A new day, A new start

I should not blog when I am sleep-deprived and frustrated. I apologize for the negativity in yesterday's blog. I went to bed very bothered and anxious about life here. John went to sleep WAY before me so he did not know my internal struggles. This morning when I woke up at 7:30 a.m. to find him taking care of the kids and breakfast to let me sleep, the Holy Spirit had spoken to him about me during his quiet time. John had prayed and prayed for me before I even arose. This morning, when I shared the struggles I am having, he said, "I know, I already prayed for you about "that" this morning." WOW! He is such a good sensor. I was just praising the Lord because I knew the spirit had spoken to John to give him discernment for me.

We decided not to do home school for a few days because it is just too much on top of what (I) we are trying to process and adjust to. I just felt a sensory overload. I feel like we just need to get our bearings down and establish some sort of normalcy and really get to know the culture a little bit first.

Nonetheless, I took 3 children with me to a local store today to pick up a few little things for the house (think Wal-mart). I just decided to talk to the taxi driver no matter what. We had a GREAT conversation and at the end he said it was "a pleasure." Really? How cool! And on the way home I had the nicest driver that I could understand ALMOST completely. He was super friendly. In fact, he even gave me his phone number if I "need" anything. Okay, so he probably was making a pass at me, but honestly, whatever! I had just prayed and prayed that God would give me positive experiences today. In the store when I couldn't find something (2 times) I decided to not be afraid and just asked. No one laughed at me as I asked my questions and both ladies helped me find what I needed.

I am finding that this culture is extremely different than in Costa Rica and you have to be very frank and direct. I don't like this AT ALL, although it is in my personality to do so. So I am trying to find a balance between giving and receiving directness and moving away from the ever-friendly, non-confrontational culture that I became so accustomed to in Costa Rica, while trying to find a Christ-like balance. Make sense?

Anyway, Praise God for John's prayers for me and his sensing what I need (like extra sleep). Tonight I am taking God's girl on a date to the cutest little place. I can't wait to take pictures to show you.

Also, we found out about a church that is 10 blocks from here (Missionary Alliance Church) that we are going to try out this Sunday. And someone told me she knows the Sunday School director if I would like to call her because I have an interest in teaching Sunday School to little children. Hey, I need to start somewhere.

Thanks for hanging with me on the good and bad days. God is always working in my mind and heart. Sometimes it is painful, but sometimes it incredibly beautiful. Just depends on the day! :)