February 23- Monday we had kids club and Tuesday was the first day of Manos del Alfarero (PFK). It was pretty crazy, but it went really really well. At first Sarah and I were sure what to do. The kids were just running around playing before we started. So I just jumped in with them and taught (well tried to teach…Tito had to help me a little ha ha) them a new game and I talked to them and they laughed at my Spanish and they taught me some new things. It was so amazing! It’s only been 2 days and I’ve fallen completely in love with these children!
February 25- One Pilgrim’s Progress
This morning, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning. So, since Pastor Phil had pointed out certain roads I’m allowed to go jogging on by myself, I pulled my sneakers on and went out. I started down a road that I’ve been down dozens of times, then took a turn down a new one. As I ran, I started thinking about how I got here from where I was just a year and a half ago. And as I made my way jogging up a steep, rocky hill I was flooded with memories. Now just to be clear, I am sure in my salvation. I have no question about it. I just have problems with letting go. Everything that's happened in the past two years overwhelmed me and brought back the guilt and shame. It wasn’t long before my run up this hill became a slow walk. I kept moving forward though, and by the time I made it to the top, the sun was peaking over the distant green hills, filling the sky with shades of pink, purple and orange. Over to the side was an empty, abandoned stone building. I walked over and sat down, tired, on one of the window sills, resting with my back up against the cool stone. As I watched the sun rise I realized that I can’t do this anymore. I can’t carry the burden of my past with me wherever I go. It’s a hindrance and a stronghold and only slows me down. The verse that I had memorized a few weeks ago from Phillipians came to mind- “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward…” And FINALLY, after all of this time, I gave it God!
I am not who I once was!
Like in John Bunyon’s Pilgrim’s Progress as the character Christian crawls up Calvary to the foot of the cross, and his heavy burden on his pack falls off and rolls down the hill into an empty tomb. There is nothing to look back to! It is gone, nailed to a cross! And as one song says, “Like hinges straining from the weight, my heart no longer can keep from singing! All that is within me cries, for you alone be glorified!”
"I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure"
As a ran back home, I turned my ipod on shuffle. The first song that came on randomly, was Oh Happiness which if you don’t know is a ridiculously happy song basically just exclaiming joy, because we have grace! The second was Forgiven and Loved by Jimmy Needham. “He died, to rectify my hopeless situation, and his blood commands my guilt to leave! Now on Calvary I stand, empty pockets, open heart, there is no condemnation for me! Child, you’re forgiven and loved!" I didn’t make it home before I was on my knee's.
No more looking back.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
About Me
- Michaela
- "Now I live my life as not my own, but as an empty vessel to be used as God see's fit for His glory! "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Break Dancing and Unicycles
January 18- We just got back from youth group (it’s about 10:30). A while back Eddy asked me if I danced and I tried to explain no, but I’ve taken some lessons with a friend for swing dancing. He got that mixed up with break dancing (which now that I think of it is way cooler, I totally should have rolled with that). Tonight at youth group, Daniel asked me if I danced. I just told him no. He genuinely seemed incredulous that I didn’t know how to break dance. Apparently it’s pretty popular with the teenagers. Daniel, Denise and one other boy put on some Grits and P.O.D. (I know right?) and started break dancing on the patio. They were actually really good haha. They kept trying to get me to join in. I was going to show them up some awesome moves like, you know, the lawn mower or the shopping cart, but I didn’t want to make them feel bad ;]
I’m super excited about just how great youth group over all is going. I got to do worship with Pastor Phil and I keep surprising myself that it goes so well. I’m not trying to say I’m really awesome at it because that’s definitely not the case. From my little experience, it’s a bit difficult to have two people playing guitar, especially when they haven’t played together before. Pastor Phil and I did a few chords of 2 of the songs, but when we were actually doing worship we did 5. And it all worked. This is new for me ha ha things don’t usually go this well. Then there was the lesson and then I taught the kids a new game. It’s one we use to play at my old youth group, called “train wreck.” Pretty much there are two rows of chairs and each chair has a number and one person calls out some of the numbers and if you are one of the numbers you have to find a new chair. If you call out “train wreck” or “choques de tren” in this case, everyone has to get up and switch chairs and there’s always one person left standing. The girls (who don’t like to interact much) even played and seemed to have a lot of fun. We played the game for over an hour! And towards the end it was getting pretty crazy- kids and chairs were flying everywhere. At one point, some of them started putting rocks on the chairs because everyone was just getting wild and I was going to say something but then I looked over and Rebecca (Pastor Phil’s wife) who was trying to be sneaky and put rocks on her chair before the numbers are called ha ha. She just looked over and said, “Soy loca” and smiled. So worship and the game went really well and I now know how to explain two games in Spanish. But what’s even better is that I really got to hang out with the kids and connect with them. It was a lot of fun, and I’m really going to miss them
February 20-When we were at the beach, I saw these two guys and a woman who were obviously body builders (we see them running on the beach a lot) running down the beach. I was going to try to start inconspicuously running next to them and try to blend in…I mean, no one would be able to tell the difference. I am 108 pounds of sheer muscle!
