Oh, where to begin... I do not know. Life wearing on me right now. Through it all though GOD has been so good. He is pruning me.
Right after I arrived here in Bolivia, God started talking to Kelly and I telling us that he wants him in the mission field as well. WE KNOW that he was not telling him that before I left and I would like to make that clear to my blog readers. GOD gave us this time apart serving him for many reasons, he is growing us as husband and wife together (but in two physically different places). He is also growing our faith in him like CRAZY.
Anyway, Kelly and I have been praying for God to show us his will in our lives. One night (almost out of frustration) we prayed a very bold prayer telling him that he can have whatever he wants/do whatever he wants with our lives- we just needed an answer. The next morning HE gave us a crystal clear answer that Kelly is not supposed to be in the military anymore and instead is preparing his heart for the mission field!
It is seriously insane the way God works sometimes. Since this clear answer we have felt such intense excitement, confusion, frustration, and energy--- Sometimes all at the same time!
Like I said God has made is so clear that we are to prepare ourselves for the opportunity for him to use us in long term mission together. We are not yet sure when that is or exactly how.
On last Tuesday, my principal, two field directors here, a field director on furlough (over skype), Kelly (over Skype), and I all gathered together to pray and discuss options for the immediate future here. Dan, the director over Skype, is going to contact the home office to start to get a process going talking about Kelly joining me here in a few months for a few months after he and I raise more support together. In the time being, Kelly and I are just praying and waiting for answers from God through SAM's home office.
With all that being said there is the frustration and hardship of not only having Kelly so far away from me (I was prepared for that), but also having him at home living his normal life, but without me (I was NOT prepared for that). We talk daily over skype and I get to see him through the wonders of video chat, but it does not make up for the fact that things are not going as planned- I am just trusting and leaning on God for his next step.
Another burden I have right now is the joy and frustration that comes with having a new family. Right now I am living in a house with three other lovely ladies. I love them so much and feel like I have bonded with them like sisters! Their names are Rachel, Melissa, and Emily. We have been getting along with each other surprisingly well, except for there are times- like with sisters where we have our quarrels. I have learned over the years - and God has been teaching me to let some of the little things go! There is one girl in the house though that has been snaping at me randomly for no aparent reason- which makes me break and hurt so bad. Last night we tried to talk some of this out, with a little solution, and leaving the rest to GOD. The hardest part is that I admire and LOVE this girl like crazy- so when she hurts me sometimes like she does, it leaves me very hurt.
Needless to say I could use some extra prayer on the weekends. Pray that God protects my heart and fills my time with things to do to keep my mind off of my troubles. Even if I completely fill my weekend I still feel like I have way to much down time!
God has given me a heart for this country! When I first came down here, I was literally not impressed with the country. For a while I thought this place was not for me. But then I started learning about, living with, and talking to the beautiful Bolivian people! I have such a place for them in my heart. Some of the things I learn about the culture my students grow up in is almost too much to bear. Knowing the statistic of how many kids are sexually abused at home and the government looks the other way just breaks my heart! I have such a heart for the children of Bolivia.
Here is a little update on my week last week:
Wednesday night I had our regular SAM prayer meeting except for four of us new teachers shared our testimony! I was not looking forward to it because my words in English right now are SOOO jumbled because of all of the Spanish zooming through my head! It turned out to be a very nice time to talk so that everyone could have a chance to know my story and what led me to the mission field. I also had really nice fellowship with the other SAM missionaries at our meal afterwards
Friday- I am so blessed to have become friends with another missionary named Martha Thomas. She teaches English language learning (ELL) in the mornings here at SCCLC (which includes an hour everyday in my class helping my kindergarteners!). In the afternoon she volunteers at the NACER girls and boys homes in and outside of Santa Cruz. These homes are for girls and boys young and old who may or may not be orphans but know nothing else but the street. Two Fridays now I have had my schedule align in a way that I could go with Martha to the NACER boys homes which are about an 1.5 hour bus ride out of town. Being there interacting with these boys and spending time with Martha has been one of the most exciting things I have done here!
