New and Familiar

In the past month since my last post, a lot has happened and changed. Even though I'm working on raising support and working at the Nueva Esperanza office while I'm in Ohio through Ohio, I also decided to sign up to be substitute teacher to bring in some money for college loans. One day after I got my first call to substitute in a first grade classroom, I was called in by the school district I graduated from to interview for an Intervention Tutor position. I ended up accepting the position after talking through details the same day I got their call! They were even very accepting of my decision to only teach through Decembr so that I can return to Honduras in January. I wasn't expecting to be working full time this fall, but I'm super grateful for this opportunity that seemed to have fallen in my lap. I'm going to be able to pay more money on my college loans, and I'm enjoying my time with students again. In my position, I get to teach guided reading groups, work with reading intervention groups, and help out identified students. Some days, I feel very overwhemed and exhausted. Then I remember that I've been given so many surprise opportunities that are such blessings.

I've also been working in the Nueva Esperanza office since July when I first officially met with Barbara. My work involves a lot of computer work such as writing thank you notes, tracking donations, and inputing new information. I feel as if I'm always learning something new, and I know that it will be so helpful when I move back to Honduras and work in the Nueva Esperanza office there. It also provides me with the chance to see donations that come in from family and friends for my personal account within Nueva Esperanza. I'm blown away by the support I've received. Honestly, I tear up every time I see another one of my support cards come to the office.

God has shown his faithfulness in such amazing ways through this support raising process. I love seeing the ways that people show their compassion and Christ-like love towards me. I know I have mentioned God's faithfulness a lot, but it has been such an important lesson for me throughout this year. In times of uncertainty, God is faithful. In times of support raising, God is faithful. When I begin to doubt that the financial support I need will come before December, God is faithful. If I begin to feel discouraged, God shows His faithfulness by surrounding me with friends and family. He is just so good.

Currently, I have a fully funded start up fund (woot woot!!!), and I have about 33% of my monthly support pledged. This weekend, I have the opportunity to do two things. First, I get to help direct a senior high retreat at Camp Koinonia. I'm so excited to see loved campers and friends again before next summer! Second, I get to speak at a women's retreat to tell about my ministry opportunity at Nueva Esperanza. I'm praying for good teaching time and community time this weekend in the different things I'm doing.

Please be keeping me in your prayers as I continue to teach, work in the Nueva Esperanza office, and do more support raising. Specifically, I would love prayer for new connections with churches and people to partner with me by committing to support me monthly. Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers as I continue to journey in this support raising process! I couldn't do it without you!

Pressing Forward--One Step at a Time

Here's a very necessary update for those of you keeping track of what I'm doing in life! First, I'll start with a little recap. In June, I finished working at the International School of Tegucigalpa. I worked there for three great years stretching myself more than I thought possible and building relationships with phenomenal people whom I wouldn't have met otherwise. God grew in my heart a passion for the people, culture, language, and need of Honduras through my experience there. Toward the second half of this past school year, I was desperately praying for God to show me opportunities that would allow me to work in a ministry in Honduras. In researching the possibility of teaching at a school in Siguatepeque (another city in Honduras), I realized that I there was a different ministry I already loved in Tegucigalpa. Upon researching this ministry called Nueva Esperanza, I kept pursuing working with them by taking one step at a time.

Here are some of those baby steps I've been taking to get where I am now. After not feeling super comfortable with the decision to teach in Siguatepeque, my wonderful friend Lindsey asked if I had looked into Nueva Esperanza. In that moment, it was almost as if I had been blind to an opportunity that was in front of me all along. I scheduled a meeting with Barbara, a founder of the ministry, back in May where she told me she thought I would be a great fit in working with their Child Sponsorship program. Little did she know, that was the position I wanted to have if I was approved to work with Nueva Esperanza. She also talked about the possibility of me tutoring kindergartners in reading and writing to help prepare them for public school and working with students who have behavioral issues. (Basically, she would love for me to use the skills I've learned from my education and work in the area I have a passion for all at the same time.) We continued to talk about the process of working together as well as dreams of all the things I could do with the ministry. Did I mention that Barbara is also from my hometown in Ohio, goes to my church in Honduras, and has invited me to work with their ministry on short weekends before? She's wonderful, and our meeting went so well that I was excited to start taking bigger steps.

