Time

So, again, I must apologize for those of you who do check this blog. I have been having a hard time with keeping up with the demands of teaching as well as balancing life. It has been several months since my last post. I am still teaching and happy to have made it to February. I am excited for upcoming trips to New Jersey, England, and Japan (all of this taking place in the next 5 months). Life is good and God continues to amaze me by teaching me more and more about life through this experience. I am blessed with great friends all over the world. So, thanks for those who continue to encourage and love me.

Back to School....

Ok, so I realized that it has been months since my last post. For those wondering, I did make it through the end of the school year, enjoyed a WONDERFUL summer in the USA, and is now preparing for the next school year to begin. God has blessed me in so many ways by bringing such wonderful people into my life here in Panama. It is going to be a GREAT year!

School starts on Thursday and my parents are coming to visit on August 12th. There is so much to look forward to this fall. Here we go!

Hanging on....

Hello everyone. So sorry it has been a while since I updated this. Life here seems to be going by so fast and my days are packed with teaching, playing softball, seeing friends, and trying to enjoy the last few weeks of school. Our last day of school is June 16th and I will be heading to the states June 19th. If I don't update this before then, you know that I am swamped with the end of the year excitement:-)

The swine flu hit Panama a few weeks ago, causing quite a panic for some. Some schools in the area were shut down due to a student having the flu. Many of our parents called constantly to our school very worried about their child. Well, to make a long story short, we are all fine at school and taking it a day at a time! We are washing our hands a lot and cleaning the desks.

I continue to be amazed at the little lessons God is teaching me....about being myself and seeing the ways in which He is blessing me. Wow! I have been enjoying some precious time with families from our school, my roommates, my cousin and family here, and dear friends. I am so blessed~

So, here I go...about to enter the last 3 weeks of the school year. The kids are ready and so am I! Pray for me!

Enjoying the Journey!

So, now that April is almost over, I thought I would send another update about these last few weeks. Here is a quick update:

-had a wonderful vacation in the states for Spring break. Explored Nashville and DC area.
-have been thankful that I have an aid in my class now...she is wonderful!
-My school had the annual Walkathon to raise money for the school. This year, the elementary students were raising money for new playground equipment! Yay! We reached our goal and had a great time enjoying the Walkathon with my students
-I continue to play softball with some men from my church. It is a blast! I am so thankful for this opportunity to play! (by the way, today one guy from the other team wanted my autograph...haha!)
-enjoying precious time with people here...God continues to bless me with these awesome friendships!

This week is a 4-day week and then HAPPY MAY! I am trying to finish off the school year and also enjoy the journey~

APRIL!

Well, it is about time for me to update you all on my life here. I can't believe today is April 1st! Wow! March has been a big blur with a visit from my sister and brother-in-law, helping with the Cinderella performance, teaching, and finishing up the 3rd quarter of school! God continues to bless me with precious moments with my students and adventures here in Panama. I am leaving for the USA on Friday for a much needed week vacation. My roommate and I got an incredibly cheap ticket so I will be exploring Nashville and D.C. area. Yay!

Pray for me as I finish off grades and travel. Pray that it can be a wonderful time away and precious time with friends. Thanks for all your encouragement!

Sleepless in Panama!

Praise God!! I just wanted to fill everyone in on what has happened the last 24 hours here. It has been an intense and emotional experience for everyone involved but we are now praising God for the safe return of my brother-in-law! Here is the story:

My sister and brother-in-law are here visiting for about 10 days. It just so happens that D has a conference here and a chance to do grad. school research within the jungles on Panama. D left to head out to their spot on Thursday morning and camped out that night. All was going fine until about 10:00pm last night (Friday) when worry set in....D had not returned like planned. Several phone calls the the Embassy and helicopter company (a helicopter was supposed to go get them from the jungle) were made. Basicly, they told us that a helicopter went to go get them but never returned that night. They would be sending out search parties in the morning as soon as it was light. Ok but that was 6 hours from then!!!! What were we supposed to do until then. My sister made several hard phone calls to loved ones asking for prayers. Emails were sent out. My aunt, cousin, sister, and I all sat for a while talking until we thought we may finally be able to sleep. My sister slept about 4 hours. Our minds were racing due to the unknown of where they were.

We finally called sometime around 7:45 to see how the search was going and if they found anything. (we were awake before then though). The search was out but no news yet. At this point, we weren't sure how long it was going to take! But, PRAISE GOD around 8:00am we got another phone call saying that they were found and SAFE!!! Wow!~ Tears of joy filled our eyes as we danced around! We waited all day until 5:00pm....phone calls, waiting, napping, movie-watching, talking, walking, and praying filled our day! I am happy to report that D is safely with us now...and you better believe my sister is not letting him out of her sight!!

It has been a huge learning experience for all of us, especially for my sister and D. We are so happy and relieved to have him back safe and sound. Oh, and basicly the helicopter was not able to start in the jungle so there was no way to radio anyone. Thanks everyone for your prayers! We are all doing very well now:-)

25 years ago.....

....I was born! Yes, today is my 25th birthday and I am so happy that I was able to celebrate here in Panama. I went with my roommates to get a manicure/pedicure (where I discovered I had an ingrown toe nail that was causing pain last night), relaxed at my apartment, cleaned, napped, and chatted on the phone with some people. The highlight was definately dinner out with dear friends from school/church! About 30 of us gathered to celebrate 2 birthdays..it was such a blessing to share it with so many great people. I am SO blessed!!!!! Now, I am packing for my cruise to the Bahamas....yahoo! Leaving on Monday!