Divided

I find it interesting that when I'm in Kenya I know it's where I'm supposed to be. And yet when I'm back in Florida it seems right too. I guess in Kenya I feel more needed, and in Florida I feel more myself. I'm the same person, but there's something different about me when I'm stateside. I seem more vibrant and full of life. That could be because I'm on vacation and not working. There are pros and cons to both places. I can't say one is better than the other. They're just different.

Updates

I arrived safely on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday I had breakfast with the principal, vice-principal, and lower division administrator of my former school in the States. They were extremely helpful and gave me a lot of good advice. After breakfast I was able to meet with the lower division administrator for another hour to discuss things and ask questions. I spent the rest of the day hopping from classroom to classroom hanging out with teachers. Then in the evening I went to church. I have really missed my home church a lot. It was great to see and reconnect with people.

On Thursday I stayed home and rested most of the day. I was going to go back to the school but I woke up with a headache and it lasted almost the whole day. I went swimming late afternoon. In the evening I attended the graduation of a girl who was a student in my Sunday school class when I taught 6th grade. It was neat to see many kids in her graduating class that I taught in extended education when they were in the 5th or 6th grade. I felt older needless to say.

On Friday I spent time with several different people. I went to the church office and had a wonderful time sharing stories about life in Africa with some friends. I went to dinner with a good friend and some acquaintances.

Today was the birthday of a friend who is like a father to me. I spent most of the day with him, his wife, and daughter. I am truly blessed by the Lord. Not having parents of my own it seems like God provides substitutes each place I go. These people will never take the place of my real parents, but they sure are wonderful.

One of my goals while I'm home is to 'take a chill pill' so to speak. I plan on relaxing as best I can. Already I can look in the mirror and it seems as though a weight has been lifted and my stress lines are going away. A second goal is to get in shape. I'd like to run a 5K by the end of my stay in the U.S. I used to run before moving to Africa and I miss it quite a bit. I have exercised every day since I've been back in country. Probably the most important goal I have is to deepen my prayer life. I would also like to read several books over the next few weeks.

Leavin' on a jet plane... don't know when I'll be back again....

I leave tonight for the States. I have mixed feelings. Part of me is very excited to see family and friends. Another part of me is sad to be leaving home for 5 weeks. I can tell I'm drained though and in desperate need of some rest and relaxation. My friend Anne and I have been joking lately about me being superwoman. I think I give off the impression that I am superwoman to many people. I have a new position at work next year. I'll be teaching 5th grade and be the lead teacher for the elementary. To be honest I'm not really looking forward to it. I know it will be a lot of work. I've prayed about it and I know that God is leading me to do it. Do you ever just want to say, "No God, I don't want to be obedient"? That's a very unspiritual thing to say I'm sure. My goal in life is not to seem spiritual. My goal in life is to please the Savior. Perhaps it's childish to say such things, but at least it's being honest. In Christian circles I think we're so focused on giving off this image of perfection that we fail to let people see who we really are. The truth is that we're all sinners saved by grace. We will fail because we are NOT perfect. We strive toward godliness and holiness, but until we reach heaven we won't arrive. We can't live on mountaintops forever. The valleys must come, and I'm going through one right now. I'm thankful for God and His Word to comfort my heart and renew me daily. I'm looking forward to being at my home church and worshiping with 'family'. I can't wait to see people that I've developed such close friendships with over the years. You guys know who you are and as the apostle Paul would say, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you". I love you all and can't wait to spend time with you! He is so faithful and He is so good to His children!

Chapel - JOB

Yesterday my students put on the last chapel of the school year. One of my students had been saying for 3 weeks that he wanted one or both of his parents to be there. Even that morning I heard him telling another student that he didn't care what the other kid thought, he likes his parents to attend his events. To my surprise and satisfaction his mom walked in late. I don't think anyone could have wiped the smile off my face. This child is probably the main child I have the least amount of patience with. I'm not exaggerating when I say that he can easily ask me 20-30 questions a day. I try to be patient with him, but I know I fail a lot. He's craving attention from his parents more than anything. After his mom attended the program, his behavior yesterday was the best it's been in weeks. It solidifies to me the importance of a parent in a child's life.

Rain, Rain, Go Away... Come Again Another Day

It seems odd to be writing about too much rain when less than a year ago I was asking for prayer for rain because of the famine. We're now getting so much rain that it's flooding roads. All the rain makes me want to wrap myself in a warm blanket and read a good book or watch a movie at home.

Only a few more weeks of school left. :)

Friendship

Today I was thinking about friends. I have some pretty amazing ones!! The best part of a friendship is that your friend knows you really well yet still wants to be your friend. They accept you for you. There are no facades that have to be put on. You don't have to walk on egg shells around them.

Hell's Gate w/EBC Singles

On Saturday I went to Hell's Gate National Park with the singles from church. There were 7 of us who ended up going, and we had a great time. Here are a couple of pics. The first pic is of the whole group. The second pic is me and my new roomie Anne. She's a fabulous person to be housemates with!