Patience

This last weekend we have had time off from clinics and hosting church groups. It has been a time of rest and also a time of patience. For me, it is sometimes harder to do nothing than to work hard. However, God has blessed me continually in this time of waiting. Firstly, He has blessed me with a roommate, Ellen, to speak English with and to share with each other about life experiences and families. He has also blessed me with a loving family to spend this down-time with. During this time, I have been sensing the Lord′s pull to grow closer to Him through just being still. One thing He is trying to teach me is to pray with out ceasing and to be joyful in all circumstances. Even the least exciting of these. By His grace, He has given me an attitude of thankfulness and I can see how He has prepared me for my experience here in all its fullness. Tomorrow we begin work again at the office and I am grateful for the change of pace to come and I am eager to learn more each day. One of the books my parents gave me for my trip is by Mother Teresa. It is called “No Greater Love.” I have learned much from one who lived her life so close to the Lord about living life in every day. One of the quotes that really spoke to me these past few days was this, “At the moment of death, we will not be judged by the work we have done but by the weight of love we have put into our work.” This is such a beautiful reminder of how love is so essential in all of our work. It is because of love that we have purpose to live. It is because of God′s love for us that we may have this love to give us purpose. He calls us to make it a part of everything. He calls us to love especially in those times when we are still and not busy, especially when it is easy to slip into a mood of self-pity and complaining for what is not happening. He calls us to love through praying to Him constantly. Another thing I have learned through reading this book is to listen when praying. There is no other feeling than being still before the Lord and listening for Him to speak to your heart. How powerful and great our God is who seems to enjoy using the still moments of our lives to speak to us. Or is it because those are the only times we have left open to hear Him? 

God bless those who are reading this blog and praying for the work being done here in Guatemala, for your prayers are very much appreciated and needed! Please keep the doctors here in your prayers, along with all the others involved with working for La Mision. May this time off from hosting groups be restful and renewing. Also, that the other groups that come are prepared for working whole-heartedly for the Lord. May the Lord bless the families who are hosting us and serving us with great love and generosity. May the Lord give the other 5 interns and myself hearts of contentment-even in the not-so-active times- and an honest desire to serve the Lord through serving those here, in whichever way God desires of us. Thank you again, until next time (which according to my aunt, needs to be sooner rather than later☺).

En Christo,

Stephanie