I thought it was freezing here when I left, but somehow weeks of snowy weather put things back into perspective. The days are sunny and warm--the evenings are still chilly, so my vests will come in handy, but it feels so nice to bask in the sun. I'm hopeful that the rays will drive this winter cold I brought down with me away quickly.
The neighborhood children gave me a huge warm welcome. Crysta and Litzy made me a welcome back poster and stuck it on my door for me. Litzy and Rocio gave me a welcome back gift of stuffed animals and a Horton Hears a Who CD; Jenifer, Astrid, Moises, and Antony gave me candy; Astrid sang a song for me about how much she missed me and loves me. How sweet! They wanted to know if I was starting Saturday school again tomorrow. I think we'll wait another week, though.
Things at my house are looking good. I've gotten my arms working in the pila again, washing a few things here and there. My neighbors were looking out for me while I was gone; one turned off the water for me and another parked his truck in front of my house (at least, I'm assuming that since he did so last night, not knowing I was home). I am thankful for good neighbors, that's for sure!
The newest addition to the 'hood is a basketball hoop. It's fun to see the teenagers out of their houses and playing--many times it's only the littluns that are running around the streets.
Tonight I am spending the night with the La Senda kids. They are short a nanny, so the adults are taking turns sleeping in the children's home. Tonight's my turn. I'm looking forward to it, though, because between settling in and their busy schedules, I haven't seen them much since I got back.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Guatemala Bound
Currently sitting in the Houston airport, waiting an extra hour for my flight. I should be in Guatemala by 3:20 Central time today. :)
It has been such a blessing for me to be home. I was surrounded by people I love and who love me, and my soul feels refreshed. I feel whole. I am happy in Guatemala and thankful for the new friends I've made there, but I didn't realize how much I had missed those who know me well until I got back home.
Now, though. Now I look forward to continuing relationships with those I already know. I look forward to another school year. I look forward to feeling like a real teacher since I'll be at La Senda from the beginning of the school year instead of diving in half way through. I even look forward to faster internet at home (no hard feelings, Dad :)).
Thanks again for joining me on the journey.
I had a friend--ahem, Mr. Salyer--talk about living a life that shows God's faithfulness. This sounds like a pretty cool life, the kind I hope to have, one that I see he lives out with his family. So, I am hopeful. Our God is faithful. And I am excited to see God's continuing faithfulness to me and to we who believe play out this next year.
It has been such a blessing for me to be home. I was surrounded by people I love and who love me, and my soul feels refreshed. I feel whole. I am happy in Guatemala and thankful for the new friends I've made there, but I didn't realize how much I had missed those who know me well until I got back home.
Now, though. Now I look forward to continuing relationships with those I already know. I look forward to another school year. I look forward to feeling like a real teacher since I'll be at La Senda from the beginning of the school year instead of diving in half way through. I even look forward to faster internet at home (no hard feelings, Dad :)).
Thanks again for joining me on the journey.
I had a friend--ahem, Mr. Salyer--talk about living a life that shows God's faithfulness. This sounds like a pretty cool life, the kind I hope to have, one that I see he lives out with his family. So, I am hopeful. Our God is faithful. And I am excited to see God's continuing faithfulness to me and to we who believe play out this next year.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Stateside Travels
My mom let me borrow her car for two weeks. It's the nicest set of wheels I've driven, I think. And I sure put some mileage on them.
Had a great time returning to First Alliance a couple of Sundays ago. I've missed worshipping with my home church! I also got to meet with Kerry, the mission pastor, and Beth and Pat and Art, the people who take care of all the money stuff for me.
Additionally, I was able to meet with a number of friends. We had dinners together, met for coffee, and just hung out. I visited Dunbar to say hello to my former colleagues; I also visited the classroom of one of my elementary teacher friends to see how she makes magic in a first grade classroom. I put on my dancing shoes again, too--I still love dancing. Got my teeth checked, eye glasses adjusted, and shots up-to-date as well.
In North Carolina, I got to relax a bit from all of this catching up. I spent some time with my brother, who is off work right now trying to recover from a bad spell with MS, and with one of my college roommates.
I also returned to FairCreek for a visit this past Sunday. Though I didn't get to see everyone I hoped to see, I enjoyed catching up with a few friends whom I have known since childhood.
This week I get the privilege of meeting with a few more friends here in OH, and then I'll get to go back to First Alliance in KY for Sunday services. This time the 'rents are coming with me.
Thanks for making time for me, friends! It is such a blessing and encouragement to see you all and to remain a part of your lives.
Had a great time returning to First Alliance a couple of Sundays ago. I've missed worshipping with my home church! I also got to meet with Kerry, the mission pastor, and Beth and Pat and Art, the people who take care of all the money stuff for me.
Additionally, I was able to meet with a number of friends. We had dinners together, met for coffee, and just hung out. I visited Dunbar to say hello to my former colleagues; I also visited the classroom of one of my elementary teacher friends to see how she makes magic in a first grade classroom. I put on my dancing shoes again, too--I still love dancing. Got my teeth checked, eye glasses adjusted, and shots up-to-date as well.
In North Carolina, I got to relax a bit from all of this catching up. I spent some time with my brother, who is off work right now trying to recover from a bad spell with MS, and with one of my college roommates.
I also returned to FairCreek for a visit this past Sunday. Though I didn't get to see everyone I hoped to see, I enjoyed catching up with a few friends whom I have known since childhood.
This week I get the privilege of meeting with a few more friends here in OH, and then I'll get to go back to First Alliance in KY for Sunday services. This time the 'rents are coming with me.
Thanks for making time for me, friends! It is such a blessing and encouragement to see you all and to remain a part of your lives.
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