That meeting lead to me filling out an application to work with the ministry, talking more with Barbara about position possibilities, and slightly stressing about having to raise support for this next adventure in life. In early July, I met with Barbara about what my budget would look like. When I tell you that it worried me to look at the numbers, I mean that it really worried me at first. Then I was reminded that God had brought me through every step so far, and He would continue to be with me in each next step. I put off budget worries as I started working with the Nueva Esperanza's stateside office learning how to do computer things dealing with their Child Sponsorship program. I have loved learning how the ministry works first hand and being involved in the "behind the scenes" process. I also had the opportunity to meet with Nueva Esperanza's board members and present my plans to them. They were so supportive as they genuinely wanted to get to know me and seek what is best for the ministry before they voted to approve me. I can now say that I have been officially approved as a missionary candidate for Nueva Esperanza!

Some of you might be thinking, "Well that's nice, but what now?" Since it takes time to raise support, I'm planning on staying in the states through December to do so. This will hopefully give me time to visit with people, meet with churches, and talk with mission boards in order to raise prayer and financial support. Meanwhile, I'll be volunteering with the Nueva Esperanza stateside office to learn more about the ministry and subbing in schools in the area. I'm already anxious to get back to Honduras, but I know that this will be a great time of preparation, waiting, and expectation to see how God provides.

Speaking of God's provision, He has already literally taken my breath away a few times since I've been stateside. Even before I knew I was going to be applying for Nueva Esperanza, an anonymous donor sent me a check that reminded me to believe in what God is doing through me. This was back in FEBRUARY when I had no idea what I would be doing the following school year. It was such an encouragement that God would provide for my needs, no matter what those needs might look like. This summer before I was even approved, people continued to encourage me with kind words, prayers, and gifts. At the beginning of August, I received word that I even have a safe, furnished apartment waiting for me when I return to Honduras in January. And now, only 2 weeks after I've been officially approved by the Nueva Esperanza board, I have about 3/4 of my start up funds already raised. Thinking about the ways God has provided for me in this adventure to Nueva Esperanza literally leaves me speechless. I know that I don't deserve an ounce of the grace He has shown me in His faithfulness, but I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who provides for me abundantly.

Now I'm smiling as I'm now reflecting on all the ways God lavishes His love over me daily. Thank you for supporting me by reading to see how God has been working through my life these last 6 months. I'm so excited to see what lies ahead. If you would be willing to support me through prayer, I would definitely appreciate it!
Here are some specific things you could be praying for:

• That I would trust that God will continue to provide
• Open ears/hearts that are willing to support me through prayer
• Preparation for returning to Honduras
• Training with Nueva Esperanza's stateside office

If you would like more information on what I'm going to be doing at Nueva Esperanza or how to support me, please feel free to email me at elovejoy634@gmail.com.

Catching Up

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.

In Light of God's Faithfulness

         First of all, my apologies for not writing in quite some time. I feel like this year has been a whirlwind of events and emotions, and it doesn't appear as if that is going to stop anytime soon. In the midst of everything, God has been showing me His faithfulness more and more. I'm going to try and give a brief update on some major events that have been going on since November (which is unfortunately the last time I posted). A lot has happened including a flight back to Ohio, a coworker having to return to the states, and adding another country's stamp to my passport. Here we go.

       Coming back to Honduras in January after seeing so many wonderful people in Ohio was definitely hard. It's like transitioning back to a "different" life for a while, but this year seemed to be a little bit easier. It might just be that I've done it once before, but God has also been teaching me of how supported and encouraged I am with people in Ohio and here in Honduras. I wasn't feeling when I first came back in January though. I knew God had given me friends here and a wonderful community, but for some reason I went through a period of loneliness at that time that I couldn't explain. 

