Hope

Tonight I am thinking about a dear friend who is going through a really tough time.  She has lost her hope for a better tomorrow and feels all alone.  I pray she finds it soon because I love her so much and I love her smile.  I really believe there is nothing worse than losing hope.  Hope gives us a ray of sunshine to carry us into the next day.  I know many people in the winter suffer from depression because they need to see the sunshine.  I am a firm believer in vacations in the winter time to rebuild that hope that gets so dim in the winter.  My belief in God and His ultimate goodness is my strongest hope for my future.  Being here in Ecuador has only grown that hope and helped to put my mind at ease that my life is precious to God and what I do with it is for His glory.  Now I know that sounds like just words, but hear me out here.  Matt and I have talked about being here where we do not speak the language has been a test of giving up control.  We have to trust God and that He will provide what we need.  Little things have fallen into place everyday to make our journey smooth.  People have given up seats, we have found our way when we were not sure we would, we have internet and seem to connect with family and friends right when we and they needed it the most, we have made some good friends, the kids found friends, the food has not made us sick, we have seen beautiful things and so many more.  Our smooth sailing is what has grown my hope everyday, but some days you have to look harder than others.  My dad and brother coming to visit is another huge boost to my hope.  God knows what we need and he provides it as long as we give up control and trust Him.  So today I pray for all those people that need a boost to their hope especially those that have a lot of really rough things going on in their lives and I ask God that we can be that boost for others.