"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. "
Isaiah 40:31
Last week my weariness was threatening to overwhelm me. And, as it usually goes, when I get overwhelmed in one area, it quickly spreads to every area of my life. I have a problem of seeing the whole picture, and becoming threatened by all of the details that I need to do, rather than focusing on one thing at a time.
This is exactly what happened last week. It's only been two weeks since I left the comfort of home, friends and family, but those two weeks seem like an eternity.
My life has changed so much, and there are so many things that I am learning. I am learning how to be a classroom teacher, learning how to teach English and Reading. How to write lesson plans for a subject other than art. I've had to decorate a classroom without "School Spot" around the corner for every teaching need.
I'm learning how to cook without every imaginable ingredient readily available at my fingertips. I'm getting to know the girls I live with, the teachers I work with and the students I teach. In all, I have hundreds of new names to remember... and I'm not talking about names like Sally, Katelyn, or Joe, We're talking about names like Anjolaoluwa Queen Babalola (and yes, that IS one of my student's names, but thankfully she just goes by Anjola).
I am learning how to save documents frequently, because the power goes out at least once a day( and some times multiple times in a day). I've learned how to turn on the water when the pump runs dry (yeah, no fun when you're in the tub covered from head to toe in suds). Before I go to bed, if I haven't taken a shower at night, I'm learning that washing your feet is a must. Dirt and dust is everywhere. The floors have to be cleaned and mopped on a daily basis, and even then, they'll be dirty in no time. It really brings to life the stories of feet washing in the Bible. It's a must!
I've learned to take my malaria pill the second I open my eyes in the morning, otherwise i'll have an upset stomach if I eat too quickly after taking it. I've learned that "tucking in" for the night includes tucking my mosquito net into my mattress, so I won't be bitten throughout the night. I've also become quite proficient at smacking mosquitoes with my bare hands.
I don't know how, but I guess somewhere in all of that learning, I somehow got overwhelmed, homesick and discontent...don't ask me why. Week 1 when I was on my high of being in a new culture and experiencing new things, someone told me that around week 3 I would start to get homesick and wish that I was back home. I guess with the different changes, I just plumb became overwhelmed. So when this weekend came, I put aside my books and just rested.
Our weekend started after school on Friday. The girls and I walked up to the local Lebanese run restaurant "Wimpy's" for dinner.
While we were there, we ran into Heather and Keith, one of the couples that lives behind us and teach at the school, so after dinner we all went for some ice cream! Yes, that's right, they do an icecream parlor in town!
The next morning we went to the "mall" for some groceries, and I saw another white person(other than those affiliated with the school) for the first time since I've been here.
I was able to read (Bri, I'm almost finished "Ender's Game, and need to get the sequel!), relax, and cook(which if you know me, is one of my ways of relaxing.)
And best of all, I was able to worship the Lord, although in a very different church from the one I'm used to. I am so thankful for my housemates and their encouragement. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by other believers, and I've been extremely blessed by the time we take as a house to pray for one another each Sunday night.
From the back of the church.
Well, it is late, and I need to head off to bed soon.
Blessings,
Liz
We are praying for you Liz and miss you greatly . So thankful the Lord is using you mightily...
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