West Virginia is Really Growing on Me

So after almost three months in the middle of nowhere...with 18 little people each day...lots of hillbilly enjoyment...I have to admit that I am getting used to this place...and just maybe feel like War is starting to become "home."

But speaking of home....I got to go home for Christmas! It was such a wonderful wonderful visit that was so needed. I ended up getting to go home a day early because of all the snow that bombarded West Virginia! Before I left to go home, we had 18 inches of snow! I remember specifically asking about the snowfall with the crazy roads...well my dad did at least. And everyone told me, "Don't worry...it hardly snows here!" So, I figured I would bring my winter boots after Christmas...mistake! During this snow storm, we lost phone, Internet, and water...basically we felt like we were in another world. So, Laura and I made the best of it by watching Gilmore Girls and having sleepovers. We also would look out the window and dream of going to Bluefield (an hour away where our church and friends are)...our new oasis these days.

So...home....I got to spend so much time with my whole family...including our little Dylan! He is walking everywhere now and never sits down. He is one of the greatest joys in all of our lives. I never am at home that I don't thank God for His amazing faithfulness and grace to the Marshall family! I love my family so much and am so thankful that I am so blessed to experience this much love on earth.

Those are a few favorites from my time at home. Truly, it was so refreshing. I left school during Thanksgiving break worn and heavy if you remember. It was so difficult to come back to school after that short time with my family. I was actually dreading Christmas goodbyes, knowing that I would get to be even more attached once again to my family. However, I had a few great weeks with my students before break and was able to just enjoy each day. Leaving was hard as I thought, but I felt like I was so refreshed and had a reminder of my purpose. God showed me over and over that His love is unfailing through people and experiences.

I got back to War on the 3rd of January and just today was my first full day back! Snow days are amazing! Who said that they were just for the kids? My roommate and I basically lived in Bluefield for that time and spent many days and nights with our new friends. Another area that God has blessed abundantly...He has given us such wonderful, solid, and encouraging friends that love Him. Oh...and they are around our age too!

Being back at school has been so wonderful too! God is soooo good! I know that daily there are so many prayers being lifted to Him about my 18 little ones and our class as a whole. I know that there are prayers for me, too. Thank you for that! They have been felt, and I truly believe that God has given me a fresh start and a renewed love for my kiddos. As my aunt reminded me during break, "He WILL break through!" I have had a wonderful week and am looking forward to hitting the books hard again on Tuesday...our next school day.

If I had to sum up this time in my life right now, I would say the word would be "contentment." I must admit, this is not a common word in my vocabulary no matter how much I've tried to make it. This word was something that I couldn't find all through high school and college. Bringing me to West Virginia has helped me to break the chains of lies I told myself and loosen the grip of people and things that I held so tightly to for countless years. God has been slowly ripping pieces of myself away bringing so much Truth of who He is and His plans for my life since graduation last May. I've always known in my mind that only God brings true contentment. Now my heart is actually following along! Things are not perfect, and I still am discouraged many moments, but God is clearly showing His face in so many ways! I am so thankful!

Please keep praying for me to be salt and light in a dark place. I long to give these students the hope that I experience! God IS working! :)