       On January 31, I got a message that my grandpa had had a heart attack and his kidneys were shutting down. At that moment, I had never felt more homesick. I couldn't process the thought of losing my grandpa while I wasn't even in the country to say goodbye to him. The week that followed was full of prayers, tears, and phone calls to the states. On February 7, I was coming home from a 1-year-old's birthday party to find my roommates solemnly waiting for me at the house (we were supposed to go to another friend's house for a movie). They stayed home to tell me they saw a message on facebook that my grandpa had passed away. I wasn't sure how to begin to process that. I just wanted to be with family, but they were thousands of miles away. 

       After quickly talking to my administrators and booking a last minute flight, I made it back to Ohio for my grandpa's calling hours and funeral. In the midst of so much sorrow and pain, I've never felt more supported or cared for by the body of Christ.. It was so wonderful to be with family, and a few friends even came to the funeral. Even more so, people were literally praying for me all over the world. How cool is it that God can show His faithfulness and care through such a marvelous body of believers!

       When I returned to Honduras a week later, I found out that my friend Melina who works as an Interventionist with me would be moving back to the states by the end of the month. Her father-in-law had been sick with cancer for a few years, but it had recently gotten far worse. She was going to return to Indiana with her husband and son to spend precious time with him and help her mother-in-law go through all that comes with losing a spouse. Once again, I wasn't sure how to go through another loss, even if it was just having someone depart from the country. God showed His perfect timing once again as Melina's husband got back in time to spend one more week with his father here on Earth, and Melina and her son got back in time for the funeral services. Prayers for their family would be appreciated as they're still transitioning and looking for jobs. 

       God showed love, encouragement, and support through this community again as many friends showed up to a surprise birthday party for me since I was in Ohio during my birthday. After January where I felt so much loneliness, and then feeling isolated without my family during my grandpa's passing, God showered me with the love of his people. I enjoyed such a great night of chocolate cake, coffee, nerts, and Fast and Furious. It was humbling and simply fantastic.

       From the end of February to mid March, there wer a lot of transitions as Melina moved back and Marcela came in to teach in Melina's place. I was able to spend some great quality time with Melina and her son Elias before they left, and hopefully I'll get to see them again this summer! I stayed home during spring break at the end of February because I felt like I just needed time to relax and take everything in which was so so good. I knew that I had also spent a lot of money on a last minute plane ticket to the states, so I didn't think my budget would accommodate traveling.

       Little did I know, God was about to blow me away and show me how He was going to provide for my plane ticket instead. I still tear up thinking about all the ways that God has shown me not to worry about money, and this situation was no different. Let's just say that my plane ticket was around $1,000 to go back to Ohio for my grandpa's services, and God provided $1,000 through people who just felt lead to support me in that way. I still remember the phone call when my mom told me that she had received more money toward my ticket, and I laughed. I finally chose to purchase something big and figure out the financials later, and God chose to bless me so much through that. 

Wow. So reflecting on everything these past few months has brought me to tears in seeing God's faithfulness. I'm so humbled by a God who loves me and supports me and extends grace in light of my failures.
       
       During Semana Santa (holy week), I was able to go with 4 friends to Copan, Honduras, and with 3 of those same friends to Antigua, Guatemala. I'll try to sum all of that up in a paragraph. In Copan, I was able to see the Mayan ruins there, go to some natural hot springs, visit a place called Macaw Mountain and hold some macaws, and spend time with some wonderful people. After 3 days in Copan, I went to Antigua, Guatemala, which is the old capital of Guatemala. We stayed in a beautiful vacation house as we explored a little bit more everyday. I was able to climb a Volcan Pacaya (volcano #2!), walk around the city of Antigua, and help build a carpet out of sawdust which is a big thing that is done in the streets for Holy Week. There were parades like I've never seen before and carpets made of more colors than I've ever seen. In short, it was a packed but spectacular vacation with terrific people.

