New Year Reflections

Today was the first teacher training seminar of orientation. Langauge class started up again last week too, and I was surprised to see how much I remembered. Studying language here has felt like traveling very slowly up a steep incline. But coming back from break felt like taking two giant steps forward all at once. I think the homestay was a big help to this; and also just having a bit of a mental break for the rigors of new class material everyday and a chance to practice and review the material that has already been covered.

I'm sad to report that I am still sick, and that my lingering cold has turned into a sinus infection. But I am optimistic that now that I know what I'm dealing with, I can treat it accordingly and be rid of it sooner.

Earlier this week, at our Tuesday morning devotion, we spent time reflecting on the last year- all that had happened, all that God had done, etc. From here, we were encouraged to think of a resolution of sorts. It was all done through personal journaling; and through it I learned a lot. I reflected for the first time on the last year as a whole- and I saw many common threads running through it. I saw many big- life altering prayers answered. I saw many moments of doubt on my part, and patient mercy exercised on God's part. I reflected on so many times that God provided things I needed without my even having to ask for them. I saw times I was up against impossible odds, and God always making a way. What a thing hind-sight is for the faith of the present! My whole being, my whole heart, give thanks to God for His goodness. But I also feel a bit like Israel, having just passed through the Red Sea on dry land, making an idol for myself as I needlessly worry about things. Faith and worry are in opposition to each other. They cannot co-exist in the life of a Christian because faith is trust, and who better to trust with one's life than the one who gave it; the who sacrificed the life of His own Son to restore it; and the one who holds eternity in His hands. So my resolution is to spend more time singing songs of thanksgiving and praise in English, because my heart yearns for it.

I was also blessed to discover that the church at which I did my DCE field work broadcasts their 7:45 AM service through Wheaton Bible Colleges radio station- and that it is also broadcast over the internet. So Sunday nights I can get ready for bed and then join them for worship at 10:45 PM my time. Pretty wild! It had been so long since I'd been able to hear a church service in English. How much I've taken for granted in the past!

Tomorrow I have a sight placement meeting with the program director, and I'll officially receive my placement on the 8th of February. I'm presently feeling a bit anxious, wanting to know, and praying for patience.