Ramblings...

Times they are a changing...

2009-10-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's been way too long! Life has defiantly turned out not exactly how I expected it. After finishing my J3 term, I moved to Monteagle, TN to live with my aging grandmother. Not exactly my idea of fun, but I really felt like she didn't need to be living alone (although, I'm sure she'd argue differently). I was super nervous. I have visited here on and off since I was a little girl. I never liked it (it's still not my ideal place to live but it has grown on me...I still prefer the city!). I was worried that I wouldn't find anyone who understood me and the whole love of the Latin culture thing, that there would be no "normal" (i.e. not country, backwoods folk) people, that there would be no decent people my age to be friends with, that I wouldn't find a good church home, and that I would be stuck here. However, I can praise God that most of those fear have been taken away! He has provided me with some wonderful friends, who just so happen to work with a mission organization that sends people to Latin America. Who knew?!?! A mission organization on the mountain! These friends I met through my church. I have so much to be thankful for!!! I still struggle with the whole "being single" thing especially since I live here and while I am so thankful for my friends, the majority of them are married with young kids. I know God will provide in His timing, as He always does!

When I moved up here, it was in the middle of the school year and little to no open jobs. At first, I subbed some, but I had severance pay and insurance until March. The Lord provided a job just in time! Not my ideal teaching job, but a job. 10th grade English. Then the school year ended and I was jobless again. I searched around for teaching jobs but nobody could really tell me anything. I went on a mission trip to Ohio (that's another story within itself) and came back. I met with a principal, but didn't think it seemed hopeful. I went to Nicaragua. Still very worried. The very last night, we had some prayer time and the leader asked us to lay down some things that were hindering us at the moment. I let go of my worries. I got back to the states and had a phone call from that principal. I had a job teaching kindergarten! The Lord has given me a job. I constantly forget that the Lord's timing isn't mine. I want thing worked out right in front of me in and instant. He says wait. I can't help but go back tot he old hymn, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey".

The Waiting Place

2008-09-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

I remember my senior year in college and that dreaded question "So, what are you going to do with your life?" and here I am 4 years later being faced with that exact question, again. I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity this year. I have learned somethings about myself (even some not so good things) and I have been challenged in many ways. I also have to remember that this year isn't over yet and there is a task in front of me, but that question never seems to go away. So, my answer to that question this time around is this: "God knows what He has next and I am still waiting on Him to tell me exactly what that is" and until then, I am actively waiting, pursuing after Him and doing the things that I have been called to do for this season of my life. I press on knowing that His timing is best and I will have the answer when the time is right. "Andale!"

(Happy Birthday, MOM!!)

Isaiah 55

Missing Mexico

2008-08-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just a little under 2 months until I get to go back and help at the Passion Conference and hopefully see the majority of my friends/mission family.

So, here are some things that I'm missing right now and can't wait for in October:

My friends, my mission family, people at IME, my roomates, my church
Vitamin T :) (tacos, tamales, tortillas, tortas, etc) and to be honest any REAL Mexican food for that matter
using public transportation
the climate (Mexico City weather is very temperate and not too hot).
Mexican time (aka arriving late and it being acceptable)
speaking in Spanish the majority of the time

Uruguay

2008-07-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

SO much is going on inside my head and my heart.

Anyways, Uruguay was wonderful and cold. It has a much more European feel and bides are a common thing in the bathroom. I was blessed to be on a wonderful team which worked at a nursing home “attempting” to do construction and loving on the residents. They were so precious. It’s amazing what happens when you just invest a small amount of time with someone. We even had a party and danced. Ahh, to see a twinkle of happiness and hope in the eyes someone who typically feels other wise. We also had a lady nearly die on us to but after much prayer she came back around. We also passed out gospels of John and prayer walked. The strategy was called “GAP” and is very similar to what I helped do last summer in Mexico. 2of the most encouraging things for me were
Watching the Mks. What wonderful students who love Uruguay. It kind of made me miss my job (and I think I talked about Mexico way too much- what can I say, I’m still processing through things…) and
Working along side Uruguayos (not only were they working along side of us, they were still very much in recovery after a friend/family member unexpectedly went to be with the Lord). Having them work along side us really challenged be to ask the Lord to continue to burden my heart for Memphis. We, with all the church groups, held a coffee house. We had people from ALL walks of life. I gave a homeless guy my socks. They were bright pink and green. Too funny!!! 2 people accepted Christ!! Woo hoo!!! Go Jesus!!!

On a more personal note, I couldn’t understand much of anything. I had to ask 5 million questions just to figure out what flavor of ice cream I wanted to order. It was frustrating. I went from being in Guatemala having to help the majority of people out to almost feeling like I had gone back to my first months in Mexico. I think the Lord was just reminding me that I can do nothing on my own, that I am not to boast in anything except Him, and that the foolishness of God is wiser than any wisdom we think we have.

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

This is how we roll...

2008-06-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have just recently gotten back from Guatemala. Man, how I have missed living in Latin America. It definitely has my heart and hopefully, Lord willing, I will be living there in the near future ;). I think one of the things I miss about living in Latin America is just the simplicity of life. You can get along with much less. One of my biggest fears has been that the USA culture of needing to have things would invade my life. I struggled with buying a car. The majority of my friends in Mexico don’t have cars and if they do, it’s one that is shared by all the adults in the household that drive…I didn’t want to loose this mindset. Now, at moments I can see materialism creeping in, so this trip was a good reminder that nothing I have is mine and that at any moment or time, if He calls me to give it up, I should willingly do so. It was also weird for me to not experience culture shock. Guatemala is very similar to Mexico in many ways, but it is also different. (And on an exciting note, I got to eat some REAL TACOS!!! Although, not quite as good as the ones I ate every week, but it made me super excited!). I am also reminded that God goes before us and He is there when we leave. At this point I’m not sure where I will end up living but I do know that Guatemala now holds a small piece of my heart. I want to be burdened for Memphis, just as I am for Latin America. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” Psalm 19:14

It’s also neat to see how when God calls us to something and we walk in that, He will use it. This trip was the first time I had ever really translated for others (i.e. there weren’t really any other missionaries around to help me out). I know there were several occasions that God gave me words to say because I don’t really feel like I know that much Spanish. But, all that to say, had I not been faithful to live in Mexico and learn Spanish, I would not be living and working where I am today and would not have had the opportunity to go to Guatemala. I love how the Lord directs our steps!!!! I love that He is faithful, always!! To Him be glory, after all it’s His anyway. I’ll eventually put some pics up of Guatemala and life here in Memphis.

Los quiero mucho

Seasons come and Season go...

2008-05-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Since graduating college I have called many places “home”…Nashville, Memphis, Charleston, Tulsa, Mexico City. Every time I get used to my environment, for whatever reasons, it’s time to go again. My mom and step dad have redone the house. I don’t even have my own bed anymore. My dad lives in FL and moved there while I was in Mexico. Things aren’t what there were when I left. Of course, neither am I.

So, what is home? I know that the Word tells us that we believers are not citizens of this earth. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20. I am also reminded that Paul had no real earthly “home” nor did Jesus. I think that with longing to feel at home comes a longing to feel accepted, valued, etc.

In Mexico, at first I was very aware that I was different. Eventually, all of those things that I thought were so weird became normal. Then I came back to the states and the same thing happened. Now I find myself very comfortable with most aspects of USA life and yet not comfortable at all. I don’t feel as if anyone quite “gets” me. BUT regardless of how I feel or how emotional I am, or how many times I talk about Mexico, what really matters is being found at HOME in HIM. As I looked back on my journeys in this blog, I couldn’t help but notice an overriding them. He was there. He was the consistency in my life with yet another season had come and gone. He will continue to be there as I finish out this season and He will be there as the next one starts. I long to be “home”…

Livin la vida loca (but the good kind)....

2008-05-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! Things here in Memphis are rolling. Summer is here. School is out (well, at least at the U of M, I still have a paper to finish writing). I love my job even though some days I have no idea what I'm doing. There's nothing more exciting then encouranging other to pursue after His heart for the nations! And speaking of the nations, can I say just how pupmed I am to have an opportunity to go to Guatemala and Uruguay this summer! Of course, part of my heart is very much still in Mexico. I miss it- the people, my friends, getting kisses, the traffic, the weather, my students, house church, teaching English classes, the other missionaries, the food, etc. I am praying about what to do come January. The Lord has given me some amazing opportunities but I don't want to settle. I want pursue after His best. They are all good...but what is best. I feel like I'm graduating again because this term is only for 1 year. This life the Lord gives us is fool of seasons different kinds. This season of my life is very much about waiting on Him and His timing. I think I get into that "instant gratification" mind set and I forget that waiting is good. In "Oh, the Places You'll Go", the waiting place is called useless but as children of God, active waiting is not useless, it has a purpose. It prepares us for what's next. God molds us and shapes us during that time.

Just a quick update because it's been a while!

Casey

It's been way too long...

