There was this American and Italian, and they walk into a bar. Both of them are arguing about what language there will be in heaven. The American says, "we are all going to speak English in heaven" and the Italian says, " we are all going to speak Italian in heaven". Well the next week they both die and as Peter opens the gates to heaven he runs out saying "Bienvenidos!" (Welcome in Spanish).
Haha so just so you know we will all be speaking Spanish in heaven. =) This was how one of our professors welcomed us to language school.
May 02, 2011
What I am reading lately....
Lately I have been reading "Love has a Price Tag" by Elisabeth Elliott. The different articles featured in her book have really been making me think. The section I read yesterday was on personality tests and how she did not really like them, because according to them anything goes. You are fine the way you are and if anyone tells you different then they are the ones who need help (pg 25).
Well, I do like personality test but I think it is important to use them to help improve oneself. Don't just be another type or American, but be the person God has made you to be. Strive to learn about others and share ideas, and know that not everyone has to agree with your thoughts or ideas. I actually like it more when people disagree with me because then it gives me the chance to grow änd understand something different.
It also important I believe to make distinctions. As Elisabeth mentioned and I agree that is important to make distinctions between race, color, and sex, because the difference in people is something to be embraced and can help us understand something outside of ourselves. The God I worship is a diverse God. Just look at all the different types of flowers, trees, and birds. All of them were made by Him and for Him.
Does this mean then that anything goes? That everything needs to be embraced and is permissible? Absolutely not! If we identify the distinctions, then we also can identify the distinctions between good and evil. No one is perfect. In fact everyone has some evil in their life, but that is why we look to what is good. We look to God and His word for guidance.
Our God is a diverse God but He is also a jealous God. He hates that which is evil. This is why we hate what is evil and cling to what is good. In every race and sex we will find some evil, but we will also find some good, no matter how small it may seem. This is why it is important for us, no matter our race, color, or sex, but we all must "be trained by practice and taught by the Spirit of God to make the strong and sharp distinctions so essential to Christian character" (Elisabeth Elliot).
Well, I do like personality test but I think it is important to use them to help improve oneself. Don't just be another type or American, but be the person God has made you to be. Strive to learn about others and share ideas, and know that not everyone has to agree with your thoughts or ideas. I actually like it more when people disagree with me because then it gives me the chance to grow änd understand something different.
It also important I believe to make distinctions. As Elisabeth mentioned and I agree that is important to make distinctions between race, color, and sex, because the difference in people is something to be embraced and can help us understand something outside of ourselves. The God I worship is a diverse God. Just look at all the different types of flowers, trees, and birds. All of them were made by Him and for Him.
Does this mean then that anything goes? That everything needs to be embraced and is permissible? Absolutely not! If we identify the distinctions, then we also can identify the distinctions between good and evil. No one is perfect. In fact everyone has some evil in their life, but that is why we look to what is good. We look to God and His word for guidance.
Our God is a diverse God but He is also a jealous God. He hates that which is evil. This is why we hate what is evil and cling to what is good. In every race and sex we will find some evil, but we will also find some good, no matter how small it may seem. This is why it is important for us, no matter our race, color, or sex, but we all must "be trained by practice and taught by the Spirit of God to make the strong and sharp distinctions so essential to Christian character" (Elisabeth Elliot).
May 01, 2011
Sunday sunny with a chance of rain......
This past week has been really good. Since, I have arrived in Costa Rica I have been exploring a bit of the city of San Jose and practicing some of my Spanish. Kelly showed me the other day where to go for a taxi, which is a major source of transportation here. She also took me to the mall and yesterday we went to a movie with some of the teachers from the children's school, which is connected to the language institute.
It has been good to get out and see parts of the city because it is really a great way to learn about the culture. You get to see how people interact and dress. I have already learned some things not to do. For example, there is a certain way to motion for a taxi and another way could mean you are trying seduce the driver. Also, you are not suppose to point I am not sure what that means but I know I am just not suppose to do it.
