Peace

It is amazing how God puts you in situations, places and relationships that to an outsider may seem strange, or dangerous but throughout that chapter in life you have this unexplainable peace that his hand is in it. In hindsight you may even consider what you did as crazy or dangerous but deep down you know that God was guiding you the whole time. Since moving into the neighborhood I have found myself in many situations that in hindsight probably weren´t the safest but they have allowed me to build trust and friendship with people I may not normally meet in my social or professional circle.

I have been spending some time with a Guatemalan family that I met at a park near my school. I have been able to tutor the mother in English, learn how to cook some Guatemalan dishes, transport them to get food and clothing that they need, and practice my Spanish. This started as a conversation in a park and turned into a deep friendship that I hope will last for years to come whether she decides to go back to Guatemala or stay here. I have been blessed through this family and have been reminded of how God can use me when I am open to stepping outside of my routine and scheduled events.

In having my summers free I have been able to spend more time in the neighborhood and have been able to deepen some of those relationships as well. It is amazing how giving a neighbor some extra banana pudding you can`t finish can break down walls and barriers. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the need around me and feel as though there is nothing I can do. I know that God is using me and has been using me to reach the people in my life. I just have to continue to be open to stepping out of my routine to see where he wants me to be whether it appears crazy or unimportant.