Sunday, May 27, 2012
Wish list for care packages and some financial needs
Hey guys! I've had a few people ask about sending me a care package here in Costa Rica. I finally have all the information and thought I would share it with everyone! I would love to receive letters, words of encouragement, pictures, and prayer request!
6:8 Ministries
c/o Steve Gill
att. Whitlee Shrum
APTDO 1400-116
Alajuelita, San Jose
Costa Rica
As some of you have heard its really difficult to find American things here. Most of the things are food related. I really miss good cheese and ranch dressing. These are 2 of my favorite things that are hard to come by and very expensive when you can find it. I've also realized I am way low on shoes. I have huge feet to begin with, plus shoes are very cheaply made here and again very expensive. I wear sandals and flip flops 99.9% of the time and could really use a few more pairs. All of these things are just on my wish list. I am not dying without these, but it would be nice to have a taste of home.
Also many of you know I moved into a new apartment! It is very exciting having my own place and being able to make it feel like home. However in doing so I have had to furnish it. I have been very blessed to have found great deals, have had people give me things, and have borrowed other necessities. I have so far been able to budget these things, but I still need to buy a stove. These are more expensive than I had expected and I am needing to raise $300-$500 to buy a used one. Please consider helping to support me buying this. Besides using this to cook for myself, it will also be used to make dinner as my payment for Spanish classes. You can send a check to my parents house or Paypal which you can find on my blog. I really appreciate your willingness to help! Thank you all who have prayed and supported me! Love you all!
Wish List
Velveta
Parmesan cheese
Knorr creamy pesto season packet
Swedish meatball season packet
Alfredo sauce/mix
Wheat thins
Peanut butter M&Ms
Granola bars (special K vanilla yogurt, chocolate chip, peanut butter)
Oreo pudding mix
Bacon bits
Ranch dressing/dip mix
Any dip mix
Frozen ice Popsicles
Canned Cream of chicken
Hershey's cocoa powder
Black acrylic paint
Regular envelopes
Bath and body foam hand soap
Room spray
Flip flops size 11
Sanuks sandals size 10 - flip flops size 11
Full size sheets
Full size mattress pad
Throw blanket
Bathroom/kitchen hand towels
Target v-neck pocket tees XL
Any lifechurch/celebration tshirt
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Loving Others
Looking at the calendar today, it completely shocks me that I have been here for almost 7 weeks. That is a week longer than the first time I was here. I feel like last time every moment was packed with me running around visiting families, meeting new people, working with teams. It was a time of growth, a time of stretching, and a time for God to really pour into me and show me that this is what He has planned for me. This time around it has been the same, yet different. Many things are the same, we still work with many of the same families, I am still meeting new people, working with many of the same missionaries, being stretched, growing, seeking God. But it's not the same. This time I'm here a lot longer, and looking for that feeling of home. I have more time to myself and to spend time just me and God. I feel like I'm actually settling into this new place, and the people around me. I'm seeking God on how to accept living in a different country away from my closest friends and my dear family. Trying to find a balance on how to be completely here, yet staying involved in the states. This is not an easy thing to do. And I'm not saying I've perfected it, but after the initial struggles I am seeking God and I have His peace.
Some of you may know that my Great Grandmother past away this week. Her funeral was yesterday. I was concerned this may happen and had been praying about this very thing before I left Oklahoma. Of course it was hard not to be there to see her, to kiss her soft cheek, or whisper that I love her one last time, but most of all it was hard for me not to be there for my family. When thinking about this I realized that my role in my family is to love on everyone. I believe that is one of the greatest spiritual gifts God has blessed me with. Wanting to love on people. I so badly wished I could be there to hug everyones necks, and to tell them all that I love them. Just to show them a smile and remind them how much I care about them. While I was struggling with this I felt God tugging at my heart. I could feel Him telling me that this is one of my roles here. He has sent me here to love on His people who do not get the loving that they need.