It’s funny the things we’ve seen in Tamarindo. This last Saturday, I was running on the beach and I was looking at the waves (I’m not trying to rub it in. Promise.) and thinking about how great and awesome God is, then I looked the other way and randomly saw some guy unicycling backwards next to me…
Anyways, we are now half done with our time here. I thik we finally have the routine down (though now it’s all going to change now that kids club starts tomorrow). But this Sunday was a lot of fun. I did worship with Kristi and Daniel, then right after that had to run to the nursery and watch the kids with Sarah, then Daniel comes running in a while later to grab me for the last two songs so we had to try to sneak up while Pastor Phil was praying. Then we played the songs, and then I had to run back to the nursery then go back to the stage for take down. It’s been really awesome to have the opportunity to play on Sundays for church and for youth group Friday’s. I learned following my brother, so I know how to, but it’s still difficult. Not just because all of the words are in Spanish, but also because I’ve never heard the majority of them. So I have to pay close attention to the beat and rhythm of each song. And we never actually go through each song so I have no idea what she is going to do and where the build ups and endings are. But it just makes things interesting. Blessed are the flexible, right Pastor Steve? :)
Oh right, one more thing that’s really awesome. So we played some songs Sunday and then Santiago and his wife were going to do a song. So Pastor Phil asked me if Santiago could just use my guitar and, of course, I agreed not thinking much about it. So Santiago and his wife get up there and I hand him my guitar and sit to the side. First of all, he is a lot bigger than I am (because you can’t have a puny guy with an awesome name like Santiago). So he just put the strap on (which was way to small) so the guitar is really high up. It didn’t seem to bother him though, he didn’t adjust it at all. Most of you have probably seen my guitar. It’s black and just a little bit smaller than the average guitar and has a NOTW sticker that’s pretty girly on it. So here’s this grown man playing a song with a tiny girly guitar up high in an awkward position… ha ha he totally pulled it off though :)
I’m super excited about just how great youth group over all is going. I got to do worship with Pastor Phil and I keep surprising myself that it goes so well. I’m not trying to say I’m really awesome at it because that’s definitely not the case. From my little experience, it’s a bit difficult to have two people playing guitar, especially when they haven’t played together before. Pastor Phil and I did a few chords of 2 of the songs, but when we were actually doing worship we did 5. And it all worked. This is new for me ha ha things don’t usually go this well. Then there was the lesson and then I taught the kids a new game. It’s one we use to play at my old youth group, called “train wreck.” Pretty much there are two rows of chairs and each chair has a number and one person calls out some of the numbers and if you are one of the numbers you have to find a new chair. If you call out “train wreck” or “choques de tren” in this case, everyone has to get up and switch chairs and there’s always one person left standing. The girls (who don’t like to interact much) even played and seemed to have a lot of fun. We played the game for over an hour! And towards the end it was getting pretty crazy- kids and chairs were flying everywhere. At one point, some of them started putting rocks on the chairs because everyone was just getting wild and I was going to say something but then I looked over and Rebecca (Pastor Phil’s wife) who was trying to be sneaky and put rocks on her chair before the numbers are called ha ha. She just looked over and said, “Soy loca” and smiled. So worship and the game went really well and I now know how to explain two games in Spanish. But what’s even better is that I really got to hang out with the kids and connect with them. It was a lot of fun, and I’m really going to miss them
February 20-When we were at the beach, I saw these two guys and a woman who were obviously body builders (we see them running on the beach a lot) running down the beach. I was going to try to start inconspicuously running next to them and try to blend in…I mean, no one would be able to tell the difference. I am 108 pounds of sheer muscle!
It’s funny the things we’ve seen in Tamarindo. This last Saturday, I was running on the beach and I was looking at the waves (I’m not trying to rub it in. Promise.) and thinking about how great and awesome God is, then I looked the other way and randomly saw some guy unicycling backwards next to me…
Anyways, we are now half done with our time here. I thik we finally have the routine down (though now it’s all going to change now that kids club starts tomorrow). But this Sunday was a lot of fun. I did worship with Kristi and Daniel, then right after that had to run to the nursery and watch the kids with Sarah, then Daniel comes running in a while later to grab me for the last two songs so we had to try to sneak up while Pastor Phil was praying. Then we played the songs, and then I had to run back to the nursery then go back to the stage for take down. It’s been really awesome to have the opportunity to play on Sundays for church and for youth group Friday’s. I learned following my brother, so I know how to, but it’s still difficult. Not just because all of the words are in Spanish, but also because I’ve never heard the majority of them. So I have to pay close attention to the beat and rhythm of each song. And we never actually go through each song so I have no idea what she is going to do and where the build ups and endings are. But it just makes things interesting. Blessed are the flexible, right Pastor Steve? :)
Oh right, one more thing that’s really awesome. So we played some songs Sunday and then Santiago and his wife were going to do a song. So Pastor Phil asked me if Santiago could just use my guitar and, of course, I agreed not thinking much about it. So Santiago and his wife get up there and I hand him my guitar and sit to the side. First of all, he is a lot bigger than I am (because you can’t have a puny guy with an awesome name like Santiago). So he just put the strap on (which was way to small) so the guitar is really high up. It didn’t seem to bother him though, he didn’t adjust it at all. Most of you have probably seen my guitar. It’s black and just a little bit smaller than the average guitar and has a NOTW sticker that’s pretty girly on it. So here’s this grown man playing a song with a tiny girly guitar up high in an awkward position… ha ha he totally pulled it off though :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
February 18- Ramblings
Sarah said something a few weeks ago that's been on my mind a lot lately. She just off handedly mentioned that I would be lucky to go back to Potter's Field instead of back to the real world (just meaning that working at PFR would be awesome because you're constantly surrounded by a lot of amazing God-loving men and women). And being in Costa Rica, I get a lot of comments (from home and even here) just saying wow you're really suffering for the gospel there. Both are true, but that's not the way that I want to live my life. For some reason, God has me in Costa Rica. Costa Rica wasn't even an option for field placement when I started the program in July, but here I am. And if God leads me back to Potter's Field, I don't want to become complacent and not be willing to do things that I am doing here in Costa Rica. Does that make any sense? They said over and over at Potter's Field that your mission's field is where ever you are. Am I living my life accordingly? Pastor Phil said this morning that when you are out specifically for serving God that the spiritual warfare is on a whole different level. I'm not going to try and exaggerate the conditions in Villarreal, but I can definetly tell that. There's not a day that I don't have to wake up and start the day with laying my pride, my self-consciousness, my plans, my everything at the feet of Jesus, surrendering it all, and asking for HIS strength.
