Winter fell into a pretty regular rhythm around here, and spring is finally on its way. Believe me- I'm excited for warmer temperatures for lots of reasons, but especially so that my morning showers don't feel quite so freezing cold! :) As a staff, we've been focusing on improving communication and also setting time aside to spend time together and support one another apart from the daily grind of work. This has been a real blessing to me, and I believe a help to all of us as there's just four of us here for these few months.
February was a welcome month and included a visit from my mom. I don't have words to express how much she means to me. She is a willing sounding board, cheerleader, counselor, support for me, and a whole lot more. I love seeing my mom and Wellington together, and love them practicing their limited Spanish and English together. It was the best of weeks, and I so needed that. She also brought with her letters and photos from various family and friends. Honestly, it means the world to get a short note, a pack of gum, a reminder that we are remembered and loved. It made my year.
I have been enjoying a mix of Skype "business" meetings that I have had lately- those days where I remember that I am a professional. Not that I'm not on other days, but much of my position here swings on the informal side of the continuum, so those days where I get to use "big words" sometimes bring a special joy - especially when I remember those words in English and don't get tongue-tied switching between languages like often happens. :)
We're up to some exciting things in the CNP, which I can't wait to share with you soon. I'm also learning about water purification systems- something I can't say that I ever thought I would do, as I've been pinch hitting as a go-between for the Clean Water Project at CCED and the Solid Rock committee back in the states. And this week we're super excited for the group of educators that we are hosting from Arizona that will be doing observations and professional development in some of our schools. Looking forward to sharing more about this with you. So thrilled for teachers and principals pouring into other teachers and principals.
Besides my mom's visit, what has topped my list for this past month and a half is the progress that we've seen in Jenny. I mentioned Jenny before- she is the former sponsor student who was paralyzed after a fall at the end of last summer. Wellington and I have been keeping in touch with the family and her former sponsor, and we were so encouraged by our last visit. Jenny is now able to eat normally without relying solely on her feeding tube. While she does not speak, she is much more attentive and interactive, and is making strides in using her arms. We give praise for the progress she has made with the support of her family and medical and therapeutical team. Please continue to carry her and her family in your prayers. I share her story (and her photo) with you with permission from her family, as we together continue to trust in the power of prayer and community when we go through struggles.
Continue to celebrate the little moments of life...