2008-02-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

So, I moved back to the states in December. It was much harder to leave Mexico than I could have ever expected. I had really made many great friends (and mission family too) and I miss them all like crazy. Transitioning back to the US is weird. I catch myself doing very Mexican things regularly. It's weird feeling like a strange in my homeland, but God is constantly reminding me that I'm still not home yet. (Philippians 3:20). I have yet to find any real Mexican food :( . One of my newest hobbies has become eating at Mexican restaurants (the food is OK but not the real deal) because I really enjoy the atmosphere and I can put my Spanish skills into use. I have been amazed at how much the employees at various restaurants have shared with me.

I was blessed to spend the Christmas season with all my Tennessee family. Good times! It was nice to be with them as well as having some time off!

In January, I began my new job...missions mobilizations. I get to basically encourage college students to pursue after His heart for the nations, in what ever form that might be!!! I went to training at ILC and then a few days later moved to Bartlett, TN (just outside of Memphis) to work with Faith Baptist Church and the University of Memphis BCM. It's an interesting job in that there is no real description, it's very learn as you go... I also live with a nice older couple and their grandson. I am so blessed that they would open their home to me for this year.

I just recently went to Cochran, Alberta, Canada to work a collegiate retreat. Good times. I also got to spend some time at the seminary there and am seriously considering going to school there. One of the greatest things was that the Boyters were there (minus their kiddos, though) as the missionaries in residence. It was so wonderful to see them again! I really had a blast.

After that, I went to "debriefing". It was a nice time to be with others who understand what this whole transition thing is about. It was a breath of fresh air. I am so thankful for this time of support and encouragement. It's nice to feel like you're not alone! (although, we're never alone because God is with us, it's nice to know other people who really can understand!)

Now, things are in full swing. I am excited about the beginnings of several new and exciting things...Bible studies, coffee chats with some great gals, quality conversations at Starbucks, etc. I can't wait to see how God calls out His servants this year!

As for the future, I have several ideas but nothing is for sure. It is definitely something that I am praying about.

Doy la golria a Dios!

Birthday and around school...

2007-11-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Independence Day, Mexican Style! (and a few other pics)

2007-09-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here I am!
Revolution Tower

Look at all the people!

Me, Rosa, and Alejandro

Rosa and Alejandro

concert

The heroes of Meican Independence. You can't really see them.

Downtown Independence Celebration! We're in the Zocalo.

Oscar vs Alejandro

Sumo wrestling!

Oscar, Jair, Rosa, Sara, and I

Kids from house church.

Rosa and I in the cave.

Summer...come and gone.

2007-08-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yup, the summer's gone. It came and went right before my eyes. School has started. I am teaching a little bit of everything, literally. I think I like the variety. Although, I'm a little nervous about the high school classes.

10th grade grammar and literature
7th grade pre-algebra
3/4 science, math, and history.

My summer, as a whole, was wonderful!!! I couldn't have asked for a better one. I was blessed with the chance to really make some great friends, which is going to make leaving in December much harder. Also, it was refreshing to be able to be involved in more things than just school stuff. Working downtown was a neat learning experience. I also really love teaching the advaced English class at FBC Mexico City. All we do is talk, so there's not too much teaching involved. I got to help pass out gospels with several groups from the states. That was always interesting because you never knew what to expect!I got to take a trip to some caves with a lady from church and her daughter. That was quite the adventure. And of course mission meeting.

It's nice to be past the storm. His grace is sufficient!

A few photos from the wedding

2007-07-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Summer

2007-06-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! Well, actually, it’s been here about a month. It just so happens that I haven’t had much time on the internet. I was blessed to have a week off with absolutely nothing to do. After the last few weeks of school, I was wiped out. The following week, we had a group in from Alabama to do gospel saturation. We had a great week and I was even able to make some good Mexican friends. Also, that week I got recruited to teach English on Sunday mornings at First Baptist Mexico City. More recently, I have been working with the summer missionaries for the Ortegas (Jimmy and Heather from KY and Rachel from Chicago). I have had a chance to be involved in feeding the homeless every Tuesday. We are doing a sports type ministry on Thursdays and we will do a sports camp here in a few weeks! We’re also going to be doing a VBS! Oh, I also got to be a stage hand for a drama that we presented at several locations here in Mexico. Yeah, life is pretty busy right now.

Please pray for the people of Mexico City. It seems that lately I have noticed more and more of the sinful things of the city. There is a street that we often dive down in the afternoons that is lined with prostitutes. This breaks my heart into a billion pieces. Please pray for them.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart. Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24

Mothers day!!!

2007-05-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!! Thanks for putting up with me!!
Te amo mucho!!!!!

Downtown

2007-04-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Around my hood

2007-04-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Fun times en el centro de Coyoacan with Em and Erin!

2007-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Babysitting the Crino Girls (the youngest 4 of 7)

2007-04-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Playing games, playing in the park, making easter eggs, and having and un-talent show. Fun times!!!!!!

Taxco

2007-04-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Over break, Erin and I ventured to a little city about 3 hours from DF. It was beautiful!!!

Isaiah 53:6-11

2007-03-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied ;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

2007-03-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Wow. Long time, no real update. So, I made it through the rough patch (praise the Lord!!!!) with the students and now we’re in full swing and nearly finished with school (May 24!). The next week and half is a much needed spring break. I am super excited because my wonderful friend, Erin, is coming for a visit, which means I get to be a tourist here in Mexico City. I am so thankful for my wonderful friends!!

As far as the summer goes, I have no idea what I’ll be doing. I hope to be able to get involved with some of the up and going ministries…we’ll see. I also think that I will be leaving Mexico in December to spend the Christmas time with my family and then in January begin work on my masters. Please pray that I truly seek the Lord and don’t make plans based on my emotions. (And then maybe in the future coming back to Mexico but not to teach…). Since I more than likely leave in December, I will have 1 more semester teaching. It looks as if I will be teaching high school economics (should be interesting), pre-algebra, and lower elementary school. A very different load from this year.

A few weeks ago, one of the families had a ¨Go¨ team here. We passed out gospels of John and other such things. It was a neat learning experience. I ended up doing some translation. I still don’t understand everything and still make horrible mistakes, but I just couldn’t believe they were looking to me to translate.

As we approach the Easter season, my heart continues to break for the misguided people here in Mexico. Signs of this are everywhere. Please pray for the people of Mexico during this time of year. Pray that they would know Christ personally. Pray that they would see the difference between works and a relationship. Pray that they would lay down their idols. Pray that they would really know the meaning of Christ dying on the cross and rising again.

Here’s what it’s all about:

Mark 14

Death Plot and Anointing

1Now the Passove and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him;

2for they were saying, "Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people."

3While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head.

4But some were indignantly remarking to one another, "Why has this perfume been wasted?

5"For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they were scolding her.

6But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me.

7"For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.

8"She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.

9"Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."

10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them.

11They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.

The Last Passover

12On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?"

13And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him;

14and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'

15"And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there."

16The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

17When it was evening He came with the twelve.

18As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me--one who is eating with Me."

19They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, "Surely not I?"

20And He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.

21"For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."

The Lord's Supper

22While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is My body."

23And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

24And He said to them, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

25"Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

26After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

27And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, because it is written, 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.'

28"But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."

29But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away, yet I will not."

30And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times."

31But Peter kept saying insistently, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all were saying the same thing also.

Jesus in Gethsemane

32They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed."

33And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled.

34And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch."

35And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.

36And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will."

37And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?

38"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

39Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.

40And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.

41And He came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42"Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"

Betrayal and Arrest

43Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard."

45After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, "Rabbi!" and kissed Him.

46They laid hands on Him and seized Him.

47But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

48And Jesus said to them, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber?

49"Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures."

50And they all left Him and fled.

51A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him.

52But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked.

Jesus before His Accusers

53They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes gathered together.

54Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire.

55Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any.

56For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent.

57Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying,

58"We heard Him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'"

59Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent.

60The high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, "Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?"

61But He kept silent and did not answer Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"

62And Jesus said, "I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN."

63Tearing his clothes, the high priest said, "What further need do we have of witnesses?

64"You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

65Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, "Prophesy!" And the officers received Him with slaps in the face.

Peter's Denials

66As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came,

67and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Nazarene."

68But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." And he went out onto the porch.

69The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, "This is one of them!"

70But again he denied it And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too."

71But he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about!"

72Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, "Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And he began to weep.

Mark 15

Jesus before Pilate

1Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate.

2Pilate questioned Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And He answered him, "It is as you say."

3The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly.

4Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, "Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!"

5But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed.

6Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested.

7The man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection.

8The crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them.

9Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?"

10For he was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead.

12Answering again, Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?"

13They shouted back, "Crucify Him!"

14But Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify Him!"

15Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Jesus Is Mocked

16The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they called together the whole Roman cohort.

17They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him;

18and they began to acclaim Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

19They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him.

20After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him.

21They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.

The Crucifixion

22Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.

23They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it.

24And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take.

25It was the third hour when they crucified Him.

26The inscription of the charge against Him read, "THE KING OF THE JEWS."

