Yes mom, if you are just reading this one entry...STOP and go to the bottom and start with Part 1! I tried to break up all the excitement for you in 3 parts, so that you would not be cross eyed nor cross legged while you were reading all about what HE has been doing here in the past 3 weeks!
So the girls arrive a little late but had no problems getting all of the Paul's books here and the little bit of stuff that they brought! Brian meets us with his truck, loads up the luggage while I take the girls to get some moolah. We make it to the house and they are blown away by HIS beautiful creation and the way that HE has been taking care of me by placing me in a safe place to live. We get them settled, drink some water, change clothes and then I take them to the top of the wall in the Old City to watch the sunset. There were lots of clouds that day and a great breeze, so we did not see the sun set but just relaxed while we waited on the Paul's and Jota to meet us there. We took them to where else...crepes and waffles for their first meal in Colombia! I think they kind of enjoyed it and then walked around a little on the wall to let them see the beautiful city. We headed back to the apt, chatted it up for a bit, and then went to bed.
Saturday they got to experience NM and Villa Estrella and all that is this sports ministry. Laura played with the girls while Amy and Stacey helped me with the 8-10 year old boys in NM. It was amazingly cool in NM with a breeze...yes, I am serious a breeze! I am not sure what happens when volunteers come but HE sure does bless them with amazing weather! Laura commented to me how she can see a huge difference in what HE has done in just a year. She said it was incredible to see the youth leaders doing everything, how the youth of the barrio's attitudes had changed, and just the overall presence of The Father there. She was very excited to see how HE has been moving. AFter NM, we went back to eat their first Colombian meal at the tienda before we headed back to VE. I gave them a little extra time to rest before we headed out to VE and so when we arrived a little late, a lot of them were not ready for us. It was incredibly windy at VE and so our volleyball net would stay up and we took turns holding it up. It was a good day of work and first day for the girls. That night, we made a run for some street food and bread!
Sunday, we had a nice relaxing morning with HIM and watched a service together. We shared a lot of things and I think it was a good time to open up for them and I challenged us to take our relationships to a deeper level. They all agreed that our friendships had become superficial (even theirs in between each other) and we asked HIM to help us change that. We went to the mall to meet up with Jota to buy the groceries for the retreat and then back home for some last minute planning and pryng before the youth arrived.
Sunday night we had a service in my house with all the youth. It was neat as we sang in both english and spanish...just a little glimpse of what heaven will be like! JD spoke on having confidence in HIM and the HS really spoke through him not only in the lives of the youth but also of the girls. After the service, we went to the Paul's to eat dinner and watch a movie. Brian had found How to Save a Life in spanish and so we watched it...and it really made an impact on them!
We said goodbye to the guys as they headed out to Jota's house and we girls got ready for a little spiritual gifts talk. It was neat to watch how HE revealed to them their real gifts that HE gave them and how a lot of them did not know what their gifts were and were trying to use gifts that they were not strong in for His glory. It was a neat time of pryr as we asked HIM to show us how HE wants to use these gifts to impact HIS kingdom! I think we finally finished at 2am and then got ready for bed. I of course lucked out and got to sleep with Drlys...which meant that I really did not sleep at all!!
The next morning, I woke all of them up early at 6:30 to workout together. We were talking about inner beauty but also talking about taking care of our temple! I really think that I should have made a video of this workout session that we had on lawn and by the pool in my apt complex. These girls had not exercised in forever and these girls are young! After the exercise time, we all went to spend time with HIM personally. All the girls headed out to the beach and to my surprise had been listening to our talks about the importance of a quiet time, as they spent a good hour with just HIM!! This was one of the greatest blessings to me, to know that each of them was crawling up into HIS lap as I was and just listening to HIM sing over us!
We finally began our sessions on Inner beauty and it was beautiful to see HIM using HIS Words to not only speak to the youth but also the girls and it was neat to watch them all share their experiences. It was neat to watch their faces as they listened to HIS Words and understood who they are in HIM and what they were created to be! I think HE really challenged each one of them through this study! We had to take an hour break during the morning session because the girls were so tired, don't know why...maybe the 3 hours of sleep was not enough for them! I know I was tired but HE totally filled me up as I translated, lead the discussion, and tried to move the day along without being exhausted! HE is so powerful and always gives just what we need!! Once again, we had an amazing day. It felt like a perfect spring day with a little sun and a breeze. The youth were cold as they wrapped up in blankets and sheets but we Americans felt great.
