Pray...PLEASE.

Last week started out as a great week as I told you in my last post. The end of the week, however, was far from great. Just as I thought I was finally getting through to the kids, like they were finally starting to trust and respect me, they changed my mind completely. Thursday was a really rough day, and Friday was quite possibly the hardest day I have ever had with them. When I started this program, I knew it was going to be hard and that it would be a long process earning their trust and respect. Through all of it, God has supplied me with an immense amount of patience to deal with the disrespect, the rude comments, the fighting, the jealousy, the lack of attention. But Friday, that patience ran out and I snapped. All I wanted to do when the kids left was cry. I spent time sitting outside talking to God. Trying to figure out why...Why don't they listen? Why do they complain every time we do something they don't like, even though it's better than not doing anything at all? Why do they have such attitudes? Why can I not get a simple thank you every now and then? What more can I do for them? I asked for more patience. I asked that even though they make me angry, that He would help me stay calm and show them that I love them no matter what. I know God has a purpose for all of this and that I am working with them for a reason, and I get mad at myself when I get so irritated because I know they need love and support. How are they supposed to see my love for them through the anger I end up showing? 1 John 3:18 always rings in my head..."Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." This reminds me that I can't just tell them I love them, I have to show it too. I have to calm down and stay patient through even the toughest situations. So I am asking that you please take a moment and pray for me now. Pray that God will continue to give me patience with these kids. Pray that the kids will respect me and see how much I love them. Pray that if they come back, we can start fresh and simply enjoy each others' presence. Thank you for your support. May God bless all of you.

God's Work

Well hello all. It has been FOREVER since I last blogged...I think about 3 months and let me tell you, things have really changed here since then. The last time I blogged I talked about my kids at work and how hard they could be to work with...most of the time. Well, I have good news! It's gotten better! Don't get me wrong, we still have our bad days, but the kids are starting to trust me and respect me more. I made the Sala de Tarea more structured hoping that would help the kids know what to expect so they might start respecting me and each other more, and to just enjoy their time there more. It worked! We do a craft Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, a cooking project Thursday, and a movie day Friday. We aslo have a Bible time everyday which they are becoming more serious about and always want to be the ones to read the Bible verse or pray at the end of the time. Today I was helping one boy with his homework and suddenly he got all excited because he remembered his mom had said I could go to his house one day and eat with them. He said we could have whatever I wanted. Pizza maybe...whatever I would like. This may seem like something simple to be excited about, but this is a huge deal. God has been working a lot in me and in these kids the past few months and it is amazing what He can do. Another little girl that usually gets quite an attitude if she gets in trouble was great today. I sat her down for something and just explained to her why she was in trouble and that I have rules because I care about them and don't want them to get hurt. In the end I told her I loved her and instead of pushing me away like she usually tries to do, she wrapped her arms around me and told me she loved me too. I feel like I could go on forever about the little things that have gotten better just within the past month...all the things God has shown me, but I am simply going to leave you with some pictures of the fun we have at work and the reminder to never forget how amazing our God is. Though there were times I didn't understand what He was doing with these kids in my life (I was constantly frustrated), I trusted He knew, and over time, He has continually shown me that.

Unforgettable Experiences

I know this is rather late, and there has been a lot going on over the past month. So, instead of writing all the details, I am going to post some pictures to share my amazing experiences with you. We left Christmas day for Playa Rincon in Samana.

I got to see my family during my layover in New York on my way to South Africa. We only had 2 hours together, but it was an amazing 2 hours. We celebrated our own little Christmas at their hotel.

Best friends reunited!! And the unforgettable experiences begin here.

This is the sunset in Capetown the first night I was there. We stayed at one of the YFC volunteer houses that was right on the beach.

We went to Mossel Bay one night to visit one of Ariana's friends. Some super cool pictures came out of that night!

We got dressed up for a girl's night out to an Italian restaurant called Pomodoro.

Read this closely. We went bungee jumping off the highest bridge in the world! INCREDIBLE!!

Ready to go!

This is right before my jump. I was excited!

That's me! It was the most incredible experience!

We went to the Reb Berry Farm one afternoon and picked strawberries.

A day at the ostrich farm.

I actually got to ride an ostrich! What fun! I tried it earlier that week and I must say, it was quite delicious.

We took a hike one afternoon. George (the town Ariana lives in) is completely surrounded by mountains, with the beach only 15 minutes away. It was SO beautiful there.

Now I'm back to work in the D.R. and loving it more than ever. I hope you are all doing well and that you enjoyed these pictures from my trip.