If you are in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and you look up to the surrounding hills you might possibly see a giant Jesus statue and a massive "CocaCola" sign. That's my hill. "El Hatillo" is a 30-40 minute drive up a really steep and narrow hill that involves much honking, swerving, and a crazy panoramic view of the city below.
I will be teaching 5th grade here at a private Christian school called "Academia Los Pinares." I'm live on campus in a very secure, very beautiful little apartment. Everything has been so much better than I imagined from looking at pictures. The grounds are gorgeous and I'm already addicted to my nightly thunder and lightening and occasional downpour. When I stand on my balcony or walk the beautiful paths between buildings I can't believe this is really my home.
Today I got to spend the day in my new classroom. This morning all the furniture was in the middle of the class covered with plastic. Now it is starting to look like my very own. It's so fun to play school teacher. :) I'm actually really looking forward to teaching. I start August 19th.
During my dust-covered huffing today I realized that I have been given more to chew on than my 5th grade curriculum. I think God has handed me another curriculum, in a big fat 6" binder that looks forboding and exciting. The title says, "People-pleasing is Sin." Hmmmm. This looks scary. I have always been a people pleaser to the extreme and I've called this one of my biggest strengths and weaknesses. However, I'm starting to wonder if maybe it's actually just sin. When I stop trying to please people and start seeking God's pleasure I am so much more capable of loving people in a way that is real and joyful and self-less. Because I don't ultimately care if others are pleased. Maybe I won't even make anyone else happy but God's pleasure is awesomely satisfying. I don't know... I'm only on page 3 so we'll see. But if you want to pray for me please pray for that. In all my relationships with students, parents, and coworkers, that I will not fear people and their opinions but I will fear and obey the God who loves me steadfastly. And find all my security in that steadfast love.
Thanks for your prayers and love. I miss some of you and will miss the rest of you if I get a chance.
It took me a minute to figure out if this is where I can respond. You see, despite my deceivingly hispanic looks, I cannot speak a like of Spanish :)
ResponderEliminarI will (with the best of intentions) attempt to read up on your blog faithfully and be praying for you! The Lord is so so so good! He loves you with a jealous, passionate, and steadfast love! That whole "people -pleasing sin" thing - yep, I'm learning the same thing! And I agree...it's a sin...and a hard one to manage for people like us, but the Lord is good and gracious and delights in making His children look more like Himself!
I can't wait to hear about more of your adventures my friend!
With many prayers behind and more to come,
In HIS Grip,
Lauren K
That's really neat Gina. Myself and my Sunday school class will be praying for you. This does mean, although, that we will need updates to know how to pray or what specifically to pray for. I know...it's a lot of pressure, but I think you can handle it. God is good as I'm sure you see everyday. Keep on serving Him. God bless!
ResponderEliminarWow I'm going to have to figure out some spanish in order to find my way around your blog lol!
ResponderEliminarI'm so happy that YOU are happy and comfortable in your new home! I will be praying for you and your relationship with Christ. For I as well am on the same journey. Good luck on your first day of teaching! I know these kids will always remember their 5th grade teacher, their FAVORITE teacher that is =)