Monday's discussion of the TP went excellent and provoked a lot of great conversations that HE ordained with the youth during the week. Jota and Drlys took really good care of me on Monday night and I was told that because I still had a fever that I was not going to Arjona on Tuesday. I then told someone that I would only stay at home, if they went in my place! So Drlys and Ruth headed out to Arjona to talk about the temptation of Js, while I stayed at home pryng for them and what HE was going to do through their study.

So the discussion that we had last week during the Truth Project was incredible and was something that I don't think even the youth had experienced before. (probably because I made homemade cookies and gave them valentine's day treats!) They were actually opening up, sharing personal things, and asking questions. It was neat to watch the little wheels of their brain turning and turning trying to wrap their heads and hearts around what HE designed the family and the club to look like...like the trinity! They were having to process through a lot of things that their culture had taught them was correct but in light of His Word, they have seen that it is not at all truth. Continue to pry for them as they faithfully come to hear, study, and learn more about His Truth! 

Tuesday morning, Ruth and I went out again to Arjona. We found most of them washing their clothes and telling us that they could not meet with us. I just began to pry that HE would get rid of all their excuses and so HE did and one by one they came. We did have to change venues as one woman really had to wash clothes and so we went to her house. We read through chapter 3 and talked about John the Baptist. They really had never heard much about him at all outside except when he took Js swimming. They had many questions about his clothes, why he was in the desert, how he knew all about Js, and why he was the one to take Js swimming. We had some great discussion around John but what I loved more than this was watching these women share with each other. They have really been united and are opening their lives up to one another. They are sharing their needs, hurts, blessings...basically everything! It is beautiful to see how HE is using this time to unite them and how they are truly representative of what the body looks like! Please continue to pry for them as they hunger for HIS Words. Also ask that HE will give Sndr a job where she will not have to miss Tuesday or Thursday with us!

That afternoon, I was suppose to meet up with a pastor to talk about the ministry but for some reason that did not happen. But a youth, Trs came over and wants to start reading HIS Word together and pryng each week. It was neat to see her allow HIM to break down some of her walls as she shared parts of her life with me that she has not shared with others. I am encouraged by her coming to me to request this time of discipleship and am excited to see where HE takes it. Please ask that I will be obedient to follow HIS lead with our times together. That night I met Jota in Centro for some Juanny Juan Juan and we went back to his house to watch a movie with his mom. It was a nice night for all of us especially as I feel like she gets lonely from time to time and just needs someone around!

Wednesday is a complete blurr. I know Ruth and I met in the morning for our time to watch the Truth project and had a great time of pryr and discussion. After that it all became blurry because I received an email from Brian that responded for my request of 3 more months here. I had asked him for 3 more months here for several reason. 1. I have felt like the work he wants to start in Palenque could be started easily with the sports ministry. It would be the easiest way to get our foot in the door and get to know people. So, I thought 3 more months would allow me to help them get started there. 2. It would give me a little more time to help get this ministry completely funded and supported by the local clubs. They are very much set on "my" ministry of "my" club instead of seeing this as a way for the body to work together. I know HE can do whatever HE wants and am asking that HE open some doors for this to begin! 3. I plan to start seminary in August and with 3 more months here, I would not have to find a temporary job until I could start school. So he sent my request on to the powers that be and the response was no. They cannot give me a 3 months extension but the reason my Wednesday became blurry was because they offered another 2 year term if I was interested. What does that look like? What does that mean? I have no idea, hence the blurriness. So we now have another things to pry over as I am not sure what HIS will is for this and what the details of this extension would look like.

Thursday was a good day in Arjona. I spent the morning with Pdr, Mrhls, and Bobby where we had 4 different services. We had some great conversation and had the opportunity to start 2 new groups with parents from our sports ministry. Who says that this strategy doesn't work to start house clubs? Silliness just silliness to think that this strategy does not work!! That afternoon I had the opportunity to head to a new area that was just started working in and it was neat to meet some new people. Js went with us that afternoon and showed me a field that is full of kids. We talked to the kids to see if they would be interested in working with me and hearing HIS Words, they said yes and now we just have to clear it with Brian. "A" wants to go with me to share HIS stories with the youth on Thursday mornings after one house club and are going to talk to Brian tomorrow about the idea to see what he says.

Friday, I had a great morning with HIM. I have been listening to some services from FlatIrons and really being challenged in lots of areas. Not to mention, HE gave me more of a peace about this 2 year extension and what it could look like. I am still not sure but am going to ask for the details, so that I can pry more specifically. That evening, Jota came over to prepare for the Truth Project study with me and we had a great night of pryr about lots of different things that are going on.

