For the last two weeks I've been trying to write something... every time I sat down nothing happened. Earlier this week I realized I was just tired and "out of words!" I have only written in my journal about 3 times in the last few weeks -- normally I write almost everyday. But, on Wednesday I sat down, stared at my computer screen for a while, then finally decided to try my journal. Finally the Lord gave me some words to write. These are the things I am thankful for this week:
Last weekend was our middle and high school fall retreat; I am so thankful for the blessing of worship. God reminded me that it is our duty and our choice to give him glory, but in doing that we are richly blessed.
I am thankful that God is in control of situations that are outside of our own control. Every week I hear many prayer requests that the kids bring up of family or friends in America. God knows.
I am thankful that God has my own family in his hands and he has good plans for each member.
God always provides. I am astounded and so thankful for the amazing generosity of my friends and family back home. My support has been coming in steadily. I always am realizing, Why do I ever worry about anything? "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:31-34
Some of my students have made comments recently about their Bible reading assignments. A few of them are really excited because as they read the gospels they are making connections between them and starting to see certain things that God is highlighting for them again and again! I am thankful for the hunger for knowing and understanding the Word that God is giving these students!
I am thankful for the creativity that God continues to give me as I try to plan my classes. Thankfully, I can still trust that God is a part of the planning process even when I'm tired!
I am thankful for all of the new friends that I'm making here, especially my coworkers at KCA. Some of which are Masha, Amy, Jessica, Barb, Nadia...
I am thankful that God is also in control of my own health issues. He has helped me find most of my prescriptions that are quite affordable and accessible here. Also, I was able to visit a doctor at the American Medical Clinic to help me find some of the not so accessible meds.
He never fails. He is with us wherever we are... He loves us and knows us better than anyone else in the world. We will never understand. Yay! I am thankful for his TRUTH that he is communicating to us all the time!
{I'll add some pictures here since they are, well... worth a thousand words!}
My first train ride... to a conference in the Carpathian Mountains. This is one of my 10th grade students Alison.
On this trip we took an hour-long ski lift up a mountain (and later, back down).
This is a student from my 7th grade class, Natalie.
A view from the top.
At fall retreat... This is one exhausted 6th grader - Chae Hee.
One of the games I led was a 13-leg race. Yes, I got to tie them up!
Student-led worship! It was awesome.
Also, about a month ago, the art teacher at the school took me art supply shopping! This is my first painting in Kiev!
