Well, it has been over a week. Yet again, i haven't gotten around to updating. Mis disculpas, my apologies.
Thursday was a fun day. After our daily English class, and kids' club, I went to play soccer with the girls again. It was a good game. I must say, I was pretty proud of myself, even though we lost, I scored 3 goals. I was sad we lost, that's just because I am competitive, but we played well with our final score being 5-4. Of course I have my justifications for why we lost, but I must admit that the other team played well.
Friday after English class, I had another unforgettable Mexcian experience. A family that I have had the priviledge of having them all as students throughout my time here, invited me and three other girls for dinner. They served us cow stomach....a delicacy, or so they say. I felt bad for the girls, I could tell they were really struggling to be polite. We each ate so many tortillas to wash it down. I tried to make excuses for not eating, I did have to tell them that we had a huge lunch. But I tried to eat the most I could stomach...har har! I ate my full plate, as I tried hard to not look at what I was eating. Then, our host served me a second plate...I tried to eat the most of it I could, but I only got half-way. I did what I could for my sisters. That was a fun experience. Then we went to hang out at Rod and Mayra's house to play board games. I just love hanging out withh all the people I've met here, Mexcian and American!!!
Saturday we went out ot Xochimilco, a place that makes me think of the Mexican version of Venice. We road down this lagoon in these sort of boats that are decorated so colorful. It was really cool. A great day to relax. We had a mariachi band play for us while we were out on the water. It was a fun experience. When we got back in town, I hung out with Abigail. She's so amazing!!! I love that girl! She made threaded a braid in my hair. It looks pretty cool. I always enjoy talking to her. I always leave encouraged and in a great mood!
Sunday, at church, we had another skit by the drama team. It was amazing and moved many people. Afterward, the music team had a special song in English called, Wonderful Maker. I helped with the children's class along with about three or four other girls. After church, I went to lunch and to watch Spiderman with a few friends. When I got home, my host-mom and her friend gave me and three other girls a pedicure. She'd been wanting to give me one for the longest time.
Monday, we had a going away party for Amanda Stephens and Rod's cousing and his wife. It's wierd to say good-bye to people already.
I've had a few more driving lessons, I actually feel comfortable driving a standard now.
I know I'm really jumping from one subject to another, but let's see...Thursday night was our going away party. They had a party and a fun "award" ceremony for us. I got the award for "la mas panzita" (the most stomach), they said because of my solidarity in eating the most of the cow stomach. After all the fun, I started te get a bit bummed out about having to leave Santa Barbara.
Please pray for our time in Guadalajara. Especially for our attitudes, we're not really pumped about leaving, myself strongly included. I feel your prayers are helping me feel a little more at peace, but I want passion!!!
Anyway, today I had and ENglish party in my class and just hung out, ate and talked with my students in English for 1-1.5 hrs. It was so encouraging to see how much they had learned and enjoyed the class. We could actually converse for that long! I pretended that I couldn't understand Spanish, forcing them to use ENglish. Then I came home and my host-family took me out to dinner. I gave them some thank you gifts and they gave me some of the sweetest words of encouragement. I'm so grateful for their love and hospitality. I'm also grateful that I will come back for 3 days to see them before I leave.
Well, I think this is good for now. I need to go to sleep. I have to be up early for my 8 hour busride to Guadalajara tomorrow. Hope to update you soon! Thanks again, God bless!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
a day in my life in mexico
Well, today was the first day in ages that I was able to sleep in!!! But since my body has gotten used to early mornings, I kept waking up at ever hour, so I finally got up at 9am. At least I'm rested!
Yesterday was such a great day! We had our morning devotional, which went really well. (By the way, thank you so much to those of you who have been praying for my personal time with the Lord. It has been so much better recently. I've found the perfect time to be alone with Him. Recently I've been eating breakfast alone, just because it works out that way, so I've taken advantage of that time. I feel soooo much better! Thanks!) We finished our devotional early, so a fellow-intern, Braeden (she's a girl, many people get thrown off by the name), my host-sister and I went to go work out. After lunch, I took a quick shower and off to English class. I had two girls, and I am so proud of how much they have improved in a month! We were reading a children's Disney book together yesterday.