Saturday, we finished up the tournament in NM and it went fabulous! PRAISE HIM!! We have not had the celebration but I worked with another group of the older guys and to hear them retell all three stories from our self control theme was incredible!! I was really impressed! And they really have been trying to practice self control and it shows! Now I am desperately on my knees asking for their salvation!! Join me! Villa Estrella went great as Ruth and I taught the smaller ones how to play volleyball! They were too cute and ended up actually playing really well! They also surprised me and were able to tell us each of the stories from the self control theme! HIS Words are powerful and are definitely changing their lives!

Saturday night, I began to feel awful and I mean awful. I had the chance to talk to you on Saturday for awhile and I think about 20 minutes after we hung up I got really sick. High fever, diarrhea, head ache, and body aches. And they lasted all day Sunday (which of course robbed me of my opportunity to go out to Arjona...yes and I only have 10 times more!!) and robbed me of any activity today. Today the fever finally left at like 12 but I have had this migraine all day that has prevented me from doing anything except lay in the dark with my eyes closed. Right now as I type this, I am still not feeling well but better than before. The youth are here watching the truth project with Jota and I am asking that HE use it to challenge them in a powerful way. We shall see what they discuss tonight! And if I wake up feeling better tomorrow and can actually do something! It was a good week and I am excited to see what HE does this week!

I cannot believe another week has flown by; the time here is flying! We had a great time during the Truth Project and it is neat to see how HE is using it to speak to each of them. And this week, I actually had several come to me and thank me for taking the time to have this study with them. One of the, well Jota, told me that he feels like it has been a way to take some people off a spiritual milk and give them a taste of what real food tastes like. He said that he has seen so much fruit in the lives of our team just in these 6 weeks of studying! So who knows what tonight will bring...

Tuesday with the women in Arjona went fabulous, as it does when you take out His Words and read them. We finished up chapter 2 and the thing that stuck out the most to me was when they all looked at each other and said...Js was displaced from the time he was a little boy, just like us! Now, we have taught them about HIM being displaced through stories before but it was neat to see them read about his first two times of being displaced and to listen to them talk and remember how hard it was for them but how encouraging it is that HE too was displaced. It was beautiful to watch them grasp this concept. We also taught them how other people don't look at the Christmas story the same as we do and in fact many people don't see it as a reason to celebrate. They did not understand this for awhile but once they understood that Herod had killed all the children 2 years and under looking for Js, they began to understand. It was sweet because as we were pryng at the end, they remembered to lift up the people in the middle east and others who don't know that indeed the Messiah has come!  That night we had another meeting with the team...it went well. Just planning for a couple of things that are coming up!

Wednesday morning, Ruth did not come over to watch the Truth Project with me and so I watched it and spent some good time with HIM that morning. That afternoon, I spent running around in meetings with youth leaders and other people trying to organize some things for the end of this month. And that night, I started aching all over, sore throat, and a high fever. Needless to say, I did not sleep too much and so I spent the next day not in Arjona but in my bed. I was so mad as I only have 12 more Thursdays with them, I don't want to miss but this fever did not want to leave. And I am not so good at staying in the bed all day, as you know, but I spent some good time with HIM and watched a cute little movie.

Friday, I have decided to use as my day of rest. So I spent the entire morning with HIM, fasting for the ministry (or so I thought) and HE met me with lost of scripture. HE beat me up pretty good and I kept trying to remind HIM that I was fasting to hear HIM about the ministry, the ministry...not Kendall. Well, if you have ever tried to tell HIM something then you pretty much know how that conversation ended! It was a great morning with HIM and I did hear clearly from HIM...very clear! It wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear but HE is MY DAD and told me exactly what I needed to hear! That afternoon, I had two discipleship meetings that went well because they actually showed up!! WOoHOoo!!!

Saturday in Nelson Mandela went well. We did not have as many people and so I was with a a group of older boys for the tournament. It was such a blessing for me because I have not worked with a group in so long that I have not been able to hear them and how HE is changing them. I mean I had a group of 14-16 year old boys who were listening to the story that I was telling, and answering the questions. It was such a change from the group that use to pull knives out on me when we played! I was really impressed with two of the older guys who are 17 and such leaders of their groups and so respectful. I could not stop telling Jota how impressed and blessed I was just by spending time with them! It was amazing! He, of course, was like ,yeah that is normal, but for me it was such a drastic change that I know we can only give the glory to HIM!! It was such a blessing!! In Villa Estrella, we had 4 guys helping us and so I was able to play with Ruth and the girls. It was good to see the leaders trying to work and serve HIM in a different location.

Friday night's meeting went okay. There were three of us for about an hour as we waited for the rest of the team to arrive...and you know how much I love to wait on people! (still in that refining process of HIS!!) We ended up having a good group of people, HE spoke through an activity and lesson HE gave me in a powerful way in each of their lives, and I feel like they left motivated to take the message to their own clubs! We shall see...from where I am looking now, it looks like a MONSTER that we will have to take down in order to get this work independent. But I know HE has a plan and everything under control and I am thankful for that!

