Walking an Emotional Tightrope

Have you ever had something exciting and something disturbing happen at the same time? It's an odd sentiment being caught between the two, or in our case, the four!

Things we are happy about:

• Our first BIG purchase ... a new car! (See previous blog)
• My new teaching job at The American School

Things we are upset about:

• My "Tia's" adoption falling through ... we were hoping to begin the process adoption anew here in Honduras, but it seems that it was not God's will for it to happen
• Discovering that Melvin needs neck surgery, which will have to be in the U.S., and most probably I will not be able to go with him

With all life's highs and lows, it is important to remember that God alone is what makes us whole ... not a feeling, or an item, or an event, or a person. Never let a high or low define who you are ... let your relationship with God define you.

Peace and blessings.

Taking the Plunge

Well, I'm way past due updating my thoughts, but we've been in the middle of lots of exciting things!

I've been offered a position at The American School of Tegucigalpa, Melvin's alma mater. It is by far the most prestigious private school here. I will be teaching 6th grade English this school year to fill in a vacancy, and then will transition to working in the speech/language/hearing educational realm. I've never taught 6th graders before, but I'm diving in with all my energy!

Now that I'll be working full-time, we definitely will need a 2nd car. We've decided on the 2008 Honda CRV in pearl white. Hopefully we'll be getting it next week!

We finally arranged our apartment the way we've wanted. We now have a TV for each room, so any visitors are assured a comfortable stay that includes cable. We've acquired quite a collection of paintings to decorate the walls of our entryway, living room and dining room -- a total of 5, all from popular latin american painters (Sandre, Ciseron, Gomez, Diaz). I will try to remember to upload some pictures soon.

I've also been working with Dr. White, the President of Baxter Institute, to set up an audiology wing at the James Moody Clinic on campus there. The clinic provides great services for many people who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Medical, dental, and nutritional needs are addressed. Soon, Lord willing, we will be able to provide hearing care services. There are even programs in place to help those who are interested to learn a trade such as haircutting or sewing. We should be starting to receive equipment next month, including a sound booth which is very exciting! Please pray for the success of this endeavor because it will be a blessing to many people.

It may be rainy out, but the path ahead looks bright!