- Slept in til 7:30am.
- At 9:00 went to the Feria, an open fresh market, which is super cheap and all the fruits and vegetables are delicious. My new favorite place in San Jose.
- At 10:15am I met my friend, Sarah, and we went downtown town to the artisan market, shopped and ate ice cream.
- At 1:00pm I ate lunch at home and then left to go to Valle del Sol to work with the kids.
- At Valle del Sol we played games, sang songs, and taught a lesson. The kids also got their photos back and decorated a picture frame. The kids loved it! I also was able to lead prayer in English with the kids and help in the classroom. Steve would like me to work more with the younger kids and really help lead the classroom in the future. The kids are so much fun and they really love coming back every week. I look forward to seeing them every week.
- Once I got back home at 5:00 I ate dinner and then studied my verbs for while before watching a movie with Kelly.
May 21, 2011
My Day in a Nutshell
May 20, 2011
Some more thoughts...
"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling" Exodus 15:11-13.
God is awesome, holy, majestic, mighty, and strong. His love is unfailing. He is our redeemer and our guide. He always has our best interest at heart and He will never leave you. He is always present, you just have to acknowledge Him and allow Him to work in you and through you. This may be hard because we are not always sure what He is doing but we have to trust in Him.
For those of us who have ever been betrayed or have felt unloved or unworthy know that this is a hard thing to do. But our Heavenly Father can not be compared to any human being, because He is perfect. He is always faithful and He is always loving. Nothing you can do will ever turn away His love. He longs to be with you, you just have to accept His love, and be honest with Him about your failures and sin. Ask for forgiveness with an open heart and He will forgive. Our God is the best god there is, and the only true God.
"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord?"
God is awesome, holy, majestic, mighty, and strong. His love is unfailing. He is our redeemer and our guide. He always has our best interest at heart and He will never leave you. He is always present, you just have to acknowledge Him and allow Him to work in you and through you. This may be hard because we are not always sure what He is doing but we have to trust in Him.
For those of us who have ever been betrayed or have felt unloved or unworthy know that this is a hard thing to do. But our Heavenly Father can not be compared to any human being, because He is perfect. He is always faithful and He is always loving. Nothing you can do will ever turn away His love. He longs to be with you, you just have to accept His love, and be honest with Him about your failures and sin. Ask for forgiveness with an open heart and He will forgive. Our God is the best god there is, and the only true God.
"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord?"
May 19, 2011
Today was not my favorite...
Today was not a good day for me but here is what God was telling me and teaching me. Today after I got back from a time of solitude I started reading about Moses again.
I think it is so awesome that God says in Exodus 13:17, "If they face war, the might change their minds and return to Egypt". God knows the heart of His children. He knew what the Israelites could and could not handle. The same is true with us He knows what we can and cannot handle. Remember when He said, " I will not give you anything beyond what you can bear".
On their way to cross the sea in Exodus 13 and 14, the Israelites still thought they were going to die. They complained to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to die in the desert?". The Israelites could still not see that God was in control so they complained. We are good at that aren't we, complaining? When we can't see what is coming next and are faced with hardships what is our first response? It is to complain. Why God have you allowed this? Where are you God? We can lose sight that God is directing our path.
The goal is to not forget who is in control. He is the one who was, and is and is to come. He directs our paths and leads us on solid groud. Just like when He dried up the sea to lead the Israelites to safety. God is always reaching out to us, we just need to trust in Him and be still. "The Lord will fight for you; you just need to be still" Exodus 14:14. God also says in scripture, "Be still and know that I am Lord". "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11.
I think it is so awesome that God says in Exodus 13:17, "If they face war, the might change their minds and return to Egypt". God knows the heart of His children. He knew what the Israelites could and could not handle. The same is true with us He knows what we can and cannot handle. Remember when He said, " I will not give you anything beyond what you can bear".
On their way to cross the sea in Exodus 13 and 14, the Israelites still thought they were going to die. They complained to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to die in the desert?". The Israelites could still not see that God was in control so they complained. We are good at that aren't we, complaining? When we can't see what is coming next and are faced with hardships what is our first response? It is to complain. Why God have you allowed this? Where are you God? We can lose sight that God is directing our path.
The goal is to not forget who is in control. He is the one who was, and is and is to come. He directs our paths and leads us on solid groud. Just like when He dried up the sea to lead the Israelites to safety. God is always reaching out to us, we just need to trust in Him and be still. "The Lord will fight for you; you just need to be still" Exodus 14:14. God also says in scripture, "Be still and know that I am Lord". "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11.
May 18, 2011
Why am I studying at ILE?
I had to answer this question today for an assignment and here is what I wrote. Also, in case you don't know ILE stands for Instituto de Lengua Español.
I am studying at ILE because I have a desire to learn Spanish. In the future, I hope to work with Hispanic children in ministry. Learning Spanish is key in my future ministry work.
