GiveThanks 5

As I look back on the work that the Lord has done in my life and His sovereign grace over every moment I've been on this earth, I have nothing but gratitude. Even in reading the Old Testament, the picture of His divine redemption has been on the forefront of His plan since the beginning. It's awesome (yes, awesome) to see it unfold in the Bible through the stories of Abraham, the twelve sons of Jacob, the story of Moses, the story of Ruth, David and his kingdom, Soloman and his wisdom, down through the prophets and all the way to Christ. But it doesn't end there! Then God graciously uses US as part of this plan... and I am so thankful to look back and see the ways that God has used little ole me in this Big Picture. I am humbled. I am thankful.

In these past 3.5 years of college the Lord has used many experiences to shape and mold my spiritual life into what it is today. One of the main ways He's done that is through missions. He's given me so many opportunities to serve overseas in my college career, and I encourage anyone who is hearing the call to Go... ANSWER it! :) It's SO worth it and it will change your life forever. If you are seeking guidance concerning missions, check out this website: TheTask

Here are a few of the places the Lord has brought me over the past few years:

Attempted group picture, SB2009 -- San Antonio, Texas

Ministry of the Word, Summer 2009 -- Recuay, Peru

Displaying God's love through actions, Summer 2009 -- Passe Catabois, Haiti

Rebuilding Hope, SB2010 -- Nueva Rosita, Mexico

"Pure and undefiled religion... to care for the orphans and widows in their distress..."

HopeForTomorrow Children's Home

LOVE these children with all my heart

Summer 2010

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Capesino de Niños... complete sovereignty of God, Summer 2011 -- Quito, Ecuador

Thank You, Father, for the opportunities to serve You and further Your kingdom in the nations. Please continue to call workers into Your harvest fields. So thankful for your sovereignty over the nations... help us to love like You love.

#GiveThanks

tengo mucho más español a aprender

Español no está facil para mí. But, I am enjoying this time, learning so much every day. You know, learning a language is a humbling process: as soon as you think you are truly getting the hang of it, you realize how little you know. Back at what seems to be square one. I pray everyday that the Lord, knower of every language in the world (WOW!), would help teach me Spanish. I trust that He will.

Speaking of Spanish, the SB2010 mission trip to Mexico was phe-nomenal (Jon Hale). It was such a blessing to spend the break with the sweet people at Segunda Iglesia Bautista en Nueva Rosita, México. I was originally assigned to lead Bible clubs at first and third Baptist, but the Lord had different plans: for me to TRANSLATE at Segunda. :) So, with a willing heart and nervous tongue, I gladly moved to the small team at Segunda and helped to translate, paint, do Bible clubs, and love the people in all things. Before the trip, I prayed that we would make the most of our time while we were there (Colossians 4), because it was such a quick trip. And let me tell you: WE DID! We worked/played/visited nearly 15 hours every day, and by the end of the trip I was worn out! *this is a good sign* I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone to Nueva Rosita to bring the Gospel to the people there. I pray that the Lord's work will continue there while we are gone... and we'll see if we get an opportunity to return. :)

Sweetie children at Bible clubs stole my little hispanic-lovin' heart.

Mi amigito, Diego.

Thank you, Lord, for México.

I am getting more and more excited about increasing in Spanish knowledge during my 47 day trip to Guatemala this summer. Tickets have been purchased, and now Kenneth Sese and I are ironing out final details for the trip. YAY!! :) I should be able to keep the blogger world updated while I am there, working at Hope4Tomrrow Children's Home. I am praying that the Lord would prepare the way before me.

Lately I have been a little sad that my dear Annie is transferring to McNeese. pum pum... I will miss her! But I am also excited for her new journey. Things just won't be the same without this trio:

I was able to go home for 2 days after Mexico. I was able to see my mom, and I also enjoyed a date with this handsome young lad, who wasn't hesitant to say he was glad I returned from Mexico safely. :)

The semester is wrapping up, and I am looking forward to whatever happens next, wanting to be obedient to the Spirit of the Lord. I'll let you know... :)

chau for now