27They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.

28[And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with transgressors."]

29Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,

30save Yourself, and come down from the cross!"

31In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself.

32"Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!" Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.

33When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

35When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, "Behold, He is calling for Elijah."

36Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down."

37And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last.

38And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

39When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

40There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.

41When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Jesus Is Buried

42When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

43Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

44Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead.

45And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

46Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were looking on to see where He was laid.

Mark 16

The Resurrection

1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him.

2Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.

3They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?"

4Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large.

5Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed.

6And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.

7"But go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.'"

8They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

9[Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.

10She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping.

11When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.

12After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.

13They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.

The Disciples Commissioned

14Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.

15And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

16"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

17"These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;

18they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

19So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.] [And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.]

Hey!

2007-03-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

TIO MIKE,

Hope your finger's doing better. Love ya!!!

Real update one of these days...

2007-02-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

Feliz Dia del Amor y Amistad (aka Happy Valentines Day or literally, Happy Day of love and friendship)

The past few weeks have been CRAZY and that's an uderstatement. Let's just say that there have been some issues arise with my male students and I didn't even see it coming. I was BLESSED with a chance to go to Guadalajara for a missionary women's retreat (it couldn't have come at a better time). I had parent teach conferences until about 3 so I took a bus by myself for the 8 hour treck to Guadalajara. What an amazing weekend. I think God really dealt with some issues that I had been holding on to and also confirmed some things. The ride back was nice to talk with some of the ladies on my team and to gain some wisdom from them.

The Real Deal

2007-01-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

Here you go, Uncle Mike and anyone else who's still checking my blog: :)

Christmas has come and gone (the same with New Year’s and my sister’s visit). My sister was able to come for 3 weeks. We did all kinds of shopping and tourist stuff. I think she got to see more in those 3 weeks than I had in a year. Mom also sent me suitcases full of new clothes, shoes, and all kinds of stuff!!!

It’s so crazy to think that I have been living in Mexico for over a year now. I love living here. Now teaching, on the other hand, has been a struggle, but God is faithful and He’s bringing me through it…It has also come to a point in time where I have to make some decisions. I think that I do want to go back to school (which I’m almost 99% sure will be Golden Gate), get my masters or whatever, and then maybe move back to Middle America or something once a finish there (and of course look for a husband while I’m there since I can’t date while I’m here, I’ve got to make up for lost time…hehe…j/k). Of course, there are a million and five things that could happen between now and then, but through much prayer; this seems to be what I get a sense of peace about. God knows!

Que mas…we moved to a wonderfully, beautiful apartment that we LOVE and where we have wonderful neighbors (actually, it’s the apartment that caused all the drama), but we’ve had problems with the water. Thankfully, there is a central spout where we can fill up buckets and bring them upstairs to bathe, wash dishes, or flush the toilet. Lord willing, tomorrow we will have water. I never realized how much I depend on water. It makes me thankful for the things that I do have.

It seems lately that I have been making all kinds of (comical) mistakes with my Spanish. For example; I went to get coffee with a friend. Rather than asking for mocha, I ask for a booger (moco in Spanish). Oops. We had a fiesta at our apartment a few weeks ago. I made the garlic bread and then I said “Who wants bread with manTEQUILA”(which is similar to the Spanish word for butter but not quite the word.) All night long, everyone was asking me about my tequila bread. I wanted to buy a pair of earrings when my sister was here. I asked the guy “Are these bananas (platano)” instead of “Are these silver (plata)”. Oops. If it made someone smile or laugh, than it was worth it!

In the upcoming weeks, I am teaching the children and the youth at my house church (all in Spanish)!!! Excited and a little nervous.

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”2^nd Corinthians 4:16-18

Still alive

2007-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks (err...Uncle Mike). Long time no update. My computer is a little fried. I promise, a real update to come soon!!!

Feliz Navidad!

2006-12-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

A todos: ¡¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

The Christmas season is here! Jesus is born! Every where you look there are lights, Santas, manger scenes, and Christmas trees. It’s quite odd living in a country that’s not terribly cold for Christmas. (Although, to see the people and how they dress, you would thing a blizzard was approaching!). 1 week left of school until Christmas break! Just about 9 days until my sister comes! The same day my sister arrives I’m going to a 15 year old girls birthday celebration. Here in Mexico the 15^th birthday is sort of like a sweet 16, but a little bigger.

As many of you know, I was able to go to a youth retreat. (Yup, that’s right, a youth retreat. Here in Mexico, if you’re not married, you’re a youth!)That proved to be a great time and I, also was able to learn a ton of new words in Spanish. Emily, one of the mk’s, was the only other person who spoke English. Thus, everyone assumed she was my sister. Too funny!

The apartment deal is settled, finally! I am so thankful that the Lord provided for us in His timing. We now have a wonderful apartment with wonderful neighbors. Yet again, He proves Himself to be faithful! Both my roommate and I were over ridden with doubt, but as I have said, He is so amazingly faithful, in even the little things. Sometimes I forget that (although, He has given me many lessons in this).

I so praise Him for the much needed break time that is ahead. Last week I lost my voice, we moved, and I still had to teach. So glad there is a temporary break in sight!

Also, I just wanted to give a shout out to all of you who give to missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas offering! Thank you a million times! With out your giving, I along with over 5,000 other servants through out the world would not be able to do what we do. Know that you are a giant blessing to us! We thank God for you!

Praises:

The new apartment and the opportunities to share as we live there

Sara- who accept Christ and is now our neighbor!

The break

My sister coming

Prayer Requests:

My good friend, Belinda, is trying to find a church home here in Mexico

Travel- tons of people traveling

Illness- tons of us sick, too

That Mexico City would know the truth about this season!

real quick

2006-11-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

We moved to the apartment that caused all the drama! We love it!!!!! Oh, and, I have larengitis (sp?). God is good!

2006-11-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

oh blah di oh bla da....

2006-11-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

Still working on the apartment. We went and talked with the lawyer yesterday and now we're just waiting on my office's approval. The lawyer said he would change the clause. Pray that everything comes through esp. because next week we have off for Thanksgiving(which would be a great week to move!) I'm ready for the drama to be over...oh, and Sara, the lady who lives in the building where we want to live, became a beleiver!!

Going on a youth retreat this weekend! (Sat to Monday...all in Spanish!)

Ok, there's you're qucik update!!!

And so the story goes...

2006-11-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Right after school yesterday, my roomate and I went to get some numbers of apartments. These apartments were a little farther off, so we took a bus for about 5 minutes. We got the numbers and then walked to McDonald's for a healthy meal para llevar (we have no food at home and neither of us had ganas to cook or go to the store). We decided to take a taxi home because it was quickly getting dark. We hailded the taxi and made it home. After we were in our apartment, Kristy realized that she left her bag in the taxi (with her school books, grades, camera, and wallet). She franticlly ran down-stairs to see if, maybe, the taxi driver had returned. After waiting about 20 minutes, she came back upstairs and we searched the apartment, again. She eventually went back outside. I stayed inside and made a few phone calls to see if we could find a missing info number or something. (Both of us in frantic prayer during all this). I found nothing, so I did what I usually do in an emergeny...I called Ann Boyter. Ann said, "Just pray. We've lost stuff before and it's been returned after praying".

After a little bit, the phone rang and it was Sara. She is the lady who lives in the apartment building where we were hoping to move into. Sara asked for Kristy and I told her that she was out side because there was a problem. Sara knew exaclty what the problem was and that the taxi guy was going to return in 20 minutes. Now, keep in mind that this whole conversation is in Spanish. Kristy runs back into the apartment and I tell her what I just found out. She looks at me like I'm crazy and asks, "How does Sara know?" I hand her the phone and she talks to Sara and then runs downstairs.

Turns out that the taxi driver had found the land-lady's (from the apartment we want to rent) phone number in the bag. The land-lady then called Sara and then called us. After all, how many white girls does a taxi-driver carry around in a day? The bag was returned with everything still in it!!! Gracias a Dios!! Now Kristy and I are going to eat tacos with Sara tomorrow night. Pleaes keep Sara and the land-lady (Virginia) in your prayers. We know that we have crossed paths with them for a reason. Sara is a very kind, generous lady but she does not know the Lord. Pray for her salvation. Pray that I would be able to understand and participate in the conversaton over tacos al pastor. God is up to something and I am privileged to stand back and let Him work.Sometimes we don't understand the steps God leads us thorugh, but I am so glad that He sees the pig picture when all I see is a snap shot! It's also nice to know that He cares about the little details of our lives.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Oh, and on another not, it's time for all those halloween asscoitated holdiays like day of the dead (where they prepare a feast of their deceased relatives favorite thing and invite their spirits to visit), All Saints Day, etc. Last night while we were waiting on the taxi, kids were trick-or-treating down the streets, mostly dressed in creepy costumes. Pray for the people of Mexico.

Craziness...