Saturday in NM was better than the week before but these kids are horrible! It will be a miracle if they even understand what self control is by the end of this tournament, let alone put it into practice. Some were so bad that I had to take their T-shirts away from them and send them home. I told them that they could come back for the next tournament but it was not fair to the rest of the youth that were behaving! I think this sent the message that the mean gringa was serious about the rules of the tournament!

The most exciting thing that happened was that FINALLY an older lady came with us out to the barrio. She is the grandmother of two of the youth in our group. She and Ana, the local leader, went to the houses of the kids who play with us and just talked/pryd with their parents. They have organized two groups to start telling HIS Stories for next week!! I am so excited to see HIM move in this way and take us to where we could possibly take more older people to have services with the parents while we taught the kids! HE IS SO GOOD!! Please pry for this woman, Brbr and Ana as they begin this work!!

In Villa Estrella, I don't know where the kids went but there were hardly any. Jota and Cml had a large group of older youth, as normal, and had a great discussion time with them about self control. I taught the younger group how to play line-up and they loved it! We had a great time! There was this 5 year old on my team who generally never likes to play but he loves this game. He seemed to always be behind me when I passed the ball over my head to him and I would be like, why is someone not taking the ball? Then I would hear Ruth laughing as she watched this little guy jump with all his might to reach the ball. It was cute and he loved it!!

Saturday night, I invited Jota's brother and wife over to spend sometime with them. Remember I told you that she is not very nice to me at times and doesn't have many friends. I made Stacey's chicken casserole, veggies, potatoes, and brownies. We had a great time of talking about HIS Word and work. It was a great time for all of us! It is nice to see that they are open to talk about HIS Words with us and share things with me!

Sunday, I stayed in for a little service online. I had a great time with HIM! And then headed to Arjona where we had a great time starting the tournament with the first group out there! I had some extra time to share and listen to Trs as she shared what HE has been doing in her life. HE was definitely glorified and they understand what self control is and practiced it!!

And of course, the Superbowl last night...which is not exactly the same when you listen to spanish commentators and no great commercials!

I have to finish a video today to send to Faith and her club and some other reports for the board. I have a discipleship meeting and guitar class this afternoon and then the Truth Project! I hope to talk to you soon! I love you so much and pry for you daily, Mom!!

Sorry I am just now having time to update this page mom, normally Monday is my day but we have not had power consistently all week! It's Colombia...what are you going to do!

So my birthday night, about 20 youth come over to watch the Truth Project and bring me a cake! It was great to celebrate my day with them and see how HE is using HIS Words to change them!

Tuesday, Ruth and I went out to Arjona to disciple the ladies. We have now spent two weeks on Matt chapter 1 but it is exciting to see how they are connecting that the people in HIS genealogy have their own stories that we can find in the OT. We told the stories of the women listed in HIS genealogy and it was incredible to watch them get it. They HE uses us...as horrible as we are...to do AMAZING things! I mean, if HE can use a prostitute to bring HIS Son into the world, who knows what HE will do with our lives. I am enjoying spending time with these ladies and with Ruth. And she took me out to lunch for my bday and we just had a great time of talking. It is such a blessing to have her here to talk to, listen to, and laugh with! I was beginning to think I had lost my sense of humor!

That afternoon I met with one of the youth to begin some discipleing classes - not sure what HE wants us to do so we just started with James and see where HE takes us and how HE opens her heart up to HIM! And of course, the team meeting that night...

Wednesday, The Massey's took me to eat Subway and see the Rapunzel movie. It was a cute little love story and I actually understood it...in Spanish! We had a nice time talking and sharing different experiences over the years here in Colombia and in the States. We got back later than I expected and I had planned to go out with the Paul's for Caleb's birthday. So, I took Gomer out and headed back to the mall!! WooHooo...all day at the mall...you know how much I love malls (but I do love me some ac!!) Jota and I had planned to take the family to a local amusement park for his birthday. But before we ate, and I brought a cake - we sand and embarrassed the new 13 year old royally!! And then we take him to this park...I think it will be a birthday that he will never forget!