I came to ILE because of a mission trip that I went on in Spain. In Spain, I met some former ILE students, who had only great things to say about the school. Then after I returned from Spain, I met some more former students, who strongly encouraged me to come to ILE.
It is a blessing and an honor to be studying at ILE. God has opened the way for me to study here and I am very grateful to be here.
I am studying at ILE because I have a desire to learn Spanish. In the future, I hope to work with Hispanic children in ministry. Learning Spanish is key in my future ministry work.
I came to ILE because of a mission trip that I went on in Spain. In Spain, I met some former ILE students, who had only great things to say about the school. Then after I returned from Spain, I met some more former students, who strongly encouraged me to come to ILE.
It is a blessing and an honor to be studying at ILE. God has opened the way for me to study here and I am very grateful to be here.
May 17, 2011
Join Creation
When I think of Heaven I get excited because I am looking forward to the day when I will join with all of creation in glorifying and praising Our Father. One of my favorite passages is found in Revelation when four creatures in Heaven are saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come". I just imagine all of creation saying that and it brings me joy. (Those words have also brought me comfort in my time of need.) Or how about in Revelation 5:13, when all of creation is saying, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!"
Creation will some day be joined together worshipping God and I look forward to that day. For now though there is still alot of people searching for that joy, hope, and love that can only be found in Christ. They might just need someone to show them God's love and grace. As friend of mine said today, "well when I get to Heaven I doubt that God would say well you just talked about (my love) too much." So just open your mouth and share what you know to be true in God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest.
Creation will some day be joined together worshipping God and I look forward to that day. For now though there is still alot of people searching for that joy, hope, and love that can only be found in Christ. They might just need someone to show them God's love and grace. As friend of mine said today, "well when I get to Heaven I doubt that God would say well you just talked about (my love) too much." So just open your mouth and share what you know to be true in God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest.
May 16, 2011
Writing from an Actual Computer....
It feels so good to be writing from a computer today. My phone has sure been getting a lot of use lately and it is much easier to type on a computer. I had to come to school to print out my powerpoint verbs so I thought while I was here I would write my blog as well.
First of all, I want to say thank you to all of you who are supporting me both financially and prayfully. I think about all of you every day. All of you have actually been a great motivater for me on days that I don´t feel very motivated. On days that I don´t feel very motivated I think about you and the Lord, and together you all help me study those few extra hours. I am trying to work with excellence but the Lord knows I need help and motivation every now and then. Today, I got my first exam back with 100% on the written exam and a 90% on the oral exam so thank you all.
It is hard to believe that I have already been in Costa Rica for three weeks! These past few weeks have just been flying by! I am having such a good time and learning a lot! Every moment of every day is a moment of learning, whether that is trying to speak Spanish or just observing cultural traditions and daily life. In a week or less, I will get to celebrate a Costa Rican birthday as my host sister, Deanna, will be turning 15. I am so excited for her and went out yesterday to buy her a present. My host parents will also be celebrating an anniversary in a couple of weeks, they have been married if I am remembering correctly for 26 years! Sonia and Oscar are such a cute couple and anyone who has been in their house for a couple of minutes can see their love for one another.
Also, I really want to say Congrats to all of my friends who have graduated this month! I am so proud of all of you and love you all! I can´t wait to see pictures on facebook!
First of all, I want to say thank you to all of you who are supporting me both financially and prayfully. I think about all of you every day. All of you have actually been a great motivater for me on days that I don´t feel very motivated. On days that I don´t feel very motivated I think about you and the Lord, and together you all help me study those few extra hours. I am trying to work with excellence but the Lord knows I need help and motivation every now and then. Today, I got my first exam back with 100% on the written exam and a 90% on the oral exam so thank you all.
It is hard to believe that I have already been in Costa Rica for three weeks! These past few weeks have just been flying by! I am having such a good time and learning a lot! Every moment of every day is a moment of learning, whether that is trying to speak Spanish or just observing cultural traditions and daily life. In a week or less, I will get to celebrate a Costa Rican birthday as my host sister, Deanna, will be turning 15. I am so excited for her and went out yesterday to buy her a present. My host parents will also be celebrating an anniversary in a couple of weeks, they have been married if I am remembering correctly for 26 years! Sonia and Oscar are such a cute couple and anyone who has been in their house for a couple of minutes can see their love for one another.
Also, I really want to say Congrats to all of my friends who have graduated this month! I am so proud of all of you and love you all! I can´t wait to see pictures on facebook!
May 15, 2011
The Weekend
This past week was a hard week emotionally for me because I started to miss home. Up until a few days ago I never cried about missing home even when I left at the airport, but for some reason this week I missed home. I cried one day and that was that. I took a nap afterwards and now feel fine. I just had to get those emotions out of me, I guess.
