This month, our elementary school is studying Joy. Joy has always been special to me, not only because it is my middle name but also for what it truly is and where it comes from. This Thursday I will be our chapel speaker for 3rd – 5th grade and I have decided to share with them about the difference between happiness and joy. This has certainly been a lesson that I have worked to grow and learn from for years and find to be a huge part of teaching and living overseas. Happiness can come in a moment and is fleeting. It is directly linked with the about of emotion that is evoked from something. Webster defines it as good fortune and a pleasurable or satisfying experience. When teaching, sometimes students will say something funny, a lesson goes well, a parent tells you a positive thing their child has learned. These little moments are great and enjoyable, but by themselves they will only bring happiness. If in the next minute a student says something hateful to another, or a lesson completely flops, the happiness can change into sadness or frustration. And suddenly the good feelings are gone. When living overseas, one minute you can be discovering a new part of the culture you are living in and the next remember a wedding that you missed because you were away. You could be learning to make a new dish and the next be told of a family injury or hard time that they are going through and not be able to be there for them. The happiness can be gone in a second and if it only comes from what is happening at the time, your emotions are in a constant roller coaster ride.
The exciting thing is that we have joy that is everlasting and comes from the Lord. Webster defines joy as a source or cause of delight and the emotion evoked by possessing what one desires. While I believe this is be partially true, I also believe that what we truly desire most can only be fulfilled by God and that it is He who our joy then comes from. I love the quote from Mother Teresa that says, “Profound joy of the heart is like a magnet that indicates the path of life. One has to follow it, even though one enters into a way full of difficulties.” The joy the Lord gives us is not a roller coaster, but if we can continue to trust in Him, we can be blessed will an inner “fountain” of joy that is never ceasing. Through teaching and living overseas it has been this joy that has blessed me and guided me in ways to allow opportunities to continue to share God’s love and joy to those around me. I am so thankful for the joy of the Lord that is there in the good times and the challenges. 
Prayer Requests:
1. Please pray for all of the new teachers at ACA. They are starting teaching for the first time, which is overwhelming on top of moving around the world to a foreign country.
2. Please pray that we get the new teacher that we are looking for! (The position is middle school Social Studies and English if you know anyone who may be interested!)
3. Please pray for ACA and all of the new changes that it is going through!
4. Please pray that the school would be blessed with the Joy of the Lord and turn to Him in all times.
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