Three years. Three years is a very long time, especially for a developing girl like myself. Three years ago is the last time I posted on this blog. It was a little over three years ago when I first left my home country to travel abroad. It was three years ago when God first started changing my view of the world and shaping my view of Him. It was about two years ago when I started my official blog, and it was about the same time that I left this blog in the dust to be forgotten. I have considered many times whether I should renew this blog, and it wasn't until now that this question has been answered.
You see, the person I was three years ago is very different than the person I am now. Teenage me was very different than early twenties me. God has done a ton of work in my life since I first left the country. And when I first abandoned this blog it was because the focus was far too narrow for what I intended t blog about as a whole. But that is because this blog's purpose is different than my official blog. And while different, that purpose is still relevant to my life today. Therefore, after three years and being forgotten in the tangled knots of the interwebs, I revive this blog and give it a fresh start as this new year begins.
I won't go into painful detail, but since the last blog post, my life has changed dramatically. I went back to Costa Rica during my first year of college to fulfill an internship. I have the wonderful privileged of working with the same people I had worked with in my prior trip and learning a ton from them. This internship changed my life. I grew closer to Jesus and got a greater understanding of who He is and what His life looked like on earth. I grew in my understanding of the world and intercultural communication and ministry. I grew in my understanding of the church worldwide and the greatness of our God. And best of all, I grew in my understanding of how Jesus made disciples, how I can make disciples, and how to be a better disciple of His.
It was during those trips abroad, and through the many Spanish classes I took in junior high and high school that God began to grow a passion in me for Hispanic people and cultures. I had heard that many people who had done the same ministry trip and internship as me had grown a passion for Costa Rica and had eventually gone back to minister there. I however, had a passion that was a bit more broad. My passion was not limited to Costa Rica and it's culture specifically. While this country will always have a special place in my heart, my passion pertained to all Spanish speaking cultures. It was much more broad.
This passion was apparent every time I walked into Spanish class at my university and excitedly threaded Spanish words together to hold conversation, and it was apparent in the way my eyes lit up every time I had the opportunity to worship our Lord in Spanish. It was apparent in my eagerness to learn about and participate in any possible facet of Hispanic cultures, cuisine, or conversation.
One day I was pondering this passion of mine and reflecting on the fact that all my other passions, talents, and desires seemed to fit together, but this one seemed odd. I finally prayed that God would show me how this one fit. That he would give me opportunities to pursue it and explore it. I asked God if there were any ways I could do that now. He answered by encouraging me to volunteer with a ministry that worked with this demographic. I pursued this by inquiring into ministries in my area that fulfilled this requirement, and got plugged into an Awana program and church that served a mainly Puerto Rican neighborhood. And as I volunteered at this ministry, I waited for God to show me what my next step was.
In the meantime, I continued to eat Hispanic food, occasionally brush up on my Spanish, and even explore Hispanic music and make playlists of it on Spotify. Then one day I was sitting in a chapel meeting at my university and they were explaining different ministry trips offered. I had never been very interested in these trips before and didn't have any more interest now - until they introduced the trip to Ecuador. As the trip leader explained the trip, my heart began to pump just a little harder and the pace of my breathing got just a little faster, and I felt God knudge me and say "This is your next step." So I met with the trip leader to talk. And as he explained the trip further, it became less and less of a thing I wanted to do and more and more of a thing I had to do. So I filled out the application and waited. After many weeks, I got an email telling me that all I had to do to lock in my spot was to give in a deposit for the trip. I was thrilled. It was really happening! I was going to Ecuador!
And that's pretty much where I am right now. I am so excited to follow God in His "Next Step" for me. I have a few more months before I leave for this new adventure, and my current endeavor is raising the $1600 needed to cover the costs of the trip. If you're interested in helping with this cost, you can check out this website: https://www.moodyradio.org/giving/pcm-trips/
When I first created this blog, I was a puny little 16 year old girl who was excited to go on a trip. Little did I know how God would use that first trip to launch a passion in my life. Little did I know how much my heart would swell and my eyes would widen every time I heard a Spanish song or saw a Hispanic culture represented. I thought that it was my own clever brain that named this blog. But now I realize it was the Lord who gave me the title and that it wasn't until this moment that I truly understood what it means. The Lord met me in Costa Rica three years ago, but what He started in Costa Rica goes far beyond that little country. God has called me beyond, to my next step. So that is where I go now, and who knows where 'Beyond' will take me in the future.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Change
I'm so sorry guys! I started writing this months ago! And I never finished the post. But I beleive that what I wrote was written for a reason. So instead of erasing it in embarasment that I never posted it, I decided to finish it, and publish it. Because maybe the words I wrote at the end of the summer, were the exact words you need to hear at the end of November. So without further ado....the post:
I'm back! Well, I've been back for a while, but too busy to have any free time. So how was the trip? In one word: AMAZING! A lot happened, I saw a bunch of new sights, and tried a bunch of new things (I really really miss the food!). I went way out of my comfort zone in so many ways. I met so many new people and grew some really special relationships. But best of all, God worked! People came to know Christ for the first time, we had great conversations about what we believed and things that were deeper than surface level!
