I felt truly blessed to be able to go to the States to attend the services for my Grandpa Bob and to be with my family during that time. Grandpa was one of the most influential people who inspired me to look at ministry opportunities outside of the United States. Sharing stories with my cousins and meeting people who had worked with my grandpa were two of my favorite highlights. He will be greatly missed. Being able to spend some time at home and being with my family was well worth the travel time!
It was always a dream that I would be able to live in another country, let alone call a city in Bolivia, South America, "home." It's amazing the changes that occur within when you move to a new place and establish relationships and roots. Once I landed in Bolivia after traveling for fifteen hours, I had the feeling of relief of being back home. I was excited to see my missionary family and to be back with my students and basketball team once again. They have all worked their way into my heart and have become my family away from my family.
After I rested up, I went over to school to get started on the stack of homework that had been piling up for the last week and a half. Grading was not something that I was particularly looking forward to, but with the end of the third quarter rapidly approaching, I knew I had no choice. I have to say that walking up to my classroom door and seeing yellow and green cutouts quickly put a smile on my face (and helped my attitude). My substitute (and great friend), Kristin, encouraged my students to write notes to me on paper llamas. Tears started to form as I read through the kindness and sweetness shining through their words. I am so thankful for a loving group of children who make my days better!
Prayer Request:
It was always a dream that I would be able to live in another country, let alone call a city in Bolivia, South America, "home." It's amazing the changes that occur within when you move to a new place and establish relationships and roots. Once I landed in Bolivia after traveling for fifteen hours, I had the feeling of relief of being back home. I was excited to see my missionary family and to be back with my students and basketball team once again. They have all worked their way into my heart and have become my family away from my family.
After I rested up, I went over to school to get started on the stack of homework that had been piling up for the last week and a half. Grading was not something that I was particularly looking forward to, but with the end of the third quarter rapidly approaching, I knew I had no choice. I have to say that walking up to my classroom door and seeing yellow and green cutouts quickly put a smile on my face (and helped my attitude). My substitute (and great friend), Kristin, encouraged my students to write notes to me on paper llamas. Tears started to form as I read through the kindness and sweetness shining through their words. I am so thankful for a loving group of children who make my days better!
Prayer Request:
- As we begin the fourth, and final, quarter of the school year next week, the students are starting to get antsy. I have a handful of students who have not made wise decisions and are now facing some consequences at school. Please pray for wisdom when working with these students and for continued focus for everyone during the remainder of our time together in fifth grade.
- My basketball team has improved so much since our first practice in December and even more so since our first game three weeks ago! I am having a lot of fun coaching and sharing my passion for the game. So thankful for my co-coaches, Kristin and Misty, who have been a great help.