If you would have told me years ago that one day I'd be living in the Dominican Republic on my own, preparing to teach English as a second language for the first time ever, and have temporary guardian rights to care for a sweet, little, Haitian baby... I might have raised a brow and laughed in your face.
Isn't that what Sarah did when God told her she'd have a baby in her old age? I've always loved the name Isaac for how it literally means "he laughs."
I sometimes hear the words of David from the YouTube video"David after Dentist" in my head...
"Is this real life?"
Yes. It is. And, I love it.
I'll be the first to admit that having the Suchers leave for two months and handing some important tasks over to me was overwhelming at first, but in my times with the Lord recently, He's given me such a peace in knowing that His grace is sufficient and He will not give me more than I can handle.
However, He gives me just enough to push me to the edge of knowing that I can't do anything without Him.
I dropped the Suchers off at the airport on Thursday and they've been covered head to toe in prayer by brothers and sisters here. I know that the Lord will bless them richly in spirit and in funds to be able to return restored and fueled to carry out His Will!
So, how did my first full 24 hours go with Mariflor? Let's just say I found a deeper respect for single moms everywhere.
She slept through the night, with only a few moments of tears, but awoke the next morning at 7:30am with laughter. Yes, little giggles and callings for me to get up. What a joyful sound to awaken to!
I had forgotten to pack toys, so she took interest in my cupboards and found entertainment in placing colored clothespins in plastic containers. We colored, read stories, and watched Sesame Street before she got tired and took another long nap.
When she woke up, we had lunch and then sat out on my balcony for nearly 30 minutes just taking in all the sights and sounds. The birds tweeting, the crickets chirping, the wind blowing, the sun shining... it was such a beautiful day to enjoy God's creation.
Before we knew it, it was time to transition and she went to her next location for the weekend.
The most precious moments were when she would randomly stop what she was doing to give me a hug and lay her head on my shoulder. I had been asking the Lord to put a peace in Mariflor's heart and allow her to feel comfortable, loved, and safe with everyone who would be watching her... He's definitely heard and answered my prayers!
Now, about that teaching English bit... I still have little idea of how my first lesson will go, but I'm trusting in God that all the pieces will come together. The kids know me as "Laurena" but in order to receive the respect I need, I might start going as "Profe Laurena." I'll be sure to check back in and let you all know how that experience goes...
"A joyful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22), so I'm welcoming laughter in the days ahead. Mariflor is contagious at that!
Isn't that what Sarah did when God told her she'd have a baby in her old age? I've always loved the name Isaac for how it literally means "he laughs."
I sometimes hear the words of David from the YouTube video"David after Dentist" in my head...
"Is this real life?"
Yes. It is. And, I love it.
I'll be the first to admit that having the Suchers leave for two months and handing some important tasks over to me was overwhelming at first, but in my times with the Lord recently, He's given me such a peace in knowing that His grace is sufficient and He will not give me more than I can handle.
However, He gives me just enough to push me to the edge of knowing that I can't do anything without Him.
I dropped the Suchers off at the airport on Thursday and they've been covered head to toe in prayer by brothers and sisters here. I know that the Lord will bless them richly in spirit and in funds to be able to return restored and fueled to carry out His Will!
So, how did my first full 24 hours go with Mariflor? Let's just say I found a deeper respect for single moms everywhere.
She slept through the night, with only a few moments of tears, but awoke the next morning at 7:30am with laughter. Yes, little giggles and callings for me to get up. What a joyful sound to awaken to!
She moves too fast!
Coloring a Birthday Card for Barb
She didn't like the mat being on the floor so she found the drawer of dish rags (she's so smart)
When she woke up, we had lunch and then sat out on my balcony for nearly 30 minutes just taking in all the sights and sounds. The birds tweeting, the crickets chirping, the wind blowing, the sun shining... it was such a beautiful day to enjoy God's creation.
Before we knew it, it was time to transition and she went to her next location for the weekend.
The most precious moments were when she would randomly stop what she was doing to give me a hug and lay her head on my shoulder. I had been asking the Lord to put a peace in Mariflor's heart and allow her to feel comfortable, loved, and safe with everyone who would be watching her... He's definitely heard and answered my prayers!
Now, about that teaching English bit... I still have little idea of how my first lesson will go, but I'm trusting in God that all the pieces will come together. The kids know me as "Laurena" but in order to receive the respect I need, I might start going as "Profe Laurena." I'll be sure to check back in and let you all know how that experience goes...
"A joyful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22), so I'm welcoming laughter in the days ahead. Mariflor is contagious at that!
I pray you will always have joy in your heart, and laughter in your life. I look forward to the next time we can laugh together! Love you, Dad
ReplyDeleteLauren, you are awesome!! What a blessing to Mariflor that someone as sweet and caring as you is in her life to take care of her! And I'm so excited to hear about all the other things you will be involved in while your students are gone! Praying for you :)
ReplyDelete