Perspective in a new place

So we’ve been here a couple of months and we are feeling pretty settled in. We were doing home church (just the four of us) this week and the we were talking about having real emotions with God, that it was ok to talk to him about hard things too. I told the kids about arriving here and being a bit angry with God about seeing so much poverty and hard things. I told them about telling God the hard things and the things I do not like here and just outright wondering why He lets people live like this, hungry and dirty and hot. He has been so faithful to meet me where I am, to teach me each day and to remind me that we are here in this place for a purpose. Corey continues to amaze me with his willingness to work hard to protect the Embassy, all the while taking care of the guards within his reach. Part of his portfolio here is the local guard force, the men and women who guard the embassy and housing for the Americans. He works with the guards at the house individually, learning about their families, past work and teaching them new skills. He spends time at the school making sure everything is taken care of, showing respect and kindness and grace. He goes above and beyond to help with anything anyone asks him to do and I am thankful for his example.

I am reminded that we cannot help everyone, but we can help someone each day. Feeding someone who is hungry, thanking them for their hard work, looking them in the eye, taking water to thirsty and hot people. We have such opportunity here to be the hands and feet of Jesus and I can say without hesitation that we are blessed more than we could ever be a blessing to the people we meet here. We are amazed at their resilience, their dedication and thankfulness. A simple gesture goes a long way and we are reminded that little things make a big difference to people who have so little.

The kids and I did a lemonade stand at the embassy to raise money for a local orphanage. It was Ella’s idea and I was so excited for the kids to help others in a tangible way while still having fun. We had a great turnout and will do it again for sure! Carter rode a camel at the beach, he was a bit nervous but once he was up there he was so excited.

The kids start school next week. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. We are praying for great friends for them and sweet teachers to lead them. It is silly to worry, but it does feel very different and new and I think I’m the one who is most anxious about school starting (Ella is a close second). The school is small, one building with a little library in the center. They have a small playground with sand and an outdoor area for karate. I hope to have more pictures soon to share. It looks like a great place for the kids to spend fourth and second grade and I am excited to see all the new things they will learn and new perspectives they will have at the end of the year.