Weeks of Firsts

Time is definitely flying.  I cannot believe that the students have been here 7 weeks, and also cannot believe that it's been 6 weeks since my last blog post.  For those keeping up with me through my blog, I apologize!  And I know I haven't been great with keeping up on Facebook photos either.  Life is flying by and the last month has been one (good) thing after another, and finally…FINALLY I might have some time this week to exhale and re-organize my brain.

There have been many MANY firsts in the last 6 weeks.  Firsts for me and firsts for the students.  The great part about this island is that there is SO MUCH to do and it could be years before I get to do it all.    The things that we do as a group are things that I have not done before, so it's just as exciting for me.  And it makes it even more exciting when we get to do it in community with fellow missionaries and Dominicans.

A short recap on the last month and a half through pictures:

Sept. 20 :: Cave of Wonders with some Emanuel House kids celebrating their birthdays!

Sept 27 :: A super fast weekend back to the States for my birthday and Hall of Fame Ceremony

Oct 6 :: First day of Ministry!

Oct 11 :: Color Vibe Run!

Oct 17 :: First Host Homes!

Oct 14-17 :: Women's Mission Week with speaker Vickie Arruda

The theme for Women's Mission Week : IMAGinE - working through who God says we are, not what the world thinks.  Imagine a world where women valued themselves as God values them.  

I wouldn't want to do this life right here, right now with any other women!
Grateful for their encouragement, support and influence in my life.

Life is going well right now, and I know that as I type this things can change at any moment.  I am giving ALL of the glory to God because there is nothing that I have done to deserve this blessed life.  I am in a place right now where I am running after God whole-heartedly….during the good times.  

Last year at this time I was so desperate for God, desperate for His words, decision, guidance, strength because I was in over my head.  I was out of my comfort zone, in a new environment, completely away from friends and family, pretty alone running a program I had no experience in running.  I NEEDED Him to get me through each and every day.  

This year is a little different.  Although there are times I feel like I'm in over my head, and I know that I need His words, guidance and strength daily…that desperation has lessened.  Where before I NEEDED God, now I WANT God.  I am content in where I'm at and where He has brought me.  And now I just want more of Him.  To be able to take the time to sit, read, listen, hear, process and not need an answer right at this very moment.  

I pray that this continues.  

I pray that I don't always expect tomorrow to be as good as today.  

I pray that I don't get lazy in my walk with the Lord because things seem to be going well.  

I pray that I can be an encouragement to others while my load is light at the moment.  

I pray that I will seek, honor and praise the Lord in the good times and in the bad times. 

I pray that I can see Him working in and amongst the students, the staff and my fellow missionaries. 

I pray that I choose daily to believe who God says I am and not give the enemy any foothold in my life.

I pray that the Lord's strength and confidence would shine through me. 

I pray for continued safety and good health for myself, the staff and the students.

"I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will give you (me) mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And that Christ would be more and more at home in your (my) hearts as you trust in him." - Ephesians 3:16-17

Please continue to pray along side of me!