wow... I'm sitting here now, and I really am having a hard time thinking about leaving this place. I have gotten so close to the people here and it is hard thinking about posibly never seeing them again. You all know I'm emotional, so it probably shouldn't suprise you to know that I definitely cried this morning talking about leaving with my translator.
I know it has been awhile since I last wrote so I will try to fill in the days as much as possible.
We got the chance to do a couple more clinics, which was a lot of fun. We went to a boys home for one of them, and I absolutely loved it! The boys were so welcoming, I loved playing with them, we started a game of tag, played ball, it was just such a blessing to be there.
I got the opportunity to go to the church sunday night and hang out with a few of the college kids that I had been getting closer and closer with. It was a great time, and thinking back on it, I really just laugh at the thought that the whole time, we spoke spanish. God has done such a work when it has come to that language! I really will never forget the time and the friends that I was blessed to recieve here in this country.
It was so extremely touching how encouraging everyone here has been. I recieved gifts and notes from several of the people that work at the hospital, from my friends at the church, and from the volunteers. I never anticipated growing so close or being affected so much by the people here. Its been such a huge blessing.
The volunteers all had a testimony night the other night, and it was really neat because this morning, I had the oportunity to give my testimony at the hospital in front of the patients. Its been a growing experience from day 1 to day 51. I absolutely love it!
I am also so excieted at the way I have seen God work in me over this trip. A year ago, I know I never pictured myself where I am now, experiencing what I am now. God has given me much more confidence in who He is, as well as who I am because of Him. This trip has been eye opening for me in so many ways. I was thinking the other night, when one of the girls was talking about expecting God to just wack her and show her the lesson He wants her to learn. I started thinking about when a person is attempting to fix something. Although sometimes he just hauls out and hits it, the process of fixing (or restoring) something involves tweaks. That is what God has been doing here in my life.. tweaking me. Little character tweaks and lessons here, Little shoves out of my bubble there. So often they are so small that I don't recognize or give Him credit for them, but the fact is He is always working and restoring us.
I want to thank you all so much for your constant support over this trip. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate it! If ever you have questions, please feel free to ask! Thanks for everything.
by the time most of you read this I will be either on my way home or home.
blogs from bolivia.... signing out ;)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Week 6.....check!
Wow. only one more week left!!! so wierd to think about it. Its amazing the things that God had planned to teach me over this time.
So I have gotten clearence to fill you all in a little more. Basically, there was a Bolivian house family living in the volunteer house, they ran everything including money, activities, food, everything. Well, they are now gone. They moved to Canada for his job. This may be stuff you knew already but I felt I should add it just in case. We initially thought that we would have someone moving in to replace them, but that hasnt happened. They have Mike (the founder of Hospitals of Hope) and a woman named Leta (who will be staying till December) coming on the 31st. We, has volunteers have been alone since last friday, and God has blessed me with the job that they had. There is a girl from church who knows english and is helping us, which is an amazing blessing. I feel so much like a mother here lol I am in charge of the money and coordinating activities for us volunteers. It's been a lot of fun planning things for the afternoon, calling people is made alot easier with our translator, but I've gotten to practice my spanish alot more. God has taught me so much through "running" this house. As many of you know, I have never considered myself a leader, and here, God is giving me alot of practice in that area. Its been an awesome growing experience when it comes to my faith. I have been seeing God bring so much peace and provide so many blessings.
More volunteers yesterday, who are a blessing in themselves! We had a fire last night and they led us in worship as well as a prayer time. Its been such a blessing having them and being encouraged by them in my faith. They are so excited about the Lord and what He desires to teach them here during this trip.
On sunday, we had an awesome opportunity to spend more time with the college kids we met at church. It really just hit me during lunch, staring at the mountains, that I was legit in another country, by myself (no family/friends from home). A year ago I would never have pictured myself here, its absolutly amazing how God has grown me to this point and continues to teach me over and over.
Prayer Requests:
-God has put me in this spot of leadership, so I have no doubt that He will get me through this. Please pray for continued peace though for me as I can have something planned, and I forget that I am in Bolivia, where time means basically nothing. It has been a huge frustration for me. As well as the fact that I'm a people pleaser and I trying to make sure everyone is happy is hard for me.
-Money-wise. I am in control of the budget. Please be praying that God would give me peace and wisdom when it comes to spending and taking care of all the neads of the house.