Right after English class, we walked over to a sister in the church's home, where she had a tarp set up for the children's club. This is an opportunity to teach the children Bible stories, verses and songs while having fun playing games and stuff. We had a great time with the children. This club is Tue, Wed and Thurs. I think the children are really enjoying this. It was started up last Saturday by Jonathan, a fellow-intern originally from the Dominican Republic but lives in Boston. He is perfect for these kids. Reminds me of Dorothy Rempel, a woman that directed Vacation Bible Schools in Costa Rica.
After the club, we took public vans up to Acozac, the place where the girls' sleep-over was, to celebrate Bill's birthday. We had fun cooking hotdogs and s'mores over the bonfire, singing songs, tossing the football, and just hanging out like we usually do.
This past year, ever since last summer, God has been teaching me so much about what the Great Commission is really about. It's not about making converts of all nations, it's about making disciples. That lesson has really hit home here. I think that is why I'm loving the ministry here, because it's all about relationships! Even though we have few official responsibilities (English class, VBS, etc) we are always doing something, we are building friendships that have an eternal impact. It has been so cool to encourage and be encouraged by people while just spending time with them. LIving life with them. What a blessing! I'm glad Christ asked us to make disciples and not just converts, this is very fulfilling!
Yesterday was such a great day! We had our morning devotional, which went really well. (By the way, thank you so much to those of you who have been praying for my personal time with the Lord. It has been so much better recently. I've found the perfect time to be alone with Him. Recently I've been eating breakfast alone, just because it works out that way, so I've taken advantage of that time. I feel soooo much better! Thanks!) We finished our devotional early, so a fellow-intern, Braeden (she's a girl, many people get thrown off by the name), my host-sister and I went to go work out. After lunch, I took a quick shower and off to English class. I had two girls, and I am so proud of how much they have improved in a month! We were reading a children's Disney book together yesterday.
Right after English class, we walked over to a sister in the church's home, where she had a tarp set up for the children's club. This is an opportunity to teach the children Bible stories, verses and songs while having fun playing games and stuff. We had a great time with the children. This club is Tue, Wed and Thurs. I think the children are really enjoying this. It was started up last Saturday by Jonathan, a fellow-intern originally from the Dominican Republic but lives in Boston. He is perfect for these kids. Reminds me of Dorothy Rempel, a woman that directed Vacation Bible Schools in Costa Rica.
After the club, we took public vans up to Acozac, the place where the girls' sleep-over was, to celebrate Bill's birthday. We had fun cooking hotdogs and s'mores over the bonfire, singing songs, tossing the football, and just hanging out like we usually do.
This past year, ever since last summer, God has been teaching me so much about what the Great Commission is really about. It's not about making converts of all nations, it's about making disciples. That lesson has really hit home here. I think that is why I'm loving the ministry here, because it's all about relationships! Even though we have few official responsibilities (English class, VBS, etc) we are always doing something, we are building friendships that have an eternal impact. It has been so cool to encourage and be encouraged by people while just spending time with them. LIving life with them. What a blessing! I'm glad Christ asked us to make disciples and not just converts, this is very fulfilling!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
a true public profession
What an amazing experience! The Lord is GOOD and it is evident in the lives of these believers. We drove out to a public swimming area about an hour from here. When we got there, we started the morning with worship, our church together with a sister church. Then those who were going to get baptized shared their testimonies. That was so moving, I cannot tell you! It was so amazing to see how the Lord has worked in the lives of these people. One of the most moving testimonies was of my friend Abi. It was so cool to see that she has stood out to her friends and they have asked her what is different in her life, what is she into? And all she can tell them is, she's into God. It was amaing to see the tears streaming down her face because of her passion for the Lord. Afterward, the drama team shared their skit and the music team played the song. From what we hear, they were very impacting. Many people were moved to tears, and later, after an invitation, a few people placed their faith in Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins. Praise GOD!
Once the baptisms were over, we hung out in the pools and had so much fun. I love how the whole church family gets along just like a family. We had so much fun swimming, jumping off the diving boards and going down the slides numerous times doing crazy fun things. I had a blast. Toward the end, i had the opportunity to give some swimming lessons to a few of my Mexican friends. I had so much fun! By the end of the day, one of them was able to swim all by himself and the others had improved a lot. How cool!!!
This morning it was my turn to share the devotional on 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. I think it went really well. This passages really spoke to me personally, especially verse 12. (Look it up!!!) It has given me a renewed desire to be passionately convinced of the truth, so much that i can't help but speak with boldness, sincerity and confidence. I just hope that my heart overflowed that lesson into everyone present. After reading verse 18, it was all cool to hear the testimonies of some of the interns of how God is transforming them and showing his glory in a real way, near and in their lives. Way cool! (That was for you Marsha and JoJo!)