On Friday we went right from the bus back to my house where we were having a ladies fellowship night. We ate dinner, socialized and had a worship/prayer/sharing time. It was very nice to have this time with these ladies, but was already very distracted by something my roomate had said to me earlier in the night - I JUST HATE HOW SATAN TRIES TO GRAB HOLD OF ME :(
God was about to give me great comfort though in Ephesians 4:1-6 which I am now trying to commit to memory
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Saturday- I was able to go to a new market that is in walking distance with my roomie Rachel and Marth (who spent the night)- I bought a cucumber and beats! I was very excited about this because I can't have the garden fresh ones that I miss and crave from home. I also bought a 6x6 hand mirror for only 5 Bolivianos (less than a dollar)
I spent some time at school on Saturday working on my classroom and unpacking the NEW MATERIALS that were finally released from Bolivian customs on Friday! I walked to school with my roomie Melissa who is an amazing woman and we had a great talk.
Saturday night we decided to pretend like we were Americans... we went to the Cine Center (a mall with a few stores huge foodcourt and a movie theatre) We saw the only movie in English- The Green Lantern- it was a horrible movie..... But it was very fun spending time with all of the young ladies and the one single guy on the field.
Sunday- I walked to my new church, Renacer, all by myself. It was a very nice service and was able to take good notes, but am still having a hard time finding the books that the pastor is saying. I spent the longest time trying to figure out what book "Santiago" is and then once I remembered it was James, I had already forgotten the reference.... :) I am learning.
I had a good hour or so before the rest of my roomies got home from their various services alone at home which was nice. I got some laundry done, did some dishes, and then set to work cooking my lunch. I boiled some new baby potatoes I have never seen before (they are like bright yellow and red and the potatoe inside is yellow) anyone know what they are? I also made a cucumber, tomato and cream cheese sandwich which was absolutely delicious- except it was missing my MOM who I love to eat those with :(
For dinner as well I made tomato soup with the noodles in it just like my dad makes for me (I must have been missing home) and gormet grilled cheese with my roomie Emily.
I am sorry I have to go! That was basically my weekend in a nutshell. I appreciate your prayers! Thank you! God Bless. Peace.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
GOD Give Me Words To Speak!
Aaron Shust - Give Me Words To Speak Calloused and bruised/ dazed and confused My Spirit is left wanting something more Than my selfish hopes/ and my selfish dreams I'm lying with my face down on the floor Cryin out for more Cryin out for more So Give me Words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep Cause I can't think of anything worth saying But I know that I owe You my life So give me Words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep Every night, every day/ I find that I have nothing I can say So I stand here in silence, awaiting Your guidance I'm wanting only Your voice to be heard Let em be Your Words Let em be your words Give me words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep Cause I can't think of anything worth saying But I know that I owe You my life So give me Words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep So Give me words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep Cause I can't think of anything worth saying But I know that I owe You my life So give me Words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep Give me words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep Cause I can't think of anything worth saying But I know that I owe You my life So give me Words to speak Don't let my Spirit sleep I know I know I owe you my life ohh my life, ohh my life I know that I owe you my life ohh my life, My L I I I F E |
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Freedom = Love Bolivia
Tuesday night we decided to finally figure out Santa Cruz public transportation. This would be a microbus. We wanted to figure out how to take them on our own. There are literally 100's of different lines throughout the city. There is no organized map or anything either. These buses run their routes and just stop to pick up people who flag them down by waving their hand to the side. It only costs 1.80 Bs (which is about .25 c). We took the 20 from school which runs right by SCCLC and up the Double Via which is our main road to almost everything. It runs through all of the rings (there are 7 rings that run around the city from the center out). ANYWAY We took the 20 to the Hipermaxi (local grocery chain), bought groceries and caught the 50 home which to our surprise went not only close to our house, but less than a half block from our house! What a blessing! We finally have freedom to go places we never would have known how to without taking a taxi!
The ride home was pretty humorous! It was jammed packed with people and we only had standing room with our groceries. The best part was these buses aren't made for tall Americans... So we had to kind of crouch down while standing.. :( It was an adventure.
The ride home was pretty humorous! It was jammed packed with people and we only had standing room with our groceries. The best part was these buses aren't made for tall Americans... So we had to kind of crouch down while standing.. :( It was an adventure.
I finally have the feeling of Love for this city, it is no longer this dirty big city that really doesn't make sense. I feel like this town is just a little neighborhood that I can get around in and go shopping, see my friends and minister to the community!
Maybe this is going to be our next home? God has been opening our eyes to that possibility!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Pictures of my 13 Ninos
Alright! To my faithful blog readers, here are the 13 children for you to pray about! Top to Bottom: Jonah, Sebastian, Renato, Andrew, Haziel, Ryan, Dana, Julian, Cassie, Jean Pierre, Andrea, Obed, Sara! Please pray for these little darlings. They are the future of Bolivia. God is already working on their hearts and minds in such wonderful ways! They make me smile, laugh, melt my heart and sometimes frown :) I am so proud of all of the progress they have all already made with their English in just the first 8 days of school!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
First week of School!