God also worked through our team and in each of our lives. We all grew closer to each other and became like family by the end of the week. I trust those people with my life and I love them all to death! We were able to build eachother up throughout the week and be eachother's support. We each went waaay out of our comfort zones in many different ways. And God grew us, stretched us, and changed us through that.
I could go on and on about the trip. because it was something different than I've ever experienced and there were so many cool parts of it. But I'm gonna let you wonder about that for a while and talk more about the here and now.
So what now? Seriously! I'm back now. It was just a trip. Now I have to keep going with real life. Well let me tell you in four points how this trip has changed my life long term.
1. I am changed.
You can't go on a trip like that and not come back changed. It was my first time out of the country, it forced me to do things I wasn't used to, it was a week of service to God and growing closer to him. It changed how I view culture. It changed how I view my future. It changed how I approach ministry. It changed the way I view God. It helped to shape who I am today. And I will be forever thankful for what God has taught me! I like the changed me!
2. Two words:comfort zone.
If you want to grow as a person, I have one rule for you. Go out of your comfort zone. There was a quote that I heard on the movie "We Bought a Zoo" which I've never been able to forget. Benjamin, the main character, said, "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." And in all reality, that is so true. Seriously, think of all those little things you are afraid of doing. All those little things you know God is pushing you to do. What if you took 20 seconds, just 20, to live without fear. What would happen. I know I can speak from experience, that going out of my comfort zone has grown me so much as a person. And not just going out of my comfort zone, but embracing those opportunities. I embrace the opportunities that scare me a little instead of running from them, like I used to. And each and every time, I am so happy I did. And it's not me who got through all those scary moments. It's God. That's why it's so powerful. Cause it means I have to constantly trust God!
3. Discipleship.
This word is slowly becoming more and more what my life is about. I feel like the trip helped me see what that word means. It doesn't mean sharing the gospel and "getting people saved". It doesn't mean those moments when you successfully "minister" to someone. It is a lifestyle. A lifestyle that you have to live daily. It is living your faith, sharing it with the unsaved and pulling them closer to Christ, sharing it with your little siblings in Christ whether they are literally younger than you, or just younger in their faith, and pushing fellow believers closer to Christ every day. Discipleship is not that one event, that one bible study, and that one church service. It is a continual, flowing way to live your life in which Jesus is the focus in your life and in each of your relationships.
4. My story vs. His story
I learned that while it's true that God is giving me a story, that's not what my life is. My life is a tiny part in a much bigger story: His story. He is working through that homeless man in the city, that rich widow in the country, that farmer on the other side of the world, and that little girl next door. He gives me a story so that He can use it to impact other people's stories. It was never about me. It's about Him. And I am so privileged that He is using me in that grand masterpiece He is painting.
Those four things can be true in your life too! Think about them. Let Him change you so that He can use you to change others!
I'm back! Well, I've been back for a while, but too busy to have any free time. So how was the trip? In one word: AMAZING! A lot happened, I saw a bunch of new sights, and tried a bunch of new things (I really really miss the food!). I went way out of my comfort zone in so many ways. I met so many new people and grew some really special relationships. But best of all, God worked! People came to know Christ for the first time, we had great conversations about what we believed and things that were deeper than surface level!
God also worked through our team and in each of our lives. We all grew closer to each other and became like family by the end of the week. I trust those people with my life and I love them all to death! We were able to build eachother up throughout the week and be eachother's support. We each went waaay out of our comfort zones in many different ways. And God grew us, stretched us, and changed us through that.
I could go on and on about the trip. because it was something different than I've ever experienced and there were so many cool parts of it. But I'm gonna let you wonder about that for a while and talk more about the here and now.
