Exhaustion Is My Biggest Enemy

What a trying week it has been. Can't say it's been one of my better weeks. But then again, they all can't be gleaming with rockets red glare and laughters that reach the mountain peaks. I've been trying to extract every ounce of energy, patience, and creativity I have left and devote it to my kids, but to be honest, it's like trying to squeeze juice out of a dried up fruit.

The kids have been good sports though. I have to give them a lot of credit. With all the natural disasters that have this country up in arms, Dini being in her accident, and crazy incidents that happen in the classroom - they have shown a lot of patience and bravery. Sometimes they seem too grown up for Grade 3 and Grade 6 students.

It's hard to get through a day this week without being dead tired by nine in the morning. Most of my co-workers and friends are in the same boat as I am: plagued by drooping eyes, black circles under the eyes, and utter exhaustion. We have taken turns helping out in Grade 5 until the substitute starts, and made several rounds to Jakarta to visit Dini in the hospital. Let me just say, going to Jakarta has been a test in patience. With all the flooding and traffic, a round trip (travel time alone) takes 5 - 6 hours, when it should 2 - 3.

Tomorrow is Friday. Usually on Fridays I think, "how did this week fly by?" This week however, I am think "This was the longest week of my life and it's only Friday!" The weekend will be something all of us need.

As I look over this emotionally draining week, I realize that this has probably been one of my low points here and it can only get better. In my mind, there's a celebration going on (although a very wary and sleepy one at that) because I pressed on and didn't give up.The administrative staff here has been an abundant blessing because they recognize all the teachers are struggling.

Even though this has been a rough week, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have learned so much and bonded with people that I have never had the chance to do so before. When God closes a door, He opens a window. In this case, a window of opportunity. How awesome is that? God is so awesome! Even amidst the pain and suffering, I am still able to find joy.