So many of the families here need someone to show them that they are worth something. They need reminding that God loves them, and that is the main reason we are all here, to show them God's love. Last Saturday night the youth group at Celebration Church held a concert hoping to reach more of the youth here in Alajuelita. Several of the families from the church attended as well. One of them has a sweet little girl, Rosa. She's about 3 I think. I've seen and played with this little girl several times before, but Saturday night was different. As soon as I walked into the church and was greeting everyone, Rosa ran up to me and wouldn't let go. We danced to the music as she held my hand. Eventually we sat down to watch one of the skits and she jumped up onto my lap. All this little girl wanted was for me to hold her. She laid back against me and continued to hold my hand. I was playing with her hair as I was praying for her. She comes from a family with 4 other brothers and sisters. She is the next to youngest and has all older brothers who usually get all of the attention when we bring teams into her neighborhood to play. As I was talking to God about her I could just tell she needed to be loved on. She wanted to cuddle and then wanted to turn around and play with my face. I know that sounds silly but it was one of the sweetest moments I have experienced while being here.
God is constantly showing me why He has sent me here. Every missionary here has told stories of questioning why they are here or not really feeling like they are making a difference at times. The enemy is always trying to pull us down and make us feel useless. I have been very blessed to not go through this yet. But God has provided me in advance with weapons to push back into Satan's face when he tries to clam such lies. A couple weeks ago a new team arrived and Laine and I took them to the park to do a scavenger hunt. We made a list of about 10 things for each group to do like- pray for families, pick up trash, pass out fliers for the church, do a random good deed. After breaking into the different groups I passed out the list to someone in each group. This is something I did without even thinking about it. I hadn't prayed who I should give the list too, or really ever thought it would make a difference. God had a plan though. After the groups completed their list I had asked what they had thought about it and if they felt out of their comfort zone. Of course talking to people who do not speak your language is very uncomfortable, asking a complete stranger if you can pray over them or their child is even further from being comfortable. The team shared their stories and how awesome it had been to see how open people here are to having God be poured into them and how patient everyone was with us trying to talk to them. After this we started walking to a near by neighborhood to visit some families and play with some kids. On the way there I was walking in the back of the group, where I tend to enjoy being so I can see that everyone is still together. One of the Dad's in the group started walking with me. He started telling me how he's usually a follower and doesn't tend to lead very well. That he had planned on just going along with the scavenger hunt but not really participating in talking to people and letting everyone else experience it. This was his plan until I handed him the sheet and decided he would be the their team leader. It amazed me while he was talking to me that God used something so little, thoughtless, seemingly unimportant to really speak to someone. God using this to push him out of his comfort zone and really using this man in ways he was never expecting to be used. He and I had several conversations during his time here and he confided in me how much of a difference he thought I had made in him during this trip. He believes God really used me to open him up and that it had brought him closer to God. I am not sharing this story to brag upon myself. This was non of my doing. I wanted to share it to show how amazing God is. That he uses us in seemingly small ways to impact people for His glory. This is an experience that will always be close to my heart. Anytime the enemy tries to pursued me that I'm not impacting peoples lives, I am sure God will whisper this reminder to me.
Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for my time here. Thank you for allowing me to be used for Your glory. Thank you for sharing the hearts of Your people, for changing lives, and loving us all so much. Thank you for Your spiritual gifts You have personally picked out for each of us. Thank you for blessing me with so many amazing people to share this experience with. Thank you for Your love, mercy and grace. Lord I pray for the people here, that their hearts are opened to Your word and Your love. I pray that you continue to send teams down who want to serve in Your name and have Your love flowed out to others through them. I pray for the children here who do not have the love they need. I pray You continue to put people in their lives to show them how precious they are to You. I pray for my family God, as they continue through life without me there. I pray they are constantly seeking You through their struggles. I pray You continue to push me out of my comfort zone, and continue to stretch me into the person You need me to be. I pray Lord, that You continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
Some of you may know that my Great Grandmother past away this week. Her funeral was yesterday. I was concerned this may happen and had been praying about this very thing before I left Oklahoma. Of course it was hard not to be there to see her, to kiss her soft cheek, or whisper that I love her one last time, but most of all it was hard for me not to be there for my family. When thinking about this I realized that my role in my family is to love on everyone. I believe that is one of the greatest spiritual gifts God has blessed me with. Wanting to love on people. I so badly wished I could be there to hug everyones necks, and to tell them all that I love them. Just to show them a smile and remind them how much I care about them. While I was struggling with this I felt God tugging at my heart. I could feel Him telling me that this is one of my roles here. He has sent me here to love on His people who do not get the loving that they need.
