This weekend was my birthday. Lee and I never really celebrated our anniversary this year. Erika got hurt, a hurricane came and we had several teams back to back. So for my birthday, we got away.
I cook a lot here in Belize. For my birthday, I got a couple days off. Between a birthday party and net group party and my birthday, I didn't cook all weekend. It was glorious.
I sweat ALOT here in Belize. Like basically all day until I shower and go to bed. Friday and Saturday, I go to enjoy AC. Where we were staying was beautiful, but honestly, we just wanted to relax, watch TV and not be hot. It's the best gift I could have gotten. When we came home Saturday afternoon, I immediately had to change back into my nonAC wardrobe.
Saturday night, a friend and church member had a huge birthday for her 30th birthday. We enjoyed a fancy dinner with many friends from the church. It was a dressy event and kind of a fun way to spend my birthday evening.
That night we came home, all tired from the busyness of life. But before the girls were put to bed, they all spoke beautiful things to me. There were a lot of tears. But there was also this feeling of "we are doing ok." Sometimes (the week leading up to my birthday), I get really overwhelmed. All these kids, all this preparation of food and cleaning of clothes, and schooling of children, while trying to minister to ladies in the church and do a bible study... Sometimes I just wonder if any good is coming from my efforts? But I had four girls express their love for me. Tell me I'm their best friend. Thank me for being obedient to take them in as daughters. Tell me they see my sacrifice. Thank me for taking care of them. Telling me they like my cooking:). There were laughs and there were tears, but I went to bed with a full heart. This kids are my first ministry. God can use me to show them so many truths. Just by consistently loving them. Lee also shared sweet things:)
So I've made it through one more year. Thankful especially for my health. A year ago was not my favorite time. I remember in the healing time after my surgery, the Lord telling me He was preparing me for new things. Never would I have known that it would be a very full of life 9 year old girl. A girl who is full of joy, but who desperately needs the stability of a forever home. The Lord is teaching me so much through this child. That being loved is so important. That being stable is so important. And to try to learn to be a little more patient:)
So my life is full, busy, and exhausting! But it's a wonderful life!
