Valle de Angeles

Valle de Angeles - A little touristy town 23 kilometers out of Tegus.

We visited the little town yesterday. On the way over we passed by rolling hills and mountains of pure pine trees. It was absolutely beautiful. The sun was out and the sky was bright blue. It reminded me of a previous road trip with friends to San Luis Potosi and the surrounding cities - such good memories. I Love being in little towns with tons of local artwork. The central square with all of the cute shops are so welcoming and the people are very genuine. We arrived around 10am but as the day progressed more people came out and the city came alive. We had coffee, papusas and did a little pre-Christmas shopping - a good day I would say. I didn't take very many pictures, but I did enjoy my time there with friends.

 

Singing in the Car

One of the things that I miss most from my life before the big move is singing in the car. I commuted from San Marcos to Austin often, and from one end of the city to the other just to teach. To say the least, there was plenty of down time whether it be in traffic or just distance. So I sang. No one really heard me, they probably saw me and made judgments, but for the most part that was my time. My time to really express my Love to the one who Loves me daily without fail. I miss that.
     It's not that I can't do that here. I sure can. This weekend I had the opportunity to go on a trip (location is still fuzzy to me) and take some time off. To get out of El Hatillo and travel a bit. It all sounded so great to me, but then within the past 24 hours over Thanksgiving, my heart felt heavy. Then today, when I woke up I read this devotional that spoke so true to my heart. This is the beginning,

     One of the blessings of the old-time Sabbath was its calm, its restfulness, its holy peace. There is a strange strength conceived in solitude. Crows go in flocks and wolves in packs, but the lion and the eagle are solitaires.

     Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths.

     The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the tonic of waiting upon God!

So here I am. I decided to stay back from the adventure, and just enjoy being in His presence. I have the entire apartment to myself and I am free to sing. (It's like being in a gigantic immobile car). Yes, there's plenty of work to do and some friends stayed here too, and that's great, but for the most part I am just enjoying the peace. The same devotion from this morning had this poem which is wonderfully written. Enjoy. 

 

     It is well to live in the valley sweet, 

     Where the work of the world is done, 

     Where the reapers sing in the fields of wheat, 

     As they toil till the set of sun. 

     But beyond the meadows, 

     the hills I see Where the noises of traffic cease, 

     And I follow a Voice that calleth to me 

     From the hilltop regions of peace.

 

     Aye, to live is sweet in the valley fair, 

     And to toil till the set of sun; 

     But my spirit yearns for the hilltop's air 

     When the day and its work are done. 

     For a Presence breathes o'er the silent hills, 

     And its sweetness is living yet; 

     The same deep calm all the hillside fills, 

     As breathed over Olivet.

I hope you are encouraged and don't forget to take the time that we all truly need to just bathe in God's presence and peace. And take your time to sing. Worship is the best, no matter what language it may be in, God hears it. I am so looking forward to worship tonight. To be in a community where God is the focus and where we can all life up His name and praise Him through lyrics is the best environment. 

P.S.

This is a link to the devotional's website:  Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional

 

