So, as I have mentioned I am in Guatemala doing my Missionary Training for moving here to serve! Well, this month (which is almost over, sigh, so sad), has been busy, tiring, fun and amazing! The purpose of the month was for me to learn about every aspect of Living Water Teaching and everything that they do, and also to prepare for my moving here, and everything that has to be done with that. It was also a time of observation, the leadership watching me, me watching them, living life here, seeing if it is a good fit and if I could make it.
Well, on Thursday I had to go before members of the board and answer numerous questions, it was a type of final interview before the final decision was to be made as to if I would be accepted as a Living Water Teaching Missionary. So, the exciting news is... I'm in! They accepted me, so I am now a missionary with them! Yay! Well, I will actually be moving in about 10 months, but when I return home this Thursday (sigh again, so not ready to leave), I will begin getting things in order and start the support aspect of being a missionary.
I cannot even begin to explain how great this month has been. You know how it is when something happens and you want so bad to share it, but you feel as though no words that you could use would be able to get the point across? That is how I feel!
God's faithfulness has been overwhelming! I mean, I just can't describe it! He has SURPRISED me in so many ways! My questions have been answered, my concerns, all cleared up, my doubts, turned into confidence, everything is lining up.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What is it?
So, I am getting used to life in Guatemala. I have now been here two weeks, so I am halfway through my orientation. I have to say that I am loving it here! The people are great, the ministry is awesome, and my Spanish is improving (I think). I am really enjoying spending time with the missionaries and with the Bible School students. It's a lot of fun!
I will admit that there are a few things that are "different" than what I am used to...
For instance, I have to ask someone what it is that we're eating, at least once a day. There are some dishes that I love, and umm, there are others that, well let's just say, I can force them down IF I must (thankfully, I don't have to though). It's not that the food is bad, it's just different than what I am used to and so my taste buds, are well, growing? Hmmm.
Then there is the fact that I have to get up a lot earlier than I usually do. This isn't a big deal for normal people, but then there's me... I do not like mornings. The only mornings that I enjoy waking up are the one's where I don't have anywhere to be, so I can sleep without setting an alarm and wake up when it was no longer morning ;) Don't get me wrong, once I am up and getting ready, I am fine and excited about the day, it's just the initial process of waking up. You can ask everyone who works at the Branch, they have seen me way too many times dragging in, without make-up, and with wet hair, because I just wouldn't let the alarm win.
Okay, so let's add to the morning thing. Imagine using 6 blankets (and 2 pair of pj's) because it is so cold and there is not heat in the house. Okay, so how cold do you think you will be when you finally do wake up to the alarm and have to get out of that warm bed? I mean I can't walk around with 6 blankets to get ready.
And the water. There are hot water heaters, but I don't think it gets very hot. I mean, the way I can tell if the pilot light is lit on the heater or if it went out and I need to go light it (they have different heaters here, you have to light them with a match or a lighter), is that if the water is cold but I can breathe, then it's working, if it is so cold that I lose my breath, then I need to make a trip outside to light the heater.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, so you'll know, it's really the little things that you begin to miss from home. But the main reason I wanted to talk about it is that I STILL LOVE IT HERE! I'll admit that I don't like cold showers or some of the food, or some of the other things, but so what! I would go through that day in and day out if necessary, because I know that missions is what I am called to do. Plus, I can just rejoice and be thankful because I have experienced worse conditions too.
During my orientation, I have been watching videos from Pastor Jim Zirkle, who was the founder of Living Water Teaching, here in Guatemala. One of the videos is on the burden vs. the call. He said that often times people are burdened for the nations and they know something needs to happen. But what does a burden do? It weighs you down, it makes life hard and often miserable. He gave a simple example of how you can tell the difference between a burden and a call. He said that the man with the burden and the man with the call both go on a mission trip. They both have to take cold showers, they both have to eat food that they have no idea what it is, they have to deal with the bugs, they go to wash their clothes and hang them to dry and then it rains and the clothes are soaked, they have to sleep on hard beds, their hairdryers won't work, etc. Now they both go home and the person with the burden says, "Lord, thank you for missions, I will support the ministry, I will help however I can, but please do not ever send me there." The person with the call says, "Lord, please send me back, I want to be there!"
