I am very grateful to have recuperated from COVID, but after a little over 3 weeks out of the normal routine, it has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back into the swing of things.  We were able to travel to Cuenca for a leadership retreat, which felt good, since we hadn't been to Cuenca since the pandemic began.  I am always so grateful for how well Benji travels.  We are in our final stretch of virtual school (classes end in about a month, not sure of the exact date...).  We are ALL ready to say good-bye to the school year.  

We have decided to take on another school year with our niece and nephew.  Their current school has already announced that the 2021-2022 school year will be virtual.  That's a big, NO thank you from me.  So we are planning to do a homeschool experience.  Here's hoping that it's a good switch.  As Ivan explained to our nephew what homeschooling was and that I would be the teacher, Dominick responded that it was fine as long as Uncle Ivan was in charge of recess!  (We all know he's the fun one!).  Despite being a certified teacher, I am still uncertain and nervous about homeschooling.  

Because of the sensitivity of the situation, the fact that it's family, the fact that things shared online are not private...I will not go into much detail here but the choice to have them stay with us another year has been a process and a process I am daily going through.  

This is our opportunity to say yes.  Many people wonder what their purpose is.  Many people wonder what God's calling them to do.  Some have very clear direction and a very strong sense of what their passion is.  My husband is one of those people.  God bless him.  I am not.  I would say that my life has simply been about opportunities to say yes.  I didn't seek out the missionary life.  There was a need, an opportunity for me to fill that need and now here I am, many years later.  This has been my story.  No burning bush.  Just many small opportunities to be obedient.  Many moments to say yes even though I could say no. 

"All in all I cleansed them from everything foreign.  I organized the orders of service for the priests and Levites so that each man knew his job.  I arranged for a regular supply of altar wood at the appointed times and for the firstfruits.  Remember me, O my God, for good." -Nehemiah 13:30-31 (MSG)

The very last verses of Nehemiah, I am reminded that it all matters.  All the little things.  All the small acts of obedience.  He cleansed.  He organized.  He arranged.  These acts he offers up to God.  Sometimes I wonder, what have I done today?  I cleaned (the dishes...laundry...house...).  I organized (the toy room for the millionth time).  I arranged our days into schedules (bedtimes, mealtimes, balance between playing outside and school).  This matters.  These acts can be offered to my God and I, like Nehemiah, humbly ask Him to remember me for good.  

On the days when I grumble or when I feel myself lacking I hope that I can be encouraged by Nehemiah's example of obedience and sense of purpose.