It is 3:37 am as I write this.
I tried going to bed a little while after ten pm, maybe 10:25, since a few of us are getting up early to watch the sunrise together; however, I laid there for almost 40 minutes before deciding that I truly wasn't tired.
I tried journaling a couple pages to calm my mind, but no luck. I should have grabbed my Bible and picked up in Deuteronomy to help me fall asleep, but the sound of those familiar voices and laughs in the main room drew me out of bed instead.
Just previous to me slipping out of my sleeping bag and untangling myself from my sleeping bag liner, I was giggling to myself. I could hear the scenario in the main room unfold and could visual everyone's position and expression.
I have been with these people (my second team) for the past four and a half months, and I actually only have the next 20 days with them (including the flight home)!
It all started with the front door opening, Nate came inside from a phone call–typical! Josh jokingly reprimanded him saying, "Where have you been, mister?" This of course raised one of Nate's hearty laughs, which is something to add to the list of things I'll miss. Andrew joined in with a goofy comment that I don't remember precisely; I just remember his laugh. I could tell that he was smiling as he stood there and spoke just because I am so familiar with his voice–and personality. Jen was sporadically laughing on the couch about things she was pulling up online while the other two girls (Angela and Cheyanne) peacefully slept above and across from me.
[going clockwise from the top left: Andrew, Cheyanne, Nate, Johnny, Josh, Rachel, Angela & Jen]
I snuck out to join the awake crowd and tried to be quiet, which is impossible with our ridiculously squeaky door. I spilled how much I enjoy them all, being sentimental about all the things I previously mentioned. Andrew proceeded to squeeze/ hug me, picking me up off the ground and causing me to squeal simultaneously. We continued to goof around in the kitchen, which included Andrew suggesting we race (aka run around the campus outside in the dark), me tickling him, him giving me a shoulder rub and making my hair look silly while referring to me as Spud! All of this probably wound me up even more…but it was so much fun.
One of my thoughts during this was "I won't be able to do this in another three weeks!" Which is a strange reality.
The Lord has lavished grace on me and answered my prayer to see Him in them. This perspective is a 180* change from where I was just ten days ago! We were having some issues as a team to say in the least. Praise God for new eyes, a refreshed Spirit and an eager love in my heart.
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Please continue to pray for the girls who are on the soccer team that I am helping coach and disciple, as well as for there families, that they would all come to know and love the Lord. The other leaders/ coaches also asked for prayers in the area of finances and wisdom in leading and discipling these girls well. Continue to praise Him and thank Him with me for all of the work that He has done this past year and is continuing to do here and now. Also, please, please, please pray for my old team leader, Johnny, (and his family) as his mom passed away yesterday from cancer.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated!