So what now? Seriously! I'm back now. It was just a trip. Now I have to keep going with real life. Well let me tell you in four points how this trip has changed my life long term.
1. I am changed.
You can't go on a trip like that and not come back changed. It was my first time out of the country, it forced me to do things I wasn't used to, it was a week of service to God and growing closer to him. It changed how I view culture. It changed how I view my future. It changed how I approach ministry. It changed the way I view God. It helped to shape who I am today. And I will be forever thankful for what God has taught me! I like the changed me!
2. Two words:
If you want to grow as a person, I have one rule for you. Go out of your comfort zone. There was a quote that I heard on the movie "We Bought a Zoo" which I've never been able to forget. Benjamin, the main character, said, "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." And in all reality, that is so true. Seriously, think of all those little things you are afraid of doing. All those little things you know God is pushing you to do. What if you took 20 seconds, just 20, to live without fear. What would happen. I know I can speak from experience, that going out of my comfort zone has grown me so much as a person. And not just going out of my comfort zone, but embracing those opportunities. I embrace the opportunities that scare me a little instead of running from them, like I used to. And each and every time, I am so happy I did. And it's not me who got through all those scary moments. It's God. That's why it's so powerful. Cause it means I have to constantly trust God!
3. Discipleship.
This word is slowly becoming more and more what my life is about. I feel like the trip helped me see what that word means. It doesn't mean sharing the gospel and "getting people saved". It doesn't mean those moments when you successfully "minister" to someone. It is a lifestyle. A lifestyle that you have to live daily. It is living your faith, sharing it with the unsaved and pulling them closer to Christ, sharing it with your little siblings in Christ whether they are literally younger than you, or just younger in their faith, and pushing fellow believers closer to Christ every day. Discipleship is not that one event, that one bible study, and that one church service. It is a continual, flowing way to live your life in which Jesus is the focus in your life and in each of your relationships.
4. My story vs. His story
I learned that while it's true that God is giving me a story, that's not what my life is. My life is a tiny part in a much bigger story: His story. He is working through that homeless man in the city, that rich widow in the country, that farmer on the other side of the world, and that little girl next door. He gives me a story so that He can use it to impact other people's stories. It was never about me. It's about Him. And I am so privileged that He is using me in that grand masterpiece He is painting.
Those four things can be true in your life too! Think about them. Let Him change you so that He can use you to change others!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Behind the Scenes of the Costa Rica Missions Trip
Today's the day! My last day here on earth...haha, just kidding. Today is the day we leave! And let me just say I have been preparing for this trip for months! Actually more like over a year, unofficially.
When my youth pastor mentioned it the first time (which was forever ago), I knew I wanted to go if I could. And as the trip got closer and more set in stone, my mind was already whirring about what to bring and how to prepare.
To actually be accepted to go on the trip, we had to fill out a giant application. Okay, my brother would beg to differ, since he wrote like two word answers to each question. But being the person that I am, it took 17.5 hours to finish that application.
Then there was also an interview that we had to do. I thought it was pretty easy, and it was just talking about why I wanted to go and if there were things I was scared of about the trip.
Well, needless to say, I got accepted! There are ten students going, and three leaders, and let me just say, I love them all to death! (Yes, even my brother...) I can't wait to spend ten days with these awesome people!
We did a lot of preparation as a team, too! We had monthly meetings where we got all sorts of stuff done. On the practical side of things, we put all our support letters in envelopes and got them ready to send, we talked about how the support was coming in, and we talked about a lot of the little logistical details. We also did things to strengthen our team, like doing personality testing and learning how to deal with each personality. We spent time in prayer each meeting, and we also had fun with eachother.
That is not to say it wasn't work. It was SO much work! In the beginning, we all had to write a letter to send out and inform people about the trip and how they can support us, and make an Excel file with the names and addresses of all the people we sent letters to. We also got homework at each of our meetings. Things like writing papers on the culture of Costa Rica, doing journal entries that had us explain why we wanted to go, and more recently, preparing the presentation that we will be doing in the schools, and putting together our photo books.
In addition to our monthly meetings, we also had to meet quite regularly to practice our skit. (The one that I posted in the last blog post) Which meant we saw each other quite often!
As a team, we also went on a retreat together. It was a couple of long days talking about evangelism and what it means and how to do it. It was needed for our team, and it was really good time of being together and increasing our unity. Through this retreat, we put on an outreach event. Planned solely by us!
