A-snorkelin' we went

Little Victories

As this week began, I didn't think anything good could come of it. I was weary from Monday on and honestly, it was the hardest week in Okinawa so far. I threw tantrums before the Lord, prayed hard, gave myself pep-talks, and dragged myself to work every morning. Throughout the days I would dream about my next career, and then get defeated when the phrase "two-year contract" popped into my mind. It definitely didn't seem like any victory could come from the week.

Well, it's finally Friday. I made it through week 5 despite it's hardships. Here I sit with an empty classroom, windows open allowing me to feel the welcomed breeze outside, and a lot of thoughts going through my head. I realize there have been many little victories through this rough week. To name a few:

* My kids received their Bibles and have eagerly poured over them. When they are finished with classwork I hear, "Can I read my Bible?" When they leave the classroom for the day, "Can I take my Bible home to read it?" When it's time for "sword drill" games, "YES! We get to read our Bibles." This in itself is a victory! So many people don't have a copy of the Bible, yet my little 2nd graders do and they sure love to read it.

* When I asked my kids if anyone read their Bible's the night before, many hands shot up. I then asked if anyone wanted to share what they learned. One little hand went up and he directed the class to John 8:12 where Jesus talks about Himself as the light of the world and imparting the light of life. I just sat there listening to what God had taught him, slightly stunned that anything good could come out of my classroom.

* Though the last few days have been the hottest and most humid days I have EVER experienced, today there is relief in the air. A cool breeze and much lower temperatures.

* My kids working diligently on their writing and giving each other helpful suggestions to improve in it. I didn't think we would ever get to that point.

* Words written thousands of years ago that are still alive piercing my heart today! The Lord's voice has been so clear, reminding me of His love, encouraging me to keep walking, and assuring me that He has sent me to proclaim His word.

* Longing for community and then having my neighbors invite me for dinner!

* Realizing that the hardships have actually been God answering my prayers for refinement and reliance on Him! How can I learn to rely on Him if I'm not trained to do so?

I'm sure I could go on, but I will end. What a mighty God we serve. Thank you, Lord, for the perspective change!

Time Flies By

What do the titles "The Fast and the Furious", "Speed", "A Walk to Remember", and "Live Free or Die Hard" have in common? They all describe the last few weeks here in Okinawa. There have been moments of great memory-making! Moments where it seemed as though I would either make it through the day, or die trying. And all of the above have whirled by quickly and furiously! So many lesson learned, adventures had, and struggles surrendered the last few weeks! God is answering my prayer for refinement, just in different ways than expected.

I shared with my administrator last week that I'm not sure if what I'm teaching is for the purpose of teaching me, or teaching my kids. For example, we were reading passages about Moses and how he showed courage to go to Pharaoh and plead on behalf of the Israelites. As I was telling them how God wants to give us courage and all courage comes from Him, I couldn't ignore the quiet voice speaking to my own heart. I was able to share that I too have a lot of fears and being their teacher is at the top of the list! They were amazed that their teacher was scared sometimes too!!!! It was a very good discussion in class.

Living by the ocean continues to amaze me every day. It's been 2 months in Okinawa now and I still look out the window and think, "wow...God painted a completely different picture than yesterday". It was also a useful teaching tool this week as we used it as a word choice object to describe. The kids came up with some pretty good words that describe the ocean.

God continues to show me Himself through His words and through the tough times at school. I can say that lesson planning is getting easier and I'm finding myself getting more into a routine, but it still feels quite rocky...like at any minute it could all come tumbling down. I suppose it is like the saints before. They could be doing what God called them to do and see great miracles one day and then everything dissipates in a moment of faithlessness and fear the next. I look at them and get excited...they made it so there is hope for me!

Once again, thank you for your prayers! I continue to be blessed and encouraged by them!

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