And again with the overwhelmed.

Well, it was bound to happen. The tears must come, and come they have. It is surreal to be staring down our final two weeks here, in this season, and in this place. As I mentioned before, God has been so, SO good to us - meeting us in ways and places we least expected it.

Last night was our end of the year ESL fiesta, which equals awards, gifts, muy delicioso comida, and yes, tears from yours truly. Baxter and I have come to truly love our students, and the way they loved us last night was an unforgettable gift.

I love how the Lord works, when you give of yourself - even in ways that feel inadequate and sometimes half-hearted - you are one who walks away blessed, so much more so than those you went to serve. So many Tuesday nights I felt like there was more I could have done . . . taught better, been available more. But last night I was struck with the truth that the Lord loves the widow's willingly given pennies . . . and that even in what we might consider to be not enough, He pours out grace over and above.

I love this picture, for reasons deeper than the obvious cultural differences of what you do when a photo is being taken.

I love it because Ramon is so proud of his certificate, and is becoming a citizen on FRIDAY, and was able to take and pass his citizenship test in ENGLISH.

I love it because Jose Luis is about to be the father of a baby girl, and he is giddy with gratitude that the Lord would bless them with another baby.

I love it because Blanca and I's eyes are still wet with tears, sad to be leaving a sweet friendship, but confident in her ability to walk with her daughter through school in the coming years.

I love it because it gives me hope . . . hope that the Lord can love us, use us, and change us in an unfamiliar place. Hope in knowing that He meets us smack dab in the middle of our inability and inadequacy, and chooses to pour out all of His goodness anyways.

I think I needed tonight. I needed to be reminded to let those ole' floodgates open, so that I don't miss a second of God's outpouring for the sake of appearing "together". God has been so richly present these days, and I don't want to miss a second of it or deny Him the glory. HE has been good, HE has been gracious, and HE deserves to be worshiped.

Gracias a Dios.