Beautiful People

Two years ago I had the opportunity to go to Thailand for a couple of weeks. This was my first trip out of the country and I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it would be an experience I would never forget. I remember preparing for the trip and praying that the people we met would see something different in us. I went expecting to make a difference, even if it was just for one person, but what I hadn’t expected was the difference it would make in me. I left feeling like I had not given nearly as much as I had received.

The people were beautiful. And not in a super model way, but in an every wrinkle tells a story kind of way. They were beautiful and they were desperate. Their desperation was something I hadn’t had in a long time. Watching them kneel down before a pile of plaster was both heart breaking and eye opening. These people knew there had to be something more and they pursued it with no hesitation.

I came back with a few souvenirs, some email addresses, and promises to keep in touch. And we did keep in touch for a while...a very short while. But to this day I am often reminded to pray for the girls I met when I see the now tattered bracelet that is almost always on my wrist. And when I pray for these girls, I am reminded of their desperation; reminded that I need to be desperate in my pursuit of the Lord.

On a slightly more "Crazy...or Jesus" note...I got a new student five weeks into school. He's the cutest little reminded that God has a sense of humor. He's from Thailand and had only been in the U.S. for two weeks when he joined our class. He's constantly cracking me up with the things he says or does, but more than that, he's a reminder, like my fraying bracelet, that I need to pursue the One who continually pursues me.

Time Flies...

...when you're having fun...or too busy to notice.

The past couple of months have been full of ordinary as well as completely extrodinary events. School started in August and we slowly worked into a groove. I have a great (but chatty) group of kids this year that keep me on my toes. They are smart, funny, and completely silly. I can't believe it's already November. It seems like I was doing all the last minute things to get ready for school just a couple of weeks ago. The most surprising thing about this year has been that I miss my kiddos from last year. A lot. As difficult as they often were, I really did enjoy them. Seeing their excited faces when they spot me across the cafeteria and wave eargerly is definitely one of the highlights of my day.

Stephanie got married! It was an absolutely perfect wedding and everything was beautiful. It has been so funny to hear all the hilarious stories of married life...my favorites being the complaints of living with a boy. I'm so thankful Ryan was too stubborn to give up pursuing Stephanie after so many years. AND, now Ryan and I are officially BFFILS!