Welcome to the Rodeo

Wow. Wow. Wow. NEVER A DULL MOMENT. I’m in a place where I literally think every piece of me is being refined by the Almighty. What a treasure it is to be in the discipline of the Father and how true it is that we need him in all things.  

Ashton and I have been out of our home-stay for almost a week now. Life is changing so much. I feel like we are constantly transitioning modes from fast to faster. At the moment we are in the process of moving into a new house with another roommate. Her name is Rachel. She is phenomenal. She has already been in country little shy of a year. I believe all three of our personalities complement one another. I believe the Father knew exactly what He was doing and continues to do with our new living arrangements. 

Though living on our own is going to be wonderful blended with a new taste of freedom and seasoned with adventures…… it also means we have a completely new set of lessons to learn, meaning “it’s time to grab that rascally bull by his horns!” Example(s): #1 Learn what and where to buy groceries. #2 Learn how to cook food in foreign kitchen. #3 Learn how to cook food in foreign kitchen when guest are present in home. #4 Learn how to do decrease the number of mosquitoes inside your house! #5 Learn how to balance social life, with responsibility, and well needed sleep time. The list goes on and on and on…. Before in our home-stay, Ashton and I were truly blessed with a very giving, and providing family. They took us shopping, an occasional meal in town, a trip to the mountain, Sunday morning to an extravagant wedding and of course the always enjoyable Magnum Ice Cream Bar run! Really they spoiled us. My proof is in the additional weight gained :) They feed us very well, never did I go to bed hungry :)

Our home-stay Mom and Dad where extremely generous and took great care of us, especially when we were sick. They became family more and more each day, just like I see Ashton and I become more and more like family with our supervisors, Rachel and the local friends we have been blessed with. The adventures and memories we had with our home-stay will always stay in my memory. But I look forward to the new memories Ashton and I will make while being in yet another new environment.

I’m thankful that when we left the home-stay it wasn’t good bye, but a simple see you around :) Ashton, Rachel and I live right down the road from our home-stay! This means definite visits! I’m thankful we get to build on to those relationships. 

Wherever you go, whatever you do, or whatever changes and shifts in your life, there is beauty in all seasons. 

Life is crazy here in country. I’m serious. I’ve never been so “up in the air” with plans, timing, or goals. Nothing here is convenient or holds consistency……. This can be super frustrating at times. Transportation is hectic and even when you walk down a street or shop in a local market people stare at you as if you were an interesting zoo animal. BUT I am glad to say Ashton and I are still being strengthened by the Father even in all the frustrating, and culture shocking moments. He uses all things for the good of those who love Him according to His will!

The Harvest is plentiful here, but how true it is of the few workers. We are constantly reminded of the dark world we live in. BUT there is hope! Hope in the ONE who can truly save! He never leaves nor forsakes us. We are not alone. He give us the words, strength and discernment needed. Let us continue to make our lives more of Him and less of self! Let us continue to be Kingdom focused!