Hope ((Esperanza))

I do not have much to update everyone from this past week. There was no school because it is Holiday week, in celebration of Cochabamba. No school meant no Center. Crazy how disappointing it was not not see the kids for a week! (Christmas break is going to kill me!)

Instead I spent the week running errands for my Visa process, attempting to further my Spanish, and for a while in there, laying in bed very sick. For anyone who is worried; I am fine! I may have just eaten some bad food or maybe my body was just not adjusting to the culture change. Either way it was extremely miserable and painful. I'm feeling much better though, with only a little pain left. Thank you for your prayers!

While removed from the joy of the kids and faced with the challenge of many things I am finding it very easy to be frustrated. In fact yesterday, downtown, I felt frustration towards random people I brushed shoulders with at the market, or the person next to me in the Trufi for sitting too close. People I'd never met I was almost angry with.
What?! Ridiculous, Shelby.
As I was reading The Bible this week I read a verse that really made me put things in perspective;

"And not only this but we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5
Tribulation -- Perseverance-- Character-- Hope!

It's a test.
The easy choice is to get down, to get frustrated, and to take that frustration into a negative attitude towards everything. But where does that get us?
The tough choice is exulting. To thank God for the hardship we've been given. To allow Him to create perseverance and proven character in us through those tribulations. That, that is our hope.

Exult: To show or feel a lively or triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant.

As I work through exulting in The Lord in hard times and frustration, I hope this helps anyone else who is dealing with the same. Have a great week everyone!