Dear World,

I love my students.

Sincerely,

Resting Beneath His Smile

"Thou hast made us for thyself O Lord, and our hearts our restless until they find their rest in Thee." 

- Augustine

 

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the Joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
 

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, 

And Thy beauty fills my soul, 

For by Thy transforming power
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

O how great Thy loving kindness.
 

Vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvellous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
 

 Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings;
Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting
Fill me with Thy grace. 

-Jean Pigott

Also see : Hebrews 4 ; Psalm 16

Editor's note : I just had to share what the Lord's been strengthening my heart with as of late. This isn't a random compilation, but rather a theme the Holy Spirit's been ministering to me that I'm experientially finding to be true. Hope its a blessing to someone else too. [photo: Soryn in Portland, Oregon]

Keeping Up With Bloggy Trends

Not sure what's giving me the confidence boost to post this, but here's my face and a little story. 


Just be glad I didn't post the one of me practicing the guitar and singing. We now return to regular, faceless, programming.

Everything Counts

I had a CONVERSATION at the grocery store this morning ! ! ! It wasn't simply answering a yes or no question. I wasn't talking to an English speaker or even someone who understood English. No. I, Kaylene the foreigner, had a 30 second conversation. With a stranger. In the grocery store. Granted my Hungarian I'm sure wasn't correct or even full sentences, but the point is, she understood me. And I understood her.

Aszta.

In other news, my fifth graders seem to be developing a conscience. I mildly corrected two of them this morning which rendered profuse apologies from both of them. Earning their respect has been the struggle. Having their respect is empowering. For them and me and for what we can accomplish together.

I love my students. I am discouraged and saddened by the thought of leaving, especially as I see how time invested, multiplies for better relationships and more opportunities to share the Lord. If I leave after ten months the work seems incomplete. But this is my hope and confidence.

Winter Wonderland

Coming to Hungary, I was really afraid of only one thing. Winter. My friend who had first introduced me to the country had shown pictures of snow and people walking in it, going about their daily lives, not phased by temperatures they were obviously use to. I heard that the winter was long, and cold, and dark. Cold and dark describe only things I hate.

But maybe preparing yourself for the worst, works. Because surprisingly enough, I have loved the beautiful winter here. I am amazed that there are already tiny signs of spring and daylight is starting to last a little longer.

The Hungarians have taught me how to love the season. They anticipate snow, while I got crabby at the first mention of  it. But now? I'm anxiously hoping it will snow again before the season vanishes. The old fashioned lighted streets at night, with gentle falling snow is probably one the most beautiful things I've experienced. Ice skating on a frozen river is my new favorite activity. And now, hiking in the snow and sunshine... and sleeping in a cave. : ) Last weekend convinced me once and for all, there is happiness to be had even in winter.

enjoying friends

beautiful creek we crossed over several times

crawling into the cave where we slept

the hole we crawled through to get to our room in the cave

 You shoulda been there. I've never had so much fun. My little room of the cave was only about 2 and half feet tall and I felt as snug as a bug in a rug. I am now considering the option of becoming a cave woman.