-That I would be a blessing to the volunteers and the Bolivians.
-That God would continue to teach me and help me to live out the rest of my time to the fullest.
Love you all, Thanks for all the prayers and the support.
So I have gotten clearence to fill you all in a little more. Basically, there was a Bolivian house family living in the volunteer house, they ran everything including money, activities, food, everything. Well, they are now gone. They moved to Canada for his job. This may be stuff you knew already but I felt I should add it just in case. We initially thought that we would have someone moving in to replace them, but that hasnt happened. They have Mike (the founder of Hospitals of Hope) and a woman named Leta (who will be staying till December) coming on the 31st. We, has volunteers have been alone since last friday, and God has blessed me with the job that they had. There is a girl from church who knows english and is helping us, which is an amazing blessing. I feel so much like a mother here lol I am in charge of the money and coordinating activities for us volunteers. It's been a lot of fun planning things for the afternoon, calling people is made alot easier with our translator, but I've gotten to practice my spanish alot more. God has taught me so much through "running" this house. As many of you know, I have never considered myself a leader, and here, God is giving me alot of practice in that area. Its been an awesome growing experience when it comes to my faith. I have been seeing God bring so much peace and provide so many blessings.
More volunteers yesterday, who are a blessing in themselves! We had a fire last night and they led us in worship as well as a prayer time. Its been such a blessing having them and being encouraged by them in my faith. They are so excited about the Lord and what He desires to teach them here during this trip.
On sunday, we had an awesome opportunity to spend more time with the college kids we met at church. It really just hit me during lunch, staring at the mountains, that I was legit in another country, by myself (no family/friends from home). A year ago I would never have pictured myself here, its absolutly amazing how God has grown me to this point and continues to teach me over and over.
Prayer Requests:
-God has put me in this spot of leadership, so I have no doubt that He will get me through this. Please pray for continued peace though for me as I can have something planned, and I forget that I am in Bolivia, where time means basically nothing. It has been a huge frustration for me. As well as the fact that I'm a people pleaser and I trying to make sure everyone is happy is hard for me.
-Money-wise. I am in control of the budget. Please be praying that God would give me peace and wisdom when it comes to spending and taking care of all the neads of the house.
-That I would be a blessing to the volunteers and the Bolivians.
-That God would continue to teach me and help me to live out the rest of my time to the fullest.
Love you all, Thanks for all the prayers and the support.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Getting sooo close!
First, thank you all SO much for your prayers! Things are going amazingly well, and even during the slightly stressful times, I've seen and experienced God fulfill His promises consistantly and have learned sooo much in my faith because of it.
I've seen how much God desires to teach me through these responsibilites that He's given me. I'm daily being challenged to step up an be a leader (wayyyy out of my comfort zone), but then I'm seeing what each challenge is teaching me and how God is building my character through each challenge. I was talking to my mom and we were reflecting on how Gods been teaching me this trip, I'm truly amazed and totally shocked at the lessons He's taught me. I came on this trip with my own questions I wanted answered and God clearly had his own plan in mind.
Another girl left today, sad stuff, but again God taught me alot through it. He had me head up her departure details, crazzyyy stuff, but I learned soo much about trusting the Lord through it. We were on our way to the travel agency this morning, and I was the only one in my group that had been in the area so I was in charge of navigation as well. I remember walking to the trufi (bus/taxi) stop and just thinking,"Lord.... I'm gonna get us lost...", and I know this probably seems wierd, but the first song that popped into my head after that prayer/statement was, "baby don't worry, about a thing, cuz every little thing, is gonna be alright". I just had to smile after that. I was thinking, "alright Lord, this is on you, just tell me when to get off the bus". And sure enough, He did. We pulled up to the stop and I remember looking out the window thinking we had a little longer, when He made me take another look so I could see a building that was the landmark I had been looking for. I can't tell you how much peace He's been giving me this week. I feel so blessed.
I'm also in charge of coordinating the activities this week for the volunteers. Had a lot of good practice this weekend and all the people I have to get in contact with are extremly patient with me and are soo helpful. I can see the many lessons to come through this as well as the many opportunities I have this week for surrender and lifting up my plans to God.
Prayer Requests:
-that God would show me favor in these new responsibilities. I know He'll be walking me through each job and I would love to do each Job well.
