Reality...

Well, it's been a little while since I've posted, but it wasn't until this weekend that reality hit....school starts in less than a month and if you would have told me 2 years ago...

*that within the next 2 years I'd teach in 3 different schools, at 3 different grade levels
and
*that I would visit Haiti and live in the Dominican Republic for 2 months,
I don't think I would believe you:)

These two statements have been life changing for me.  I'm not sure how to word this exactly, but I know God has used my first two years of teaching to draw me closer to Him.  I don't believe I've experienced as much in my life as what I have in the past two years.  I know every child's eyes that I have looked into and every person's path that I have crossed has been a divine appointment from God.  I'm praying that I have planted seeds that will grow. 

Looking into the eyes of Haitian orphans reminds me of how thankful I am to have the family and friends that I have.  I could not ask for better support.

Being in the Dominican for the past 5 weeks, I realize how simple life can be.  I love being with people, so this feels like home.  Yesterday, I sat at a friend's house while Jeff played dominoes and watched children run up and down the streets for hours...not a parent insight, yet none of them got hit by a car or kidnapped.  These people are so trusting and relational and everyone looks out for each other.

Take a glimpse of what I'm seeing...

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." -James 1:27

Step out of your comfort zone and help someone in need, not because it makes you look good, but because that is what we are called to do.