2006-11-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

So, the apartment thing didn't come through again. The contract is a little wack and the lawyer won't budge. If the lawyer treats others as he has us, no one will be living in that apartment any time soon. We all (aka everyone involved)really feel that he is a crook and taking the land-lady for all she has. We did call the current land-lords and ask them for a one month extension. The most frustrating thing is that we were all packed up and ready to move. We really have no idea what to do. Please be in prayer for us. We have some ideas as to why the Lord would allow this to happen and we know that God is fathiful and sees the big picture (which something that we are constantly reminding ourselves). Maybe He has something better in store :)

We still need a place to live in by the end of the month. T Minus 29 days and counting...

Busy, Busy, Busy

2006-10-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Camp Out at Kikoten, signing contract, moving (at all that jazz that goes with it), going to the north to look at the bodega for furniture, finding and buying material to get curtains made, grades are due, etc. These are some crazy, busy days!! God is faithful!

Uncle Mike, Happy Birthday!!!

2006-10-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

October 25
Tio Mike, Feliz Cumpleanos!! Te amo mucho! (I love you much!)

So, are you 29 again? I guess that means I'll have caught up with you in about 4 years! :)

Good ole Mr. Chambers...

2006-10-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

October 13th.

INDIVIDUAL DISCOURAGEMENT AND PERSONAL ENLARGEMENT
Oswald Chambers

"Moses went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens." Exodus 2:11

Moses saw the oppression of his people and felt certain that he was the one to deliver them, and in the righteous indignation of his own spirit he started to right their wrongs. After the first strike for God and for the right, God allowed Moses to be driven into blank discouragement, He sent him into the desert to feed sheep for forty years. At the end of that time, God appeared and told Moses to go and bring forth His people, and Moses said - "Who am I, that I should go?" In the beginning Moses realized that he was the man to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in the individual aspect, but he was not the man for the work until he had learned communion with God.

We may have the vision of God and a very clear understanding of what God wants, and we start to do the thing, then comes something equivalent to the forty years in the wilderness, as if God had ignored the whole thing, and when we are thoroughly discouraged God comes back and revives the call, and we get the quaver in and say - "Oh, who am I?" We have to learn the first great stride of God - "I AM THAT I AM hath sent thee." We have to learn that our individual effort for God is an impertinence; our individuality is to be rendered incandescent by a personal relationship to God (see Matthew 3:17). We fix on the individual aspect of things; we have the vision - "This is what God wants me to do;" but we have not got into God's stride. If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a big personal enlargement ahead.

"Don't judge a book by it's cover"

2006-10-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

or should I say, "Don't judge an apartment by it's building"

God is good! It looks like we may have a new place that we actually like even better! However, the building it's in is soooooooo ugly. It's painted an odd shade of pink and white (fyi- here in Mexico buildings and houses are painted in any and every color). The paint is chipping off and super dirty but the apartment is so nice, the rent is less, it's not as high up, the roof is just about 10 steps away, and the kitchen is a decent size (aka we won't have to pots in the oven! here in Mexico, kitchens tend to be very small, even in large houses)! All we have to do now is go through all the paper work stuff...so, pray that everything comes together. This place really seems to be a blessing. The lady who showed us the apartment was so friendly and she lives a floor or 2 below. Pray that everything comes together!

"Moving on up to the eastside to a deluxe apartment in the sky"

2006-10-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my roomate, Kristy, and I as we now have about 3 weeks to find a new apartment. We knew that there was a potential that we would have to move, however, yesterday when we went to pay the rent, the land-lady said that we had until the first week of Novemeber. Of course, they haven't given us an exact answer until yesterday. Please pray that we would find a place with a good location to a main road, with good neighbors, fairly close to the school, and within a short amount of time.

Thanks!

"I Pitty the Fool" Mr. T

2006-09-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

There are days when I seem so foolish- esp. about the culture and the language. I make myself look like such a goober some days. This got me thinking about what the scripture says:

18For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE."
20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
23but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
27but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
28and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,
29so that no man may boast before God.
30But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
31so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."

1st Corinthians 1:18-31

So glad that in my weakness He is stronger (see 2nd Cor. 12:7-11)and that His ways and thought are higher than mine (see Is. 55- what a promise!). May we follow the example of King David and be undignified (see 2nd Sam 6:22)! So here's where the title comes into play...as I was thinking about this it made me think of the Mr. T video to the song of that verse, a flashback of sorts to my last summer in St. Louis and thus the title.

2006-09-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

So, here are some thoughts from my head...

I love teaching, however, I don't know if it's what I want to do forever. I really miss working in the social ministries. I miss the halls of the women's/children's shelter (probably the hardest job I've ever had but the most rewarding at the same time)and I miss helping adult women get their GEDS. I can't help but see the need for a shelter just like DSV here in Mexico and the necessity of a program like Christian Women's Job Corps. However, culturally acceptable, it probably isn't. I really miss that stuff. I didn't think I would, but I do. I know that God has placed me right where I need to be for this stage of my life. I love Mexico! I love Mexicans! I love living in Mexico. I know that my job is to support the full time servants here in Mx by securing that their children have a good education...a very important thing. I just long to work more hands on with those in physical need.

Mexican Independence Day!

2006-09-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Pics

2006-09-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Can you find me?

Tell me who isn't the Mexican and I'll give you 10 centavos!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2006-09-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Feliz Cumpleanos a mi mama!(Sept. 19) Te amo mucho!

2006-09-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day, Mexico! I should have some fun pics to post after tomorrow! So, since I had to take a final on the 4th of July, tomorrow I get to have the day off for Mexico's Independence Day and of course today I am wearing my Mexican futbol jersey! Viva Mexico!!

Great by Ten Shekel Shirt

I have always wanted to be somebody who is great
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
To love my enemiesTo serve others until I become the least
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
Greatness in this world is different than greatness in your eyes
To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream
To be the one who makes you smile is everything
To be genuine in my love for others and for you is to be great

Have You Ever Wanted by Shawn McDonald

Have you ever wanted to be someone else
Have you ever wanted just to be someone
Have you ever wanted to reach your dreams
Have you ever wanted life to be more than it seems
I have tasted of a love so wide
That it stops all my time
I have tasted of a love so deep
That it blows my mind
Have you ever wanted to reach up and touch the sky
Have you ever wanted to pack it up and say good-bye
Have you ever wanted someone to care
Have you ever wanted someone to be there
He is sweet, He is sweet
What your looking for
Is my sweet, sweet Jesus
What You're looking for
Is my sweet Lord

2006-09-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

One more week of school down. woot woot. 3 more weeks until I have to start teaching a split level class. Should keep things interesting. I'm whiped out.

Last week I had several good Spanish days! I went with my rommie to Bible study where she left me alone when it came to the eating toacos part. (she didn't physically leave me, she just wasn't around in the room). I actually was able to carry on a few conversations and get to know a few people! Gracias a Dios!

More later! It's time to go home.

Puppet Show

2006-09-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Story of the "Good Samaritan"as told by puppets made from paper bags! FYI- on Fridays, in the morning we have music and drama. Then in the afternoons, the kids go to PE.

Mi Vida

2006-08-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

School is in full swing. I have 4 kids that keep me on my toes (2 more to be added in the near future). I think that I have the loudest, most rowdy bunch in the school! Quite a different school dynamic from last school year. It's also official, I now keep the hours of a school teacher (aka I am worn out and not quite used to the routine just yet).

The Water Heater- One of the things that I have learned how to do in Mexico is to use gas things- oven, stove, water heater, etc. I have several experiences where I thought I nearly (or so it felt) exploded ovens when trying to light them. Yesterday morning I had to take a cold shower. Granted our water heater is small and the hot water doesn't last long, I still expected somewhat of a warm shower. Well, last night we discovered that the piolt light was out. Now the problem is that the water heater is in a rather ghetto place...just outside our kitchen window, with the switches facing away from the window. To make matters worse, the washer/dryer combo unit is hooked up just infront of the window and there is only enough room for a tiny person (my roomie!) to fit in (yeah, I didn't even give it a try. If she had trouble getting in and out...). So, picture her smushed up next to the window over looking all our neighbors' windows...Remember, we're on the 4th floor. Kristy tried for nearly an hour, all total. We bugged Ann Boyter a few times. Kristy tried asking her dad in NY via telephone. Nothing. Finally at about 11 pm David Boyter showed up, squeezed in to the space, turned a few knobs, pressed a few buttons, and within 2 minutes, *presto* the piolt light was lit. Go figure. That's what we like to call a "where's my husband when I need him" kind of moment (lol).

Any suggestions for Spiritual applications to this story?? :)

Verse to Ponder:
"...Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven..." Luke 10:20 NASB

Pics

2006-08-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

A few shots of my classroom.

Kids at church and David Boyter

A few shots from the baby shower!