So many of the families here need someone to show them that they are worth something. They need reminding that God loves them, and that is the main reason we are all here, to show them God's love. Last Saturday night the youth group at Celebration Church held a concert hoping to reach more of the youth here in Alajuelita. Several of the families from the church attended as well. One of them has a sweet little girl, Rosa. She's about 3 I think. I've seen and played with this little girl several times before, but Saturday night was different. As soon as I walked into the church and was greeting everyone, Rosa ran up to me and wouldn't let go. We danced to the music as she held my hand. Eventually we sat down to watch one of the skits and she jumped up onto my lap. All this little girl wanted was for me to hold her. She laid back against me and continued to hold my hand. I was playing with her hair as I was praying for her. She comes from a family with 4 other brothers and sisters. She is the next to youngest and has all older brothers who usually get all of the attention when we bring teams into her neighborhood to play. As I was talking to God about her I could just tell she needed to be loved on. She wanted to cuddle and then wanted to turn around and play with my face. I know that sounds silly but it was one of the sweetest moments I have experienced while being here.
God is constantly showing me why He has sent me here. Every missionary here has told stories of questioning why they are here or not really feeling like they are making a difference at times. The enemy is always trying to pull us down and make us feel useless. I have been very blessed to not go through this yet. But God has provided me in advance with weapons to push back into Satan's face when he tries to clam such lies. A couple weeks ago a new team arrived and Laine and I took them to the park to do a scavenger hunt. We made a list of about 10 things for each group to do like- pray for families, pick up trash, pass out fliers for the church, do a random good deed. After breaking into the different groups I passed out the list to someone in each group. This is something I did without even thinking about it. I hadn't prayed who I should give the list too, or really ever thought it would make a difference. God had a plan though. After the groups completed their list I had asked what they had thought about it and if they felt out of their comfort zone. Of course talking to people who do not speak your language is very uncomfortable, asking a complete stranger if you can pray over them or their child is even further from being comfortable. The team shared their stories and how awesome it had been to see how open people here are to having God be poured into them and how patient everyone was with us trying to talk to them. After this we started walking to a near by neighborhood to visit some families and play with some kids. On the way there I was walking in the back of the group, where I tend to enjoy being so I can see that everyone is still together. One of the Dad's in the group started walking with me. He started telling me how he's usually a follower and doesn't tend to lead very well. That he had planned on just going along with the scavenger hunt but not really participating in talking to people and letting everyone else experience it. This was his plan until I handed him the sheet and decided he would be the their team leader. It amazed me while he was talking to me that God used something so little, thoughtless, seemingly unimportant to really speak to someone. God using this to push him out of his comfort zone and really using this man in ways he was never expecting to be used. He and I had several conversations during his time here and he confided in me how much of a difference he thought I had made in him during this trip. He believes God really used me to open him up and that it had brought him closer to God. I am not sharing this story to brag upon myself. This was non of my doing. I wanted to share it to show how amazing God is. That he uses us in seemingly small ways to impact people for His glory. This is an experience that will always be close to my heart. Anytime the enemy tries to pursued me that I'm not impacting peoples lives, I am sure God will whisper this reminder to me.
Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for my time here. Thank you for allowing me to be used for Your glory. Thank you for sharing the hearts of Your people, for changing lives, and loving us all so much. Thank you for Your spiritual gifts You have personally picked out for each of us. Thank you for blessing me with so many amazing people to share this experience with. Thank you for Your love, mercy and grace. Lord I pray for the people here, that their hearts are opened to Your word and Your love. I pray that you continue to send teams down who want to serve in Your name and have Your love flowed out to others through them. I pray for the children here who do not have the love they need. I pray You continue to put people in their lives to show them how precious they are to You. I pray for my family God, as they continue through life without me there. I pray they are constantly seeking You through their struggles. I pray You continue to push me out of my comfort zone, and continue to stretch me into the person You need me to be. I pray Lord, that You continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
Monday, March 19, 2012
My Favorite Things
Costa Rica is one of my favorite places. It houses some of my favorite people, contains one of my favorite views I have ever seen, it distributes many of my favorite foods and beverages also. Finishing up my first week here, I have realized how many of my favorite things I have packed into just 1 week. This morning I had a delicious smoothy from Juice House, my favorite soda (little tico restaurants). I've been blessed to see most of my favorite people, eat my weight in bread, drinks Fresca (which is WAY better here than in the states), eat an entire pineapple by myself, went to San Jose, drank Te Blanco, rode the bus, went to Celebracion Church on Sunday, was ran up to and greeted by some of my favorite children, and looked out my favorite window in possibly the entire world. All of these things might seem silly and not very important. But just because they are simple and not extravagant doesn't mean they don't bring a smile to my face.
