tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78610317382129233782024-03-05T09:26:44.301-08:00Mexico BoundSpreading His glory to the people of Chiapas, Mexicomexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-19870886447551125032012-08-04T19:49:00.000-07:002012-08-04T19:49:59.867-07:00Changes for NowWow, August already and I've hardly had any posts on here. So sorry everyone. Life has just been.... life. It's been crazy and fun and at times hard but God has remained the same through it all.
Some changes that have happened: My nephew Elijah did actually make it into the world safe and sound. We have enjoyed him so much. His parents and him are moved back home from the south. Guess they just couldn't outrun their roots :)
I am switching blogs again. It's been a few years and I just feel it's time to. This has been an amazing chapter in my life but it has indeed come to an end. I'm not saying I'll never end up in Mexico again but for right now, I don't know where God is going to take me. So until He leads me to the next step, I will continue serving Him as best I can from where I am.
Thank you all for being such great supporters. I appreciate it alot. My new blog is: missionarygirlinthemaking.blogspot.com.
May God richly bless you all!
Here's a picture to leave you all with. Me and my sweet Lijah Boy. What a joy he is!
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mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-56698240757358728842012-04-04T08:14:00.002-07:002012-04-08T15:30:38.022-07:00He's Almost Here!My sweet nephew's due date is a week and a day from today!!!! I am beyond excited to meet this little precious man. Please pray Katy has a safe delivery. My sister Jen and I are traveling down south with Jason's two younger siblings for 3 weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to get in on the delivery since midwifery fascinates me. <br /><br /> Which brings me to another point: For this year, I am waiting on the Lord and workign to save money for school for next year. Which school, you ask? I really would love to go to Newlife International School of Midwifery in Davao City, Philippines but there are only a choice few who are accepted. I'm planning to apply for that in November or December. If that doesn't work out, I'm going to apply to bible school. Walking by faith and not by sight is SO hard. Please pray that I will not waver in my calling. The Lord is faithful to me!mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-24505706743061846012012-03-22T18:51:00.004-07:002012-04-06T07:19:44.775-07:00Almost April???I promise, I did not forget about you all. Life is crazy as usual. Times change so quickly. My brother and I traveled down south to visit our sisters and brother-in-law for a week. While there, our beautiful dog Josie Pie was killed in the road. it was obviously totally not expected and our family grieved. But the Lord is so faithful. He provided another puppy (Josie's niece) who needed a home because she is blind in one eye. She's a 7 week old ball of fluff and so cute. We named her Lindy Rose. I'll call her Lindy Lou Who (a play off of Cindy Lou Who from The Grinch). <br /><br />Josie Pie, a wonderful dog who is greatly missed<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CSIaJlzOnWZlElMuYo2BxYiZOm9oWDnOJNGz_drKnu6x78owd-9RL4FEu5KSoInMEZLoPvFLaSprM7a0aP1PHLjRC1h-cRZ7Ib4o1V2WvYtgAJUu9rT1KoWdCVsacagqKA3PjWSgR28/s1600/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CSIaJlzOnWZlElMuYo2BxYiZOm9oWDnOJNGz_drKnu6x78owd-9RL4FEu5KSoInMEZLoPvFLaSprM7a0aP1PHLjRC1h-cRZ7Ib4o1V2WvYtgAJUu9rT1KoWdCVsacagqKA3PjWSgR28/s320/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722905343206580418" /></a><br /><br /><br /> In other news, I am going to be an aunt very soon! My sister Katy is due any day now. AHHHHH this is SO exciting!!!! I can't wait for the little guy to make his apperance into this world! Updates will follow on the birth, ect. Blessings!mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-65812232172643442502012-02-11T19:05:00.000-08:002012-02-11T19:17:14.525-08:00Mi Hermanito!!It's official: My (not so) little brother has been accepted to a christian university. He did really well on his ACT and landed a nice scholarship. What a blessing!<br /><br /> This is bittersweet for me though. It means my brother will be moving 8 hours away. I'm SO happy for him as he starts out on this new venture but it's like a chapter of our lives is closing. I'll be the only sibling left at home now. I guess that's not a bad thing 'cause it means more living space for me :P But I'll really miss my brother alot.<br /><br /> I am so proud of Danny. He is going to do great at college. I can't wait 'til he brings home a girl with a ring on her finger :)<br /><br /><br />We are strange birds. But you know what they say "Birds of a feather flock together :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnfMQvFlSe2vW23l3CQU8Om_G5Y_rQ3dS0byxav3hwyCTwrfmYMnvMfo5KZnRrY_VCMvHZQ3fUlvQb1Epa_QS-AHMLdKIzgeTTU21QqHjxrP7aZb7JXgO61L0GDtRgcfkXLcZ-D6yUTU/s1600/167746_10150381454850414_894445413_16880206_3481332_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708081467628504226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnfMQvFlSe2vW23l3CQU8Om_G5Y_rQ3dS0byxav3hwyCTwrfmYMnvMfo5KZnRrY_VCMvHZQ3fUlvQb1Epa_QS-AHMLdKIzgeTTU21QqHjxrP7aZb7JXgO61L0GDtRgcfkXLcZ-D6yUTU/s320/167746_10150381454850414_894445413_16880206_3481332_n%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Parasailing in Key West<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vmDAvpY-6dRNWbG_viB3uc33PbDsLIUKVPA2II8e0PHUimBfmV1VvLKcE9whBf-LxAZmaEj6mqwPVWgPSK_B3VRILWqvOChSvRizv7ek8B6VRs5Y37Gl_hcnJkBDIOy0VmlPHCGf8Ro/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708082331490345458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vmDAvpY-6dRNWbG_viB3uc33PbDsLIUKVPA2II8e0PHUimBfmV1VvLKcE9whBf-LxAZmaEj6mqwPVWgPSK_B3VRILWqvOChSvRizv7ek8B6VRs5Y37Gl_hcnJkBDIOy0VmlPHCGf8Ro/s320/IMG_3068.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />We went to Applebees to celebrate with a ginormous cookie sunday. Yum!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwdAnsrPiDWHE9gGW8CiDti-ehDNe5p6dE8L9qCgkrBPCUK7BYoz5I4HhVvaGHUukfM7zS3BEUmQIJFhGHkyJhPdmp5u7L8NTkLXhN2b67kMy_DOj5eoPivcROHVoR4aRMvofBGMJpiE/s1600/Applebees+Celebration+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708081752226840242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwdAnsrPiDWHE9gGW8CiDti-ehDNe5p6dE8L9qCgkrBPCUK7BYoz5I4HhVvaGHUukfM7zS3BEUmQIJFhGHkyJhPdmp5u7L8NTkLXhN2b67kMy_DOj5eoPivcROHVoR4aRMvofBGMJpiE/s320/Applebees+Celebration+008.JPG" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-9314659221756914132012-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:002012-02-08T14:18:23.570-08:00Things to Look Forward To...There are many aspects I'm looking forward to with this trip to Chiapas. Seeing my friends and meeting their families are obviously on the top of my list. Then there are some not so meaningful ones that might make me seem a little off my rocker :)<br /><br /> First, I'm looking forward to getting a tan. Here in NY the sun doesn't shine too much. I'm sick of looking all white and can't wait to be sun kissed. (Let's hope it that process doesn't involve sun poisoning!)<br /><br /> Another thing I'm looking forward to is rambutan! What is that, you ask? It's a jungle fruit that is spikey on the outside and sweet and juicy on the inside. YUM!!!! Our Wegmans carried it for a little while and when I heard I rushed in to the store SO excited. I looked and looked and couldn't find any but then I found a few shriveled up black fruit that was $10 a pound!!! What!?! So yeah, I can't wait to eat them to my heart's content! Here's a picture of them so you get the idea what they look like.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_9IU8ye2xsQvQfWLPmNeJ0ut3eqGDHnudaVq2ul6hnhym6ZnI1svOwglf61xshAPxANl5ARolq-7ejXwP6CplEj15uoGsbBLfh3lLbfAUn-8GSj0OXJuAdEAbSh9VRkfFPi21EZ1ayY/s1600/20110605-IMG_3932-Henry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_9IU8ye2xsQvQfWLPmNeJ0ut3eqGDHnudaVq2ul6hnhym6ZnI1svOwglf61xshAPxANl5ARolq-7ejXwP6CplEj15uoGsbBLfh3lLbfAUn-8GSj0OXJuAdEAbSh9VRkfFPi21EZ1ayY/s320/20110605-IMG_3932-Henry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706887369325988802" /></a><br /><br /> I can't wait to be back in the jungle, smelling the tropical smells (well, the good ones anyway), hearing the noises, and seeing all the beautiful colors. The scenery is breathtaking! I thought NY was beautiful but it doesn't compare to the untouched beauty of the Chiapas mountains and jungles. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWXBl4b-Sdo0ANBQoA6Zgu037w9rIeX0zEuCQwVteIUBdURXI4BPCyD9MtQTv3cvIUnQnUX0MUQqaX3YITQCXTPIGgm5B79dJSQjMMCtD7Y14rU15rOWrNGmp_3R4QKylHZfdUcPBBPI/s1600/20110622-IMG_1990-Stephen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWXBl4b-Sdo0ANBQoA6Zgu037w9rIeX0zEuCQwVteIUBdURXI4BPCyD9MtQTv3cvIUnQnUX0MUQqaX3YITQCXTPIGgm5B79dJSQjMMCtD7Y14rU15rOWrNGmp_3R4QKylHZfdUcPBBPI/s320/20110622-IMG_1990-Stephen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706889345694466626" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNReja3H139wvlCco3T4LNn99EvHeCzx9QJ4Y4l7TV1LQCYYkZh8YhMl5oCg03g4qPkWz-26pJPuxXLzHpZf5NrHeu2vCKOhkL4jz4wj0TWC1IKq36HH7UOjq89LiWRO5N5ikVwD8mFo/s1600/20110624-IMG_3119-Chris.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNReja3H139wvlCco3T4LNn99EvHeCzx9QJ4Y4l7TV1LQCYYkZh8YhMl5oCg03g4qPkWz-26pJPuxXLzHpZf5NrHeu2vCKOhkL4jz4wj0TWC1IKq36HH7UOjq89LiWRO5N5ikVwD8mFo/s320/20110624-IMG_3119-Chris.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706891831509954770" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLtjxjqMQqw8Fh-cGTmzBlk2ax6oVG1i1-yjTir1mjJajBbNlybn6tv2MnSKLmlVkbzbE7ZBkfjDdAI_Oou06dl88WE4eKqop69kK-H4bb2QkG0mQFwkMrZLZLcyvRlcoNZ3akf_36l4/s1600/20110610-IMG_0966-Stephen-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLtjxjqMQqw8Fh-cGTmzBlk2ax6oVG1i1-yjTir1mjJajBbNlybn6tv2MnSKLmlVkbzbE7ZBkfjDdAI_Oou06dl88WE4eKqop69kK-H4bb2QkG0mQFwkMrZLZLcyvRlcoNZ3akf_36l4/s320/20110610-IMG_0966-Stephen-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706891069625958882" /></a><br /><br /> Of course where the gringas are, kids will follow. It's like we're a side show at a circus. Kids will always be pressed up close to us, wanting to look at us. They smell our hair and skin. I can't wait for this next big adventure to Chiapas!