Bits and Pieces

I have not been very diligent in keeping my blog updated. After time went on, it became a daunting task that I continued to put off, because there was too much to say! Here is my attempt to update you a bit on what has been happening in my life since my return to the States:

• LUCIO Restaurant: I started working in September as a hostess and I love it! It is conveniently a few minutes from my house and it is a family-run restaurant (which reminds me a bit of the family atmosphere of Crystal Springs Farm---still the place with the BEST ice cream). I get to use a bit of my spanish skills with some of the other employees and the owner himself, who always refers to me as "Senorita". Originally, I had hoped to be working at a different business but I can see now that God had a better plan. Not only do I enjoy working there, but I have had some great opportunities to share about my faith...and more importantly live it out!
  
• GERMANNA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: One semester left, and then in May 2008 I will be graduating with an Associates Degree and continuing on to a 4 year college pursuing my Bachelor for Elementary Eduaction. During the Fall semester, I was required to spend 40 hours of observation in a classroom which I got to do with a 5th grade classroom. The teacher I worked with was great, and she even let me teach a little bit, which was very exciting for me. I did a lesson about Ecuador (surprise, surprise!). The most memorable part was when I shared about Casa de Fe (the orphanage) and one of the boys asked me how old you needed to be in order to adopt and that he wanted to adopt a child from Casa de Fe when he was old enough. I was so touched by his compassion and concern even at his young age. Who knows where God will lead him? It's exciting to think about!
• PRIMERA IGLESIA BAUTISTA MARANATHA: One of my hopes was to get involved with some type of spansih-speaking program or place, to keep in practice the language skills I learned in Ecuador and to bless others. I have attended a small spanish speaking Baptist church. Although I am the only non-latin person there, I feel great joy being a part of their ministry. Unfortunately, my work schedule has not allowed me to attend lately, and I hope that in the future I will be able to find my place there again. The congregation was very welcoming and when I do sporadically show up when time allows, they greet with smiles and concern over my absence.
  
• BELK: During the holiday season, I have also been working at Belk (department store). This has been a bit overwhelming for me, physically wearing me out with my position at Lucio as well. However, it has been another great learning experience. I am in the shoe department and it has taught me much about having a servant's heart. I often think about Jesus washing the disciples feet. He went so far beyond the type of kindness expected and truly served others. I hope that I will be a servant everywhere I go, not just when I am "on the job".
  
• LOCKS OF LOVE (2): Once again, I have donated many inches of hair to the organization of Locks of Love. It seems like such a tiny gift to give. If you or anyone who know is interested please check out their website at: http://locksoflove.org/

On a personal level, I have struggled with finding my "place" here in Virginia. It seems as if Ecuador has forever ruined my sense of "home". I wonder if I shall ever feel like I belong in a place now. While I am friendly, I am somewhat friendless here in VA. It is hard for me to open up when I know that soon I will be off to a new place once again. Knowing that I am going to be in another town for college come the fall, and with the desire to return to Ecuador, it is hard for me to put down roots in Culpeper. I know goodbyes...and they seem to only get harder each time. I have felt a bit in the wilderness spiritually and yet just when I think that I cannot go on, manna falls from the sky. Sometimes the manna is a phonecall or an encouraging song, or an act of kindness. Always, I come back to this important concept of trust. Trusting that God hears my cries. Trusting that He will provide my needs. Trusting that God will guide me. Because everytime the manna comes, and it does come, it is like God is telling me, "see Rachel, you can trust Me, I always provide. I will never give you too much to handle. Trust in me. Trust in my timing".

Psalm115:9-11
O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their sheild.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: He is their help and their sheild.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their sheild.