Friday a few of us spent the night up in the mountains. It was incredibly refreshing to spend time away from the city enjoying God's creation.

 Beautiful View

 Blessed by great friends here in Haiti.

 Breakfast over the fire

I was reminded of my need to rest in who is Jesus and find strength in the God of the universe! 

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7

Welcome to 2nd grade!

                              

                             

successful blogging negligence

I cannot believe that I have been in Haiti for almost a month but have not yet blogged. Here is a quick update to catch you up to speed. 

So far I am loving my 2nd year of teaching. Last year was a hard year when it came to actually teaching... this year has proved to be very different. Teaching, discipline, and lesson planning are actually enjoyable! God has given me a new attitude, strength and joy. YAY!! I know that I have so much to learn, but God has definitely shown his abundant grace already in the classroom.

It is incredible being back with great friends that have become so special in my life. I am continually overwhelmed with God's faithfulness, goodness, and love as he has provided this remarkable community.

God is teaching me about his abundant love. God is teaching me about the importance of prayer and laying my desires at His feet. God has been teaching me about being intentional in relationships with others. God is teaching me to wait patiently while trusting in His sovereignty. God is teaching me about finding purpose and value in my life. God is teaching me to be joyful. Through all of these lessons, God is revealing to me His power and strength.  

I am overwhelmed as I think of our 2nd grade memory verse for this week:

The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? 

Psalm 27:1

I would love for you to join me in praying specifically for these following requests: 

-Staying in Haiti more long term. Specifically that the Lord would give me reasons to stay here. 

-The hearts of my 2nd graders (and former 2nd graders). That they would love Jesus.

-Patience and trusting for the Lord to provide a husband.

-Discipleship with Haitian college students/ involvement in the Haitian Crusade weekly meeting

-Wisdom as I interact with QCS students daily  

2nd year of 2nd grade!

Today was the first day of school. It is so wonderful to have a classroom full of students again! I loved seeing familiar smiles and being bombarded with sweet hugs. It sure is great being back , but I am exhausted :) 

I have tons of thoughts/ ideas that are swarming around in my head already. Maybe tomorrow I will have enough energy to blog about some of them... 

Coffee dates are refreshing to the soul

What am I doing to serve God?

How am I actively furthering the Kingdom?

Why am I more concerned about what others see that what God sees?

What am I elevating about the Lord?

These are some hard questions that I must answer truthfully as I look at my heart and life. 

Summer Vacation in the States

I have been in the States a little over a week. In that time I have visited my grandma in FL, bought a road bike and have become obsessed with riding it, learned how to build scaffolding to help my dad paint the house, and enjoyed many diet dr peppers. 

I was in the middle of the mall (overwhelmed by all the flashy signs, colorful lights, and bright colors) and I thought to myself "It is so much easier to live and love God in Haiti."

Truth is... it is hard to love God regardless of where I am living. Both Haiti and America have their own set of challenges. 

I must choose to allow God to saturate all areas of my life and be enough. Will I trust that God is able? 

Back to the States for the summer

I arrived in Florida this afternoon! I am spending a few days with my Grandma Padera before heading to Hershey. 

It is nice to be in the land of air conditioning, smooth roads, and good food. It was nice for about 30 minutes... dare I say I miss Haiti already? 

Haiti became my home this year. A place where I saw the Lord move in marvelous ways. I place where I experienced love through community. A place where God broke my heart for His kingdom. A place where I experienced growth like never before. A place where I realized all I need is Jesus. 

I have left one home for another. I cling to the Truth that wherever I am God is with me!

 ^"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9