Psalm 73:26

So this is just past my month mark of being back in Honduras for the new school year. September is already half over, and I've already settled back into my house and community. It still amazes me how quickly God has provided me with communities wherever I may be in the world. This country is no different. Of course things have changed a bit with old teachers heading back to the states and new teachers arriving, but a community is still here for me to be a part of. I was fearful that the transition out of summer life and into Tegucigalpa would be difficult. I knew I would miss friends and family who I was blessed to see and have wonderful conversations with this summer. And there have definitely been times where that difficulty is present. However, God is constant and faithful, and He has been reminding me of that even still. 

I've done more this month than I thought could be packed into a few short weeks. One of the first weeks here, we went on a teacher retreat where I was able to get better acquainted with teachers whom I had never talked with before. I've gone to a lot of community events, spent time with my housemates, gotten sick a few times, missed people from Ohio, and written lots of lesson plans. Just last week, I even learned a few Honduran dances that myself along with other teachers performed in front of teachers, parents, and students to celebrate Honduras' Independence Day. I went with a few friends to a couple beautiful waterfalls, even though we may have gotten lost along the way. My life has been full of so much "doing" in the past 4 weeks that I've been here. I love doing things and being with others, but have I really been making the most of the "down time" that I have been given as well, or have I just been wanting that time to pass in order to do more things?

This past weekend was a 4 day weekend for teachers at IST which turned into a 5 day weekend. Last night when I heard that we didn't have school today because the Honduran Minister of Education declared it a holiday, I was thankful for another day to do things with people. I was planning on playing ultimate frisbee, going to get groceries, and spending time at Bible Study later tonight. Instead, I got super sick last night with something that continued into today. When I woke up, I was so mad to be experiencing the same pains in my stomach that I had last night. Wasn't this supposed to be another day for me to enjoy and hang out with people? Instead it turned into a day when I honestly spent most of my time either in the bathroom or on the couch. There were a few things that came out of this day though.God reminded me to be thankful and humble. He gave me a day where I didn't have to worry about teaching my kids. He helped me to be thankful for good health when I do have it. And now as I'm reflecting, God is reminding me to be thankful of those alone times I get with Him. I prayed today more than I have in a few days because I continued to ask God to heal my body. After I was praying for a bit this morning, those cries for healing turned into songs of praise. That's right. I was thanking God for taking care of me even when my body seemed to be fighting me. 

I have Psalm 73:26 written on a notecard right next to my bathroom mirror. It made me laugh this morning as the words read "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." My body seemed to be failing me this morning, but God was my strength. I am feeling a lot better even though my stomach still hurts. God gave me opportunities to rely on His word and His strength. Today was a day to be reminded of the goodness of God. More than that, I was taught about the importance of taking time to stop and listen to what He is teaching me, even if it's through my sickness. I'm thankful of how God has been speaking into my life, and how He has taught me the importance of glorifying Him and humbling myself. 

Please continue to keep me in your prayers as transitions are still taking place and my health still isn't great. Thank you so much for all of your support!

My student and I during Fiesta Catracha (the day my school celebrates Independence Day).

This waterfall is called Pulhapanzak. God rendered me speechless with this one.

Lago de Yojoa, Honduras

Meet Natalie Grace! She's the brand new daughter of two IST teachers :)