Starting the grind

Andrew and I are nearing the end of out third week in Strumica. The newness of things is beginning to wear off a little. I am beginning to miss the comfort of being known that comes from close friends and family. Today and the last have been one of those days for me where it seems like I'm almost constantly on the verge of tears. However, the Lord filled my heart with encouragement as well as a challenge. God brought to my mind the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi which says:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me show love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith ;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

It's a challenge to put others' needs before my own; to focus on others instead of staring at my naval. A challenge to die to myself; to put on the attitude of Christ.

Continue praying for us. Andrew's foot is improving, Praise the Lord! Pray that we would be bold and confident as we share the gift of God with those around us.