One of my favorite parts of Costa Rica besides the wonderful people is the coffee! I drink at least 3 cups a day. One in the morning, one in the afternoon (this is a Costa Rican tradition), and sometimes one in the evening. The coffee is really strong but for some reason it does not bother me. I don't add any sugar and only a spoonful of milk. Oh it is so delicious! Also, while i have been out I have been able to see some of the places to eat and besides the local shops there are alot of American fast food places here. KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell (which for some reason I find this really disturbing), Subway, and Burger King. Just so you know I plan on not eating at any of those places. My host family provides all of my meals except for on Sunday and Mami is a wonderful cook! She cooks very healthy. If you like rice, beans, vegetables, and some meat this is the place for you, and I am loving it.
Yesterday, Kelly and I went to the movies to see Thor, which to my surprise I really enjoyed. Most of the movies here are in English with Spanish subtitles except for kids movies which are in Spanish. I also can say that I love the movie theatre. We went VIP style which cost a little less than a movie in the States, and we got comfy chairs and lunch served in the theatre (which cost extra). It was really a nice treat. In the future, if I ever had a really bad day I would go back.
Then when we got back I decided to go read in the park. We live very close to two parks both of which are very nice. I am finding out that my dark skin and hair works in my favor because most people don't bother as much as other Americans. Although, most of the people I talk to already think I speak Spanish which can be confusing.
Well now I am getting ready to go to church with Kelly, which will be all in Spanish. Next week, I am planning on going to try to find another church. The school gave us a list of churches and there are three on there that I might try.
Also, just a quick update my sinus infection is starting to clear up but my allergies are going rapid here so I have to continue taking my seasonal allergy medicine.
It has been good to get out and see parts of the city because it is really a great way to learn about the culture. You get to see how people interact and dress. I have already learned some things not to do. For example, there is a certain way to motion for a taxi and another way could mean you are trying seduce the driver. Also, you are not suppose to point I am not sure what that means but I know I am just not suppose to do it.
One of my favorite parts of Costa Rica besides the wonderful people is the coffee! I drink at least 3 cups a day. One in the morning, one in the afternoon (this is a Costa Rican tradition), and sometimes one in the evening. The coffee is really strong but for some reason it does not bother me. I don't add any sugar and only a spoonful of milk. Oh it is so delicious! Also, while i have been out I have been able to see some of the places to eat and besides the local shops there are alot of American fast food places here. KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell (which for some reason I find this really disturbing), Subway, and Burger King. Just so you know I plan on not eating at any of those places. My host family provides all of my meals except for on Sunday and Mami is a wonderful cook! She cooks very healthy. If you like rice, beans, vegetables, and some meat this is the place for you, and I am loving it.
Yesterday, Kelly and I went to the movies to see Thor, which to my surprise I really enjoyed. Most of the movies here are in English with Spanish subtitles except for kids movies which are in Spanish. I also can say that I love the movie theatre. We went VIP style which cost a little less than a movie in the States, and we got comfy chairs and lunch served in the theatre (which cost extra). It was really a nice treat. In the future, if I ever had a really bad day I would go back.
Then when we got back I decided to go read in the park. We live very close to two parks both of which are very nice. I am finding out that my dark skin and hair works in my favor because most people don't bother as much as other Americans. Although, most of the people I talk to already think I speak Spanish which can be confusing.
Well now I am getting ready to go to church with Kelly, which will be all in Spanish. Next week, I am planning on going to try to find another church. The school gave us a list of churches and there are three on there that I might try.
Also, just a quick update my sinus infection is starting to clear up but my allergies are going rapid here so I have to continue taking my seasonal allergy medicine.
April 30, 2011
Financial and Prayer Support
A friend of mine just asked me about support and I wanted to let everyone know that I am still in need of financial and prayer support. I am finding out that there are some expenses that were not factored into my original budget. For example, Costa Rican transportation and a few school fees here and there, so if you would consider partnering with me I would greatly appreciate it! Just let my mother Jessica know by e-mailing her at jessica@christiscentral.com . She is handling all of my support while i am out of the states and if you would like a prayer card please contact her with your name and address.
