friends.

Morning came far too early, per the usual. I snooze my alarm and role over only to have the sun spilling through the window and onto my pillow, blinding my eyes. So I make the move - and once my feet hit the cold, tile floor, my mind finally begins to wake up.

After the usual face washing, teeth brushing, vitamin taking (among other things), I make it to the kitchen. A sigh of relief escapes me as I spot the freshly brewed coffee awaiting me. After pouring myself a cup - to the brim - I step outside into the sunshine and I can hardly believe I am here. In the Dominican Republic. The place where the journey of living abroad began for me, during that faithful summer of 2011.

As I sit down in a chair, poolside, I look around at the other girls who have now also trickled out to have our hour of quiet before teaching and training begins. Isn't it funny, I ponder, I did not know these people a year, two years ago. Yet now I look forward with anxious anticipation this sweet time we have together at the annual Young Life International School Conference.

They are becoming some of my favorite people. And not only that, I realize - I also gain something from each of them. Each woman here teaches me something or pushes me toward a place in my life that is weak.


From one, I learn patience & service.

From another, I gain encouragement.

One shows me how to truly love.

And another teaches me how to choose joy.

One, humility and courage.

From another, I gain wisdom.

These places that I am weak, the Lord uses these women in my life to grow me stronger. These women who have experienced the same things I have. Sure, maybe in different ways but none the less - our lives our interwoven and intertwined in this life of living in Latin America.

And so I sip my coffee and I soak up their presence and I drink in the gifts of grace that these women give me without even knowing.