I just finished my first 3 days of school at SCCLC! I would love to tell you all about it!
I want to make sure you all know what my class and school is like after being here now and finding out more about everything.
The school used to be a school co-operated by many different mission organizations, mainly created to serve the missionary kids (MK) in the area. They had a rule that there had to be at least 50% MK's in the schools population, thus limiting the amount of Bolivian Nationals that could enroll in the school. Unfortunately in recent years, many of these mission organizations have pulled out of the country and SAM- my organization- has become the primary owner of the school. Because of this there have become some changes to the 50% rule in the school and now the STRONG majority of students coming into the school are Bolivian Nationals.
Some of these kids are Christians and some not! While still in the US at the SAM office I was feeling a little unsure as to what my role as a missionary was besides just teaching missionary kids. I was wondering- If all of the kids are missionary kids (and probably Christians), then what would be my purpose for being a missionary other than providing a service for the other missionary families. When Kirk at the home office explained the unique situation the school is currently in, and that most kids coming may or may not be Christians and also that a purpose of mine was to show them Jesus AND develop them into the Godly leaders of the future of Bolivia, I felt a huge purpose in my ministry!
On Tuesday I met most of my students when they came with their parents for an open house! The kids were mostly very excited to be there and it was great to meet them and their parents! I have mostly Bolivian Nationals in my class with parents that don't really speak English. Because of this I was very thankful that I speak Spanish. I can't imagine how some of the other teachers felt who don't speak Spanish having these parents try to talk to them!
Wednesday-Friday was so amazing and CRAZY! My students are ADORABLE (I will hopefully be able to post pictures in this blog). I have 13 students and love them all! They all are so unique and have varying levels of ability, which will bring such joy to teaching them! I know not one of them is fluent in English and so talking to them as a group they don't all understand me. I have learned very quickly how to create some classroom management techniques for myself using hand motions and pictures to communicate along with my words.
I would love to tell you a little about each of my students so that you may be able to pray for them!
Andrea- She is VERY energetic! I am hoping that we will be able to channel this energy into her intelligence I see in her so that she has a productive year!
Andrew- VERY SMART, and very boy- he told me he was captain America at recess yesterday!
Cassie- She is a twin of Jonah in the class. This is her first year here at SCCLC, and with only 4 girls in the class she has made friends quickly.
Dana- She is very low language wise, I think pretty smart intelligence wise, at least I am hoping because otherwise we are going to have to work on classroom discipline with her!
Jean Pierre- He already can count to 100- He already got a huge cut on his neck from a kid hitting him with a stick at recess!
Julian- Very low language ability and he relies on other students for understanding of English all of the time- but knows his alphabet well!
Haziel- Very funny but a little bit of a trouble maker!
Renato- A kid who is very confident, and all boy- but I am worried about his language skills
Ryan- He already has a crush on me.... VERY CUTE... he is not yet 5 (soon)... and is new to the school as well.
Jonah- He has problems with cassie picking on him- VERY SMART and polite.
Sara- She seems very knowledgeable about God! She volunteered to pray yesterday!
Sebastian- The trouble maker of the class, but when challenged to improve he has risen to the task!
OKAY GOING TO HAVE ROOMIE MOVIE/BONDING TIME!
Thank you to all of my readers! I love your comments! Also I love it when people follow my blog ... to the right (hint hint)
I want to make sure you all know what my class and school is like after being here now and finding out more about everything.
The school used to be a school co-operated by many different mission organizations, mainly created to serve the missionary kids (MK) in the area. They had a rule that there had to be at least 50% MK's in the schools population, thus limiting the amount of Bolivian Nationals that could enroll in the school. Unfortunately in recent years, many of these mission organizations have pulled out of the country and SAM- my organization- has become the primary owner of the school. Because of this there have become some changes to the 50% rule in the school and now the STRONG majority of students coming into the school are Bolivian Nationals.
Some of these kids are Christians and some not! While still in the US at the SAM office I was feeling a little unsure as to what my role as a missionary was besides just teaching missionary kids. I was wondering- If all of the kids are missionary kids (and probably Christians), then what would be my purpose for being a missionary other than providing a service for the other missionary families. When Kirk at the home office explained the unique situation the school is currently in, and that most kids coming may or may not be Christians and also that a purpose of mine was to show them Jesus AND develop them into the Godly leaders of the future of Bolivia, I felt a huge purpose in my ministry!
