Moments: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sweet Encouragment from Today...

To describe the past few months as well as my remaining time in Fresnillo as “emotional” would definitely be an understatement. Coming home to an empty house after vacation, preparing to say goodbye to people I love dearly, and adjusting to a multitude of changes and unknowns frequently lead me to tears. However, I know that the Lord is sovereign in each difficulty and that He has great purposes for this tough time of transition. I also know that God loves to encourage us in ways that are so personal and specifically meant for us. Today, the Lord gave me several of those sweet encouragements…

I went over to Javier and Lupita’s house for lunch today and had such a fun time. I especially loved spending time with Lupita, Jesi (their 16-year-old), and Susy (their 10-year-old). We laughed and joked around a lot, Jesi asked me questions about becoming a missionary herself one day, Susy and her sassy but lovable personality entertained us, and Lupita and I talked about all sorts of different topics. Not to mention delicious food!

When I came home, I had momentarily forgotten that today was the day Gloria (a dear and close friend from church) came to clean our house. I especially love coming home on every other Wednesday…walking into a sparkling-clean house that smells so good always makes me happy. However, today was even extra special…Gloria had left me a really sweet and encouraging note on the kitchen counter, thanking me for coming to Fresnillo and telling me how much I meant to them. Then, as I ventured upstairs, I found another post-it she had left on my bedroom door reminding me that I am never alone and how Jesus is always with me. (Before she left to return to the U.S., Elizabeth had left me lots of post-it notes all over the house. It was a wonderful encouragement to come home to last week, and then again today as Gloria joined in on the idea!)

Finally, I checked my Skype phone and had a voicemail from Shannon telling me a funny story about a family of some of our former students that we both love and who often make us laugh.

Thanks, Lord, for knowing just how to encourage me today...

Vacation

During March 17th-24th, I took a short but very much appreciated trip to the States. A few highlights follow both via words and pictures...

Taziki’s and Yogurt Mountain with Paul my first night back…Watching and analyzing old Grey’s episodes with Pam…manicures, pedicures, and quality talk time with Cara…getting to be a part of Anna’s wedding—beautiful bride and beautiful day…hanging out at Jackson’s and O’Henry’s with the SU girls… yummy breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café…walks along the Emerald coast and relaxing in the warm Florida sunshine…journaling on the beach… reading Abba's Child by Brennan Manning...riding bikes to Seaside and along 30A…cheesecake and strawberries… watching FSU make it to the Sweet 16 by beating Notre Dame…spending time with my parents in Sandestin… steak, baked potatoes, and Caesar salad…visiting with my Redeemer community group and them praying for me…laughing with my brother…and wanting to going back to Mexico despite the emotional challenges that lay ahead...