Nicaragua

I am in Nicaragua renewing my visa so that I can continue to stay in Costa Rica under a tourist visa. In order to keep an updated tourist visa I have to go out of the country every so many weeks for at least 72 hours. The school has students who volunteer to plan trips so that the students my renew their visas as a group in a fun and safe manner.

This trip for me is somewhat of a surprise. I am sincerely enjoying myself and learning a ton. I am learning alot about the people and about the city of Granada. I say it is a surpise because I am learning things that I didn't expect to learn and God is really working in my heart here. Yesterday, the Lord and I had a few one on one moments that I didn't expect. One moment was during my devotion time and suddenly I heard people singing worship songs in English. I turned around and behind the bushes was a group of over 30 teenagers on a mission trip worshiping and having a time of devotion together. I sat behind the bushes singing along and worshiping, just me and my Father. Then the devotion started and I asked a leader of the group if I could join the group. He said it was fine and I got to listen to a great sermon. The man talked about flying on the wings of the eagles and he compared the life of an eagle to our relationship with the Lord and God just spoke to my heart.

Later on in the day as a friend and I decided to go exploring we came across a worship service inside a church. We walked in and she started walking around and I sat down and just observed. They were preparing for a worship service and testing the sound equipment then a woman came up to me and asked if she could put a pin on me, which said pentecost. I said sure since everyone had one and then my friend and I left to go for a walk. Well, I couldn't get that church and those people out of my mind so we went back. For over 4 hours, these people just sang and danced to worship songs praising the Lord. We did not stay the whole time but for the time that we did stay God really touched my heart. I was worshiping and then out of nowhere I started just crying. I was crying because of how overwhelmed I feel by God's love for me and for His children and I was crying because God reminded me in that moment of why I am a missionary. I looked around the room at all of those people worshiping and I just cried because that is what my heart longs for the rest of the world. My heart longs for the world to be able to stand and worship the Lord as one, joined together in Christ. That is why I am a missionary because there are people out there who don't the Lord and His love, and nothing breaks my heart more that. Standing together with the people of Nicaragua worshiping in a language I am just starting to understand was a wonderful experience. God is so good. When I am at a lost for words those words always come to my mind, God is good.

Things to know when living in San Jose

1. Don't flush the toilet paper down the toilet.
2. The water is safe to drink inside the city but be careful when traveling else where.
3. When walking always move out of the way for woman with children.
4. Don't walk alone at night.
5. Don't point at people, that is really bad.
6. Bring an umbrella it rains almost every day.
7. When visiting a beach wear sunscreen even if you think you don't burn.
8. Don't carry valueables with you. If you have to carry them then be smart and don't flash your phone or iPod around. People literally get shot for those things here.
9. Talk to people. The majority of Costa Ricans you will meet will be nice and helpful.
10. If you skateboard or play fútbol you will automatically be a cool gringo among the youth.
11. If you want a real Costa Rican meal you won't find it at the mall. You are not a true Tico unless you eat gallo pinto for breakfast.
12. You must visit POPS. It is the best ice cream there is. You can find a store just about anywhere.
13. If you really want to fit in pack heels and dress clothes. Looks matter here.
14. Taking a shower every day is important.  Most people here take their showers in the morning.
15. If you have perfume or colgne use it. Smelling good is important.
16. Drying your clothes on a clothesline might take two days so be patient.
17. Not all taxis are real taxis be aware of pirate taxis.
18. Wash all your fruit before eating. The best place to buy fruit and vegetables is at the Feria on Saturday.
19. Go to church, you will learn not only about God but also alot about the culture. It is a great experience.
20. Stepping in dog poop or being pooped on by a bird means good fortune or luck here so be happy if it happens.
21. If someone tells you to be somewhere it is better to show up a little late 15 mins. Unless the person who told you the time acts like an American if so then be on time.
22. When ever you walk into a room. It is polite to greet everyone in the room.
23. If someone offers you coffee or a snack take it and be polite. If you seriously can't have it, make an excuse saying your stomach hurts.
24. Bus transportation is important so learn where the stops are not all of them are marked.
25. If you are a guy don't carry a colored umbrella. It is culturally appropriate only to have a black umbrella. Woman you can have any umbrella you want.
26. Don't blow your nose in public. It is rude.

With each day it feels more like home...

Tonight after I finished my homework and had dinner, I watched TV for a while and then cleaned my room. I went around and dusted some of my shelves with some cleaning supplies that I bought at the store. After I finished I sat on my bed and smiled at my organized room. It feels a bit more like home each day.

Even with my host family I am starting to feel more connected. Not completely but a little more each day. We have an understanding of one another and we continue to build a relationship. I love mamí and papí.

Also I am getting use to walking everywhere even though this week I didn't feel like walking. When I don't feel like walking I just take the bus but to go to the grocery store and school it is easier just to walk. Jumbo has become my favorite store because it reminds me of home. It is big and has a variety of different things. I can usually find what I need there and compare prices.

School is becoming more like college and I really enjoy it. Especially, chapel every Tuesday  and Thursday. I look forward to seeing all of my friends and learning new Spanish words. Some days it is more fun than others depending on how I am feeling. Some days I am like a sponge and just soak in information. Then other days I am like cement that blocks out everything and I feel like my mind can't handle anymore. On those days it is good to take a break and step back and then try again.

I am also getting more involved in working with the kids and I love it. Tonight I purchased some poster board and copied the lyrics to some children's songs on them. This week the kids are going to learn Father Abraham and a few others. Last week, I started doing the motions to the song during worship time and then I realized that it was the first time the kids were hearing the song. Horacio then asked me to teach it to the children next week, but since I am going to be gone. Shawn, another volunteer, is going to teach them the song.

