Thursday, September 20, 2007

and beyond.

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:13-15

I found verse this sometime last week. God is certainly trying to tell me something through it, because I have been worrying and wondering about next year. Do I stay? Do I go to another country? Back to the States?
After reading and returning to these verses, I understand that I'm not supposed to know right now. I wont know until I know, and that is okay. In fact, it's better. If I knew, I would always be living with one eye on the future, instead of giving my 100% here.

So, just to inform you. (Whoever you may be who still reads this blog...)
I could be here another year. I could not. I could be here forever. I could move to Calcutta and work with orphans and widows. (
Okay, maybe not on the last one...but you never know.) The point is, I'm going to have to give up the control once and for all and just ride this ride.
That's actually a pretty exciting thought, isn't it?

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Independence Day Fun

Click to see pictures!
September 2007 at Lincoln School


September has come and is halfway over. The mid point was marked by the celebration of Mexican Independence Day at Lincoln School. On Friday we had a special flag ceremony with Mariachi guests and costumes. Some of my parents sent in cakes, drinks, and candies for a party. (Unknown by me until that morning!) It was a busy, but fun day... a good prelude to the holiday this weekend!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Por Fin!

I finally did what I've been wanting to do since I moved here-I helped in an impoverished community. My roommate, Jacque, got in touch with a girl from a local church who is ministering to a poor community called Arenales (I think that's how you spell it). She does a bible club with the kids (ages 3 to 12) on Saturdays, and she goes during the week to have bible studies with their parents. Six of us Lincoln teachers went to the kid's club last Saturday. We didn't know what to expect, but our only job this week was bringing the snack. We got there and cleaned up the musty, moldy, cement house where the club is held, and we prepared the food. There is no running water in the house, so some of us went across the street to borrow water and haul it back in buckets. The kids began arriving soon after we got there, and we spent a good hour just playing with and getting to know them. I must say, they are pretty darn good at understanding my gringa Spanish! The bible lesson was so cute! The girl who leads it, Jessi, is so fun and animated. She held the attention of the three year olds all the way up to the ten/twelve year olds!! She had the kids get in a big circle, lay hands on us, and pray for us. It was so sweet to see the tiny little kids with their eyes squeezed shut repeating her sweet prayer. Before the kids left, they all came to give us our goodbye besitos, the cheek kisses that are the normal greeting/farewell here. From the tiniest girl of 3 to the bigger kids, they all made sure to despedir us before leaving. I loved it and I loved them and I want to continue helping there every weekend!!The house across the street, where we got our water.



Sunday, September 02, 2007

"...and it comes with snacks"

Wow. I love my class. And it really doesn't have to do with the fact that I get presents from them. I've been with them for 8 days now (not 10 since I missed 2 for the wedding) and I've already received 3 gifts.
-a sushi lunch from Hi Seok, a new Korean boy to our school.
-a thermos/coffee mug from Larissa.
-some sort of yummy caramel treat made by Jorge's grandfather ("My grandfather makes these, Miss Peterson. Not my father...my grandfather")

I can get used to this. :)

By the way. Does anyone recognize the quote in the title?