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj201CIUXe1sMhJ0wI9tBRYFiaPlslwQTs9bYHcyczHucX5y11tCs2pSz-VcnqOCUKcn-7Aiz0ut2PQ9-HPwf2uJHOliWNvzZYf2zERftSzRNKCrRneYmD7WBLaodHBnFfJ8yFcJVdKfYI/s1600/20110608-IMG_0748-Stephen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj201CIUXe1sMhJ0wI9tBRYFiaPlslwQTs9bYHcyczHucX5y11tCs2pSz-VcnqOCUKcn-7Aiz0ut2PQ9-HPwf2uJHOliWNvzZYf2zERftSzRNKCrRneYmD7WBLaodHBnFfJ8yFcJVdKfYI/s320/20110608-IMG_0748-Stephen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706892457058927890" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-30183138131122608572012-02-07T14:54:00.000-08:002012-02-07T15:12:04.592-08:00Back so Soon?Wow, I am totally in awe of how our God works. When I left Chiapas this summer I didn't know if I'd ever be back. Well, I'm going back this March with my friend Bethany to visit some amigos who live there. <br /> <br /> This trip kinda fell into my lap. Someone offered to pay for over half my plane ticket. Then my dad gave his blessing for me to go. And when I asked time off of work, it was no problem getting people to work for me. Again, wow.... So here begins a new adventure for me and Bethany. Are we up for the challenge? I think so :)<br /><br />Just another amazing scene. Breathtaking for sure!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvfWJ6cpwPEnBC1-dfV6cJ6uxcpZvA7xtJYpew5shyK-DuCgOiMgxvlkoMrTMaJbj0U62jxCoqEnIjABHSI0RbQEZh_rnAJAeCZvsYTvCxGSl8Ks8ZJti8qM2HmZFUfXT-r4zxKJnxF4/s1600/20110620-IMG_0677-Mandy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvfWJ6cpwPEnBC1-dfV6cJ6uxcpZvA7xtJYpew5shyK-DuCgOiMgxvlkoMrTMaJbj0U62jxCoqEnIjABHSI0RbQEZh_rnAJAeCZvsYTvCxGSl8Ks8ZJti8qM2HmZFUfXT-r4zxKJnxF4/s320/20110620-IMG_0677-Mandy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706535071235681538" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-25827624081789692022012-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:002012-02-01T17:45:00.881-08:00The Big Question: WHY???We've all asked it before at different times.When we were six it might have been "Mommy, why is the sky blue?" Or in our teen years, "But Dad, why can't I take the car out tonight?" For me the question Why has been more along the lines of "God, why is this happening right now?" <br /><br /> Things in life often don't make sense to me. Over the past year or so I've been struggling with the concept of prayer. Why should I pray when God obviously is going to do what He wants whether I ask Him or not. It's more that He COMMANDS us to pray. Jesus didn't say, "If you feel like praying, pray in this manner." He said "WHEN you pray...." That leads me to believe that it needs to be a daily thing. Whether I get what I want or not.<br /><br /> So then, is it wrong to ask God why? I honestly don't think it is. Jesus Himself asked Him when He was hanging on the cross "My God, my God WHY have You forsaken Me?" It's our attitude that determines whether it's wrong or not. I'll have to admit that often I don't have the right attitude when I ask why of the Lord. Too often it's an indignant "How could this dare happen to me or someone I love?" Oh God, that I would be able to accept whatever You have for me without question!<br /><br />Oh that I could have the faith of a child. That's what the Lord delights in, our childlike faith.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iPGMEi8Wet0RA8iwmsTZUbLaJF2rsJNDmlkBUYY-Azoh3GITbC52AYpxthPp5N7yTLg3YT15rZJCErDRN-iiYCe9F5ycfSFe06A1CJ9TFfLN7E6Q89w6EOw_Znh3N2oirYKu01AcPao/s1600/20110622-IMG_2011-Stephen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iPGMEi8Wet0RA8iwmsTZUbLaJF2rsJNDmlkBUYY-Azoh3GITbC52AYpxthPp5N7yTLg3YT15rZJCErDRN-iiYCe9F5ycfSFe06A1CJ9TFfLN7E6Q89w6EOw_Znh3N2oirYKu01AcPao/s320/20110622-IMG_2011-Stephen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704347766457642978" /></a><br /> Just a thought from a very confused girl who's striving to please her Savior. Blessings!!!mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-30531830122048607082012-01-27T13:20:00.001-08:002012-02-01T17:45:31.045-08:00FamilyOur family has seen alot of changes in the past year. We gained a brother when Katy married Jason. They moved down to Florida and are currently helping a church there. Katy is into her third trimester with our first nephew, Elijah. <br /><br /> My other sister Jenny also moved to Florida recently to help with the ministry down there. It has been a big change for me going from having two sisters close by to none. But the Lord is ever faithful to me. Praise be to Him!<br /><br />Our Christmas 2011 picture<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOue5zNccuT3MsHqnKGYmt3AHzx2HMO1wCCRX3_9TMGcX7H8tgUhYzOIxgRYITL1lHirD8r7fCVMVu7nMCuetlrWKy24WOPEdZxCNzqVnO2_tE-43zMmg4nb33fls4fqEVVGQf8Kr_o-k/s1600/IMG_0903.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOue5zNccuT3MsHqnKGYmt3AHzx2HMO1wCCRX3_9TMGcX7H8tgUhYzOIxgRYITL1lHirD8r7fCVMVu7nMCuetlrWKy24WOPEdZxCNzqVnO2_tE-43zMmg4nb33fls4fqEVVGQf8Kr_o-k/s320/IMG_0903.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702424857370000994" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-12849029848551549352012-01-24T15:20:00.000-08:002012-01-24T18:20:53.180-08:00One Memorable NightNo matter where you go in the world, kids are pretty much the same whether they live in the snowy mountains of Nepal or the steamy jungles of South America. Kids are curious, open, and usually friendly. They accept you for who you are and are generally willing to show you around town. At least that's how it was for me in a little village in the Chiapas jungle.<br /><br /> The kids in this village were so willing and eager to show me and a couple teammates the town. They reveled in showing us their bridge and their way of fishing. The bridge connected to a cow pasture that spread up onto a mountain so they were excited about showing us that too.<br /> <br /> Here are a few of my favorite memories from that special afternoon in Caranza: In order to help you picture this you must understand how stinkin' hot it always seems to be in the jungles of Ch'ol. It seems like there is a constant oppressive heat wave whether you are in the shade or not. There are also many insects that seem to thrive on sucking the blood of unsuspecting gringas :)<br /><br /> Our team arrived at Caranza in the afternoon and after unloading all our gear, I was sitting inside the house we were staying at playing with a little girl and a couple little boys. The boys were showing me how to write their names then asked if I'd like to see their bridge and the creek outside. Of course I jumped at this oppertunity. We went down to the bridge with a couple girls from my team and just sat and had the best time of my whole trip!<br /><br /> At nighttime the boys asked if we wanted to go to la cancha (a central basketball/soccer court in the town) to play the sport of choice, soccer. We had so much fun cheering for the teams. Of course I wanted my american friends to win but they didn't. <br /><br /> After we were there for awhile, some of the kids came and told us the rest of our team were up a couple mountains away sitting in a field reading a devotional and did we want to go to them? Sure, why not. To get to that mountain, unbeknownst to me, we had to cross the bridge, go over about three cow pastures and climb two mountains to get to the team. Oh, and did I mention it was the time for the snakes to come out? And we were walking through tall grass with flip flops on? Yeah, the Lord sure was holding the snakes back for us thankfully. Anyway, we crossed the bridge with all the little boys helping us helpless gringas. To get off the bridge, you have to sit down and kind of jump to the ground. It was dark when I attempted to do this but it seemed straightforward enough. I sat and jumped but instead of my feet hitting the ground like I expected, I found myself hanging by my pants several inches off the ground. I had gotten hung up on a piece of rebar and could not for the life of me get unstuck. Thankfully a guy from our team was there to help get unstuck. I found I had a good 12 inch rip on my backside. Never was I so thankful for darkness as I was that night!<br /><br /> We finally were able to continue on our little adventure. Since my mishap with the rebar, the little boys figured I was more helpless than the rest so there were at least three boys grouped around me at all times, hovering I guess you could call it, in case I slipped in the mud.<br /><br /> We got to the top of the mountain where my team was and instead of sitting and listening to my leader read, I went off a little ways with a girl my age. We picked a rock to sit on and talked on and on. It was easy to understand her for me because Spanish isn't either of our first language. Girls are kinda funny. We love talking and will make ourselves understood no matter what. The stars were so incredible that night too. Millions of glittering diamonds in the sky. Oh what a glorious night! <br /><br /> How often I wish I could go back to that night high in the mountains with those sweet little boys and girl. It's hard to realize how many of these dear people I'll never meet again in this life. Years ago, a missionary was visiting my family. I asked him why he wouldn't go to Papua New Guinea. (He already traveled extensively in Mexico). He told me he couldn't give his heart to another people. I never understood his reasoning until I traveled to PNG then Mexico. Each little village I visit, I leave part of my heart there with the people. I guess that's part of the cost. A very small price to pay for serving the Lord.<br /><br /> Well this is all that's in my heart for tonight. I hope it ministired to someone in some small way. Bendiciones!