English class went well, and then afterward, some people stayed to watch "High School Musical" while some of us went to help babysit the Fry's kids.
When I got home, I had a great time chatting with my sister about everything under the sun. But the coolest thing was when she asked me about how my devotional went and I shared about the passage with her. I love that she is thirsting. Please continue to pray for that. Also that we both may take verse 12 to heart and speak with confidence and sincerity to her mom, that our passion may overflow endlessly.
So it's only been a couple of days, but I still managed to write a long post. Again, I thank you for your love, encouragement and prayers. It means so much. I love you!
Once the baptisms were over, we hung out in the pools and had so much fun. I love how the whole church family gets along just like a family. We had so much fun swimming, jumping off the diving boards and going down the slides numerous times doing crazy fun things. I had a blast. Toward the end, i had the opportunity to give some swimming lessons to a few of my Mexican friends. I had so much fun! By the end of the day, one of them was able to swim all by himself and the others had improved a lot. How cool!!!
This morning it was my turn to share the devotional on 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. I think it went really well. This passages really spoke to me personally, especially verse 12. (Look it up!!!) It has given me a renewed desire to be passionately convinced of the truth, so much that i can't help but speak with boldness, sincerity and confidence. I just hope that my heart overflowed that lesson into everyone present. After reading verse 18, it was all cool to hear the testimonies of some of the interns of how God is transforming them and showing his glory in a real way, near and in their lives. Way cool! (That was for you Marsha and JoJo!)
English class went well, and then afterward, some people stayed to watch "High School Musical" while some of us went to help babysit the Fry's kids.
When I got home, I had a great time chatting with my sister about everything under the sun. But the coolest thing was when she asked me about how my devotional went and I shared about the passage with her. I love that she is thirsting. Please continue to pray for that. Also that we both may take verse 12 to heart and speak with confidence and sincerity to her mom, that our passion may overflow endlessly.
So it's only been a couple of days, but I still managed to write a long post. Again, I thank you for your love, encouragement and prayers. It means so much. I love you!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
livin' la vida loca!
Well, yet again, I've taken long to update, but I want you all to know that I am well. I have recovered from my stomach issues completely. Things are rolling well. I have a little cold, but it's so easy to get medicine here, that I feel fine all drugged up.
I remembered what I had done of significance last week that I couldn't remember last post. One evening, one of my best Mexican friends, Abigail (I've mentioned her numerous times), took me out to teach me how to drive a standard. little did i know, i would have quite an audience. some friends were coming our way and joined us in the car. that made me a little more nervous, but it was fun too. Anyway, now I have an idea of how to do it, but I definitely need practice to keep me from stalling in the future.
We've been up to a lot recently. Wednesday, we woke up early and hike up el "cerro del elefante" (elephant hill). It was a bit exhausting, Yet it was so cool to be up there and look down to our town. After English class, we had a birthday party for Rod's oldest son and then a surprise going away party for Brigam. That evening, he came over to my host-home to say good-bye to my family. It was so moving for me to be there because I had to translate for them. I must say, that was a cool experience to see how much both parties had been impacted by each other. So cool how the Lord works even through the obstacles of language.
Thursday, after the devotional, my host-sister, Mauricio (a church friend) and I accompanied Rod to taking Brigam to the airport. My host-mom insisted in meeting us there. It was good to hang out all of us as a group again one last time before he left. When we got back, after English class, the church rented a soccer court for two hours. The women (some from the team and some from the church) played for the first hour and then the men played. It was so much fun!!! Our team won, it was a close game. 6-5. Them men's game was a little sorry with the soccer settled at 16-6. Right after the game, we all headed over to Mauricio's home and celebrated his birthday. That was so cool! I could live this life, partying it up all the time! :)
Yesterday was a good day, with much excercise, a great devotional and good times haning out. One of the interns, Crystal, found out that a close friend of hers back home in California past away after a serious accident. She was a bit bummed and spent all morning by herself, with the Lord and resting. After English class, some of us wanted to go to the movies, so Crystal came along. We all had a great time. Afterward, I noticed she was still bummed, so I she spent the night at my house. It worked out for the both of us because she needed to be with some one and just hang out, and my host-family had gone to visit relatives and din't get home until late. Crystal and I had some really good conversations last night. The Lord is good. Please continue to pray for her and for her loved ones back home.