Turning 24 in Honduras

All of the excitement started two weeks prior to the "big" event. Beginning on November 7th, I began to ask the question "There's an important day coming up next week, what is it?" From then on they were drilled. Every time I saw them they knew what was coming - the question. When they responded with, "Thanksgiving?" I would respond with, "Try again. Think really hard." Eventually it would come out and pretty soon it became second nature. It came to the point, as the days approached the 17th, when they began to tell me, "Miss your birthday's coming up!" Everyone was excited! (Or I like to think that they were).
     The night before I of course couldn't sleep. I had just spent almost three hours baking cookies for class and banana bread for fun, and I wasn't the least bit ready to shut my eyes. The only problem was that I was practically alone in the apartment and really wanted someone to talk to. It was like my mind was playing tricks on me again. I began to reminisce - but it wasn't helping the situation any. I thought of where I was for my birthday last year, and who I was with. The people I loved most in Austin were all there, and now they were at least 1200 miles away. Not much for comfortable thoughts on the night before the big day. Thankfully though, Sarah came to my rescue (as she always does). We both hopped onto Skype and spent a good hour or so catching up and telling stories. I of course vented and got her up to date with what was going on over here - an enjoyable twist to the evening that I was dreading. Not only was it a nice long conversation, it got my mind off of thinking of other things and redirected it to the friendships that I do have now and how thankful I am for the people who God has placed in my life this far. I realized that my 24th birthday may not look anything like my 23rd birthday, but it was going to be filed with many new experiences and new company. I was very thankful for the conversation with Sarah. It definitely was a great end to the last day being 23.
     The sun rose and I felt as if I had been asleep for ages. I was well rested and ready to get the party started. No, there weren't streamers hanging from my door frame like my mom use to do when I still lived at home, but there was a whole other country out there and kids who were so excited to greet me awaiting. I got all dressed up (wore an actual dress for the first time since I've been here) and made a delicious breakfast to start the day off on the right foot. One by one, my roommates appeared and wished me a happy birthday, then off I went - cookies in one hand, grades in another, a full backpack, and a smile on my face. I made it to my classroom, then devotions, then headed back to begin the school day. Each class was very special. Some greeted me with big hugs and they all wished me a happy birthday. My 9th grade class had our Wayne Theibaud dessert party (with was perfectly planned). But my 7th graders were extra sweet. They walked in, some handed me a little gift (candy), and they all sat down like little angels. I greeted them and asked them how they were doing, then as soon as I turned around to take attendance they all began to sing to me! It was the sweetest thing ever. They sang the whole song, words that I don't even remember (I guess you could say, the Spanish version of Happy Birthday). After they were finished all I wanted to do was have a big group hug, so I offered. Everyone came in for the biggest group hug that I think I have ever been in. It was such a special moment.
     Once we all got settled in again, we began the lesson and continued on. And yes, we actually got work done!! I was amazed at their behavior and response to such chaos. It was awesome. The day progressed with many more songs, greetings hugs, smiles, candy, sweets in general, and some of the most encouraging cards. I left my classroom with arms full of sweets and encouraging words.
     That night, one of the staff made food for those who wanted (John gave me his second plate that he had ordered, because of course I forgot to order one) and we all gathered together to eat in C3. The food was delicious and the company was wonderful (I even had CCC's worship cd playing in the background). Then it was time to get ready for the final dessert party! I got my boots on and cleaned up a bit, ready to hit La Cumbre to see the most amazing view of the city with some of the coolest people here in Tegus. The ladies arrived all dressed beautifully (by my Facebook request) and we headed out to gather the boys and get down the mountain. To my great surprise, both of the boys got dressed up too!! John came out looking spiffy, with a tie and blazer, and Richard came out with a tie as well!! It was the icing on the cake no doubt. I didn't think it was going to happen, but they sure did surprise me. We all squished into the car (9 total) and headed over the the restaurant. Yes, Lauren called ahead of time to warn them that we were coming.
     We finally get there, they weren't ready for us. We eventually get our table, and they didn't have the deserts that we went there for. Service was bad, but the people who were there were awesome troopers. I think I was probably debby-downer, but the view at La Cumbre was definitely amazing. The perfect spot. Tegucigalpa truly is Cinderella. Well, to end the story of day one being 24 years young, the night came to an end after a couple hours of conversation and good company, I was able to Skype with my family when I got home and I could not have gone to bed feeling more blessed. My students were amazing, my friends made me feel extra special (whether they knew it or not), getting to see my family was great, and the best part was just thanking God for another year and looking forward to the year ahead of me.

P.S.
Yes, this is just the story, but pictures are coming soon. Promise.

It Truly is the Little Things That Count

It really is all about the little things. Like the fact that a tiny yellow rose was staring at me while shopping at the stadium market today. Of course I had to bring it home with me - after all, it is my favorite flower!! (I just hope it survives and begins to bloom more buds). Things like a smile or hug that lasts for more than one second. Or sitting next to a good friend (Lauren) sharing earphones and listening to some awesome worship. Or receiving delicious coffee from a friend (Keri) even though you're trying to quit. (Who am I kidding... quit coffee?) Or a sleepover with some of the coolest people and you don't even need to stay up all night, just being in the room with them is great. That is what life is about... the little things.

"Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me" - Psalm 31: 21

 

Clear Skies, Bright Moon

I took a walk after school today. The perfect time of day, when the sky is changing constantly and the chaos seems to cease. It's within that brief time of day when I can sit in one spot and just admire God's creativity. So I jumped out of the work clothes got into something comfy and headed out the door. I walked over to the playground over by the elementary buildings and just sat on a swing. I stared up at the sky and watched the clouds float by as if they were racing somewhere. I sat there so long that my hips began to go numb, so I relocated to the top of the jungle gym. Again, I stared up at the sky, but by this time the night had taken over and the moon was shining. The moon was so bright that I couldn't even stare at it for more than a few seconds at a time. It illuminated the entire playground - talk about natural lighting! One by one, stars began to peak out of the fading clouds until ultimately there were hundreds of them. All shining down with their unique personalities flickering and waiting for attention.
     I couldn't help but reflect. Reflect on God's grace and His blessings. I went back to November of last year (2010) and replayed the events that lead up to today, November (2011). What a journey! So yes, I talked to the moon - that one's for you Keshia Rae! I am just so overwhelmed with thankfulness for God's faithfulness. I can see where He was calling me, and where I was being stubborn. I can kick myself for not listening to His voice sooner, but am still thankful for the opportunities that He gave me to get back in line with His plans. Crazy things happen when we actually listen and follow through. Crazy things like pure JOY and EXCITEMENT. Things like SECURITY and COMPANIONSHIP. It's amazing and my prayer is that everyone will have the opportunity to reach this point or greater.
     Take a look at me now. I would have never guessed this.

It's November! Finally.

Feels like I've waited 11 months for November to come around again ;). I can't explain what it is, but I just absolutely Love this month and all that it holds. I wouldn't consider it to be bias because it is my birthday month, but there is something about November, fall colors, cooler weather, and warm food that I absolutely adore about this month. Now, as much of a fairy tale as this sounds, the idea of snuggling up by a fireplace, or getting cozy in a room full of people drinking hot chocolate while the wind and clouds hangout outside is such a warming feeling. Not that this happens everyday, but when it does... it's magical. Or at least to me it is. Not to mention, but some of the coolest people I know were born in this month, and hence, this month is full of celebration and thanksgiving. It also brings anticipation for the next month to come... when family gets together and the life of Jesus is celebrated.
     Well, all of this sounds so great, and it's hard for me to not feel excitement when I think about this month and all that it has to hold, but in the season that I am in, there are also feelings contrary to what I am looking forward to.
     Monday, October 31st was the first time since I've been here where all I wanted to do was run, and keep on running. I missed a lot of people and a lot of things that were at one point comfortable to me. And here I was, in a situation that isn't necessarily uncomfortable, but it is so different that it made me really nervous and very anxious. It's like the words had escaped me and all I could do was run. The energy came out of no where and I literally ran four different times, about half an hour each time. When I thought I was done with a run, I would return home, but then feel this anxiety and uneasiness, so I would head out again for another run. It felt great, no doubt. The cool breeze and the swaying the the tall pine trees all around. It was actually a beautiful experience that maybe I never wanted to end. Not to mention the song that I put on repeat... Jars of Clay's "Safe To Land".
     I woke up, November 1, 2011, feeling refreshed, relieved and full of energy. It was a great way to bring in the new month with a new perspective. The things I was constantly reminded of just the day before still snuck into my thoughts throughout the day, but my heart had a greater sense of peace... and I am thankful for that. Now it's only day 3 into November and I feel as though this month is going to already be a huge challenge and growing point this year. I am truly thankful for the people that God has placed here with me. Without their smiles and encouraging words, things could easily be on the other end of the train tracks. But hey, there's still 27 more days in November, and I WILL make the most out of each one of them. I have come a long way and there is much to be celebrated.