First he, Jota, and Madison go on the big ship that rocks back and forth! Everything was fine before the ride starts and then Bobby realizes that there are no seat belts for the kids...hello, this is Colombia! And then the look on his face when the ride started and this horrible noise that the ride made! It was histerical! Of course, I was pryng that they would actually survive and come off the ride but if not, I knew where the three of them were going! Oh, Colombia!! We later saw that all these rides are actually ran by car motors...yes, there is someone actually driving the ride. Changing gears, giving it more gas, oh...it was priceless! So we send the little girls on a little ride, no noises, and so Bobby was better. We all decide to go on the huge ferris wheel. I get the two little girls and Jota the two big kids. What an adventure...between the girls crying, screaming, and eventually laughing I learn that the two big kids are sick to their stomachs! Jota does not know what to do with them so they just ride with their heads down the entire time! Oh the fun they missed out on! Finally Jota, the two little ones and myself head for the bumper cars! Let's just say these cars were not as fast as the ferris wheel! In fact on several occasions they little guy had to push us to get our shiny pink car going! But the little guys had fun driving the cars and we were definitely making memories!!

Thursday in Arjona went really well. We had lots of good discussion and the local leaders are taking responsibility for all of the work there. I am thankful for this step in the right direction - we are not taking out as many of the old team and just working with the new guys! It is neat to watch them take responsibility and get excited to be in charge of the work in their neighborhood!

Friday, we had a meeting with the youth! It went well...we talked through our Mision, vision, goals, and leaders for this year. We have another meeting tonight to finalize all of this. I know HE has a plan and HE will make this ministry completely independent when HE wants to...it is just difficult to see right now. I am hopeful that tonight we can finalize everything and I can begin working with the new leaders before I leave! We shall see...please be in pryr for this!

Saturday, we started our tournament in NM and VE. It was nuts to say the least in NM. Jvr and Cml did not even get to play with their group because they were so bad. I looked over at one time during the day and they had them doing squats, jumping jack...all in single file lines! I asked the kids what happened, they told me they were being grounded for their behavior! All in all, everything went well out there. In VE, it was great! Jota and Felo could not go with me and so HE sent three new people to help me! It was great to see them work and answer a need within the work!

Saturday night, a group of us hiked up to the monastery because they were celebrating some virgin and it was actually safe. We had lots of fun walking up listening to D make up stories to tell me all the history of the monastery! And the view, breathtaking!! We stopped on the way down to have a small time of reading, pryng, and worshiping! It was great! Then we head to the fried festival at about 10 at night! Yep, everything fried! Anything and everything you could want, they had it...frying it! 

Sunday, I went to club with the Paul's and I really enjoyed the leader. I actually understood him as he just talked about the Word. It was a great service. And then SS, well Kay another M told me I had to go with the youth. I go to the youth class where they then ask me to teach the class and share a story with them. Okay, wasn't expecting that (as it has been awhile since i have been to a new club) and so I tell them the story that we were telling in each barrio that weekend. And HE IS SO AMAZING! It was exactly the same theme that the teacher was talking about and HE connected them beautifully!

We did not start the tournament in Arjona because it took us 2 hours to get there and we arrived as the youth from Turbaco were finishing up in one location. So, we just played awhile with the kids and I walked around with girl I am discipleing to invite the youth to the tournament for the next weekend. We had a great time of talking and sharing HIS Word and what HE is teaching us!

Monday was full of meetings, reports, and the study. Every time we get together, I am blown away at how HE is meeting them right where they are. Some are not quite getting it, others get it but have a hard time applying it, and then some get it, take it, and run with it! I am excited to see how they continue to change through the study over the next 6 weeks!

Tuesday, we had a great time with ladies. We just looked at the first 12 verses of chapter 2 and so much to explain to them through HIS Words. They had no idea that so many things have significance for us now. That each things we read and hear from HIS Word, we can take deeper and deeper. I will be excited to hear how HE speaks to them this week!

Tuesday night was my night with all 4 of the Paul's to celebrate Noa's bday and allow Bobby and Ruth to have a date night. We ate pizza, played games, watched a movie, and just laughed all night. THe next morning I made them pancakes, we read the Word, and they went home! It was a lot of fun and I especially enjoyed my time with Noa. She did not want to play all the time, like the other 3, she just wanted to sit by me and talk! She is precious!

Ruth and I watched another Truth Project and had a great morning talking about what this means for our lives and how we are going to apply These Truths to our lives now. I love this one on HIStory! It was incredible! And I have been looking at my life as a stepping stone, lost in HIS Plan and seeing if my life really looks like that and if I am okay if it does!

We had a great day of work on Thursday. They threw me a party out in Arjona and we had a large club service of all the clubs. We had food, cake, and His Story! The sweetest things were the hard work that three of them had put into organizing everything and the three gifts I received. Ln ( a girl I am discipling) made me a beautiful angel, Ktrn (another girl I am discipling) made me a bracelet with my name on it, and then the oldest gentleman we have made me these butterflies/roses but then quoted a poem he had written especially for me. It was absolutely precious! I did not deserve any of it and am constantly blown away by their generosity! They have nothing and yet they give it all away to others! What a beautiful picture of a disciple!

So here is my week, gotta run and get ready for my meeting! I love you and hope to talk to you soon!