In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 NLT
Like usual, a lot has happened in the past few weeks, but I'm not quite sure how to summarize it. Third partial at school ended with parent teacher conferences this past week, fourth partial (and my last 8 weeks of school!) has begun, and I now have a few more stamps in my passport. I have felt overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, upset, lonely, and frustrated lately. Through that, God has also been faithful to restore me, support me, and strengthen me despite the emotions I have been feeling. His promises are truth and I have been learning to lean more and more upon those promises daily.
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| This is the beach we visited every day during vacation. |
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel a bit with four friends during Semana Santa (Holy week) as we enjoyed a week on a beach in Costa Rica. This was definitely a time where I felt God restoring me as I felt so refreshed upon my return to Tegucigalpa. I absolutely loved being able to experience a more laid back surf town for a while where life seemed to move more slowly. My friends and I relaxed on the beach, built a sand castle, jumped in the waves, walked along the shore, met such hospitable people, and discovered delicious restaurants. We also did some more adventurous things such as ziplining through the jungle and kayaking down a river that led to the Pacific Ocean. Every morning I was able to start my day reading through the gospels about Jesus' betrayal, death, and resurrection in a hammock looking out to the ocean. God used Semana Santa to refresh me physically and spiritually as I was reminded of the rest I can find in Him. He brought me so much restoration during this time as well as showing me a little bit more of this beautiful world He created. Seriously. Creation is simply gorgeous.
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| Just ziplining through the jungle in Costa Rica... |
Throughout the past few months, God has supported me through so many people in my life. I am humbled at how many people have just listened to me and prayed for me in such various ways of communication. My bible study here has been such a blessing as we have started reading and digging through the gospels together. It's rare to find such a strong group of women who are also as vulnerable as those ladies. My family and friends in the states have also been so encouraging and uplifting during my time away. God has introduced me to so many people here as well to speak truth and hope into my life in the most incredible ways too. Man. I am blown away by the way God has taken me care of me in terms of supporting me in this life He has chosen to give me.
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| This is one of my housemates. She has definitely been a blessing in my life! |
In terms of becoming stronger, I feel that typically happens when my weaknesses are magnified. This year has definitely not been easy by any means. I have gone through more transitions that I can count and I've wondered what I am doing here a few times. Through all of that, God has strengthen my trust in His will for my life and He has shown His hand in my life through whatever may come my way. I am more confident than ever before in the promises God has made and that confidence fills me with such joy. I have learned more than I thought could fit into my brain. I've been blown away by God's faithfulness time and time again. This is hard, but so worth it. God has taken my weaknesses and turned them into learning opportunities. When I start to get down on myself, I am reminded that God is working and moving in my life. Praise Him!
I really can't thank you all enough for you support and encouragement throughout my (almost) 9 months here! Please continue to pray for me to seek and take advantage that God presents me here in my time here before I return to the states for the summer. Next weekend I'll be helping with a Camp for the Blind just outside of the city. I don't feel like I can adequately explain how excited I am to see what God does in that time. I'm so thankful for opportunities that God has already placed in my path, and I'm sure it's just the beginning!
