waiting

Today, I was sitting in class, waiting for my class to get over so that I could go eat, and I started looking at the map on the wall. And for the first time, I realized where in Mexico I'm at - I'm closer to South America than to the United States! I had no idea. This probably should have been one of my first posts, but better late than never. To find Taxco on the map below... first locate Mexico City. It's in the Central Southern area - it says "Mexico City". :) It's located in what's known as the 'Districto Federal' - D.F. Two states below that is Guerrero - it's big and gray and on this map has the words 'Sierra Madre del Sur' written across it. Taxco is not specifically listed on this map but it is in the northern part of that state, Guerrero.

Well anyway, now I know! :)

I also spent a significant amount of time waiting in line today at the Bodega Aurrera. I never go there, but needed a couple items, so I hopped on a combi around 9:15 tonight to make a 'quick' trip there. Apparently everybody shops at night. I waited in line forever. But never fear, time was not lost - I just did my homework. How handy that I haul it around everywhere! I just had to make sure to stand a certain way so that the people behind me couldn't see all the errors in my writing. Which, by the way, Leah informed me that I spelled 'sandwich' in my post yesterday 'sandwhich'. My only excuse is that I've been writing in Spanish for the last few weeks and I forgot how to spell in English.

Right now, I'm waiting for my laundry to dry... I will be thankful to return to the world of quality washers and dryers. Here you basically have to wash the dirtiest stuff by hand first, and then put it in the washing machine... and then you have to hang it all out to dry because there are no dryers. The truth is, I'll probably go to bed and fold it all in the morning.

And... I'm waiting to go home. Along with everyone else. It's gotten to that point in the trip where we still all love each other, but it's getting harder to always get along and be patient 24/7 and we all miss home a lot. In fact, I'm pretty sure someone started a countdown two weeks ago. So you can definitely pray for us that we can make the best of the last couple weeks here and continue to press on! I just have two exams and a five-page paper standing between me and the end of school this summer and I'm looking forward to being done.

But God continues to be faithful! Yesterday I found myself in II Corinthians 12. The ISU Young Group theme verse last year was II Corinthians 12:9-10 and it was a wonderful reminder. Starting with verse 6, it says:

"For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

I think I've quoted this earlier in my blog, but once again - the Word of God rings true and faithful. Thank you for your continued prayers! God is good.

"I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait"

(While I'm Waiting, John Waller)