We finished the study together and had some amazing time of fellowship. We relaxed on the lawn, played volleyball, and waited for the guys to come back...especially to hear what their spiritual gifts were! We saw that none of the girls had the gift of leadership, wisdom, discernment,or knowledge! Interesting, huh? I told them that maybe HE was showing us something in who we are as women which worked perfectly into our discussion of our role as a gentle and quiet woman! HE is so wise in how HE works everything for HIS good! We just spent the rest of the day just relaxing, hanging out together, talking, worshipping, playing and just loving on each other. It was a great day that HE ordained and gave to us! I think we finally got them to leave at about 9 and as soon as they were out of the door, we were in the bed!
Tuesday, we headed out to Arjona to have the study. There was a meeting of the indigenous of the area and so we just went by to say hey to Crmn and others. While there, HE placed on Drlys heart to invite two of them to our study while they waited for their meeting to start. It was definitely ordained by HIM as Jl had been receiving signs from HIM for the past 3 days to come back to HIM. She had lots of questions and uncertainties. HE used the other women and HIS Words to answer their uncertainties. It was a neat time of watching HIM work again! I love just obediently going where HE asks and anxiously waiting for HIM to show off!
That afternoon, we went to eat in Centro at one of my new favorite restaurants. Afterwards went for a little Juan, where we sat and laughed about so much! Old times...good times...just had a great time of laughing, something that I have not done in a long time. We came back to the house to rest and relax. We then headed out to Bocagrande to show this area of town off, ate a little food, shopped a little, and walked around. Just some more great conversations about HIM and time of laughing and loving on each other.
Wednesday, was our relaxing day in the sun...which turned into be a little more than Amy and Stace bargained for! It was a great time for each of to spend in HIS Word and with HIM. A time of refreshment for them, a time of listening to HIM and no one else, a time of just enjoying a gorgeous day, and each other. Unfortunately an entire day in the sun without sunscreen on some parts, did not agree for those two! That night, we ate a traditional Costanean meal of fried fish, coconut rice, patacones, and salad in Santa Domingo square. We followed this excellent meal and conversation with more walking around and shopping.
Thursday, we head out to Arjona to show the girls our weekly ministry in houses. Every house we went to was so concerned about the red legs of Amy and Stacey...it was so funny as they all wanted me to take them to the doctor! One of the houses, an older woman came and immediately started hugging on Laura and thanking her for pulling out her molars. She was mistaking Laura for the dental assistant (they looked nothing alike) and we all tried to explain that to her but she knew that Laura had saved her from her pain but taking out her teeth! I asked her why we did not take her to see the eye doctor as well, as obviously she could use some help with her eyes, and she reassured me that she has gone and her glasses were well guarded in her house! It was an interesting day to say the least. The girls got to experience the joyful giving and hunger for HIS Words from a people who have nothing! I know they were tired after this long day (and might pry a little more specifically for me on these long days) but also were full of HIS blessings!
Friday, we decided to go visit Eric and see where HE works. The girls were very nervous about our travel out to the island and we gave the day over to HIM and knew HE was going to take control of us....and did HE! We were leaving the airport looking for taxi to take us to the mercado where we could pick up the bus to head out to where Eric lives. Not only did HE give us a nice taxi driver but he offered to take us all the way out there for about the same price as we would pay on the bus...plus we would have air conditioning and no hassels on the bus! We get on the ferry and the guys tried to get more money from me but you know me, mom...I don't budge and don't like being messed with for being an American. We found some taxis and after my strict lecture and threats, we were off to see Eric at his school. I arrived at the school last and found the girls in pleasant moods and not scared because of their taxi rides.
