Growth...

I have finished my first week of school. I have learned a lot about myself in such a short amount of time. First, I learned that I am very white. Yes, that's right. I stand out wherever I go. Added to that is the fact that I'm tall. Being tall in the States is not the same as being tall in Honduras. I don't think many people here are taller than 5'7'' (and many are much shorter).
The second thing I've learned is that teaching is hard. When you're a student you think that the teachers are out to get you and that they have an easy job. Sorry to say this idea is totally wrong (at least from my perspective). Teaching takes so much time and energy. Let me give you some examples. First of all a teacher has to make lesson plans, get them approved, and be ready to make a change on a moments notice depending on the participation and understanding of the class. Secondly, a teacher has to pretend that they have an unlimited supply of energy when in reality all they want to do is sit at a desk and put their head down. Thirdly, a teacher has to manage a class room full of children who have way to much energy and who don't know how to sit still, not bother other students, or work on their assignments. Adding to this is the fact that where I am the students speak Spanish which for some may not be a problem but for others, such as myself, can be a huge problem. This week has tested my patience in many ways. I am having to learn to be flexible and loving no matter what I actually may feel like doing. The third thing I'm learning is to function in a world full of people who don't understand what I'm saying. No, I don't speak Spanish but I'm going to learn. I start getting tutored on Monday! Yay!!! Hopefully when I get home I will be able to speak Spanish comfortably.
The fourth thing I'm learning is that a missionary never just has one job. Yes, I came here to teach at a school. However, running the youth programs on Sabbaths and traveling to other churches to put on programs was also in my job description (I just didn't know it yet:) We are stretched thin on time here but we're all adapting slowly.
I am here with 7 other student missionaries from all over (all of them are female). We have already grown into a group that relies on each other and vents to each other about our hard classes and students that are giving us a hard time. God has blessed me with a group of girl friends who are supportive and who are a positive example of what it means to be a Christian.
God is taking me on an adventure that is stretching me. Being stretched in every way is not the most comfortable but I know that God knows what He's doing. He brought me here this year, with these people, to make an impact and to grow in understanding and my relationship with Him. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I am holding onto that promise.