Getting an email saying this blog would be deleted scared me!
I haven't transferred any of what I wrote on here!
Yikes! I should do that soon!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Virgin of Guadeloupe
Wowzers.
I think that word is the one that could best describe my emotions.
I am currently just sitting here looking at my computer trying to figure out how to best put into words all that has happened over the last few days. So many emotions. And there are way more to come!
I'll try and summarize. Cause to tell you the truth I'm pretty tired and have yet to unpack, which I'm not excited about.
The last few days of Peru were great. God blessed us with beautiful weather and awesome things to do. The plane back to Mexico City was the nicest plane Ive been in. We each had a personal Tv. Needless to say my eyes stayed on that screen mostly the entire time. . .
In D.F. (Mexico City)we packed it all in. Or first day we went and saw the cathedral for the virgin of gualdaloupe and heading to the tent for our first day. We spent the rest of our time in that tent (besides our free day)were we ministered to the pilmgramers (pelegrinos). We provided free food for them(tortas), refreshments (usually hand squeezed orange juice),Christian magazines to read, pills and foot massages (usually involving popping blisters). You would think there would be no down time in that tent but thane you are there for 12 hours straight down time is something you find quite easy. There were some frustrations with how the church went about evangelizing to the people but it was a good lesson to learn in that we now have so much knowledge (because of our previous 3 months) that sometimes we need to live it out when we don't have time to disiciple. If that makes any sense at all. Overall it was a dirty, messy, tiring, purposeful, stretching and eye opening experience. So many inside jokes came from those few days alone.
After our free day of touring downtown and shopping we went to the church to eat. God is so great when He throws in times of wonder when we least expect it. There was a missionary who came to the church that night (last nigth) named Adonnis. He is gifted with prophesy and He loves to use it in the Lords name so we had a (i have a loss for words here) renewing time of prayer with the youth worship group of the church (they were there practicing). The Holy Spirit was so present and God spoke truth into us through Adonnis. I love God and all that He does in and through people! He is such a personal God and loves to use us to reach others. He loves it when we finally get it. When we really realize how much He loves us. When we see how much He gave for us. That His love comes to us through His Son and the Crucifixion. He is extreme in the way He moves and the way He loves.
I'm going to leave it at that and talk about how weird it is that I'll be home in 4 days some other time. Pray for us as we work out this transition in our hearts, minds and souls.
I think that word is the one that could best describe my emotions.
I am currently just sitting here looking at my computer trying to figure out how to best put into words all that has happened over the last few days. So many emotions. And there are way more to come!
I'll try and summarize. Cause to tell you the truth I'm pretty tired and have yet to unpack, which I'm not excited about.
The last few days of Peru were great. God blessed us with beautiful weather and awesome things to do. The plane back to Mexico City was the nicest plane Ive been in. We each had a personal Tv. Needless to say my eyes stayed on that screen mostly the entire time. . .
In D.F. (Mexico City)we packed it all in. Or first day we went and saw the cathedral for the virgin of gualdaloupe and heading to the tent for our first day. We spent the rest of our time in that tent (besides our free day)were we ministered to the pilmgramers (pelegrinos). We provided free food for them(tortas), refreshments (usually hand squeezed orange juice),Christian magazines to read, pills and foot massages (usually involving popping blisters). You would think there would be no down time in that tent but thane you are there for 12 hours straight down time is something you find quite easy. There were some frustrations with how the church went about evangelizing to the people but it was a good lesson to learn in that we now have so much knowledge (because of our previous 3 months) that sometimes we need to live it out when we don't have time to disiciple. If that makes any sense at all. Overall it was a dirty, messy, tiring, purposeful, stretching and eye opening experience. So many inside jokes came from those few days alone.
After our free day of touring downtown and shopping we went to the church to eat. God is so great when He throws in times of wonder when we least expect it. There was a missionary who came to the church that night (last nigth) named Adonnis. He is gifted with prophesy and He loves to use it in the Lords name so we had a (i have a loss for words here) renewing time of prayer with the youth worship group of the church (they were there practicing). The Holy Spirit was so present and God spoke truth into us through Adonnis. I love God and all that He does in and through people! He is such a personal God and loves to use us to reach others. He loves it when we finally get it. When we really realize how much He loves us. When we see how much He gave for us. That His love comes to us through His Son and the Crucifixion. He is extreme in the way He moves and the way He loves.
