Fany came over while I was in the midst of panicking and didn't seem to understand that I was really stressed out. I was running around like a maniac and she was asking me to look at her grey hairs... That almost pushed me over the edge!
Lesson learned! This week I have set aside specific hours of the day as prep time for my classes in order to avoid another panic attack. The good news is that I was actually OVER prepared last week when I felt unprepared, so that class won't need much prep time this week. It's the conduct disorder class, the club in Nueva Suyapa (where we are celebrating Father's Day!) and the sex abuse class which will need the most time this week.
My car has been in the shop more than it's been with me since the first week in February. It's back in today for an indefinite amount of time because the mechanic has to take it all apart. It's pulling to the right but the alignment is fine and it has brand new tires. He said this could be a tricky one to fix because he has no idea why it's still pulling to the right.
I told him it seems like my car likes him more than it likes me, because it sure does want to spend a lot of time with him. I asked if I should be thinking about getting another car. I am spending a lot of money and we keep discovering more problems. He said now is the time to sell this one, while it still has some value.
Last week when I went to get my car out of the shop my mechanic asked if I had a half hour to spare. I really didn't, but he said he had something he wanted me to look at. We went to an auto lot to look at used cars. There was nothing there that day, but I need to start this process again. Yuck!
Apparently these people have car lots all over Honduras, so they are going to keep an eye out for a car for me. The owner said that he would like to buy my car if I choose to sell it to him. My mechanic says he'll buy it too, depending on the price. I think I can get more money from a North American Missionary. We'll see. At least I have options, which is good.
I have to come up with $2-3000 to invest in the new car. I've been praying about it for a while. Last week I felt really stressed out about it. But this week I have peace. There is no rush and I am in good hands. God blessed me with a great mechanic who knows a lot about cars and has good connections.
It feels like a big step, and a scary one. But necessary. As a single woman in Honduras, I can't have a car that is not reliable. It is just not safe. God has kept me safe so far, but I have to do my part to and not set myself up for problems.
Speaking of seeing God's hand over me, a really cool thing happened at church yesterday. In the morning I meant to put money for the offering into my purse. As I was driving to church I realized I forgot the money. The first week of every month I also donate money to the church on behalf of a friend who supports us from the US. I felt bad for forgetting my tithe, as well as the money on behalf of the other person. My church operates on a tight budget and every penny matters.
After I got to church I decided to go through my bag and see if I had any money tucked away. I was pretty sure I had only 120 Lempiras ($6) because I have purposely been traveling with very little cash as I am entering dangerous neighborhoods so frequently these days. But I figured it wouldn't hurt to check and see.
I looked through each pocket of my backpack, and twice in the hidden zipper because sometimes in the past I have put money there. But there was nothing.
Then I searched my purse. Suddenly I noticed a zipper in my purse. I didn't remember seeing it before and don't remember using it at all. Before I opened the zipper I prayed, "God, I really need this 1,500 Lempiras for my church today." Then I opened the zipper and guess what was inside!?!!! Pennies, one quarter, some nickles from the US, but not one dollar. AND 1,500 Lempiras!!!!! Exactly! I couldn't believe it!
I've been thinking and thinking about how that money got there and I still have no idea. Obviously I used that zipper when I was in the US because of the loose change that was in there. But I don't think I've used it since I got back to Honduras, or I would have taken out the US coins.
Normally, for safety, I travel with 500 Lempiras or less. I can't imagine having put 1,500 Lemps in my bag without consciously thinking about it. It was the strangest thing! There was exactly the amount I needed for the offering, not one Lempira more and not one Lempira less.
It's so cool how God finds little ways to surprise us and to brighten our day. I had a headache yesterday morning and wasn't feeling very good. But after that nice surprise, I couldn't help but be happy. God looks after every detail for us. He will be looking over the details of my car as well. All I have to do is continue to pray for guidance.
My hope is to buy a CRV, or something similar, that's about 5 years newer than the one I own. A 2010 or 2011 would be great. I'd like something with 50-60,000 miles on it. Last year I only put 5,800 miles on my car. This year will be even less. Work is close to home and frequently I ride with security so the miles don't add up as fast.
I will post some cute photos from church yesterday, then it's time to prepare for my classes.
Oh, and if you didn't get my email last week with the newsletter, let me know. I would love to add you to the list!
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| My favorite photo of the day Shoes way too big, and a little beaten up but so white and clean! |
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| The shoes belong to this cute face |
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| Meet Tony. He gives the best hugs! |
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| Hermano Ricardo praying for Pastora Ruth before the message |
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| Praising God |
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| CUTENESS! The big kids recite a verse they learned after church. The little ones want to be like the big girls |
