God's wonders

This past week was a week of hard times. I've really struggled lately with finding where I fit in with this Northamerican group, this culture, and finding my independence and a life! Well, I spent all of Monday afternoon and night in bed crying. I think it just had to happen. However, I share this so that you can continue to pray for me, but that I can reflect on how low I had to get before I could start to come up.
The rest of the week continued with better student relationships including the opportunity just to tell stories to them and share with them. I also found a few friends who did unexpected things that meant the world to me and showed me they cared. Those have helped. God has heard my plees. He's been good.
Another incident this week was a unexpected answer to prayer. A student of mine has been having a really hard time at home lately with his parents possibly seperating and his grandpa died last week who he was really close to. This child happens to be very mature and well aware that he is choosing as a result to act poorly at school. Well, we've talked multiple times. However, the past two weeks he's finally opened up. He told me his grandpa had died and we hugged and cried. This past Friday was hard for him because it was Grandpa's birthday. It was a hard day. His behavior wasn't any better even though I gave him as much grace as I could. After school we needed to go see the vice-principal together to talk about his consequences; however, we ended up sitting on the floor in my classroom talking and crying. My heart breaks for him. He told me he tries to be better but he just doesn't know how. He ends up thinking about home and he gets mad and acts out. After some hard thinking, I decided to change his punishment and asked him how he'd feel about spending a day a week after school with me to talk, as he has no one to process his thoughts with right now. I immediately jumped at that chance. I was so glad. His mom also ok'd it. I really hope it works out. I want to "pass it along". I know I would not be where I am or who I am today if it weren't for God but especially the many people that God has used in my life. Whether it's the kids of divorced parents group that went to when I was young or pastors, or mentors or family, etc. All of you have been a huge part in making me who I am, so as a thank-you and as a way to allow God to redeem the crap from my life, I'm choosing to use it to hopefully bless someone else and share with them. Please pray for this situation as I learn to lead not only this one child but all of them.
Also pray for my student Leonel who has been very sick and has missed nearly 20 days of school so far this year. For those of you teachers, you can begin to understand what that means for me as a teacher, especially this early in the year. It's hard to know what to do. I pray he gets well soon and can return to school soon.

On another note, I've been able to get out this weekend into the culture that I don't get to enjoy enough. I got to eat out, go shopping, enjoy church group and church, watch movies, and just chill. Tonight was extra special because 5 of my girls are in choir and the choir was signing at the mall tonight. They were so precious in their uniforms singing Christmas songs already (would you believe it?!) They lit up when they saw me, and I was all smiles the whole time. So proud! I finally understood why my mom, Grandma, and aunts put up with all of my choir performances my entire life. They probably felt like I did in that moment. Thanks family! Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon.
I must admit that I also did finally cave in....I put up white Christmas lights in my room this weekend. I had accidentally bought and put up flashing ones that almost gave me a seizure because they had five different speeds, but now I bought new ones that don't flash. So soothing! :)
It's also funny to reflect on the fact of what is considered "necessary". I have lived without cable tv, a microwave, clean tap water, a cell phone, radio, and a car for almost 3 months now. I miss them, don't get me wrong, and my "I want" list for while I'm home at Christmas gets longer everyday, but still, maybe these things aren't necessary.
Peace and love to all of you this week.
Although miles away, close in heart.
~Kristi