A baby shower, an english lesson, and a birthday party

2006-08-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I went to the Boyters' house for a brunch with the Crino family. This was probably the last time that I'll see them until around Feb. of next year because they're going back to the states for 6 months. Then after that, the Boyter ladies (Ann & Emily) and I went to a baby shower (and yes, they call it a baby shower here, too) for Keren (my first Spanish teacher). Needless to say, after picking up some of the ladies from church, we were about 20 minutes late for the shower that started at 4. However, this being Mexico, it didn't start until well after 5. We played lots of those cheesy shower games that many of you in the states are familiar with (but of course, all in Spanish). Thankfully, I only misunderstood the directions one and thus missed up the games only once.

Yesterday I began teaching English to a girl who works at the place where we buy our drinking water. I am very excited about this opportunity that God has literally dropped in my lap. She seems very kind and really wants to learn English!! Of course this will mean more on my plate but at the same time it's the opportunity that I've been praying for. Please pray for her and for this opportunity! Maybe this friendship could lead to a housechurch being started in my neighborhood...!!!!!

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Last night we had church/birthday party. We again ate tamales (this time I didn't manage to stay away from the mole -cocoa flavored sauce, not exactly my favorite, but not too bad either). And of course here in Mexico they have a different song that they sing. They don't typically sing the "Happy Birthday" or "Feliz Cumpleanos" song. I need to learn that song. Jorge (the birhday boy) said that he is planning on buying a fish with his birthday money!

La comida mexicana (Mexican Food)

2006-08-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Making Tamales for Church!

Tinga! One of my fav. Mexican dishes. (chicken, chiptole, onions, garlic, and tomatos).

Random Pics

2006-08-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Why I'm here...

The Mexican flag. Viva Mexico!

My friend and former roomate(she student taught and the school where I teach), Deanna and I.

And in other news...we had an earthquake this morning. I handn't quite gotten out of bed and our building began to shake. Sometimes it shakes a little when a big rig truck drives by but this time I didn't hear a truck. Crazy.

Read what Fox News has to say: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207929,00.html

Lots...

2006-08-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in the past few weeks. I went to Puebla with Alli and Beth(2 college student mks) to visit Amy and Heather. It was a fun, refreshing trip! Lots of quality girl time. Then the following week I went to Leon for lots of meetings. But not to worry, there was plenty of time for fellowship! I am now back in DF. More to come later...

randomness

2006-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

FYI (Mom!):

Next week I'll be in Puebla (about 2 hours south of Mexico City) and then the following week I'll be in Leon which is further north.

Happy Birthday July 25th to Jo and Eva!!!!!!!

(so I don't forget in all the craziness i have coming up)

You 2 rock my face off! I couldn't as for better, more like minded friends! Remember when we met just before 3rd grade at bellevue steelers cheerleading?! I thank God for both of you! Remember our "runs" through your neighborhood during our senior year in college...man how I actualy looked forward to running! Wow, do we have history!! Love you both sooo much and miss you just as much. One day well manage to all be on the same continent! Feliz cumpleanos!

and the randomeness continues...

First of all only a few of you may get this comment, but oh well. I
s it just me or do the mexican pinatas of spiderman and batman look like StrongBad from http://www.homestarrunner.com ?

Learing to dance...

A few weeks ago I went to a little international fiesta at the house of one of my spanish classmates. There was a guy there from Korea who was a salsa dancing teacher. My friends decided that we need to have some lessons. I had fully planned on just watching and not participating. However, they ended up need just one more female and I was the only able body female there not dancing. Needles to say I was forced. Thankfully, it was only a teaching lesson and not like the vision I have of my head of salsa from the movies. Anyways, the few times I danced with the teacher it so much easier. I could tell what move he was going to make before he made it becaue he would give a little tug. He lead me. All this got me thinking about spiritual application. So, here goes...God is like the dance instructor. He leads us. He has given us His word as a guid but more than that, He is right beside us. When just have to be patient to feel his tugging and not get busy with our own agendas. This life we are living is like a dance and He is the partner who is leading!!

Deep thoughts..

2006-07-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

6 months in Mexico! Crazy!

Why is it that the bus drivers play bad American muscic and I go around singing the songs for days?

Why is it that whenever I want to take a taxi, I can't manage to find one that's free and when ever I don't want one, there are plenty ready to give me a lift?

Summer Fun!

2006-07-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the past few weeks have been crazy. My brain is a jumple of spanglish these days. This coming week is the end of my spanish class at CU...which means a final exam. I would now say that my spanish has moved from nonexistent to functional. Yesterday I managed to take a bus from CU (50 centavos) to the metro (2 pesos), and then take a combi (a van type thing that's used like a small bus, 4 pesos) to the northwest part of the city. The trip took 2 hours(and I was still in the same city) and I even mangaed to ask directions (in spanish) and I uderstood what they said when they answered me!! yay!! I have also started meeting once a week with a kid to help him practice english. His mother is quickly becoming a good friend. Please pray for opportunities for me to share with them. I have also started meeting with another lady once a week to help her with english. The wonderful thing about her is that she lives in my neighborhood! It's nice not having to run around the city to meet up with someone. After next week my life will be spent at the school attepmting to get lesson plans ready for the upcoming school year as well as putting up bulletin boards and getting my classroom into shape. This will be my first offical classroom. Please pray that I have wisdom is dealing with the students.

oh, on a random note. In spanish class, we had to give a speech to the class about hour home country, state, or city. Well, needless to say, all the Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Palestenian, and Bulgurian people got to experience a song we call Rocky Top. It was an experience they won't easily forget!

2006-06-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so let’s see. I finished up the school year at IME and am no preparing for the following year. 6th and 7th grades. 3 boys and 3 girls. Class at UNAM is halfway through. We have our first test on Monday. Tomorrow I am helping some kids practice their English.

In history class a few weeks ago, I read the first chapter of Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” to my students. I couldn’t believe how much I related to the main character. He talked about how there were all these odd things going on in the street and no seemed to pay them any attention, but they were in complete fascination with him. There are some days when that’s exactly how I feel. I am different and people go to great lengths, as it seems, to remind me that I am. Some day I forget that I am different. I’m just trying to live my life as anyone would. Regardless, I am a stranger in this land and may they know that it goes beyond just the physical...

Here are some song lyrics from Waterdeep’s song “Stranger in This Land”:

I spent too much time todayon things that don’t mean much
The world around me groans under it’s tyranny of touch
Every wasted thoughtand every battle left un-foughtAll are testimony to my need of you

Chorus
I’m a stranger in this land
Won’t you take me by the hand
I can hear that distant band
But I’m still a stranger in this land

Somedays at the strangest times
I feel a sense of loss
A bite or two of stolen fruitand we all suffer from the cost
But every longing for my home
Even when I’m not alone
Stands as testimony of the coming day

BRIDGE
All I’ve got to dois to believe on You
Then every struggle seems worthwhile
I can see the promise of Your smile

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”
Phil. 3:20-21

“Indeed, He will speak to this people; Through stammering lips and a foreign tongue,…”
Is. 20:11

a student again

2006-05-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

That's right folks. It's true. I am now a student at a giant university here in Mexico City, UNAM or Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico! Of course, I'm only taking spanish class. There are about 10 people in my class and I am the only one from the USA. It is quite an interesting thing to try and talk with someone whoose first language is either Japanese, Chinese, or Korean (and they speak no english) in Spanish! Oh, and I tested into bascio 2, not basico 1!!! (which means that I have learned something).

Oops!

2006-05-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Let’s just say that the past few weeks I have had quite a few blunders…

At least once a week my roommate, Kristy, and I go eat tacos. Well, this past week the taco guy was telling us (in Spanish mind you) that we never go out and do fun things. He was going to ask us to do dancing. Kristy told him that she didn’t like to dance and then the conversation moved on. Well, needless to say for some reason I was stuck on the dancing thing. The guy asked me something (which I assumed was about dancing) to which I said “Mi gusta, pero estoy mala” (I like it but I’m bad at it). He didn’t ask me if I like dancing…he asked me if I like to drink beer. I told him I like to drink but I can’t handle it! Kristy’s expression was priceless once she realized that I didn’t understand. It made for a good laugh. Oops.

Then, Friday I managed to get myself lost as I was going to visit a friend. Ann Boyter and a cell phone to the rescue! In the end I was only about 40 minutes late. Good thing I live in Mexico. The hard part was trying to explain to my friend Nelly in Spanish why I was so late. Oops!

The other day at la Bodega, while checking out, the lady asked me if I found everything ok. I of course wasn’t sure what exactly she was asking. So, I did as I normally do, I thought for a second and then decided to either answer with si or no. I decided no would be good…She looked at me puzzled and then was like “oh you didn’t find everything”. I quickly apologized once I realized what she had asked. Oops!

You know you're no longer livining in the USA when..

2006-05-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

there is a herd of sheep being taken across the street in the city!!

HaPpY mOtHeRs DaY!

2006-05-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Happy mother's day mom! Love and miss you tons. Thanks for everything you do and continue to do.

back safely

2006-05-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

yeah for a fun retreat will my fellow missnionaries here in the city! I think I could have used a few more days but after some car troublre (in the Wong van) we made it back safely!!

Out of Town

2006-05-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

FYI (hmm...Mom)- I'm out of town this weekend. I'll be back some time on Sunday.