I am that called person. I know it! Now, let me just tell you that I like my modern things, I like to straighten my hair and wear make-up and have heat and warm showers. In fact, I think people that love camping are CRAZY. Why would someone leave their comfortable home, to sleep on the ground in a tent, and have to build a fire? It makes no sense to me. But for missions, I somehow have the gift to be able to endure it, and want to have more. It doesn't mean that it is never frustrating, or that it doesn't get old. What it does mean is that I am called. True joy comes when you are walking in the plan that God has for you, it doesn't come with all the conveniences of technology and money (although I do appreciate those), but if you are right where you are supposed to be, you can look at any obstacle with a gleam in your eye, and revel in the the joy of serving the Lord right where you are!
Life isn't always easy, in fact, it can be very hard at times. But when I look back at the hard times that I know I was in the middle of God's plan, for some reason I don't see all the hard things I endured, I remember it being hard, but it has all been covered with the joy and peace and love of walking this life hand in hand with Jesus and all I can do is look back and smile!
Don't settle for convenient and easy! Go after whatever it is God has for you! Seek Him first in everyting and those desires that you have will come to pass! The life He has for you is beyond your wildest dreams! So Live it!
I will admit that there are a few things that are "different" than what I am used to...
For instance, I have to ask someone what it is that we're eating, at least once a day. There are some dishes that I love, and umm, there are others that, well let's just say, I can force them down IF I must (thankfully, I don't have to though). It's not that the food is bad, it's just different than what I am used to and so my taste buds, are well, growing? Hmmm.
Then there is the fact that I have to get up a lot earlier than I usually do. This isn't a big deal for normal people, but then there's me... I do not like mornings. The only mornings that I enjoy waking up are the one's where I don't have anywhere to be, so I can sleep without setting an alarm and wake up when it was no longer morning ;) Don't get me wrong, once I am up and getting ready, I am fine and excited about the day, it's just the initial process of waking up. You can ask everyone who works at the Branch, they have seen me way too many times dragging in, without make-up, and with wet hair, because I just wouldn't let the alarm win.
Okay, so let's add to the morning thing. Imagine using 6 blankets (and 2 pair of pj's) because it is so cold and there is not heat in the house. Okay, so how cold do you think you will be when you finally do wake up to the alarm and have to get out of that warm bed? I mean I can't walk around with 6 blankets to get ready.
And the water. There are hot water heaters, but I don't think it gets very hot. I mean, the way I can tell if the pilot light is lit on the heater or if it went out and I need to go light it (they have different heaters here, you have to light them with a match or a lighter), is that if the water is cold but I can breathe, then it's working, if it is so cold that I lose my breath, then I need to make a trip outside to light the heater.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, so you'll know, it's really the little things that you begin to miss from home. But the main reason I wanted to talk about it is that I STILL LOVE IT HERE! I'll admit that I don't like cold showers or some of the food, or some of the other things, but so what! I would go through that day in and day out if necessary, because I know that missions is what I am called to do. Plus, I can just rejoice and be thankful because I have experienced worse conditions too.
During my orientation, I have been watching videos from Pastor Jim Zirkle, who was the founder of Living Water Teaching, here in Guatemala. One of the videos is on the burden vs. the call. He said that often times people are burdened for the nations and they know something needs to happen. But what does a burden do? It weighs you down, it makes life hard and often miserable. He gave a simple example of how you can tell the difference between a burden and a call. He said that the man with the burden and the man with the call both go on a mission trip. They both have to take cold showers, they both have to eat food that they have no idea what it is, they have to deal with the bugs, they go to wash their clothes and hang them to dry and then it rains and the clothes are soaked, they have to sleep on hard beds, their hairdryers won't work, etc. Now they both go home and the person with the burden says, "Lord, thank you for missions, I will support the ministry, I will help however I can, but please do not ever send me there." The person with the call says, "Lord, please send me back, I want to be there!"
I am that called person. I know it! Now, let me just tell you that I like my modern things, I like to straighten my hair and wear make-up and have heat and warm showers. In fact, I think people that love camping are CRAZY. Why would someone leave their comfortable home, to sleep on the ground in a tent, and have to build a fire? It makes no sense to me. But for missions, I somehow have the gift to be able to endure it, and want to have more. It doesn't mean that it is never frustrating, or that it doesn't get old. What it does mean is that I am called. True joy comes when you are walking in the plan that God has for you, it doesn't come with all the conveniences of technology and money (although I do appreciate those), but if you are right where you are supposed to be, you can look at any obstacle with a gleam in your eye, and revel in the the joy of serving the Lord right where you are!
