There and Back Again

Its been less than a week since my time in the states ended and I am starting to adjust to the heat again. It helps that it rained most of the day bringing the temperature down to bearable (I’m only using one fan instead of two).

Having just come back from the states highlights the differences in lifestyles again. Electricity going on and off... no hot water (sometimes no water)... mosquitos, ants and other kinds of bugs, everywhere. Sweating all the time because I walk wherever I need to go and there is no air conditioning for the most part and well, its a tropical climate.

I find that the first week or so can be pretty tough, because I am not only adjusting physically, but mentally as well. I just got back from helping my parents move to Maryland. I was able to see friends, family and meet new people as well. It was a great blessing to be able to spend two weeks with them and my sister as well as getting to talk with my brother and many family members on the phone.

Its nice to see the people who care about you, who keep you in their prayers and who worry about you from time to time. Its a good reminder that you are not out there fighting alone. That even though at times it feels as though you are a world away you are never father than a 6 hour plane ride or a phone call on Skype.

I was encouraged with every interaction that I had either with college students seeking direction in life or with old friends and respected adults giving wisdom and advice to help me along my way. It was also great to see how the Lord is working there in the church and in the lives of all of you. He is awesome and good and He never lets us down. I am so thankful to have a family that loves and supports me and reminds me, as well as my friends, of God's love and goodness.

Please continue to pray for me, for the community here in Bayona, for God's will in all that we do at Mission Emanuel and for the church as it grows and expands. Please also pray for my support raising and for my work in the clinic. Also, for the clinic staff and their families.

Blessings,

Anna