2006-05-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

So, I was thinking just how blessed I am with wonder and supportive friends! So…this post is dedicated to you. I love and miss you all soooooooooo much but I am so glad that you are all following God’s calling on your lives. You make me smile at the fact that I’m your friend! Though far away, you are a blessing and encouragement! I look forward to many more phone calls over the next few years! It’s so wonderful that we can pick up right where we left off whenever we talk!!

Some things that make me smile about (in no particular order…)

Jo
You’re a hard worker who never gives up
You sweet spirit
Your endurance though many tough things over the years (of course we know that your strength comes from Him!!! But you know what I mean!)
I just like youJ
You’re beautiful smile
Your good listening skills

(Remember our senior year of college when we would go running in your neighborhood!!! Ahhh, good times!)

EB
Your willingness to go wherever He leads!
You’re an amazing artist and your Heart comes through in the artwork that I’ve seen!
I haven’t seen you in over a year but you’re still one of my favorite people because you’re you!
I look forward to the few times when we get to talk b/c we can pick right back up as if we had seen each other yesterday!
You make me smile!
You use the gifts you’ve been given!

Erin E

Your attitude when it comes to music. It’s not about you…
The way your Passions are evident in your life.
You’re encouraging
You make me laugh!

to be continued....I have class to teach

A real update!

2006-04-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

So, the past few weeks have been quite a whirl-wind. Let’s see…we had spring break (very much needed) and around here it was Semana Santa or Holy Week, which lead up to Easter. I took a few days to just rest which was absolutely wonderful. I went to Zenpoala, which is a valley about 1 hour US driving time (aka 1 ½ to 3 hours Mexican time). Of course it was the end of the week so people where all over the place. There where quite a few hikers and bikers all making a pilgrimage to some place where Jesus supposedly manifested himself to some guy. They were carrying various icons and statues… and last weekend I went back with my church. Such a beautiful place. You can hike and ride horses.

The following two days, I baby sat 4 girls (of 7 – the oldest 2 in college and the 3rd oldest was with the parents—the only boy). We died Easter eggs, baked cookies, and made granola. At one point I thought that I had exploded the gas oven but thankfully it was just fine. At my house church, on Resurrection Sunday, we had 2 baptisms!!! Very exciting! On Tuesday of last week, we had an all city get together in Chapultepc(hope I spelled that correctly) park. It was nice to spend time around fellow Americans and talk English.

I also went to a cantata (choir signing) at the Capital City Baptist Church. This church is mostly English speaking (for the business community). Anyways, I was so overwhelmed with the fact that I could actually understand them. I guess in some ways I have become accustomed to being surrounded by people and only understanding a fraction of what’s being said, which is a good thing. However, I have noticed that I have formed some bad habits. For instance, if some one is asking me something, I typically respond with “si” and hope that I didn’t agree to something bad. I also catch myself responding in Spanish to Mexicans when they speak English to me.

Any ways…things are well and the Lord continues to bless me!

“porque El vive!!”

Real Tacos!

2006-04-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ok folks! Here's what real tacos look like! Tacos al pastor. So good!!!

Twin Day

2006-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Upper elementary boys!

"It's just a flesh wound"...got to love Monty Python!

Las Maestras-- side note, I'm a little sweaty b/c I had been outside playing soccer (aka futbol) with the high school students.

Character Day at School...Who are we?

2006-04-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

SpRiNg FeVer

2006-03-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

So, the first part of this post is for all you Fuge workers (or former Fuge workers). It some how got spread around the school that I have worked camp for the past 3 summers. (I guess that it doesn't help that my supervisor's oldest sun ran sound for us this past summer). Anyways, for our entire school, I get to plan a "Mega Realy" type event. I don't get to work camp this summer, but it looks like I will get to re-live Mega...

Some interesting things:

It was a holdiay, so I only had school Wed-Fri. Next week we have CAT tests! I only have to teach for 2 days! We also have school pictures. The following week is crazy week and then spring break!!!! April will fly by just like March.
I spent the weekend sick, however, the wonderful Boyter family took me in because my roomate was out of town. It was quite fun. I got to watch some of the movie Rambo in Portoguese. Quite interesting.
The bus driver made fun of my spanish yesterday, oh well.
My spanish tutor is wonderful! She is such an encouragment. I can't wait to meet her baby!
It's amazing how different people are. Those that know me are so encourgaing and supportive. I say one sentence in Spanish and they get very excited! I have had contact with some who have no sympathy. They seem to wonder why I'm here and look down any attpet to speak Spanish. Whever I'm back in the USA, I will have a new found sympathy for immigrants.
God continues to amaze me and teach me so many new things. It's going on 3 months here in Mexcio. I praise Him because I can't imagine being anywhere else. There are so many things that I could fuss and cry about, but they seem to amaze me or teach me something. It's so wonderful to be right where He has called me to be!
I have spring fever!! The weather here in WONDERFUL! There is a park right in front of the school. I could easily just go out there and sit all day.
I need to spend more time with Mexicans...
I'll eventually post more pictures. I keep forgetting to bring my camera to school, which is where I mostly have internet.

Random...

2006-03-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

So, I thought I'd share some interesting things that have happened in the past few weeks.

I took a taxi by myself. I was so nervous which meas the little spanish I know ended up being horrible, but thankfully I was still in my neighborhood. Needless to say, I made it home safely!
I also took a bus outside of my neighborhood! I was worried I would miss my stop but thankfully I was able to sit. If you have to stand (and you're tall), you can't see out the windows.
I hit a high school student in the face with a football (american kind). Actually, it hit a tree and bounce back and hit him. Thankfully, no harm done. and he glasses weren't broken!
I have started my tutoring! I didn't think that it would ever get started! It's going very well!
I spent the night at the home of a student. It weirded me out a little bit. This would never happen in the states. The reason I spent the night was so that I could attend their Bible study (all in Spanish). Around here it's just easier to stay the night and ride to school with them in the morning. Plus my appartment is close to school. No use in spending hours driving around town.
I went to a costume party and it wasn't halloween. It was fun and made me feel like I was at camp!
I am beginning to understand more Spanish! Although, it's still coming very slow.
Grades are due tomorrow....
My 5th grade students tried to get me to say bad words in Spanish. Of course, I had a feeling they were up to something so I disreguarded what they had to say.
I got my haircut, however, not by a Mexican, but an American.

So there you have it! Things are going well. I do need to start spending more time with Mexicans but I think things will come easier there as my Spanish improves.

Have an amazing day! God is good!

Stuff...

2006-03-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

Man, so much has happened over the past few weeks. I finally started my Spanish classes! Yay for that! My teacher's name is Keren and she is wonderful! I am beginning to understand more and more, although it's still very slow. I was even able to tell a short story in Spanish. I promise you it was nothing fancy, but it made people laugh so my mission was accomplished.

I still have to decide what church to plug into. Please pray for me in this area. I have some ideas but I'm not really sure, just yet. I have visited 3 of the churches from my mission and still don't really have any idea. They are all pretty far from(well, they may not be that far, but throw in Mexico City traffic and any outings is forever long) my house. However, I sometimes feel like a burden becasuse they have to come and pick me up. I'm still not quite comfortable taking a taxi alone.

Deanna, one of my roomates, who was student teaching has gone back to the states. She was offered a teaching position but still doesn't know what she will do. We still need more teachers. I think the IMB has put in a request for another one! I have asked a good friend to consider it. Please pray for this decision.

It's going on 2 months! Crazy. How time has flown! There is so much new to discover. It think that my biggest struggle continues to be the language difference. I tend to be a talker and I can't say much. I have in essesnce been silenced. But, God keeps reminding me in Ecc. 3:7 "There is a time... to be silent and a time to speak". These are my days to be silent and listen in order to use that to learn. My time to speak will come. But for now I must be patient and listen to as much Spanish as I can handle with out my brain exploding. I tell you, a day of all Spanish will wear you out. (and then throw in the high altitude- I think it's about 8,500 feet above see level- and 28 million people)

(I will edit later. I have to go teach 2nd grade math and then middle school history!)

~Miss New Teacher Lady (my name given by the high school students)

Teachers needed!

2006-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

We need more teachers for next year!

Quick Praise!

2006-02-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

I finally start language on Monday with my tutor! YAY!!!!

Thoughts about things...

2006-02-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

Strange place
Strange smells
I am not at home
Peculiar people
1 in 28 million
Just a face in the crowd
I am nothing
A place rich in tradition
Foreigner

Stranger
And stranger still
Heaven bound
Set apart
Valued
Not just a face in the crowd
He is everything
He is above tradition
Foreigner

I think lately I have really begun to understand what it means to be a foreigner. In the states, I woke up and went about my life just blending in to the sea of faces. Here things are different. I stick out. People stare. They watch to see what say and how I act. In many ways that makes part of my life here easier. They already know that I am different. The difficulty comes in the “why”, that is “why am I different”. It’s not just because my skin is pale and my hair is light. Oh, there is so much more to my calling here. My heart is broken for these people who I can’t even really communicate with because my Spanish is horrible.

