Today was my first day back at the office. It wasn't what I expected. Everyone else is still on vacation. But my boss was there. She greeted me with a big hug and kind words.
We had our Monday devotional with only about a dozen people. It was still great. Afterward I met with my jefa (boss) and she asked if I have much free time. I told her sure! She said that she has some more opportunities she would like me to be involved in this year.
First she said that one of my co-workers has a very heavy caseload and she wants me to take some of the burden. The she explained that she would like me to know every part of our program. We are duplicating it in other cities, so she needs me to know it inside and out. I think that may mean that I will travel to other places to help replicate the program in the future.
Lastly she said that I will be working with another program within the association. They are more on the justice side of things, working to better the education system and fighting corruption in the healthcare system of Honduras. I am not sure what she has in mind for me in those areas, but I am excited! It looks like 2016 may bring even more new experiences and I welcome every one.
Erika has been great about staying in touch with me. She called four times while I was in the US! Then she called several times on New Years Eve, right through midnight. I love the relationship we have built over the past 10 months. There are still things we need to work on, but we are both willing to put in the effort. I appreciate that Erika totally pulls her weight and does her part to keep our relationship going.
When I first started out in this adventure of walking through life with Erika, I feared it could be one sided, or that she would only call when she needs something. The fact that she calls to say hello when I am in the US, and to wish me a happy New Year means more than I can put into words. She is a very special girl.
I could focus on the things I wish she had done differently. I certainly wish she had not gotten pregnant again so soon. (I just learned she is due in February and it's a boy.) Instead of focusing on the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens I will praise God for what IS.
I thank God for showing Erika how to be a good mother to Marjory. I praise Him for bringing her closer to Him through her "in-laws" (that's what many Honduran people call their significant others' parents), and I give thanks for the church she loves, where she feels comfortable and receives a lot of support. Last year when I gave Erika that bible for her birthday I never imagined she would be using it so regularly and so soon. Yay God!
Yesterday at my church we got some news that was hard to hear. The building we rent is being sold. We have to be out by January 27th. We don't know where we are going to go and our finances are scarce. Many, many people within my church are educated but simply can't find jobs. A lot volunteer, like the people I serve with at my "job". So they are busy, but without an income.
At first I was really upset at the thought of changing locations. We have put a lot of work into making this space special. We just got the altar built a couple of months ago. Then I looked around and everyone else was so positive! I reminded myself WE are the church. It doesn't matter where we meet. The important thing is that we meet. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to be my church. As I looked around I realized that every single person in the room is really incredible in their own way. Each of them brings so much to our church body. I know I say this a lot, but I really love the church where God has placed me. It is home to me. Where ever we end up, we will be fine. We are
choosing to see the situation as a new opportunity.
