In his heart a man plans his course,
       but the LORD determines his steps.

                        Proverbs 16:9

I was awake before the sun to get ready for my first day of school. I walked 15 minutes to the road to catch a kombie to the rural area. By 6:50 I was ready and waiting to start teaching. The teachers were smiling and hugging me and the kids were just staring at my pale skin. Once the head teacher got to school, she called the REO and then called me into her office. She informed me that I would not be able to start today and would have to return to the REO's office to get an official letter. I was so upset and felt defeated after hearing this news.  I couldn't understand why this was taking so much time and effort.  The Lord quickly reminded me that everything happens according to HIS time. So with a new attitude and an extra dose of patience, I arrived at the REO's office the next day. He told me that he was willing to write me a letter and even better, he wanted to take me to the school personally to make sure everything was taken care of. I will go with him tomorrow and hopefully after that, I will officially begin my internship.  This week I was just reminded how we are not in control of anything. As the proverb says, we can make our own plans, (and I know we all do) but the Lord determines everything that happens. It gives me peace to know that I'm not in control.

For the remainder of this week I went to a care point and worked with the children and women. On Saturday, we had family ministry day (we do ministry as a team) at the hospital. I love the women's ward.  It's the moments when I'm kneeling beside a dying 25 year-old rubbing her dirty, swollen feet with lotion that I feel Jesus' heart for the sick and broken. They are desperate; desperate for touch, a kind word, nutritious food, love, a song, joy, a smile, and a sense of peace. I hope I could bring even an ounce of what they needed in my 2 hours I visited with some of the women.

I hope this week finds all of you doing well! I miss you all and think about you often. Thanks for everythingJ