In the midst of my frustrations, this place is beginning to “fit” more and more. I don’t refer to it as home, because I am not home and I long to be there one day. (Phil 3:20-21). In the middle of this strange and fascinating culture, I find myself with a sense of peace that passes all understanding. What a joy to be right in the midst of His will. It’s amazing how things that should seem so odd, seem just fine. It’s only been a month and half, but I can tell that I have been changed. I’ve been wrecked, in a good way. My world has changed; my perception of life has changed. I can’t help but give glory to God. There is no possible way that I could be here and content with out Him first calling me. I couldn’t be anywhere else!

Some thoughts on singleness err maybe a short rant….

It’s funny to look back and see how I thought my life would look. I surely thought that I would be married by this time. As you know, I’m not, but I’m totally satisfied (wow, it’s taken me a long time to get to that point but it’s totally true!). Of course getting to this point did take much pleading and surrender. I can’t help but give thanks to God for how He has spared my heart from so much heartache. I know so many people in their twenties and early thirties who have hearts that have been trampled on and I am blessed to be free from that burden. Now don’t get me wrong, I still want to be married. It’s just that it isn’t my focus or my time. There is so much that I have yet to experience. Had I been quick to settle, I wouldn’t be here getting to live in this amazing city. Sometimes I feel as if my identity is based on my single status. Well Houston, that’s a HUGE negative. My identity is based on Christ! (gal. 2:20). So, for those readers who are singles out there, be encouraged! God can and will still use you. Don’t mope around in your single misery but rather embrace it “for such a time as this”. There is so much that we as singles to do. Be patient and trust in God’s timing! GO! And to you married folk, encourage those singles. Encourage them to seek His face! Don’t place their identity in the fact that they are single. All that to say, there is nothing wrong with being single! After all, Paul is a fan of the single life! (1st Cor. 7).

Ok, wow, I feel better; I’ve gotten all of that off my chest!

Xochimilco and Guadalajara

2006-02-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago, I had a chance to go to Xochimilco for Joel's (a fellow Tennesseean) birthday. Xochmilco reminds me kind of a gondola area, except for the fact that the boats are larger and more colorful! There are boats that contain things to buy such as souvenirs, food, and flowers.

This is a boating salesman! How fun is that! Check out those candy apples! yum!

This past weekend I had a chance to go to Guadalajara for a women's retreat. We left south east Mexico City at 10:30 am and didn't make it out of the city until about 1 pm. So, needless to say it was a long drive. I think we were in Guadalajara by about 7 pm. As a whole, the retreat was wonderul. It provided me with some time to get to know my teamates. (although, most of the van ride was talking about their husbands and stuff...). It was also very good to see a familiar face, Kay Smith. Kay was my "coach" at training in VA. She was the featured "speaker" and God really used her to challenge me on somethings. Good times!

In Mexico City, Valentines Day is referred to as "FELIZ DIA DE AMISTAD!", which translates into "Happy Day of Friendship". I think that I like this term much better. So, to all my friends and family, I wish you "feliz dia de amistad"! Know that I love you and miss you tons!

Spanish

2006-02-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

A shot from downtown. People everywhere!

Man, do I wish I had taken some spanish in high school and in college. I want more than anything to be able to fully communicate with these people. grrr.... Please pray for me, that I once I begin language study next week, that it will "click" in my brain and stay there. Other than that, life is great. I really love this place. It grows on me each day! I have taken pics of my students and around my neighbordhood! They will be posted later because I don't have my usb-port cable.

Eph. 3:20-21

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Tagged

2006-01-30T11:55:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged. Here goes:

Four jobs you have had in your life:

Day Care Worker/Baby sitter
Info desk person (for like a week or so)
Camp Track Leader
Teacher (of course # 1 and #3 can be included in this one)

Four movies you could watch over and over again:

The Princess Bride
Sense and Sensibility
Napoleon Dynamite (it gets funnier every time!)
EverAfter

Four TV shows you love to watch:

The Cosby Show (hands down, the best TV show EVER!)
Extreme Makeover Home Edition (ahh, what a sweet show. I think I cry every time).
Jeopardy- the best game show, ever!
Anyhing TLC!

Four places you have been on vacation (ranked according to preference):

Greece! Amazing!
Florida- I have lots of family that live there and I don't get to see them very often.
NY City (where I first fell in love with big city life!)
Phoenix, AZ

Four websites you visit daily:

Hotmail- got to know what's going on in the world!
2 to 4. Various blogs of some of my favorite people (way more than 4!)

Four of your favorite foods:

Chocolate in any shape or form!
Just about anything made with chicken.
Anything made from potatoes.
Tacos al pastor ( real Mexican tacos, that is! They're so wonderful!)

Four people you are tagging:

E.B.
Jo
Sarah
Haley

There you go! Those of you tagged must now include this info on your site or else! (ok, maybe not or else, but you know!)

I will post a real update sooner or later.

Quick Update

2006-01-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

Things are still going well! My roomates are wonderful and continue to be a GIANT help to me, with just about everything. I am a little frustrated with the language but that is to be expected. School is great. I love teaching such small classes. My teamate here have been wonderful in helping be get thing together. I finally got my stuff from the cargo lot at the airport. What drama. It only tooks us 3 trips total to get it. Thankfully, I was able to get everything back. Can you believe that I live in a city with over 28 million people? It blows my mind each and every day that God has called me to this place where at moments I seem to be a face in the millions.

More pics of this giant city!

2006-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

These following pics were taken from the Tower of the Latin Americas. Notice the smog...

Mi Casa

2006-01-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my window.

Picture 1 of my room. It's bare right now. Pray that they let me have my stuff. It's stuck at the airport. A teamate has tried to get them, but without success.

Picture 2 of my room. This is a view of the closet.

The water source.

The kitchen/laundry room.

The living room.

My new favorite drink!

My dining room. It's the first thing you see when you walk into the apartment.

This is the view from the living room window. Notice the traffic!

Downtown Pics

2006-01-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Sky view from the 8th floor of Sears.

Triabal dancers in front of the Catholic Church.

Catholic Church

A band playing in the market.

El Palacio de Bellas Artes. This too taken from the 8th floor of Sears.

This is me and some fellow teachers here in Mexico. Amy and Sarah (far left and far right) teach at the Northside school. Heather (next to me in the brown shirt) is a teacher in Puebla. (This pic was uploaded from Heather's blog page. Thanks Heather!)

Life in the city!

2006-01-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

Some things I’ve learned about Mexico City in the past week and a half:

~Most things take longer to do.

~There is almost always some kind of traffic. If there’s not traffic, then you need to make a left turn and you have to find a little turn around thing called a “returno”. Riding in a vehicle here is an experience with in itself!

~Soliciting is not illegal. If you are stopped in traffic, on a bus, or on the metro, some will come by and attempt to sell you something ranging from music to food to poems.

~Tacos really are better in Mexico! Of course, they are very different than what you think of tacos.

~Hardly anyone actually drinks the water. They buy the filtered water for their homes.

~People assume that I speak Spanish and I wish that assumption was correct.

~The altitude can make a difference.

~Having no elevator and living on the 4th floor (that’s really the 5th floor), isn’t all that bad.

~Toilet paper is never flushed.

~Just about anywhere you go, there is a street performer.

~Small amounts of pesos do count for something.

~Manzana (apple) Lift is one of my new favorite drinks. Also, there is another great drink made from flower petals. Mangos are delicious here!

~Teaching at a small school with only 5 students maximum in my classes and having much parent involvement is amazing!

~To have a cell phone here, you need no contract. You pay a flat fee for the phone and then add minutes as needed.

~One minute it may seem like its 30 degrees f. outside but in about ½ an hour, it will be 70 degrees f.

~It does get cold with out any heat in the apartment.

~It’s nice having things with in walking distance. We have a little snack store, a taco place, a coffee shop, a pizza place, and a bakery all close by!

~Walking to and from school is not so bad.

~Not having a car is not so bad. The subway, buses, and taxis aren’t that bad, either.

~This city is not a scary as it was made out to be.

~Going to the “Zoloco” or town square type thing will open your eyes to spiritual life in Mexico.

~It’s nice having roommates again!

~I am different. I stick out. (Phil 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ)

~ I have so much to learn.

~When you greet a good friend, you kiss each other on the cheek. It takes time to greet everyone and say goodbye to everyone.

~Always carry toilet paper with you and sometimes it costs to use the bathroom in a public place.

~There are people who want to help your parks or wash your windows. The get paid in tips.

~There are people everywhere!!!!

~I am learning to love this city that God has called me to more and more each day.

~I will eventually know the language, the bus route, the metro schedule, etc, but it will take time. I must be patient. I must not be afraid to make myself look silly. I must continue to trust the Lord who has called me to this fascinating place!

2006-01-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Safe and VERY busy in Mexico City!

where has the time gone?