It is never completely easy adjusting to a new way of life but for me it has been really easy. I love Latin America, the culture, and the people. Now if I could just have my family and friends here that would perfect. Although, I know that is not a possibility and I have accepted that part of the missionary life. This life is not about being comfortable on earth but it is about finding comfort and strength in the Lord. This past week a few things happened that helped me confirm that I am suppose to be here and it is wonderful. God is always with me and being here I know that He has gone before me and I so thankful to be a part of His ministry and be His witness.
Yesterday, I went and worked with the children at Valle del Sol. It was even better the second week, I didn't think that was possible, but the more I work there the more I am going to be attached to these wonderful children and families. This week the kids had their pictures taken for a craft for next week and we sang songs, colored, and played games. It was alot of fun. I definitely got to work on my Spanish because Horacio, the other director along with Steve, asked me if I would put up the pictures on the flannel board as he told the story. Horacio doesn't speak any English so I really had to listen to the story, Jesus' Temptation, to understand where each figure went where and at what time. All in all it was good and I was able to understand almost everything he said.
The little kids got to hear a different story and color. So once I was done helping with the older kids. I went to the other room. Steve has asked me if I would be his teacher's assistant so basically I help the teacher, Steve with anything he needs and help the younger children. My little buddy Jason was there and I helped him and a few other kids color. These children really love to color. Although, Jason won't color on his own, he is 2 years old, so I pick out some crayons for him and then he will try to color, and then wait for me to hand him a new crayon. Even though the crayons are in front him. He is so cute. The other children are so funny too. This week I got to interact with alot of the girls and get to know a couple of them pretty well. This ministry is all about relationship building and helping them to know Christ through His word and our actions. It was a good Saturday.
Today, I woke up and went to church. Today, in church the pastor talked about finances. I could follow the sermon pretty well thanks to his PowerPoint. All of his notes were on the slides, I loved it because I could understand it. At least if it was one the slides I could.
Afterwards, a few girls and me went out to celebrate a friends birthday. We ate at this little Mexican food place and it was delicious. I had a supertaco with beans and French fries. That was how the meal came but the taco wasn't what I expected it to be, it was better. It was roled up filled with shredded chicken and deep fried. The toppings were on the side (guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes etc). That was the best meal I have had outside of my home
Now I am starting my homework and getting ready to eat dinner, spaghetti. Mami cooks really good Italian food too, it is not the same as in the states. It is better!
P.S
Sorry for not writing on two days this week. One day blogger was down and then on Saturday I forgot until I was half a sleep.
It is never completely easy adjusting to a new way of life but for me it has been really easy. I love Latin America, the culture, and the people. Now if I could just have my family and friends here that would perfect. Although, I know that is not a possibility and I have accepted that part of the missionary life. This life is not about being comfortable on earth but it is about finding comfort and strength in the Lord. This past week a few things happened that helped me confirm that I am suppose to be here and it is wonderful. God is always with me and being here I know that He has gone before me and I so thankful to be a part of His ministry and be His witness.
Yesterday, I went and worked with the children at Valle del Sol. It was even better the second week, I didn't think that was possible, but the more I work there the more I am going to be attached to these wonderful children and families. This week the kids had their pictures taken for a craft for next week and we sang songs, colored, and played games. It was alot of fun. I definitely got to work on my Spanish because Horacio, the other director along with Steve, asked me if I would put up the pictures on the flannel board as he told the story. Horacio doesn't speak any English so I really had to listen to the story, Jesus' Temptation, to understand where each figure went where and at what time. All in all it was good and I was able to understand almost everything he said.
The little kids got to hear a different story and color. So once I was done helping with the older kids. I went to the other room. Steve has asked me if I would be his teacher's assistant so basically I help the teacher, Steve with anything he needs and help the younger children. My little buddy Jason was there and I helped him and a few other kids color. These children really love to color. Although, Jason won't color on his own, he is 2 years old, so I pick out some crayons for him and then he will try to color, and then wait for me to hand him a new crayon. Even though the crayons are in front him. He is so cute. The other children are so funny too. This week I got to interact with alot of the girls and get to know a couple of them pretty well. This ministry is all about relationship building and helping them to know Christ through His word and our actions. It was a good Saturday.
Today, I woke up and went to church. Today, in church the pastor talked about finances. I could follow the sermon pretty well thanks to his PowerPoint. All of his notes were on the slides, I loved it because I could understand it. At least if it was one the slides I could.
Afterwards, a few girls and me went out to celebrate a friends birthday. We ate at this little Mexican food place and it was delicious. I had a supertaco with beans and French fries. That was how the meal came but the taco wasn't what I expected it to be, it was better. It was roled up filled with shredded chicken and deep fried. The toppings were on the side (guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes etc). That was the best meal I have had outside of my home
Now I am starting my homework and getting ready to eat dinner, spaghetti. Mami cooks really good Italian food too, it is not the same as in the states. It is better!
P.S
Sorry for not writing on two days this week. One day blogger was down and then on Saturday I forgot until I was half a sleep.
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