Handfuls of Flowers
I have been thinking about my kids in Yap today. In a week, they will be starting 6th grade, and they will have a new teacher--another Ms. Andrea! Literally! I've been praying nearly all year for their teacher this year, and at times it was a bit discouraging, because it was pretty much the last position in Yap to be filled. (I know these things because of my job. :) I am excited that God has answered my prayers with someone who seems like she is up for the challenge, and who I can already tell is looking to God for her wisdom and strength as she gives this year in service. (Plus she has a great name).
Every day it seems there are hundreds of little reminders of my experience in Yap. After awhile, I stop telling people, because I know it's not as special to others as it is to me. And that's ok. I also admit to feeling a little, I don't know, embarrassed? Embarrassed that I still think of my time there quite a bit, and still miss certain things and people. Even though I know I am where God wants me right now, and I really enjoy what I am doing, I would be lying if I said I had "moved on." Sometimes I think I probably should, and I guess in some ways I am. They say it takes time. I guess it's the longest amount of time I've been away from the island since 2010, so I know the time will come eventually when it will fade a bit more, and my kids will be older and may not remember me so well, and life will "move on" quite naturally. That's the gentle blessing of time, I suppose, even though it's not something I look forward to.
For now, I am thankful that God lets me have my little reminders: summer clouds and sunsets that remind me of island clouds and sunsets; a hard rainstorm; a kid's voice that sounds like one of my student's; praise songs that transport me to another place when I sing them...things like that. And tonight, handfuls of flowers from two little girls (whose parents are my landlords). Kids are always the best at making you remember your blessings--past and present.
To the next Ms. Andrea: you are in my prayers, along with your very special class! I know you will be a blessing to each other.
Every day it seems there are hundreds of little reminders of my experience in Yap. After awhile, I stop telling people, because I know it's not as special to others as it is to me. And that's ok. I also admit to feeling a little, I don't know, embarrassed? Embarrassed that I still think of my time there quite a bit, and still miss certain things and people. Even though I know I am where God wants me right now, and I really enjoy what I am doing, I would be lying if I said I had "moved on." Sometimes I think I probably should, and I guess in some ways I am. They say it takes time. I guess it's the longest amount of time I've been away from the island since 2010, so I know the time will come eventually when it will fade a bit more, and my kids will be older and may not remember me so well, and life will "move on" quite naturally. That's the gentle blessing of time, I suppose, even though it's not something I look forward to.
For now, I am thankful that God lets me have my little reminders: summer clouds and sunsets that remind me of island clouds and sunsets; a hard rainstorm; a kid's voice that sounds like one of my student's; praise songs that transport me to another place when I sing them...things like that. And tonight, handfuls of flowers from two little girls (whose parents are my landlords). Kids are always the best at making you remember your blessings--past and present.
To the next Ms. Andrea: you are in my prayers, along with your very special class! I know you will be a blessing to each other.
Thank you so much! This means so much you have no idea. Your prayers are encouraging. And because you came into contact with me, I feel like this all has been an answer to prayer. Your kindness has already blessed me and I can not thank you enough! I will be updating my blog so hopefully you can feel a little closer to Yap! I am already falling in love with this place.
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE been an answer to prayer! Thank you for being willing to serve where God sends you. I know you will not regret it, and those kids and that little island will find a special place in your heart. Thanks for letting me follow along--I will enjoy reading your blog.:)
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