So it's been almost 2 and a half weeks since I've been here in Indonesia. And it's been a very interesting, fun experience.

So much has happened, and I'm constantly reminded that in ALL things, God is in control. And that I need to yield to that. 

The first week I was here, it was all fun and introductions and just getting to know each other. The following week and this week has been a bit more stressful. So much information was being thrown at us, and it was getting overwhelming. I've had to wait in lines for 2 hours just to talk to bank representatives. I got a bit of diahhroea before too, so that was not fun. :S Don't get me wrong- the people are supportive and amazing. It's just.. I've kinda been plunged into reality here. HAHA. The first week was almost surreal. It was like.. everything was so new and exciting, and it was all fun and eating and getting to know each other. Haha. Now, it's the real thing. It's WORK. Lots of work too. 

I'm at my grandmother's house doing some lesson planning. Things are progressing SLOWLY. I really hope everything gets put together in time before I start school next week!  But that's the thing. No matter WHERE you are in life, whether you're a child, a student, an adult, a senior, there's ALWAYS something to worry you. But it's up to US not to let it get to us.

And I think this entire past year, God's really been drilling that lesson inside of me. From failing my driving test, to experiencing a death in the family, to feeling anxiety over my future, etc, to making the ultimate decision to move away from everything I knew and was familiar with and starting afresh in Indo. I was always in this constant mode of "STRESS STRESS STRESS" and it actually affected my health. And look how everything turned out. I got my license, I have a job, I have some people I can be close to... and I worried for nothing. 

It reminds me of something Joyce Meyer said. She said that worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair. You're constantly moving and tiring yourself out, but it doesn't go anywhere. And this is something that I need to constantly remind myself of. 

God has proven Himself faithful to me EVERYTIME. I may not have gotten my way all the time. But it turned out for the better. So I have to continue to remind myself that He is IN control. 

When things get overwhelming with lesson planning, classroom management, I need to just say.. "God brought me into this, He'll bring me THROUGH it." 

Same goes with homesickness. Even though I've only been gone for 2.5 weeks, it seems like I've been here for so much longer, and I do miss my mom & siblings at times (even though I have great family here in Indo). During the times when I just wish I was back in Toronto, I need to remind myself that GOD's got it. He will bring me through it.

On a more positive note though!!! I'm pretty much done classroom decorating. It was fun. Hard work but fun :) :)  AND I've been spending some time with relatives, and it's been grand. I'm really enjoying getting to know my uncle/aunts/cousins/grandma, etc. Not to mention all the awesome Indo food =) Haha. Too bad I have to watch myself for the next couple of weeks just to avoid more diarrhoea. 

But yes, this week, I'll be doing a lot of lesson planning, spending time with extended family, and hopefully everything will be ready in time! Prayers for health + effective lesson planning + peace would be greatly appreciated. Anyway, that's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates !!! God bless.