hello, goodbye march

One of the reasons I am stopping to write this entry is because I keep forgetting I have a blog at all. I guess that means I've been pretty consumed by life here.  My current status is sitting on the couch trying to stay awake at 8:30pm with a developing cold due to weather changes.  But I do feel strangely capable of reflection, so here goes. 

I think another reason why I haven't written much is because this whole experience is feeling less like an exciting trip/adventure and more like everyday life. Of course, I did get to travel to El Salvador for Spring Break, and it was AMAZZZZING.   Plus, with teaching, there are always stories to be told.  My students are still as sweet and funny as ever.  Lately, cards and pictures have been really making my day.  Or when the girls stay in at recess to write me a letter on the Morning Message board.  Yesterday a little boy asked me for some big red paper to make me a card, and he showed up today with an elaborate painted scene of him and I playing outside together.  Those things never get old; they warm my heart, they fuel my purpose, they show me goodness and push me to be better.

Living in Honduras can be difficult after a while, when you see your limitations and start to think fondly about life back in the States - which seems so much easier, safer, more comfortable. Yet ever since I came down here, one of the clear messages I've been learning is about being willing to suffer for Christ.  No, I'm not living in a jungle or facing persecution. But this is a dangerous place, and hearing stories can ignite fear easily. That just makes me long for the States even more.  I guess the best way to explain it is that, when I was home for Christmas, an invisible weight was lifted and I slept in so much peace like I was on a cloud.

The point I'm at right now is knowing I need to finish this year strong.  Summer is a little over two months away, and my thoughts are drifting toward all that holds...especially the birth of my sister's baby. =)  But I need to stay here now, I need to give my all to my kids, my friends, God. I've never been good at finishing strong. I mentally check out because I know it's difficult.  Here's a chance to work on this weakness.  Dear God, keep me here. Keep me still.

A few El Salvador pics:

My first sunset on the Pacific Ocean

Cute little surf town

Crater lake at the top of a volcano

We made the 2 hour hike up!

My first ever surf lessons - yeaaaaaaaah!!!

BEST SMOOTHIES EVER

So, as you can see, life is just a mix of good and hard. No matter where we live, we find beauty and joy because God is there.  And no matter where we live, there are always difficulties to which we can rise or fall.  I'm learning alot; I'm a work in progress.