So, the students have been here for two weeks now (I think??? I lose track of time here...). It's been really fun and quite busy getting to know some of them. There are 70 students from Canada, the US, England, Costa Rica, Germany and Switzerland. It's awesome to have so many different cultures meshing together.
Actually, though, it is kind of difficult to really develop friendships with the students while I am serving here as staff. Perhaps I am meant to just serve as more of a mentor figure, but I was hoping to make some good friends with students as well. It hasn't been that long and friendship takes a while to develop... but I find myself losing hope and maybe even losing a bit of motivation to develop friendships. On the other hand, I am making some friends with the other "kitchen girls" as we are called :) Which is great and a sure answer to prayer. And I realize, also, that God will use me in the lives of the students. I am actually helping to lead a family group here of 7 students. We have met once, but our group really connected and I am excited to see how God will work in those students' lives. We have one girl from Germany, one Swiss guy, maybe 2 Canadians and 3 Americans. I am really thankful for that time to meet in a smaller group for Bible study and "family" time.
Okay, I'll end with a funny story. So, today I was vacuuming in the main house. I was responsible for two floors, so I had been vacuuming for quite a while. I was feeling pretty good about it. Then all of a sudden the vaccum handle slipped out of my hands and behind me, but I was able to do some sort of ballet looking move to prevent it from falling. It felt really graceful looking and I had the feeling that if it had been filmed it would have looked pretty awesome. So... maybe that story isn't really so exciting. But when you're cleaning all day long you find strange things to be entertaining :)
Thank you all for your prayers! Because of them I can take joy in my suave vacuuming skills! But really, I have felt very encouraged and I am positive it is because of all your prayers back home. Please continue to pray that I may listen for God's leading with my free time here. And that I can invest in some of the students' lives and get over my lack of motivation to build relationships with students who are just going to leave in a month and a half.
3 comments:
I'll be praying for your deep developing friendships. Remember, developing friendship is akin to the birthing process. Even though conception may have been accomplished it takes 9 months and lots of labor for the child to be born.
Deep friendships require the same, and even though it make time a long time, the process itself can be filled with great joy and growth.
Praying for you to enjoy the journey!
With Christ's love,
Pastor Randy
Know that even a short amount of time can have a huge impact. I became very good friends with two people this past summer during about 8 weeks in Ohio. Even though goodbyes were hard, I'm so grateful for those relationships. This reminds me of a different Switchfoot song:
If we've only got one try
If we've only got one life
If time was never on our side
Then before I die
I want to burn out bright
I'm praying for you. And I hope to one day see a demonstration of your ballet vacuuming skills!
Thanks Pastor Randy and Leila.
Your comments mean a lot to me! Because even when building friendships here is hard you guys remind me that I have so many friends back home! Thanks for the prayer support! It really helps.
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