Sunday, August 10, 2014

Summer Days

     This summer has flown by faster than I could have ever imagined. I came back to Ohio thinking that 7+ weeks sounded like such a long time to visit, but now that it has come and gone, I wish I had just a few more days. I feel so blessed to have spent so much of my weeks in Ohio with wonderful people who have continued to help encourage and support me both here and while I'm in Honduras. I even got to spend over 2 weeks at camp which is definitely one of my favorite places to be. Despite spraining my ankle, having to go to the doctor's office a few times for my toe, getting in a car accident, and doing less work than I was originally planning, this summer was well spent and God protected me. He has reminded me so much of His faithfulness through those not so great situations. Tonight my parents opened the car insurance and medical insurance statements too, and not only is the medical insurance covering all of my summer expenses, but the car insurance sent us a check that will more than cover the repairs needed for my car. As much as I worry, God is constantly blowing me away by taking care of financial issues.
     So now the 5 day countdown has begun. I leave on Friday, and honestly I don't feel ready to do so yet. I've told a few friends that I think I've finally adjusted back to living in the states. This is comfortable now and I don't want to leave it. Transitions are also always difficult with saying goodbyes and readjusting, and I just don't want to feel those emotions yet. However, days and hours are still passing, and soon I'll be back in the place I called home just 2 months ago. I know that once I reunite with friends, church family, coworkers, and students in Honduras, everything will seem familiar again and be wonderful. The time in between is simply rough.
     Through the anticipation of moving back to Tegucigalpa, I've been able to spend a lot of time in prayer as I ask God to remind me to trust in His faithfulness and guidance in my life. Change is often hard, but God has reminded me that He truly is my constant. No matter where I am, He is there, and He is the same. The people around me will change. I'll have new students and different challenges, but God remains constant. And His faithfulness is so magnificent. He has not only provided me with one place to live with a supportive and encouraging community of brothers and sisters in Christ, but with two. I'm thankful for those times when I am brought low in order to be made more aware of God's love, grace, and mercy for me. I've been showered with that lately, and I'm seeing what a blessing that has been. So, the next time I post will be from Honduras, full of more lessons that God is teaching me and experiences that He is giving me. Thanks again for all of your prayers and support! I really appreciate them :)

Here a few pictures of some wonderful people I saw this summer!!
I was able to meet this beautiful girl this summer!

A surprise meeting with Meagan at The Fest :)

Alex taught me how to play a few chords on the ukulele at Marjorie's house.

Black raspberry picking with these great guys!

A mini camp reunion took place in the back yard.

And finally, a wonderful reunion with this gem from Wisconsin :)