I'll post the rest at a different time.

Guat. Day 3

• tried to call home with no luck at front desk
• Breakfast was eggs, yucky beans with cheese, bread, and this awesome cereal drink thing that you sprinkle cookie on. It was was amazing.
• we to a school and did Alleu song, name game, and Daniel skit.
• Had 2 "services" there. One for younger and one for older. They really liked how wise men (which I was one of) were eaten by the lions at the end.
• Went to 'Amigo' school and did a funny Noah skit (three services)
• The team has lots of dramas- Sin skit (picato), a 'demon skit', and a hilarious doctor skit.
• While Erica and I were walking out we stopped at a door with a weird lock on it. Josue came up behind and said, "Ladies, ladies its easy!" and then made fun of us for not figuring it out. :p :)
• Lunch was stir fry and we each got a 'bag of water'
• Dad built the church a stage
• Went back to both schools to do a high school service
• played with Erica and Amy afterward for a long time
• 3 people we saved and 3 people told us of how they were struggling with ideas of suicide
• Dinner was fried tortilla with egg ans cheese inside, tomato sauce outside, with rice
• Girls had a testimony time
• Still homesick and dizzy.
• Oseas' family sing their grace, "Gracias Senor por al pan, Muchos gracias Senor por al pan."

Quote: "Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life." -Edwards

Guat. Day 2

• Loud birds woke m up but I staying in a ACed bed till 6:30


• went to breakfast of eggs, cinnamon buns, and fruit


• We split into 2 groups and walked about 2 blocks handing out tracks that invited people to the church~Palabra de Vida (Word of Life)


• The area of Chiquimula that we were in was not as poverty stricken as we imagined it to be. Looked very nice and well kept for the most part.


• I walked up to this one lady and her granddaughter (Mariela) and gave them a tract and she kept talking. I got Marilyn to translate and she said that her daughter's leg was injured so we asked if we could pray for her. She actually took us back to her house so we could pray there. And in Guatemala that's a big dead. Zach lead us in an amazing prayer and we were on our way. The house inside the door was mostly like an outdoor courtyard.


• We also met a lady with a cute little daughter named Natalie.


• Church service was amazing. The spirit of God was felt by everyone. We sang "Friend of God," "Mighty to Save," and more.


• Zach preached and Park West did their drama.


• The church introduce their cell groups who also each did a skit.


• They gave an altar call and lots of people came forward and we just put out hands on the nearest person and prayed in English for them. The lady I prayed for had a decision about work and a man. We cried and sang.


• In Sunday School we got this string and we were told we couldn't cross out legs or arms and if we did anyone could take our string. Some 10yr year old kid tricked me and took mine. Kevin translated the whole time. We played this game where you stand in a circle congo line style and they say something the say A-Chi, a- chi, a chi, then faster. And you get closer and closer till the circle is really small.


• A different game was 1,2,3 Chocolate? and you jump back (you can only move once). Then one person starts and they have to hop on the other toes and the other people can move once to try to get away.


• Kevin is sometimes called K.C. because of his initials so we became the two KC's.


• Lunch was awesome. Mashed potatoes, chicken, and green beans.


• Had a youth service~ long and hot~ but dad rocked out on guitar.


• Again really homesick especially in down times. Stressed.


• Taco dinner.


• Kevin came and gave me a string from the game that I could keep (:

me and kevin. the kid that took my string.

Bible Verse: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my fave and turn from their wicked ways, then I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Guatemala Journal- Day 1

Its November now and I've just decided to post some of my Guatemala Journal even though I already posted my, "What I've Learned." I'll put one or two days into each post depending on length.

~I'll skip the flight info~

GUATEMALA CITY ARRIVAL

• While waiting at airport some dude started a random conversation with dad and I.



• Our 3 hour bus ride turned into a 6.5 hour bus ride because of an accident.



• We were able to get out on the side of the road and walk around a bit because of how slow traffic was moving. Walker brought out his guitar and played some, while someone from the other van brought us sodas.



• Very homesick at some points in the day~ really really wish for Team Miami.



• Stopped at gas station and got some form of Lift, but they didn't have Manzana :(



• Pastor Oseas, Jane, Kevin, Amy, and Nathan is the host family<3>
  
  
• So exhausted that I actually feel dizzy~~



• Got to ride on top of bus to the church which was a lot of fun.



• Dinner was mushy stuff with chicken and beans and fried bananas. O.O

Bible Verse: "Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience....For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubled sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight. Everything uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account..." Hebrew 4:11-

host family<3

I learned a lot in Guatemala...

I learned to step WAY out of my comfort zone and take steps of faith.

I learned that a simple touch, hug, smile, or eye contact can literally make the difference between Heaven and Hell.

I learned that nothing on earth has power comparable to prayer.

I learned that tears stain. Both on clothes and on hearts.

I learned that when the Spirit is moving its possible to feel cold in the midst of 100+ degree weather.

I learned that one little girl's hug and kiss can make a day so much lighter.

