Patterns

Pickup game of soccer.

Watching 'Hop' at Carlos and Elizabeth's house.

      It seems I'm developing a routine for blogging on Wednesdays.  I suppose that's fine.  It's the middle of the week, "hump day" as some like to call it because once you get over the Wednesday hump, it's all downhill- easy sailing.  There is something about a good Wednesday that everyone likes.

     Well once again, it seems that I only have a few major things to report on - and when I say major, I mean somewhat eventful.  That's kind of how it is down here... somewhat eventful, never too eventful though! That would just be too much to handle.  I think I'm adjusting to that - at least I'm hoping I am.  I think that the biggest feat is adjusting my attitude to it over anything else!  I feel I'm doing a decent job.  Everyone can always improve though, no matter what your feat is... there is always someone out there who is doing it better than you.  There's a lesson! Don't compare yourself to others!  It's not fair.  And God doesn't do it.  He loves us all completely equally; no matter how much better I get at managing my attitude and finding joy in Him, He won't ever love me any more.  What an amazing thing, really.

     So onto my week... you know... I am really having to think about what I have done this past week.  Memories are so forgetful!

    Thursday we went Siparia, Trinidad for a day of family/church fun and fellowship called FamJam.  It's goal is to get families from churches from all over Trinidad to come.  Sadly, there were only two other churches besides ours to show.  It took me by surprise also to see the lack of families.   For a family day, there was a definite lack of grouped father, mother, and children.  I think I'm seeing a bit of communication errors, or lack of will to have effective communication, as a pattern here.  It's frustrating for not only me, but the locals here too. 

     Anyway, the day consisted of a worship time then competitive games.  The 3 churches competed against each other for points in 5 different events (3 of which I was in!).  I got to participate in a march to kick off the games (we won), a tug-of-war (we won), and a water-balloon toss (the only event we lost).  I passed on the football (soccer) and the cricket games.  It was a really hot day and even just watching them run around made me sweaty.  Then the kids got to take a swim in the pool to cool off.  It was a full day of fun and competition (they are far too competitive for me!).  Yes, I did end up with a sunburn on my face, and all the little Trini kids wondered "why my face was pink like a cherry." 

     Friday, we got to relax and recover from the previous day's activities.  I also got to meet with my girls for our first Bible study!  What was 3 girls turned into 4, and maybe more to come!  It went relatively well.  They all are intrigued by me and have respect for me so behavior problems weren't an issue at all!  What was difficult was that I was really hoping they would have more questions about the passage that we went through together.  It seemed I was doing most of the talking- practically begging them to ask even questions about me and my life.  In the end, a few started to come out of their shell!  All I have to say now is that within a day of that Bible study, they all added me on Facebook and I am so excited to meet with them again!  (P.S. I decided to go through James with them also!)

     Saturday and Sunday were more days for 'relaxation'.  However, Sunday was very enjoyable because we went to visit some family friends in Arima.  They have a little boy, so all the kids played together.  We even got to watch a movie on a projector screen and eat popcorn!  

     On Monday, the church held a "couple's night".  They showed the movie Fireproof and brought in a speaker from the States to talk about healthy marriages.  I was on babysitting duty so I didn't get to sit in on that.  It sounded like it was really successful though.  Something like 25 couples showed up and the speaker, Pas. Tony Hart, had a great message.  He's also doing a 3-day seminar in Calcutta about good marriages.  We went up to that tonight.  I actually really enjoyed it.  He had great things to say, that applied to all relationships, not just marriage.

     So....here are just a few more accounts of my daily life right now.  I hope that I'm not boring you too much, but I'm doing the best with what I'm being given! 

     You can pray once again for my attempts at capturing a positive attitude always.  Also, keep pray for the girls I'm meeting with weekly (Britney, Caitlan, Reann, and Ralista) and also for Trisha.  One more thing,  I'm a bit nervous about some interviewing that I'll be doing shortly.  I have quite a few people on my list that I'm supposed to interview and learn things from.  Just pray that I'll have courage to ask questions that prompt good conversation.  The goal is for me to learn more about missions and discipleship here in Trinidad and things like that.

     Okay, well thanks to those of you who are reading this and extra thanks to those who read and also pray for me.  I covet your prayers!!