I, personally, did a lot to prepare for this trip, also! I took a Spanish class this school year which was so helpful! But I was also very motivated to learn because I knew I would be going to a Spanish speaking country. Our teacher had us do a cultural project each semester, and I technically did double because I liked to tag along for Robbie's too! I went to two different Spanish churches, wrote a 6 page paper on Costa Rica, complete with an interview I did with the missionary down there that we are partnering with, and went to all the Hispanic shops and restaurants in Wauconda, ordering and asking questions in Spanish. I have to say, these experiences were probably one of the most helpful things to help me learn the language! Also, in preparation for the trip, I joined a homeschool soccer team, because soccer is a favorite past time in Costa Rica. Now let me just stop to say that I do not like soccer in any way. It is probably my least favorite sport! Now that was already established before I joined the team, but I knew it'd probably be helpful to at least know how to play, right?
As I explain in a blog post HERE, I also got baptized and we had two missionary families stay with us. Now these things were not intentionally to prepare for this trip, but I must mention them anyways, because I feel like they played a big part in my preparation.
Now in the preparation, I'm not including all the making a list and checking it twice stuff, or all the shopping required plus the packing. But let's not forget that stuff, cause it was definitely necessary, and took a while too!
I'm guessing this blog post is kinda interesting to you guys. I mean, y'all know that I've been preparing, but it's kinda cool to step behind the scenes and see what's all be going on! Well, here ya go! There has been a lot of preparation for this trip, and you know what? I feel ready! In about eight hours I'm gonna be stepping on a bus and leaving officially! It's so exciting. And people ask me if I'm nervous, cause it's to be expected, right? Well, this is probably odd, but I'm not. Not in the least bit. I've been waiting for this trip for months, and God has prepared me. I don't feel nervous--I feel ready. So let's do this thing!
 |
| Praise God for His goodness! |
To actually be accepted to go on the trip, we had to fill out a giant application. Okay, my brother would beg to differ, since he wrote like two word answers to each question. But being the person that I am, it took 17.5 hours to finish that application.
Then there was also an interview that we had to do. I thought it was pretty easy, and it was just talking about why I wanted to go and if there were things I was scared of about the trip.
Well, needless to say, I got accepted! There are ten students going, and three leaders, and let me just say, I love them all to death! (Yes, even my brother...) I can't wait to spend ten days with these awesome people!
We did a lot of preparation as a team, too! We had monthly meetings where we got all sorts of stuff done. On the practical side of things, we put all our support letters in envelopes and got them ready to send, we talked about how the support was coming in, and we talked about a lot of the little logistical details. We also did things to strengthen our team, like doing personality testing and learning how to deal with each personality. We spent time in prayer each meeting, and we also had fun with eachother.
That is not to say it wasn't work. It was SO much work! In the beginning, we all had to write a letter to send out and inform people about the trip and how they can support us, and make an Excel file with the names and addresses of all the people we sent letters to. We also got homework at each of our meetings. Things like writing papers on the culture of Costa Rica, doing journal entries that had us explain why we wanted to go, and more recently, preparing the presentation that we will be doing in the schools, and putting together our photo books.
In addition to our monthly meetings, we also had to meet quite regularly to practice our skit. (The one that I posted in the last blog post) Which meant we saw each other quite often!
As a team, we also went on a retreat together. It was a couple of long days talking about evangelism and what it means and how to do it. It was needed for our team, and it was really good time of being together and increasing our unity. Through this retreat, we put on an outreach event. Planned solely by us!
I, personally, did a lot to prepare for this trip, also! I took a Spanish class this school year which was so helpful! But I was also very motivated to learn because I knew I would be going to a Spanish speaking country. Our teacher had us do a cultural project each semester, and I technically did double because I liked to tag along for Robbie's too! I went to two different Spanish churches, wrote a 6 page paper on Costa Rica, complete with an interview I did with the missionary down there that we are partnering with, and went to all the Hispanic shops and restaurants in Wauconda, ordering and asking questions in Spanish. I have to say, these experiences were probably one of the most helpful things to help me learn the language! Also, in preparation for the trip, I joined a homeschool soccer team, because soccer is a favorite past time in Costa Rica. Now let me just stop to say that I do not like soccer in any way. It is probably my least favorite sport! Now that was already established before I joined the team, but I knew it'd probably be helpful to at least know how to play, right?