<br /><br />The infamous bridge<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLch9eHLibb3WpRd4OrmFbSq__qh4Wg95819L02UCtpK0qJWvs1Q3DAvXKRUW3FjZbPAyu_ecDB8bq_XS8VzPdLdXzJTFLK3JgbYZ7Lm0vZBG1TKy2rM5r_sv0_cKwbCBNg5Pk7drDoL4/s1600/20110620-DSC02539-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLch9eHLibb3WpRd4OrmFbSq__qh4Wg95819L02UCtpK0qJWvs1Q3DAvXKRUW3FjZbPAyu_ecDB8bq_XS8VzPdLdXzJTFLK3JgbYZ7Lm0vZBG1TKy2rM5r_sv0_cKwbCBNg5Pk7drDoL4/s320/20110620-DSC02539-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701344815430070370" /></a><br /><br />A view from the bridge of the creek and cow pasture<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ER3dEtWnvtkbIMieW_3ZNkUp86XD0iLKHUAJZDlzTGaoMDkFVowEEv0BBjAUEQc3_dG8WtEqq2fj_wbHkZ-sljizu3WUfDKwcgx-4ZEQzJeVof3tuXxZp0G27IPJ84a5b0Uozhcu18Y/s1600/20110623-DSC02577-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ER3dEtWnvtkbIMieW_3ZNkUp86XD0iLKHUAJZDlzTGaoMDkFVowEEv0BBjAUEQc3_dG8WtEqq2fj_wbHkZ-sljizu3WUfDKwcgx-4ZEQzJeVof3tuXxZp0G27IPJ84a5b0Uozhcu18Y/s320/20110623-DSC02577-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701375724729331298" /></a><br /><br />A sweet little girl who didn't even speak Spanish yet. You don't need to speak her language to love on her though<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLxEW2oDDfzyUxAfpCv0PlR6y030whn3exW87iJ8SdplFUlQad6G_4k5qaG2SdiFnIlNl1HwOibbSRHYEfM2ytm56p3rEMhm9NYuOBWR_8tAkrw0hV7lUYbpF2My9wbfC1wh0kNyMxLU/s1600/20110623-DSC02575-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLxEW2oDDfzyUxAfpCv0PlR6y030whn3exW87iJ8SdplFUlQad6G_4k5qaG2SdiFnIlNl1HwOibbSRHYEfM2ytm56p3rEMhm9NYuOBWR_8tAkrw0hV7lUYbpF2My9wbfC1wh0kNyMxLU/s320/20110623-DSC02575-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701343693857963602" /></a><br /><br />An example of one of the deadly snakes that lurk in the jungles. Thankfully this one was in the zoo in Tuxtla!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWo5gtMhmfA8bBATU4A5nAAXwq-FHxH_UoWkrkpC_2lS2QtBsFynBCmP3MU9mVIR9BfprBZZ-CYop_o_BdhNqtRCxpGvaLYOWstAOubOtdSyQgOQ143tQGie1_KC5x30DKm2FqlWe_C8/s1600/20110614-IMG_1292-Stephen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWo5gtMhmfA8bBATU4A5nAAXwq-FHxH_UoWkrkpC_2lS2QtBsFynBCmP3MU9mVIR9BfprBZZ-CYop_o_BdhNqtRCxpGvaLYOWstAOubOtdSyQgOQ143tQGie1_KC5x30DKm2FqlWe_C8/s320/20110614-IMG_1292-Stephen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701386460769702418" /></a><br /><br /><br />The group at la cancha playing soccer. Gringos vs. Mexico. Pretty sure Mexico won :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4oX17jjAzYDRYxWX-GqpemM8BXUGpzFTF73Px6gR-a5pLlmUaUI3Zh_yNRqYqA5udbCrphu5MdLvDegur_q53F2P9g9U8G_OcsyA12-77HfZdh_cjzLP7SaVSBkPxrkT60p0L0lkTOU/s1600/20110623-DSC02602-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4oX17jjAzYDRYxWX-GqpemM8BXUGpzFTF73Px6gR-a5pLlmUaUI3Zh_yNRqYqA5udbCrphu5MdLvDegur_q53F2P9g9U8G_OcsyA12-77HfZdh_cjzLP7SaVSBkPxrkT60p0L0lkTOU/s320/20110623-DSC02602-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701379012219063874" /></a><br /><br />The gorgeous mountains in Ch'ol<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5gvnx2eSQvf2l-VAmpccnBgPmZd6Jf3WAkZTFO1XoKUdUzxzYZy68mUw3Agv7P_laoLYQq_JPaiw47UwjFMhgAorCksRDPG7bTTEw-I0jq4SdjON5YEbbsUfrCWlmjgiNvTYZXo8EhM/s1600/20110623-IMG_2046-Stephen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5gvnx2eSQvf2l-VAmpccnBgPmZd6Jf3WAkZTFO1XoKUdUzxzYZy68mUw3Agv7P_laoLYQq_JPaiw47UwjFMhgAorCksRDPG7bTTEw-I0jq4SdjON5YEbbsUfrCWlmjgiNvTYZXo8EhM/s320/20110623-IMG_2046-Stephen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701387112442876770" /></a><br /><br />Me and the sweet girl who sat up on the mountain and talked for hours it seemed about our lives. Notice my hair looks incredibly wet. Yeah, that's the humidity...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHbY13Wuxq3YjF9Uvm0QApoY8wfjMlXqiX4lxgjj2LRvbtor3NUaSmez_wCUXUjZfSJxwd6MtOcfYJus7DxQ3h6Mvr3E7ck2DlQr2BoluX64rxMaf6OzZQ2CcNPBWz17ri2GwmL50gaQ/s1600/20110623-DSC02603-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHbY13Wuxq3YjF9Uvm0QApoY8wfjMlXqiX4lxgjj2LRvbtor3NUaSmez_wCUXUjZfSJxwd6MtOcfYJus7DxQ3h6Mvr3E7ck2DlQr2BoluX64rxMaf6OzZQ2CcNPBWz17ri2GwmL50gaQ/s320/20110623-DSC02603-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701380825161060194" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-57673327772139163052012-01-23T18:20:00.000-08:002012-01-23T19:00:46.237-08:00Mexico PicturesThis past summer I had the privilege of spending 6 weeks in Mexico. The first three weeks were pretty much the same as my last trip. We traveled to the jungle two times and spent the rest of the time at the missionaries' house helping with projects. I stayed three extra weeks for language school which proved to be invaluable! I learned so much that I would never have been able to learn in the States. The Lord also blessed me with being able to visit two dear amigos who first inspired me to go to Chiapas. <br /><br /> The team's first week was spent in the jungle. We were high in a mountain region so it wasn't nearly as hot as you might expect with Mexico. We had an interesting mishap on the way to our destination. We weren't even out of San Cristobal when our accident happened. Nathan, the missionary was driving the Yukon around a mountain curve when a tiny car also came whipping around the curve and smashed into our trailer we were pulling. Everyone on our team and our vehicle was fine but the people in the other car were pretty banged up. This unexpected accident delayed our trip an entire day. <br /><br /> We finally got on the road again and continued to the village we planned to stay at. The village we were gonna camp out at the whole week was the equivalent to Hicksville USA except very primitive, without running water and hardly any electricity. There were even horses running around! And there was a community well! Needless to say, the girls on our team were pretty excited at the idea of hanging around waiting for our spouse just like Isaac and Rebekah's story in the bible. Of course it didn't work out like that but it never hurts to try, right? :)<br /><br />The kids are just precious!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zPDPkSq1R9WTmJAhq_9pn18T5RN5zsPq6SbquXCKtXw_Ldd_OLNfzioaZ3TojqBS4t2sSkHX5vvApq0NkoELN0PTBnFmKw56rCzCENUY1x1jJQMEvXodeeh3KCIpI4kWO-8AqwoDi4E/s1600/20110607-DSC02399-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zPDPkSq1R9WTmJAhq_9pn18T5RN5zsPq6SbquXCKtXw_Ldd_OLNfzioaZ3TojqBS4t2sSkHX5vvApq0NkoELN0PTBnFmKw56rCzCENUY1x1jJQMEvXodeeh3KCIpI4kWO-8AqwoDi4E/s320/20110607-DSC02399-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701022443325349474" /></a><br /><br />Our hosts' kitchen. We installed a smokeless stove so they won't have to breath in the smoke all the time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD_62vqBgbTllVI-NJFRk_HldWXyT0XkUFQVXoQrplMr7YhE7QjA1yM0DCz47Wu7bjEXC8cdEZarCkDcK4Yx0lPcqQEIJGRCANEbEbZAZXosCnh6aAwRpwBEmOTO8n5z10i7fhaRa0jc/s1600/20110607-DSC02388-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD_62vqBgbTllVI-NJFRk_HldWXyT0XkUFQVXoQrplMr7YhE7QjA1yM0DCz47Wu7bjEXC8cdEZarCkDcK4Yx0lPcqQEIJGRCANEbEbZAZXosCnh6aAwRpwBEmOTO8n5z10i7fhaRa0jc/s320/20110607-DSC02388-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701023827526944242" /></a><br /><br />The smokeless stove.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rnC7fROwn2mcJxah8LfGSThxSL4N4SQzp3sZAuhTD4-L27rPErDqjyGXt2kdfK98wAvVECXKyVB7P8lIM5EtEd6HSCOG440urNSsGDSTbqmv305r-rqU3VbvFBub9ALRl8DbLJH6WqM/s1600/20110607-DSC02406-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rnC7fROwn2mcJxah8LfGSThxSL4N4SQzp3sZAuhTD4-L27rPErDqjyGXt2kdfK98wAvVECXKyVB7P8lIM5EtEd6HSCOG440urNSsGDSTbqmv305r-rqU3VbvFBub9ALRl8DbLJH6WqM/s320/20110607-DSC02406-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701025789093719058" /></a><br /><br />Our bathroom for the week. Oh.my.word. I have never been as thankful for flushing toilets or even just for a toilet seat as I was after this jungle trip!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxYHJ6T9mrab_UCSrxpix2amfwhyphenhyphenqpho-yQTT-1-FTq06UlkRYtDsC70zK_Kn3SuaYGC1M4Wn3RLznBb_SPiBjDTYu0apux2m1xAjYRFve6DSNXp2m2wU70270GvBJZZQADj_Ouk6COM/s1600/20110608-DSC02429-Nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxYHJ6T9mrab_UCSrxpix2amfwhyphenhyphenqpho-yQTT-1-FTq06UlkRYtDsC70zK_Kn3SuaYGC1M4Wn3RLznBb_SPiBjDTYu0apux2m1xAjYRFve6DSNXp2m2wU70270GvBJZZQADj_Ouk6COM/s320/20110608-DSC02429-Nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701024583959829858" /></a><br /><br /> And that is all the pictures my amazing internet will let me upload for the night so I'll sign off for now. Just wait, more pictures to come! :)mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-91544727208699464352012-01-23T15:20:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:14:56.051-08:00Long Overdue UpdateOk, ok I know you all are thinking "Why is she bothering posting on here since she's been conveniently absent these past 5 months?" Just give me a chance to redeem myself please!<br /> <br /> These past months have quickly fled, days blending together as I juggled working 30-40+ hours a week and going to school full time. Blessedly, the semester ended without me being too scarred. I decided not to return to school and instead am working alot to save up money for whatever the Lord has for me. <br /><br /> Lots of changes have taken place in our family lately. My sister Katy who got married this spring is now safely into her third trimester. Elijah Samuel is due April 12 and I'll hopefully be on hand to watch him come into this world. <br /><br /> My sister Jenny moved down to help with my other sister and brother in law's ministry to a church down south. The Lord provided a job for her quite promptly and she has an apartment to stay in free of charge so that's a double blessing. My parents are seeking the Lord's will regarding their future. Please be praying God will show them what He wants them to do. My not so little brother is applying for college this fall. How is this possible? So come this fall I'll be an only child *sob* <br /><br /> These past few months have held many changes, not all fun but the Lord is ever faithful and unchanging. I need to keep reminding myself that GOD IS IN CONTROL! <br /><br />My very adorable pregnant sister and me at the mall<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hvnrix9UXiiB2sv-fuV-lvSXPQAJNUP4k0Nu1UyM0JWwM8E1ikhjylqE71w2XayMrmXbbEWeFnYaZ8p4PWPK4T46YaGJR1_fggYsAFiKWBCDOWMsP85YhPY2_UBpny8iHefTBuqmlw0/s1600/P1010071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hvnrix9UXiiB2sv-fuV-lvSXPQAJNUP4k0Nu1UyM0JWwM8E1ikhjylqE71w2XayMrmXbbEWeFnYaZ8p4PWPK4T46YaGJR1_fggYsAFiKWBCDOWMsP85YhPY2_UBpny8iHefTBuqmlw0/s320/P1010071.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701015841203555730" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-63953239188893230202011-08-16T10:14:00.000-07:002012-04-08T15:31:25.143-07:00More Wedding Pictures I only posted a few pictures from my sister's wedding so today I'm gonna post some more if my crazy internet will allow :)
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<br />Getting ready for the big day
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<br />Us girls. Oh, how I love them!