P.S.
Since I am classified as an independent missionary all checks are made out to me, Chelsea Davis . Thank you all so much for all of your prayers and support!
P.S.
Since I am classified as an independent missionary all checks are made out to me, Chelsea Davis . Thank you all so much for all of your prayers and support!
Trust in the Lord (Exodus 5,6,7:1-13)
In six different sections Moses questions God. "Why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with flattering lips?". From what I can tell Moses did not have much trust in God. The Lord told Moses over and over again, "I am the Lord".
I believe this was the Lord's way of saying, "Trust in me Moses everything will be okay". The Lord was making Himself known to not only Moses but to all of Israel. God has compassion on His children and wanted to be close to them. He had remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and now He was fulfilling His promise.
All that Moses needed to do was trust in the Lord and follow His commands. I think after all of his questioning and doubting Moses finally got it! After his last protest against going to speak to Pharaoh, I think Moses realized that everything was going to be okay. Even though, at this time all of the Israelites were complaining because their labor had increased and despite being 80, Moses still did just as the Lord commanded him.
I trust is the Lord and even though I know things will get harder. I know that the Lord is Lord. He is the Great I Am. I may not know why I am here but God does. He has sent me here for a reason. "It is not our experiences which in the final analysis change us, it is always and only our response to those experiences" (Elisabeth Elliot). Moses responded to the Lord by following His commands and I choose to follow the Lord wherever He may lead.
I believe this was the Lord's way of saying, "Trust in me Moses everything will be okay". The Lord was making Himself known to not only Moses but to all of Israel. God has compassion on His children and wanted to be close to them. He had remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and now He was fulfilling His promise.
All that Moses needed to do was trust in the Lord and follow His commands. I think after all of his questioning and doubting Moses finally got it! After his last protest against going to speak to Pharaoh, I think Moses realized that everything was going to be okay. Even though, at this time all of the Israelites were complaining because their labor had increased and despite being 80, Moses still did just as the Lord commanded him.
I trust is the Lord and even though I know things will get harder. I know that the Lord is Lord. He is the Great I Am. I may not know why I am here but God does. He has sent me here for a reason. "It is not our experiences which in the final analysis change us, it is always and only our response to those experiences" (Elisabeth Elliot). Moses responded to the Lord by following His commands and I choose to follow the Lord wherever He may lead.
April 29, 2011
Who am I? Exodus 3 and 4
I would say right now that I am identifying the most with Moses. Who am I to come to Costa Rica and learn Spanish? Why Lord have you sent me? Couldn't you send someone else? What if I learn Spanish and no one listens to me?
Moses had a ton of questions and concerns when God chose him to go back to Egypt to free His people. Even though, God's anger burned against him God still used Moses to do His work. God's anger probably burns against me for all of my fear, worry, and self-doubt, but I know God loves me. I know that despite all of my fears, worries, and doubt God still wants me to do His work. Even though, I am not the most qualified or the most intelligent God still has a purpose and a plan for my life. He has a purpose for sending me here.
I just pray that when I open my mouth speaking Spanish that He will send people to listen and that He will be glorified, because the Lord knows that the hardest part for me will be opening my mouth and speaking.
Moses had a ton of questions and concerns when God chose him to go back to Egypt to free His people. Even though, God's anger burned against him God still used Moses to do His work. God's anger probably burns against me for all of my fear, worry, and self-doubt, but I know God loves me. I know that despite all of my fears, worries, and doubt God still wants me to do His work. Even though, I am not the most qualified or the most intelligent God still has a purpose and a plan for my life. He has a purpose for sending me here.
I just pray that when I open my mouth speaking Spanish that He will send people to listen and that He will be glorified, because the Lord knows that the hardest part for me will be opening my mouth and speaking.
