A week of blessings

Friday June 1, 2007
Some weeks are just like that...when I feel like God is as close as the skin on my body...and He just seems to like to lavish gifts on me- the way kids like to dream about Christmas. It's been that kind of week. I have no doubt, (and never have), that many prayers have been going forth on my behalf.

Yesterday (Thursday) when the coordinator came over around 9:40am to tell me that I will not have to switch to afternoon classes for the next 2 weeks, I was beyond thrilled. I pop out of my seat, hugged my short friend, spun her around, and gave out a somewhat quiet "Yeee Haaa!" (as to not disturb my packed like sardines classmates). As you may remember, the school did not have room or a teacher for me in the morning schedule (8a-1p), only the evening schedule (2p-6p). This was quite discouraging to me since I've worked so hard to get into a study routine again. I had really been praying for a morning spot to open...and I know many of you have been joining me in this effort. My mom, among many, has been emailing me of her daily prayers on my behalf. I don't know how people w/o a group of prayer warriors at home survive. I consider myself very blessed.

As I mentioned in the email, two folks have been able to donate a combined amount of 26,000 frequent flyer miles on Delta. I only need 35,000 for a flight. This was quite a blessing. The 1st friend gave me 15,000 miles early in the week. The May 31st deadline for waiving the $25 transaction fee was looming quickly ahead, when with only 10 min to spare, the 2nd friend popped up on my computer. She gave me an add'l 10,000 miles, (to total 26,000 combined). She'd been out of town on vacation, and having just sat down to read her email, rushed to send the email to me. Gosh I love it when God stuff like that happens!

Last Sat as I was rummaging for something in my suitcase, my hand ran across a card addressed to me. It was from my mentor at my home church. It had apparently gotten separated from the other cards that people had give me as a send off. The timing could not have been better. I was reminded that few people in the world get to chase after their dreams. God used this card to further confirm the idea that my complaining had gotten out of control, and to encourage me to look for the good around me. Yep, I'm getting to study a language I've wanted to learn for many years, from an outstanding teacher that I'm convinced is hand-picked by God, in a gorgeous country that's not hot, in order to chase after my God-given dreams.

By the way, I'm loving school right now. Yes, you heard me correctly...no need to change your hearing aid batteries :) I've got a young, energetic, Christian teacher that connects perfectly with me. The language still makes me nuts, and the concrete wall next to my desk shows evidence of where I've banged my empty head against the wall, but I'm absolutely loving this time of learning. And I'm glad to announce that I will be able to continue with this teacher, at least as long as I have morning classes. God is so good! I know that many of you having been praying specifically re: my classes and my learning. I just want you to know that you're really making a difference as you knock on His door on my behalf. Oh, it's time for your Spanish fun fact for this week....a fish before it's dead is a pes and a fish after it's dead is a pescado! I also found out that a chicken has one name while it's alive (gallina for hen and gallo for rooter), and then called pollo after it's dead. I'm telling you this language is totally loony!

Can you handle hearing more blessings from the Lord? Well more I have! I found a McDonald's relatively close by...well, in walking distance like everything else. Either the burger was really was good, or I was really just that hungry. And I found a restaurant run by an American called "Gringos (a slang term for Americans)" that serves lunch everyday for 18Q (about $2.50!). I found it last Sunday after church (Oh,by the way...I love my church too!) when a group went to this restaurant. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven...grilled chicken, MASHED POTATOES!, mixed vegies, tortillas (flat bread), drink, and a sweet muffin as desert! All of this for 18Q ($2.50)! What a blessing...another one I should say! Oh...I found treasures in the local grocery store....Drano (that didn't work) and microwave popcorn! LIFE IS GOOD!

I got a tip to check out a really close by laundry place that is also an internet cafe...which is a common combo here. I really don't mind doing most of my laundry by hand, but I've found that recently my towel (that doesn't get but so wet), doesn't dry entirely from one morning to the next while handing on a hook in my room. So, I was thrilled to find this cheap laundry place. It only cost 4Q/lb of laundry (55 cents/pound) to have it washed, dried, and folded. Another blessing!

Lois Ferguson, a 90 yr old strong Christian lady that lived close by has been a prayer warrior for me and numerous others for many years. A prayer warrior unlike any I've ever met. I found out this past week that she went to be with the Lord on May 13th. She has been telling the Lord that she's ready for a long time now....so it is a blessing that she can go be with her dearly loved husband, sisters, and friends. However, I will miss her. I've called her in tough spots many times...knowing that she would go straight into the thrown room of the Lord on my behalf. I thank the Lord for her and consider it a blessing that she's now with Him. Seems to me that He's been collecting several good folks lately.

Speaking of good folks, I'm gonna leave you good folks alone for a little while. Thanks again for all you do to support me.