-new people are coming Monday, please pray that I would be a blessing to them. -Spanish still. Thank you all so much for praying for this as often as you have. I am understanding more and more, and am able to communicate so much better than when I first got here.
Thank you all for you support so consistantly during this trip! It's been such a huge encourgement getting your responses and comments.
Gods love
-
I've seen how much God desires to teach me through these responsibilites that He's given me. I'm daily being challenged to step up an be a leader (wayyyy out of my comfort zone), but then I'm seeing what each challenge is teaching me and how God is building my character through each challenge. I was talking to my mom and we were reflecting on how Gods been teaching me this trip, I'm truly amazed and totally shocked at the lessons He's taught me. I came on this trip with my own questions I wanted answered and God clearly had his own plan in mind.
Another girl left today, sad stuff, but again God taught me alot through it. He had me head up her departure details, crazzyyy stuff, but I learned soo much about trusting the Lord through it. We were on our way to the travel agency this morning, and I was the only one in my group that had been in the area so I was in charge of navigation as well. I remember walking to the trufi (bus/taxi) stop and just thinking,"Lord.... I'm gonna get us lost...", and I know this probably seems wierd, but the first song that popped into my head after that prayer/statement was, "baby don't worry, about a thing, cuz every little thing, is gonna be alright". I just had to smile after that. I was thinking, "alright Lord, this is on you, just tell me when to get off the bus". And sure enough, He did. We pulled up to the stop and I remember looking out the window thinking we had a little longer, when He made me take another look so I could see a building that was the landmark I had been looking for. I can't tell you how much peace He's been giving me this week. I feel so blessed.
I'm also in charge of coordinating the activities this week for the volunteers. Had a lot of good practice this weekend and all the people I have to get in contact with are extremly patient with me and are soo helpful. I can see the many lessons to come through this as well as the many opportunities I have this week for surrender and lifting up my plans to God.
Prayer Requests:
-that God would show me favor in these new responsibilities. I know He'll be walking me through each job and I would love to do each Job well.
-new people are coming Monday, please pray that I would be a blessing to them. -Spanish still. Thank you all so much for praying for this as often as you have. I am understanding more and more, and am able to communicate so much better than when I first got here.
Thank you all for you support so consistantly during this trip! It's been such a huge encourgement getting your responses and comments.
Gods love
-
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
week 5.......check!
hi everyone! its hard to believe I only have 2 more weeks left! Thank you all so much for your prayers, I've felt them alot this past week.
Yesterday, we both welcomed and said goodbye to volunteers. One of the guys that had really taught me alot, left so it was definitely sad for me. However we also welcomed another girl who I am excited to get to know better. Right now she has altitude sickness so if you would all keeep her in your prayers.
We have had a lot of visitors over the past few days which has been alot of fun, the majority are all around my age :) We've been playing alot of ping pong and learning more and more spanish. I met a really sweet girl who is also going into Physical Therapy, so we were able to have a good talk. The church that we have been going to has really welcomed us, the college aged kids are all really great and have made a big effort in trying to bring us in.
Gods has really been breaking me down, in areas that I didn't realize I had been building up. Needless to say, these past couple days have been a struggle for me. I had a really good time of prayer and worship through which God has again brought me to the point of surrender. He is also slowly, very gradually, helping me realize the point to these last 2 weeks. I dont know if you recall, but in one of my previous blogs God left me with an unanswered question during that last breakdown. The question was why 7 weeks. God is beginning to show me why, so I am both excited but a little nervous going into it. I'm sorry this is so vague, I will explain more when I get home. Basically, I'm recieving new responsibilities, He has put me into a leadership role in the house. I have found out that one of the girls from the church, who speaks fairly good english will be helping me with my job, so I'm really excited for the opportunity to get to know her better as well.
We have met a couple of the interns at the hospital who are trying to learn english, and want to help us learn spanish. They are alot of fun, very laid back. I'm hoping that we will be able to come up to the subject of the Lord as soon as I learn how to speak better. I also have been gettting more of a chance to talk to the doctors, as much as my limited spanish will allow, so thats been really neat as well. I have also been challenged to continue with praying for the patients even though my prayer partners have all left me.
We are planning on going to the orphanages alot more often which I am really excited about. The kids always have a way of bringing out the Love of the Lord in ways that I never expect.