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<br />Katy and her flower girl
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH3r8JwgjawlmCe-Qv__s9pbi8Oa6LSx1JXDfCJ19tCgT2OjN96GOHKWhVvEJSUmt-MbWLEToT9wWtRKONhgSWA0I-W26QCnknAfAc1KvXGnuUfRiN9nr2XF71OJbTDf7ZdKPJAS5Cpw/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH3r8JwgjawlmCe-Qv__s9pbi8Oa6LSx1JXDfCJ19tCgT2OjN96GOHKWhVvEJSUmt-MbWLEToT9wWtRKONhgSWA0I-W26QCnknAfAc1KvXGnuUfRiN9nr2XF71OJbTDf7ZdKPJAS5Cpw/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641508170025865618" /></a>
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<br />My siblings and I in front of our church. What a wonderful place to grow up in!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TMefFRKDq3TjKOoCUZW1WB44szrb-aXjmHG01-IHebPt1kAC-Xm522Wp7y4FrJYcGjfMoZEINj-fw-x6U4fv8qe6DbrUchfjvq5N4rm0XCxhK6rMK6FxOK_7Sr3yLSniV1ptTMx1u5o/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TMefFRKDq3TjKOoCUZW1WB44szrb-aXjmHG01-IHebPt1kAC-Xm522Wp7y4FrJYcGjfMoZEINj-fw-x6U4fv8qe6DbrUchfjvq5N4rm0XCxhK6rMK6FxOK_7Sr3yLSniV1ptTMx1u5o/s320/IMG_0107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641508705139195666" /></a>
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<br />The happy couple. Can't you just feel the love glow? :)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14A1WaLV414KCzbPd_Xtv_giO3adM-v2HXvISHmtxvPiEz0bQIoudSp3SfWLnakbeO0h9FBaa_tGY9nkYHf3Mwudr3SfBt1Ej4FPr2yvtSKttCrzriUQNlkqzMHgiopuLLu19c-Gcwvc/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14A1WaLV414KCzbPd_Xtv_giO3adM-v2HXvISHmtxvPiEz0bQIoudSp3SfWLnakbeO0h9FBaa_tGY9nkYHf3Mwudr3SfBt1Ej4FPr2yvtSKttCrzriUQNlkqzMHgiopuLLu19c-Gcwvc/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641509300203283138" /></a>
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<br />The wedding party. What a great group of people!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47HMGjEJSeGq27TGP5zdsFhOcGdObqDxOUHwvNDHfUM6kVRx0bCsgXHSj-sLd6EbHaN0atw8nSuhIrZ4U0srwCqDIfCCiUUMVsEXPety1tFOaT7ceb3PBO2vj0pu_xU-cPqMHiiZdIlE/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47HMGjEJSeGq27TGP5zdsFhOcGdObqDxOUHwvNDHfUM6kVRx0bCsgXHSj-sLd6EbHaN0atw8nSuhIrZ4U0srwCqDIfCCiUUMVsEXPety1tFOaT7ceb3PBO2vj0pu_xU-cPqMHiiZdIlE/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641509768682856370" /></a>
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<br />The guys. No, Jason isn't torturing the ring bearer. Just being a crazy uncle :)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GKIPmApjXDujgU1dxwwpT71Oh1Og4VIL4MTiDsjh12nt2gqo3DmJiETVMAm89CWJHQiVaTTVppuQlOzKm4HUU1bcQumwNhyZ-f-pl_nH6ZJKIDZCRdD7VnTo2mq8Vz3iiZkfZc0LBww/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GKIPmApjXDujgU1dxwwpT71Oh1Og4VIL4MTiDsjh12nt2gqo3DmJiETVMAm89CWJHQiVaTTVppuQlOzKm4HUU1bcQumwNhyZ-f-pl_nH6ZJKIDZCRdD7VnTo2mq8Vz3iiZkfZc0LBww/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641510606187635906" /></a>
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<br />The wonderful chauffer :)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnXV5lRbqHLQ5U3TubcRE1OwkDLOw8HGdX12LRu2MeYmd-ve98za59heEQDX7Vvlz2AIK4TOt-TKwaiWYPRue33VuwXSz5bOWcQS8vFo9gqKLFlQANVptN7RwSNmwMG5WcuiQqAuSG-8/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnXV5lRbqHLQ5U3TubcRE1OwkDLOw8HGdX12LRu2MeYmd-ve98za59heEQDX7Vvlz2AIK4TOt-TKwaiWYPRue33VuwXSz5bOWcQS8vFo9gqKLFlQANVptN7RwSNmwMG5WcuiQqAuSG-8/s320/IMG_0357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641511281987879122" /></a>
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<br />Grandma pinning a flower on my mom
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBOZFiU5fPAlX70BgeiAcfs7kaKBnaTJSr7ozK29LWv1ZaB4ZWG4suMBX5aoj7Lbpr5fvIWvP3LnoRI_U92ogA_dXbEkUnYl8R2cIjR934_GT-ofBLJWTa6YDwFRkM4gIgyJGukDqL2Q/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBOZFiU5fPAlX70BgeiAcfs7kaKBnaTJSr7ozK29LWv1ZaB4ZWG4suMBX5aoj7Lbpr5fvIWvP3LnoRI_U92ogA_dXbEkUnYl8R2cIjR934_GT-ofBLJWTa6YDwFRkM4gIgyJGukDqL2Q/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641511717313655314" /></a>
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<br />The wedding was on skype for some missionary friends in Africa who couldn't make it. So I guess you could say it truly was an international wedding :)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNmc532PhmjLyFMrp2GGO3k93ifSZwYrXKJbd3MINBZ-Lqqmc2XORrWMPtEoWwih47Bd05VpUYhkD1LKd-rJcjatwyYMSyZb6syrrB1Tfcifbr4FXREXWFS1BrPYlciC2RLYpOMbkZzA/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNmc532PhmjLyFMrp2GGO3k93ifSZwYrXKJbd3MINBZ-Lqqmc2XORrWMPtEoWwih47Bd05VpUYhkD1LKd-rJcjatwyYMSyZb6syrrB1Tfcifbr4FXREXWFS1BrPYlciC2RLYpOMbkZzA/s320/IMG_0389.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641512218620670434" /></a>
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<br />Here comes the bride on her daddy's arm. She was SO gorgeous!!!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMZPMGkgOEaiz-vSOamQXZLcg0BbIo12kkUwKlmMPtdBgdjTFrmMDAqoIZcN_xzulBtQNiqRZxrE1OM5fKFwaQkMWJ_B90F3_blIsFFPJjmzlVIV2epkzhrl4VugtBgUClrAuOGb5SGM/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMZPMGkgOEaiz-vSOamQXZLcg0BbIo12kkUwKlmMPtdBgdjTFrmMDAqoIZcN_xzulBtQNiqRZxrE1OM5fKFwaQkMWJ_B90F3_blIsFFPJjmzlVIV2epkzhrl4VugtBgUClrAuOGb5SGM/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641512840626252626" /></a>
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<br />My dad did the ceremony. It was focused on the Lord. Very neat.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Gu4JYiMM_-xMXVyB7ImXxXiymOMO31P6qWNfyMFlzQJ2-u2_I0Q5xS6RMqEPZDKf0iCFTyF60lPg0GYcoptlBQs8nzHD8RvIVBESEJniJJyOoFZIQpfgiuzaQxsbbYbQu1rrRPus9eQ/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Gu4JYiMM_-xMXVyB7ImXxXiymOMO31P6qWNfyMFlzQJ2-u2_I0Q5xS6RMqEPZDKf0iCFTyF60lPg0GYcoptlBQs8nzHD8RvIVBESEJniJJyOoFZIQpfgiuzaQxsbbYbQu1rrRPus9eQ/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641513730777859202" /></a>
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<br />You may now kiss the bride! (Blech!!!)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHHSOpSGf5mvOTnOnqk3Mw_yIDbgA_ZBmIaEYK9uTy_un3q7kWgRdCHtRXAHz2iHt5bxAlgJhgrWyXzSJQ8Es_tU6I05BrcjSYYyA8OKPnTZXy-Mjv4YxDRCnV_IL9qTUuKOtdXM6BDI/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHHSOpSGf5mvOTnOnqk3Mw_yIDbgA_ZBmIaEYK9uTy_un3q7kWgRdCHtRXAHz2iHt5bxAlgJhgrWyXzSJQ8Es_tU6I05BrcjSYYyA8OKPnTZXy-Mjv4YxDRCnV_IL9qTUuKOtdXM6BDI/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641514240590598098" /></a>
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<br />Greeting everyone after the wedding took forever! There were about 350 guests.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKByXsYEGx9QJ2vAYRw3cekTERmDizeqFtUPnr4L3G3K4xI8Pxgfqg5GnDtyM_f7vTq7WimzHNouXNDDAbU19ddgd6SzYGgZgE1Pba0-DUPSJDG_Prs8vi28N9KV-CBB3UbRmyW3OZoLk/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKByXsYEGx9QJ2vAYRw3cekTERmDizeqFtUPnr4L3G3K4xI8Pxgfqg5GnDtyM_f7vTq7WimzHNouXNDDAbU19ddgd6SzYGgZgE1Pba0-DUPSJDG_Prs8vi28N9KV-CBB3UbRmyW3OZoLk/s320/IMG_0465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641515488077263698" /></a>
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<br />The beautiful cake
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHdWIhxoqLSsidWAWKYLxMir0upJsWe5MA3vuyT8cBIm7cVEfb38lcpqcHBrKHwwMaN483M-vVLr-4IvNBJdI4sUiBcjubYIa3PCNB56DBNubtIj5lm3iJFe8njh5aRF24H49UKTaFJU/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHdWIhxoqLSsidWAWKYLxMir0upJsWe5MA3vuyT8cBIm7cVEfb38lcpqcHBrKHwwMaN483M-vVLr-4IvNBJdI4sUiBcjubYIa3PCNB56DBNubtIj5lm3iJFe8njh5aRF24H49UKTaFJU/s320/IMG_0503.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641516029517192594" /></a>
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<br />The bridal table.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMBwQlT_uB-J_1keikDvH0rgto184A8HsQhRkjOq0av9ApkxWTBj0rQwn2lDZo4JhQzshvMoWk_d8YlP17lnupqSWe4QezXCxClSLt43LK-HKuhhBuMLsSf_1aIpWvAEAAaPLSTZN6Es/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMBwQlT_uB-J_1keikDvH0rgto184A8HsQhRkjOq0av9ApkxWTBj0rQwn2lDZo4JhQzshvMoWk_d8YlP17lnupqSWe4QezXCxClSLt43LK-HKuhhBuMLsSf_1aIpWvAEAAaPLSTZN6Es/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641516671506814178" /></a>
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<br />Bride and groom with my parents
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-WXmfBSRGqltri0fpyvt0Z1RLjgZQTmLnsRqsgUpZTYw3_vol0eM1aR86rvK1wry4sTmUPPSrMbcovhwP3Eny4U7iRutJ7-W_rZRC8ojqsofChc9P9qBk0DMP5M0bHN7G-e7GTi6vsM/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-WXmfBSRGqltri0fpyvt0Z1RLjgZQTmLnsRqsgUpZTYw3_vol0eM1aR86rvK1wry4sTmUPPSrMbcovhwP3Eny4U7iRutJ7-W_rZRC8ojqsofChc9P9qBk0DMP5M0bHN7G-e7GTi6vsM/s320/IMG_0556.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641517291994902882" /></a>
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<br />Two couples that have been amazing examples in my life. I pray that someday my marriage turns out like theirs'...