       I'd like to ask that you be praying for some specific things here. 
1. Rain. We really need rain here. I know it's been cold in Ohio, but it's been upper 90s here which I will say is not fun. There's also so much pollution that I can't see the mountains from my classroom window anymore. Kids and teachers alike are getting sick. It's just no bueno. 
2. Safety for students. I was reminded this week just how much potential danger there is here for some of our students and their families. Please pray for protection over the kids and their families alike, and that their parents would receive wisdom as how to best keep their families safe.
3. Endurance for teachers. This time of year is often hard as homesickness is setting in kids are anxious for the end of school. It's also hot which just makes everyone cranky.

Whew. Thanks for reading all of that. Next time, I'll try to post more regularly so I'm not reflecting so much at one time again. Thank you so much for all of your support, love, and prayers. 

**Sorry that there aren't any pictures of things done recently. My phone died about 1 month ago and it had all of my pictures from Semana Santa. Check out facebook for pictures!

Adventure Is Out There

I love having the opportunity to travel while living here. Traveling is usually accompanied by finding more out about the people I go with and seeing more of God's beautiful creation. This past trip was no different. The Honduran government decided to give the country another 5 day weekend, so I went with 5 other teachers to Managua, Nicaragua.

After a day of traveling on a bus and a night of rest at our bed and breakfast, we started our first full day in Managua. We decided to go to the volcano that is fairly close by. All 6 of us crammed into a taxi for about $4.00 and headed to the "bus station" by the university. After being ushered into a 15 passenger van, we made it to the town of Masaya. Apparently there was a misunderstanding, so a nice lady helped us to take another bus to finally get to the entrance of the volcano.
Success! So we got to the entrance, but then we had to decide if we wanted to pay about $4.00 each to get a ride up to the top of the volcano, or walk the 6 kilometers to the top. We decided to walk, well, more like hike, and I'm so glad we did. I'm constantly amazed by the beauty God displays in His creation, and walking up to the top of the volcano left me speechless once again. The hike was a bit much at times, so we decided to walk backwards up the hill. Seems strange, but that was even more awesome. It was a reminder of God's strength displayed in His creation as well reminding me that He was giving me the strength to keep walking.
Anyway, we eventually go to the top and I looked inside of my first volcano. Once again, speechless as I was reminded that my God created that. How cool. We even got the opportunity to ride horses up another hill to see two more craters and of course more gorgeous views. Our trip to the volcano was probably my favorite part of the trip.
We got a ride back down to the entrance and went back to the town of Masaya for some shopping and dinner. As soon as we sat down at the restaurant where we ate dinner, it starting pouring rain, and I was reminded of God's power once again. The food was delicious, and the bathrooms didn't cost too much to use either. All in all, a fantastic way to start our trip.

The second day, we decided to go to the nearby town of Granada. We sat down to eat breakfast and enjoyed a meal talking with a couple of pastors from Oregon and Texas who were in Nicaragua checking on the churches they had helped plant there. It was a great conversation about how God is continuing to use people from all over to build His kingdom all over the world. We then took a bus to Granada and started adventuring. God was definitely protecting us as we walked through the streets of Granada (some not so touristy) and looked in lots of different shops. We enjoyed delicious pizza, stopped in the Chocolate House, and even played so Trivial Pursuit in an art coffee house. We made sure to buy some coffee for back at the house before leaving Granada and heading back to the hotel.

Our third day, we stayed around Managua. First, we went to a lagoon in the city and walked around it for a while. It was a good time to just reflect on how God had provided for us throughout the trip. We walked to a nearby mall once finishing our walk around the lagoon to get some lunch and snacks for the bus ride back to Tegucigalpa. I ventured out to a nearby coffee shop with two friends after leaving the mall. I think we found Nicaragua's version of Starbucks in Casa del Cafe. Once again, I was amazed at the way God had used traveling as a way to talk and share life with friends in my community.

