It’s been a crazy time around here and the month of October seems to be out of control! I do apologize for not updating you all sooner. I actually sat down a couple of weeks ago to blog and my computer ran out of battery…I lost it all! Since so much has happened I figured I will try to keep this short(ish).
- School started back up in August. I’m only taking 11 hours this semester but they are World Literature, Biology and Chemistry…it’s not an easy final semester for sure. Lord willing, I will graduate on December 17 (a day before my 26th birthday!!!)
- I’m not living on campus this semester, but staying with the Langhams. There are pros and cons to not living on campus, but I would say it’s been a good experience to be a commuter.
- DBU has a week off in October for Fall Break. It was a much needed time of rest! Hilda and I went on an adventure across the southern states. Literally…an adventure. We camped the first 3 nights, each in a different state with only 1 reservation made. We never made it to the campsites before dark so a headlamp and lantern were our source of light! We then spent 3 nights in Nashville with some friends of mine I once lived with back in Georgia. It was great to see them again and we spent time catching up and telling stories of our crazy lives back then. Then Hilda and I spent one last night camping before heading back to Dallas. Let me tell you, she was a trooper for camping 4 nights for her first camping experience! I’m sure she’ll never really want to do that again.
Of course there is a lot more I could tell you about, but I’m trying to keep this short. I do want to give you another update though.
This past year has been filled with many different challenges. I’ve had to really trust and believe that the Lord knew what he was doing. I came back from Africa with about 2USD. And I didn’t get a job until this past August. But month after month my bills were paid, I had a place to sleep, food to eat and my medical expenses were even paid for. After I did my taxes for the past year I think I had made $172 for the year. Relying on God during this time was difficult. I didn’t know how I was going to make my next tuition payment, or pay for my TB medicine…there were many unknown moments. But He continued to provide for me like he always does.
This year I also had to grieve not being in Swaziland. I think that was one of the hardest things since I had my mind set on being back there by January 2010. Of course it’s now October 2010 and I’m still in Dallas. The Lord has given me peace about it but some days are still more difficult than others. He has also given me the ability and desire to love Dallas (my community, church and sometimes even the city) that I never had previously. Of course this is my first time living in Dallas, but Granbury is pretty much in the metroplex these days.
I have changed this year. I went from a not-so-functional girl to being alive again! This has only happened through God’s love for me through others. I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without their love and support as well as yours! Thank you for all you’ve done for me and walking with me in this journey.
As always, I take more pictures than anyone person (who’s not a professional) should take. But I wanted to share with you some pictures from my road trip!
Iz…I love you and I love the God in you! His grace is evident in your life and I am grateful to be able to see His Mighty hand in your life. I loved the old Isabel but can’t wait to hang out with the new one!!!! One day friend…one day!
I am very grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ because it has been entrusted sister Isabel Maldonado to become a sponsor my child in Indonesia and I am very interested in photos brother, also my brother always pray that success in education and thank you brother had sent photos to my brother, Could send more pictures elder brother who was hugging the dog, thank you brother, I wait for ya picture, God is with older brother, younger sister of Exel Manurip in Indonesia.
Congratulations, Isabel! You have worked hard, had setbacks, pressed on, and through it all, God has been at work in you. I am rejoicing with you as you graduate, confident that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion, and eager to see what comes next. God is good and he loves you so !