Here We Go Again!

So, for the second year in a row I have finished packing hours before I leave for the airport.  Once again, this usually never happens.  But, in celebration of this personal shooting star of mine, I thought I would take the time out to write a blog post!  I sometimes look back at the posts, and have noticed for the most part I have written one each time I depart from the United States.  This time is extra exciting because I am departing from my hometown airport instead of making the trek to Chicago.  This is a blessing-no one enjoys a three hour car trip to an all day flight day that starts at midnight.

Anyways,

This year that is a lot of in the air.  I have made the huge leap from teaching fourth grade to teaching high school science.  Unfortunately, some of my summer work got sidetracked when my laptop went into the repair store, and still unfortunately has yet to come out.  An unexpected twist had me purchasing a new one that I am still not quite sure I can afford.  Which leads me to careers and places and all the new faces.  Or will I finally have the strength and dedication necessary to get my weight under control.  This has certainly been a summer of uncertainty.  That has been a struggle for someone like me, who does like to plan things out-not necessarily details, but definite foundation laying plans. 

Not knowing what your future holds involves a lot of trust.  Thankfully, I have put my trust where it counts-Jesus Christ.  He has yet to steer me wrong, even though I have attempted to do so on my own sometimes. 

So, I plan on focuses on what I do know, instead of what I don't. 

But here is what I know concretely:

1) I have a God who loves me.
Not only am I told this repeatedly in the Bible, but it is proven daily from all the blessings I have in my life.  It is proven in acts of kindness and compassion.  I keep thinking of the song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us," and its message about the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus underwent for my soul.  If someone loves me and cares for me that much, do I truly think that they are just going to let me go willy-nilly and not keep an eye on me?  No thank you!  He has invested quality time in this relationship-that's love.


2) I have a God who provides.
Sure, I have no money.  And some months I am really stretching that last dollar or SRD until payday, while I drive my old but steady bike to school, and wonder if an apple and peanut butter is a sufficient meal to last me all day.

However, I am not starving.  Even when I think I will not be able to make a meal, God provides a roommate who is willing to share a taco, some Chinese food, or a cookie.  When I wonder how I am going to get by, God always provides a way.  It has come to a point, where I honestly feel silly for worrying because God has always come through.  Always.  There really isn't a reason for me to doubt. 

3) The road ahead is filled with twists and turns and highs and lows.
I know that following God has never guaranteed me an easy carefree life.  I think it is just the opposite.  But, it is a life that is not lived alone.  God is always with me through every bout of homesickness, through every stressed school day, and through every moment of insecurity.  My life is not easy, but it is blessed. 

So with those three concrete thoughts I head back to South America for my third year. I am excited to see all of the new teachers and the returning ones.  I am excited to see the students.  I am excited to see my friends and my boyfriend.  Hopefully this year will be filled with more blog posts, because a lot happened last year that I wish I could have documented.  Maybe this new computer will do the trick!

Trust in God.  Let Him use you to make waves, not ripples. Run the race. Fight the Fight.