This morning we woke up early to help the church with their campaign to clean up the community from 10am-2pm. We all wore t-shirts that say "Haz lo mismo en tu vida" (do the same in you life). We got some pretty interesting reactions from the community, mostly good.
The interns have formed to servant teams, one is drama and the other music. I have been asked to sing and play guitar in the music team. I'm glad there are two other guitars and everyone else is there to sing. We had our rehearsal for tomorrow. The drama team is performing a skit, so they requested the song "Hungry" in Spanish to go along with it. Tomorrow church will be held about an hour from here because we are having baptisms. I'm looking forward to witnessing that and to seeing the servant teams in action. I'm also looking forward to finally swimming, the weather has been so warm, I'm ready for some H2O.
I have a praise. I've been a bit lazy in making time for my devotionals, and I find myself blaming it on not having alone time, knowing that I can't make that time if I really tried. Well, the other day, my host-sister encouraged me and we both had a devotional together. It's been great seeing her grow and change so many things. PRAISE GOD! Please continue to pray for her growth, her family's salvation, and my passion and diligence.
Thanks again for all the love and encouragement. God bless you!!!
I remembered what I had done of significance last week that I couldn't remember last post. One evening, one of my best Mexican friends, Abigail (I've mentioned her numerous times), took me out to teach me how to drive a standard. little did i know, i would have quite an audience. some friends were coming our way and joined us in the car. that made me a little more nervous, but it was fun too. Anyway, now I have an idea of how to do it, but I definitely need practice to keep me from stalling in the future.
We've been up to a lot recently. Wednesday, we woke up early and hike up el "cerro del elefante" (elephant hill). It was a bit exhausting, Yet it was so cool to be up there and look down to our town. After English class, we had a birthday party for Rod's oldest son and then a surprise going away party for Brigam. That evening, he came over to my host-home to say good-bye to my family. It was so moving for me to be there because I had to translate for them. I must say, that was a cool experience to see how much both parties had been impacted by each other. So cool how the Lord works even through the obstacles of language.
Thursday, after the devotional, my host-sister, Mauricio (a church friend) and I accompanied Rod to taking Brigam to the airport. My host-mom insisted in meeting us there. It was good to hang out all of us as a group again one last time before he left. When we got back, after English class, the church rented a soccer court for two hours. The women (some from the team and some from the church) played for the first hour and then the men played. It was so much fun!!! Our team won, it was a close game. 6-5. Them men's game was a little sorry with the soccer settled at 16-6. Right after the game, we all headed over to Mauricio's home and celebrated his birthday. That was so cool! I could live this life, partying it up all the time! :)
Yesterday was a good day, with much excercise, a great devotional and good times haning out. One of the interns, Crystal, found out that a close friend of hers back home in California past away after a serious accident. She was a bit bummed and spent all morning by herself, with the Lord and resting. After English class, some of us wanted to go to the movies, so Crystal came along. We all had a great time. Afterward, I noticed she was still bummed, so I she spent the night at my house. It worked out for the both of us because she needed to be with some one and just hang out, and my host-family had gone to visit relatives and din't get home until late. Crystal and I had some really good conversations last night. The Lord is good. Please continue to pray for her and for her loved ones back home.
This morning we woke up early to help the church with their campaign to clean up the community from 10am-2pm. We all wore t-shirts that say "Haz lo mismo en tu vida" (do the same in you life). We got some pretty interesting reactions from the community, mostly good.
The interns have formed to servant teams, one is drama and the other music. I have been asked to sing and play guitar in the music team. I'm glad there are two other guitars and everyone else is there to sing. We had our rehearsal for tomorrow. The drama team is performing a skit, so they requested the song "Hungry" in Spanish to go along with it. Tomorrow church will be held about an hour from here because we are having baptisms. I'm looking forward to witnessing that and to seeing the servant teams in action. I'm also looking forward to finally swimming, the weather has been so warm, I'm ready for some H2O.
I have a praise. I've been a bit lazy in making time for my devotionals, and I find myself blaming it on not having alone time, knowing that I can't make that time if I really tried. Well, the other day, my host-sister encouraged me and we both had a devotional together. It's been great seeing her grow and change so many things. PRAISE GOD! Please continue to pray for her growth, her family's salvation, and my passion and diligence.
