One month left...

I have mixed emotions about my time here. Part of me feels like it has absolutely flown by considering that it is already time for me to start thinking about transitioning back to living in the States! Another part of me feels like my time here has been long, hard, and uncomfortable. I supposed both are true. Regardless of which is more true, I am very excited about seeing my family, my boyfriend, Ryan and my friends, who all have been amazingly supportive and loving during my time here. I could not have lasted here a week without their presence and support via letters, emails, phone calls and visits. I love all of you dearly!!

While I have been focused on leaving here, my mind is definitely still trying to figure out the best way to transition the projects to national staff. Since the teacher training that we had in January, the school has changed drastically. To say that I am excited about this a massive understatement. The teachers are interested in learning more about teaching and their classrooms look completely different. They ask questions and want more teaching materials. It is truly amazing and changes this drastic could only be accomplished by the Lord. I am so thankful that he is allowing me to witness progress here! It is so encouraging and I truly feel like he has allowed my short time here to be of value not only to me but to the people with whom I have been working.

The major projects that I will be transitioning to national staff (starting on Monday!!) are a biweekly math activity in which every class participates, a library that needs to be maintained, a list of montly themes that will guide lesson plans, and the maintenance of lesson plans in general (perhaps the hardest project!) Please pray that I will be patient with the national staff I will be training and that they will be excited about taking on leadership positions. Please pray also that they will continue to realize the importance of proper teaching methods and that they will seek out opportunities to learn after I leave.

Also, please keep me in your prayers as I begin to transition over the next few weeks. I am torn. Part of me is excited about hot showers, water pressure, a working stove, being CLEAN and obviously seeing people that have been sorely missed. The other part of me is so sad to leave the kids. Thinking about leaving them makes my heart hurt. I so want to stay to make sure that Adan applies for a scholarship to attend highschool. I want to see the day that little Miranda stops biting and hitting people (this behavior has already lessened significantly!!) I want to watch Manuzca grow from a quirky little 4 year old to an interesting and funny teenager. I don't know which path my 6th grade girls will take, whether they will pursue more school or will get pregnant before they reach age 18 and drop out of school. I want to be here to guide them and love on them and protect them...and the list could go on forever.

There are so many children here that I wish I could care for, but I know that even if I did stay, I couldn't protect or love them as much as they deserve. For this, I want you to pray. Pray that God will take care of these beautiful, innocent children and that He will show them His path and that they will follow.

Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers for me and for my work here.
May God Bless You Very Richly.

Love, Georgia