Eric was so glad to see us. He took us for a little snack, to meet his adopted family, and on a little tour of his school. We got to participate in one of his classes before we all headed out to Playa Blanca. It was neat to watch him teach his students. He loves what he does and they love him. Another moto ride for us, meant some great conversation time with Laura as we were the first to leave and waited on the rest of them. The beach was beautiful and the water gorgeous! We all played in the water for awhile and just spent time talking to Eric. I retreated to read for awhile and given them a chance to be with Eric by themselves. We ate lunch and then relaxed some more. I finally got to spend some good one on one time with Eric and figure out what exactly was going on in his life and how I could pry. It was a good time. I felt like our little group of friends were on a 3 hours vacation. It was so comfortable to all be together...something that it has not been for awhile. I had asked HIM to heal my heart and HE has completely. I can look at Eric like i did before, my friend without any of the feelings of hurt and past memories coming to the surface. It was a beautiful moment for me to see HIS power in my life.
We say good bye, and get on a boat to head back to Cartagena. Laura was a little nervous about this ride as the last time she was with me, we were on a boat that I really thought was going to tip over due to the weather. She was relieved as HE gave us a smooth and peaceful ride back to the city...just a time to reflect on HIM and what HE did this past week in their lives. We ended the trip the same way that they started it...Crepes and Waffles...and great conversations. They have truly been changed by their time here. How could they not be? They came face to face with the Living Father. HE took every little distraction away from them, every excuse that they normally use was not there, and all they had was time for HIM! And HE met them and shined HIS Light into their lives. HE revealed a lot to them and they openly accepted and made themselves vulnerable to HIM. They shared with each other and obediently took steps of faith to take their relationships with HIM to the next level! It was a great week for them! And I praise HIM for bring them here!
Saturday, we say goodbye as they get on a plane and we head out to NM. And would you know that HE did not stop showering me with HIS blessings! HE called three of the youth that I generally work with...the group no one else wants...well HE called them to HIM and they ACCEPTED!! That is right, we have 3 new family members and I am so excited to see what HE does in their lives!! The entire day was a great day serving HIM, even though I was so tired; HE gave me the energy I needed to get through the day! It was amazing! And HE allowed us to end the day watching a little bit of basketball during this blessed time of year!
I know you are praising HIM with me as you read these 3 parts of what all HE has been doing! Sorry, I was busy and did not have a chance to write these earlier! Hope you were blessed by what HE did and is doing! I love you and hope you have a fabulous week!
So the girls arrive a little late but had no problems getting all of the Paul's books here and the little bit of stuff that they brought! Brian meets us with his truck, loads up the luggage while I take the girls to get some moolah. We make it to the house and they are blown away by HIS beautiful creation and the way that HE has been taking care of me by placing me in a safe place to live. We get them settled, drink some water, change clothes and then I take them to the top of the wall in the Old City to watch the sunset. There were lots of clouds that day and a great breeze, so we did not see the sun set but just relaxed while we waited on the Paul's and Jota to meet us there. We took them to where else...crepes and waffles for their first meal in Colombia! I think they kind of enjoyed it and then walked around a little on the wall to let them see the beautiful city. We headed back to the apt, chatted it up for a bit, and then went to bed.
Saturday they got to experience NM and Villa Estrella and all that is this sports ministry. Laura played with the girls while Amy and Stacey helped me with the 8-10 year old boys in NM. It was amazingly cool in NM with a breeze...yes, I am serious a breeze! I am not sure what happens when volunteers come but HE sure does bless them with amazing weather! Laura commented to me how she can see a huge difference in what HE has done in just a year. She said it was incredible to see the youth leaders doing everything, how the youth of the barrio's attitudes had changed, and just the overall presence of The Father there. She was very excited to see how HE has been moving. AFter NM, we went back to eat their first Colombian meal at the tienda before we headed back to VE. I gave them a little extra time to rest before we headed out to VE and so when we arrived a little late, a lot of them were not ready for us. It was incredibly windy at VE and so our volleyball net would stay up and we took turns holding it up. It was a good day of work and first day for the girls. That night, we made a run for some street food and bread!
Sunday, we had a nice relaxing morning with HIM and watched a service together. We shared a lot of things and I think it was a good time to open up for them and I challenged us to take our relationships to a deeper level. They all agreed that our friendships had become superficial (even theirs in between each other) and we asked HIM to help us change that. We went to the mall to meet up with Jota to buy the groceries for the retreat and then back home for some last minute planning and pryng before the youth arrived.
