Life Changes in the Blink of an Eye...

As I sit and write this post, I am pondering many different aspects of life. However, the aspect that’s at the forefront of my mind is the power of a moment. What we do in our lives often can be defined or redefined simply by a moment. Life is short and but a vapor. We can be told this and even read about it in God’s word. James 4:14 states, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." 

We know this simple truth in our heads, but in order for it to move from our heads to hearts takes something influential. During the past year, this is the lesson that I’ve been learning over and over again. I want to live in the moment, take advantage of every opportunity that is presented, and make the most of every moment. This however, may not play out the way I envisioned or even wish. We can make plans. I think there is a time and a place for plans, but being flexible is highly valuable. This is especially true when yielding to God’s will and not our own. Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6 are very fitting. 

Two months ago, I thought I would be blogging from good ol' Mae Sa Luang, however plans changed. I am currently residing with my parents in California and not in Thailand where I thought I would be. I came home for school at APU and planned to return to teach after my classes finished. Well, I had struggling with my health while I was in Thailand for several months. With the prodding of a dear friend and after multiple normal test results, I went to see a Holistic doctor who was able to give diagnosis. I am currently recovering and doing fairly well. I am missing Thailand very much and my students oh so much. Teaching at Legacy, Thailand and my students were my life for the past two years. While I had struggles from the typical cultural changes, being away from family and friends as well as breaking my leg and being in a hospital for the first time in my life, I had wonderful experiences. Thus, my life has been touched and will forever be changed. I learned much about culture, God, life, people, and myself. 

A couple of the things that I will never take for granted are the joys of having family and friends close, soft beds, people speaking English EVERYWHERE, not be able to barter, HOT showers and soft beds. I have left with a greater understanding of what it means to live a simple life, what it means to have a hard life, what it means to love, serve and care. There are many, many other amazing things I learned from my time spent living, learning to love and serving in Thailand I cannot seem to find the words to express. I will always cherish my memories and lessons learned. 

My daily prayer was that God would cause me to be stretched and grown. Be careful what you pray for! I was definitely stretched and grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I know I will forever be changed from my time spent at Legacy Institute. I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to serve and was blessed in many ways during my time there. I do hope to one day go back and visit, although I’m not sure when one day will be.

As of now, I don’t know what this life has in store or where I will be or end up. I’m waiting on God and praying for guidance and direction in my life.

So this is farewell for now!

Thank for you to my devoted readers (mainly family J) for reading. Thank you for all of your prayers and support throughout my time abroad. (If you think of me, send a prayer up on my behalf. :))     

Lots of Love and Hugs,

Lainy J.

AKA 

Aj. Elainea