Too Soon for Goodbyes...

This morning I had to take one of my girls to the airport. She headed to Russia to join her family. She came to BFA thinking she would have to leave Russia every three months because that is the only visa her family could get. But after she was here for a month they were able to receive a year long visa so she decided to go home. For me it was bitter sweet. She had added such a diminsion to the school and to the dorm. Everyone felt comfortable around her and she just accepted everyone for who they were. There will be a large void for a long while...
This morning was just hard realizing that these goodbyes are going to cut deep. That I may never see these girls again but I must invest in their lives and teach them who the Lord desires them to be. As we all said our tearful goodbyes, looking into Anna's eyes as she walked through security I knew that she meant the world to me, that each relationship that I make here is going to hurt, and every goodbye is going to keep cutting deeper and deeper into my heart. But I wouldn't change it for the world.

Just Can't explain it...

I have been thinking lately about how to explain life here; how to communicate to everyone back at home what my job entails. Mostly, it is just emotionally draining rather than physically. We are in charge of making sure the girls are performing well in school, not staying up too late, understand community living, enforce rules, sustain healthy awareness of how to live...the list could go on and on. Everyday I wake up amazed at where I am and what I am doing. This is just such a different mentality of serving than anything I have ever done. Sometimes I have to check myself and remember my purpose and what the Lord has called me here to do.
On a lighter note...I went to Paris last weekend. I fulfilled my Parisian dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower at night!!! We went all over Paris, including Paris Disney...I needed a little touch of Orange County. The family we stayed with were amazing!! They made us homemade breakfasts and dinners. I love the French baguette...there is no fat in them...I could eat them all day long.
Till we meet again....

Sweetly Surprised

This weekend our Seniors and Juniors are on trips so we have just been able to relax with our underclassmen.  Every week the Lord brings little moments that I am just blessed by.  The other day our one freshman and I made a faceshake...not a handshake but a handshake with our faces.  Even though there are times when I feel like I am not making a difference or having a purpose, the Lord always makes me look at the bigger picture and the needs of the girls around me.  That is something I constantly desire to seek: to be consistently aware of what the needs of the girls around me are and how I can help.  

Last week I went to a castle nearby and this next weekend I am either going to Paris or Venice...what a hard life I have.  It is crazy to think that I am in another country.  The beauty that surrounds me is endless and every day a new pleasant surprise.  

Thanks again for your support....