Place In My Heart

I am heading back to the US for the summer. Knowing my departure date would quickly show its face, the last few weeks I have tried to appreciate all the simple pleasures La Manzanilla has to offer. Is this even possible?

I can't fully comprehend the marvelous display of colors as the sun sets over the ocean. How do I explain to the kids that I miss them already? That I love them more than I even realize? That I truly am returning in just a few short months? I want to soak in all the warmth from the golden sun and capture the sound of the waves breaking on the beach so that I can replay it constantly while I am away. How do I thank all the kind and compassionate people here for the huge impact they have made in my life? For welcoming me into their hearts, homes, and community?

I don't know how to articulate all that I am feeling to the extraordinary people of this charming town, but I do know La Manzanilla already holds a special place in my heart.

Daddy

My sister and I lived with my dad after my parent's divorce. I was in kindergarten. Or first grade? That detail I can't seem to remember. What I do remember is how great a man my dad was...and still is.

Loving, kind, giving, compassionate. These are all qualities that he displayed on a daily basis. He took us all over the nation to experience different churches and attend various camps. I always heard him praying for our family after we went to bed. He taught me to fear the Lord.

He has unbelievable stories from serving in the Vietnam War as a Marine. Stories that prove there is indeed a God, and He was protecting my dad.

Selfless on all accounts, he is a true example of giving until it hurts. He even took some time to live among the homeless. To gain perspective and appreciate life more.

He worked hard to provide for my sister and I. To give us everything our heart's desired. I think this is why I have such a hard time taking "no" for an answer. *grin*

Since we were both cheerleaders, he had to attend the occasional parent meetings, which consisted entirely of moms. Poor guy had to suffer through discussions about bows, skirts, and spirit fingers. Ha! "Gymnastics Chauffer" could also be listed as one of his occupations, as he toted me and my friends to class each week to a nearby town.

I could go on forever listing many different names to describe my dad. But to this day, my sister and I still only call him by one name - "daddy".

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!

Waiting

On Monday and Thursday nights I teach English to the adults in La Manzanilla. Many times I show up and there are no students. And so I wait. Hoping that someone will come. With everything in me I want to help. This is such a great opportunity for the people here to learn a new language, improve their communication skills, and develop both personally and professionally.

Lately the attendance has been, well...non-existent. Many people stop me on the street and tell me they will be there. But no one shows. The classes are free and are held in the evening so that more adults are able to attend. It seems everyone is busy or tired by the end of the day. Going to class to learn English is a sacrifice and takes alot of dedication.

The other night as I was waiting, I started to wonder how many times I do this to my sweet Saviour. How many times do I keep Him waiting when His heart's desire is to help me? To teach me. To take my burdens and lighten my load. His love is free and available anytime. Mentally I make notes of when I will schedule in time with Him. But I get tired. Busy. Lazy. More times than I would like to admit, I choose other things to occupy my time and thoughts. I couldn't stop picturing Him...waiting...for me. To come and sit. To listen. To learn.

Oh Lord, forgive me for putting other things before You. Make my heart's desire You, rather than the things of this world.