On Tuesday I met most of my students when they came with their parents for an open house! The kids were mostly very excited to be there and it was great to meet them and their parents! I have mostly Bolivian Nationals in my class with parents that don't really speak English. Because of this I was very thankful that I speak Spanish. I can't imagine how some of the other teachers felt who don't speak Spanish having these parents try to talk to them!
Wednesday-Friday was so amazing and CRAZY! My students are ADORABLE (I will hopefully be able to post pictures in this blog). I have 13 students and love them all! They all are so unique and have varying levels of ability, which will bring such joy to teaching them! I know not one of them is fluent in English and so talking to them as a group they don't all understand me. I have learned very quickly how to create some classroom management techniques for myself using hand motions and pictures to communicate along with my words.
I would love to tell you a little about each of my students so that you may be able to pray for them!
Andrea- She is VERY energetic! I am hoping that we will be able to channel this energy into her intelligence I see in her so that she has a productive year!
Andrew- VERY SMART, and very boy- he told me he was captain America at recess yesterday!
Cassie- She is a twin of Jonah in the class. This is her first year here at SCCLC, and with only 4 girls in the class she has made friends quickly.
Dana- She is very low language wise, I think pretty smart intelligence wise, at least I am hoping because otherwise we are going to have to work on classroom discipline with her!
Jean Pierre- He already can count to 100- He already got a huge cut on his neck from a kid hitting him with a stick at recess!
Julian- Very low language ability and he relies on other students for understanding of English all of the time- but knows his alphabet well!
Haziel- Very funny but a little bit of a trouble maker!
Renato- A kid who is very confident, and all boy- but I am worried about his language skills
Ryan- He already has a crush on me.... VERY CUTE... he is not yet 5 (soon)... and is new to the school as well.
Jonah- He has problems with cassie picking on him- VERY SMART and polite.
Sara- She seems very knowledgeable about God! She volunteered to pray yesterday!
Sebastian- The trouble maker of the class, but when challenged to improve he has risen to the task!
OKAY GOING TO HAVE ROOMIE MOVIE/BONDING TIME!
Thank you to all of my readers! I love your comments! Also I love it when people follow my blog ... to the right (hint hint)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sentidos
My apologies to my blog readers. Recently everything has been few and far between and a little bit too factual! I have never really been one to write in a journal.... TANGENT---- In Peru, my one and only journal entry read like this "So the alarm I set....." END TANGENT.
Here are some FEELINGS
Let me be honest right now I AM LONELY!---- But GOD is helping bring people into my life (including HIM) to make me less lonely.
I LOVE Kelly and my almost daily and sometimes twice daily chats with him!
I am having a BLAST.... Look at my last weekend.... I am having so much fun...
I love to smile and laugh .... That has been a lifesaver here
I have not lived with ladies on my own for a LONG TIME.... EEK
I live with an AMAZING bunch of beautiful and GODLY women
My school is SWEET..... I am so excited to teach these Bolivians and some MK's
I have amazing colleagues! I co teach with a Bolivian teacher Martha! She is such a wonderful woman! She and I have a lot to learn about teaching together, but we are working well so far.... I love that we can pray together.
I also have an amazing principal!!! Her name is Laura, she makes me feel very needed and a vital part of the school! We are currently trying to push together to get Kindergarten changed to full day! That is something that can be prayed about!
While I am talking about prayer requests... one of the biggest things that I need prayer for right now is that my support comes in swiftly, as I start my time here, it would be essential that I don't have that worry on my plate and that I can start to feel certain that I will be here until December... and possibly beyond if more support comes in that is needed!
Here are some FEELINGS
Let me be honest right now I AM LONELY!---- But GOD is helping bring people into my life (including HIM) to make me less lonely.
I LOVE Kelly and my almost daily and sometimes twice daily chats with him!
I am having a BLAST.... Look at my last weekend.... I am having so much fun...
I love to smile and laugh .... That has been a lifesaver here
I have not lived with ladies on my own for a LONG TIME.... EEK
I live with an AMAZING bunch of beautiful and GODLY women
My school is SWEET..... I am so excited to teach these Bolivians and some MK's
I have amazing colleagues! I co teach with a Bolivian teacher Martha! She is such a wonderful woman! She and I have a lot to learn about teaching together, but we are working well so far.... I love that we can pray together.