I heard a quote from Spurgeon I think that was something like, "Your light should shine in such a way that a person can't know you for a week without knowing the entire gospel." Here, I can't just go up to people and go all Ray Comfort on them or anything, but that's not needed necessarily. Communication sure does help (duh) but do my actions point to Jesus? Is my Christianity defined by my Christian t-shirt or by my love for others? Paul says "To live is CHRIST"- not to be Christ-like, have Christ's help, to serve Christ, but "CHRIST." J. Oswald Sanders says that Pauls life and Christ's "had merged the one into the other in an indissoluble union of thought and feeling and action. Christ had constituted Himself into Paul's very life."
I don't know about you, but I want that.
Ephesians 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
I heard a quote from Spurgeon I think that was something like, "Your light should shine in such a way that a person can't know you for a week without knowing the entire gospel." Here, I can't just go up to people and go all Ray Comfort on them or anything, but that's not needed necessarily. Communication sure does help (duh) but do my actions point to Jesus? Is my Christianity defined by my Christian t-shirt or by my love for others? Paul says "To live is CHRIST"- not to be Christ-like, have Christ's help, to serve Christ, but "CHRIST." J. Oswald Sanders says that Pauls life and Christ's "had merged the one into the other in an indissoluble union of thought and feeling and action. Christ had constituted Himself into Paul's very life."
I don't know about you, but I want that.
Ephesians 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
My fan doubles as a mouse trap
February 14- So last night I played on the worship team with Alex (lead), Kristi (keyboard), Rebecca (singing) and Daniel (drums). It was probably the coolest thing I have ever done :] I’ve never played with drums before, so it was really fun! People kept coming up to me and said I was playing “like a rockstar” so I don’t know if that means I was like head banging or doing something stupid…? But I mean I was actually worshipping in Spanish, it was so awesome :]
It’s been really awesome how God able to use me in ways I would never had thought. First, I’ve been doing a lot of work on the computer which I mentioned before. But also I took a class in high school my senior year that was a 3-hour block that was teaching at a preschool. I had to plan and create a game, plan the lesson, etc. and here Pastor Phil asked me to do something similar. I love playing guitar so I’ve been praying that if that is a gift that God has given me, that he would use me through it. Then, when I was just suppose to play with Pastor Phil, Alex comes who also leads on Sunday’s so I get to do that too!
February 17-
I don’t really have anything new to update. The past few days I’ve been sick with the flu. Although, yesterday I woke up and the room had a funny smell. I looked over and in the fan there was a dead mouse. Sarah had left so I was by myself so I crawled out of bed and tried to figure out what to do. Our apartment is like a sauna so I didn’t want to just turn it off and take it out of the room. But it’s not like I had a screw driver or wanted to go and walk to Pastor Phil’s. So I sat on the floor with a spoon and spent around 5 minutes trying to loosen the screws on our box fan. Finally I got two off and had to shake it to get the mouse out and swept it out of the house. I thought this all might have been a dream, but at some point (not sure what time) Brooke and the girls stopped by and the dead mouse was right by the door on the outside. I was so confused I just stared at it ha ha.
But it’s been awesome how friendly people are here. Our neighbor/landlord brought over Sprite and Gingerale and Sylvia brought some food over and called Brooke and was the one who told her to check on me. I’m going to miss it here :)
It’s been really awesome how God able to use me in ways I would never had thought. First, I’ve been doing a lot of work on the computer which I mentioned before. But also I took a class in high school my senior year that was a 3-hour block that was teaching at a preschool. I had to plan and create a game, plan the lesson, etc. and here Pastor Phil asked me to do something similar. I love playing guitar so I’ve been praying that if that is a gift that God has given me, that he would use me through it. Then, when I was just suppose to play with Pastor Phil, Alex comes who also leads on Sunday’s so I get to do that too!
