Time Stands Still...

I really have no idea why, but time goes by so much slower here. I've only been here for three weeks, but it feels like I've been living here for three months! I mean.. I guess that's not a bad thing. Back home I'm always complaining that time goes by so fast that I never have enough time to just enjoy it and soak it all in. Well here.... I have time to do lots of soaking. Its not that I don't have anything to do (alright, sometimes I don't have anything to do) but I have plenty of work with school to keep me busy, but there's just something about it that makes it feel like I have all the time in the world here.

As each day goes on, I become a little more comfortable with my duties as not only a teacher, but a missionary. I realize that it is very easy for someone like me, blonde hair, blue eyes... to stand out in a place where everyone has dark hair and dark eyes. I have to be mindful of how I present myself everywhere, not just at school. Someone told me, "People come to Honduras for two reasons. To either teach or preach." I have a feeling that when most people stare me down in the grocery store they may have an idea that I'm probably a missionary or teacher of some sort... and I'm both! No pressure, right?

I feel extremely blessed to be living here, serving with the wonderful people I work with and having a chance to share the love of Christ with my students, co-workers and Honduran citizens. One thing I  try to do every morning is wake up and say, "Lord, how do you want me to serve today? How can I help someone? What would you have me do?" And by doing that, I become more aware of my purpose here. It's not just to mosey into school or just try to get through everyday struggles... but it's finding joy in those struggles and being aware of where the spirit is leading me.

Everyday I'm faced with two options. Option #1: Wake up, feel sorry for myself, be homesick, have a negative attitude towards work and my students, and wish my life away for the next 10 months.... OR
Option #2: wake up, thank God for another day that He's given me, show the love of God wherever I go, walk in His presence daily, take advantage of every opportunity given to me, serve others, and spend my days giving God the glory and praise for everything He has done/is doing/ and will continue to do in my life. I think we all face temptations like this everyday. To pity ourselves, complain about various situations... not that those aren't a big deal or that we all don't face challenges BUT we have a choice through every struggle that we face. We may not be able to change what is happening to us or what we're going through BUT we have the power to control our attitude towards that situation. We can choose option #1 or option #2 everyday. The choice is our own. I don't know about you.... but I'm picking #2. Option #1 will only leave me feeling more miserable than before. Option #2 allows me to see how much I've been blessed with and what my purpose is. It gives me a reason to wake up every morning. So what option are you going to choose when you face difficulties? Option #1 or Option #2....... the choice is competley up to you. Be blessed my friends.

P.S. To my friends, family, church family: I miss you all so very much! Your prayers are felt with me every day. I love you all so much and I'm so thankful for all of your support. Feel free to message me, email me or call me anytime. God bless you all!

I'm blown away by the beauty of this country. It has some of the most amazing view and sights I've ever seen before. The Lord is so majestic and full of beauty. What a blessing it is to us.