Thanks again for all the love and encouragement. God bless you!!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
it's been a while
So, it has been a while, and much has happened. Sorry it has taken me this long to update, i haven't had much time at the computer recently. Honestly, this is so bad, but I can't remember what happened last Monday and Tuesday other than my host'sister left to spend a few nights with her grand-mother and i hung out with the Fry's, Brigam and Alberto. We probably played Settlers (and if we did, I lost every time) a few times and ate tacos or something.
Wednesday, Rod, David Gomez, Brigam, Charles (an intern that arrived Tues) and I all drove into the city, about an hour's drive, to go to the airport to pick up the team. They came from all over the States and at different times, so we had to be there from 11am. We left Ixtapaluca with bad news that Alejandro, my sister's "cousin," had run away from home. We were all a bit worried and praying for him. But we had to hurry to the airport. Since most of the team came early, they and the leaders left to the hotel and Brigam and I stayed until about 5.30pm to wait for the rest of the group. When we got to the hotel, we hung out with the group and had a devotional. We walked down to the town square (appearantly one of the largest one's), Zocalo. It was beautiful at nght all lit up!!!
Thursday, after our team devotional, we took the Metro to the Cathedral (located in the town square). The architecture was beautiful. The children were dressed in traditional clothing for a special service for "Jueves de Corpus Christi" (Thursday of Corpus Christi). My sister had been a bit shook up with Alejandro running away from home and she was in touch with Brigam. He saw it as a perfect opportunity to shine for her. Alberto brought her to the hotel, and I talked to her, prayed with her, shared some passages that Brigam and Rod had given me. We talked about Alejandro (who had been found at this point), and how she and her mom were dealing with that worry. Then I talked about John 3 and asked her several questions to see if she understood what it meant to be a Christian. Praise the LORD! I found out that she had made a decision on her own, so we prayed for her mom and dad and for her growth and strength. She's really my blood sister now!!! She knows that it will take a lot more for her mother to make a decision. But I'm glad beacuse from conversations with her, I know she isn't taking it lightly! Keep praying with me!!!
The next day, I woke up with bad stomach cramps and was the most sick I've been yet. I was two kinds of sick...it was actually the first time I threw up in over 5 years, I honestly can't remember. (Sorry for those of you who are easily grossed out). I left our devotional early and took a nap. I felt a little better after resting, so I decided to join the team on our trip to the Basilica de Guadalupe. I toured the current Basilica, but when we finished, I stayed behind in the shade while the rest of the team hiked up to do some more sight-seeing. At that point I realized I was running a little fever. I had been drinking two bottls of gatorade and much water because I couldn't stomach any food. I went into a Burger King with those who didn't want Mexican. It was great to be in the A.C. again. I really felt loved and encourage by all the team the showed their concern for me. When we got back to the hotel, I slept for several hours and woke up feeling completely normal. I am so grateful for the prayers of my friends here. (It was so cool how we all gelled so well and so quickly!)
Saturday, we went to the Castillo (Castle) de Chapultepec. It was soooo beautiful!!! Then we came back to Ixtapaluca, and I had a great time on the busride home with the interns. They are all amazing and make me laugh so hard! (Great qualities!) Soon after, David Gomez (Youth/Associate Pastor) invited Charles, Bill (interns) and me to join the rehearsal for Sunday worship. I'm still boggled as to how the Lord got me serving in this way. After rehearsal, we all went for tacos, but I didn't eat any b/c I didn't want to risk it. Good thing, because soon I disappeared behind the stand to toss my cookies again. My sister took me home and my host'mom was so concerned for me. She made me "atole," took my temp and I went straight to bed. Earliest I've been to bed in a while: 9.45pm. I woke up feeling much better, but I've been eating bland foods since.
Church went really well, attendance, even without the interns, was at it's record high, with about 110 people. Worship went well, and two of the girls and I helped with the littles ones's Sunday school class. After church, the families brought typical food for a meal. I didn't eat anything but fruit, but it all looked great. After the lunch, we went to a soccer game of a woman from the church, Mariana, and her daughter, Denise. After resting, we had a getting-to-know-you activity for the team and the youth group in the tent that the church rented for the day. We had a good time.