I also have an amazing principal!!! Her name is Laura, she makes me feel very needed and a vital part of the school! We are currently trying to push together to get Kindergarten changed to full day! That is something that can be prayed about!
While I am talking about prayer requests... one of the biggest things that I need prayer for right now is that my support comes in swiftly, as I start my time here, it would be essential that I don't have that worry on my plate and that I can start to feel certain that I will be here until December... and possibly beyond if more support comes in that is needed!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Iglesia
Here is an update from my weekend!
Friday
I was still very tired, but I went into school, met Martha, the teacher I am working with in Kindergarten. It was very nice to meet her!
Rachel and I also went to a Sam missionary house (Dana) to spend time together, it was a very nice time of fellowship with fellow missionary ladies.
Saturday
I slept in Saturday and finally got caught up on sleep! Right after I woke up my new roommate Melissa arrived! I already have gotten to know her quite well from the 3 days we spent together at the home SAM office in South Carolina.
Melissa and I went off to school for the rest of the day to work on our classrooms!
It was independence day on Saturday and that night Laura, my principal, invited us to her church for an independence day celebration! It was amazing to see the pride that this church has in their country! We sang some worship songs in Spanish and then watched people young and old dance and sing out of pride to their country. One of the highlights was when 9 different ladies danced down the isle representing one of the 9 territories of Bolivia in each territories authentic dress! Afterwards we had a great meal! I can't remember the name of what I had but it was rice with shredded beef mixed in and a egg on top with fried pantains on the side. It was delicious but a HUGE meal.
Sunday
We went to Dana's church! It was AMAZING! We sang familiar worship songs in Spanish, listened to the pastor speak a wonderful message, and the pride in the country of Bolivia continued as we sang the national anthem, watched all of the territory flags come down the isle, and hearing the people pray for their country! Another very touching part of the service was the offering. Instead of "passing the basket" they had people get out of their seats and give, almost like communion. As soon as the baskets were up front the congregation quickly streamed up front to give!
After church we went to a Brazilian restaurant! It was great food!
Afterwards we walked around seeing the town square! I bought a new ring for probably only $3 to replace my wedding ring for while I am down here. It is really cool, it has a cross on it and says the Lords Prayer in Spanish!
I also got some AMAZING pictures, which I will upload ASAP (internet connection is a bit slow).
Friday
I was still very tired, but I went into school, met Martha, the teacher I am working with in Kindergarten. It was very nice to meet her!
Rachel and I also went to a Sam missionary house (Dana) to spend time together, it was a very nice time of fellowship with fellow missionary ladies.
Saturday
I slept in Saturday and finally got caught up on sleep! Right after I woke up my new roommate Melissa arrived! I already have gotten to know her quite well from the 3 days we spent together at the home SAM office in South Carolina.
Melissa and I went off to school for the rest of the day to work on our classrooms!
It was independence day on Saturday and that night Laura, my principal, invited us to her church for an independence day celebration! It was amazing to see the pride that this church has in their country! We sang some worship songs in Spanish and then watched people young and old dance and sing out of pride to their country. One of the highlights was when 9 different ladies danced down the isle representing one of the 9 territories of Bolivia in each territories authentic dress! Afterwards we had a great meal! I can't remember the name of what I had but it was rice with shredded beef mixed in and a egg on top with fried pantains on the side. It was delicious but a HUGE meal.
Sunday
We went to Dana's church! It was AMAZING! We sang familiar worship songs in Spanish, listened to the pastor speak a wonderful message, and the pride in the country of Bolivia continued as we sang the national anthem, watched all of the territory flags come down the isle, and hearing the people pray for their country! Another very touching part of the service was the offering. Instead of "passing the basket" they had people get out of their seats and give, almost like communion. As soon as the baskets were up front the congregation quickly streamed up front to give!
After church we went to a Brazilian restaurant! It was great food!
Afterwards we walked around seeing the town square! I bought a new ring for probably only $3 to replace my wedding ring for while I am down here. It is really cool, it has a cross on it and says the Lords Prayer in Spanish!
I also got some AMAZING pictures, which I will upload ASAP (internet connection is a bit slow).
Friday, August 5, 2011
Visa Fiesta
Today a group of us are being taken to get our permanent visas- we will have to go all over the place- getting our blood drawn, fingerprinted, background checks, etc. It will be a longish day....
Tomorrow is Bolivian Independence Day- I am hoping I get to see some festivities!
Tomorrow is Bolivian Independence Day- I am hoping I get to see some festivities!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Llegue
Llegue (I arrived) this morning!