2006-01-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

WOW. The New Year is here. I had a blast haning with Jo and some of her Medical school friends! Yay for that. I am busy attpmpting to get things ready for the move. 2 more days. The next post will either be pics or from Mexico City!

Mi hermana

2005-12-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

(photo original posted on Jo‘s blog)

Here's a pic of my little sister and I. Keep in mind that it was taken at about Midnight. More holiday pics to come!

tick tock

2005-12-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

1 week to go! So much to do. I can't believe it's here. Ahhh, these bitter sweet days.

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:1-20 NASB
Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Visas

2005-12-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

Nolan and I got our visas today! yay! My plane ticket is now official! It's really happening.

Fool

2005-12-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I had a moment on the plane to day as I flew to Atlanta. It was one of those doubting moments, a "Thomas" moment if ou will. Doubting why I am doing what I am. I felt foolish for giving up the comfortable for the unknow. For moving to a place where I barely speak the language. For not taking a real job. But thankfully, as He always does, God, through His word comforts me.

18For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE."
20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
23but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,
24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
27but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
28and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,
29so that no man may boast before God.
30But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
31so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."

1st Corinthians 1:18-31

Yes, He chose the foolish thing of the world to shame the wise. I am foolish, but it is for a purpose that is greater than I. I must boast in the Lord!

Home again, home again.

2005-12-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well, made it back home this afternoon. 2 days to rest and then off to Atlanta to get my Visa and hang with Nolan & "S".

Jan. 5th is the offical date of the BIG move. I have the reservations and will have the actual plane ticket once I get my Visa on Thursday. It's quite odd looking at a one way ticket.

2005-12-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

"Then the Lord said, 'Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.' Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, and whose deeds are done in a dark place, and they say, 'Who sees us?' or 'Who knows us?',You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, that what is made would say to its maker, 'He did not make me'; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, 'He has no understanding'?"
Isaiah 29:13-16 NASB

Life goes on...

2005-12-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Chronicles of Narnia- One word, AMAZING! "He is not a tame lion, but He is a good lion"!!!! (ahh, so much truth in that statement...)

5 days until I head home to Nashville.

7 days until I go to Atlanta and chill for a week while I wait on my visa. Thankfully, one of the guys going to Mexico lives there so we can go together to get our visas. I'm going to stay with one of the girls who's going Asia b/c she too lives there. It should be fun!

10 days until I'm finally home for more than a few days. Hopefully I will get to enjoy the holidays with the fam!

13 days or so until the move. Mexico City or Bust!!!!!!!! CrAzY!!!!!

"Time files where there is so much to be done and not time to sit and ponder"

Stuff

2005-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

(left to right, front row- "S", Kristen, Kelly, me. Back rown l to r- Josh, Em, Nolan)
Yet another trip to Casa Grande to partake of the white cheese dip that I will no longer be able to enjoy in Mexico.

In other news, I have found out some more info about my roomie! I am super excited about having a roommate again. Hopefully, it will be as wonderful as my last one! Also, I found out that I will be teaching a plethora subjects and grade levels!

Time here is quickly wrapping up. I can't believe that next week is our last week here. What amazing people I have been blessed to get to know. What knowledge that I have seen displayed. What wisdom I have seen exemplified. God has really used this time to change my thinking on some things as well as to begin to prepare me for things to come.

We have begun to study Romans. What a relevant book to the people I will be serving. God is really teaching me SOOOOOOOO much. I don't know that I have really had a chance to process all the information and things that I've been taught in my time here. One day when I have time to sit and think...

SnOw!

2005-12-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

That's right folks! It snowed. So much fun- snowball fights, sledding, making snowmen, and snow angels!! This will probably be the last snow that I see for a while. Actually, I think it snowed much more here than it ever does in Nashville.

In other news, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe comes out in theatres on Friday. I have a ticket! Aslan is on the move!!!!

More RaNdOm pics!

2005-12-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some more random pics. I promise an update of substance in the near future.

Who know what this little diddy is? Any guesses?

Does this help?

Hangin' out with Eloise. If you haven't seen her missions promo videos, you so need to see them. Way too funny. Let's just say that she's the hippest grandmas around. Fo' Rizzles.

We went on a Safari to Africa?! Ok, well, maybe we're haning out in Gordon Fort's office at the IMB? (Left to Right- Heather. Erika, animal head, Carlos, Josh-behind, Lily, Fort, front row- Nolan, and me- yes I know my eyes are cloes. They have a funny way of doing that just about every time I'm in a picture.)

Just some random PiCs!

2005-11-26T19:14:00.000-08:00

I was a little sad that this Thanksgiving would be quite different than the past 23 but thankfully, my friend Erin(from TN) invited me to join her crazy, big family for the day! This is a picture of Erik (Erin's brother), Erin, and yours truly.

The after math of the "Gallon Challenge". FYI- I was the skeptic and the voice of reason. There were 9 people who chugged a gallon of milk and then...

Heather y Sara (I'm practicing a little Spanish for you! haha)

Just enjoying hanging out and playing a little charades. Who knew you could act out "Jumangi"? Notice my friend "C's" face is covered. We can't show you her pic b/c she is going to a place of high security.

We had a chance to get off campus and go bowling. I bowled like a 96 the first game. Now the 2nd game...yeah, I did't do too well. Aren't bowling shoes the best ever?!

Gobble! Gobble!

2005-11-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Things I am thankful for:

Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice He made on the cross

Famiy- near and far, well these days mostly far

Old Friends, those who are like family

New Friends- so much to be learned from them

Coffee- I couldn't stay awake without it

Chocolate- mmmmmm

Music, my life is a song

Learning through the tough stuff

Changes, b/c life should be an adventure

leaves changing color and falling off

Rainbows! What an amazing reminder of His faithfulness

And so much more...

Mexico City

2005-11-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

My New Home as of January!

yadda, yadda, yadda

2005-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

Where to start...

On Tuesday I got my 2nd round of shots. Ouch. I think that the TB Skin test hurt the worst, initially. Next round, all I have to get is one shot! I was sitting out side making balloon animal and it started pouring down rain. Then, the most amazing rainbow come out! It couldn't have been more perfectly arched and colored. I don't think I've ever seen on quite like it before. I very much wished that I had my camera with me. What an amazing reminder of God's promise to us way back in the days of Noah. He was and still is faithful! Funny thing is, in Mexican tradition the roundup got some lady pregnant or something is so they don't like them...I'll have to check that out further.

I have also had several chance to get off campus with some friends. What a blessing. We started Spanish class last week. 3 times a week! I have realize how much I don't know. It will come, Lord willing! My days are filled with classes about church planting movements, Spiritual warfare, regional office meetings, house church, girl talk/issues, and of course doctrine of you name it. We have been reading through the book of Acts and breaking it down chapter by chapter. God has really shown me quite a bit about what a new testament church should look like, and even used the scripture to convict me of some things as well. I want to be a sponge and soak in everything and everyone around me. I love the community here. This coming Saturday is the final ESL/EFL class. God is good, what else can I say? Thanksgiving, I am going to spend it with my friend Erin! She has family that lives about 20 minutes from here! It will be wonderful to be in the same place. I think it's been nearly a year since I've seen her. Very excited!

Acts 13:13-49 NASB

13From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."
16Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, 18he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert, 19he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. 20All this took about 450 years.
"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'

23"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.' 26"Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30But God raised him from the dead, 31and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.

32"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' 34The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' 35So it is stated elsewhere:" 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' 36"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

38"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41" 'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'" 42As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. 46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Romanos 6:23 NVI

"Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mientras que la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor.

Woo! Hoo!

2005-11-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Praise God! Carlos is back with his family! He is doing well. It's only been a week since he had heart surgery and he's preacing tonight in Spanish! Please continue to pray for him as he regains his strenth. Also, pray for his family. His wife has a heavy load on her shoulders.

Pics, finally!

2005-11-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out how to post with out that crazy blogger bot thing! It's way easy!!! So here are a few shots of my life these days...more to come later!

Got shots! Yup, check out the awesome band aids that we got on Tuesday after we got our shots! These folks are some of my MAC Region teammates.

The road that leads to the quads! Of course, now all the leaves are beginning to fall off. This will be the last fall that I get to experience for a few years.

We have cows! Here are some calves. Don't worry folks, I don't have to take care of them. Remember, I'm moving to a city and not the country. I won't be living on a farm.

Here's the view from my "regular" 2 mile walk!

People group research...lots of reading, well, maybe.

Some tools of the trade!

Baby got shots?

2005-11-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was immunizaton day. 3 shots this time, 3 more the next time, and the 1 on the final shot day. I don't even remember what exact shot I got (good thing they're on file). I also took a fun pic of some of us MAC region folks and our awesome band-aids! One of these days it will get put up :(. I had the privilege of haning out at the face painting and bubbles tables just outside the nurses station. Fun times!

Update- Carlos is doing well! Praise the Lord. Please continue to pray for him. It has really been amazing to what the "body of Christ" take action to help the family. Heather and I are chillin with the kids until they have to go to school (which is later today, so that means we don't have to go to class until later, too!)