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

unpacking

I am very bad at cleaning. I have many things to unpack/put away. Dorm-room stuff that was thrown in my room about a month ago, Peru stuff, and a random assortment of spring and winter clothes that probably just fell from the sky. My room looks worse now than when I started.

Peru was AMAZING. A full update is soon to follow. Just know that the Lord rocked my world, and it was definitely the best 3 weeks of my life. 

Jess Young gets married in just a few days. EXCITEDNESS.

Annie is currently sleeping in my bed without me... I feel like I should probably go join her. Stay tuned for more on Peru/life in general.

loving others deeply,

your friend bec

Update from Bec via Mike

Hola from Peru!

This is Michael updating for Bec.

She is having an amazing time in Peru. Hiking much, and loving the beautiful people there... especially the children. Spanish is improving, but the Lord is speaking in ways unimaginable. The team is having a retreat for the town Saturday, so please be in prayer that the Lord moves in BIG ways.

Bec wants you to know that there is a little girl that she wants to bring home. Surprised? I´m not... lol.

Also... she tried sheep. ha!

Adios!!

hello, Peru.

The time has arrived. :)

I don't even know what to say... 

ESTOY MUY EMOCIONADA! 

I haven't really started packing yet, but I know with the help of 2 amazing friends it will come together quickly. For Jess and Jess reading this: I have not lost my passport yet. I am trying to prevent that from happening by stowing it in a safe place until right before I leave. hehe....

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. 

-Psalm 36:5-6

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. 

- Mark 10:15-17

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" 

-Romans 10:13-15

Please be in prayer for the people of Recuay, Peru. Also, please pray that the Lord will work through us so that we will accurately show His Love (Jesus) to these beautiful people. Can't wait to update you guys upon my return. 

hasta luego

Peru is getting so close, and I am getting SOOO excited. 

Planning for a mission trip is hard, but the Lord always works things out.

The other day I got an email from Liz Thurmon. She's a sweet lady. She sent me information about the Peru trip, so I thought I would pass it along to you, faithful bloggers. 

First of all- I HAVE A TEAM! YAY! I am so excited to know this, because I wasn't too sure, at first. Yep, there's a team. But check this: they are all friends from the BSU at OLE MISS! hehe. But, despite the school rivalry, I know it is going to be great. Here's the names of my teammates, so you can start praying for them, too. 

Emily Morrison, Whitney Tyler, Thati Moreira, Rhianna Garrett, Tyler Sanders, Chris Smith, Zack Brent, Chephra McKee, Liz Thurmond, and Ryan Spencer

Another cool thing: I bought my airline tickets. Here's my itinerary: 

Date	From	To	Leave	Arrive	Airline/Flight #
11 May	Monroe	Houston	12:15 pm	1:40 pm	Continental # 9515
11 May	Houston	Lima	3:55 pm	10:29 pm	Continental # 590
30 May	Lima	Houston	11:35 pm	6:08 am +1 (next day)	Continental # 591
31 May	Houston	Monroe	10:25 am	11:48 am	Continental # 9516

Whew- that's a LONG flight. But, I am excited. Here's the most interesting thing Liz sent me, though. You're gonna love this: 

Also:  these are a few things you will need to purchase or borrow for this mission:  hiking shoes/something little stronger and more durable than a tennis shoes, a good hiking back pack (this will be your luggage; no suitcases); a sleeping bag and pad; durable water bottle

Most of these things can be purchased at a Sportsman Warehouse…we suggest you borrow the backpack (be sure it fits your body), sleeping bag and pad but you will prob need to purchase your shoes…also I suggest you pack a pair of walking sandals (like chaco’s) for the rainy days or if your hiking shoes get wet.  Remember:  a LOT of walking!  It might be a little cool at night so bring a jacket with a hood (rain jacket with liner would be good)

Clothing should be light and able to wash and dry easily…hand wash. Clothing can be layered for warmth (5 shirts, 3 pairs of pants , maybe a skirt, socks, hat, bandana or scarf…everything has to go in your hiking back pack; PLUS you can carry a regular school back pack too on the plane.

YOU WILL CHECK IN YOUR HIKING BACK PACK at the airport…We suggest that  you put your Hiking back pack inside a large duffle bag (Wal Mart) so that straps and other items will not be torn or lost from the back pack.  NTS provides insurance that will cover all your stuff as you travel.

Wow- this is going to be awesome. I am SO SO SO pumped. I am going to HIKE!!! I better get something to make this altitude sickness better, because if not those Rebels are going to think I'm koo koo. haha!

Liz sent me a website of pictures of the actual village we will be working in. These pictures are from there. Looking at these pictures, I KNOW that's where I am supposed to be. I can't wait to be in God's will, in Requay, Peru, doing the Lord's work. eeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

www.flickr.com/miguelveraleon

Please be in prayer for me, my team, and the Peruvians. Love you all.