Since coming back to Tegucigalpa, I've been to the doctor twice. The first time I went last Monday, I found out that I had bronchitis and that the weather and pollution were aggravating my asthma. After 2 days of resting and a week of using a nebulizer, I still wasn't feeling better. I went back this past Monday, and the doctor told me that I had a sinus infection and an upper respiratory infection and needed 3 more days of rest. I've realized something while trying to fight these illnesses. I don't like resting. I like being busy. I like doing things. I don't like being in the house by myself. But, that time has been good to reflect and remember God's goodness to me. Man. I'm beginning to realize that I'll never fully understand God's steadfast love, and I'm so thankful for that. It's greater than my comprehension! I haven't always been the best student, but God continues to teach me more and more. Thank you so much for your prayers and support as I'm here and even when I'm back in Ohio. I am blessed with wonderful communities wherever I go.

Now, get ready for a picture overload...

My housemates and I at the beginning of our 6 kilometer journey!

Romans 1: 20

Psalm 46

Isaiah 40

Crater number 2

Walking through Granada

See those mountains in the background? I love those.

Ephesians 3:14-21: Students, Community, and Lessons

    The first partial of school is already over, and November is quickly approaching. I finally feel as if I'm back in the swing of teaching again as I have routines and schedules. My kids are working super hard to do all that is asked of them, and they continue to bring me joy in their random comments and gestures. The more I'm here, the more I realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to teach in a place where sharing the gospel and the love of Christ is encouraged. I love being able to stop and pray for my kids when I'm frustrated. I love hearing the preschoolers shout praises every morning (the most precious noise ever). I love being able to take time to sit with a crying student and remind him that God made him with unique gifts and talents. There are definitely hard parts of teaching with its work load and technicalities, but the intentional time with my students is so so worth it.

     This year, I've seen both deeper sadness and deeper joy from my students. God continues to teach me so much through them. My eyes have been opened so much as well to the reality of the home lives of some students. Most of the students at my school are from higher income families, but that doesn't mean those families aren't broken. One of my students showed me a bruise on his leg that brought me to tears when I learned that it was from his father. A lot of my students only live with one parent and sometimes even their grandparents. A lot of my kids also don't understand why they need extra help in their learning and have cried because they don't want to be "different". My heart is breaking more and more every day. BUT God also shows me continually why we are to become like children. They are so full of joy and so genuine in their concerns. They break out in dance daily, and I'm constantly laughing at their sweet words. As I asked for prayer requests one day, my third grader said "Miss, we just need to pray for the people who don't have homes or food." I know that teachers never stop learning because education is constantly changing; however, I would say that I never stop learning because my kids are always teaching me new life lessons.

     The teacher community has also blown me away this year. Just last week, we had a worship/game night where many of us gathered together to sit and worship in Spirit and in truth on a Friday night. The message was presented from Psalm 107. I loved being able to simply look through scripture together as the body of Christ and make connections to Jesus even in a chapter from the Old Testament. It never ceases to amaze me how sound God's word is, and how that is just proven more and more as we search it and know it. Worship night left me with the desire to learn the many names/descriptions of Jesus, so that's something I'll be doing in these next few months as I search through the gospels. I'm already blown away by it.

     This school year is off to a fantastic start, and I'm doing my best to take in all that God is teaching me. I think I've specifically been learning about humility this year in so many different ways. A lot of it has to do with my desire to control certain areas of my life that I can't. This past week, both of my grandparents ended up in the hospital. It really scared me. It's hard to be here when I know that hard things are happening back in Ohio. That is when God helped to remind me of the peace that comes when I place my trust in Him and put my focus back on Him rather than my worries as "'Tis So Sweet'" started to play on my radio station. He encouraged me through the prayers of many friends and showed me of His might and power. I was humbled and brought to my knees once again as I remembered that in the end, God has the victory. He is sovereign and bigger than I can ever imagine. His love is incomprehensible. He chooses to call me His child, and I am so thankful for that grace. God's goodness leaves me speechless and smiling. Even though these teachable moments are often the hard ones, I'm blown away by the way that God is continuing to teach me more about His faithfulness and goodness day after day.

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 :)