Its Been A While and A Lot Has Occured.

I apologize to those who were left hanging near the end of my blog. I thought that I should finish the tale of my latest adventure overseas. The last week of school went by all to fast. Some of my students would come up to me and say, "Miss. Rachel, would you wear make-up and nice clothes on Friday? We would like you to look beautiful." Slightly taken back by the comment and realized the good nature in it, I granted their request. I then had other students come up to me saying that Friday was going to be lots of fun! I grew in suspicion that something was going to happen on my last day at the school. And I was right! All morning the kids were nervous. Kinda odd. Then a man with a big white box walked into our classroom and asked for the head teacher. She quickly shooed him away. Then next I had to come down to the office to sign a paper for the embassy?! So I went down and signed it. I went back into the classroom and all my students were standing around and yelled, surprise. They had pop, chips and a cake (which is very expensive) They had tons of presents for me. It was such a delight to share with them. Later my teacher told me that the students raised over 4,000 tk. That's roughly 50 bucks. I was astounded. I got a group photo and lots of hugs and kisses! I was an overwhelming day and I miss them a lot. I often think about them and the school and pray that they have a great coming year that is full of God and His wisdom.
The travel home was most uneventful, except I bought a starbucks coffee and forgot that I had to go through security again... not enjoyable or as pleasant as I had wanted. Oh well. Also, it was quite strange walking through Kuwait airport... it was as if I had only just been their before. Its true, I was but I felt easy, familiar like I had walked that airport a hundred times. Crossing from one world to another is always a strange feeling. The connection to both creates a catechism in the heart and whom you want to be with. Although Im home, I often pray for them and perhaps will return one day (with my husband, so say the women there... they insist. If I dont return with a husband they said they would find me one:) Got to love those ladies always looking out for my best interest lol.
I am glad that I am home. I knew that once I returned from my trip, it would be the last for a while. No sure how long but for now. I knew that going there satisfied my desire to travel and speak to that people group once I arrived and returned. I knew before I went that I would return home and be with my family. As it turns out, my feeling was correct. God has me home to be with my family and especially my dad. Most of you know he battled with kidney cancer 2 years ago. They removed the one kidney and said that they got it all and it should not return. 2 years later he has three nodules on his pancreas. They removed 60% of the pancreas and his spleen. Two days ago, he now has nodules on his thyroid. More than this fight with cancer, my family has been under attack from the enemy. I dont know why (I do cause were Christians and there is sin in the world) but you get my drift. My dad is a wonderful man who has sacrificed his life for his family. Everything he has done for us has been for our benefit. So why him? Why does my dad have to suffer? The answers to these questions, I can not answer. All I know is that we are all here for a purpose and that purpose is to Glorify God in ALL that we do or say. I will choose to praise Him even in the midst of uncertainty. I trust God with my families life and mine. Whatever happens, will happen for a reason. God has given the grace to continue the race even with the hurdles in the way. I will praise God for the days I have with my dad and create lots of memories. I love my dad so much! On another note,I also give him praise because he has given me a job! I am a new teacher now with Stayton Christian School. I am so excited and I thank God for his provision. I will dwell of the good and pray for the difficult circumstances.
Today, the Lord was speaking to me during church. The word soft came into my mind. God I ask that you would keep me soft and pliable. Keep my heart quieted and comforted. I ask that I would not harden my heart and become foolish. Make me a woman after you own heart! Help me to be the soft spirited woman who continues fervently pray when all else seems to fail and there isnt any other way! Help me to speak kindly when frustrated or hurt. Help me to be strong for the ones I care for when they are hurting. Thank you for all that you do for those who love you! May you be glorified in everything. Im trusting you Lord, I know you wont let go. You make a way to mend a hurting heart!

Your princess
Rachel