Blessings

Well, I am officially back in the ol' routine.  Back in the U.S. almost completely adjusted to the time difference and back to studying and the normal chores that accompany my life as a wife and student.  Surprisingly, the change in time has been the easiest adjustment.  I have talked with Kelly since returning, and it seems that we are both experiencing a bit of culture shock.  Weird huh? Two Americans experiencing culture shock in the United States. As I was driving to meet my parents at the mall on Monday, I couldn't help but feel a little guilty.  There I was driving my 2010 Toyota Highlander, wearing my favorite pair of boots that were given to me for my birthday last year (easily over $100), wearing my wedding band and engagement ring (which I decided not to take to Kenya), and my pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.  I had the realization that the value of my outfit that day could easily pay for food, a surgical procedure, or even a cow for a family to milk in Kenya.  I remember being young and going to Camp Cowen for the summer.  You leave after a week of fellowship and growing in your relationship with Christ "on fire" for God.  Sure, it stays with you for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, but the fire eventually fizzles and you are back where you were before.  I pray that the lessons I learned while in Africa stay with me for a lifetime.  I always want to be reminded of how little some have, and how much God has blessed me.  I pray that I always think twice about buying things in excess and think more about what great things God could do with my time and my money.  I realized that everything I have has been graciously given to me by God.  I'm not sure why he decided to give to me as he has, but I now realize that nothing I own is mine, it has all been entrusted to me.  I realize now that as long as I know from where my blessings flow and try and glorify God in all aspects of my life, there is no need to feel guilty about my blessings.  I have also learned that although the people of Bomet have much less than we have, they are still blessed.  They are more appreciative than anyone I have ever met.  They allow themselves to trust God daily for their needs, and I hope that I can learn to do the same. 

Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24