I'm going to leave it at that and talk about how weird it is that I'll be home in 4 days some other time. Pray for us as we work out this transition in our hearts, minds and souls.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
He always comes through!
Life has been crazy!
Every time I think about blogging I never end up having time. Today is a free day and so far i have enjoyed it by eating, coloring, looking about pictures and reminiscing and I'll probably leave writing this blog to eat again :). We have been going and going and going and the ing that is insane is that we only have a few days left! I can't get it into my head. I can't comprehend that it's almost Christmas. No matter how many decorations of Christmas trees, snowflakes, snowmen etc. that the Peruvians have set up the 80 degree days mess with my mind. Thinking of being with my family in 13 days is definantly a bittersweet thought. I want to miss them and although I am so ready to go home I have to keep reminding myself that this part of my life is ending. I can never come back to it. I don't want to wish it to end so part of that is making myself not think about home. That is very hard to do as I really do miss everyone and can't wait to be home.
13 days.
It's so strange.
I won't be living with these lovely people anymore.
There is a possibility that I will never see them again.
Okay I'm done talking about this.
Here's what's been happening in my life and in Peru:
We have worked with different churches around the area to do more street/park programs and it's fun to meet new people even if it is just for a day. We went and did a few programs at our local market and park and actually we got kicked out of both of them by the police! It wasnt that big of a deal, it was mostly just funny.
We also got the opportunity to go to a cancer hospital and do a few dramas for the youth there. A really cool story came out of that trip even though it wasn't us in specific. There was a girl who was dying and the pastor we were working with and a ywamer named Sophie went in and prayed with her and she 'prayed the prayer'. I don't any more information besides that but it was an emotional time in the hospital.
I love nursing homes. I like them better when I can understand the people there but it was still so fun to do a program and just hang out at a local nursing home. After our kids program including clowns and puppets they encouraged us to talk to the people. The man I started talking to was named Lois. He really liked to talk and ask questions even though he could not here a single thing I tried to answer. I lost him about halfway through when he started talking about Mormons. Either way he was so sweet and I loved talking to him. There was another lady there who i talked to named Carmen. She is still completely bilingual. That to me was/still is incredible! Her English was perfect! The cool thing is that she is one of a few Christians there and she really has a sweet heart and cares for everyone there. It was a fun experience and I will probably never forget Carmen.
I'm not sure if I blogged about this but back in Juarez one of our main prayer focuses was children with AIDS. We obviously thought that they would be the children in Africa with Michales ministry but there are other kids with AIDS out there. It was such a confirmation from God when we got to work with a childrens home called Hogar de Vida (home of life) where all the kids have AIDS. It was a cool experience to meet the some of the kids that we had been praying for for over a month. They were so full of energy and love. All they wanted to do was be picked up and held. And although we were only with then for a few hours it is an easy way to see God's sovereignty.
There is a girl who lives in the house under us who works with an orphanage and invited us to their Christmas party. So we prepared a drama and some games and headed to the orphanage in the morning. There was another group there but we still got to do our program after lunch. It was fun and the kids were great. It made me miss Rancho Los Amigos (the childrens home at our base) and think the others would agree with me on that.
That night we were able to be a part of a youth group at one of the churches in the area. The worship was really encouraging and needed and God was there for sure. We split into groups and explained YWAM and everything to the youth. I was with Estrella and I fell that it went perfect! God helped me to understand and to speak clearly. I was really encouraged with how well I could communicate with them (with the help of Estrella of course). It was a great day and we were all so pooped. We got back at 12 and headed right to bed in anticipation of today.
In general God has really been speaking to me of the importance of the cross and sin. It has been cool to see ways God has backed up those topics with everyday things. I have also thinking a lot about my future and keeping my mind open to hear what God thinks. I have been starting to see a little more clearly for at least the next few months (i think;) and I know that God will continue to lead me. The cool thing that I have seen and know ever so clearly is that it doesn't matter what I do, as long as I do it in His name He will bless me. That is so freeing and I am constantly reminding myself that.
To my family: when i get home I will not want any chicken, rice or potatoes. I have never in my life consumed so much of those three things and pop! I didn't use to drink pop before I went to Juarez, and even then i had maybe two or three things but it's almost like they don't have water here! However i am getting hooked to a drink called Inca Kola. Its great and I am going to miss that.
There are plenty of things I'm going to miss.
There are plenty of things I miss.
Only a few days. . .