Today, we had our group devotional at Rod's house and book study there. Then we talked about plans for the English classes, now that we have more teachers. We are splitting the students up into about 5 groups in 3 locations. I'm leading the intermediate class, with Bill and Alicia. I will be teaching with them these next couple of weeks. We hung, tossed around the frisbee, ate lunch at Rod's, and then headed off to English class. I taught while some of the interns observed. We haven't split up as planned until tomorrow, except for the more advance students who went with a girl that's an ESL makor, here getting credit for Moody Bible Institute. After English class, I played soccer with Mariana and her family and Abigail and her sons. It was so much fun!
Then I went to Rod's house to hang out with them, my sister, Alberto, Charles and Brigam (because he leaves this Thursday). We played and sang songs, ate and played Settlers again. (Needless to say, I lost....)
Tomorrow we are meeting at the pyramids for our team devotional. I'm excited, even though I've already been, I think it's going to be amazing.
Well, this is definitely long enough and it's already 1am. Please continue ro pray for team unity (it's been amazing so far!), for my host family's salvation and growth, for ministry, for health, and that I would be faithful in my time with the Lord. Again, I thank you so much for your words of encouragement to me!!! They really mean so much!!! God bless you!!!
Wednesday, Rod, David Gomez, Brigam, Charles (an intern that arrived Tues) and I all drove into the city, about an hour's drive, to go to the airport to pick up the team. They came from all over the States and at different times, so we had to be there from 11am. We left Ixtapaluca with bad news that Alejandro, my sister's "cousin," had run away from home. We were all a bit worried and praying for him. But we had to hurry to the airport. Since most of the team came early, they and the leaders left to the hotel and Brigam and I stayed until about 5.30pm to wait for the rest of the group. When we got to the hotel, we hung out with the group and had a devotional. We walked down to the town square (appearantly one of the largest one's), Zocalo. It was beautiful at nght all lit up!!!
Thursday, after our team devotional, we took the Metro to the Cathedral (located in the town square). The architecture was beautiful. The children were dressed in traditional clothing for a special service for "Jueves de Corpus Christi" (Thursday of Corpus Christi). My sister had been a bit shook up with Alejandro running away from home and she was in touch with Brigam. He saw it as a perfect opportunity to shine for her. Alberto brought her to the hotel, and I talked to her, prayed with her, shared some passages that Brigam and Rod had given me. We talked about Alejandro (who had been found at this point), and how she and her mom were dealing with that worry. Then I talked about John 3 and asked her several questions to see if she understood what it meant to be a Christian. Praise the LORD! I found out that she had made a decision on her own, so we prayed for her mom and dad and for her growth and strength. She's really my blood sister now!!! She knows that it will take a lot more for her mother to make a decision. But I'm glad beacuse from conversations with her, I know she isn't taking it lightly! Keep praying with me!!!
The next day, I woke up with bad stomach cramps and was the most sick I've been yet. I was two kinds of sick...it was actually the first time I threw up in over 5 years, I honestly can't remember. (Sorry for those of you who are easily grossed out). I left our devotional early and took a nap. I felt a little better after resting, so I decided to join the team on our trip to the Basilica de Guadalupe. I toured the current Basilica, but when we finished, I stayed behind in the shade while the rest of the team hiked up to do some more sight-seeing. At that point I realized I was running a little fever. I had been drinking two bottls of gatorade and much water because I couldn't stomach any food. I went into a Burger King with those who didn't want Mexican. It was great to be in the A.C. again. I really felt loved and encourage by all the team the showed their concern for me. When we got back to the hotel, I slept for several hours and woke up feeling completely normal. I am so grateful for the prayers of my friends here. (It was so cool how we all gelled so well and so quickly!)
Saturday, we went to the Castillo (Castle) de Chapultepec. It was soooo beautiful!!! Then we came back to Ixtapaluca, and I had a great time on the busride home with the interns. They are all amazing and make me laugh so hard! (Great qualities!) Soon after, David Gomez (Youth/Associate Pastor) invited Charles, Bill (interns) and me to join the rehearsal for Sunday worship. I'm still boggled as to how the Lord got me serving in this way. After rehearsal, we all went for tacos, but I didn't eat any b/c I didn't want to risk it. Good thing, because soon I disappeared behind the stand to toss my cookies again. My sister took me home and my host'mom was so concerned for me. She made me "atole," took my temp and I went straight to bed. Earliest I've been to bed in a while: 9.45pm. I woke up feeling much better, but I've been eating bland foods since.