After realizing I was filling as many of my favorite things into these first few days, it occurred to me that possibly I was filling to much of my time with this and not giving God His chances to add new experiences or new favorite things into me. After praying and meditating on this thought, it has came clear that I'm still a little nervous. I'm still afraid of what God has in store for me. I'm still holding onto what I want and doing the things that are only in my control. Moving here is a risk. It's me taking a big step of faith and saying God have all of me, do with me what You wish, I trust Your plan. But even as I make this step of faith I am still holding back. This frustrates me and reminds me of how human I really am. How no matter how much I seek to be more like Jesus, I have to seek God. I think God wants us to remember how human we are. It reminded me that I still need more of Him.
This afternoon I read from one of my favorite books, Jesus Calling. If you haven't heard of it I beg you to run to your local christian book store and pick one up TODAY! It's daily food for my soul. SO GOOD!! I felt God leading me to read January 1st. This is what it says- "Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continued newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence." References- Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11.
Please tell me God just shook your world?? I am completely in awe of how God moves. How truly amazing He is. I am so blessed to have a God who cares this much about me. Praise Him for all He has done and what He is continuing to do in my life!!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you Lord for your provision. Thank you for providing me with an amazing opportunity to do Your work. Thank you for opening my eyes to so much beauty in such a dark place. Thank you for providing me with an amazing support group back in the states and here in Costa Rica. Thank you Father for your never ending love, and for the constant reminder you bring me. Lord I pray you continue to watch over me and the staff here. I pray you continue to use us for you Glory. I pray we touch many people here and are being a witness to people back home. I pray you continue to open my eyes on how much I truly need You. I pray you throw me out of my comfort zone, so that I may cling more to You. Lord I love you and thank You for all that You do. Please Lord, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
After realizing I was filling as many of my favorite things into these first few days, it occurred to me that possibly I was filling to much of my time with this and not giving God His chances to add new experiences or new favorite things into me. After praying and meditating on this thought, it has came clear that I'm still a little nervous. I'm still afraid of what God has in store for me. I'm still holding onto what I want and doing the things that are only in my control. Moving here is a risk. It's me taking a big step of faith and saying God have all of me, do with me what You wish, I trust Your plan. But even as I make this step of faith I am still holding back. This frustrates me and reminds me of how human I really am. How no matter how much I seek to be more like Jesus, I have to seek God. I think God wants us to remember how human we are. It reminded me that I still need more of Him.
This afternoon I read from one of my favorite books, Jesus Calling. If you haven't heard of it I beg you to run to your local christian book store and pick one up TODAY! It's daily food for my soul. SO GOOD!! I felt God leading me to read January 1st. This is what it says- "Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continued newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence." References- Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11.
Please tell me God just shook your world?? I am completely in awe of how God moves. How truly amazing He is. I am so blessed to have a God who cares this much about me. Praise Him for all He has done and what He is continuing to do in my life!!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you Lord for your provision. Thank you for providing me with an amazing opportunity to do Your work. Thank you for opening my eyes to so much beauty in such a dark place. Thank you for providing me with an amazing support group back in the states and here in Costa Rica. Thank you Father for your never ending love, and for the constant reminder you bring me. Lord I pray you continue to watch over me and the staff here. I pray you continue to use us for you Glory. I pray we touch many people here and are being a witness to people back home. I pray you continue to open my eyes on how much I truly need You. I pray you throw me out of my comfort zone, so that I may cling more to You. Lord I love you and thank You for all that You do. Please Lord, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Today is the day!
For the last 5 months, I have been prepared to return to Costa Rica to be a missionary. Today is the day. This journey has not been easy. There have been times of struggle, times of heartache and confusion. But every moment has been filled with Gods Glory, His Grace, His Presence, and His never ending Faithfulness.
It's interesting for me to think about how some people view my soon to be new home. Alajuelita is a place Ticos either have never heard of or want nothing to do with it. It's not a quiet little town, with cute little houses, and great school systems. It's a place filled with darkness, crime, sin, and need. I can understand how some people would see it for only the negative. Nothing should really be that appealing about it. But I see it as an amazing place. Beautiful, filled with very loving people, adorable children, great churches, Gods mercy. It's so crazy how I love this poverity filled place that so many people do not ever want to visit or even knows exist.
