Have you ever waited to start living?

Have you ever waited to start living? I sure have! I did it here in Costa Rica, in fact. I had a negative thought about everything in my life: the people that were around me, my schooling, my living arrangments, the ministry, everything! I started convincing myself that once I left Costa Rica everything would be better. But that would mean my life would be on hold for at least 2 months! I became selfish, I became secluded, I became lonely. Then there came the day that I couldn't do it any more...my back had gotten bad enough that I couldn't sit through class anymore and I was stuck laying on my bed icing it for a couple of hours. While sitting there I finally talked to Jesus about my "living" situation. I told Him all the things I wasn't happy with and after a long bout of ranting and raving He left me with a peace that with His help I could change things around.

After recieving His grace and love I had more than enough to cover the people around me so my relationships improved--I really loved them finally! I missed being involved with a bible study/community of ladies/iron sharpening iron type of thing so I started my own bible study and invited a few of the ladies from school who have also expressed their pain and lonliness of being at school. Now we all have a community to belong to! I missed the accountablity of having someone to disciple me so I scoped one out and now a lovely lady from Texas is meeting and having coffee with me every week :) I feel more like me now because I am being more like Jesus and less like the selfish brat I was being. Instead of waiting for my life to begin I started living life in these circumstances. That's what it's all about right--not waiting for things to get better but learning how to live through every circumstance.

I am doing really well right now and my back is doing much better! I was able to stand up today after sitting for awhile and for the 1st time in 2 1/2 weeks it didn't hurt and I wasn't huntched over! I walk with little to no pain and can sleep throughtout the night now. Thank you for all of your prayers and to all the people who have expressed concern over the past couple of weeks...your love has meant a lot!

A couple of pictures to enjoy:



This is where I live. This is my part of Costa Rica. Off the picture to the left is my apartment.



This nice little out-house looking like thing is the place where the guards sit as they watch over the neighborhoods. There is one almost on every corner. If they aren't sitting in here then they are maning their post by sitting on a chair :)(Tilt you head to the left, it makes more sense)



This is where the security guard sits outside my apartment and in front of my school. Behind the building is my school, CINCEL. To the left like 100 feet is the gate to my apartment. I wanted to show those who have expressed concern over my safety that I am pretty taken care of here...that doesn't not mean you stop praying though!

Thank you for all of your love and support! May I encourage you if you are waiting for life to "begin" to not wait!! Grab onto Jesus and start living today. It is totally worth it :)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9