In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.
Psalm 37:23
While I was finishing what needed to be done in San Juan before I came back to the US for two weeks (before my anticipated move to Honduras), my boss called me and told me that they are actively looking for someone to fulfill my position as a full-time paid position. It came as a surprise, even though I knew that the job I was doing wasn’t only necessary for the beginning preparation of the Casa, but also necessary once the Casa would be open and functioning. Because I had my plans to be in Honduras, I didn’t consider staying at this time, although I did daydream about coming back in the future and playing a role in nursing and maternal/child health education once I held a midwifery degree.
Kennet had come to visit and help with the Casa when I first arrived in the beginning of July and as we rode the lancha (boat taxi) one day from San Juan across the lake to Panajachel, we took in the beautiful scenery, the uniqueness of each village, the massive volcanos and the tiny fishing boats, the immense height of the mountains and the depths of the lake that we floated upon, having an average depth of 720 feet and a max depth of one 1,120 feet. We talked about how fun it would be to live here one day if the opportunity ever would arise. It was exciting to think about but I didn’t let myself dwell there; in my mind I had many opportunities in San Pedro Sula and connections with many people throughout the country of Honduras. I have close friends there who are like family to me, Kennet and his family are there, there are churches there that I love and have have been looking forward to reconnecting with.
Fast forward two months to when my boss called me, and I was in a conundrum. I so badly wanted to stay and continue what I was doing here in San Juan and have this amazing learning experience in this field of work that I’m so passionate about, but it was completely out of line with my plans and I felt in that moment totally under qualified (how God uses us so profoundly in our inadequacies). In talking with Kennet about all of this, he encouraged me to make my decision not based on selfish reasons but to think about where I would be of most service and gain the most experience with the skills that I am building and the anointing that I have been given.
After a very short time, much shorter than I anticipated, it became clear that I should stay. After I told my boss, I felt a sense of peace and joyful anticipation for the year to come. I don’t know how long God will have me there in San Juan (maybe one day we’ll have a Casa in Honduras or another beautiful country!). This experience for me has been a reminder to remain open daily and to listen to God’s spirit within me, not remain stuck in my own ways of thinking.
It officially begins the first week of October, and I will have a mix of responsibilities at the Casa, including working with Lesbia as a nurse and birthing assistant, the liaison between our team in San Juan and the US, the overseer of daily operations, and fundraising/ donor relations.
I thank you, dear friends, for taking time to be a part of my story from wherever you are. Your prayers are powerful in my life, and thank you for what you are doing to support what God is doing in me and the Casa Materna.
I do have a few prayer requests at this time of transition:
- God's hand would be upon every person that comes into the Casa and that we would have ever-growing wisdom in every decision and action we make
- As I make my home in San Juan and continue my long-distance relationship with Kennet that we grow in our relationship with God and each other
- A conference I will be attending in Naples, Florida, this weekend where I will be able to reconnect with old friends and share about what I am doing in Guatemala
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