Is it really October?

Hi everyone,

I can't believe it's October already - I honestly don't know where the time has gone! Oct. 10th marks the fact that I've been in Honduras for two months already - it seems like I just came here yesterday...but on other days I feel like I've been here forever. :)

First off, I must share how glad I am that my new "sister" Mercedes is here - I really can't imagine how our routine was before she came. Mercedes is the type of person that exudes energy and just radiates the light of Christ! I love her enthusiasm and her humor as it has been a blast to not only be on staff with her, but to also room with her. She has been one of the biggest blessings to me the past few weeks and has enriched my life with her personality. God definitely knows who to send and at the right time. I was praying for Mercedes even before she came, and man, God blew my prayer request out of the water! She's a keeper and I'm so glad God chose her to come and teach with us.

 

Although teaching has its challenging moments, God continues to supply me with wisdom as I teach. It has been awesome to watch the children grow from the first moment they've entered the classroom until this week. One of my students in particular was really shy in the beginning and had some anger issues...however, through lots of prayer, meetings, and encouragement, this student has blossomed into a more confident young boy and leader...and he's usually one of the first that I rely on to help me.

 

 I had been praying over a period of many weeks for this young boy (I'll call him "J") and one afternoon stands out to me when I think of him. I had been outside watching some students on the playground during a parents meeting and this student, J, was kicking a soccer ball around by himself and instantly I thought of my younger brothers. My little brothers love it when any of us older siblings take time to hang out with them, and this was especially true when they were even smaller. I had been asking God to help me make a connection with J on a one-on-one basis as I wanted him to know that I care about him not only as a student, but more importantly as a person. When I saw J playing around with a soccer ball, I instantly felt like God tugged at my heart and revealed to me that this was one way I could make my first connection with him. I put aside my abilities at soccer and proceeded to ask J if he'd like to play soccer with me. He looked up at me with the widest eyes and asked, "Miss, you play?" We then formed teams with the other boys and girls on the playground, and had a great time. I took a few breaks in between playing and J would sit out with me and ask, "Miss, keep playing - you just need to practicing! Don't stop, Miss...don't stop." It felt like God had cracked down a huge wall and brought us closer together...and after that experience, I noticed J tried harder in class and was more positive with not only me, but also his peers.

This is just one example of the lives being touched at the school...there are many other children that are being transformed through the powerful love of Christ and through the willingness of volunteer teachers like me, who have been changed through that love and want to see it spread to every tribe, tongue, and nation!

This past week was one of the most challenging so far for me personally as I battled some health issues. I felt like I was falling a part at some points this past weekend as first my eyes were infected and then I had some type of stomach virus. At first I thought it was an infection, because my stomach is more on the sensitive side and I always get something when I travel, but then the other teachers started getting similar symptoms, and so we all were down for the count for a few days. Although it was hard for me to stay in bed for three days with so much to do at the school, it was also a blessing in disguise as I felt God just wanted me to rest and be with him. The Lord truly is teaching me to be "content in all circumstances." (Phip. 4:11-13) Praise the Lord for his healing power and for him working through your prayers and the medicine, because I am healed!

On a side note, I just received a sweet package that was brought down by a missions team this week. I can't explain how beautiful it was to receive notes, cards, books, and so on from my family. I love them so much and felt so encouraged by that sweet gesture...God's timing is perfect!

 

Thank you for your prayers, love, and support! I am praying for you too and pray that God will help you to share His love with the people in your life that need to have walls broken down, just like J.

 

Be blessed!

For God's children,

Beka