I am completely overjoyed by God's calling and His desire for me to be passionate about this suburb outside of San Jose. I am so thankful God has provided me this desire and yearning to fill this town with praises for Him. This journey is not going to be easy. It is going to be absolutely amazing though.
I was recently reminded during a very selfish conversation I was having with the Lord, how faithful God truly is. I have been so blessed by the people God has FLOODED me with. Not that He provides me with a great support system and people to love on me, but He has overflowed me with friends and family that mean so much to me. As I am sure you can understand being given these amazing gifts, it can be hard lending them back to God. Saying goodbye to my friends and family have been more difficult and more heartbreaking than possibly anything else I've had to go through during the planning of my return. It is hard to give God your most precious possessions. My relationships are the things I hold dearest to my heart. My relationship with God. My relationship with my family. My relationship with friends. These are the most important things in my life. So giving these treasures up are difficult to say the least. But, God is faithful. He reminded me that these gifts are from Him, and that he has ALWAYS provided me with the people I have needed in my life. Every season has been filled with a great group of friends, mentors, role models, and people to keep me accountable. This time it isn't different. God has already provided me with an amazing Costa Rican family and I can not wait to greet them tomorrow!
Our God is an amazing God who constantly takes care of us. He has provided for all of my needs in ways I never could have imagined. He is the greatest and most powerful, the highest of highs, the most loving and caring presence ever. He is taking care of me even when I don't realize I am in need. I am blessed. I am His beloved.
Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for all of Your provision in my life. Thank you Lord for the purpose you have called me to. Thank you for providing for my every need. Thank you for an amazing support system and friends and family who have surrounded me during all of the struggles and all of the amazing blessings. Thank you Lord for everything. I can never express how much I love you and how blessed I am to have Your favor. Lord please watch over me and all of my loved ones. Please give my family and friends peace. I ask that you continue to guide me in my journey and show me exactly what I can do for Your glory. Please God, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
It's interesting for me to think about how some people view my soon to be new home. Alajuelita is a place Ticos either have never heard of or want nothing to do with it. It's not a quiet little town, with cute little houses, and great school systems. It's a place filled with darkness, crime, sin, and need. I can understand how some people would see it for only the negative. Nothing should really be that appealing about it. But I see it as an amazing place. Beautiful, filled with very loving people, adorable children, great churches, Gods mercy. It's so crazy how I love this poverity filled place that so many people do not ever want to visit or even knows exist.
I am completely overjoyed by God's calling and His desire for me to be passionate about this suburb outside of San Jose. I am so thankful God has provided me this desire and yearning to fill this town with praises for Him. This journey is not going to be easy. It is going to be absolutely amazing though.
I was recently reminded during a very selfish conversation I was having with the Lord, how faithful God truly is. I have been so blessed by the people God has FLOODED me with. Not that He provides me with a great support system and people to love on me, but He has overflowed me with friends and family that mean so much to me. As I am sure you can understand being given these amazing gifts, it can be hard lending them back to God. Saying goodbye to my friends and family have been more difficult and more heartbreaking than possibly anything else I've had to go through during the planning of my return. It is hard to give God your most precious possessions. My relationships are the things I hold dearest to my heart. My relationship with God. My relationship with my family. My relationship with friends. These are the most important things in my life. So giving these treasures up are difficult to say the least. But, God is faithful. He reminded me that these gifts are from Him, and that he has ALWAYS provided me with the people I have needed in my life. Every season has been filled with a great group of friends, mentors, role models, and people to keep me accountable. This time it isn't different. God has already provided me with an amazing Costa Rican family and I can not wait to greet them tomorrow!
Our God is an amazing God who constantly takes care of us. He has provided for all of my needs in ways I never could have imagined. He is the greatest and most powerful, the highest of highs, the most loving and caring presence ever. He is taking care of me even when I don't realize I am in need. I am blessed. I am His beloved.
Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for all of Your provision in my life. Thank you Lord for the purpose you have called me to. Thank you for providing for my every need. Thank you for an amazing support system and friends and family who have surrounded me during all of the struggles and all of the amazing blessings. Thank you Lord for everything. I can never express how much I love you and how blessed I am to have Your favor. Lord please watch over me and all of my loved ones. Please give my family and friends peace. I ask that you continue to guide me in my journey and show me exactly what I can do for Your glory. Please God, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Step by Step
This past week has been amazing. God has been showing me so much and working through so many of the people in my life. I have been blessed to spend much needed time with my family, visit with friends, and reconnect with lost friends. It has been such a blessing. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has committed to pray for me and my work, and for sponsoring me financially. I wouldn't be able to return to Costa Rica without you!
