Reflections

I am reminded how wonderful it is to be able to communicate via the Internet and keep in contact with so many people.

Well, February makes eight months that I have lived in Puerto Rico. It has been a challenging, exciting, difficult, joyful, molding experience. I thank God for the ability to use my Spanish, to learn a little more what it means to trust Him and for so many every day things that He has provided. By the way, one of my most recent answered prayers was the purchase of a used car--a 2004 Hyundai Brio. I am thankful for a reliable vehicle and for the freedom that comes with owning a car.

My job has also been an amazing provision during a time of economic hardship in many places. Not only do I have a job, but God has given me caring, fun coworkers--people who took me to work for 3 months before I found a car!! I pray that I could be a good representation of Jesus Christ there. Since the assault in August, everyone knows that I am a Christian, which holds me to a high standard each day as I go into work. Pray that I might have opportunity to share my faith.

After spending several months here, I also realize how precious my friendships and family relationships are. I often wish I could be several places at once so that I could see each one of you. A highlight of last week was seeing some friends who had come into PR to take a cruise. We met at the pier parking lot and had a wonderful 40 minutes of visiting together before they had to board and eat dinner.

As the end of my first year in PR draws closer, I am thinking about the future--praying for the Lord's direction. Am I to stay here, rent an apartment and continue learning to live life as an "independent" adult, or am I to return "home" to my family, whom I love and miss, and start my independent life there? At this moment in time, I think I am where the Lord wants me. I am learning to trust Him without fretting to guide me. For now, I pray that I can be helpful to E while I stay with her.

OK--now I'll include some new experiences!!



attending my first quinceañero (15th birthday party)

driving in PR tapón (traffic jam)

washing my car every week (I park under a favorite bird perch!)



Now here are prayer requests...



for E, who will be having surgery this spring and needing time to recover

for an observant, helpful spirit

for my spiritual growth and maturity

for God to continue to help me trust Him and feel safe and secure in Him