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. =]

I've Been Tagged...

Alright, I'll fill this in for the sake of being bored and curious. Ok:

Rules consist of:Link to the person (Smithy) who tagged you.

Post the rules on your blog.

Write Six Random Things about yourself.

Tag a few other people at the bottom of the post and leave comments on their blogs to let them know they've been tagged.

And also let the person who tagged you know when you've written the post.



1. I get confused when it snows in OCTOBER such as today. (It hasn't done that here in my time)

2. I am afraid of needles, hospitals, doctors,etc. But not afraid of dying or actually getting hurt.

3. I am pretty sure that my little sister Kira is my favorite person.

4. I wish people wouldn't judge when others decide to be bold and be themselves for a change.

5. My family and I are obsessed with the movie National Treasure and could quote it.

6. Sometimes (a lot actually) I wish I could be in Mexico, cuz that's where my heart is. (I forget it last summer) =]



There ya go! =] Umm..... I can tag anyone cuz I don't really know of anyone who has a blog.... So I'll just end. Oh, and quote to go with # 4. "Yes, I am one of those people who secretly wonder why we can't just all get along..." And.." I'd rather be hated for who I am, then loved for who I'm not." K, I'm done.