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPuNZu3TxpeekxSijxpO1MSV-tqGFTyQOML52ASSToIMLY3da4GvaNi1VO39fYo41TJ-bgIF1Jd6YmJm9i4-PR9aI-xMFicqL80CrDqPXNzy44olgtj45L8aq0NS9nC2rAeCcilPqCiA/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPuNZu3TxpeekxSijxpO1MSV-tqGFTyQOML52ASSToIMLY3da4GvaNi1VO39fYo41TJ-bgIF1Jd6YmJm9i4-PR9aI-xMFicqL80CrDqPXNzy44olgtj45L8aq0NS9nC2rAeCcilPqCiA/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641517887827492482" /></a>
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<br />My brother and besty breaking it down on the floor. I don't think the Virginia Reel has ever had their twist put on it before :)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI8-iPXNxvQmbL8ooXBi8aEwXK_QIs8Fkc7U0jYhngoHfP4DvIA_8Y1OGkmgF4Cw-0cCOATiZvWO2Oy0BghxDA3xcM_T2FLh8WLgIxelC2O6sPqrBUE0B0NdGKJOQ5s0DFI1s0yRh0d4/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI8-iPXNxvQmbL8ooXBi8aEwXK_QIs8Fkc7U0jYhngoHfP4DvIA_8Y1OGkmgF4Cw-0cCOATiZvWO2Oy0BghxDA3xcM_T2FLh8WLgIxelC2O6sPqrBUE0B0NdGKJOQ5s0DFI1s0yRh0d4/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641519161940655522" /></a>
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<br /> Well folks, that is the wedding of my dear sister in a nutshell. It was such a blessed day. What a reminder that my life is filled with people who love me and love the Lord with all their hearts. Thank You, Jesus!
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<br /> Ps. In about 7 months, you will be seeing pictures posted of a new member joining the family... That's right, I'm going to be an AUNT!!!!! :) I'll keep you all updated on how things are going. Don't forget to pray for her and junior please. mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-85033136114549360672011-08-11T19:20:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:52:37.076-07:00Los Baños Have you ever taken something for granted until it was gone? I'm sure all of us do this at one time or another. It's amazing how little things in life, amenities I should say that we have here in America, are taken for granted. The one I think no one really thinks about is indoor plumbing, including running water and flushing toilets.
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<br /> This year, my team went to a village that is very remote. All the villages our team visited last year had relatively good plumbing and sometimes even running water. This village did not. They had a community well that the ladies and young girls visit daily to carry water to their house.
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<br /> The "bathroom" our team used was an outhouse. A legit outhouse. I never really thought that we'd not have access to at least a toilet seat. This outhouse was easy to find becuase even though it is located a ways from our host's house, the smell is unfortunately very easy to follow. Us girls always took at least one other person with us to guard the outhouse because the door was very easy to see through. I am not meaning to be graphic, I'm just telling you what life really is like for some people. There really was no toilet seat at all. Just a big raised up hole in the ground. I must say, one good thing about using the out house is that my lung capacity improved greatly during the 5 days we were in the village :) We stopped at a Walmart on our way home, and my friends and I were freaking out about the fact that there were actually flushing toilets INSIDE!!!
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<br />My bathroom buddy Brittney and me in front of our lovely outhouse. We are grinning sweetly but were actually holding our breaths for the picture :)
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<br /> Just a thought: next time you visit the bathroom or turn on your faucet to get a cold drink of water, think of all those people who aren't able to do that and pray for them. We need to be thankful for all the little things that we take for granted. God has so richly blessed us with indoor plumbing but something I learned in Chiapas is that it isn't a necessity to have that. It's just an amenity. Believe me, I'd much rather have indoor plumbing but it's not something that I can't live without. But at any rate, praise the Lord for my flushable toilet and kitchen faucet!!!! mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-752962402573128372011-08-09T13:02:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:53:13.987-07:00Mexico, Florida, and Home Again I'm convinced that with each passing month, time seems to go faster and faster. Yes, I've been back in the States for almost a month, and am just now getting around to posting on here. Life has been crazy!
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<br /> July in Mexico passed with language sessions, trips downtown to the market, helping the missionaries, and visiting old friends. Before I knew it, the time had come for me to return to the States.
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<br /> I left on July 14th to meet up with my siblings and some friends in FL where my newlywed sister Katy and her husband Jason are now living. We spent about 10 days there helping them fix up the house they are staying in, going to the beach, and just hanging out and having fun. What a blessing! Here are some of the pictures:
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<br />After about 7 hours of traveling, I was warmly welcomed in Orlando by my sister, brother, best friend, brother in law, and 3 friends!!! It was such a wonderful thing after being gone for 6 weeks to come back to people who know me inside and out. I love them! This is me and Jenny.
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<br />On the escalator on the way to baggage claim
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<br />Katy and Jason's house before we got it cleaned up. The guys installed flooring, painted and primed, and fixed up the living room and dining room.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1minZlgNq7idc6Fz4ZU8MObUo6Hl6HEEUsqRaeJdVuYGZTh4OadGTNAVLSLKXiSLy_xoBN4snY4x4fAq7E18NIUP4LZyjNPWkWUk95sJEcdNiXFlE-MCCofsDeIkWeJgP8ruipnQxY/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1minZlgNq7idc6Fz4ZU8MObUo6Hl6HEEUsqRaeJdVuYGZTh4OadGTNAVLSLKXiSLy_xoBN4snY4x4fAq7E18NIUP4LZyjNPWkWUk95sJEcdNiXFlE-MCCofsDeIkWeJgP8ruipnQxY/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638952146149607426" /></a>
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<br />Danny and Jim hanging out the laundry. I thought it was funny so had to snap a picture of these two :)
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<br />Jenny, me, and Ryan at Sonny's BBQ which by the way is one of my favoritest restaraunts!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias-JQ7tO_OtA4sPgXiLQI1PRX7mIh5clY1MLUz_Bjxr0bB-mowWUBTJ7PZ34g66ipbQxu3Z3xrZxrSqI_saojxVdSR6jWaovjowW8XmZLuZrHz1VlGjqQXqzc-oUaIY40rIZAtVjPDA0/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias-JQ7tO_OtA4sPgXiLQI1PRX7mIh5clY1MLUz_Bjxr0bB-mowWUBTJ7PZ34g66ipbQxu3Z3xrZxrSqI_saojxVdSR6jWaovjowW8XmZLuZrHz1VlGjqQXqzc-oUaIY40rIZAtVjPDA0/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638952988356699362" /></a>
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<br />Me and my happily married sister, Katy on our way to the beach
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bw3lRyeqIzR2FjNGqrVyNRG02pl26nRbrgR2wTt0yz_Ck0Dsy0ptPAwPySYiK_ehkByN-JZ8N7OuIkvIIgL9-7iiJVSaCs_3t8LGQfO7PUbug3R-08DoBVxpjKOpVclnQuWbwEJdApg/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bw3lRyeqIzR2FjNGqrVyNRG02pl26nRbrgR2wTt0yz_Ck0Dsy0ptPAwPySYiK_ehkByN-JZ8N7OuIkvIIgL9-7iiJVSaCs_3t8LGQfO7PUbug3R-08DoBVxpjKOpVclnQuWbwEJdApg/s320/IMG_0061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638953249357570098" /></a>
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<br />We went to an ocean side restaraunt one night for dinner in time to watch a gorgeous sunset. God is so amazing to paint those colors in the sky!
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<br />The guys got a little bit too much sun on the beach :)
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<br />Jacquie, Jen, and I on the plane ride home trying to look angry which wasn't too hard since we got less than one hour of sleep the night before! :)
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<br /> Now that I've been home for awhile, people have been asking me the inevitable question "When are you going back to Mexico?" The answer is, right now I don't know that the Lord will take me back there. Every year after a mission trip, it seems I go through the same old thing where I don't know what step to take next. It can be frustrating. I'm sending out applications to a few different schools so we'll see what the Lord does. For this year, I am taking classes at the community college and working about 35-40 hours a week which is SUCH a blessing. My bank account was in need of some help :)
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<br /> Thanks for all your prayers and support. I still haven't gotten the team pictures yet from Mexico but when I do, I'll definitely post them. Dios les bendiga!mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-28546915674838023282011-06-18T07:19:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:53:26.643-07:00Went to the Chapel....I know it's well into June and I haven't posted any pictures from my sister's wedding so here they are:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje92zLBZoTB5uFxJDtTm3K5EhwS1vivlw7CtrK-nw0I8Xhufo-hNeZ5T2EUEMO5K_UweY4GOj_one7mYu-Ap-8EpBATD_3Gwipk732zc4eqiR_YXn4K4tBwaDdq-i1oNaL1VY9b6jFLqY/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje92zLBZoTB5uFxJDtTm3K5EhwS1vivlw7CtrK-nw0I8Xhufo-hNeZ5T2EUEMO5K_UweY4GOj_one7mYu-Ap-8EpBATD_3Gwipk732zc4eqiR_YXn4K4tBwaDdq-i1oNaL1VY9b6jFLqY/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619565232853133666" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpcJXwxbYPOmRxDJwutxLxOEnJ5896B-9R-Ws-ynQNG7cDoYHn7gYyoTEGdLEx2ge_iXduqRZMM0WQd5jDwHlPcnmJBZcqOf_4Qkh5R1SVU-79MXsFWZQ8fuyCQb4jm8b0KxGlGPWLt4/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpcJXwxbYPOmRxDJwutxLxOEnJ5896B-9R-Ws-ynQNG7cDoYHn7gYyoTEGdLEx2ge_iXduqRZMM0WQd5jDwHlPcnmJBZcqOf_4Qkh5R1SVU-79MXsFWZQ8fuyCQb4jm8b0KxGlGPWLt4/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619568107758835842" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3yvlXDUvyqTnGeO974FrExuVXYzABrZfPoKkZRKYeYI1U2wx3bKj5gGz1aTN5-1Xv3PTBdODD8PgIuwDy_tFqCrog5HvsKErXAXT50QE8I8o0Lcozlpq3G0t-MWSHFGqQ9WkyPIxw_c/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3yvlXDUvyqTnGeO974FrExuVXYzABrZfPoKkZRKYeYI1U2wx3bKj5gGz1aTN5-1Xv3PTBdODD8PgIuwDy_tFqCrog5HvsKErXAXT50QE8I8o0Lcozlpq3G0t-MWSHFGqQ9WkyPIxw_c/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619569238618877586" /></a><br /><br /><br /> THis only let me upload a few pictures so I will post more soon. For now, I am in Mexico. I made it safely on June 4th and have already made a trip to the