Stress comes and stress goes ... And so the story's told

When we were in marriage counseling we heard that the top 5 things that cause the most stress in peoples lives are getting married, moving, changing careers, kids, and money. Apparently Ruth and I decided we would test that theory. To begin with, we got married. Within 8 months of being married we moved to Indy, then almost immediately, moved to Brazil for awhile. Of course, we did not have money and it was definitely a career change; considering we were full time college students. Oh, and though we do not have kids, we are teaching, living, and spending 85% of our time at a 2 acre complex: of which is full of roaring and screaming kids all under the age of 14. I say these things not to complain, but to simply give you a fuller picture of what is going on in our lives. You, readers, have been caring enough to read what it is going on in our lives; therefore, we felt it appropriate to also give you what is going on in our hearts.

I must begin by praising God for His existence and choosing to revealing Himself to us. Though, we are feeling like we are experiencing the top 5 things that cause the most stress in life, we can't help but see the Lord's work in His provision, taking the yoke from our necks, and continually given us opportunity to rely upon Him. We have come into our own little routine for the days, but for me the weight of change has taken its place in my heart. Are you one who reacts to something big immediately or one who has delayed reactions? For me, I am a delayed reaction person. My initial reactions for coming down here were prayer, rationale, discussion, and a game plan. I did not have time for anything emotional. We prayerfully discerned and discussed and here we are. But now, I'm taking it in. I believe the stress of the kids this week has brought all to surface.

Each day is a battle for the attention of children. It is not exactly what I imagined. At this age, a teacher is not necessarily teaching content. We are really teaching kids how to be students, and how to be human beings in the battle that is life. Everyday is dealing with kids picking on each other, trying to get them to be diligent in their studies, helping them learn how to control their emotions, helping them deal with fellow peers, direct their focus on studies more than the concerns piled upon them at home, and walking beside them as they struggle through the stress of academics. I did not necessarily think it was anything different, I am just simply seeing it play out more fully day after day. Though difficult, I'm reminded that anything that comes easy is not worth achieving. Though it takes time, the greatest satisfaction is when you see a positive change: when you Are able to help students through all those things. You can't help but feel like you have begun planting seeds. I've been learning that a teacher doesn't necessarily produce fruit, in regards to others, but plants the seeds. I am very curious to see the progression that will occur in a four month period; beyond the progression that has occurred in only the last three weeks. I believe God has us where He needs us. We are trying to continually serve Him, but at the same time we are growing tremendously through Him. Thank you for reading and your continual prayers.

Deus te abencoe e Deus ama voce.