Monday, February 15

Today is Valentine’s Day and Stacey bought me flowers! I know I'm loved. Valentine's Day entered Europe only about three years ago, so it's not really big yet.

As the girls were leaving the house this morning, I said “have a good day. I love you!” Helena turned and said, “I love you too.” Then she quickly tagged on “more!” Then Gloria said it, so we had fun trying to say “I love you….more!” It was such a fun beginning to the morning. Thank you Stacey! J

For devotions this morning, I listened to another sermon online by John Piper on Psalm 42 on Spiritual Depression. His main points were: 1. The Psalmist asks why (v9). 2. The Psalmist affirms God’s sovereign love in the midst of oppression (v. 8, 5, 11, 7). 3. The Psalmist sings a song to God of his life (v. 8). 4. The Psalmist preaches to himself (v. 5-6). 5. The Psalmist remembers past experiences and 6. The Psalmist thirsts for God (v. 1-2). The Psalmist does not plead for relief of his circumstances. It was a wonderful lesson on how I need to speak truth to myself and not just let myself feel like the Lord has forgotten me (v. 9).

I enjoyed playing through some of the hymns from the hymn book the missionaries lent me. It’s good for me to practice my sight-reading. I worked on laundry and then picked up the girls from school. After we got back, I checked and mom and dad still hadn’t called so I called them and actually got them! We got to talk about the funeral and Titus for an hour. I’m not mad at him, I don’t judge him, I don’t ask “why”; I’m simply sad that he’s gone. After composing myself, I went downstairs so Mark could give me a few instructions before they left. As they were leaving, Mark came over and touched my arm and said, “don’t be sad. It’ll get better.” I appreciated that he was trying to comfort me, since I was fighting tears again. 

I ate dinner while I helped Gloria with some English homework. It proved to be a little difficult because I would correct her sentences only to find out that’s how they learned the British English in school. Obviously I don't speak British English.

The girls stayed home alone while I went to my German class. When I entered the room, my teacher said hello and that they missed me last week so I tried to explain in German. I know I botched it, but he got the gist of it. We reviewed verbs from two weeks ago, and then worked on personal pronouns and family descriptions and how to combine all of them. It was a really fun class and the time went by quickly.

When I got home, the girls were watching TV. When I sent them to bed and tucked them in, I spent just a few minutes with each one. As I left each room, I had another contest with the girls on who could say “I love you more” last. It was a very nice end to the evening.

I went back to my room and was finally able to skype a good friend!!