Welcome to my room...

On my last post my cousin mentioned that she would like to see pictures so here is a picture of my room.  Now that I have figured out how to upload pictures with my phone there will be more to come.

Last night i was able to catch up on some much needed sleep. Then this morning I woke up to a sound that can only be described as a dog walking on the roof. I don't believe there is a dog on the roof but that is the sound i heard. Here the roofs are made out of a tin material so all of the noise echoes, including the rain. I love it.

This morning I went with Papi to the super mercado, the supermarket. He drove me through the neighborhood and showed me the school and the surrounding area. We live in the area of Bolski. My spelling might be wrong on that one. We live in San Jose but each section has its own name. Well I am going to now possibly watch some TV or read since everyone is at work and Mami is cleaning.

I am here...

I made it to Costa Rica! My luggage made it too! The airports were not bad and I was able to connect to my flight in North Carolina fairly easy. Although I did have to run across the airport in order to be able to board my flight and make a bathroom stop. Everyone I met on the plane and in the airports were really nice and very helpful, so thank you to all of you who prayed for me. I couldn't have asked for a better trip.

Also, my arrival was very easy. The woman picking me up found me right away even among all of the other passengers and our trip to my host family house was very nice. Christina was able to tell me more about the country and the language school during our time in the taxi van. When i arrived at my host family's house. Mami and Papi immediately welcomed me with open arms. I have only been here for a few hours but already I feel right at home. We have been practicing my Spanish and to my surprise I am understanding alot of what they are saying. I just have to continue to practicing speaking Spanish and Papi was trying to help me tonight by having me repeat the days of the week and months after him. It has been a really good first day and tomorrow  they are going to show me around the neighborhood and walk me to the school so that I can become familiar with the area. But for now it is time for bed....buenos noches.

Adios Estados Unidos!

I will be heading out tomorrow at 3:30am for Costa Rica! I am so excited! For over a year, I have been preparing for this very moment and I know that God has been preparing me for this moment for longer than that. God has put everything in place for me to go and this past week I have just been so overwhelmed by His love and grace. One day, I had to stop for a moment on the side of the road because I could not stop crying. God has just been so wonderful to me over the years and I am just so grateful for everything that He has done. For His love and for showing His love to me through His Son, Jesus Christ. Oh how He love us!

I am also thankful for all of the wonderful people that God has brought into my life and for all of the support and love that everyone has shown me. Thank you all so much! As I go out into the world know that each day my heart and my prayers will be with all of you.

Sunny days and Goodbyes

In less than two weeks I will be in Costa Rica. In less than two weeks, I will be meeting my new host family, learning a new language, and finding a new normal. I can't wait to be in Costa Rica worshiping God with other believers and lending a helping hand where ever needed, but you know what I am most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to the day when all creation is praising God's name. Oh what a wonderful day that will be! When everyone is saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty , who was, and is, and is to come."

Costa Rica.... 3 weeks and counting!!!

This past week I have been e-mailing the school and my Big Sister and it looks like all my t's and i's are crossed and dotted. Everything is set to go! Although, I still need to raise $1,700 but I know the Lord will provide. Next week I will begin packing and sorting through my clothes. I have everything that I need as far as bath supplies go thanks to Wal-Mart and Target, and a BIG thanks to my supporters!


God always keeps his promises that is for sure. As I look back on this year of planning, God has really made all of my trials and all of my victories come into place. I can see His hand prints all over. This trip means so much to me, I feel like my life is forever about to change and God has been giving me such a peace of mind. I am leaving everything behind and looking forward to what is ahead. I know that this trip is the beginning of something but I don't know what. God is going to use me in whatever way He wants because I am holding nothing back. My life could not be in better hands than in the hands of God.

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you." Psalm 86:5

Are we there yet? (Costa Rica Update)

I have some exciting news, I received more information on Costa Rica! This week I have been introduced to my Big Sister, who will preparing my housing and transportation. I also have received my host family's information and let me just say they sound wonderful! I can't wait to meet them. God has been so good to me throughout this whole process! As I sit back and look at all the wonderful things God has done and put into place, I stand in awe. Without God none of this could be possible, it is only through Him and by His grace that I am able to go to Costa Rica. I am so excited to see what God has in store during my time in language school.

Currently, to prepare for language school I have been practicing my Spanish. Right now I am trying to master the Spanish alphabet. I know most of the letters but I struggle with a few. I have also been trying to recall any and all of the Spanish that I already know. I am actually surprised at how much Spanish I do know.

(As I get closer to my departure date more and more updates will be coming, thank you all so much for your prayers and support!)

Just listen...

I love listening to people's stories. There are very few things that I enjoy more than listening to people tell me stories about their lives. Whether that is their testimony about what God is doing in their life or just about their daily life, I love listening to people. Don't get me wrong I do my fair share of talking but I really love hearing other people's stories. For example, these past few months I have been able to go listen to two incredible people share their life stories, what a blessing.

One story was about a woman who went from prostitution to evangelism. She went from nothing to still having nothing but after coming to know the Lord she started giving generously and she began loving on children and teaching them about the Lord. Through her teaching and giving she has been able to help hundreds of woman and children in the Chicago area come to know the Lord. Needless to say I was in tears by the time Ms. Pearl finished talking, but I love that woman.

Another story was about a man who grew up in a missionary home in Africa but then came to the states and began working as a nurse. He was a mountain climber filled with grief and heartache, but instead of living his life with that pain he turned it into his inspiration for helping others. Since his failed attempt at climbing K2 he has become a bestselling author and an internationally known humanitarian worker in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Greg Mortenson's passion for educating children is sweeping through the U.S.A.

Those are just two of the amazing stories that I have had the privilege of hearing these past two months. I am constantly surprised at how God is working in other people's lives and at how God is working in my life. God touches my life through the stories of other people. I love learning from those who are older and wiser. Although, not all stories are happy ones but still God can speak to us through those stories. There are hundreds and hundreds of stories waiting to be told but someone has to be there to listen.

To ignore them is to deny that they ever existed. -  Three Cups of Tea


Costa Rica Update
I can't believe the time is drawing near but I have 43 days left til I leave for Costa Rica. I have purchased my plane ticket and I have received my acceptance letter from the school! Also, today I have received some information about my host family and let me just say they sound great! I am so excited and I can not wait to leave! It is finally starting to sink in that I will be leaving soon and all my worries are going out the window because I know the Lord is Lord and I am not. I have less than $2,000.00 to raise and just this past weekend I stood back in amazement at how the Lord provided for me. From this weekend's sale, I was able to raise $700.00 thanks to some of my wonderful church friends and family members, who donated items and for all of those who prayed for success of the sale. Thank you all so much!