So I've finally decided to update my blog... Sorry it's been so long. First off, in September I left my beloved Costa Rica, to return home to Oklahoma. This was an extremely difficult decision. I had no idea why God wanted me home, or what His plans were for me, but I went home anyways. Since that time I can not tell you how many times I have literally said, "this is why God sent me home." It has been a whirlwind, but The Lord always has a plan for us. A plan to prosper us, and not to harm us.
In November, my sweet friend Heather said see you later to her awesome Dad. He passed away very unexpectedly and it has honestly been one of the hardest things to watch one of your closest friends go through so much heartache. I feel so blessed that I could be here to stand by her and her family during this difficult time. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
January 2nd my baby sister, (she's 22...) had a major seizure and we recently discovered she has epilepsy. It has been scary, frustrating, and a humbling journey so far. We know God has an awesome plan with this and I've already seen it bringing our family closer. Even with the difficulties it brings, (no driving until 6 months seizure free, new meds, several test and exams, new doctors) it's been a nice reminder knowing we are all there for each other and that God is never surprised. He always knows what's going to happen and how to get us through it.
January 21st, my awesome Uncle George passed away. This was very sad for our family. Uncle George was a man everyone loved. He was happy, a total goof ball, and a Cheyenne Arapaho Chief. (Yes I'm part Native American and I have red hair.) This was also unexpected, but he was in the ICU for a week, so we were able to say goodbye and ready our hearts a little. I'm very pleased I got to be with my family during this loss and celebrate his life with everyone.
In February our family also loss a close friend. His passing away was very similar to my uncles. He was in the ICU for a couple weeks. His wife Kathy has been our neighbor for about 12 years. Larry had such a passion for helping people and was extremely mission minded.
I think it's fair to say 2014 has already been a difficult year. My family has seen heartache, trials, loss, God doing miraculous things, people getting to go Home, and God bringing unity to an already close knit family. Throughout all of these difficulties I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, than with my family. I didn't know what God had in store for me, but I'm glad He sent me to Oklahoma when He did!
God has also sent me a new vision of His crazy awesome plan for my time here on Earth. I'm going back to school to finish my teaching degree I started over 6 years ago! God really had to work on my heart to open me up to going back to school, but He never fails us! I am so ready to get started and finish my degree! I've been fortunate enough to be substitute teaching. I love it! The thought of having my own classroom makes me so happy!! It's going to take me about 2.5 years to finish. I will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma in the fall, and am currently taking 1 class online. I am so excited to see how God uses this time for me to be in school, and how He uses my degree! It could be at a public school, homeschool, private school, overseas, orphanage, Sunday school! I have no idea, but I know it's going to be awesome!
Thank you for reading about my crazy life, and how God has been working in it. I always ask God to break my heart for what breaks His, and these past few months have definitely been filled with compassion for all of those hurting in this world. I know sometimes this world seems so overcome with evil and despair, but this war is not over and we already know the outcome. Our God is victorious!
If your year has been filled with chaos like many others, please leave a comment! I'd love to be praying for you!
God Bless You!
