Women's Bible study

I have to admit- there have been times in my life here in Bolivia where I just wonder why God has me here. I sometimes feel that I don't measure up as a missionary (I'm not always using the right standard) and have periods where I don't see any fruit from relationships I have with Bolivian women. That said, our Women's Bible study has been such a source of encouragement in this last year. We are currently going through a Beth Moore study called Jesus the One and Only, which has been insightful and challenging. Pretty much all the application questions she asks bring up issues revolving around Zion's death and the ensuing pain, but they are so good. One particular day in last weeks study talked about the healing of the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years and raising Jairus's daughter from the dead. Beth made the point of how limitless Christ's power is and had us write out all of the things that are facing us right now where we need to see God's hand at work in a mighty way. I had a fairly good number of them. Then, we were to read each one out and repeat to ourselves, "the power of Christ is sufficient". What a helpful and practical habit! I've found myself the rest of this week, as I've begun to worry about one thing or another, repeating, "the power of Christ is sufficient" and that brings so much peace! We got together in small groups at the end of the study and answered a few personal questions and then prayed for each other. One of the ladies in my group began coming to our church after everything happened with Zion and she wasn't aware of his existence. It felt so strange to tell her about this son that we had last year who died, in a calm voice- as if it had happened long in the past and I was over it. I felt like I wanted to explain to her how very much a part of my current life he is and yet I rejoiced in being able to share how much God has done in my heart. So, I am thankful for women's Bible study, for the friendships I have there and the openness. It often makes me feel that there's a reason for being here.