As of right now I am about 1/4 of the way funded! Praise God! And thank you all so much for donating and partnering with me! I am still fundraising and hoping to leave late Feb. or early March. It's all in God's timing!! If you would like to donate you can subscribe monthly, or give a one time donation here on my blog!
God has been doing so much in Costa Rica with 6:8 Ministries. I can not wait to be there and be apart of God's work there! We are now working in 4 different feeding centers, finishing up Child Sponsorship, and still in the early stages of raising funding for the Childrens Ranch! So many great things happening!
Thank you again for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement!
As of right now I am about 1/4 of the way funded! Praise God! And thank you all so much for donating and partnering with me! I am still fundraising and hoping to leave late Feb. or early March. It's all in God's timing!! If you would like to donate you can subscribe monthly, or give a one time donation here on my blog!
God has been doing so much in Costa Rica with 6:8 Ministries. I can not wait to be there and be apart of God's work there! We are now working in 4 different feeding centers, finishing up Child Sponsorship, and still in the early stages of raising funding for the Childrens Ranch! So many great things happening!
Thank you again for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hopeful
I have been home from Costa Rica for 3 months now. This time has been a blessing, a burden, wonderful, stressful, fun, adventurous, prayerful, difficult, God filled, and a much needed time with my family and friends. As I prepare to return to Costa Rica I have several fears, but above all the worries I am so joyful to be fulfilling God's plan for me! I will again be working with 6:8 Ministries caring and loving on the people of Alajuelita, San Jose, Costa Rica. I will continue to be a light for God's people and know that I am living out His will for my life.
Making the decision to leave again is difficult. I will be leaving my family for long periods of time and all of my friends. God has blessed me with a ridiculously awesome family. I have parents that I know love me and want what is best for my life. A sister who is always so caring and loving and wants me to live my life for God. I have an awesome set of grandparents, who even though they don't always understand why I would want this, they are still supporting me and just want me to be happy. All of my friends, members of church, other family members, and coworkers have been so encouraging! They are keeping me accountable on what God is calling me to do, always praying for me, and keeping me in God's word. I am tremendously blessed. God has placed so many awesome people in my life. I pray and strive to be as much of an impact in their lives as they are in mine. Even though this is difficult, I know God has an awesome plan for me and I am so happy and blessed to answer His calling!
6:8 Ministries is welcoming me back and has been praying for my speedy return. I am not sure of my departure date yet. I am still in the early stages of fundraising, but will be returning as soon as I have the funds. Throughout all of this process, I have said I will be leaving on God's timing, not mine. When my funds are raised, that is when I know God wants me to be there. Please be in prayer for me. I invite all of you to take a moment and talk with God about how He may be calling you to help. If that is through prayer, words of encouragement, or financial support. God will provide. He does this by having His people support those in need. Thank you for being apart of God's awesome plan!
Thank you Lord, for all of your blessings. For calling me, sending me to Costa Rica, and showing me one of my purposes in life. Thank you Lord for my amazing family that loves me unconditionally and for all of the people you have purposefully placed in my life. Thank you for my friends who have been such a blessing and for their encouragement. Thank you for providing me with so many great role models and mentors who continue to show me how much you are taking care of me. Thank you for reconnecting me with some lost friends. Lord, I pray for my friends and family who might be effected by my absence. I pray you give them peace and the knowledge that this is of You! I pray for the 6:8 ministry staff who may be going through difficult times as we prepare for the wonderful things you have planned for the ministry. I pray for the community of Alajuelita, that they are open to your word God, that they see us as a source from you and that we can show them that Your love is never ending. Thank you Lord for your love and mercy. I pray Lord that you break our hearts for what breaks yours. Amen.
Making the decision to leave again is difficult. I will be leaving my family for long periods of time and all of my friends. God has blessed me with a ridiculously awesome family. I have parents that I know love me and want what is best for my life. A sister who is always so caring and loving and wants me to live my life for God. I have an awesome set of grandparents, who even though they don't always understand why I would want this, they are still supporting me and just want me to be happy. All of my friends, members of church, other family members, and coworkers have been so encouraging! They are keeping me accountable on what God is calling me to do, always praying for me, and keeping me in God's word. I am tremendously blessed. God has placed so many awesome people in my life. I pray and strive to be as much of an impact in their lives as they are in mine. Even though this is difficult, I know God has an awesome plan for me and I am so happy and blessed to answer His calling!