Life isn't always easy, in fact, it can be very hard at times. But when I look back at the hard times that I know I was in the middle of God's plan, for some reason I don't see all the hard things I endured, I remember it being hard, but it has all been covered with the joy and peace and love of walking this life hand in hand with Jesus and all I can do is look back and smile!
Don't settle for convenient and easy! Go after whatever it is God has for you! Seek Him first in everyting and those desires that you have will come to pass! The life He has for you is beyond your wildest dreams! So Live it!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
And the next step is...
For the past 6-7 months I have been in the application process for becoming a missionary to Guatemala with Living Water Teaching. I have always loved missions, and I started going on short-term mission trips when I was 12 years old. I didn´t necessarily think that I would become a full-time missionary, although I will admit that it was always lingering in the back of my mind. I did know that missions would always be a part of my life.
Well the past couple of years I have been leading trips with my church, The Branch and during this time, my desire for missions and consistently being on the field has become stronger and stronger. It was while I was in Guatemala this past July that I began feeling a tug that major change was coming. I began praying about it and believe that God was showing me that the time for becoming a full-time missionary was just around the corner. I prayed and prayed and also questioned. I mean, I love, love, love my job at The Branch, enjoy being around my family, and there are so many other things that I wanted to have "in order" before moving to the field. But I knew that true joy and peace comes when you obey God and walk in His will, I mean I love, love, love my current job and location because He placed me there, so I should trust His leading in everything.
I will admit that I wasn´t 100% positive at first, but I felt God leading me to apply with Living Water Teaching. I am well aware that sometimes the stepping out in faith is what the Lord is looking for as well, so I took the first step, knowing that I am led by God and that as I seek Him wholeheartedly I will go in the right direction.
All that to say, I am now in the final "step" of becoming a missionary to Guatemala. I am at this very moment in Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela), Guatemala on the campus of Living Water Teaching, going through a month of missionary training. During this time I am learning about all of the areas of the ministry here, spending time with the missionaries, students and others, and praying for God´s clear direction. I know without a doubt that I will live on the mission field, I believe that Living Water Teaching is the place I will begin, but during this time, I know that I will know without a doubt if this is where I will be for the next 4 years (starting around January 2010).
My greatest desire is to help people and the greatest gift that anyone can be given is a relationship with Jesus! It is my lifelong goal of living a life of love and sharing the joy that comes with being totally and completely in love with Jesus! Wherever God takes me, I am so ready to go!
Well the past couple of years I have been leading trips with my church, The Branch and during this time, my desire for missions and consistently being on the field has become stronger and stronger. It was while I was in Guatemala this past July that I began feeling a tug that major change was coming. I began praying about it and believe that God was showing me that the time for becoming a full-time missionary was just around the corner. I prayed and prayed and also questioned. I mean, I love, love, love my job at The Branch, enjoy being around my family, and there are so many other things that I wanted to have "in order" before moving to the field. But I knew that true joy and peace comes when you obey God and walk in His will, I mean I love, love, love my current job and location because He placed me there, so I should trust His leading in everything.
I will admit that I wasn´t 100% positive at first, but I felt God leading me to apply with Living Water Teaching. I am well aware that sometimes the stepping out in faith is what the Lord is looking for as well, so I took the first step, knowing that I am led by God and that as I seek Him wholeheartedly I will go in the right direction.
All that to say, I am now in the final "step" of becoming a missionary to Guatemala. I am at this very moment in Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela), Guatemala on the campus of Living Water Teaching, going through a month of missionary training. During this time I am learning about all of the areas of the ministry here, spending time with the missionaries, students and others, and praying for God´s clear direction. I know without a doubt that I will live on the mission field, I believe that Living Water Teaching is the place I will begin, but during this time, I know that I will know without a doubt if this is where I will be for the next 4 years (starting around January 2010).
My greatest desire is to help people and the greatest gift that anyone can be given is a relationship with Jesus! It is my lifelong goal of living a life of love and sharing the joy that comes with being totally and completely in love with Jesus! Wherever God takes me, I am so ready to go!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Hills Are Alive...
...with the Sound of Music!The Sound of Music, is pretty much one of my favorite movies, EVER! The songs constantly pop into my head, and I attempt to sing them... Suddenly, there I am daydreaming of me being in the midst of an adventure, in a place where I don't know what to expect, but I cling to the words of the songs I am singing and make them my own and I know that even though I don't understand what's going on or how things are going to happen, I am calm, because I am completely aware that "my heart will be blessed with the sound of music, and I'll sing once more."