February 17-
I don’t really have anything new to update. The past few days I’ve been sick with the flu. Although, yesterday I woke up and the room had a funny smell. I looked over and in the fan there was a dead mouse. Sarah had left so I was by myself so I crawled out of bed and tried to figure out what to do. Our apartment is like a sauna so I didn’t want to just turn it off and take it out of the room. But it’s not like I had a screw driver or wanted to go and walk to Pastor Phil’s. So I sat on the floor with a spoon and spent around 5 minutes trying to loosen the screws on our box fan. Finally I got two off and had to shake it to get the mouse out and swept it out of the house. I thought this all might have been a dream, but at some point (not sure what time) Brooke and the girls stopped by and the dead mouse was right by the door on the outside. I was so confused I just stared at it ha ha.
But it’s been awesome how friendly people are here. Our neighbor/landlord brought over Sprite and Gingerale and Sylvia brought some food over and called Brooke and was the one who told her to check on me. I’m going to miss it here :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Febrauary 13
February 13- God never ceases to amaze me. In my devotions, I keep noticing a central theme of surrender. For almost 2 weeks it’s been constantly give it all to God. This morning, I read Acts 20 which says, “And now, behold I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await for me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul is going despite the evident dangers because God told him to. He counts his life as nothing. I remember Pastor Steve saying that it’s not what the future holds, but who holds the future. He has laid his life at the disposal of God’s will, no matter what that pertains.
A passage of Scripture that I’ve meant to memorize for a while now, but God has really put on my heart while I’ve been here is Philippians 3:7-14 says, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as a loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes for the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Give it all to God. None of it was mine anyway. I will press on, and no longer dwell on the past but run with endurance, pressing on.
In full and glad surrender
I give myself to Thee,
Thine utterly and only,
And evermore to be
But drop of grief can e’er repay the debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
Tis’ all that I can do
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers;
All my thoughts and words and doings;
All my days and all my house.
Let my hands perform His bidding;
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let mine eyes see Jesus only;
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
O Son of God who lov’st me,
I will be Thine alone,
And all I have and all I am
Shall henceforth be Thine own
Reign over me, Lord Jesus,
O make my heart Thy throne,
It SHALL be Thine, dear Saviour,
It SHALL be Thine alone.
A passage of Scripture that I’ve meant to memorize for a while now, but God has really put on my heart while I’ve been here is Philippians 3:7-14 says, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as a loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes for the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Give it all to God. None of it was mine anyway. I will press on, and no longer dwell on the past but run with endurance, pressing on.
In full and glad surrender
I give myself to Thee,
Thine utterly and only,
And evermore to be
But drop of grief can e’er repay the debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
Tis’ all that I can do
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers;
All my thoughts and words and doings;
All my days and all my house.
Let my hands perform His bidding;
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let mine eyes see Jesus only;
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
O Son of God who lov’st me,
I will be Thine alone,
And all I have and all I am
Shall henceforth be Thine own
Reign over me, Lord Jesus,
O make my heart Thy throne,
It SHALL be Thine, dear Saviour,
It SHALL be Thine alone.
embuacar= to bamboozle embuacando=bamboozling
I made a lot of progress in the boldness area. Tonight was youth group and as I mentioned earlier I was studying to explain the games in Spanish. It went surprisingly well, especially since I don’t like talking in front of groups of people. But I was able to tell the kids about the game, not sound like it was just memorized and that I didn’t understand it, and the kids really really liked it. Plus, I got to talk to another one of the girls in the youth group. One thing I didn’t mention was that Pastor Phil asked me to do worship with him. So I brought my guitar and went early to practice with him when he said that Alex would be playing instead of him. Now Alex is amazing at leading worship. He’s the one who plays guitar and sings on the street corner for Christian Surfer’s. I was already worried about trying to keep up with Pastor Phil since I generally just make up stuff on the guitar as I go along. But I really love playing guitar and worshipping so when Alex got there, we practiced together. He had to teach me some chords (Like those chords that are like F#7sus that I was sure someone just made up to mess with people) and I was able to pick up his strum patterns easily and follow. The songs were all in Spanish and I didn’t know the first two, but by the last song we were both completely in synch and singing loudly (except he was doing it in Spanish and I in English. Obviously…)
After youth group he ended up hanging out with Eddy, Daniel, Daniel’s little brother Denise and I and he taught me some more stuff and we sang some songs (he made me sing in front of him so I showed him some songs) and played around with harmonies and stuff and somehow I ended up on the worship team for church Sunday. At first Alex wanted me to lead singing one of the songs until I pointed out that I can’t sing in Spanish ha ha. :)Praise God!