6:8 Ministries is welcoming me back and has been praying for my speedy return. I am not sure of my departure date yet. I am still in the early stages of fundraising, but will be returning as soon as I have the funds. Throughout all of this process, I have said I will be leaving on God's timing, not mine. When my funds are raised, that is when I know God wants me to be there. Please be in prayer for me. I invite all of you to take a moment and talk with God about how He may be calling you to help. If that is through prayer, words of encouragement, or financial support. God will provide. He does this by having His people support those in need. Thank you for being apart of God's awesome plan!
Thank you Lord, for all of your blessings. For calling me, sending me to Costa Rica, and showing me one of my purposes in life. Thank you Lord for my amazing family that loves me unconditionally and for all of the people you have purposefully placed in my life. Thank you for my friends who have been such a blessing and for their encouragement. Thank you for providing me with so many great role models and mentors who continue to show me how much you are taking care of me. Thank you for reconnecting me with some lost friends. Lord, I pray for my friends and family who might be effected by my absence. I pray you give them peace and the knowledge that this is of You! I pray for the 6:8 ministry staff who may be going through difficult times as we prepare for the wonderful things you have planned for the ministry. I pray for the community of Alajuelita, that they are open to your word God, that they see us as a source from you and that we can show them that Your love is never ending. Thank you Lord for your love and mercy. I pray Lord that you break our hearts for what breaks yours. Amen.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
My Costa Rica Family
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here I am. Send me!" -Isaiah 6:8
God is incredibly amazing. There are so many stories and God moving experiences I would love to share with the entire world. So many things happened and I was blessed to witness many lives being impacted. I am extremely thankful God sent me.
Looking back on all of the seasons of my life, God has constantly provided me with amazing friends, family, and godly role models. My time inCosta Rica Costa Rica
Laine- She is a true gift from God. She has become one of my closest and dearest friends. It is crazy how much we have in common and how God is using both of us in such similar ways. She is extremely on fire for God and I can not wait to see what God does through her and how He uses her in my life. Praise God you are my sister in Christ!
Brant and Gel- They are the most amazing couple ever! Both of them took me in and made me feel so loved and wanted. Brant is an amazing spiritual leader, and has such a hunger for God. Gel is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. She is like my little sister! I love you both so much! God has such amazing plans for you both! I can not wait to hear all about your ministry and see the amazing things God will do through you.
Chaz- The best roommate ever! She is my confidante, my friend, my sister in Christ, and the best person to make me laugh. Chaz has such a fun spirit, God has used her to touch many peoples lives and to bless me with a great friendship! Some of my favorite Chaz quotes include, but are not limited to: "I have leprosy!" "There's nothing sadder than a broken down mariachi band." "Feel my mullet!!" "I'd never feel comfortable getting a butt tattoo" "I have so much hair, it's like I have Lego hair- I can just take it off." Chaz you are amazing! I love and miss you so much!
Jota- J.D. is an amazing person, he is willing to do anything and everything. He is completely in love with Jesus Christ and is willing to serve in any way. He put up with me and has become a dear friend! I can not wait to see what all God does in his life and to hear about the people he impacts with his kind heart. God has amazing plans for him and I know J.D will always answer the call! You are amazing Jota! Thank you for all that you do and for all of the love you show God's people.
Heather and Jeremy- The Hicks family is amazing! They are great servants of God and I was blessed enough to see and hear about the ways God has moved in their lives. Jeremy is a great worship leader and was always trying to make everyone feel wanted and to help us get accustomed to being there. Every time he sees a need, he is trying to figure out a way to fix it. Heather is simply great. She took me in and has given me more advice and guidance than I have ever expected from anyone. Their girls are the sweetest little girls ever! I have been so blessed to love on this family. Thank you guys for taking me in and showing me so much love. I will forever cherish our friendship!
Pastor Miguel and Karina- have the biggest hearts. They are both so committed and fully engulfed inCelebration Church
Amanda and Brian- The coolest missionaries I will ever meet! Amanda is ridiculously amazing, she is extremely talented and has such a passion for Gods people. Children are drawn to her and she always greets them with opened arms. Brian is extremely gifted in several ways, one of which is being a tattoo artist. He comes off as extremely hardcore, but has such a kind soul. He is extremely caring and it has been a blessing to watch God work through him. Thank you both for everything you do, and allowing people to see you don’t have to be a cookie cutter Christian to be a missionary. You both are amazing and I love you so much!