I was taken to my new house which is amazing! I have had my first saltena (google it) and it was delicious. I have now unpacked and am relaxing for a bit before heading to school! I am very excited to see my new classroom!
God is so good and has been blessing me in countless ways this week. Please pray that he continues to show me his way as I serve him here.
Thank you to all of my supporters that have made it possible for me to be here! I still am in need of much more support to keep me here! Please consider how even the smallest one time/monthly gift will make a huge difference in my ministry here!
I was taken to my new house which is amazing! I have had my first saltena (google it) and it was delicious. I have now unpacked and am relaxing for a bit before heading to school! I am very excited to see my new classroom!
God is so good and has been blessing me in countless ways this week. Please pray that he continues to show me his way as I serve him here.
Thank you to all of my supporters that have made it possible for me to be here! I still am in need of much more support to keep me here! Please consider how even the smallest one time/monthly gift will make a huge difference in my ministry here!
Matthew 19:29
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife [husband] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
This verse has just made my life!
This verse has just made my life!
Time at the SAM headquarters/office!
First off sorry for the lack of blogging the past few days while I was still in the states, I was busy with a big project!
I do not know where to begin talking about my amazing time in South Carolina! Here are some highlights:
-Was able to meet and spend a lot of quality time with my new sisters, and fellow teachers at SCCLC- Kate and Melissa. Kate and I flew down to Bolivia together and Melissa is flying down Friday- but she will be living with me YAY! They are both such a blessing to me and we have been such support to each other I know this is going to be a great year! You can keep them in your prayers as well! Kate will be teaching 5th grade and Melissa - English!
-I met so many great people including most of the SAM home office staff- the best was meeting Sue who had been in contact a lot with all of us girls.
-I learned SO much- about the school, Bolivia, what it will really mean for me to be a missionary, and so much more about my relationship about God!
-I have an updated funding total- So far I have raised $3,950 and have about $2,000 left to go to keep me down here! I am praying that God leads many of you to give from your heart and choose to support my ministry from home and see what God can do with your gifts!
-When I was picked up from the airport in Monday Sue had just picked up my VISA from the airport! YAY!
-Monday and Tuesday it was just the three of us as visitors in the office, but on Wednesday there were around 25 people there either returning or gearing up for the mission field in Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru. It was such a blessing to see all these people, hear their stories, pray for them, and be prayed for by them!
I guess that is all pretty factual stuff- I will try to keep better on time updates in the future.
Just video skyped with Dad!
I do not know where to begin talking about my amazing time in South Carolina! Here are some highlights:
-Was able to meet and spend a lot of quality time with my new sisters, and fellow teachers at SCCLC- Kate and Melissa. Kate and I flew down to Bolivia together and Melissa is flying down Friday- but she will be living with me YAY! They are both such a blessing to me and we have been such support to each other I know this is going to be a great year! You can keep them in your prayers as well! Kate will be teaching 5th grade and Melissa - English!
-I met so many great people including most of the SAM home office staff- the best was meeting Sue who had been in contact a lot with all of us girls.
-I learned SO much- about the school, Bolivia, what it will really mean for me to be a missionary, and so much more about my relationship about God!
-I have an updated funding total- So far I have raised $3,950 and have about $2,000 left to go to keep me down here! I am praying that God leads many of you to give from your heart and choose to support my ministry from home and see what God can do with your gifts!
-When I was picked up from the airport in Monday Sue had just picked up my VISA from the airport! YAY!
-Monday and Tuesday it was just the three of us as visitors in the office, but on Wednesday there were around 25 people there either returning or gearing up for the mission field in Brazil, Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru. It was such a blessing to see all these people, hear their stories, pray for them, and be prayed for by them!
I guess that is all pretty factual stuff- I will try to keep better on time updates in the future.
Just video skyped with Dad!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Nerves
I leave for the airport at 5:30AM ! I have many butterflies in my estomago! I have been saying goodbye to friends and family all weekend. Some of the hardest was my immediate family tonight- they laid hands on me and sent me with prayers. Michael stopped by even on his way home from the cabin! Obviously the hardest one will be at the airport tomorrow! I am not sure what I will do! Thank you to Mark and Linda who have sent me such encouraging messages on Facebook!
I will be in South Carolina until Wednesday night and then arrive in Santa Cruz early Thursday morning.
Thank you EVERYONE for your prayers and support.
I will be in South Carolina until Wednesday night and then arrive in Santa Cruz early Thursday morning.
Thank you EVERYONE for your prayers and support.
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