After youth group he ended up hanging out with Eddy, Daniel, Daniel’s little brother Denise and I and he taught me some more stuff and we sang some songs (he made me sing in front of him so I showed him some songs) and played around with harmonies and stuff and somehow I ended up on the worship team for church Sunday. At first Alex wanted me to lead singing one of the songs until I pointed out that I can’t sing in Spanish ha ha. :)Praise God!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Never a Dull Moment
January 7-So I’ve been studying Spanish a lot, but putting it into practice is another story. I didn’t think it would be so difficult to even just try to start up a conversation. I’m already socially awkward in English (sorry Joe, no red shoes here), it’s pretty crazy when I’m attempting to speak another language! I really need to just go for it more often. It’s not like I’m fooling anyone. “Whoa, you’re not a Tica?! Weird! I totally couldn’t tell before until you opened your mouth!” I did try Sunday after church and had a short conversation with a girl named Pricilla who goes to the youth group, then a bit with her mom who then told me I needed to practice Spanish more!
Anyways, it’s been cool to see God use things here in Costa Rica that I’d never thought I use. In high school, I took a lot of computer classes, mainly because I refuse to take chorus and despite what most of you might think, I have the coordination of a 5 year old so more gym classes wasn’t on the top of my list of electives. Anyways, I took these computer courses and never imagined I would actually ever use what I learned (along with anything else I learned in high school...) But now, Brooke has me more or less designing and creating these books (for lack of a better description, they are a lot like AWANA books) on Publisher. How awesome is God! I’ve already finished the first book, and start on the second one today!
January 9: The other day were able to go with Brooke and deliever uniforms for the kids who are in the Potter's Field program. It was really neat to be able to meet there family's, even if we didn't understand them. The people here are so hospitable. Like, in the States, we'd probably just say hi and drop the stuff off. But at every house, we went in, talked, had to sit down, were offered food and drinks, etc.
Also, I finally convinced Sarah to go running with me on the beach, and I tried to stab a scorpian that just crawled out of our sink. I think that might be my spiritual gift...killing insects and whatnot with common household objects. I'm getting pretty good at it. Maybe if God ever opens the door for Uganda, I'll take down the LRA with some clorox and a swifer duster or something...
So I figured out today that when I listen to Pastor Phil teach in Spanish, I can understand probably 2/3 or what he’s saying. It’s just when the Tico’s speak that it goes over my head. Especially Don Victor because he doesn’t understand that Sarah and I don’t speak Spanish and speaks to us as if we’re fluent. Pastor Phil says that he really just doesn’t get it. How are we suppose to understand them when-it’s-like-talking-like-this-except-harder-because-this-is-written-and-in-english-and-this-is-how-they-talk-kinda-like-Paul-where-he-just-rambels-and-you’re-like-whoa-take-a-breath-dude.
This afternoon, Sarah found a scorpion in the sink. The knife was the closest thing to me, so I tried to stab it a few times, but it went deep into the drain. Far enough to be unable to reach it but close enough to where we can see it not want to sleep that night. Then, after Bible study we got home and there was one on the wall. I’m not sure whether it was the same one, but I grabbed my broom (Is it weird that just then “Eye of the Tiger” started playing in my head. For real) and smacked it. This one was a little messier than the first. It tried climbing higher then when I got it to the ground it tried to come towards me so I hit it hard. Its guts kind of were spilling out but it was still alive, so I swept it out of the house and smacked it again until it died. Sarah supportively watched from a chair in the kitchen ha ha. Afterwards she said she felt bad for it (I think she got that from you Mrs. Storm ;]) so I told her she could get rid of the next one. Needless to say, she’s ok if I keep taking care of them.
Pastor Steve and Pastor John-I learned invaluable lessons at Potter’s Field, but I think you should add a knife throwing course in with one of the modules. (Oh yeah also, Cortney and I met a very nice man in Whitefish before I left who said he would give us a discount if some interns wanted to learn quilting. That’d be cool too.) Or, if that’s too much you could just let me teach interns my new martial art. I call it Broom Shanking. It’s a work in progress.
Anyways, it’s been cool to see God use things here in Costa Rica that I’d never thought I use. In high school, I took a lot of computer classes, mainly because I refuse to take chorus and despite what most of you might think, I have the coordination of a 5 year old so more gym classes wasn’t on the top of my list of electives. Anyways, I took these computer courses and never imagined I would actually ever use what I learned (along with anything else I learned in high school...) But now, Brooke has me more or less designing and creating these books (for lack of a better description, they are a lot like AWANA books) on Publisher. How awesome is God! I’ve already finished the first book, and start on the second one today!
January 9: The other day were able to go with Brooke and deliever uniforms for the kids who are in the Potter's Field program. It was really neat to be able to meet there family's, even if we didn't understand them. The people here are so hospitable. Like, in the States, we'd probably just say hi and drop the stuff off. But at every house, we went in, talked, had to sit down, were offered food and drinks, etc.
Also, I finally convinced Sarah to go running with me on the beach, and I tried to stab a scorpian that just crawled out of our sink. I think that might be my spiritual gift...killing insects and whatnot with common household objects. I'm getting pretty good at it. Maybe if God ever opens the door for Uganda, I'll take down the LRA with some clorox and a swifer duster or something...
