Taking time for the little things (or people) in life...

August 29, 2012

Dear Papa,

Yesterday just felt long. Not in a bad way, I just didn’t get as much done as I would have liked to. And the project haunting me is curriculum planning. It simply feels daunting Jesus. I started working on it yesterday at my apartment when a three-foot tall girl with a honey brown face and smile that would melt an igloo in an instant helped herself into my apartment. I could have sent her home but instead we shared an apple, played a few games, sang a few songs, danced a little, and I practiced my Spanish. I actually felt comfortable to get a few words and sentences out and my new little friend Zua corrected me or finished my sentence for me as necessary. So I was thankful for the interruption after all. As for the stack of curriculum that didn’t disappear during our playsurprise...

Faithfully yours Jesus,

Amy

Leaning into this verse: "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  The curriculum will get done. Today was important. :)

Eager Hearts

August 28, 2012

Dear Papa,

Overwhelmed is an understatement of grand proportion.  If I am going to teach these sweet kids then You are going to have to teach me how and QUICK! From arranging the room to making the curriculum schedule I am at a total loss. Thanks to Hope (a new friend on campus) for helping me the WHOLE day- setting up, giving me ideas and best of all being willing to come back and help some more. Jesus, I am overwhelmed. I could use some Holy wisdom, mercy, and help. As I was writing this entry I recalled a story that I forgot to write about yesterday…As I was slaving away in my kitchen cleaning (the ants are really bad here, so I plan to do all in my power to keep them out of my house) I heard this adorable little voice a stone throw from my door say “la maestra vive aqui” (the teacher lives here). It was the sweetest, cutest little voice! And it made me smile. Amidst my nervousness, it warmed my heart and made me stand a bit taller. Thank you for her Jesus.

Love,

your little one

P.S. They are so excited about their new “maestra”! May I seek You with that same eager heart.

Here are some photos of my classroom so far...

This little piggy went to the market...and barely made it out

August 27, 2012

I met with Steve in the morning to learn the basics of being on staff with B2B and go over the policy manual.  Afterwards I went with his wife Christy to HEB (the local grocery chain). That was overwhelming to say the least! Since I’ve arrived in Monterrey I have “lost”, actually no “ “, I HAVE LOST my Spanish!! For some reason I am so nervous I can’t understand a word anyone is saying and I’m far too nervous to attempt a response.  I have a shot with kids or teenagers, but they are the only people group so far that I have even been able to muster a word to. Normally I can understand what everyone is saying and am just limited by my vocabulary in my response, but this time it is the opposite.  Dear Jesus, in Your Mighty Name I beg for the complete ability to understand and speak Spanish.  Supernaturally and instantly if you see fit. Please.

Anyway, Christy was so patient with me enduring our 3 hour shopping trip because I could barely read what was what. I spent the rest of the evening cleaning my entire kitchen top to bottom. It is “just so” which is just how I like it. ;)  Tomorrow to set up my classroom…

Amy

I'm really in Monterrey, Mexico...

August 26, 2012

I spent the day trying to convince myself that I was really in Mexico. And fought the reality that I like it here because at the same time I wish my friends and family were here. It is really nice having my own apartment. It could however use the chime of familiar voices and deep laughter...Any takers? :)

See ya soon!

Amy

Content in Jesus

May I always seek greatest satisfaction in being obedient to You.

(This poem/spill of thoughts came to me after writing my journal entry (see below) as I was praying and praising (and crying) enroute to Monterrey, Mexico)

You are my All in all
my strength
my hope
my joy.
Unrelenting is Your love for me,
Keep me abiding.
May I walk in the way of Truth
and never grow weary.
All my days are Yours.
Praise to You for making yourself known in my life.
Oh how my heart would toil and grieve without You.
There is no one like You. None.
Great are Your ways.
Faithful are Your promises.
I delight in You.
Keep me in the clutch of Your wing
near Your heart
That we might beat as one
Lovers of all lovers
be mine.

Moving Day

It has been awhile since I posted so I decided I would just share my journal with you from the past few days, over the next few days. There are run-on sentences and I'm sure other grammatical errors (sorry dad), but it is straight from my journal. This is day 1- "The Move".

August 25, 2012

Dear Papa,

I woke up this morning (or maybe I was never asleep, I’m no longer sure) dreading and fearful of doing this (moving to Mexico) alone.  The consuming thought in my head was “I can’t do this alone.”  And while I quickly called to mind that I am not doing this alone, that You go before me (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 139:5) and I beg you to go with me (If Your Presence does not go with [me], do not [send me to Mexico] -Exodus 33:15), it feels very alone today. It also feels very like going off to college again and while I frequently wish a re-do on those years (with what I know now), I’m not sure I was up for all this!  This is college, but thousands of miles away from my family and loved ones with weekend trips home or darting between friends’ houses unavailable.  It’s a good thing You are who You say You are and that I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength when I am scared, doubting, fearful, alone, and wanting to run out of the airport screaming for my best friend and boyfriend to take me with them. While I begged not to go today and my best friend begged me not to go ever, I will forsake all else to be obedient to Your call.  And I beg You O King Jesus not to leave me.  Keep me with You in obedience daily.

Forsaking all else,

your little one