So, I know it's been a long time since I've written an update, but to say the least, I've been busy lately. Really, the only reason I'm writing now is because I can't sleep. I'm hoping that maybe writing some things out will help put my mind to rest. Maybe you can give me some feedback as well.
So since January, we've been going out to El Paraiso almost every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. We finally have a pastor, Juan Pablo, who has been working with the church, and we are so thankful that God has called him to be part of the team. Sundays we lead worship. I do children's church. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Tamara and I have been teaching some ladies to sew and having Bible study. The pastor, Luis, and occassionally Tamara's boys play baseball or soccer with some of the young men in the community on Tuesdays and have a small service on Thursdays. Things have been a little different the past two weeks because Tamara has been in the States, so I have been teaching a few English classes to the ladies in the sewing class and some other youth in the community.
I've also started teaching English two hours a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, in addition to the four hours on Saturday, at the University's language center. I have really enjoyed the evening classes. In fact, I liked my students so much that I requested to have them again for the next level. We are about to finish the second round of classes next week.
These past couple of weeks, I started teaching kids English a few hours on Mondays and Wednesdays at another ministry called El Ayudante that works with underpriveleged youth in the area. I have about 20 something students, and while teaching them English is challenging, I am growing to love them quickly.
On top of everything, Luis and I got married last month! We had a beautiful wedding and a wonderful time with my family that came down. We've been enjoying adjusting to our new married life and trying to figure out routines like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. Luis just got a new job, too, working part time with one of my friends in a ministry, Reposo Divino, that supports pastors and missionaries.
All this to say, things have been a little busy, but I am not complaining. I am so grateful to have the opportunities that I have to teach and show others Christ. Even if I don't necessarily present the gospel to my students at the University, a few have shown interest in what I believe and do in El Paraiso that have opened up opportunities for me to share. I am also very blessed to have two teaching jobs in a country where good jobs are scarce. What I earn from these jobs, along with some financial support from family and friends, has been supporting us and given me the opportunity to volunteer with the ministry.
I have been worn out lately from all of this, and I wonder if I am doing too much or too much of what I shouldn't be focused on. Sometimes I wonder if I should continue teaching although I do like it, we depend on the income, and I try to be an example to others and follow the example from Nicaraguans that you have to work hard to have what little you've got. I just wonder if maybe I am supposed to do something else with my time other than teaching like going to church or Bible study in the evenings during those hours or spending time building relationships and discipling. God reminded me tonight that His disciples were sent out to "teach all nations", making them followers of Christ; I'm not sure if I am doing that the right way or if I should be do something a little different. However, I know I first need to look to God for strength and direction and then try to organize my time better (like going to sleep at a decent hour); maybe that will help things.
Well, thank you for reading. I hope to be able to write again soon with an update on everything. May God bless you and give you peace.
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