March
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He Waits
For spring break, my coworkers and I decided to go to Maui. Prior to our flight, we had just gotten back from outdoor school, and we had to make a stop at the school to gather our luggage. After, we figured we had some time to spare, so we went to get shaved ice with a friend who was visiting from Oahu. We were all just talking stories, and we lost track of time! Supposedly, you should be at the airport 2 or 1 hour before the flight. Well, our flight was at 3:25 pm, and there we were still filling our mouths with shaved ice at 2:30 pm.
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When we arrived at the airport it was already 3:00 pm, and the line to get through TSA was suuupppperrrr long! We waited in line for about 45 minutes. As soon as I got through TSA, I ran to our gate (thankfully, the Hilo airport is really small). To my surprise, the doors were still open and the airplane was waiting for us! We were so thankful that the pilot did not leave us, and had enough patience and grace to wait.
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As I was waiting for the plane to take off, I began to reflect about how much patience and grace Jesus has for us. You see, even as sinners, we have the free will to choose Jesus or not. Either way, Jesus is constantly and consistently waiting for us to reach out to Him. Just like a fisherman, Jesus waits with his hook for us. He catches us with excitement, but if we are not ready to be caught by Him, he understands and simply lets us make that decision. However, very patiently, Jesus continues to wait, no matter how long it takes for us.
Unfortunately...
On one of the days that we were in Maui, we wanted to hike to a waterfall. It took us a while to get to the destination, but it was refreshing to jump in the water. We stayed at that spot for about 25 minutes until we decided it was time to walk back to our rental truck.
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Lety and I were the last ones to make it back up to the truck. There was a car that slowed down, and a lady began to talk to us. She told us that she hopes it was not our truck, but the window was busted, and they saw a car speed through the road. As we got closer to the truck, we could see our friend Anna from a distance pacing and her hands were on her hips. I was very shocked to see how shattered the window was. My heart sank when I realized that whoever broke our window, took my backpack. In that backpack I had my ID, a sentimental object that belonged to my late grandma, a polaroid, and some meaningful pictures. I was frustrated and hurt. We ended up filing a police report for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, I was not able to get my things back. It was a disturbing event, and it took me a while to find peace with what happened.
Christian Witness
My friend, Matthias is the intern Pastor here on the Big Island. On one of the Sabbaths of this month, he preached about being a Christian Witness. He had a strong message, and it stuck with me. In my opinion, being a Christian Witness is hard. I don't know everything about the Bible, and my relationship with God is not consistent. Additionally, I would focus more on what I can do.
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Here's what I learned. Yes, being a Christian Witness is challenging. However, it is NOT hopeless because Jesus IS hope! Jesus is the prime example of a Christian Witness. He had a life here on earth. The biggest take away I took from the sermon was that Christian Witnessing is about what GOD CAN DO. Not about what I can do.
March Bloopers
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me: *helping 1st-grade boy with a phonics worksheet*
1st-grade boy: I don't know the answer!
me: My friend, that is why I am helping you right now.
1st-grade boy: Pleaseeee! Can you tell me the answer? You have to tell me the answer because I'm only in 1st grade.
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me: *talking to 4th grade girl*
4th grade girl: Sometimes I wonder what you look like outside of school.
4th grade boy: *enters conversation* Miss Zarate is waaayyyyyy prettier outside of school. I've seen her.
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March In Summary
Although I did not post it, I felt Satan really trying to get a hold of me this month. It is true that Satan prowls, and that he likes to get the best of you when you are vulnerable. However, God has been so good. The kids at school are doing well. I think most of them are ready for summer break to begin. They know that soon I will be leaving, so I have been receiving many hugs and little hand-made notes or drawings. School is ending quickly, and it is so bittersweet to think about how I have to leave.