Okay, so that was intentionally cheesy. But, in all honesty, The Sound of Music has for some reason been a constant encouragement to me for the past couple of weeks. First of all I find comfort in it. I have watched that movie since I was little, I can sing with it, I can laugh, I still get excited when the puppet show comes on, and I am convinced that the captain fell in love with Maria when he found her in the ballroom getting ready to dance.
Besides it being comforting, I can understand the uncertainty that Maria feels as she sets off on an adventure. She doesn't know what to expect, and she is hesitant, but she knows that she is supposed to go to help this family. I appreciate the fact, that the adventure is not only a risky, uncertain event, but it involves taking a chance and work. So many times people are looking for adventure, but think that those can only be found by doing something spontaneous and physical risk, like jumping out of a plane or something. Maria is willing to work hard, admit her mistakes, and know that even though she might fall that she can laugh and stand up for what she believes.
There are exciting things going on right now with me, major decisions that I have to make, and lots of uncertainty that has to be faced, but the awesome thing is that I am totally up for it. I know that whatever I do and wherever I go, as long as I am seeking God wholeheartedly, that I will make the right choices. While it may be hard work, and there will surely be challenges, it's worth it and the joy is overwhelming!
So, go watch the Sound of Music and be inspired. :) I've been watching it in Spanish, I love attempting to sing the songs in Spanish, it's special. I am fully aware that I am a nerd, but I just love it! Remember, that the plans God has for you are amazing, and though they might be risky, He will lead you, and you will walk in great joy and peace!
I will leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite songs in the movie.
I Have Confidence
What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?
I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared
A captain with seven children
What's so fearsome about that?
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me
Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those children (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me
And mind me
With each step I am more certain
Everything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me
I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me
Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up -- Wake Up!
It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)
I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
¡Feliz Navidad!
My Christmas Celebration started early this year as I along with my friends Iris and Natalia headed to the airport to board a plane to Guatemala. We went there to work with Living Water Teaching and to help them deliver shoebox gifts to children in orphanages, hospitals, churches, and villages of Guatemala. I have done this before, but I have to say that it never gets old, or ordinary, seeing the faces of children light up when they receive the gift that could very well be their only Christmas gift is something that I could never get tired of.
While there we sorted through shoeboxes, making sure that each one was appropriate for the age group that they were designated for, and that they were full of delightful surprises. Then we geared up to begin the delivery process.
At each location where we did a distribution, we would first sing Christmas carols, have a drama about the true meaning of Christmas and also give everyone the opportunity to ask Jesus into their hearts. This is, of course, the most important aspect of the trip, because, while it is wonderful to give the gifts to the children and to meet that practical need, the absolute most important and special gift that anyone could ever be given is Jesus! It does not matter how much humanitarian aid we give, if we don't share God's love and the hope that He gives, it will never be enough.
After the presentation we would line the children up, one line for boys and one for girls. Our boxes were sorted based on gender and age. As each child passed through the line they were met with one of our missionaries, who asked them their age, and led them to where another missionary would hand them their gift. It was an amazing time of sharing in love and laughter with the children. It was also wonderful to be able to genuinely tell the parents that God loves them as they would look at us with eyes full of gratitude for the gift given to their child.
When we went to the hospital, we delivered the gifts to the rooms of the children. Iris, Natalia and I were able to go into the Nursery where all the newborn babies were and help put their presents underneath their incubators and then pray for them. That was very special.
This was an extraordinary trip. God did great things! I love to see how He works! We were able to give over 4,000 shoebox gifts to children! Plus, and this is the most exciting news, over 2,000 people asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior! YAY! God is so good and I am so thankful that He uses people like me!
So this holiday season, I want to encourage you to remember that it truly is better to give than to receive, and the very best gift that you can give is JESUS!
Merry Christmas!
With a little village girl.
A girl asking Jesus into her heart :)
Taking a young boy though the line to receive his gift.
Natalia delivering gifts to babies in the hospital.
A little girl praying at the hospital.
Village children.
Presenting the drama.
A village girl.
While there we sorted through shoeboxes, making sure that each one was appropriate for the age group that they were designated for, and that they were full of delightful surprises. Then we geared up to begin the delivery process.
At each location where we did a distribution, we would first sing Christmas carols, have a drama about the true meaning of Christmas and also give everyone the opportunity to ask Jesus into their hearts. This is, of course, the most important aspect of the trip, because, while it is wonderful to give the gifts to the children and to meet that practical need, the absolute most important and special gift that anyone could ever be given is Jesus! It does not matter how much humanitarian aid we give, if we don't share God's love and the hope that He gives, it will never be enough.