Church went really well, attendance, even without the interns, was at it's record high, with about 110 people. Worship went well, and two of the girls and I helped with the littles ones's Sunday school class. After church, the families brought typical food for a meal. I didn't eat anything but fruit, but it all looked great. After the lunch, we went to a soccer game of a woman from the church, Mariana, and her daughter, Denise. After resting, we had a getting-to-know-you activity for the team and the youth group in the tent that the church rented for the day. We had a good time.
Today, we had our group devotional at Rod's house and book study there. Then we talked about plans for the English classes, now that we have more teachers. We are splitting the students up into about 5 groups in 3 locations. I'm leading the intermediate class, with Bill and Alicia. I will be teaching with them these next couple of weeks. We hung, tossed around the frisbee, ate lunch at Rod's, and then headed off to English class. I taught while some of the interns observed. We haven't split up as planned until tomorrow, except for the more advance students who went with a girl that's an ESL makor, here getting credit for Moody Bible Institute. After English class, I played soccer with Mariana and her family and Abigail and her sons. It was so much fun!
Then I went to Rod's house to hang out with them, my sister, Alberto, Charles and Brigam (because he leaves this Thursday). We played and sang songs, ate and played Settlers again. (Needless to say, I lost....)
Tomorrow we are meeting at the pyramids for our team devotional. I'm excited, even though I've already been, I think it's going to be amazing.
Well, this is definitely long enough and it's already 1am. Please continue ro pray for team unity (it's been amazing so far!), for my host family's salvation and growth, for ministry, for health, and that I would be faithful in my time with the Lord. Again, I thank you so much for your words of encouragement to me!!! They really mean so much!!! God bless you!!!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
a few more things to check off the list
It has been a long week, but that just means it's been that much more fun-filled. Every weekday, I've been getting up around 7:30am to go work out for a few hours. That has been so much fun to hang out with Abigail. She is such a cool lady. Wednesday afternoon, a couple hours after we got back from excersizing, we went down the street from her house to eat some tacos. They are so cheap and good here! (More about that later) On Thurday she took me to the ˝tianguis,˝ or the market. It was really cool to get to do that with her.
Also on Thursday, Brigam and I were invited to a couple from the church's house. The man had to work but her mom, sister and the two kids were there. It was really cool and we made sushi and fried rice and stuff. I had a good time getting to know them a little. Very sweet lady, named Laura, and her husband is Martin.
That evening after English class, Brigam and another friend, Alberto, came to pick me up because my host-family wasn't home. So we went out for tacos and they wanted me to try something...exotic. I had tacos de ˝trompa˝ (snout) and de ˝tripa˝ (intestine). Today I tried de ˝riñon˝ (kidney). I'd have to say, i didn't like the kidney, the snout was alright, not bad but not great, but i did really like the intestine tacos. Not exactly something I thought I would say, but I wouldn't mind going back to order them sometime.
Friday was a loaded day. After working out, I had to finish up my lesson for the women's Bible study and get together with Mayra to practice the songs for worship. Then we had English class, and as soon as that was over was the women's Bible study. It went well, I suppose. The lesson was a really good one. We're going through a book, not the one I translated. I don't think we'll be using that while I'm here because they're half-way through this study, but I will leave it behind with them. As soon as the study was over, I came home to pack and went right back to the church to meet the girls for the sleepover. I started getting a bit nervous about it because these girls are in a bit of a different world from what I'm living. I was fearing not associating well with them or even entertaining them enough for them to enjoy themselves. But we got to the house up on the hill where it was. WOW! That place is beautiful. We got there at night, so we could look down to see all the lights of Ixtapaluca. So beautiful!!! We played picture-telephone (aka Holly Nelson game), then we went outside and played several rounds of mafia on the trampoline. Then we gathered around a little bonfire and Mayra brought two gutiars for us to worship with and the two of us, with another lady from the church named Sandra, shared a few words of encouragement with the girls. After that, Mayra made an invitation for them to place their faith in Christ alone for their eternal salvation. If every decision that was made was done out of a sincere heart, we had several girls place their faith in Him. I just pray that anyone who did would make a concious effort to grow and stay strong.
We went in and played a little more, ate snacks, giggled and talked. I finally went to bed around 3:15am, the most of the girls went to sleep and hour or two later. When we got up and after breakfast, we went up a little higher up the mountain to some pyramids and we got to see the town even better too. That was way cool!
