Sigh, now I really need to work on that Bravalo Arabic app downloaded onto my phone months ago.

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; only, may the Lord establish His word.” I Samuel 1:23

For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
    and by Him actions are weighed. I Samuel 2:3

Guide my feet, yes my Lord, while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain.

I have decided to return to Mar Qadark School in the fall for another eight to ten weeks as an instructional coach, curriculum specialist and odd-jobs lady.

How does a child of God make decisions? Reading about Hannah today, she was pretty bold. She knew in her knower. And part of this journey was practicing the leap.

I started off with the understanding that I am a sent one by Jesus to announce His coming, as one of the “others.” And His instructions were pretty well scaffolded… but even though He said, “Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.” I brought a wad of twenties and a brand new Kelty knapsack and three pairs of sandals and three sort-of-professional outfits and even a bathing suit if I ever need it, but it all fits inside Ryan Air carry on, with centimeters left to spare.

And I greet everyone on the street with touch to the chest and a cheery, “Allo.”

So I kinda feel like Jill and Eustice who missed the first of Aslan’s signs.

Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.  Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Luke 10:5-8

And well, I haven’t eaten everything set before me. Last night in celebration of my return, the school administration set a plate of roasted lima beans and a plate of roasted green beans and a bowl of hummus and a bowl of pistachios and a hookah and a bottle of red wine and a kabob plate with a large pizza-sized flat of bread, and then a second flat of bread hot out of the wood oven and then a whole rack of chicken wings before me and I did the best I could.

And after meeting with the principal, I paused. And said maybe.

And chatted with the team here. And messaged a few more.

But really, His directions were pretty clear.

This place is chock-filled with sons of peace. Who have responded to the many smashing strikes to the cheek with grace.

And of course, this first chunk of time has been a lot of stumbling and getting back up, brushing off my knees and heading down a different direction. Monitor and adjust every day. Every class period. Sometimes even in the middle of the period. And how with relationship and time and bearing, I will be much more helpful. So it makes sense. Too.

It doesn’t always have to make sense. But it does.

And these Scriptures do talk about establishing His word and weighing actions.

So Calendar is clicking into place and arrival dates and the departure dates are starting to come into focus, ready to be plugged into Kayak and CheapoAir searches.

But then there is today.

Today with the final presentations. Today with the individual conferencing. Today with the presentation of certificates.

Today.

Lord God, our hands are open to You. Our ears are listening to You. Our eyes are watching You. Our hearts are trying to beat with Yours. Live in us and love others through us today. Amen.