This has been one busy but wonderful week. This Friday I leave for Nicaragua to renew my tourist visa with the students from the school. We have a 5 day weekend so I will be in Nicaragua til Monday evening. I am excited about this trip and I am looking forward to exploring a new city.

See

Do you see God's blessing each day? Can you feel his presence? Do you see God in your every day life?

I believe it is extremely important to see God every day in your life. This doesn't mean you need to look for extradinary things or miracles, but if you open yours eyes you might see more of those things. It is important to see God in your life. He was the one that created you and this world so you don't have to look too far to see Him. Take the sunrise and sunset as an obvious example. How can you not see God in that? Who really has that much creativity and imagination besides God.

Seeing God physically we can not do. Not even the Israelites could see Him because if they did they would die. However, we can see God in His creations. We can see God's faithfulness in our lives. There are many things that you can see if you open your eyes.

This is why me and unbelievers have such a hard time seeing eye to eye because I can't see anything but God's handprints in my life and they have a hard time seeing Him at all. I think this where the "I once was blind but now I can see" phrase comes into play. Before we were followers of Christ we were blind for God only allowed us to see what we wanted to see but once our hearts changed and we became one with Him, He opened our eyes so that we could see. Sometimes I believe we need help to see and this is where some followers who are farther along in their faith come into play. They came help us see beyond what we already can see on our own.

My prayer for everyone is that their eyes may be opened so that they may see the one true God, who pursues them daily. If you cannot see God pray that He would reveal Himself to you.

Monday

If you could pray that I would be healed from this cold. I would appreciate. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I give thanks every time I think of you. You all mean so much to me and I am so grateful to have all of you in my life.

There is no one like our God...

As I have had time to reflect on God and my life, it is amazing to see God's faithfulness and love. Even during my lows God still lifted me up when I cried out to Him. He is so wonderful. He is the reason I rise each morning and rest each night. Each day is full of His love.

I get so confused sometimes when I see or hear of people who don't believe in God. Because to me it is like how can you not? I just can't imagine life without Him. This is why I work so hard and go to the places that I go to. When you have found something so right and good you want to share it with the world. I don't do this work for me I do it for all of people I met who are lost and feel hopeless. I do this work because I am a servant of Lord.

I love how I was reading a message today by my friend Eric Elder and he talked about being a servant of the Lord. But the way servant was used originally in the Bible meant being a slave to. You were a slave to the Lord. Now I know this doesn't sound appealing but Eric made a good point, who else or what else would you want to be a slave to? (money, your job, alcohol, etc.) I am perfectly fine being a slave to the Lord. I know He is always faithful and is all loving. Also, I actually like that He punishes those who do wrong because I know He is merciful and just. I wouldn't want to be a slave to anyone or anything else.

When I look at the faces of the people I work with and in the faces of children I see hope. I see God's children. I see love. Everyone is looking for a little more love in their life but you don't have to look much farther than God. If His love isn't enough than I don't know what is. He will never leave or forsake you. He already died on the cross for you and promises you eternal life. Sounds like a pretty great God to me. He will and will always be enough for me. He knew my name before I was born and I love Him with all my heart. It is easy to serve a God you love. I will continue to be a slave to the one and only true God.

Todo es bien....All is well

This past week for the most part has been good, despite my rocky start. This week I have been able to practice more of my Spanish and I have enjoyed getting to know some more people from school.

I spent some time this week really trying to focus on God and His heart for His children. It amazes me how this week God new exactly what I needed and when I needed it. I know He knows my desires and my heart so I shouldn't be so surprised when He continues to meet my needs, but I am. His love just overwhelmes me.

This week I have made a really good friend, named Elaine. I think God has placed her in my life at this time because He knew I needed someone who I could relate to and open up to. He knew I needed another friend, and she is a pretty good one.

To celebrate the weekend yesterday we went to the movies and then had dinner. On Fridays, after I get done having a test. I need to do something to relax. Going out to a movie or dinner or just doing something by myself like buying popcorn and a coke is a great way to start the weekend and relax from the week. Movies here are super cheap too, which is really nice, they only cost 3.50 American dollars. Rio so far has been my favorite movie in Spanish. It was so funny.  I have only gone to the movies 3 times but I really enjoy watching movies. Tomorrow I am going to see a Ballet which I know doesn't sound exciting to some, but I love it. I love getting dressed up and going to the theatre. The group is an international Christian ballet called Ballet Magnificat.

Today, I was able to go work again at Valle del Sol. I had a lot of fun. I was in charge this week of coming up with a craft and leading a small group of elementary children in a discussion on lesson they just heard. Well since I couldn't really discuss with them the story, which was on the Birth of Christ. My Spanish is not at the point were I can say everything I want so I improvised. We just read the story together again in Spanish. I had each child read a portion from Mark until we finished it. Then we made our craft which was a recreation of the nativity scene. The children drew Mary, Joseph, and Jesus then we glued popsicle sticks around the picture to make the manger. The kids really enjoyed it. It was nice to see them get so focused on making something and really enjoy it. I also did get to practice alot of my Spanish since the older kids really love to talk. I also got to led the worship songs which made me really nervous. Even though, all I had to do was stand in front follow the words on the posterboard and sing along with a cd. Singing I am learning is a great way to practice Spanish.

I am getting better at being able to sing and pronounce words. Vowels in Spanish are so important. It doesn't matter how long it takes you but you will pronounce every vowel in every word. I am becoming a fan of long words because I think they are more fun to say. You would be surprised if you study the English language and see how we butcher our vowels. I am learning so much about English when I am studying Spanish, because I compare the two languages. I also have to focus alot on the pronunciation of each word and how I move my mouth and tongue, somethings that were so natural for me in English are now harder. But I love it.