April 28, 2011
One day down....
School went well today. We had orientation at 7:30am so I woke up a bit earlier than what I am use to, but everything went well. The school is fairly small so it should be easy to find my way around after at least a week. I ended up not being able to find the chapel today and then I took my test with me instead of returning it to the office, but those things are bound to happen occasionally I guess.
I met some very nice people today at the school. I met all of the staff and new students. There are approximately 28 new students starting this trimester, 10 of which are families and the rest are single woman like myself. Although I am the only independent missionary this trimester. After introducing one another we all went and took our placement testing and broke into groups to learn about living with a tico family. It was there that I realized how fortunate i am to have such wonderful family. I don't have to worry about most of the concerns that other students brought up because Mami is very understanding and good at explaining how everything is the house works. One cultural difference here is that everyone in the house leaves their doors open, this shows the other family members that everything is okay and that anyone is welcome into any room. Also, everyone wears their shoes indoors all the time and hygiene is very important everyone showers in the morning everyday. The front gates also always stay locked. Security here is very important to the families.
In the handbook today I learned about different opportunities for ministry here in SAN Jose. A few of which deal with children so possibly next week I will look into helping in one of those ministries. This Sunday I am going to look for a church, the school also provides us with list of churches in the area. I also learned at school today that they are organizing a trip to Panama this coming June for students who need to leave the country for 72 hrs. (this is for the students, like me, who are not applying for a student visa). So this June I will heading to Panama with group of students. I am really looking
forward to bonding with some of the girls. I made one friend today from Taiwan. Her name is Nai-shu and she is super friendly. I just love her. We got along right away. She speaks some English but is now trying to learn Spanish since her newlywed husband is a resident of Costs Rica. Kelly my big sister has also been a huge help in getting transitioned and showing me around San Jose and the school. Today we took a bus downtown to pequeno mundo, it is like the Costa Rican Sams Club. Everything is pretty expensive here so it is good to shop around for good prices. I am very grateful that I don't have to buy very much since I brought most of my things with me but there are a few things here and there that I have found to be helpful. Klenex being one of them since my allergies still have not cleared up since my arrival.
I met some very nice people today at the school. I met all of the staff and new students. There are approximately 28 new students starting this trimester, 10 of which are families and the rest are single woman like myself. Although I am the only independent missionary this trimester. After introducing one another we all went and took our placement testing and broke into groups to learn about living with a tico family. It was there that I realized how fortunate i am to have such wonderful family. I don't have to worry about most of the concerns that other students brought up because Mami is very understanding and good at explaining how everything is the house works. One cultural difference here is that everyone in the house leaves their doors open, this shows the other family members that everything is okay and that anyone is welcome into any room. Also, everyone wears their shoes indoors all the time and hygiene is very important everyone showers in the morning everyday. The front gates also always stay locked. Security here is very important to the families.
In the handbook today I learned about different opportunities for ministry here in SAN Jose. A few of which deal with children so possibly next week I will look into helping in one of those ministries. This Sunday I am going to look for a church, the school also provides us with list of churches in the area. I also learned at school today that they are organizing a trip to Panama this coming June for students who need to leave the country for 72 hrs. (this is for the students, like me, who are not applying for a student visa). So this June I will heading to Panama with group of students. I am really looking
forward to bonding with some of the girls. I made one friend today from Taiwan. Her name is Nai-shu and she is super friendly. I just love her. We got along right away. She speaks some English but is now trying to learn Spanish since her newlywed husband is a resident of Costs Rica. Kelly my big sister has also been a huge help in getting transitioned and showing me around San Jose and the school. Today we took a bus downtown to pequeno mundo, it is like the Costa Rican Sams Club. Everything is pretty expensive here so it is good to shop around for good prices. I am very grateful that I don't have to buy very much since I brought most of my things with me but there are a few things here and there that I have found to be helpful. Klenex being one of them since my allergies still have not cleared up since my arrival.
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