed up. A lot. But the great news is that we have forgiveness with the Lord. He offers redemption and comes after me every time I start to fall away. When I am spiritually weak, He is strong for me. I honestly did not know how I was going to get through, and yet here I am, standing strong on the other side. God is faithful. Going through this difficult time has once again strengthened my faith and shown me God's goodness. He truly loves us and wants us to serve Him with a willing heart. When that happens, no matter what He asks of us, He will provide.
Even though school is now finished, my days have continued to be busy. Because of the recent closure of the Tegucigalpa airport, all flights into and out of Honduras are through San Pedro Sula, four hours north of here. I made that trip this past Monday to see off my roommate Jenny, and to welcome a new teacher, Amanda. The nineteen hour day was long and exhausting, but we returned safely. I have been showing Amanda around and trying to help her get acclimated to life in a different culture. I have also started getting things organized for the new school year. I have a lot to do to keep me busy this summer! But I will approach it, and the new school year, with the knowledge that God is able when I am not!
I'm not going to lie. The past couple of months have been extremely difficult. However, I have now reached a point of respite, and it couldn't have come at a more needed time. As I look back, I see how my sin overtook me so many times, and how often I screwed up. A lot. But the great news is that we have forgiveness with the Lord. He offers redemption and comes after me every time I start to fall away. When I am spiritually weak, He is strong for me. I honestly did not know how I was going to get through, and yet here I am, standing strong on the other side. God is faithful. Going through this difficult time has once again strengthened my faith and shown me God's goodness. He truly loves us and wants us to serve Him with a willing heart. When that happens, no matter what He asks of us, He will provide.
Even though school is now finished, my days have continued to be busy. Because of the recent closure of the Tegucigalpa airport, all flights into and out of Honduras are through San Pedro Sula, four hours north of here. I made that trip this past Monday to see off my roommate Jenny, and to welcome a new teacher, Amanda. The nineteen hour day was long and exhausting, but we returned safely. I have been showing Amanda around and trying to help her get acclimated to life in a different culture. I have also started getting things organized for the new school year. I have a lot to do to keep me busy this summer! But I will approach it, and the new school year, with the knowledge that God is able when I am not!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Good Advice
"And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it - lest you even be found to fight against God." - Acts 5:38-39
I realize it has been almost two months since I have written on this blog. Life has been extremely busy since I took over as principal of Ebenezer Academy. I am very happy to say that school ended yesterday, and I am no longer a full-time teacher. I do have to admit though, it is sad for me to give up my kids. I have had the same class since I arrived in 2005. I have watched them grow and mature in so many ways. It is hard to no longer be "their" teacher. However, I know that God has a plan for me, and He has me moving into a different role. I have enjoyed my new role for the most part, and look forward to being able to do it without worrying about teaching full-time too.
I have to admit, there have been times when I have felt like I am fighting against God. There are certain aspects of my life that I look at and think I want it a different way. But deep down, I know that God has a good and perfect plan for my life. I have to keep reminding myself that God loves me, and He is using me for His glory. There is nothing that can overthrow God's plan, and He will finish the work He has started in me. So now that school is over and I have more time to think again, I hope to dwell on the Word of God and stop trying to resist His perfect plan. I also hope to get back into the habit of blogging, and maybe even write a newsletter. :)
I realize it has been almost two months since I have written on this blog. Life has been extremely busy since I took over as principal of Ebenezer Academy. I am very happy to say that school ended yesterday, and I am no longer a full-time teacher. I do have to admit though, it is sad for me to give up my kids. I have had the same class since I arrived in 2005. I have watched them grow and mature in so many ways. It is hard to no longer be "their" teacher. However, I know that God has a plan for me, and He has me moving into a different role. I have enjoyed my new role for the most part, and look forward to being able to do it without worrying about teaching full-time too.
I have to admit, there have been times when I have felt like I am fighting against God. There are certain aspects of my life that I look at and think I want it a different way. But deep down, I know that God has a good and perfect plan for my life. I have to keep reminding myself that God loves me, and He is using me for His glory. There is nothing that can overthrow God's plan, and He will finish the work He has started in me. So now that school is over and I have more time to think again, I hope to dwell on the Word of God and stop trying to resist His perfect plan. I also hope to get back into the habit of blogging, and maybe even write a newsletter. :)
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