After the presentation we would line the children up, one line for boys and one for girls. Our boxes were sorted based on gender and age. As each child passed through the line they were met with one of our missionaries, who asked them their age, and led them to where another missionary would hand them their gift. It was an amazing time of sharing in love and laughter with the children. It was also wonderful to be able to genuinely tell the parents that God loves them as they would look at us with eyes full of gratitude for the gift given to their child.
When we went to the hospital, we delivered the gifts to the rooms of the children. Iris, Natalia and I were able to go into the Nursery where all the newborn babies were and help put their presents underneath their incubators and then pray for them. That was very special.
This was an extraordinary trip. God did great things! I love to see how He works! We were able to give over 4,000 shoebox gifts to children! Plus, and this is the most exciting news, over 2,000 people asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior! YAY! God is so good and I am so thankful that He uses people like me!
So this holiday season, I want to encourage you to remember that it truly is better to give than to receive, and the very best gift that you can give is JESUS!
Merry Christmas!
Sorting Shoeboxes.
The church was packed with over 1,000 children plus parents.
With a little village girl.
A girl asking Jesus into her heart :)
Taking a young boy though the line to receive his gift.
Natalia delivering gifts to babies in the hospital.
A little girl praying at the hospital.
Village children.
Presenting the drama.
A village girl.Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What Joy!
I am so excited for my friends Sam and Melody! They have been praying to adopt a child since long before I met them. About two weeks ago I received a call from Sam letting me know that they were getting a baby boy! I was in the grocery store and I am sure that the people around me thought I was quite odd when I started going crazy in excitement!
God is so faithful! He desires for us to live lives that are full of love, joy and peace! He has such great plans for us and we can completely trust Him!
I had dinner with them tonight and met their new son, he is so adorable! So, I would now like to introduce you to Baby Henry! Yay!
God is so faithful! He desires for us to live lives that are full of love, joy and peace! He has such great plans for us and we can completely trust Him!
I had dinner with them tonight and met their new son, he is so adorable! So, I would now like to introduce you to Baby Henry! Yay!
Proud Parents! They are a lovely family!
Dinner Time!
Baby Henry and me. 
He is so cute!
I can tell you now that all those times where they waited and waited are worth it now to hold this beautiful baby boy in their arms! Remember, that He is faithful who promised and we can rest in knowing that our God wants our dreams to come true even more than we do! He is so good!
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. Psalm 126:3,5-6
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. Psalm 92:4
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. Psalm 92:4
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Winna Mon
I get songs stuck in my head on a regular basis. Fortunately, they are usually inspirational songs that those around me love to hear (please note the sarcasm). It could be anything from God Bless America, to the Sound of Music's Do-A-Deer song. The lovely lyrics mixed with my divine musical abilities make it an experience that everyone enjoys. Tonight, as I was in the laundry room, a beautiful song arose from my soul, and I thought that it was just so inspirational to my roommate, who started laughing with the overflow of the joy of the Lord, that I just had to put the wonderful lyrics here for you to enjoy as well. The song: Winna Mon. The artist: Ron Kenoly. The date written: 1996, it was a long time ago, when I was a wee child. The inspirational message: Jesus is da winna and we are on da winning side! Ya mon!
It is such fun to see
Such fun to see
Satan lose
It is such fun to see
Such fun to see
Satan lose
Jesus is the Winna mon
The Winna mon
The winna mon
Jesus is the Winna mon
The Winna mon all the time
I am on the winning side
I am on the winning side
The winning sideThe winning side
I am on the winning side
The winning side all the time
In Matthew chapter two
Satan lost
When Jesus was born in a manger
And in the wilderness
Satan lost again
At the Mount of Transfiguration
Yeah!
At the crucifixion
Satan lost again
When Jesus rose triumphantly
From the grave
And at the ascension
Satan lost
Once more
When I was born again
Yeah!
Winna mon
Jesus is the Winna mon
The Winna mon all the time
Winna mon
Jesus is the Winna mon
The Winna mon all the time
He the Winna
The Winna
The Winna
Jesus is the Winna mon
The Winna mon all the time
SING YA HEART OUT! YA KNOW YA LOVE IT MON!
Please tune in next time as I give dance tips for the song: Shut de do (Keep out de devil). ;)
Please tune in next time as I give dance tips for the song: Shut de do (Keep out de devil). ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