Prayer requests:
-For my new responsibilities. "Gods Will never takes us to where the Grace of God cannot direct/protect us". Please pray for Peace for me, I am a fairly dramatic person and need to remain calm as I take on these new roles that God is leading me too. Faith, that God will take care of me even though its out of my comfort zone, and that God would allow me to learn the lesson He desires for me to learn through this (I would hate to have to go through this and learn nothing).
-Spanish! I now need it more than ever. And even though I know I have learned alot since I got here, knowing more would make these last 2 weeks that much easier.
-Discernment. With this new role, I'm going to have to make alot more desicions. Please pray that me and the other volunteers will be listening to Gods guidence and that there will be a peace in the house over these next few weeks.
thank you all for supporting me in this way, I truly appreciate it more than you all probably realize!
Gods love!
Yesterday, we both welcomed and said goodbye to volunteers. One of the guys that had really taught me alot, left so it was definitely sad for me. However we also welcomed another girl who I am excited to get to know better. Right now she has altitude sickness so if you would all keeep her in your prayers.
We have had a lot of visitors over the past few days which has been alot of fun, the majority are all around my age :) We've been playing alot of ping pong and learning more and more spanish. I met a really sweet girl who is also going into Physical Therapy, so we were able to have a good talk. The church that we have been going to has really welcomed us, the college aged kids are all really great and have made a big effort in trying to bring us in.
Gods has really been breaking me down, in areas that I didn't realize I had been building up. Needless to say, these past couple days have been a struggle for me. I had a really good time of prayer and worship through which God has again brought me to the point of surrender. He is also slowly, very gradually, helping me realize the point to these last 2 weeks. I dont know if you recall, but in one of my previous blogs God left me with an unanswered question during that last breakdown. The question was why 7 weeks. God is beginning to show me why, so I am both excited but a little nervous going into it. I'm sorry this is so vague, I will explain more when I get home. Basically, I'm recieving new responsibilities, He has put me into a leadership role in the house. I have found out that one of the girls from the church, who speaks fairly good english will be helping me with my job, so I'm really excited for the opportunity to get to know her better as well.
We have met a couple of the interns at the hospital who are trying to learn english, and want to help us learn spanish. They are alot of fun, very laid back. I'm hoping that we will be able to come up to the subject of the Lord as soon as I learn how to speak better. I also have been gettting more of a chance to talk to the doctors, as much as my limited spanish will allow, so thats been really neat as well. I have also been challenged to continue with praying for the patients even though my prayer partners have all left me.
We are planning on going to the orphanages alot more often which I am really excited about. The kids always have a way of bringing out the Love of the Lord in ways that I never expect.
Prayer requests:
-For my new responsibilities. "Gods Will never takes us to where the Grace of God cannot direct/protect us". Please pray for Peace for me, I am a fairly dramatic person and need to remain calm as I take on these new roles that God is leading me too. Faith, that God will take care of me even though its out of my comfort zone, and that God would allow me to learn the lesson He desires for me to learn through this (I would hate to have to go through this and learn nothing).
-Spanish! I now need it more than ever. And even though I know I have learned alot since I got here, knowing more would make these last 2 weeks that much easier.
-Discernment. With this new role, I'm going to have to make alot more desicions. Please pray that me and the other volunteers will be listening to Gods guidence and that there will be a peace in the house over these next few weeks.
thank you all for supporting me in this way, I truly appreciate it more than you all probably realize!
Gods love!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
update
hello everyone! Thank you all for your continued prayers, it means so much to know that people are praying for me!
We kept somewhat busy this week, which has been a blessing. We got to take the new girls to the Casa de Alegria, the home for girls, and they absolutely loved it. It was a great experience for me as well, getting another chance to love on these girls. It still is surprising to me on how fast God can change my attitude. On the way there I was pretty tired, and hardly felt the energy to go. When we got there, we were welcomed with hugs and kisses, totally made my day. I felt the love of God coming from them and the joy that comes with fellowship, service, and love. great experience.
We got another opportunity to provide medical services at a school somewhat near our house. I must say I am getting fairly comfortable in providing fluoride treatment to kids. Its getting to be a lot of fun because I feel like I have the Spanish phrases down a lot better to explain what is going on. Still a long way off from mastering the language but its fun that they can now understand a little bit of what I am trying to say.
