Hey friends!
So I've failed at posting any blog updates this school year. It's been a mix of a busy life, lots of learning opportunities, and of course some traveling too. I'll try to give you guys a quick recap of the school year so far!
For those who have lost count, this is my third year teaching at International School of Tegucigalpa. Going into it, I assumed that it would be my easiest teaching year by far. I was right and wrong about that. Although I feel more confident in my ability as a teacher, every year has its challenges. I've dealt with hard student situations, lack of teaching supplies, and teaching without a 3rd teacher in my department. However, this year I have especially appreciated the relationships I've been able to create with my students. I love the experience of being able to see them grow in their knowledge of Christ and love of others. It's beautiful.
Outside of school, I've hiked across a mountain, been white water rafting, visited a few new coffee shops, attended a wedding, learned how to play volleyball (that's still a work in progress), taken a couple trips to Siguatepeque, and held a few babies. Those are just the highlights! I'm sure there's lots more that I missed. Life has been nothing short of an adventure. I love having the opportunity to live and thrive in this place. God has truly grow in me a love for this country and these people. Even Spanish is a language I enjoy struggling through now!
Along with the fun adventures, I've also seen a lot of pain this year. I know it always exists, but I think my eyes have been opened to more of it this school year. I know multiple people who have lost family members. Even students as young as six-years-old have lost parents. I have friends who have struggled with physical pains that just won't go away. Yet, God has been providing as He always does, and I've been able to see that in so many ways this year.
Through all of the pain, I've also been able to see how God uses community to encourage us in His truth. I've seen His healing both physically and emotionally. I've seen His faithfulness and goodness in my life and in the lives of those around me. In my prayers, that how I find myself referring to God first. "God, you are faithful and you are good." It has been so good to have that reminder through this year--a year that has proved to be harder than I originally anticipated.
Now that the year is about halfway over, it's time to decide what to do next year. Honestly, I've been trying to push the necessity of making a decision out of my mind. If I ignore it, then it will go away, right? I won't have to make a decision, will I? Right now I know that any decision I make will involve a big transition of some kind. Even though I've made a few big decisions that involve hard changes, I never like transitions. They're filled with emotional goodbyes, weird cultural adjustments, changes in lifestyle, and the feeling of starting over. I'm in a place where I now feel comfortable. Why would I want to leave that?
If you're wondering what I'm planning on doing next year, I can't give you an answer. I do know a few things though. I know that God has given me a passion for this country and the people who live here. I also know that ever since I was about in junior high, I've wanted to work with an orphanage in some way. In December as I went with a friend to pursue a possible internship at a coffee shop in another city here, I learned about an orphan care school called La Providencia. In January when my friend was getting more information about her possible internship, I was able to meet with the English director of the school and visit the school itself. It is a wonderful place. As I think about the possibility of teaching at such a school, I feel slightly crazy for wanting to leave my school where I get paid to instead teach at a school that would not be able to pay me for being there. I would have to raise support and depend on other people for what I need.
As all these thoughts are running through my head, I would ask you to please pray for me as I'm trying to decide between the future opportunities that God has put in front of me. I really just hate making decisions--especially decisions that have large effects on my life. However, I know that wherever I go, whatever I do, God will be there. He is good and He is faithful.
