Our Focus...

¨Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.¨ Colossians 3:1-3

I love this passage in Scripture and this past week I have needed to be reminded of this truth. Yesterday, as I was working in the computer lab checking e-mail, printing out homework, and writing my blog, I found this notecard with this verse written on it. I know that someone did not purposely leave that there for me, but maybe God did. As I read that verse and thought about all of the things that my mind has been focusing on this week, I began to feel this sense of peace. This is exactly what I needed to hear.

As I have said many times before, I tend to worry a lot even though I know there is nothing to worry about. Over the years, I have been able to correct my way of thinking and eliminate many of the things that I use to worry about, but I still have a few things that enter my mind every now and then that bring me stress and cause me to worry. This why I need to be reminded daily to set my mind on the things above and not on earthly things. My heart needs to be focused on God. I can´t spend my time worrying about the future or about other things.

If I truly believe that my life is hidden in Christ then I have nothing to worry about and nothing to fear, for God cares deeply for all of His children and takes care of all of their needs. Let's us all be reminded that our time on this earth is limited and that we need to focus our minds and hearts on the Lord.

God is Good

Today in chapel, we were praying over Spiritual Emphasis week, which is taking place next week, and we were praying for one another and praising God. Then I had one of those I am not sure what to say God so I am just going to sit here and worship you and cry. God has made me so emotional over the past 6 years and He continues to break my heart for those who are in pain and suffering. Today, as I listened to the struggles of some of my fellow students I just wept for them. I also sat in silence and cried over my own personal prayers.

There are many things that I do not understand about God and our world, but there is one thing that I hold to be true is God is good. No matter what takes place in my life or in the life of others I cling to that. It can be hard to see the good in suffering and pain, but even through those trials I cling to God. I have learned over the years that the best thing you can do for someone in mourning is to just mourn with them and pray in silence. There has been times in my life when I felt like giving up and just walking away because of the suffering and pain that I see in the world and in the lives of others, but there is something deep inside me that won´t let go of the Lord. My heart does and will always say God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Time to Move Forward

After my relaxing weekend, I have been working on catching up on homework, emails, cleaning, and some other things that I have been putting off. Believe it or not I actually did some sewing to fix a few of my favorite pieces of clothing. I am not very good at sewing but I am getting better.

Yesterday, a friend and I went to the national theatre to see a show. (This week they have a production taking place at noon every day for only $2.) The theatre is beautiful! I will return some day and take pictures so that you can see it. The paintings on the cieling are breath taking. I didn't have any expectations when going to see the show but the actual production really surprised me. It was a interpretive modern dance production with music in English. I really love dance so the choreography was great but overall the actual production was just okay.

Today, I went downtown with some friends and walked around and went to the artisan market. Two of my friends are leaving tomorrow for Peru so we had a girls day out in order to say our goodbyes. I am going to miss those girls but I know God has a reason for everything so it was just their time to go. I am not looking forward to this meeting everyone and then saying goodbye. I know the longer I stay here and the more I get to know people the harder it will be to say goodbye.


P.S. If you could please pray for me I would appreciate it. I have been feeling sick for almost 3 weeks now. It has not been bad so I have been avoiding the doctor but I would really like it if my body would get back to normal. I am not sure if because I had a cold a week ago that my voice is starting to mess up, but I would really like my voice to be normal so that I can speak Spanish properly.

Complaining

This is a topic I want to write about today because I think as people we complain alot! If we don't get our way we complain. If we feel entitled to something and don't get it we complain. If things don't go as planned we complain. You might be thinking oh I don't complain that much...if you are thinking that chances are you do. Stop and think about the things this past week that you complained about or wanted to.

This past weekend was wonderful and I absolutely loved Nicaragua, but I was shocked and even embarrassed by how much some of the missionaries complained. If someone claims to be a missionary or a Christian I hold them to a higher standard than most people because they know the Lord or at least I hope they do. We, as Christians, should not complain constantly. If you find yourself complaining constantly, that is something that you need to work on. By constantly, I mean that you complain at least 3 times a day.

I know we can all find things to complain about: the children that won't stop crying, being late for an appointment, someone is not returning your e-mails or calls, that rude person at the grocery store, bad traffic, etc. My thought I want to share with you is this....is it really worth it. Who is your complaining going to help besides yourself? If you can't think of anyone besides yourself or family than don't do it. Whose day is going to be made better because you complained? I have never met anyone that has ever said, "Wow I am so glad that I got hear that person complain for the past hour. My day just got so much better".

I know there are things that you might want to bring to someone's attention but before you complain think about what is you are complaining about and if it is really worth the time and energy. If you are angry don't complain right away take a moment think about it and about the other person (or even the other people you are with) then approach someone if needed.

Christians and Missionaries I would expect to be more flexible, more compassionate, and kinder than most people so seriously try to complain less. You might find that you might become a happier person and so might the people around you. Learn to go with the flow and take on situations as they appear and determine how that situation is going to affect you 24 hours from now. If it won't, don't complain. If it will affect you in 24 hours, be compassionate and understanding.

I would love to challenge everyone even myself to complain a little less each day, and become more flexible with "our" time and money, more understanding, and more compassionate.

Adios Nicaragua

Today we are heading back to Costa Rica from Nicaragua. I am some what sad to be leaving this lovely place so soon, but I am looking forward to the comforts of home. That is right I said it, home. San Jose has become home and I am looking forward to seeing my host family.


Nicaragua has been the best trip that I have taken so far. I have been able to enjoy new sights and really relax. Relaxing for me is never easy but I have found all of my worries slowly drifting away day by day since my arrival here. I have enjoyed trying new foods and meeting new people. I have really enjoyed getting to know the Nicaraguan people.

I am surprised at how sad I actually am to leave. I don't think I have ever fallen in love with a place so quickly. Even though it has only been 4 days and 3 nights I am in love with Nicaragua. God willing I would love to return some day. 

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.