Gracias a Dios

"Gracias a Dios" is a pretty common phrase here, which means thanks to God. I am thankful to Him...

• In the beginning, I really struggled being here without someone really close to me. There are three newly married couples that teach at the school. While it's fun to hang out with them and get a glimpse of what a young, godly marriage can look like, it is sometimes hard. I really desired a husband last semester. Yet, it's funny how when I dwell on what I don't have, I miss out on seeing what I do have. Being single has allowed me to live with this great family. I get to practice Spanish, even when I don't feel like it. I get to go to family gatherings, which includes many, many birthday parties! I get to hang out with the 15-year-old daughter, who is so fun. AND...I get to spend time with one of the most God-fearing women I've met. The mom loves the Lord and trusts in Him with everything. When I have come to her with things that are bothering me, she has Scripture to comfort me. I could not ask for a better living situation!
• This afternoon I got to hang out with a student and her family. They invited me to their house, and we ate homemade hamburgers, which were so delicious! We also played the Spanish version of Twister and Wii. They even sent me home with cookies and candy. 
• Though teaching is a ton of work, I really enjoy it! I like the school, and I like the students, even when they give me a hard time! 
• Over Christmas break, Allie and I realized that she makes more money in a month at her part-time job than I do all month, haha! However, each month, all of my needs are fully met with some leftover!
• A few other teachers and I are studying 1 Corinthians on Monday nights. It is nice to really study each verse and discuss it. Last semester we read The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller, but I am enjoying actually studying a book of the Bible this semester.
• Though IAS is a Christian school, sometimes the Christian part is what you make it. So, I have been praying that more conversations among teachers would be about the Lord, and it's been cool to actually have these conversations! God is so good!