Manny, Kevin, Allan, Jefferson, Jerry, and James are all amazing young men. God provided me with a group of passionate, fun, loving, hungry, willing to serve, and caring young men. I love these guys so much! They each have such a kind and warm heart. They all are hungry for more of God and I have been extremely blessed to see Him moving in each and everyone of these boys. My time inCosta Rica
God is incredibly amazing. There are so many stories and God moving experiences I would love to share with the entire world. So many things happened and I was blessed to witness many lives being impacted. I am extremely thankful God sent me.
Looking back on all of the seasons of my life, God has constantly provided me with amazing friends, family, and godly role models. My time in
Laine- She is a true gift from God. She has become one of my closest and dearest friends. It is crazy how much we have in common and how God is using both of us in such similar ways. She is extremely on fire for God and I can not wait to see what God does through her and how He uses her in my life. Praise God you are my sister in Christ!
Brant and Gel- They are the most amazing couple ever! Both of them took me in and made me feel so loved and wanted. Brant is an amazing spiritual leader, and has such a hunger for God. Gel is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. She is like my little sister! I love you both so much! God has such amazing plans for you both! I can not wait to hear all about your ministry and see the amazing things God will do through you.
Chaz- The best roommate ever! She is my confidante, my friend, my sister in Christ, and the best person to make me laugh. Chaz has such a fun spirit, God has used her to touch many peoples lives and to bless me with a great friendship! Some of my favorite Chaz quotes include, but are not limited to: "I have leprosy!" "There's nothing sadder than a broken down mariachi band." "Feel my mullet!!" "I'd never feel comfortable getting a butt tattoo" "I have so much hair, it's like I have Lego hair- I can just take it off." Chaz you are amazing! I love and miss you so much!
Jota- J.D. is an amazing person, he is willing to do anything and everything. He is completely in love with Jesus Christ and is willing to serve in any way. He put up with me and has become a dear friend! I can not wait to see what all God does in his life and to hear about the people he impacts with his kind heart. God has amazing plans for him and I know J.D will always answer the call! You are amazing Jota! Thank you for all that you do and for all of the love you show God's people.
Heather and Jeremy- The Hicks family is amazing! They are great servants of God and I was blessed enough to see and hear about the ways God has moved in their lives. Jeremy is a great worship leader and was always trying to make everyone feel wanted and to help us get accustomed to being there. Every time he sees a need, he is trying to figure out a way to fix it. Heather is simply great. She took me in and has given me more advice and guidance than I have ever expected from anyone. Their girls are the sweetest little girls ever! I have been so blessed to love on this family. Thank you guys for taking me in and showing me so much love. I will forever cherish our friendship!
Pastor Miguel and Karina- have the biggest hearts. They are both so committed and fully engulfed in
Amanda and Brian- The coolest missionaries I will ever meet! Amanda is ridiculously amazing, she is extremely talented and has such a passion for Gods people. Children are drawn to her and she always greets them with opened arms. Brian is extremely gifted in several ways, one of which is being a tattoo artist. He comes off as extremely hardcore, but has such a kind soul. He is extremely caring and it has been a blessing to watch God work through him. Thank you both for everything you do, and allowing people to see you don’t have to be a cookie cutter Christian to be a missionary. You both are amazing and I love you so much!
Manny, Kevin, Allan, Jefferson, Jerry, and James are all amazing young men. God provided me with a group of passionate, fun, loving, hungry, willing to serve, and caring young men. I love these guys so much! They each have such a kind and warm heart. They all are hungry for more of God and I have been extremely blessed to see Him moving in each and everyone of these boys. My time in
Thank you Lord for all of your blessings. Thank you for gifting me an amazing group of people to call my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for all of the amazing God moments I have been able to share with them. Thank you Lord, for all of our time spent together and for the memories we share. Thank you for my Costa Rican family who continue to bless my life everyday. I pray God that you continue to bless their ministries that they will continue to glorify you in all that they do. I pray for them to be poured into with your love, just as they pour out your love onto others. I pray we all have many more memories to come. I pray you continue to break our hearts for what breaks yours.
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