Every time I think about blogging I never end up having time. Today is a free day and so far i have enjoyed it by eating, coloring, looking about pictures and reminiscing and I'll probably leave writing this blog to eat again :). We have been going and going and going and the ing that is insane is that we only have a few days left! I can't get it into my head. I can't comprehend that it's almost Christmas. No matter how many decorations of Christmas trees, snowflakes, snowmen etc. that the Peruvians have set up the 80 degree days mess with my mind. Thinking of being with my family in 13 days is definantly a bittersweet thought. I want to miss them and although I am so ready to go home I have to keep reminding myself that this part of my life is ending. I can never come back to it. I don't want to wish it to end so part of that is making myself not think about home. That is very hard to do as I really do miss everyone and can't wait to be home.
13 days.
It's so strange.
I won't be living with these lovely people anymore.
There is a possibility that I will never see them again.
Okay I'm done talking about this.
Here's what's been happening in my life and in Peru:
We have worked with different churches around the area to do more street/park programs and it's fun to meet new people even if it is just for a day. We went and did a few programs at our local market and park and actually we got kicked out of both of them by the police! It wasnt that big of a deal, it was mostly just funny.
We also got the opportunity to go to a cancer hospital and do a few dramas for the youth there. A really cool story came out of that trip even though it wasn't us in specific. There was a girl who was dying and the pastor we were working with and a ywamer named Sophie went in and prayed with her and she 'prayed the prayer'. I don't any more information besides that but it was an emotional time in the hospital.
I love nursing homes. I like them better when I can understand the people there but it was still so fun to do a program and just hang out at a local nursing home. After our kids program including clowns and puppets they encouraged us to talk to the people. The man I started talking to was named Lois. He really liked to talk and ask questions even though he could not here a single thing I tried to answer. I lost him about halfway through when he started talking about Mormons. Either way he was so sweet and I loved talking to him. There was another lady there who i talked to named Carmen. She is still completely bilingual. That to me was/still is incredible! Her English was perfect! The cool thing is that she is one of a few Christians there and she really has a sweet heart and cares for everyone there. It was a fun experience and I will probably never forget Carmen.
I'm not sure if I blogged about this but back in Juarez one of our main prayer focuses was children with AIDS. We obviously thought that they would be the children in Africa with Michales ministry but there are other kids with AIDS out there. It was such a confirmation from God when we got to work with a childrens home called Hogar de Vida (home of life) where all the kids have AIDS. It was a cool experience to meet the some of the kids that we had been praying for for over a month. They were so full of energy and love. All they wanted to do was be picked up and held. And although we were only with then for a few hours it is an easy way to see God's sovereignty.
There is a girl who lives in the house under us who works with an orphanage and invited us to their Christmas party. So we prepared a drama and some games and headed to the orphanage in the morning. There was another group there but we still got to do our program after lunch. It was fun and the kids were great. It made me miss Rancho Los Amigos (the childrens home at our base) and think the others would agree with me on that.
That night we were able to be a part of a youth group at one of the churches in the area. The worship was really encouraging and needed and God was there for sure. We split into groups and explained YWAM and everything to the youth. I was with Estrella and I fell that it went perfect! God helped me to understand and to speak clearly. I was really encouraged with how well I could communicate with them (with the help of Estrella of course). It was a great day and we were all so pooped. We got back at 12 and headed right to bed in anticipation of today.
In general God has really been speaking to me of the importance of the cross and sin. It has been cool to see ways God has backed up those topics with everyday things. I have also thinking a lot about my future and keeping my mind open to hear what God thinks. I have been starting to see a little more clearly for at least the next few months (i think;) and I know that God will continue to lead me. The cool thing that I have seen and know ever so clearly is that it doesn't matter what I do, as long as I do it in His name He will bless me. That is so freeing and I am constantly reminding myself that.
To my family: when i get home I will not want any chicken, rice or potatoes. I have never in my life consumed so much of those three things and pop! I didn't use to drink pop before I went to Juarez, and even then i had maybe two or three things but it's almost like they don't have water here! However i am getting hooked to a drink called Inca Kola. Its great and I am going to miss that.
There are plenty of things I'm going to miss.
There are plenty of things I miss.
Only a few days. . .