So I figured out today that when I listen to Pastor Phil teach in Spanish, I can understand probably 2/3 or what he’s saying. It’s just when the Tico’s speak that it goes over my head. Especially Don Victor because he doesn’t understand that Sarah and I don’t speak Spanish and speaks to us as if we’re fluent. Pastor Phil says that he really just doesn’t get it. How are we suppose to understand them when-it’s-like-talking-like-this-except-harder-because-this-is-written-and-in-english-and-this-is-how-they-talk-kinda-like-Paul-where-he-just-rambels-and-you’re-like-whoa-take-a-breath-dude.
This afternoon, Sarah found a scorpion in the sink. The knife was the closest thing to me, so I tried to stab it a few times, but it went deep into the drain. Far enough to be unable to reach it but close enough to where we can see it not want to sleep that night. Then, after Bible study we got home and there was one on the wall. I’m not sure whether it was the same one, but I grabbed my broom (Is it weird that just then “Eye of the Tiger” started playing in my head. For real) and smacked it. This one was a little messier than the first. It tried climbing higher then when I got it to the ground it tried to come towards me so I hit it hard. Its guts kind of were spilling out but it was still alive, so I swept it out of the house and smacked it again until it died. Sarah supportively watched from a chair in the kitchen ha ha. Afterwards she said she felt bad for it (I think she got that from you Mrs. Storm ;]) so I told her she could get rid of the next one. Needless to say, she’s ok if I keep taking care of them.
Pastor Steve and Pastor John-I learned invaluable lessons at Potter’s Field, but I think you should add a knife throwing course in with one of the modules. (Oh yeah also, Cortney and I met a very nice man in Whitefish before I left who said he would give us a discount if some interns wanted to learn quilting. That’d be cool too.) Or, if that’s too much you could just let me teach interns my new martial art. I call it Broom Shanking. It’s a work in progress.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Matthew 5:13
February 4- We bought salt the other week, and it only comes in these little plastic pouches that are stapled at the top. But it’s already lost its saltiness! How am I suppose to restore it? It’s not longer good for anything expect to be thrown out and trampled under…chickens…feet. Ha ha lame.
Today I went far out of my comfort zone. I decided that I wanted to speak to the kids in the youth group in Spanish so Eddy helped me write out directions to a game so that I could memorize it for next Friday. It was a long process because half the time I can’t understand Eddy when he’s speaking English, and when any of them speak Spanish, they always go so fast and blend the words together. I also had to think through what I was trying to say a lot more carefully. In the game, I need the kids to sit in a circle, so we translated, “Sit in a circle.” As Eddy read through what I wrote, he said that that won’t make sense to them, that they would look around for a circle to sit in. So, we changed it to form a circle.
After we finally finished writing it out, Eddy wanted me to repeat it back to him. By this time, a few boys from the youth group who were at the church working stopped to watch the gringa in action. I’m self-conscience already, but now it’s in a different language, and the boys and Eddy pulled up chairs and got real close to me with big smiles on their faces. I can’t put into words how much I didn’t want to do it, but if I was serious about wanting to learn Spanish, I need to practice and I’ll have to get use to be correcting all of the time. By the third time I had read the page through they were FINALLY satisfied. They said something about it, but they spoke too fast and I didn’t catch it…But they were laughing again ha ha. And they haven’t even heard me try to sing in Spanish yet! :) As I practice in our little apartment I’m sure all the neighbors are wondering why the howler monkeys are out so late in the day ha ha!
Today I went far out of my comfort zone. I decided that I wanted to speak to the kids in the youth group in Spanish so Eddy helped me write out directions to a game so that I could memorize it for next Friday. It was a long process because half the time I can’t understand Eddy when he’s speaking English, and when any of them speak Spanish, they always go so fast and blend the words together. I also had to think through what I was trying to say a lot more carefully. In the game, I need the kids to sit in a circle, so we translated, “Sit in a circle.” As Eddy read through what I wrote, he said that that won’t make sense to them, that they would look around for a circle to sit in. So, we changed it to form a circle.
After we finally finished writing it out, Eddy wanted me to repeat it back to him. By this time, a few boys from the youth group who were at the church working stopped to watch the gringa in action. I’m self-conscience already, but now it’s in a different language, and the boys and Eddy pulled up chairs and got real close to me with big smiles on their faces. I can’t put into words how much I didn’t want to do it, but if I was serious about wanting to learn Spanish, I need to practice and I’ll have to get use to be correcting all of the time. By the third time I had read the page through they were FINALLY satisfied. They said something about it, but they spoke too fast and I didn’t catch it…But they were laughing again ha ha. And they haven’t even heard me try to sing in Spanish yet! :) As I practice in our little apartment I’m sure all the neighbors are wondering why the howler monkeys are out so late in the day ha ha!
Pointing and laughing probably means something different here...
