Life isn't supposed to be easy. I need things to be hard and to stretch me so that I learn something--so that I continue to grow and mature and make strides.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure." Romans 5:3
Weekend Before Last
Ayayay. What an intense couple of days these were. It was a 3 day weekend, so I had all these plans for traveling and getting out of the city. Little did I know we were having company the whole weekend. So I didn't get out AT ALL, and spent the whole weekend with family. Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with my family and still really enjoyed myself--if there's anything better than traveling and getting out, it's family and people--it was just disappointing because it wasn't what I was planning on. We had some really delicious food and a birthday party for my cousin. I also learned how to shell and clean shrimp! So the weekend was productive? haha.
Sunday was voting day on the new constitution--that passed--socialism and all. It's required to vote here, so every high school and university in town were crammed with people. Voting day here is like the fair. There are street vendors and cotton candy and ice cream and balloons. It's actually pretty fun! After voting, relatives went back to Shell, and so I still had my Monday to get out and do something--though did I? No. I stayed in my pj's all day and watched ridiculously sad chick flicks while crying about not being outside.
Seriously?
But yeah, it was depressing. School the next day made things a lot better. I just needed people and to realize that it's not about me and to get up off my butt and stop having a pity party.
Lesson learned.
Last Week
I haven't started guitar, dance, or serving yet, so my week days are pretty much free after school. Last week, I went to a couple of concerts with Sebastian at the music conservatory, and just being in the building, full of people passionate about learning music made me really excited about starting guitar lessons. So often with flute, when I wasn't in a band or didn't have a competition coming up, I had no motivation or desire to practice. But I have a felling this is going to be different. Just being around passionate people in general motivates me. And to go to ballet class right after, dancing to classical music--HEAVEN! Ah! I can't wait.
The other day, I went on a 'lil adventure (Or so I decided to think of it). It was really just a walk around my neighborhood, but I was looking to discover something. And discover something I did! A cute 'lil park with the most amazing view of the mountains. I sat on top of the monkey bars, soaking in the sunset until it got so cold I couldn't feel my toes. I was probably there an hour and a half--and it was pure bliss. To simply sit and be.
At school last week, I finally popped. I couldn't take all the socialism talk and bashing the United States uninformedly anymore. My English teacher says crap that's not true about the United States all the time--like all American's are organized and there are no stay at home moms. I correct the misconceptions, of course, but last week he started to say things that so many South American countries are confused about concerning the economy, war, and president of the U.S. Now--I'm not one who necessarily supports the war or president either, but I at least understand what happened and what's happening. My teacher? Not so much. All he knows is that he's mad about the war (but doesn't know why)-- only that war kills people.
"NO!!!" I basically yelled, as I took my face out of my hands. So taken back was my teacher that the usually sweet, helpful, RESERVED Heidi was suddenly unleashed from her language-barrier cage. This was English class--I could say what I had been wanting to say. I gave about a 15 minute lecture on the war and president and economy, and could've kept going, but the bell rang. I said it all in the most understanding and loving way I could, considereing all the pressure that had built up. No joke, even writing about this is making me flushed. My teacher thanked me after class and told me he would like to hear more and that he didn't realize how uninformed he was. Talk about feeling relieved! My teapot had been taken off the burner and used for a cup of tea. ha. that was lame.
Last Weekend
Telefericooooo!
Saturday, I went on this ski-lift-like ride up to the top of Pichincha Mountain with Sebas. Only it wasn't actually the top. You can climb another 6 hours or so to the real top after you get off the ride. And we did climb about 2 1/2 hours, after gazing at the gorgeous view for awhile. But it was getting late and apparently there have been many deaths from lightning strikes late in the afternoon. It started raining on the way back. It was glorious. We were walking through the clouds, on a mountaintop, while it was raining, overlooking the glory of God's creation.
Look at the pics ; )
clic the pic
Sunday-- went to church and got to catch up with the people I met at the 20 somethings group. Afterwards, I volunteered with Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) . We cooked and served lots of good food for the poor and homeless of Quito. It was cool to be able to communicate with the kids this time. We ate lunch at Abuelita's (Grandma's), and I ended up making the lemonade. My beautiful lemonade got slammed 3 times. First I was told it didn't have enough lemons, then it didn't have enough sugar, and lastly--I didn't make enough. ouch. I felt like crying. Surrounded by a room full of incredible cooks, I couldn't even make the lemonade right. But then I got to talk to Rachel on skype the rest of the night, and all was well.
Thoughts
Why faith?
Why is the faith part of following God so important to Him? I mean, why are we physical and he spiritual? Why aren't we at least in the same dimensions? Why would we first have to decide whether or not we believe there is a God before we decide whether or not we're going to follow him? Why isn't it just a fact that He exists--like a king of the world-- and then those who follow him do and those who don't, don't. It wouldn't be a question of whether or not He exists, just whether or not you're going to follow Him. So why is this faith part so important to God?
Does it have anything to do with the "shield of faith"?
I am here not for myself, but for the work of Christ in the places I am. My family, my school, Aunts and Uncles, Quito. I am here because Christ wants to touch these people and this city.
Oh, how I love life.
How I love being alive.
How I love people and kindness and learning and knowledge.
How excited I am about going to college and learning about things that will help people and truly interest me.
How exciting, how adventurous, how full and vibrant this life is.
Every step will be guided and I have no reason to worry about anything. But pray and petition for the people in my life and the tradgedies I see. I will stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I will let him use me to touch people exactly the way they need Him.
(sidenote: I am note always that perky about life. I had a moment of inspiration.)
Thoughts
Why faith?
Why is the faith part of following God so important to Him? I mean, why are we physical and he spiritual? Why aren't we at least in the same dimensions? Why would we first have to decide whether or not we believe there is a God before we decide whether or not we're going to follow him? Why isn't it just a fact that He exists--like a king of the world-- and then those who follow him do and those who don't, don't. It wouldn't be a question of whether or not He exists, just whether or not you're going to follow Him. So why is this faith part so important to God?
Does it have anything to do with the "shield of faith"?
I am here not for myself, but for the work of Christ in the places I am. My family, my school, Aunts and Uncles, Quito. I am here because Christ wants to touch these people and this city.
Oh, how I love life.
How I love being alive.
How I love people and kindness and learning and knowledge.
How excited I am about going to college and learning about things that will help people and truly interest me.
How exciting, how adventurous, how full and vibrant this life is.
Every step will be guided and I have no reason to worry about anything. But pray and petition for the people in my life and the tradgedies I see. I will stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I will let him use me to touch people exactly the way they need Him.
(sidenote: I am note always that perky about life. I had a moment of inspiration.)
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