jungle, visited the orphanage 3 times, and eaten lots of Mexican food. Pictures for my trip to come!mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-51879812098426457912011-05-14T15:01:00.001-07:002011-08-11T19:54:09.241-07:00MemoriesToday when I stepped outside of my house to go to work, I was unexpectedly bombarded with alot of memories. Not any specific ones but kind of just all at once random ones came flooding into my mind. All because of a specific smell-- the world after a rain shower. I was instantly transported back into time two summers ago to Papua New Guinea. <br /><br /> There is nothing like the smell of the world after a legit rainforest shower. We got to experience many showers while in PNG. That included alot of mud and goop on our flip flops. <br /><br /> I spent 5 weeks in Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Mission in 2009. What a growing experience for me! It was my first time away from my family, away from my country (besides Canada), away from all that was familiar to me. I experienced culture stress, jet lag galore, new sights and sounds and smells too. It was the best and worst summer of my life to that point. Many opportunities to get out of my comfort zone for sure. I will treasure the memories the Lord gave me of that time in PNG. He gave me my heart's desire and I am so thankful to Him. <br /><br /><br /> One of the things that is the same in PNG and Chiapas are the bananas. They are ginormous bunches that grow on trees and taste really yummy fresh picked. These bananas I am holding were given to my team leader, Christopher at a village he and some of the team went to for walter filters and a children's program. This is the jungle way of working out. No fitness centers or diets for these people. Just alot of hard work!<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB9KOwNFWl3DmfSrW1dkVz8KFgS6OPKTlYisOOOjKLq7GxU8icGghlon0eSVIb1vY_pAqbM_bdhNAmU6D6yVfgM3iaHPytv5VcJoMaTS8jeT3JUPj6G1SLjJXuP3aenmAXs9rdGNKKfo/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB9KOwNFWl3DmfSrW1dkVz8KFgS6OPKTlYisOOOjKLq7GxU8icGghlon0eSVIb1vY_pAqbM_bdhNAmU6D6yVfgM3iaHPytv5VcJoMaTS8jeT3JUPj6G1SLjJXuP3aenmAXs9rdGNKKfo/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+409.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606698155323517634" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-80971424808444469952011-05-08T19:20:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:44:52.170-07:00Happy Mothers Day!!!Today was a bittersweet day for our family. It was a wonderful day to celebrate and recognize our mom but it was also the last Mother's Day as just our family of six because in three short weeks, my sister Katy is getting married to her fiancee Jason. Three short weeks and our lives will change forever! How quickly our family has come to this point. It seems like just yesterday we were playing make believe in the woods, or swinging on our swing set in the front yard, or playing capture the flag with our friends. Sometimes I think that growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be. <br /><br /> To celebrate, we went to church of course since it's Sunday then grilled steaks. Today was the first really nice day all year with the temperatures reaching into the mid-sixties. A real NY heat wave! Then we went to the park and hiked up and down hills and through a swamp. A real adventure!<br /><br /> I am so thankful for my mom. We may not see eye to eye on everything but I love her dearly and would gladly die for her. She is an amazing woman and I hope to be like her when I have kids of my own.<br /><br /> I hope you all had a blessed day. To all you moms out there: You are my champions. Keep up the good work!<br /><br />Us girls trying to get a good group picture<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSgsM679i29V-twh6iihrcgsHu_PW0Cb5oOcasFa8_6nGcREGlRflkOt6jxMdsl9ctgpSLLocT8WU3r-yl0r8YYF4r9bu20ACItwqkg5UcxJ6RVR3EX4QvM33VmtbfxS9YFyA2wehwg4/s1600/IMG_0134.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSgsM679i29V-twh6iihrcgsHu_PW0Cb5oOcasFa8_6nGcREGlRflkOt6jxMdsl9ctgpSLLocT8WU3r-yl0r8YYF4r9bu20ACItwqkg5UcxJ6RVR3EX4QvM33VmtbfxS9YFyA2wehwg4/s320/IMG_0134.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604536443837868786" /></a><br /><br />It didn't work so well :) Dad was making us laugh...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ogq08LcIpUN58gAx7fy4fddUGhIMb0zbc4MXpzUehfiY4jxCFBxnoRIJyvLaTR__p5Sa9y24UWWv32EH0kgLUBSbVqNBXaSmJUxyGo1ocPeM2ZpGq3MDKbraPFs-NACAMA6kKqbT2c/s1600/IMG_0135.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ogq08LcIpUN58gAx7fy4fddUGhIMb0zbc4MXpzUehfiY4jxCFBxnoRIJyvLaTR__p5Sa9y24UWWv32EH0kgLUBSbVqNBXaSmJUxyGo1ocPeM2ZpGq3MDKbraPFs-NACAMA6kKqbT2c/s320/IMG_0135.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604537690007176466" /></a><br /><br />Mom, Dad, and Katy<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEjBaa5pbSWEAmLinMftmx19N9MGRBFldp02ZjV4cbWXa3rdfRoIxacWwT3ur3YWUFVJB7hpBihpCz1ceeyV_rmDYqw4FU4aJMYTr4EsgvD_IXEEjpmRIXby6iHKoLUf0GDwrYsOgsQ8/s1600/IMG_0141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEjBaa5pbSWEAmLinMftmx19N9MGRBFldp02ZjV4cbWXa3rdfRoIxacWwT3ur3YWUFVJB7hpBihpCz1ceeyV_rmDYqw4FU4aJMYTr4EsgvD_IXEEjpmRIXby6iHKoLUf0GDwrYsOgsQ8/s320/IMG_0141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604538133495691234" /></a><br /><br />Danny was trying to teach me something. All I can say is epic fail :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdM7aE5PFl5O2Wkz-xMmH-OPPG2PiZTsnGQjCoMNCKLzmlozhexOO-vxnfDQGL-dRqqwsLV9Uv1HVD-MeUKamNtWg8_VAs-R5WkaSXKNScZJw58CITUk-Wc6TNI4RCfshDPpE5sdQJk0/s1600/IMG_0149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdM7aE5PFl5O2Wkz-xMmH-OPPG2PiZTsnGQjCoMNCKLzmlozhexOO-vxnfDQGL-dRqqwsLV9Uv1HVD-MeUKamNtWg8_VAs-R5WkaSXKNScZJw58CITUk-Wc6TNI4RCfshDPpE5sdQJk0/s320/IMG_0149.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604538490545604562" /></a><br /><br />My sisters and me <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDvygdXR2C94MzjGRuHQCgxlLmkHWmJ7l9NllcDyLwoY1gQwx_PsHsRK9UueE-6ZiOHloiNIZv9wUTMjskVZJfuo1yzUMxqdGFWh15xj0FOSQJUbrUIQNTtEGyog6dSqvKY5AuvUiFYQ/s1600/IMG_0156.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDvygdXR2C94MzjGRuHQCgxlLmkHWmJ7l9NllcDyLwoY1gQwx_PsHsRK9UueE-6ZiOHloiNIZv9wUTMjskVZJfuo1yzUMxqdGFWh15xj0FOSQJUbrUIQNTtEGyog6dSqvKY5AuvUiFYQ/s320/IMG_0156.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604538943056161474" /></a><br /><br />Dad and Danny goofing off on a random log<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoMZVlFRZPRzvEzWmlHpHkKaUdcJu5kupSw9hFi9ndUcwJk7ZLwwVko2uYiBRHzjEKvJWawxpOr5EvjPtJJ39TewuNFkEAeyHDbLcKbAUkhmgEJatgHSd61LnuGviuiyGr09uf2zgSZw/s1600/IMG_0161.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoMZVlFRZPRzvEzWmlHpHkKaUdcJu5kupSw9hFi9ndUcwJk7ZLwwVko2uYiBRHzjEKvJWawxpOr5EvjPtJJ39TewuNFkEAeyHDbLcKbAUkhmgEJatgHSd61LnuGviuiyGr09uf2zgSZw/s320/IMG_0161.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604539247442848482" /></a><br /><br />Hiking back to the van after our adventure<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDdpS7XyiibFYuq1-rpmT_8rGsqcKanJLjVV5FswL3tUS7YxUgIRaK_S7hQ8AyNe6WNUOF3YGXoRxEd9svWXWQ60EXMqBUvTwHEXN0PcxVOUAAsNXMxm3rUhCamwzTUnLC5LP77kHOdQ/s1600/IMG_0164.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDdpS7XyiibFYuq1-rpmT_8rGsqcKanJLjVV5FswL3tUS7YxUgIRaK_S7hQ8AyNe6WNUOF3YGXoRxEd9svWXWQ60EXMqBUvTwHEXN0PcxVOUAAsNXMxm3rUhCamwzTUnLC5LP77kHOdQ/s320/IMG_0164.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604539573541286754" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-1406826460982831782011-05-03T08:48:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:42:00.073-07:00Kid's ProgramsWhile our team was in Chiapas, we did alot of ministry. One of the main ones was putting on kid's programs at the different villages we stayed at while installing the water filters.<br /><br /> The programs were comprised of songs (in Spanish of course) like "quien es el rey de la selva", "Tengo gozo, gozo en mi corazon", and other favorites. We then did a simple craft with the kids along with a lesson to go with the craft. Then there was a skit. We ended with a game or two or three... The programs usually weren't too long. <br /><br /> There are so many kids in the tiny villages all over Chiapas. Their lives are so different from my own. Even the poor kids here in the States aren't nearly as poor as the poorest in Chiapas. Yet they are so happy. They're still kids! I noticed in Papua New Guinea and Mexico that the kids are similar to the ones here. They still have fun and laugh and are goofy. Kids are kids.<br /><br />Jacob and Steven doing a skit with Grace translating<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OhNkBgmy_-FcJVUSK_5Zzi9g4EDUNxty7X66AbIAOCXphALydY0RFHEIepJvZvSE1p6zN66LAkkOCodEpB2ET8TIsaVykbGe8mGKxbIkT5jMU3hKiiqI3MZw2WN-zCL8oki5AZw0Pn8/s1600/100_2859.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OhNkBgmy_-FcJVUSK_5Zzi9g4EDUNxty7X66AbIAOCXphALydY0RFHEIepJvZvSE1p6zN66LAkkOCodEpB2ET8TIsaVykbGe8mGKxbIkT5jMU3hKiiqI3MZw2WN-zCL8oki5AZw0Pn8/s320/100_2859.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602519188628935954" /></a><br /><br />Doing a program in the Ch'ol jungle. We were interrupted by an authentic jungle downpour.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQiw3UmHoKB4FIpaqVNTZADY1Wa93JHD6f01kpj8TrIvO1jk0E_zvzAXYePUPDVbILvkbrCMKYtAB9EwAiFIf4IG2ddpTMVYnwHpSJa0z3EDufA2KzlUwbp9-DYY3HioNjHeJSGPYZoM/s1600/100_3405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQiw3UmHoKB4FIpaqVNTZADY1Wa93JHD6f01kpj8TrIvO1jk0E_zvzAXYePUPDVbILvkbrCMKYtAB9EwAiFIf4IG2ddpTMVYnwHpSJa0z3EDufA2KzlUwbp9-DYY3HioNjHeJSGPYZoM/s320/100_3405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602519798524459442" /></a><br /><br />Playing a game with the kids in Llano Grande<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOnxGdhAJtjisqAAD0xlnTP7LUzSw1nJpGOLtE_B3pNie4MW62hScVLF1-Kxhyl_QiYFifp2wlBa8zbSB4VlKNWlcVQVfObIvnl_PPXsFZ0dsOOWcNTxFke2AlerrP5xZvpStN7-vuhQ/s1600/102_4401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOnxGdhAJtjisqAAD0xlnTP7LUzSw1nJpGOLtE_B3pNie4MW62hScVLF1-Kxhyl_QiYFifp2wlBa8zbSB4VlKNWlcVQVfObIvnl_PPXsFZ0dsOOWcNTxFke2AlerrP5xZvpStN7-vuhQ/s320/102_4401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602520399267677106" /></a><br /><br />Leading in some songs on a very hot, sticky afternoon in Ch'ol<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3n9WQtWtqAh7LUbYPOt7c9PFAu7qyvMwozz8CII-0ZXkjPKg4Rk403j3K4llhj2X-w3LDGIJhTHuAtiVqtkqgNp9IPULo3JizO-pglPcv4ywTrb9QN-67DZiXxp_FY7lOz2KqDcsK3A/s1600/DSCN1151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3n9WQtWtqAh7LUbYPOt7c9PFAu7qyvMwozz8CII-0ZXkjPKg4Rk403j3K4llhj2X-w3LDGIJhTHuAtiVqtkqgNp9IPULo3JizO-pglPcv4ywTrb9QN-67DZiXxp_FY7lOz2KqDcsK3A/s320/DSCN1151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602520721959738242" /></a><br /><br />Doing one last skit before heading back to San Cris. I was a cry baby in named Maggie. The kids love the skits.