I learned that praying for someone else leads to your own blessing without you intending it to be that way.

I learned that its worth it to smile through the pain to brighten someone else's day.

I learned that everyone has a story. Even if its hidden beneath the surface. Everyone faces battles.

I learned while doing dishes in an unairconditioned, unlighted kitchen, that a ten year old can be so wise, yet so innocent and understanding.

I learned that I love how God sounds in Spanish.

I learned that everything happens in God's timing. Like being at school the exact day 3 people were going to commit suicide. And helping to start healing in their hearts.

I learned that by allowing people to ask you questions instead of probing them, they'll come to you for prayers. Even of salvation.

I learned that there are no language barriers.

I learned that its just as important to feed the heart as the body. "there is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread."

I learned the Bible doesn't contain "just words" and that God doesn't accomplish things through checks.

I learned that missions is a lifestyle. Not a one time thing.

I learned that you don't need to speak to preach. Silence speaks volumes.

I learned that attitude can change the way you look at everything.

I learned that the most important thing to bring on a mission trip is an open heart.

"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need."

"If you can't feed a hundred people then just feed one." -I learned everyone can do something for the cause of Christ.

I learned that my mission trips mean nothing about me.

One Week

I have a week to prepare. Been to the dollar store.... yepp. A week from tomorrow I'll be in Guatemala~ my 4th country.

25 Days

I leave for Guatemala in 25 days... I felt really excited for the first time last Friday. The pang of excitement caught me by surprise.. its the feeling you get like right before you get on a rollarcoaster. Its weird that I didn't realize how close that was. Next week is up the mountains, then a week with a doctors physical in the middle (yuck).. then Guat. The excitement I felt months before Mexico is hitting me now and I'm ready now.
I finally realized that my heart IS going to STAY in Juarez, Mexico-- and there is NOTHING I can do about it. And with that relization I'm able to stop dwelling on it (not mexico- my heart- I'll always think of Mexico) and move on to Guatemala. for this year. I'm not promising anything for next summer. I'm excited, researching, semi-packing. Its nice to feel... allowed... to be excited about Guatemala.
My babies in Mexico need prayer. 9-10 people are killed daily in Juarez because of the drug lords. The governments plans aren't really working and my babies need protection. Since I can't physically be with them to hold them.. I'll pray. And wonder. And keep dreaming that I'm there on that mountain.. or at Pastor Paciencia's, or Centro Victoria. Or at Las Tapias, or the market, with the Talahumaras, at Chivira. I'll even take a blazing hot roof top covered with tar.

~~~yepp~~ thats me.


my life is dedicated to: both my teams from miami vineyard, the phillies (not the baseball team), GI staff,some Peaches, individuals from Life Challenge International, Centro Victoria staff and members, Pastor Paciencia's church and family. Niellie, Kayla, Michelle, Avelana, Chris, Barissa, Lisbeth, Karen, Yadi, Liza's amiga, Keven, Adrianna, Christoph, Jennifer, and many many more precious faces. <3

Its June Now...

My family is growing. Not adding, but growing internally. Oldest brother is moving out soon... going states away for college. We're proud, but we're gonna' miss him. Little brother is going to middle school. And little sister... well, she's not so little. She's going into first grade. My baby's big now and more independent.

This summer I am going to Guatemala for a mission trip with GI. People ask if I'm excited. Of course I am... but its not Mexico. Before Mexico, both times, I was estatic and had already started packing by now. I was not afraid, or nervous, or anything. I want to feel this way about going to Guatemala too. But I can't. This is the first time I'm going to a different country. This is the first time without my team. Even though my teams the first two years haven't been the same-- they were Miami. And Miami 'adopted' me. So now I have a new team, in a new country, doing new things. I actually don't know what we're doing. But I don't care. I know that God will use me in whatever way He sees fit. Afterall, He's the one that told me to go here in the first place. Its not that I'm afraid or nervous anyway. I just feel different. I think once I get there all of this will fade away... So to answer everyone's questions.... I AM excited, its just that my heart, or the majority of it anyways, is in MEXICO. People say I'm obsessed-maybe I am- but thats where I feel lead right now... and thats where I am going to go ASAP - reguardless of Swine Flu or Drug Lords.- :)



I just pray that I can give as much love to the peoples of Guatemala that I do to Mexico everyday. <3 3 =]

Summer

For a while summer seemed to be falling apart.... now its coming together. Finally. With a couple disappointments and heart-breaks (that I'm still getting over) summer is looking bright(er). Its a secret until I'm ready or get the confirmation I need. Stay tuned and pray... :)

LaLaLaLaLa!!!!!!!! Musicals over so now I have nothing to do...except for Holy Week of course. Lalalaalalalalalalala...... Now to figure where I am supposed to be this summer. Thats my main focus...

Oh, but church finally did a community outreach project! The Sr. High Youth Group made candies and cookies assembled Easter baskets, and delivered the baskets to our shut-in's. (ppl that cant come to church anymore. It felt great to see their faces and talk with them even if they forgot who we were the second we left. =]