Sunday night we had a service in my house with all the youth. It was neat as we sang in both english and spanish...just a little glimpse of what heaven will be like! JD spoke on having confidence in HIM and the HS really spoke through him not only in the lives of the youth but also of the girls. After the service, we went to the Paul's to eat dinner and watch a movie. Brian had found How to Save a Life in spanish and so we watched it...and it really made an impact on them!
We said goodbye to the guys as they headed out to Jota's house and we girls got ready for a little spiritual gifts talk. It was neat to watch how HE revealed to them their real gifts that HE gave them and how a lot of them did not know what their gifts were and were trying to use gifts that they were not strong in for His glory. It was a neat time of pryr as we asked HIM to show us how HE wants to use these gifts to impact HIS kingdom! I think we finally finished at 2am and then got ready for bed. I of course lucked out and got to sleep with Drlys...which meant that I really did not sleep at all!!
The next morning, I woke all of them up early at 6:30 to workout together. We were talking about inner beauty but also talking about taking care of our temple! I really think that I should have made a video of this workout session that we had on lawn and by the pool in my apt complex. These girls had not exercised in forever and these girls are young! After the exercise time, we all went to spend time with HIM personally. All the girls headed out to the beach and to my surprise had been listening to our talks about the importance of a quiet time, as they spent a good hour with just HIM!! This was one of the greatest blessings to me, to know that each of them was crawling up into HIS lap as I was and just listening to HIM sing over us!
We finally began our sessions on Inner beauty and it was beautiful to see HIM using HIS Words to not only speak to the youth but also the girls and it was neat to watch them all share their experiences. It was neat to watch their faces as they listened to HIS Words and understood who they are in HIM and what they were created to be! I think HE really challenged each one of them through this study! We had to take an hour break during the morning session because the girls were so tired, don't know why...maybe the 3 hours of sleep was not enough for them! I know I was tired but HE totally filled me up as I translated, lead the discussion, and tried to move the day along without being exhausted! HE is so powerful and always gives just what we need!! Once again, we had an amazing day. It felt like a perfect spring day with a little sun and a breeze. The youth were cold as they wrapped up in blankets and sheets but we Americans felt great.
We finished the study together and had some amazing time of fellowship. We relaxed on the lawn, played volleyball, and waited for the guys to come back...especially to hear what their spiritual gifts were! We saw that none of the girls had the gift of leadership, wisdom, discernment,or knowledge! Interesting, huh? I told them that maybe HE was showing us something in who we are as women which worked perfectly into our discussion of our role as a gentle and quiet woman! HE is so wise in how HE works everything for HIS good! We just spent the rest of the day just relaxing, hanging out together, talking, worshipping, playing and just loving on each other. It was a great day that HE ordained and gave to us! I think we finally got them to leave at about 9 and as soon as they were out of the door, we were in the bed!
Tuesday, we headed out to Arjona to have the study. There was a meeting of the indigenous of the area and so we just went by to say hey to Crmn and others. While there, HE placed on Drlys heart to invite two of them to our study while they waited for their meeting to start. It was definitely ordained by HIM as Jl had been receiving signs from HIM for the past 3 days to come back to HIM. She had lots of questions and uncertainties. HE used the other women and HIS Words to answer their uncertainties. It was a neat time of watching HIM work again! I love just obediently going where HE asks and anxiously waiting for HIM to show off!
That afternoon, we went to eat in Centro at one of my new favorite restaurants. Afterwards went for a little Juan, where we sat and laughed about so much! Old times...good times...just had a great time of laughing, something that I have not done in a long time. We came back to the house to rest and relax. We then headed out to Bocagrande to show this area of town off, ate a little food, shopped a little, and walked around. Just some more great conversations about HIM and time of laughing and loving on each other.
Wednesday, was our relaxing day in the sun...which turned into be a little more than Amy and Stace bargained for! It was a great time for each of to spend in HIS Word and with HIM. A time of refreshment for them, a time of listening to HIM and no one else, a time of just enjoying a gorgeous day, and each other. Unfortunately an entire day in the sun without sunscreen on some parts, did not agree for those two! That night, we ate a traditional Costanean meal of fried fish, coconut rice, patacones, and salad in Santa Domingo square. We followed this excellent meal and conversation with more walking around and shopping.
