A Refreshing

Before I left for my week of R&R in Costa Rica, I was exhausted. I was to the point that I didn’t know if I could continue or even if I wanted to. (Just being honest here.) I was burnt-out. The week before I left, I found myself crying on three different occasions. I am a crier, but three times in one week is a little excessive, but that shows you the state that I was in.

Burnout takes on many different forms. It doesn’t just happen to people in missions/ministry. It happens to people who work a 9-5 job, people who are parents, and even to students who are in the university. In short, it can happen to anyone. And for me, I needed to do some serious reevaluating. I even asked God the question, “Am I still supposed to be here?” But, I didn’t get a response. Instead, I received a refreshing. In hindsight, maybe that was my response--a refreshing to continue until told otherwise. A refreshing to put aside the negativity that had been taking place. A refreshing as to why the Father brought me here in the first place.

It felt amazing to relax for a week, unplug, and do absolutely nothing (besides hanging out with family, drinking coffee, and eating too much.) When my week came to a close, I felt a peace about going back to the DR and to work. And so, here I am. I still have many unknowns, but I have a refreshing, and for now, that is just what I need and what I will cling to.

Things to PRAY for:

• Please continue to hold our staff up in prayer. Even though I have had my refreshing, it doesn’t mean that I will not continue to have challenging moments or days. Pray for strength and energy, and wisdom. I cannot go into details, but many negative things were taking place before I left. I have prayed against these things, and I ask that you all will stand with me in this.

PRAISES & BLESSINGS:

• While I enjoyed Thanksgiving with my own family, the girls experienced their first-ever “American” Thanksgiving. I was told they enjoyed it so much that there were not any leftovers!

• I bought a plane ticket to Florida for February to visit one of my best friends I haven’t seen in three years! I am very much looking forward to spending time with her and her family, even though it will only be for a few days.

• One of our girls has started her first job in a coffee shop! This will be an incredible experience for her as she gains valuable skills for her future.