Getting On With Things

     This past week has been simultaneously filled with challenges and blessings. I began the week by being couch-bound for three days with a horrible cold and no voice. Obviously, I felt really bad to be calling out of work so soon after arriving here, but there was no way I was fit to be teaching. Still a bit in recovery mode today, I am hoping all the resting up I've done this weekend will provide me with the strength to get back into full swing this week.
     The blessings that occurred this week quickly overshadowed the frustrations of being sick. I was able to get the washing machine situation sorted out and I also finally was able to get a real bed set up in the bedroom. The apartment came fully furnished (which is common here), but for some reason there was only a thin mat on the bedroom floor for a bed. God really worked in this situation by providing me a free, almost brand new bed that my employer happened to have in storage at the school. Her brother was able to bring it over and do the assembly. Now that I am sleeping much better at night, I can feel a sense of energy and normalcy returning to my mind and body.
     Thankfulness and amazement are honestly the two words that come to mind when I look back over the almost three weeks of living here thus far. God has worked out one situation after another and has provided me with so much strength and guidance along the way. I am starting to feel quite comfortable with finding my way around and getting to know the area. It is a really peaceful feeling to watch God take control and know that I am exactly where He wants me to be at this point in life. I'm so excited to see this part of my journey unravel.
     Well, with any new step it is always fun to also take the time to learn new things. Two things I've decided to start bettering my skills in are baking and taking care of plants. Both of these activities have much, much room for improvement in my life. I know it's silly, but for me it is really helpful to have a couple hobbies to work on outside of work and adjusting to the different culture. When I moved into this apartment, there was actually already two plants living here. At first, I was like "oh boy...I kill all plants that are given to me",  but then I decided to take on the challenge of keeping these little guys alive and healthy. It's been going well, so today as I was walking home from church, I couldn't resist adding a new member to the plant family since so many fresh flowers are for sale on the streets here.

Yes, that is a tiny gnat already checking out the flowers.

What a happy little plant family

    

     As far as baking goes, I have been quite surprised at my relative success (so far). Friday night, I made this lovely little strawberry cake and it turned out well enough for me to comfortable share a food photo. Anyway, if you are still reading this and have gotten through my ramblings on plants and cakes without falling asleep, I would really like to once again thank each and every one of you who has been praying for me the last three weeks. Your prayers mean truly so much to me and I can feel His presence all the more because of your intercession. Thank you for walking this journey with me.