Thursday, we head out to Arjona to show the girls our weekly ministry in houses. Every house we went to was so concerned about the red legs of Amy and Stacey...it was so funny as they all wanted me to take them to the doctor! One of the houses, an older woman came and immediately started hugging on Laura and thanking her for pulling out her molars. She was mistaking Laura for the dental assistant (they looked nothing alike) and we all tried to explain that to her but she knew that Laura had saved her from her pain but taking out her teeth! I asked her why we did not take her to see the eye doctor as well, as obviously she could use some help with her eyes, and she reassured me that she has gone and her glasses were well guarded in her house! It was an interesting day to say the least. The girls got to experience the joyful giving and hunger for HIS Words from a people who have nothing! I know they were tired after this long day (and might pry a little more specifically for me on these long days) but also were full of HIS blessings!
Friday, we decided to go visit Eric and see where HE works. The girls were very nervous about our travel out to the island and we gave the day over to HIM and knew HE was going to take control of us....and did HE! We were leaving the airport looking for taxi to take us to the mercado where we could pick up the bus to head out to where Eric lives. Not only did HE give us a nice taxi driver but he offered to take us all the way out there for about the same price as we would pay on the bus...plus we would have air conditioning and no hassels on the bus! We get on the ferry and the guys tried to get more money from me but you know me, mom...I don't budge and don't like being messed with for being an American. We found some taxis and after my strict lecture and threats, we were off to see Eric at his school. I arrived at the school last and found the girls in pleasant moods and not scared because of their taxi rides.
Eric was so glad to see us. He took us for a little snack, to meet his adopted family, and on a little tour of his school. We got to participate in one of his classes before we all headed out to Playa Blanca. It was neat to watch him teach his students. He loves what he does and they love him. Another moto ride for us, meant some great conversation time with Laura as we were the first to leave and waited on the rest of them. The beach was beautiful and the water gorgeous! We all played in the water for awhile and just spent time talking to Eric. I retreated to read for awhile and given them a chance to be with Eric by themselves. We ate lunch and then relaxed some more. I finally got to spend some good one on one time with Eric and figure out what exactly was going on in his life and how I could pry. It was a good time. I felt like our little group of friends were on a 3 hours vacation. It was so comfortable to all be together...something that it has not been for awhile. I had asked HIM to heal my heart and HE has completely. I can look at Eric like i did before, my friend without any of the feelings of hurt and past memories coming to the surface. It was a beautiful moment for me to see HIS power in my life.
We say good bye, and get on a boat to head back to Cartagena. Laura was a little nervous about this ride as the last time she was with me, we were on a boat that I really thought was going to tip over due to the weather. She was relieved as HE gave us a smooth and peaceful ride back to the city...just a time to reflect on HIM and what HE did this past week in their lives. We ended the trip the same way that they started it...Crepes and Waffles...and great conversations. They have truly been changed by their time here. How could they not be? They came face to face with the Living Father. HE took every little distraction away from them, every excuse that they normally use was not there, and all they had was time for HIM! And HE met them and shined HIS Light into their lives. HE revealed a lot to them and they openly accepted and made themselves vulnerable to HIM. They shared with each other and obediently took steps of faith to take their relationships with HIM to the next level! It was a great week for them! And I praise HIM for bring them here!
Saturday, we say goodbye as they get on a plane and we head out to NM. And would you know that HE did not stop showering me with HIS blessings! HE called three of the youth that I generally work with...the group no one else wants...well HE called them to HIM and they ACCEPTED!! That is right, we have 3 new family members and I am so excited to see what HE does in their lives!! The entire day was a great day serving HIM, even though I was so tired; HE gave me the energy I needed to get through the day! It was amazing! And HE allowed us to end the day watching a little bit of basketball during this blessed time of year!
I know you are praising HIM with me as you read these 3 parts of what all HE has been doing! Sorry, I was busy and did not have a chance to write these earlier! Hope you were blessed by what HE did and is doing! I love you and hope you have a fabulous week!
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