The Best is Yet to Come

Life has its way of changing. If you were to go back to the beginning of this blog, you would find a different person. I was in college, full of hopes, dreams, and wondering what my life would be like. This isn't to say that I've lost those things. In fact, I still have a lot of hopes, dreams, and wonderings. Sometimes I do like to look back at those things and remember. I miss the people and the places of those times, but I think I also miss who I was at that point in time, that I will never be that exact same version of myself again. I know someday I will look back at the person I am right now, this current moment. I will remember my dreams. I will remember my thoughts. I will remember some of my struggles. Mostly, I will remember the things that bring me joy. I will remember God's faithfulness in this season. While I know as I get older, I miss those points and who I used to be. I am also extremely grateful. Without who I used to be, I would never be who I am. Besides that, there is something beautiful about who we become. We don't have to miss it because even though we might lose some things, we gain many more. I've realized that reflection is an important thing for me as I prepare my heart to leave Honduras, but then another part comes. I have to let go. As CS Lewis said, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

This is no way saying that Honduras wasn't a great chapter of my life. I think this quote is always true. For one, our One True Love will return to this earth and bring us to spend eternity with Him. The best is always ahead. Also, anytime we are following him, it has to be what is better for us. Staying where we are no longer supposed to be, is not doing the best thing. I'm excited to see what God will do in this next chapter. It's hard for me to give up this place, this experience, the people who have touched my life. I know that my adventure is far from over. Moving to the States again is not the end of living my life as a missionary. I likely won't be there forever, and even if I am, there is a purpose in wherever God takes us. I must remind myself that adventure isn't just taking huge leaps of faith, climbing mountains, traveling to unknown places, and being somewhere different. Sometimes the little steps of faith right in front of us are the every day adventure God has. It's His story. I know that the Holy Spirit who dwells in me here is the same one who dwells within me wherever I go. He will not allow me to go back to the person I was. He will not cease to work in me.

Thanks for joining for "Jennifer's thoughts and ponderings on life", and now we will move on to the segment called... "We want to see some pictures!!!"
 I could keep showing you the same pictures of my teaching. But let's face it, that's really not that exciting to look at again and again even though it's a huge part of my life that I enjoy.

These lovely ladies have been a light in my life over the past two years. They bring joy, laughter, and love to my life. It's been hard saying goodbye to friends like these. 

I had the opportunity to go back to the dump. This time we had a worship service, served tamales, and just got to talk and pray with people. I prayed over an infection in this woman's ear. It started to get better there and we are both believing for complete healing! 

I did get to see the beach one last time before leaving. =) What a beautiful place and a constant reminder of God's great love and majesty. 

These two fine ladies blessed me with a visit. We got to explore and I got to show them a bit of my life. 

I am so grateful for friendships that last from childhood and continue on through many miles, and many changes. 

That concludes pictures for this episode of Jennifer's Life. 

In all seriousness, I'm sure you'll get to hear from me again soon as I get back to the States, next week! I need your prayers now, same as ever. 

Please pray for:

- Transitioning home. Especially with culture shock and all of the changes, it is bound to be difficult at times. 

- Pray for energy, strength and wisdom as I prepare for my new classroom. 

- Pray for relationships, knowing how to continue the ones from a distance that should continue and knowing how to reestablish old ones and build new ones.