Me and one of the guys here were able to pray for the patients as well this week, which is something that I constantly see God renewing my spirit through as well as teaching me. I'm seeing that even though we may not be healing people physically, it is an awesome witness to them that they are receiving prayer. Several of the patients have been very encouraging about praying with us, and have looked overjoyed when we ask them if we can pray. Its fun too thinking about the opportunity we have to witness to the staff at the hospital as well, both the believers and non-believers that work there.
I got an opportunity to shadow the PT at our hospital the other day as well. It was interesting seeing the exercises she would do with them, I noticed that it was all very applicable to what I can do at home. It was a little hard to understand her at times, but she was very patient.
We had a lot of people over last night to help our host family pack. I had a great time talking to one of them, learned more about Spanish, and was really encouraged by his love for the Lord. It was a cool lesson, because I gotta say, its been hard for me to work on conversation with people who only speak Spanish. Its very frustrating trying to get a sentence across and them still not be able to understand what your saying. But it was really neat seeing that it was possible, hard, but possible to talk about the Lord with a language barrier. We were able to worship, as well, and at one point we had 3 different languages singing the same song (one of the girls speaks manderin). Overall, a very neat experience.
Our host family here has gotten news that their visas have been approved... they are leaving for Canada this coming friday! yes, I am excited for them, however, its gonna be hard with them leaving. Right now our group of volunteers is at 3, with another leaving tuesday.
Prayer Requests:
-Peace with having to "start over". Since everyone I met initially is leaving as of next week, I will be with a whole new group of volunteers, as well as a new host family. I know God can use this to teach me and mold me, and I'm looking forward to the lesson. Please be praying that I will be a blessing to this new group and family.
-I am anticipating a slower week coming up due to the fact that the host family is trying to get all packed up and ready to move. Please pray for discipline to use my time wisely and to draw closer to God through it (its hard for me to feel inactive and unproductive)
-lastly, please pray that I would "be interuptable" and alert in order to the listen to the Lords promptings during these last few weeks. Its weird thinking that there is only a couple left, and I'm praying that I can keep my mind focused on being here and making the most out of this opportunity.
Thanks again for all of your support!
*Gods love*
We kept somewhat busy this week, which has been a blessing. We got to take the new girls to the Casa de Alegria, the home for girls, and they absolutely loved it. It was a great experience for me as well, getting another chance to love on these girls. It still is surprising to me on how fast God can change my attitude. On the way there I was pretty tired, and hardly felt the energy to go. When we got there, we were welcomed with hugs and kisses, totally made my day. I felt the love of God coming from them and the joy that comes with fellowship, service, and love. great experience.
We got another opportunity to provide medical services at a school somewhat near our house. I must say I am getting fairly comfortable in providing fluoride treatment to kids. Its getting to be a lot of fun because I feel like I have the Spanish phrases down a lot better to explain what is going on. Still a long way off from mastering the language but its fun that they can now understand a little bit of what I am trying to say.
Me and one of the guys here were able to pray for the patients as well this week, which is something that I constantly see God renewing my spirit through as well as teaching me. I'm seeing that even though we may not be healing people physically, it is an awesome witness to them that they are receiving prayer. Several of the patients have been very encouraging about praying with us, and have looked overjoyed when we ask them if we can pray. Its fun too thinking about the opportunity we have to witness to the staff at the hospital as well, both the believers and non-believers that work there.
I got an opportunity to shadow the PT at our hospital the other day as well. It was interesting seeing the exercises she would do with them, I noticed that it was all very applicable to what I can do at home. It was a little hard to understand her at times, but she was very patient.
We had a lot of people over last night to help our host family pack. I had a great time talking to one of them, learned more about Spanish, and was really encouraged by his love for the Lord. It was a cool lesson, because I gotta say, its been hard for me to work on conversation with people who only speak Spanish. Its very frustrating trying to get a sentence across and them still not be able to understand what your saying. But it was really neat seeing that it was possible, hard, but possible to talk about the Lord with a language barrier. We were able to worship, as well, and at one point we had 3 different languages singing the same song (one of the girls speaks manderin). Overall, a very neat experience.
Our host family here has gotten news that their visas have been approved... they are leaving for Canada this coming friday! yes, I am excited for them, however, its gonna be hard with them leaving. Right now our group of volunteers is at 3, with another leaving tuesday.