February 3- The longer that I’m here, the more frustrated I am about the language barrier. I honestly thought that I would probably be ok with my 2 years of high school Spanish and the online class I bought, that took me only about a month and a half to complete. So more or less I believed that I could get by with small talk, a few verbs and how to ask where the bathroom is. There are only a small handful of people who speak English who are in the group of people Sarah and I ever interact with. The whole process of just integrating into Costa Rica has been a little difficult. We’ve been painting the church the past few days and some of the boys from the youth group have been coming and working to pay for camp this weekend. I wasn’t really listening to them talking, but I looked up and I heard one of the boys saying “gringa” and laughing and staring at me. Now I’m use to the people laughing at me here, but I was pretty sure I wasn’t doing anything stupid this time unless I had paint on my face or something. Either way I should have just used my scorpion killing/wax on wax off moves on them…
Rebecca just amazes me. She has picked up Spanish so quickly and knows tons of verb tenses and all of that. It was kind of funny, the other day Sarah and I were at her house and as we were leaving she came close to me so I thought it was for a hug, but she was leaning in to kiss me on the cheek which is really weird for me. But anyways, it was really awkward because I was trying to give her a hug and she was trying to do the kiss thing and it was just uncomfortable ha ha. She laughed at me (See, even the Americans laugh at me) and told me that she is a Tica (Costa Rican) now, and that’s what they do.
Anyways, I was trying to figure out what I could bring back my little sister for her birthday. Not that they would allow it, but they have trucks that drive down our street that sell chickens, 3 for $2. Now that I’m an expert or anything, but I’m pretty sure all you could get in the States for $2 is a hot pocket or something. I just might try to catch one of the locusts and just tell her it’s a puppy.
Rebecca just amazes me. She has picked up Spanish so quickly and knows tons of verb tenses and all of that. It was kind of funny, the other day Sarah and I were at her house and as we were leaving she came close to me so I thought it was for a hug, but she was leaning in to kiss me on the cheek which is really weird for me. But anyways, it was really awkward because I was trying to give her a hug and she was trying to do the kiss thing and it was just uncomfortable ha ha. She laughed at me (See, even the Americans laugh at me) and told me that she is a Tica (Costa Rican) now, and that’s what they do.
Anyways, I was trying to figure out what I could bring back my little sister for her birthday. Not that they would allow it, but they have trucks that drive down our street that sell chickens, 3 for $2. Now that I’m an expert or anything, but I’m pretty sure all you could get in the States for $2 is a hot pocket or something. I just might try to catch one of the locusts and just tell her it’s a puppy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dear Grace
February 2- Dear Grace,
Today you are 10 years old. I can’t believe that you are that big already. I remember when you were little, probably 1 or 2, not really able to talk; I was sitting next to you crying and really upset for whatever reason. Even though you couldn’t have understood what was going on, you put your hand on my shoulder and smiled. I still remember exactly where we were sitting and how you looked. I remember when you were 2, I was pushing you in the stroller in Red Lodge and I accidently tipped it up and you fell on your face…sorry about that... Then a few years later, lying on my bed together and looking up and you read the verse on my ceiling. It was Romans 5:1-5 I think. You pronounced “whom” as “wom” and “character” as “charketer” ha ha. Those are now my two favorite dinosaur noises. And before I left for Potter’s Field, we would go get Frosty’s at Wendy’s, and sometimes have Hannah and Haley to come with us. Then there was just what, a month ago at that restaurant?
Grace: Where are my Oreos?
Me: I guess they didn’t give them to you this time
Grace: Did you steal them?
Me: No you didn’t get any
*Few minutes later*
Grace: Are you sure you didn’t you steal my Oreos?
*another few minutes*
Grace: Who took my taco?
Me: Grace, you ordered a hamburger, they didn’t give you any tacos
Grace: Yeah, they didn’t give me any Oreos either.
And just a few weeks ago, when I walked into your room and you were sitting in your bed reading your Bible. You have no idea who wonderful that was for me to see. You could never give me a better gift. My very greatest fear is that you will follow in my footsteps and make the same mistakes that I have made, that you will chase after the things that you have seen me do or be mad at the things I’ve done to our family. But you handle difficult circumstances and situations more mature then I ever did. Know that no matter what happens, I will always love you, and more importantly, God does! And the awesome thing is that the Bible says that NOTHING can pluck you out of His hand. He is rich in mercy and grace little sister. I pray every day that you will lay aside every weight and sin that entangles and run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS the founder and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Cling to Jesus with everything that you are, because without him, there is nothing.
I’m crying as I write this! Grace, I love you so much, but it doesn’t even compare to how the Father feels about you, sweet girl. His thoughts for you outnumber the grains of sand! No matter what you do or where you go, He is with you and will NEVER leave you. Psalm 16:8-11 says, “I have the Lord ALWAYS before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol or let your holy one see corruption. You make know to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” I love you Grace, and I am so proud of you!
Love always,
Sissy
Today you are 10 years old. I can’t believe that you are that big already. I remember when you were little, probably 1 or 2, not really able to talk; I was sitting next to you crying and really upset for whatever reason. Even though you couldn’t have understood what was going on, you put your hand on my shoulder and smiled. I still remember exactly where we were sitting and how you looked. I remember when you were 2, I was pushing you in the stroller in Red Lodge and I accidently tipped it up and you fell on your face…sorry about that... Then a few years later, lying on my bed together and looking up and you read the verse on my ceiling. It was Romans 5:1-5 I think. You pronounced “whom” as “wom” and “character” as “charketer” ha ha. Those are now my two favorite dinosaur noises. And before I left for Potter’s Field, we would go get Frosty’s at Wendy’s, and sometimes have Hannah and Haley to come with us. Then there was just what, a month ago at that restaurant?
