During the past few months, I have reached a new level of gratitude and joyfulness for my 7 years in Costa Rica.
In my job as a staff wife, I love the ministry we are in, and I am so happy to be a part of it. I don't mind having students knock on my door and seek me out. I enjoy hearing their fun and laughter at night. I love that they challenge me in my walk with Christ. (One of them just finished reading the whole Bible in 4 months!) I am thrilled to see them struggle through something and come out victorious at the end!
In my job as a mother, I love that my family is growing up in this God-honoring environment, with so many godly friends around us. I am happy that my girls are in a good school and also have great friends at church. I am happy to have my husband only a 5-second commute away! I am happy to live on a beautiful property even though it is overpopulated by hissing ducks.
I wouldn't trade my jobs for any other. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I dearly miss my family and my in-laws. But, I KNOW that God has me where He wants me to be. Most of all, I am SO grateful that I have learned to see the blessings in the everyday of God's will for me.
November 26, 2010
BUT....tan triste sola!
Today is the last day of the semester. What happens when our family of students leaves, these friends who we have shared so much with for 4 months? After so much fullness of company and activities, I already feel "tan triste sola", so sad and alone! I really DO love being here with everyone!
It was a good semester! We saw a lot of spiritual growth after some personal battles, and it's been amazing to walk along beside these students as they learn to put God first, and to hand over the reins to their lives.
We are going into 2 month of "holidays". Our girls finish school today, and our Portantorchas students started leaving today. Both schools start again in February. We have no plans to see family, so we have about 60 days to fill up. With what? We have ideas of swimming lessons, day trips, and maybe a trip with church friends. Also, we'll have some time to refresh, time to enjoy our little family of 5.
I must admit, though, that I am a bit tearful. I always feel lonely when students leave. God has brought some dear friends into our lives over time, but they either live on the other side of town, or have left the country. It makes me thankful for the permanent friends I have - namely, my husband, and my children. I have 2 months to pour my energies into them.
And I know the most important thing...the Holy Spirit impressed it upon me today when tears were starting to well up in my eyes, "This is MY chance to be your friend." I know God as my heavenly father, and I am comforted by His love for me. I know Jesus as my Savior, and I am so grateful for my hope that is secure for eternity.
But, I don't really seek God's friendship and companionship, especially when there are others around to fill the gaps. So, I am excited for 2 quiet months to seek God as my friend. And I encourage others who are in a season of "loneliness" to do the same.
It was a good semester! We saw a lot of spiritual growth after some personal battles, and it's been amazing to walk along beside these students as they learn to put God first, and to hand over the reins to their lives.
We are going into 2 month of "holidays". Our girls finish school today, and our Portantorchas students started leaving today. Both schools start again in February. We have no plans to see family, so we have about 60 days to fill up. With what? We have ideas of swimming lessons, day trips, and maybe a trip with church friends. Also, we'll have some time to refresh, time to enjoy our little family of 5.
I must admit, though, that I am a bit tearful. I always feel lonely when students leave. God has brought some dear friends into our lives over time, but they either live on the other side of town, or have left the country. It makes me thankful for the permanent friends I have - namely, my husband, and my children. I have 2 months to pour my energies into them.
And I know the most important thing...the Holy Spirit impressed it upon me today when tears were starting to well up in my eyes, "This is MY chance to be your friend." I know God as my heavenly father, and I am comforted by His love for me. I know Jesus as my Savior, and I am so grateful for my hope that is secure for eternity.
But, I don't really seek God's friendship and companionship, especially when there are others around to fill the gaps. So, I am excited for 2 quiet months to seek God as my friend. And I encourage others who are in a season of "loneliness" to do the same.
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