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The Oasis

Oasis: pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult or hectic place or situation

           I can't believe how fast time seems to go by as I had started this incredible journey 8 months ago. This journey has been amazing but yet difficult at the same time, very difficult.  It is difficult to give up everything that I called mine: my car, my dear horse Starbuck, my cozy apartment, my cuddly kitties, my family, my friends, my independence, and my job.
        Everything is new and different when living in a different country with a different culture. Imagine having to do the job you've done so well for years but now in a different language without the convenience of modern equipment? I am having to be reliant on other people as I have to ask for rides from other missionaries to even go to the grocery store which is 1.5 hour away. Learning to cook for myself has been a whole other adventure in itself.
         It's difficult and yet thrilling to leave the security of what is familiar to follow God's leading into the unknown. I have seen God work in incredible ways and have grown so much. I have also experienced great tragedy, seen things that I do not like to talk about. It has been such an amazing and yet hard time in my life but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
         Since we missionaries are not employed in Honduras but rather volunteers, we are required to leave the country for at least 72 hours a minimum of every 4 months. Most of us take the opportunity to go back to the States to visit our families.  I just took my first trip home! Boy, was I ready! I left the Hospital on October 31st to spend a couple of days with a friend in Florida before spending almost two weeks at with my family and friends in Maine. It was so refreshing! 
         Thank you to everyone who spoiled me rotten! For putting up with me squealing in delight at the entire aisle of ice cream in the grocery store (we don't have much ice cream in Honduras), for taking me out to eat a record 4 times in one day, for our long talks about what God is doing in our lives over coffee, for spending hours at Aroma Joe's helping me fix my mission cards, for letting me play with your healthy kids (I prefer not poking kids with IV's and making them cry), for campfires and pumpkin carving, for feeding me more ice cream in 2 weeks than a normal person could eat in a year, for sharing your wonderful hot showers, for the many hugs and prayers together, and for my dear horse Starbuck who gave me the ride of my life, for snuggles with kittens. Thanks to the 3 people who graciously offered to let me use your car during my time home. Getting to drive was so much fun! Shall I go on? Thank you all for your love and support! YOU are amazing and such blessings! 



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Location: Balfate, Honduras

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