Monday was awful for me. I don’t know what happened. It wasn’t that I was homesick although I think that may have been part of it. I’m not sure if I mentioned the couple who was here all last week. They came on Monday and left this past Monday so they were here for a week. Those two and I stayed in the Holiday House and we spent basically every day together minus the time I was at school during the days. I grew to be really attached to them and I didn’t realize how much I really cherished their presence here. Their names are Daryl and Jackie Catlett. They’re from Kentucky really close to Asbury College for those of you who know where that is. Anyways, every night before we went to bed, the three of us would talk and discuss spiritual matters and just get to know each other. It was so great to be able to talk to them like a couple of friends. Granted they’re my parent’s age, but that didn’t matter to me. I felt like they were my parents for the week. We also prayed together each night before bed and we prayed in the morning before we all went our separate ways. It was amazing. Those two are prayer warriors and I hope to be half as prayerful about everything as they are. It was so encouraging to have them here with me last week, but when they left Monday, I missed them and honestly I wished a little that I could’ve just gone with them. In one week, they grew to mean so much to me and I will forever cherish the friendship that grew between the three of us. Jackie and Daryl, if you’re reading this, I hope the two of you made it home safely. I miss you guys. I’ll have to come see you sometime if that’s alright with you two.
Monday was also awful because the kids would not listen to me at all and I was getting so frustrated! But, I knew that I am a light for Christ and I could not lose my cool. I think working childcare at home for the past 10 months or so has really helped me learn patience and I know God was using that to prepare me for this. I was able to keep my cool and not lose it around the kids. I was getting frustrated but I don’t think the kids were able to tell and I tried my hardest to give them to God and to let Him alone control the situation. I knew that if I tried to take control and do everything without the strength of God, I would’ve gone crazy. Probably literally haha. Cool thing happened on Monday though. I came back and Marilyn Shafferly asked how my day was. I said, “Honestly kind of awful, but I can’t expect every day to be butterflies and roses.” She said she had a feeling that might be the case because several times throughout the day she felt the need to pray for strength for me. I love when God has my back all the time. I didn’t even know Marilyn was praying for me but God did, and He gave me the strength that I needed. It was amazing.
I moved houses on Monday since Jackie and Daryl left. This is my third house I’ve lived in since I’ve been here haha apparently I now literally live out of a suitcase since I don’t have enough time to unpack any of it, but I don’t mind. I told them I’d rather move a hundred times on the compound than have to stay in a house all alone.. They laughed. I wasn’t kidding.
Tuesday was SO MUCH BETTER!!!! And I knew it was all because of God. By God’s hand, the kids sat patiently and listened on Tuesday. It went so much smoother and I was just praising God because I needed Tuesday to be better. I was so down on Monday. A couple cool things happened on Tuesday. Abbie, my kindergartener, had to come to school on Tuesday even though kindergarteners only come Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays. She came because Shannon, the lady who is helping me, watches her every Tuesday and Thursday. Anyways, Abbie was sitting down working on an art project thing when her mom came in. It was the cutest thing ever, she jumped up with joy yelling, “That’s my mom everyone! That’s my mommy!” At first, I thought, “How cute. I wish my mom was here. I’d probably act the same way.” But then I got to really thinking about it. I thought, “What a good illustration of how we ought to be towards our Heavenly Father. We should jump up and down with joy telling everyone, ‘That’s my daddy! He saves me from my sins!’ Or whatever you want to say, but how often do we do that?" Do I jump with joy when I get the opportunity to talk about my Heavenly Father? Do you?
Funny story: Shannon was teaching health on Tuesday and one of the Good Health Tips that was for the day was to not play in old refrigerators. My question is, who does that? And, if it’s in the book, then that means someone must have played in an old refrigerator. I’m impressed they could fit in the old refrigerator to even play. Anyways, I got a kick out of it lol.
So then today (Wednesday), I got to school and Abbie walked in. Shannon and Abbie live together so it was weird when Shannon wasn’t with Abbie.. Then Abbie proceeded to tell me that Shannon is really sick so she wouldn’t be at school today. Well, that was surprising and I was not prepared for that curve ball. Immediately, I went to the teacher’s lounge area and prayed. I was not going to have another Monday and I needed God to help me through the day. I had nothing planned for the Bible Study because it was supposed to be Shannon’s turn and I had nothing planned for the first graders because it was her turn to teach them. I was supposed to just prepare for the kindergarteners. I needed God desperately this morning and man did He come through. I did not have another Monday haha I had a wonderful Wednesday. It went so smoothly and I didn’t want to break down and cry. God gave me so much strength and I felt like I was maybe beginning to make an impact on these kids.
I was glad I was able to be there for them and I was so happy that I have God to give me strength and help me through every day. I wouldn’t even be here without God. I am incredibly thankful God sent me here. I still am not completely sure of why I’m here, they definitely could have managed without me, but God is teaching me so much through this and I know this is where I am supposed to be no matter how many ups and downs I may have every day.
I’m learning patience and reliance upon God in ways I never thought I would and it’s so exciting to be here—knowing this was in His plans long ago. I know I complain a lot in these updates and I know I say how much I miss home and I do, but all those things are trivial and minimal compared to the great and amazing things that are happening here. God is moving and working here and I can’t believe He allowed me to be a part of this. He’s called all of us somewhere. Maybe you’re there already. Cherish it. It’s never easy, but when it’s God’s Will, e will give you strength and courage to make it through every obstacle that stands in the way of His Will being completed.
Anyways, that’s all. Sorry it was so long, but I thought all of it was good enough to share. Thank you all for your support and prayers. They help. I miss all of you and I am so thankful for each of you!
One last thing, I found out that a team will be coming in on Wednesday next week. All college students. HALLELUJAH! I will have people my own age :) woohoo!