Happy Valentine's Day!

Ok, so I know this title is a little confusing but let me explain. God is very much teaching me to be encouraged by Him through my little students. Today was one of those days. As the students were coming into the classroom in the morning, one little girl gave me a white rose. With a huge smile on her face she said "Happy Valentine's Day!". All I could say was "Thank you" and give her a big hug. I didn't have the heart to tell her that she was a few months off. It was PRECIOUS!

Today we also took a class picture with a "Happy New Year" greeting to send to Japan. The kids were great and the picture is SO cute. The kids are also helping me write letters to Japan. It brings such joy for me to watch them write Japanese and be excited about it. I know that people in Japan will love it too.

So, Happy Valentine's Day:-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone. Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful and blessed to have you in my life. I have lots of fun things to come so I am happy. Just a half day of school left tomorrow and then 5 days of vacation! Yahoo! I am heading to the beach to celebrate with my cousin (and her fam), aunt, roommate, and more. I can't wait! And I WON'T be bringing ANY school work either. Christmas is in just a month and then my roommates and I are heading off on an adventure in February. Lots of fun things to come! Happy Thanksgiving!

Tough Times

Well, I have pretty much decided that I am in need of a nice break from school. Sigh. I am just barely hanging on for Thanksgiving break next week, which is coming at a perfect time. Pray for me as I struggle with some things here.

Costa Rica Trip and Fishing

So, I first want to say that all 4 things are working now in our apartment: water, internet, electricity, and phone. Our phone has been out for the past 2 months and the internet for a few weeks. The water sometimes goes off on the weekends but thankfully at this moment everything is working! Yahoo!

I also wanted to let you know that my trip to Costa Rica was AWESOME! It was a much needed vacation and turned into quite the adventure with my roommate. We took the bus from Panama to San Jose which took about 16 hours. We enjoyed staying with friends from my hometown, meeting people, going to church, seeing the Waterfall Gardens, cool weather, shopping in San Jose, and the Cafe Britt Coffee Tour. The only stressful time for us both was trying to get through the border and not knowing a thing about what we were to do. Basicly we just followed people on our bus in the hopes that they knew what to do. Well, God is good and we were safe.

Some of us on staff at the school/church went fishing yesterday on Gatun Lake and also went out into the Panama Canal. As I watched these huge boats, I just kept thinking to myself about how cool it is that I am here. Not many people in their lifetime EVER get a chance to do the things that I am doing. It was a great day complete with fish, seeing beautiful butterflies, and monkeys. Plus I got to hang out with 2 great friends. We had a fish fry last night at the school so more people gathered for that to eat and enjoy each other's company. It was a great day!

Please pray as I continue to get through teaching and that my sister will be able to visit next weekend.