Rainy Day

I really look forward to thunderstorms, and hard rains that semi-flood the streets... however an entire weekend that just drizzles and is gray with no sun and no big thunder, isn't quite fun. Also, it's days like these when I wish I had my American bed, with nice white sheets and a down comforter to curl up in. A lazy Sunday afternoon with the Bengals on TV, lunch with my family and carpet under my feet, is what I really wish I could do today. I have found when the weather is ho-hum or when I don't feel well are the times I wish I could instantly teleport myself to Indiana. I am learning each day how to continue to find the joy in the Lord when my circumstances are less than perfect.

Each day I seem to learn a little bit more about myself, and who the Lord has designed me to be. What I really love and the things that I need to let go of and give to him. I just continue to ask him what he wants me to learn during this sweet time in my life. This time where I am single, and trusting him with every step. I know that I will be more complete in the Lord and I desire to learn so much in this time before he brings a love in my life. I'm not going to lie, some days it does get a little lonely and you just wish you had a best friend sitting across the table to talk to and really share your life with. But, I also know that it is such a sweet time to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and not have anyone else to depend on. I know he is continuing to remind me that that is the kind of relationship he desires from me. My friend Kelly last night said, "You know, since there isn't a pool of Christian guys to choose from in Thailand, you know that when we meet someone it is going to be a definite sign of the Lord's provision." And he has provided so much so far, so I dont have any idea why he would stop now.

It has been my first weekend to stay home in two weeks, which was quite nice. I feel like I am finally catching up and slightly on top of my game with lesson planning, because last week I was drowning. It is amazing how well days go when I lay them before the Lord, and ask him to provide -- compared to the days that just fall apart because I tried to do it on my own strength.

One of my new favorite things that I do in my classroom, besides the hugs at the end of the day, is "Lunch with the Teacher" on Fridays. Each Friday I pick a student and treat them to lunch. I order them some food, and then we take our lunches and eat together on the tables under the palm trees. I decided to choose the kids first who usually just get negative attention, so that they could get some positive attention. It is such a treasure to be able to sit with them, and talk with them about their lives. The little guy who I had lunch with on Friday finally got up the courage to have lunch with me. I had picked him 3 weeks ago and he said, "no, no -- I can't do it." And the next couple weeks always said, "Don't pick me, don't pick me." And then this past Friday, I watched him very cautiously raise his hand to be picked, slightly nodding to himself saying I can do this, I can do this. So I picked him, and it was a nice lunch. He as so polite and I realized that he was the first kid that thanked me for buying him lunch. God has given me some beautiful kids to learn to love this year.

Last night, Kelly and I went to her house to stay in during the rainy night and watch movies. We made homemade popcorn, and just relaxed in her big comfy chairs. She is a Moody graduate, and is here as a missionary to college kids through teaching english. The Lord has provided the CUTEST house for her to live in, and it was such a treat to spend time with her. She loves to talk about the Lord, and I feel like I am going to learn alot from her. Jesus also put it on her heart to do a Bible study together, which is such an answer to prayer for me. We are going to do the same Beth Moore study that I am doing on-line with a few people back home. However, Kelly attends Beth Moore's church is Houston and has done all of her other studys WITH Beth. So, it will be fun to do this study with Kelly.

Well, it's about 2:00 here in Thailand, and I have some planning left to do before I go to church at 4:00. I am sad that I am missing Anna's birthday today, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!

Thank you for praying, for loving me and if you have an itch to send something to Thailand I would really like some Tide-to-go pens, Fall scented candles, Splenda and healthy granola bars -- just thought I would throw that in there.