Prayer Requests:
-Peace with having to "start over". Since everyone I met initially is leaving as of next week, I will be with a whole new group of volunteers, as well as a new host family. I know God can use this to teach me and mold me, and I'm looking forward to the lesson. Please be praying that I will be a blessing to this new group and family.
-I am anticipating a slower week coming up due to the fact that the host family is trying to get all packed up and ready to move. Please pray for discipline to use my time wisely and to draw closer to God through it (its hard for me to feel inactive and unproductive)
-lastly, please pray that I would "be interuptable" and alert in order to the listen to the Lords promptings during these last few weeks. Its weird thinking that there is only a couple left, and I'm praying that I can keep my mind focused on being here and making the most out of this opportunity.
Thanks again for all of your support!
*Gods love*
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Week 4..... check!
hey everyone!! thanks again for all of your prayers! its been a pretty decent weekend.
last night there was an accident that we had to go to the hospital to help out with. 2 males, 2 females, and a little girl. One of the women had a head injury and continually vomited blood. She received stitches to her head as well as her trunk. One of the men broke his arm and was splinted, the other man died. I can honestly say it didn't feel real. I was watching the doctors give him CPR, praying to God that he would pull through. I was ready and fully expecting him to snap out of it, to pull through, and it didn't happen. I still cannot believe I witnessed it, all i could think about was where he was going... there's no way to know, and it kills me. What his family is going through... will it bring them closer to the Lord... I've never witnessed a death or had to go through a family death, and it really brought to reality how short this life is.
We had a clinic today, I got the chance to help translate for a girl studying to be a dentist. It was a lot of fun trying to get out the spanish words, and everyone was very patient with me. Thank you all for your prayers in this area as Im seeing a gradual improvement, though I'm still far from where I wish I would be in the language department.
I had an awesome time this morning reflecting on this trip so far. I didn't expect to see the many areas God is teaching and growing me in. Areas I honestly didn't expect to be working on this trip. He has taught me so much using the people I've had the blessing of meeting, the out of comfort zone experiences, as well as the down time that I've been learning to use productively. Thank you all for your prayers!
Today I had the challenge of praying for the patients by myself. I couldn't find the boys(my typical prayer partners), and was beyond ready and full of justifiable excuses as to why it would be ok to skip today. The Lord had other ideas, He thought it would be an excellent time to work on leaving my comfort zone, stepping out in faith, and shining a light to whoever possible. So after many attempts at persuading Him otherwise, He walked me into the room and up to the first bed. I honestly can't explain the peace that I felt as soon as I opened my mouth to ask the man if I could pray for him. It was amazing. I felt a peace and a joy knowing I was talking about my Savior, and a genuine love for a person that was hurting and needed the Father. I got refused once, a couple people were sleeping so I prayed silently for them, and then I got to pray with a woman named Emily who loved the idea of prayer and was so encouraging! It was definitely an amazing growing experience.
Prayer requests-
-new people are coming starting tomorrow! pray that God would give many opportunities to reach out and encourage as well as bless them.
-work on the many areas I need discipline in (studies, spanish, etc)
-to be a blessing and a light to the people I'm living with as well as the ones I come in contact with here
Thank you all for your support!
Gods love :)
last night there was an accident that we had to go to the hospital to help out with. 2 males, 2 females, and a little girl. One of the women had a head injury and continually vomited blood. She received stitches to her head as well as her trunk. One of the men broke his arm and was splinted, the other man died. I can honestly say it didn't feel real. I was watching the doctors give him CPR, praying to God that he would pull through. I was ready and fully expecting him to snap out of it, to pull through, and it didn't happen. I still cannot believe I witnessed it, all i could think about was where he was going... there's no way to know, and it kills me. What his family is going through... will it bring them closer to the Lord... I've never witnessed a death or had to go through a family death, and it really brought to reality how short this life is.
We had a clinic today, I got the chance to help translate for a girl studying to be a dentist. It was a lot of fun trying to get out the spanish words, and everyone was very patient with me. Thank you all for your prayers in this area as Im seeing a gradual improvement, though I'm still far from where I wish I would be in the language department.
