James 1:2

So once again it has been forever since my last post.  Before I was using the excuse that I didn't have internet and well it has been out for a little over a week I really have no excuse. 
So this morning I read James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials
I think God knew what kind of day I was going to have…
If I am honest working with the continuing ed kids has been challenging.  There are 12 of them and for the month of March I thought it would be a good idea to reward those with good behaviour with a pizza party at the end of them month.  Well the end of the month is almost here and I think that I will have # of them at this part.  So yes it has been challenging.  
I try to remind myself that most of them are between 13-15 and we can all remember being that age and how not fun it was….
I also try to remind myself that they have built walls around their hearts as a survival technique.
I have to remind myself that as my mom was teaching me no to lie and be manipulative, there mom's were teaching them to lie and be manipulative
I have to remind myself that the come from a life of abandonment, a life with fathers and brothers that have been murdered.
I have to remind myself that they are actually hurting children.
And I have to remind myself that their deception and manipulation and their lack of respect isn't personal and relationships take time, especially cross culturally, cross linguistics and especially with these children who don't let people in.
So it has been a challenge, I have always had easy relationships with teenagers so it has been challenging, I'm not going to lie.  The next verse says "knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance".
So at the end of the day, we are all growing and we are all learning and these kids are in a process as well and while its difficult at times, I know its not only their character that is being built but mine as well.  I maybe didn't do such a good job today, but I will find "joy" in my trials with them, knowing its part of a process and part of a wonderful plan that God has for their lives.
Short and sweet…
Thanks again for your support and prayers, I really, really couldn't say it enough.  I really do feel I have the best cheer team behind me.

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