I’ve made to a hard decision.  Throughout all my scripture reading this morning, it was on the forefront of my mind (Except when I read the verses in Esther.  Oh, please, go read those verses in “Walking in the Word” today.  Drama!! Twists and turns! God’s hand on all!  Awesome!) And now that I just typed in the parentheses the words “God’s hand on all”, I do believe and am confident that His hand is on this decision too.
Back on the August 14^th journaling I asked for a prayer request.  That request was regarding whether to go back to Guatemala this October or not.  On August 13^th’s journaling I wrote about the posture of prayer.  Yesterday I mentioned praying when we read about Esther and a decision she had to make.  Well, through much prayer, and even on my face praying, and I could feel the prayers of others (thank you) I feel God’s answer weighing down on me.
I sent a message to some individuals this morning to inform them of my decision.  It was hard to type, but I felt confident in my result.
I have been blessed to have a job at a school with people whom I love, doing what I love to do, and making a difference in the lives of others.  This is my mission field right now.  Taking time away from the students during the school year is first of all a pain to prepare for (but I could and would do it if I felt led too) and in a way it may seem that I’m being selfish, but my babies (these awesome 6^th grade math students) are my priority during these months.  With assessments a high significance and the speed of how we have to teach in order to teach ALL the criteria needed to succeed on these assessments, being absent for a week would be difficult.
In the August 14^th journaling, I mentioned how for some reason I had not made my $200 deposit.  Throughout my scripture reading this morning, I felt as if God was leading me to donate that money to the malnutrition center.  They had previously opened up a school prior to my arrival last year.  I want a portion of this donation (or all if needed) to go towards school and teacher supplies.  Since I am a teacher, this seemed fitting.  So I shook my head in agreement with God on His plan.  If there are any funds from my small donation still available, I would like for educational toys to be purchased for the younger children.
I want to encourage you to visit http://orphansheart.org/ .  You will discover that the countries they serve are: Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Oh boy, oh boy! Just looking at this site….I’m ready to serve. I so desire to go to any or all of these destinations to be a servant of God.  When God tells me to, I will go.  I will always seek His guidance, because as you can tell by my enthusiasm, I would be gone in a heartbeat if it was only up to me.)  But don’t just visit the site, pray about how God can use you.  Maybe you will take a mission trip yourself or make a contribution.  How exciting, for me, would that be to know that just because I put a little bug in your ear to visit that website, that Orphans’ Heart had an overflow of donations and/or willing volunteers ready to serve.
To Alejandra, Olivia, and Sophia, your smiles and kind hearts bring warmth to my heart knowing that you are there at the center to help love on and care for those precious children of God.  You girls are the best translators!  I will see you again!
To Ron and Cindy, your heart is of a true, godly, and compassionate spirit.  The work you are doing for God is greatly appreciated.  You two are so much fun to be around.  Your knowledge and guidance on these mission trips are rock solid.  One can tell that you love doing what God has called you to do.
To my sweet friends at The Florida Hospital, thank you.  Thank you for taking a stranger amongst you last year and quickly befriending me.  I feel as if I am part of your family.  I treasure the friendships I’ve made and the times spent with each of you.  I pray for you.  As some of you are returning to Guatemala in October, just know that my spirit is with you, I’m praying for you, and will be anxiously reading your blogs.
To my husband, I love you! With tears in my eyes, I am grateful that you allow and encourage me to serve my God.
As you all can tell, my decision is to stay in the states this October, but don’t worry, I will be making a mission trip in the near future (God willing).  Maybe some of your readers will join me.
Blessings to you!