Time for an update

I suppose it is time to give an update on life in Trinidad. I am doing ok. I still am taking it day by day. We all do it, we just sometimes get ahead of ourselves. I'll have a couple of 'good' days, then something catches me off guard. One step forward, two steps back. Sometimes it seems more steps backwards. Eventually, I'll get caught up or ahead, until then...

I really should be blogging on what I am learning, not necessarily what I am teaching. My favorite line still is "He says my mom doesn't have her green card and she does." A lot of times, I feel like I am babysitting more than teaching. One class actually stopped someone in her tracks because they were so quiet - I relish those rare moments. It's tough. I just pray that I make it through the year without becoming hard.

As someone who does not journal on a regular basis (maybe once a year), I am jotting down my thoughts, feelings, life, and learning. I am also getting caught up on reading (that's also thanks to the required reading time at school). I highly recommend Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb. I haven't finished it, but I am learning lots.

How's my sanity? Well, that was in question before the last six months happened. I have my own therapy:
1. God, prayer, and study.
2. My parents.
3. Being able to talk on the phone.
4. Facebook - keeping up with family & friends.
5. Facebook Flair - they are "buttons" to put on your page. Not all of them are appropriate, but there are many that make you laugh out loud. Sometimes I read them just to laugh.
6. Mashed potatoes. It has always been a comfort food for me and it still gives me quite a bit of comfort.
7. Ice cream & chocolate. Fortunately, I am not gaining weight, and I don't eat ice cream & chocolate that often.
8. Teaching? Well, I don't know if it is really helping my sanity, but it keeps me busy.
9. Tears. I think it if I kept them inside then I would float away. They also catch me off guard. If I let them flow, I have learned, then I will feel better faster.
10. Music. So many emotions and memories can be triggered by music. I am a big fan of Third Day's Revelation. It's all about love - God's love for us. I miss the variety of music channels that you can get in the bigger cities or on satellite. The best received channels I get are Christian music which is calming.
11. Sermons online. I am very greatful for this luxury and for the fact that I can download them. They make driving to and from the Springs a little shorter. Now, if I can find a way to take notes and drive...don't worry, I don't.

Trinidad is known not for the greatest things. It is a very artsy town too. It's quaint. I have my own nickname for it. I know I wouldn't feel this way under different circumstances. Thanks for reading.