As One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

Let me preface this entry by saying, I am so very sorry for being silent as of late.  We have been exceptional busy here and I've had very little time on the internet.

Everything here has gone so very well, a group from the states came and that went exceptionally well.  We had the opportunity to teach English in two schools, one of which we were invited back to with enthusiasm!  We also had the opportunity to visit some touristy places - two Wats (temples, one of which is the highest both geographically and spiritually in the area), limestone waterfalls that one can actually climb, and we rode elephants on my birthday!! Wow!  But, I assure you we also did meaningful things with our time.  While the group was here we were able to feed about 1,000 people and had movie nights in a few different places.  It was exceptional!!!  It was also exhausting!

In our last few days here my friend and I were saying goodbye to all of our local friends; we've made so many close friends!!!!  Right now, I'm soaking up my last 30 minutes of internet and sipping my last green tea before I head to the airport!  Please be praying for me the next 24 hours as I embark upon the next leg of my journey.

It is hard to leave everyone here:  my mentors and their children, our local friends, and even just the familiarity of a beautiful city and a beautiful language of which I can manage a few measly sentences.  Leaving here will be very difficult!!  But, as the saying goes... Whoever may have initially said it: As one door closes, another door opens.  I am leaving this place having gained friends, wisdom, and strength I never knew I had... And now instead of thinking that the journey is over, I'm simply stepping into what is next.  In 24 short hours I will be in a country I've been longing to visit since I was in the 7th grade.  I will be able to live alongside one of my friends in an orphanage!  This is something my heart has desired for over 10 years!!  So, I am not making a heartbreaking exit from this place, leaving my friends behind.  No, I am striding forward with these friends, mentors and this place as a part of me as I simply step from one place to another.

So, let's stride onward friends!!  I will attempt to be a better blogger!!