Grace: Where are my Oreos?
Me: I guess they didn’t give them to you this time
Grace: Did you steal them?
Me: No you didn’t get any
*Few minutes later*
Grace: Are you sure you didn’t you steal my Oreos?
*another few minutes*
Grace: Who took my taco?
Me: Grace, you ordered a hamburger, they didn’t give you any tacos
Grace: Yeah, they didn’t give me any Oreos either.
And just a few weeks ago, when I walked into your room and you were sitting in your bed reading your Bible. You have no idea who wonderful that was for me to see. You could never give me a better gift. My very greatest fear is that you will follow in my footsteps and make the same mistakes that I have made, that you will chase after the things that you have seen me do or be mad at the things I’ve done to our family. But you handle difficult circumstances and situations more mature then I ever did. Know that no matter what happens, I will always love you, and more importantly, God does! And the awesome thing is that the Bible says that NOTHING can pluck you out of His hand. He is rich in mercy and grace little sister. I pray every day that you will lay aside every weight and sin that entangles and run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS the founder and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Cling to Jesus with everything that you are, because without him, there is nothing.
I’m crying as I write this! Grace, I love you so much, but it doesn’t even compare to how the Father feels about you, sweet girl. His thoughts for you outnumber the grains of sand! No matter what you do or where you go, He is with you and will NEVER leave you. Psalm 16:8-11 says, “I have the Lord ALWAYS before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol or let your holy one see corruption. You make know to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” I love you Grace, and I am so proud of you!
Love always,
Sissy
February 1- Well, I haven’t had time to write in the past few days so I’m just going to ramble (because that’s so different from what I usually do…sorry about the horrible grammar I should probably read these over before posting them...) Here we go:
On Sunday, we had church at the beach because there were about 5 people getting baptized. At first I was worried that Pastor Phil would lose someone in the waves, but just watching the 3 kids, and 2 men (one of them being our landlord) and seeing their faces as they came up…it was pretty awesome.
Monday, Sarah, Eddy, Andres, and I started painting the fence around the church. It’s taking a while and we’re still not done, but it’s been fun. By the end we were all covered in oil based paint. So Pastor Phil filled up a bucket of Turpentine to get it off our skin, and just told us to wash with water right after or it will burn our skin. So as I start rubbing it on my hands and arms, Sarah comes out all innocent and sweet. Pastor Phil looked her over and asked how she didn’t get paint all over herself. She explained that sun screen gets it right out. I wish I knew that BEFORE I applied the burning chemicals to my skin.
After we get done helping do stuff at the church, Sarah and I have been preparing crafts and games for the PFK program. It doesn’t start until the 21st, but I’m still so excited! We’re keeping busy until then though. Rebecca asked if I would do worship for the youth group, and all in Spanish of course. I’m really not sure what to do. She volunteered to help me work on the songs and pronunciation, but honestly I get nervous singing in front of people in just English! I’m praying about it for now, and whether I do it or not that God will give me a willing heart to do what He has called me to do, and do it all by His strength.
I want to be obedient much more than I want to be “comfortable.” If I could just truly live as a servant completely surrendered to His will… servants to back-talk, question, doubt, expect thanks or recognition, they do as they are told. I want to live a life that reflects this in every way. It gives me a lot of hope looking at the people that God has used for His glory; Jonah, Peter, Paul, etc. I especially like Peter. He was kind of an idiot sometimes, so I can relate to him. God is so good!
On Sunday, we had church at the beach because there were about 5 people getting baptized. At first I was worried that Pastor Phil would lose someone in the waves, but just watching the 3 kids, and 2 men (one of them being our landlord) and seeing their faces as they came up…it was pretty awesome.
Monday, Sarah, Eddy, Andres, and I started painting the fence around the church. It’s taking a while and we’re still not done, but it’s been fun. By the end we were all covered in oil based paint. So Pastor Phil filled up a bucket of Turpentine to get it off our skin, and just told us to wash with water right after or it will burn our skin. So as I start rubbing it on my hands and arms, Sarah comes out all innocent and sweet. Pastor Phil looked her over and asked how she didn’t get paint all over herself. She explained that sun screen gets it right out. I wish I knew that BEFORE I applied the burning chemicals to my skin.
After we get done helping do stuff at the church, Sarah and I have been preparing crafts and games for the PFK program. It doesn’t start until the 21st, but I’m still so excited! We’re keeping busy until then though. Rebecca asked if I would do worship for the youth group, and all in Spanish of course. I’m really not sure what to do. She volunteered to help me work on the songs and pronunciation, but honestly I get nervous singing in front of people in just English! I’m praying about it for now, and whether I do it or not that God will give me a willing heart to do what He has called me to do, and do it all by His strength.
I want to be obedient much more than I want to be “comfortable.” If I could just truly live as a servant completely surrendered to His will… servants to back-talk, question, doubt, expect thanks or recognition, they do as they are told. I want to live a life that reflects this in every way. It gives me a lot of hope looking at the people that God has used for His glory; Jonah, Peter, Paul, etc. I especially like Peter. He was kind of an idiot sometimes, so I can relate to him. God is so good!
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