Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Creature Fear

      During the day here its been very very hot. The heat makes you not even want to be outside. Its the kind of heat with strong hot wind blowing that gives you a head ache if staying in it too long. This is the kind of weather that makes you immediately regret not drinking enough water to start the day. It is the kind of weather that attracts bugs inside to any place that is cool which happens to be our homes. For instance today, from the corner of my eye i saw a fat black dot moving across my floor when i turned to look i saw a giant cockroach creepin around my floor.

     But you forget about those cons and they are nothing compared to the evening. Why? Because around 7 pm the best part of the day takes over all the bad is forgotten. You cant remember anything about the bugs, headaches, or sweat because the joy you get when you step outside takes over. You cant help but to fall in love with everything around and the awesome weather that God has given. The heat, ya its stinkin hot but i feel that He makes it so hot in order for us to praise Him when the night is cool and beautiful. He made it so that in the evening we can appreciate this amazing feeling. The wind has turned from dry hot air to cool breeze that makes you want to stay in it forever. And the stars that are out are incredible... I don't see stars like this in California where i live. This is something else, you can see EVERYTHING. The sky is full of His handiwork! I would lay on the cement and gaze all night. I love Mexico.


I don't know if i have taken the time to thank God for letting me here.  Seriously, He knows that I love Sign Language and the Deaf community and being here in Mexico but that doesn't mean that He had to let me be here... I could be somewhere else doing something totally different. The fact that I am here and able to use everything i can for Him is so cool, such a privilege. Its a big deal, this is all for Him, these kids/students are all His and I am going to be teaching them (with others teachers) about their Creator and basics to learn so they can go out on their own in the world to help others. Its not going to be easy at times i know but i think its just rad that God is letting me be a little part in His sweet plan.

OK, now im rambling.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Lord I Love You

What do i love?
-  I love that You are ALWAYS faithful.
- That His love is unconditional.
- I love that you created each one of us different. You did imagine us before we were ever born and i am what you wanted. You love this broken person.
- I love how you care for all of us. No one has less love from you than another.
- You love us even though we don't always love you, even though we continue to sin and mess everything up.
- Abba I love your creativity. All your creation screams how holy You are.
- I love the sky You created! The sunrise early with the morning air, the beautiful sunset i get to see every evening before i gaze at the night sky thank you for the stars
Lord I love You
- I love that You give me peace
- I love how you whisper to me softly and kindly when I'm hurting to remind me Your here
- I love when you correct me when I am wrong Not angry, always patient and loving
- I love Your Presence
- I love that Your grace is enough
- I love that I can just sit with You, never have to say anything just get to be with You
Lord I love You
- I love how You already have won
- I love that You amaze me leaving me speechless
- I love how You inspire us, give us dreams for Your Glory
- I love that You know me better than anyone, even better than i know myself
- I love that You take me as i am broken and worn out, beautiful to You
I love The Holy Spirit alive in me
 Thank you

Friday, August 26, 2011

clean clean clean

Yesterday Olivia and I had the jobs to clean our own classrooms and also I needed to clean the teacher office/library. Boy was it dirty! My elbow grease skills came in handy for cleaning the walls... thanks mom.  Loads of bugs including ALL kinds of spiders, stink bugs, cockroach, flies, gnats, and pincher bugs. Anyways, I actually did have fun cleaning, getting to dance around and sing. I did get a bit distracted by the amount of books. the ranch has some awesome Christian books that have been donated!

Anyways we cleaned the rooms a lot this week. We also sweat a lot this week... it been in the hundreds here since Sunday. This after noon Eddie is taking us on a $20 dollar tour of Ensenada. Ha he is making lots of money off us. Oh but he says $5 for children, which are not here...So we are gonna see where good places are to do laundry (if needed for some reason), eat tacos, the best gelato, and a bunch of other random things.
Should be fun! Maybe I'll have pictures

Tomorrow we all have a free day. Which means we can go anywhere for the day. Were all going to the States to buy things and just get out for a bit. Olivia needs to buy a table and dvd player.We both don't have cars here so were gonna hitch a ride with the other staff.


Adios

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

closer

   I'm not sure of anything except for the fact that I know I am in the center of Gods will. It is only because of Him that I am where I am now. I cant do anything with out Him guiding me and teaching me. When I forget that He brought me here to share His glory and love I get caught up in not being good enough for other people or as skilled as others. Always after I think discouraging thoughts He always corrects me and shows me why I am here. We are all different, not meant to be clones. He knows there is something I can bring for His kingdom. Maybe I don't know what that looks like yet but He is teaching me to fully trust in Him and all my fears fade away of this world and people and joy takes over.

      " I am all around you, hovering over you even as you seek My Face. I am nearer than you dare to believe, closer than the air you breathe. If My children could only recognize My Presence, they would never feel lonely again. I know every thought before you think it, every word before you speak it. My Presence impinges on your innermost being. Can you see the absurdity of trying to hide anything from Me? You can easily deceive other people, and even yourself; but I read you like an open, large-print book.
       Deep within themselves, most people have some awareness of My imminent Presence. Many people run from Me and vehemently deny My existence, because My closeness terrifies them. But My own children have nothing to fear, for I have cleansed them by My blood and clothed them in My righteousness. Be blessed by My intimate nearness. Since I live in you, let Me also live through you, shining My Light into the darkness."

