Nine Weeks Today

I haven’t written in a long time. Well, that’s not completely true. I’ve written a couple times, but each time I stop mid-sentence and just stare off into space. Later I try and start over but there’s nothing. Basically, I am at a lack of words or even more accurately, emotion. After our weekend in Santo Domingo it was really tough to readjust to life here. It wasn’t like we had left the culture and then reentered, but it felt like I should be going home after a vacation. Instead I found myself back in the classroom. Last Monday and Tuesday it was all I could do just to keep from crying.

I still can’t decide what exactly it is about home that I miss so much. Of course I miss the people, the food, the schedule, the freedom, and the seasons. But there’s something else missing that I just can’t put my finger on. Anyways, I kept waiting for a day when I could easily write something encouraging and optimistic. And I keep waiting. So here I am, finally writing. Not because much has changed but just because I can’t help but be honest.

Life is hard. There are struggles anywhere you go. You can’t run away from them and you can’t find a place without them. But it is good to know that God is in all of those places as well. Kayla is always telling me that if Jesus could live on earth for 33 years, we can life here for 8 more months. I know it’s true. I am not in pain, I am not in danger. I have a house, some food, and Kayla. What more could a person want right?

But while I am being completely honest, it isn’t all bad either. In the last week I’ve also had some of my highlights. For instance, I had a fourth grader tell me, “The moment I saw you I knew in my heart we would be friends.” I also spent three hours in a library learning Spanish from one of my students. It was really cute. I had an apple for the first time in two months. In fact I even had a bite of apple pie. I also went to the beach with a group of kids my age. It was fun to interact with people older than my elementary school students.

All in all, life goes on. The blisters on my hands from hand washing my laundry fade, the confusion of the language barrier lessens, and the overall pain of missing home dulls. It all helps to remind me that this world is a temporary home. I don’t ever want to become too comfortable here. So for now, I continue through this different routine of life that I have found. It’s different. But I keep reminding myself that different isn’t always bad. But I do miss everyone terribly. I’d love to know how everyone is doing! I hope well. God Bless.

Acts 2:28 – “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”