Thankful!

Ah, Thanksgiving week. One of my favorite times of the year! Although I usually am enjoying the cooler temperatures and spending time with my family, this year I am thankful for the (less) rainy days and my long-distance, supportive, amazing family! I really do have so much to be thankful for!

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach in Costa Rica. I am even more grateful that I got the BEST (really) group of students to teach. It is hard to believe that we are in the "home-stretch" of the school year here in Costa Rica. Exams are next week! The kids are more than ready for their "summer vacation," and the teachers are ready for a break, but I am sad (mostly at how fast the time has gone!) I have decided to start another adventure and not return to Costa Rica next school year - it was a hard decision to come to, but I need to keep pushing myself. (I also know that God's got a few things up His sleeve!) So, in our last weeks together we are making "dream boards" so my kiddos will always be able to look back at what they "wanted" in fourth grade. We are able to do a few extra things in these last weeks...we have a bake sale, pool party, and trip to the amusement park planned! This past Friday, my dear friend and fellow teacher, Mabel & I took our students out on "dates" to dinner and the movies. The kids were soo happy and had a great time. Who doesn't love hanging out with their teacher?! ;) Mabel and I were exhausted after - but those are memories I will cherish forever. And for these memories, I am thankful.

So many memories! I am also thankful for memories that are being made with my friends here - I know that the people I have met here have made this experience what it's been. I also know that I have made lifelong friends. I am excited to see how each of them will continue to grow and move (and give me new places to visit!!) I am thankful for these things. I am thankful for the thrill and love of traveling that I have as I grow up. (Thanks mom and papa!) And I am thankful for the opportunity TO travel!

Although there are so many good things (and I try to focus on these) there have been some harder things. Personal things that I've had to come face-to-face with. My heart still aches for the loss of my aunt. But, I am thankful for the ability to grieve. I am thankful for the grace that our Father offers to us. And for me, grace is not always easy to accept. Because to accept grace and come to be at peace, you have to open your heart to the truth. The truth. Something, in this case, that I don't understand. I have come to know one thing: It is NOT in my hands. It is in His. And I try to let this bring me some sort of peace, but it doesn't always work that way. I am thankful for love. To love. And to be loved. I am thankful for healing time.

I am also thankful for family. I was pretty bummed out a few weekends back when my relatives all visited Texas. But there were so many great things happening that I couldn't be too sad! I am thankful that hard work pays off. And so happy for my aunt and uncle who were able to open a New York style pizza place. From what I hear it's BOMB - the pizza, wings & subs! I am excited to go when I get home - not only for the food and company, but for some good Texas beer!! I am glad my relatives were able to be there. I am also thankful for technology. I got to skype everyone and see some of my relatives that I haven't been able to keep in touch with! I am also thankful that they are all so supportive of me. I am also thankful for my friends - near and far, who are like family to me. The constant joy that you guys bring into my life... I am forever grateful!

These are just a few of the many things I am thankful for. I am most grateful for the opportunities. God is so good to me. And I trust in Him for what's next. And even though it is Thanksgiving time, we should always practice being thankful. Because look around : you too have so much to be thankful for. <3 So wherever you are today, whatever you are doing, STOP! And talk to Him. And then, when your done talking, quiet your thoughts - and listen to His.

I hope wherever you are, you have a great Thanksgiving.

Grace under pressure: that is the definition of guts!

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. A mix of beauty and grace, passion and reality. I am constantly reminded to have faith.

And I am trying. My students fill my heart with a joy that is simple. It is pure and innocent. It is real. We learn. And we laugh. And we love. I have made the joke that I have the "perfect 90s boy band" (and I do!) We grow every day, in a new way. Today I broke the news that I would not be their teacher next year. I tried to show my excitement that the fifth grade teacher is a man and they'll love him. But that brought no comfort. There were tears. And there was anger. "Why?" was asked a lot. We talked, and after I brought up the talent show we will have in a few weeks, the topic was dropped. However, I know it is not settled. But we push on.

We have four more weeks left of school. And then I'll head back to Texas to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends. I want time to hurry up and stand still all at the same time.

My patience is tested. I KNOW that part of Gods plan is having faith in His timing. HOWEVER. This is something that I battle with every day. I like to have a plan. I like to know "what's next." But for now, I do not know. Slowly but surely, I am learning to trust God in a way like never before. I am learning to just allow Him to carry me, to take me where He wants me... NEEDS me. And I know that in His arms I am safe. To follow Him, is worth any cost or sacrifice. And so I will enjoy this last month with my boys.

"She is clothed in strength and dignity. And she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25

And that is that. Life is still simple - exactly how I like it! I hope this blog finds you all well and full. <3

PS!!!!! Everyone should check out the new "Shake the Nation" CD that was just released on iTunes! It is the worship band from the church I attended throughout college! GREAT music and GREAT people!!