Psalm 139 : 1-4 ; Ephesians 2 : 13 ; 2 Corinthians 5 : 21 -Sarah Young. Jesus Calling

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

From your loving Father

      "Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one-as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Issac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.
      When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch and see what I will do. "

                     Genesis 22: 9-12 ; Ephesians 3: 20 ; Exodus 33:14

Monday, August 22, 2011

practice time

Well, I have a lot of learning and practicing to do...
I found flash cards with Spanish on them to learn faster! Hopefully that will help. Also I gotta learn LSM Ive been learning a lot already from the other teachers but being with Olivia a lot she is able to help me, I ask her a TON of questions... I tend to forget a lot but we laugh about it. Ha practice practice practice.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Jesus calling

Well got to Rancho Sordo Mudo yesterday around one in the afternoon... not many people where here. Basically right away we started to clean my new apt out, any dead bugs or webs or dirt. Anyways so we cleaned and moved the furniture around and stated to bring in all of my things. Already in the room was a couch, table, chairs, TV (only works for dvds),a few dressers, a big book shelf and a mini fridge and microwave! I'd say that's pretty great! So my mom, grandma, and I added nice touched to the rooms. Around 9 last night Olivia my roommate arrived. Only shes not my roommate anymore. When I arrived I found out that her and I got to have our own rooms! So she is now right next door so still very exciting!!


So this morning we all woke up around 8 and got ready for breakfast. I had the chance to sit down while it was quiet and read a devotional I got a few days ago called Jesus Calling.
 It was pretty awesome. God totally spoke to me and got through exactly what was needed. I don't know if you have ever had that when you are going through something and God just reassures you and speaks right into your life and into your heart. He knew exactly what I needed and what I was going through.

Here is what He said:
    "Wait with me for a while. I have so much to tell you. You are walking along the  path I have chosen for you. It is both  a privileged and a perilous way: experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others. Sometimes you feel presumptuous to be carrying out such an assignment.
      Do not worry about what other people think of you. The work I am doing in you is hidden at first. But eventually blossoms will burst forth, and abundant fruit will be borne. Stay on the path of Life with Me. Trust Me wholeheartedly, letting My spirit fill you with Joy and Peace."

1 kings 8: 23; Galatians 5: 22-23

Thursday, August 18, 2011

off

Tomorrow I am outta here. Driving to Palm Dessert to meet with the grandparents. Gonna sleep overnight at they're house then Saturday morning were off! Mom dad nana and pop are bringing me to Mexico, should be interesting! So please pray for patience for every one of us in our vehicle driving down and for safety and ease going through the border! Pray that the guards don't even bother looking into our trunk or even question why I have so many boxes and luggage. I will be praying that God guides the car and surrounds us with his presence.

As much as I am praying for God to prepare me and my heart for this school year the kids attending the school need prayer also. I have no idea what to expect but I know we are all at the ranch for His plan and He is preparing them just as much as me!

Keep Sweet

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Everything has changed

Until yesterday I had been avoiding thoughts about leaving the states and how going to Mexico for a few months would be. I guess I will not really know until I am living there and experiencing it how I will feel. But still maybe I was trying to avoid my emotions...but these emotions I have need to come out, they were created by God for a reason.  I am very very excited to move to RSM. I can not wait to get to know everyone and grow so much with my walk. However... at first I was feeling a bit scared thinking that I am so young and not experienced with being on my own or knowing certain "skills".  I didn't know how the people I would be living with would react. I realize finally that my age doesn't matter one bit. All God wants of me is to be willing and motivated by love, His perfect beautiful love.  If anything, it is better this way. Maybe I can be more affective or relate to the kids, obviously He has me here for a reason and I do not want to doubt Him one bit.  Now I am embracing my age and not letting it get to me. Sometimes satin uses stupid worries of ours to get to us so we are not affective for Yahweh's Kingdom. I will not let his lies reach me any longer. I want to be used for God and he knows it. 

Highlight of the week:
Meeting my roommate (well on e mail) Olivia! She is from Oregon and this is her first time being at the ranch. She is doing the same job as I am... which is assisting the teachers, kitchen, oversee children during free time and during meals, teaching chapel, and work programs. We get to switch off the duties and figure all that out.   We are both arriving the same day the 20th. She is flying in and I am driving with some of my family. Its going to be fun and interesting. She is Deaf and this is great she can teach me to be better at ASL and her and I can learn LSM together!

Last week I had the chance to got to RSM with a group from my church The Bridge and visit and our new place. Its so cute and Olivia and I get to add our own flava to it! I really do love Rancho Sordo Mudo. While we were there a few of us girls got to clean the boys dorm bunks and dust a bit. We had the chance to pray specifically for each bunk bed for the boy in each bed. Getting to pray for someone before you meet them is so cool. The concept that you can really care for someone and love them but even don't know them is strange yet its so sweet.