Hugs from God

I recently returned from a trip to the U.S. It was a wonderful trip and a blessing in so many ways. I am very thankful for all of the time I was able to spend with dear friends and family, worship and fellowship with my church families in Birmingham and Tallahassee, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Southeast, and eat lots of delicious food (both my favorite restaurants and home-cooked meals). Not only did the Lord provide all of these opportunities and answer lots of prayers for my time in the States, but He also blessed me with several special moments that I can best describe as "hugs from God." Those things that just encourage and bless me in such a personal way, I can almost see God smiling down on me as He sends them...

• several times, providentially running into people I love dearly but wasn't going to have a chance to see
• learning that Caroline and Natalie pray for me every day when they say their prayers at night
• things working out so easily and quickly for the renewal of my teaching certificate, and the lady that helped me being a believer
• being able to travel to both the mountains and the beach
• prayer time with the Four Oaks Missions Prayer Group ladies
• my brother being able to come home for a long weekend and getting to spend time with my whole family together
• the feeling of wanting to come back to Fresnillo and being excited about this next year

Of all the "hugs," maybe the last one is the one that means the most right now. While I do of course wish I could have spent a month in the U.S. visiting people instead of a week and a half, I am really thankful for the fact that I really was looking forward to coming back to Mexico. I have recently felt so affirmed about my decision to stay another year. Praise God for that excitement and confirmation!