As I explain in a blog post HERE, I also got baptized and we had two missionary families stay with us. Now these things were not intentionally to prepare for this trip, but I must mention them anyways, because I feel like they played a big part in my preparation.
Now in the preparation, I'm not including all the making a list and checking it twice stuff, or all the shopping required plus the packing. But let's not forget that stuff, cause it was definitely necessary, and took a while too!
I'm guessing this blog post is kinda interesting to you guys. I mean, y'all know that I've been preparing, but it's kinda cool to step behind the scenes and see what's all be going on! Well, here ya go! There has been a lot of preparation for this trip, and you know what? I feel ready! In about eight hours I'm gonna be stepping on a bus and leaving officially! It's so exciting. And people ask me if I'm nervous, cause it's to be expected, right? Well, this is probably odd, but I'm not. Not in the least bit. I've been waiting for this trip for months, and God has prepared me. I don't feel nervous--I feel ready. So let's do this thing!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Everything Skit by Lifehouse
This is the skit my team has done and will be doing in Costa Rica. Take a look:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0M5fTXEjxAIVTVSd2ZjZVhLNlU/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0M5fTXEjxAIVTVSd2ZjZVhLNlU/edit
Uno Dia!!!!
One day. ONE DAY! That is how long until I leave for this trip. Am I excited? Ohmygosh, YES! Am I nervous? A little. Do I still have a lot to do? YES.
I've always wanted to do a blog, but I never wanted to make one until I knew I could post regularly and had a vision for what I wanted it to be. Well, I still haven't made my perfect blog. But until then, I thought it would be worthwhile to record stuff about this trip. I make no promises! I don't think I will be able to post during the actual trip, but that wasn't really the point anyways. I wanted to bring you guys in to what God will do in my life through this trip. And I know that will last for years after I get back! If you actually want daily updates while I am on the trip, you can keep up with this blog: http://efcwcostarica2013.blogspot.com/
So what's up in my life with one day remaining? A lot of packing. This is the first of many new experiences this trip will bring, because I have never packed for airplane regulations before. It's been tricky, but probably good for me. I also have to review some Spanish, take my library books back, and learn how to use this new camera of mine!
I'm so stinking excited to have a new camera, you have no idea! It takes such wonderful pictures, and I know I can trust it to take great quality pictures of Costa Rica that I can enjoy for years to come. I just wish I knew better how to use it... :)
I know this isn't much to give you guys, but I should really go finish packing. So I will leave you with a thought. I've realized that God has used my whole life so far to prepare me for this trip! Isn't that cool! And he will use this trip to prepare me for the rest of my life! And I'll tell you, I've seen him at work in major ways as I've been preparing for this trip. He has taught me so much and already changed a lot of my thought processes even before I leave. And I'm so excited to see what he will do through this trip!
So if you could, please pray for me and my team! Pray for safety and all the details, and that God would use us!
Off to pack! Adios!
I've always wanted to do a blog, but I never wanted to make one until I knew I could post regularly and had a vision for what I wanted it to be. Well, I still haven't made my perfect blog. But until then, I thought it would be worthwhile to record stuff about this trip. I make no promises! I don't think I will be able to post during the actual trip, but that wasn't really the point anyways. I wanted to bring you guys in to what God will do in my life through this trip. And I know that will last for years after I get back! If you actually want daily updates while I am on the trip, you can keep up with this blog: http://efcwcostarica2013.blogspot.com/
So what's up in my life with one day remaining? A lot of packing. This is the first of many new experiences this trip will bring, because I have never packed for airplane regulations before. It's been tricky, but probably good for me. I also have to review some Spanish, take my library books back, and learn how to use this new camera of mine!
I'm so stinking excited to have a new camera, you have no idea! It takes such wonderful pictures, and I know I can trust it to take great quality pictures of Costa Rica that I can enjoy for years to come. I just wish I knew better how to use it... :)
I know this isn't much to give you guys, but I should really go finish packing. So I will leave you with a thought. I've realized that God has used my whole life so far to prepare me for this trip! Isn't that cool! And he will use this trip to prepare me for the rest of my life! And I'll tell you, I've seen him at work in major ways as I've been preparing for this trip. He has taught me so much and already changed a lot of my thought processes even before I leave. And I'm so excited to see what he will do through this trip!
So if you could, please pray for me and my team! Pray for safety and all the details, and that God would use us!
Off to pack! Adios!
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