Finally Glad

There are days when I wonder why in the world the Lord has brought me here. There are days when I when I feel like I've accomplished nothing...and worry that tomorrow will be the same. There are days when I question how I am EVER going to be able to understand what people are saying to me, let alone CONVERSE with them. And to be honest, there are days when I would like to lock myself in my apartment and forget that I'm in another country. Today, however, was NOT one of those days, and I'm praising the Lord!

I've felt THANKFUL to be here since I first landed. I'm thankful for God's direction, guidance and provision. I'm thankful for my financial supporter's sacrificial giving that allows me to be here. I'm thankful for so many of you who prayed faithfully to get me here, and continue to lift me up before the Father. And I'm thankful for a family and church family that love me enough to let me go while assuring me that they're 100% behind me. So I AM thankful to be here. I have BEEN thankful to be here. But today, maybe for the first time, I was GLAD to be here. Which is a totally different thing. (Stop and think about it for a moment!)

It might have something to do with the fact that today was a totally GORGEOUS day. The sun was shining, it wasn't too hot and people were just out enjoying the day. As I was standing outside with the sun on my face, watching people go by, I was overtaken by the realization of how blessed I am to be here. Despite frustrations and bouts of homesickness, there isn't ANYWHERE else I'd rather be. I'm content. I feel comfortable here. I still don't necessarily understand WHY I'm here, but I'm GLAD to be here!

And so those are my thoughts for the day. "Blessed be God, because He has not rejected my prayer or removed His steadfast love from me!" (Ps. 66:20)