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNQV230srXIf5cmeVCrG5_SE82s3xjGaT9KjnWpZ7kPr09EFwQkwntm_-y9g6JVpBLRIntYaKk_q-RW3ZgQGAdVegtY9tlk7ybLOQHo4f-7KJ0dHsswwehyphenhyphengcmbuVrHLIpxMaGW8q83I/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNQV230srXIf5cmeVCrG5_SE82s3xjGaT9KjnWpZ7kPr09EFwQkwntm_-y9g6JVpBLRIntYaKk_q-RW3ZgQGAdVegtY9tlk7ybLOQHo4f-7KJ0dHsswwehyphenhyphengcmbuVrHLIpxMaGW8q83I/s320/IMG_0538.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602521248217950050" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-5818534349644751102011-05-03T08:29:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:42:00.074-07:00Special Talents?Lately, I've been struggling with the fact that I don't have a college degree or any "claim to fame" as of now. It's humbling because how can God use me if I don't have a degree in something? Most mission boards require at least a year of bible school which is good. But right now, I don't feel the Lord leading me in that direction. So now what?<br /><br /> This Sunday I skipped Sunday school because I have a nasty cold. It was nice actually to really focus on the Lord. During my personal devotions I was reading in 1 Corinthians 1 and the last few verses of the chapter really caught my eye beginning with verse 26: <br /> "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God has chosen the FOOLISH things of the world to PUT TO SHAME the wise, and God has chosen the WEAK things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised GOD HAS CHOSEN, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence--- that, as it is written 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord'."<br /> <br /> How cool is that? The Lord does use people with doctorates but He also uses people who can't even read or write. There is a saying "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called". What a comfort! If He has called us to do something, He will enable us to complete it. <br /><br /><br /> For the picture of the day, I thought I'd include one of Nathan and the team crowded around a map of Chiapas. He was showing us where he is already working and how many more people groups there are to be reached.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOxJZrmvowmQyAT_P3A5xUpy1V9mAfRaxludQcZ812xln-Zp8wc-IZfBd5hoqsed6ffeA9owN8XqGYqUwDWivs-Up0mLvb3QsJl5USdHvL-mHqki_4aDzIab1_PQUDObzhw-i9HLK7pc/s1600/IMG_9088a1280+Chiapas+maps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOxJZrmvowmQyAT_P3A5xUpy1V9mAfRaxludQcZ812xln-Zp8wc-IZfBd5hoqsed6ffeA9owN8XqGYqUwDWivs-Up0mLvb3QsJl5USdHvL-mHqki_4aDzIab1_PQUDObzhw-i9HLK7pc/s320/IMG_9088a1280+Chiapas+maps.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602516526353936578" /></a><br />The need is huge for people to commit to taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. People NEED to hear the Gospel. And it's not an option of whether or not to share. Jesus commands us to Go to the uttermost parts of the earth with the Gospel. Just some food for thought.mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-25157599297479615722011-04-21T12:38:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:58:02.657-07:00My Support GroupHey All,<br /> <br /> I was thinking (scary thought, I know) that for all these months of this blog, I haven't really mentioned what an amazing support group I have at home. So this post is dedicated to the wonderful people at home who cheer me on, pray for me, and care what's happening in my life. <br /><br /> As some of you know, my dad is the pastor of a small independent Baptist church out in the country. I was born and raised in that church and the people there truly are family. They have watched me grow up and (hopefully) mature. They were right there for me when the Lord first laid on my heart the desire to go to the foreign mission field. I am so incredibly blessed. <br /><br />Here's the whole group at the airport to pick me up. Please disregard the girl holding the roses (which her darling brother bought-- awwww!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSpfakTWHDWcV0nqviPGLU_6Q9Xjj7uOmV0-0ViqW4YavYTSUcpg7A_eo7U0rUJ5UlkI8ITjccwU3r5vKFn1ukeXI9jHPd0E5kM3l_I1Ribv951mH5Iiv4qhzBxcUIMe8mKbkRL5kA5Y/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSpfakTWHDWcV0nqviPGLU_6Q9Xjj7uOmV0-0ViqW4YavYTSUcpg7A_eo7U0rUJ5UlkI8ITjccwU3r5vKFn1ukeXI9jHPd0E5kM3l_I1Ribv951mH5Iiv4qhzBxcUIMe8mKbkRL5kA5Y/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598124670634733378" /></a><br />Ok, so my point is that I look awful in this picture. I thought that since Mexico was only 1 hour time difference as opposed to 14 hours time difference in Papua New Guinea, it'd be no problem readusting to the time. Um, WRONG!!!!! There were many factors working agaisnt me that I hadn't counted on. Like me getting sick, the whole team camping out for most of the night when we should have been sleeping(I think I got 2 hours of sleep that whole last night), saying goodbye one by one to each of my dear teammates. That about killed me! The travel wasn't too bad. It was only 12 hours from start to finish as opposed to the 48 it took to get home from PNG. Let me tell you, it was very encouraging to come home to this group of people. Such amazing family and friends. I love them all. <br /><br /> Hope you all have a blessed Easter. Remember why we celebrate isn't because of chocolate or the Easter Bunny or a big elaborate dinner, it's because our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ died for us. He DIED for us that we might LIVE through Him. Think about that for awhile....mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-61155684193813836662011-04-18T09:38:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:48:34.042-07:00April HappeningsHey All,<br /><br /> This is horrible-- we are well into April and there have been no posts! For that I apologize. Life has been busy and hard this past month. Our beautiful black lab, Gretchen, died. She was 12 years old and was my bestest friend growing up. The adjustment has been hard. <br /><br /> A few weeks after she died, the "companion" of my grandma died. He was the deacon at our church and played a key role in leading my grandma to Christ. He is sorely missed.<br /><br /> These past months I've been in a funk. About 6 months ago, some things happened <br />and ever since I have harbored such bitterness in my heart. It affected relationships with my parents, siblings, and others. My heart was so ugly. Guys, bitterness DEFILES. It is awful and feels awful. Don't get trapped in the pit of it.<br /><br /> As for Mexico, it's less than 2 months away! It's exciting!!!!! I will be down there 6 weeks. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store. I will be doing another 3 week trip like last summer then staying 3 more weeks to visit some amigos and help the Terrells with another team that is coming down. <br /><br /> My sister Katy and her fiancee's wedding is so close! They will be married May 28'th. I can't believe it. She's all grown up **SOB**<br /><br /> Here's the happy couple on Christmas Day, when he proposed. Katy is marrying a godly man. They are young and life isn't going to be easy but their marriage is founded on godly principles so they will do well. I love my sister!!!! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ02YljROMwBnv5yUzLsdaQH_3Dgt0GrKziyc0j2PrdpqSpfzn4-Zjihq8plWdM35hCOGufZAq3buvZv5Qb7rFMolNzIi4y0a5ZeyLJU9uewsGlbNmQTG5TBd4EHqWrDeJaRbQ6i2T50/s1600/168154_10150381380600414_894445413_16878871_373496_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ02YljROMwBnv5yUzLsdaQH_3Dgt0GrKziyc0j2PrdpqSpfzn4-Zjihq8plWdM35hCOGufZAq3buvZv5Qb7rFMolNzIi4y0a5ZeyLJU9uewsGlbNmQTG5TBd4EHqWrDeJaRbQ6i2T50/s320/168154_10150381380600414_894445413_16878871_373496_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596967923679844690" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-82015283819842418142011-03-20T19:57:00.001-07:002011-05-08T19:46:06.045-07:00Good bye.....Hey All,<br /> <br /> Today I had to say goodbye to my dearest, bestest friend. Well, of the canine variety anyway. My beautiful dog Gretchen Faithful died today. She was 12 years old. I can't put into words how much it hurts. She has been my tried and true friend for years and years. She watched me grow up. She never back stabbed or talked mean about me. She always was willing to listen and was quick to wag her tail or lick my hand. I've spent many a night sobbing all over her because of the big, mean world. Some days I would come home from school and feel very lonely. Gretchen always cheered me up. I will miss her so stinkin' much. <br /><br /> Maybe some people think it's lame to be so attatched to a dog. I realize there are much bigger issues in the world than this but she meant so much to me. God gave me a beautiful gift for 12 years. I am so thankful and will always have the memories of her. Thank You Jesus!<br /><br />Gretchen will always be my first dog. I love her so incredibly much and miss her. She's beautiful and I'll never forget her no matter how many dogs I own. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8astDOnRpwlPb7SKe0Rhn8DRfmwwCB6jjR7BUPDhCfl9WIs4Hi_YJYtQpv4bbL2FAcpy71ozGVbGAS5vvXJ0VPlOlviW1GZBhEiCkd4simPhZN9H02GF0YzrP1IL88567sAMSF47BwA/s1600/2031_0113Kakayaking0107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8astDOnRpwlPb7SKe0Rhn8DRfmwwCB6jjR7BUPDhCfl9WIs4Hi_YJYtQpv4bbL2FAcpy71ozGVbGAS5vvXJ0VPlOlviW1GZBhEiCkd4simPhZN9H02GF0YzrP1IL88567sAMSF47BwA/s320/2031_0113Kakayaking0107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597479873905196178" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-38395144834997810062011-03-09T13:57:00.000-08:002011-05-08T19:58:02.657-07:00Same Old Same Old....Hey All,<br /> <br /> I feel like I've written a post identical to this many times before. Posts about trusting the Lord, struggling to walk by faith and not by sight. Why is it so hard to learn this lesson? Why do I keep taking my eyes off of Christ and fixing them on the problems of this life? Just when I think I've conquered this, something comes up and reminds me I have such a long way to go. I read verses in Matthew about not worrying and how it doesn't add a cubit to my stature (Matt. 6:25-34) but I don't take them to heart obviously. <br /><br /> I got an email from the college today saying my tuition of $1,300 is due by March 18. I wrote a letter a few weeks ago explaining my situation but they obviously have decided that I need to pay. So now, all the months of saving are for naught it would seem. I have less than 3 months 'til my trip to Chiapas and while that is incredibly exciting, it's crazy scary as well because now I don't have money to go. The Lord is teaching me to trust in Him COMPLETELY for all my needs. All I need to do is trust Him to take care of all my needs. God gave me a verse a long time ago when I was struggling with doubts and fears about Papua New Guinea. It's Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." What a comfort!