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Finally Fruit
We have been doing the same stuff as before but this week we added a twist. We have been dressing up like clowns for the whole thing! It has been fun to be able to connect with the kids in a different way but it has still felt like the same old thing over and over. It got to a point where I believe almost all of us were a bit discouraged and sick of doing the same thing when God stepped in and helped us out. Doing ministry the way we are doing it right now we never see the fruit of our work, but God showed us the fruit when a friend of church had her son and his friend come home from a show and repeat the entire show and ask more about Jesus. Another way was kids were going and getting really interested in the church! It was so evident that we needed that boost of confidence and it showed through our next couple of shows. It was a great reminder too that although we may not see our fruit, we can't get discouraged because God called us here for a purpose and He will use us whether we know it or not.
Prayer Requests:
Some us us have started not to feel so good (we have some headaches, stomachaches and sore throats)
Renewed energy as we are all tired
And a renewed passion
Miss you all!!
Prayer Requests:
Some us us have started not to feel so good (we have some headaches, stomachaches and sore throats)
Renewed energy as we are all tired
And a renewed passion
Miss you all!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
New friends
We finished our time in Ventanilla yesterday and it was a strange thing. We made so many new friends in only a week and now we are already leaving. We made plans to see them again before we leave but I will for sure miss them! We led the church service at Gospel last night and it was powerful and the Holy Sprirt was really there. It was a little discouraging because I could see the Holy Spirits presence but I couldn't really feel it and when we were praying for the people of the church I felt a lack of connection because of the language barrier but I know that God spoke to them what He wanted them to hear through me. It's been hard for me to give God time to speak to me while I've been here. It's easy for me to speak to Him but for some reason I find it so easy to make excuses not to take time aside to listen. Today is a completely free day besides eating so I have no excuses today :). There are many things I want to here from Him so if you could be praying it would be much appreciated! Some thing in specific I am searching Him for are my future and why I am here. We have been doing devos for each other each day and Lauren was the first to go and she encouraged us to ask God why we are here. Personally aske Him why He has brought us to Peru.
I have stayed very healthy as has my team, a few feel a little under the weather but nothing too serious and that is a praise! Along with smooth bus traveling! Thanks so much for all your prayers! Continue to pray that we will be a great witness to all the Pruvians and that we won't pass by any opportunity to witness.
I have stayed very healthy as has my team, a few feel a little under the weather but nothing too serious and that is a praise! Along with smooth bus traveling! Thanks so much for all your prayers! Continue to pray that we will be a great witness to all the Pruvians and that we won't pass by any opportunity to witness.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Programs
Hey guys! You may be wondering what's going on in my life. Well here is your answer :)
We have been going to a city called Ventanilla about an hour away. We have been working with a small church there and they have been taking us to different schools where we perform for them. I my past blogs i talked about creative arts classes and this is where we put what we learned in them to practice. We do skits, puppets, clowns and give testimonies for the kids. We have done this for 3 days now and it has been really cool. It was weird at the time but now im used to it. There are some things that are still wierd. Like when we go to a school and they all want our autograph or they want a picture with someone in specific. The people at the church that we are working with (Gospel Church) are so great. They are very friendly and super open. I am talking a lot more Spanish here and getting better at it finally! Thats such a praise! It's actually crazy because the things I thought I wouldn't like are actually not that bad. Like getting up at 7 and having an hour and 1/4 bus ride. I like starting early and the bus rides I read and its a good chatting time. The only thing i don't like anpbout Peru is their accent. They smush their words together and always sound like they are selling something, but like the rest of things , I have gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me.
Overall I really like Peru and can't wait to see what God has in store for us here :)
We have been going to a city called Ventanilla about an hour away. We have been working with a small church there and they have been taking us to different schools where we perform for them. I my past blogs i talked about creative arts classes and this is where we put what we learned in them to practice. We do skits, puppets, clowns and give testimonies for the kids. We have done this for 3 days now and it has been really cool. It was weird at the time but now im used to it. There are some things that are still wierd. Like when we go to a school and they all want our autograph or they want a picture with someone in specific. The people at the church that we are working with (Gospel Church) are so great. They are very friendly and super open. I am talking a lot more Spanish here and getting better at it finally! Thats such a praise! It's actually crazy because the things I thought I wouldn't like are actually not that bad. Like getting up at 7 and having an hour and 1/4 bus ride. I like starting early and the bus rides I read and its a good chatting time. The only thing i don't like anpbout Peru is their accent. They smush their words together and always sound like they are selling something, but like the rest of things , I have gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me.
Overall I really like Peru and can't wait to see what God has in store for us here :)
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