So here is my top 10 list of 2010 (in no specific order, except for #1)
10. I have taken my bathroom for granted.
I have to admit this.
One thing I have learned in 2010 is that I love my bathroom more than I thought. Taking care of 11 kids means that there is not a lot of peace. In Honduras I usually had someone in the bathroom with me while I was getting ready or brushing my teeth, and often I would have to kick kids out of the bathroom so that I could "go" in peace.
And flushing toilet paper? Forget about it...that will back up the septic system for months. In the states, I have to tell myself "flush your toilet paper".
9. Time in the word + a good workout make me just about invincible
I try to make a conscious effort every day to read my bible and pray. But I've realized over the past few months that this is a necessity in my life. The days that I don't take time to pray and talk with God or read His Word leave me with less patience and more frustration. But when I do take the time to draw near to Him, I have a greater sense of peace throughout the day. Even the kids notice.
And I've found that working out is a great time for me to clear my mind, no matter how many people are around me. When I'm in Tegucigalpa, I go for runs in the park, usually with the kids running with me for a lap or two. And when I'm at the Villa, I pop in a Jillian Michaels DVD and have the girls work out with me. I don't know about you, but when I'm working out, I can't think about anything but the workout...and when I finally get back to thinking, somehow problems don't seem as big anymore.
The combination of the two have seriously changed how I view myself and how I interact with others, plus I've lost 30 pounds so that's a plus!!
8. A word of encouragement is priceless.
We had a speaker come in that told us that our kids need to hear 8 positive things for every 1 negative thing we say to them. I think it's true for all of us. We need to hear those encouraging words each day. This is why I am so thankful for my family and friends back home who have been encouraging me from day one!
7. The more love I give, the more love I have.
We have 26 kids in the ministry that have been taken away from their families. They require a lot of love. At the beginning I thought "do I really have the capacity to love them all?" The answer is yes. And I've found that the more I love them, the easier it is to love them. It's a great-big cycle.
6. I have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
I am learning to listen more and talk less. My mouth has always gotten me in trouble and this year was no exception. While I didn't make any huge mistakes, I'm learning that sometimes it's just better to stay quiet.
5. Crying is not going to solve anything.
I cried a lot this year. A LOT. But as Elvia pointed out (on many occasions), nothing is being solved by my tears. Not that tears are always bad, but I'm learning to be proactive and not take things so personal.
4. The Packers on ESPN live in Honduras make me smile...every time.
Like any good-Wisconsin (born and raised) girl, I love my Packers! Having attended a game nearly every season for the last many years (thanks Uncle John and Aunt Ruth), I was a bit sad to miss the season. And then I realized that ESPN airs the games in Honduras...FANTASTIC!! A little piece of home, and an added bonus that the Packers had such a good season.
3. God gives us exactly enough time to do everything He wants us to do.
At the beginning of my time in Honduras, it felt like there weren't enough hours in the day to do everything on our list. But then I realized that I was the one making the list and not allowing God to be a part of it. He has given me the perfect amount of time to do His will, but when I try to add my own agenda, I end up with a lot of unfinished things.
2. Patience is a really good thing to have when living with 11 kids.
I wasn't exactly characterized as a patient person before Honduras. But I have learned a lot. Whether it's waiting an hour in rush-hour traffic, or waiting 25 minutes for Josue to finish his dinner, or waiting 8 months for my residency papers (we're still working on it), I'm learning that it's all in God's perfect timing. So, yes. I am getting a lot better, at least in one aspect :)
1. It's not about me.
I didn't intent to be self-centered when I arrived in Honduras. But somehow I did have the idea that it was about me...at least a little bit. But what I have learned is that it's not about me at all. I am in Honduras to do God's Work, God's Way. End of conversation. It has taken a lot of humility and submission, but slowly I releasing my desires and letting God be in charge. After all, it's His money, His time, His ministry, and His children.
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