<br /><br /> Please pray for me that I will trust the Lord for everything. That I will lay my burdens at His feet and not try to take them up again. Thanks to you all who are keeping me in your prayers. I appreciate it so much. Dios les bendiga! (God bless you all!)mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-31941850646355145032011-03-05T14:16:00.000-08:002011-05-08T19:42:00.074-07:00My VillageHey All,<br /> <br /> Llano Grande was the first village our team visited after arriving in Chiapas. We were all nervous I think, not knowing what to expect or exactly what to do but the people there made us so welcome and gave up their homes for us to sleep in. They gave us food even though we brought our own and taught us so much.<br /><br /> It wasn't so much the place that drew me, but the people there. One family in particular took me in and accepted me and all my language short comings. They treated me like their daughter and sister and friend. They don't have much in material possessions but they make up for it with an abundance of love and happiness. Some days, I miss those people so much it hurts. They became my family and I can't wait to return one day and see them again.<br /><br />Llano Grande is in the mountains so the view is stunning<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9d9MjWyaUjaCkK19PIJnTxSBrC5pjEKOhM3YHxZ_gTpZZDsJ1sGfnZ9bfhldsM2wbAsHEVwN6FRjkH4QY-Ddl0V4c99otQX0UHSvmG5XeRvUDB7oLd_L_d51qLshBPdxMzHRjMg8weY/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+494.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9d9MjWyaUjaCkK19PIJnTxSBrC5pjEKOhM3YHxZ_gTpZZDsJ1sGfnZ9bfhldsM2wbAsHEVwN6FRjkH4QY-Ddl0V4c99otQX0UHSvmG5XeRvUDB7oLd_L_d51qLshBPdxMzHRjMg8weY/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+494.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580725910362574450" /></a><br /><br />The house we stayed at was very nice by Mexican standards. There was a shower and toilet inside the house for the guy's house. The girls had to use an outhouse.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NqissB_zRByHvkXlGiMMCqf0dEn-B0VPAfqXkqAzJz7v2X9Uo8K030toWb8h_MYu6D1oMKenswMC0DZrWtZCnQgfwf-OrXHSmTpGuZt0JBphcID_GzjNQksh_TbCMkbfR7iCFbGFtD0/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NqissB_zRByHvkXlGiMMCqf0dEn-B0VPAfqXkqAzJz7v2X9Uo8K030toWb8h_MYu6D1oMKenswMC0DZrWtZCnQgfwf-OrXHSmTpGuZt0JBphcID_GzjNQksh_TbCMkbfR7iCFbGFtD0/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+522.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580725678093897922" /></a><br /><br />The kitchen we used to cook in was separate from the house and made from mud. It as definitely an adjustment learning to cook with no stove!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ivIV7nfRB5fdTxDALtfkgv92kHwHdDyKFZYTmaD6tPFXgP3vP96qhbZtwuTF9velRYrAZnYye5RClfk0hP60GucrN5uGJuixhP7Frb0-gh11YRe8VOFOBRCEBN5EiH5P8s0Kzsbb6Ag/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ivIV7nfRB5fdTxDALtfkgv92kHwHdDyKFZYTmaD6tPFXgP3vP96qhbZtwuTF9velRYrAZnYye5RClfk0hP60GucrN5uGJuixhP7Frb0-gh11YRe8VOFOBRCEBN5EiH5P8s0Kzsbb6Ag/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580724944970661058" /></a><br /><br />The bathroom us girls used. To the left is a cistern we used to flush the toilet. There was no running water so we used the bucket to flush. Plumbing in Mexico leaves much to be desired.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEjTC0QZ71zLxFhfbI6nZAcf6sP8K5XlO_YA5EaLYdWcH_58W5jkBvnbQEC4C1joMhlEihW1pxmmVXy_GDHHl6kXJg2FpQgIwM8noktD_pf9IoLZByZbRjzgGiwWpLeumiTEiNXDnJvA/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEjTC0QZ71zLxFhfbI6nZAcf6sP8K5XlO_YA5EaLYdWcH_58W5jkBvnbQEC4C1joMhlEihW1pxmmVXy_GDHHl6kXJg2FpQgIwM8noktD_pf9IoLZByZbRjzgGiwWpLeumiTEiNXDnJvA/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580727674875412418" /></a><br /><br />Some of the girls slept in hammocks while the rest shared double beds. It was an experience for sure!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfIb4iIw4TNy601atho6qUZ_Dijsp3UWqD8GCFZZ1z3TZ-3gEi3ymRJ4G2_XBpO1UBnb1i3WvJBwvN3y7I5YHuuZ3Ih2rHuOi5nPKWseAf549F2QY9jAtiZBmUOafGfNOX_bYshC40DA/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfIb4iIw4TNy601atho6qUZ_Dijsp3UWqD8GCFZZ1z3TZ-3gEi3ymRJ4G2_XBpO1UBnb1i3WvJBwvN3y7I5YHuuZ3Ih2rHuOi5nPKWseAf549F2QY9jAtiZBmUOafGfNOX_bYshC40DA/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580724480969213330" /></a><br /><br />I spent every possible moment with the people, learning Spanish and building relationships. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwzpnTU6AwECO3Phv1ZCWVEIGcqYoTe35_ltFyGzxo_P3JfVF6TwM0jvyOXObMQeRLhtWet8_TuXG_UCZmBgn2ym6JpfNzfHivaLCFXwtVIAjBLaJ4UOyibeE46J2yIIMJNIofWfPvJc/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+499.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwzpnTU6AwECO3Phv1ZCWVEIGcqYoTe35_ltFyGzxo_P3JfVF6TwM0jvyOXObMQeRLhtWet8_TuXG_UCZmBgn2ym6JpfNzfHivaLCFXwtVIAjBLaJ4UOyibeE46J2yIIMJNIofWfPvJc/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+499.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580728426351446306" /></a><br /><br />With two very dear ladies. The one on the left is the mom and the one on the right is Marvel, the daughter in law.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC_NT8pq2IyVDufEfP99JB4_e1wa_aqE_76slM8hCelsrEzLR3C8ZGHRmOhVwRaePTfDDDq4JQ9IBqZluTVjUHyGC8Yj6ETBlNKi3y4tELq52zoe7hHaCYqRXa2bUPgYztJXNX4R75tg/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC_NT8pq2IyVDufEfP99JB4_e1wa_aqE_76slM8hCelsrEzLR3C8ZGHRmOhVwRaePTfDDDq4JQ9IBqZluTVjUHyGC8Yj6ETBlNKi3y4tELq52zoe7hHaCYqRXa2bUPgYztJXNX4R75tg/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+194.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580723651066367986" /></a><br /><br />Olga, the other daughter in law asked to braid mine, Hannah's, and Amy C's hair.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjjUBCuA1eDTTWh7Yoh2scQNr75tnOQDgomUlPUZ4UciN9EhUMQIecA1rnPy7ltlOq6R0ktU3-lTXjP8oGMZTio_p0HOvVfZu_tnNpFxXo5Jl0kVuWPi4sc5iJpPVvqbEOZDQzdDedPM/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjjUBCuA1eDTTWh7Yoh2scQNr75tnOQDgomUlPUZ4UciN9EhUMQIecA1rnPy7ltlOq6R0ktU3-lTXjP8oGMZTio_p0HOvVfZu_tnNpFxXo5Jl0kVuWPi4sc5iJpPVvqbEOZDQzdDedPM/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580724168829042834" /></a><br /><br />The ladies tried to teach me and some of the others to make tortillas. Not hard, right? It was extremely difficult! I did not get the hang of it at all. Those ladies are champions for all their hard work!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUjXYYD6pH0tTK1dksvNMSg1TUbCblU4_VK1HHzcGUH9vQzC6fp6GL0tKFg8ldBzfCm6xz-Mwh2uuiM6c-wSULtKRmfEyM9Dl2dnI7iIV6eafojcwRPgxxiBt4xMaDUn_dkvaZDFwGC8/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUjXYYD6pH0tTK1dksvNMSg1TUbCblU4_VK1HHzcGUH9vQzC6fp6GL0tKFg8ldBzfCm6xz-Mwh2uuiM6c-wSULtKRmfEyM9Dl2dnI7iIV6eafojcwRPgxxiBt4xMaDUn_dkvaZDFwGC8/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580729424771621634" /></a><br /><br />Me and Meli, an extremely helpful and friendly eight year old who loved to teach me Spanish and other things.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgWPLnzpsN3wl856mmALEAdVNz_iEOQ5Ddj261-Yz-J1jga7ZNjQ5SktoJenqT8qtN6bpCUFi_k6Y1ovU6911JKxTuLtsW61fVaGcgzoZ0f7QUFPpcApLqg1geoLyE0x3TwaY-o_fAE4/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgWPLnzpsN3wl856mmALEAdVNz_iEOQ5Ddj261-Yz-J1jga7ZNjQ5SktoJenqT8qtN6bpCUFi_k6Y1ovU6911JKxTuLtsW61fVaGcgzoZ0f7QUFPpcApLqg1geoLyE0x3TwaY-o_fAE4/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580730287945097666" /></a><br /><br />My beautiful hermanita (little sister) Saili. She is so precious to me. This little girl will grow up without a daddy because he did not want the responsibility of taking care of her. He is missing out on a wonderful opportunity. She will grow up with men in her life. Her grandpa, uncles, and cousins. But it is not the same as having a daddy of her own.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZl-_tcz3RnY7X8PSCIQBVUxJvJ7HMQgm0KOcEsqWkAhzM-b5KEJDWRHVHc0-mEd49ZGU09dgnBUDGNWp-jNlGJAC2_NiD8X3yZ5CUGY80FWokPHl3zAwWsIAE7gHF03KmidK6kNaD6s8/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZl-_tcz3RnY7X8PSCIQBVUxJvJ7HMQgm0KOcEsqWkAhzM-b5KEJDWRHVHc0-mEd49ZGU09dgnBUDGNWp-jNlGJAC2_NiD8X3yZ5CUGY80FWokPHl3zAwWsIAE7gHF03KmidK6kNaD6s8/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580731591787676226" /></a><br /><br />David, Eden and Me with part of my wonderful family. I will never forget them and all they did for our team.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAH80mhyPsYX8aJW4VWv6qHuzWSl0-HLmvMFadR3qd3cDxtcc8F_JEJnu2aIDfzN-b4sclB_jvtWAEtBRfMvk45GCoSLeE5L4j5nw87LqrDOojBqNNxLkW-zvA8OCLNkf8QfDZGlNxVU/s1600/Chiapas+Presentation+197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAH80mhyPsYX8aJW4VWv6qHuzWSl0-HLmvMFadR3qd3cDxtcc8F_JEJnu2aIDfzN-b4sclB_jvtWAEtBRfMvk45GCoSLeE5L4j5nw87LqrDOojBqNNxLkW-zvA8OCLNkf8QfDZGlNxVU/s320/Chiapas+Presentation+197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580731982066732482" /></a>mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7861031738212923378.post-90373200578410570002011-03-03T11:43:00.000-08:002011-05-08T19:49:36.293-07:00Snakes....Hey All,<br /> I've been thinking today about my journey and how the Lord has brought me to where I am today. There are so many things He's still working on in my heart and life but He has been helping me to conquer certain things in my life. <br /><br /> When I went to Papua New Guinea, I had 3 big fears: <br /><br /> 1) Getting lost in Atlanta airport as I had never flown before. The Lord provided a travling companion and we got through the airport ok though, Praise the Lord. <br /><br />2) Flying. Well, more specifically, falling out of the sky and crashing and dying. But the Lord got me over that fear too. Actually, flying is fun! I like the smaller airplanes because you can feel the bounce around more than on a big plane.<br /><br />And 3) Snakes. My biggest fear of all time is snakes of any size, shape, color, or kind. I am terrified of pictures of snakes, movies, and snakes in cages. But especially in the wild. When I went to PNG, I was so terrified the Lord would trap me in a small space with a snake and make me get over my fear of snakes. <br /><br /> During the month I was at the Interface campus I didn't see any (Praise the Lord)but when we went to the bush, the Lord decided it was time for me to get over my fear. I had to sleep in the same room with a green python in a cage!!!!! At night, I had to listen to him thud onto the floor while I was trying to sleep! By the end of my time there, I decided I was going to hold that stinkin' snake if it killed me! So I did and here's a video of it for proof. Remember, I was two years younger and very sunburned :) <br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QaOiSfjCbOk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /> In Chiapas, I only saw two snakes and I knew where they were when I came upon them so that was a blessing. I'm hoping my "luck" won't run out this trip and I'll have a snake-free trip. :)mexicoboundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15904612556200162940noreply@blogger.com0