I had an awesome time this morning reflecting on this trip so far. I didn't expect to see the many areas God is teaching and growing me in. Areas I honestly didn't expect to be working on this trip. He has taught me so much using the people I've had the blessing of meeting, the out of comfort zone experiences, as well as the down time that I've been learning to use productively. Thank you all for your prayers!
Today I had the challenge of praying for the patients by myself. I couldn't find the boys(my typical prayer partners), and was beyond ready and full of justifiable excuses as to why it would be ok to skip today. The Lord had other ideas, He thought it would be an excellent time to work on leaving my comfort zone, stepping out in faith, and shining a light to whoever possible. So after many attempts at persuading Him otherwise, He walked me into the room and up to the first bed. I honestly can't explain the peace that I felt as soon as I opened my mouth to ask the man if I could pray for him. It was amazing. I felt a peace and a joy knowing I was talking about my Savior, and a genuine love for a person that was hurting and needed the Father. I got refused once, a couple people were sleeping so I prayed silently for them, and then I got to pray with a woman named Emily who loved the idea of prayer and was so encouraging! It was definitely an amazing growing experience.
Prayer requests-
-new people are coming starting tomorrow! pray that God would give many opportunities to reach out and encourage as well as bless them.
-work on the many areas I need discipline in (studies, spanish, etc)
-to be a blessing and a light to the people I'm living with as well as the ones I come in contact with here
Thank you all for your support!
Gods love :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Halfway point
Thank you all for your prayers! This week has been really hard.
The girls I had gotten really close to left Tuesday, and we got 3 more volunteers that same day. The Lords definately been good, I've some great conversations about Him with some of the guys that are here. Everyone has been really encouraging. We have started going to the hospital to pray for the patients pretty consistanly now, which has been pretty awesome for me to experiance. We talked to a lady named Hilda for the past cpl of days and prayed for her surgery which happened yesterday. She had complete faith and was constantly talking of Gods love. it was very cool to see.
Yesterday I had a pretty decent breakdown. All my frustrations just took over and I had to call my mom for some comfort. God definitely used her but there were alot of questions and doubts that I desperately needed to go to Him for. I took my bible and jounal out on a walk and found a place under a tree with an amazing view of the moutains. Even when I was still walking away from the house, God began to speak. He convicted me of my attitude immedeatly and I was brought to come to humbly. During the whole walk, after every question God brought a verse to my mind that carried His answer. When I was on my way home, I was grateful for the peace he had given but still frustrated that I had had one question left unanswered. God brought His final answer to me a few steps from the house. He is truly an amazing God. I know this was all very general, I will be more than excited to go into depth when i get back, just find me and ask ;)
So Gods been pretty amazing, and incredibly patient with me. My prayer requests are:
-continued peace as I know the devil will try bringing up these doubts again
-I wrote down a few things I really desire to work on here, so discipline to stay with each
-that I would be an encouragement to the people I'm living with
-that I would focus on others more than myself
Gods love to you all!
The girls I had gotten really close to left Tuesday, and we got 3 more volunteers that same day. The Lords definately been good, I've some great conversations about Him with some of the guys that are here. Everyone has been really encouraging. We have started going to the hospital to pray for the patients pretty consistanly now, which has been pretty awesome for me to experiance. We talked to a lady named Hilda for the past cpl of days and prayed for her surgery which happened yesterday. She had complete faith and was constantly talking of Gods love. it was very cool to see.
Yesterday I had a pretty decent breakdown. All my frustrations just took over and I had to call my mom for some comfort. God definitely used her but there were alot of questions and doubts that I desperately needed to go to Him for. I took my bible and jounal out on a walk and found a place under a tree with an amazing view of the moutains. Even when I was still walking away from the house, God began to speak. He convicted me of my attitude immedeatly and I was brought to come to humbly. During the whole walk, after every question God brought a verse to my mind that carried His answer. When I was on my way home, I was grateful for the peace he had given but still frustrated that I had had one question left unanswered. God brought His final answer to me a few steps from the house. He is truly an amazing God. I know this was all very general, I will be more than excited to go into depth when i get back, just find me and ask ;)
So Gods been pretty amazing, and incredibly patient with me. My prayer requests are:
-continued peace as I know the devil will try bringing up these doubts again
-I wrote down a few things I really desire to work on here, so discipline to stay with each
-that I would be an encouragement to the people I'm living with
-that I would focus on others more than myself
Gods love to you all!
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