We got back and from what I've heard from people that have talked to the girls, they seemed to have a good time. It was cool going to church today and getting to talk to a few of the girls that I had gotten to know. I think it was a good experience for us all. We had about 12 girls show, a VERY good number.
I guess we can keep praying for ministry there. I know there is a lot to share, but I want to establish a trust with them before I come into their worlds. Please also pray for confidence in the Lord.
Last, I would like to ask for prayer for strength and energy. I haven't rested much recently, until today. I had a pretty laid back day with my friends here. I'm hoping it was good enough to start a new day with new strengths. Please also pray for the group. Most of the people that are coming get in this week. We are going to have an orientation and hang out and sight'seeing time for 3 days in Mexico City (about an hour from here) starting Wednesday. I guess we can pray that we will mesh well from the get-go.
Well, I'm off to bed before an early morning tomorrow! We'll see if I feel sore again. Today was the first day I haven't felt sore since Tuesday.
I appreciate your comment, emails, love, support and prayers. You are all amazing!!! I miss you! Please let me know how I can be praying for you! God bless!
Also on Thursday, Brigam and I were invited to a couple from the church's house. The man had to work but her mom, sister and the two kids were there. It was really cool and we made sushi and fried rice and stuff. I had a good time getting to know them a little. Very sweet lady, named Laura, and her husband is Martin.
That evening after English class, Brigam and another friend, Alberto, came to pick me up because my host-family wasn't home. So we went out for tacos and they wanted me to try something...exotic. I had tacos de ˝trompa˝ (snout) and de ˝tripa˝ (intestine). Today I tried de ˝riñon˝ (kidney). I'd have to say, i didn't like the kidney, the snout was alright, not bad but not great, but i did really like the intestine tacos. Not exactly something I thought I would say, but I wouldn't mind going back to order them sometime.
Friday was a loaded day. After working out, I had to finish up my lesson for the women's Bible study and get together with Mayra to practice the songs for worship. Then we had English class, and as soon as that was over was the women's Bible study. It went well, I suppose. The lesson was a really good one. We're going through a book, not the one I translated. I don't think we'll be using that while I'm here because they're half-way through this study, but I will leave it behind with them. As soon as the study was over, I came home to pack and went right back to the church to meet the girls for the sleepover. I started getting a bit nervous about it because these girls are in a bit of a different world from what I'm living. I was fearing not associating well with them or even entertaining them enough for them to enjoy themselves. But we got to the house up on the hill where it was. WOW! That place is beautiful. We got there at night, so we could look down to see all the lights of Ixtapaluca. So beautiful!!! We played picture-telephone (aka Holly Nelson game), then we went outside and played several rounds of mafia on the trampoline. Then we gathered around a little bonfire and Mayra brought two gutiars for us to worship with and the two of us, with another lady from the church named Sandra, shared a few words of encouragement with the girls. After that, Mayra made an invitation for them to place their faith in Christ alone for their eternal salvation. If every decision that was made was done out of a sincere heart, we had several girls place their faith in Him. I just pray that anyone who did would make a concious effort to grow and stay strong.
We went in and played a little more, ate snacks, giggled and talked. I finally went to bed around 3:15am, the most of the girls went to sleep and hour or two later. When we got up and after breakfast, we went up a little higher up the mountain to some pyramids and we got to see the town even better too. That was way cool!
We got back and from what I've heard from people that have talked to the girls, they seemed to have a good time. It was cool going to church today and getting to talk to a few of the girls that I had gotten to know. I think it was a good experience for us all. We had about 12 girls show, a VERY good number.
I guess we can keep praying for ministry there. I know there is a lot to share, but I want to establish a trust with them before I come into their worlds. Please also pray for confidence in the Lord.
Last, I would like to ask for prayer for strength and energy. I haven't rested much recently, until today. I had a pretty laid back day with my friends here. I'm hoping it was good enough to start a new day with new strengths. Please also pray for the group. Most of the people that are coming get in this week. We are going to have an orientation and hang out and sight'seeing time for 3 days in Mexico City (about an hour from here) starting Wednesday. I guess we can pray that we will mesh well from the get-go.
Well, I'm off to bed before an early morning tomorrow! We'll see if I feel sore again. Today was the first day I haven't felt sore since Tuesday.
I appreciate your comment, emails, love, support and prayers. You are all amazing!!! I miss you! Please let me know how I can be praying for you! God bless!
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