6:00 AM came too soon on Sunday morning after going to bed only 3 hours earlier! I woke up, spent some time with Him, ran on the beach, and observed as the girls spent time with Him. They spent more time getting ready for club than they did with Him, which is good for me to know as I seek His Will for this group. We finally left for the club, and the SS class was good but the conversation is so shallow still and filled with words of man. I left to go to another club to announce the mission conference and ask the pastor if I could borrow the drum set for the band’s concert on Saturday. As I was speaking with the pastor, my heart hurt as I heard the same lines that I always here from the pastors here about the conference. But he did give me time in the service to announce the conference and the youth activities with the band, and the congregation was quite receptive. After I spoke, it appeared that maybe HE had changed the heart of the pastor who made some different comments to his group than in the conversation that the two of us had 15 minutes earlier! Then a member of the congregation took me to another club where I was able to speak and announce to them as well. It was a good morning as I feel that people are actually going to be at least pryng for this conference and maybe some youth will come to the activities specially for them. I spent that afternoon studying, watching classes, and taking a test. I actually did well on my test and so I rewarded myself by watching a little movie, or at least the last hour of the movie. I went to bed early as I was exhausted!

Monday, I woke up tired but began working on paperwork for the board, updating my website, made some calls, and just did basic office work all day. I met with Darlys and we pryd for the upcoming week and planned out what we felt HE was leading us to do this week in Palenque. That evening, I organized with a couple of youth time for them to announce in all the youth group meetings during the week about the youth workshop and concert with Felipe’s band.

Tuesday, I worked on class work and spent the AM pryng and asking HIM to prepare me for the week. We left for Palenque and had a great time of pryr and discipleship on the way out to Palenque. We arrive, unpack, and head to Ddr’s house for a study with her and her daughter. It was neat to watch Him convict her with His Words in how they both were living in respect to the men in their lives. I love it when people come under conviction by the HS and His Words and He allows us to see it! We spent some time in pryr, answering questions, and encouraging them in these new insights from Him. We headed back to the house and spent time listening to the newlyweds and what HE had laid on their hearts. While we were there, a lady comes to the house asking to buy The Word and wants to learn how to study It. Are you kidding me? HE is sending people to the house looking for His Word and searching for Him! Praise Him. We of course sell her His Word, and arrange a time to meet with her. That afternoon, we headed to a meeting with a local foundation who had given us the opportunity to hear what they were doing and possibly add to it with His Words. They were coming in to help with the violence and illegal activities that were happening in the village. It was interesting to listen to the group of Palenqueros and learn more about their worldview. After the meeting, we head to spend some time with Krstn and her family just to see how they were and when we could meet with them. It was a good first day in the village and Darlys and I spent the evening preparing for the next day and pryng.

Wednesday, we were eating breakfast when Ddr called me to ask if I could take the family into another town because an aunt had passed away. I said sure and they said they would send a moto to come and get me so that I wouldn’t have to walk all the way to the farm. I continue to eat my breakfast and in like a minute a moto is at the front gate asking for me. I sip some more coffee and then head out to the farm. I had some time to talk to different members of the family who all wanted to know why I was here and so I shared the gospel with them. I took the family to the other town and came back. Elzr was the only one to stay and take care of the farm and we had some great conversation and time in His Word. We were interrupted when his cousin came and so I, dreading to walk all the way back in the hot sun, left and began my journey. As I was leaving the farm, I thought to myself it would be nice if one of these motos would give me a free ride to the village. And being the amazing DAD He is, a moto turns around to come get me. I was very skeptical at first because they always want money but this one reassured me that he would give me a ride for free. I got on the moto and repented of my lack of faith. Oh the unexpected blessings that Our Heavenly Dad gives us…time with Elzr alone, and a free ride to the village! I came back to the house and confessed my lack of faith to the others which He used in their lives to remind them of how great He IS! We waited for about an hour for Myr who was going to take us to the lady’s house that bought the Word yesterday but she never showed. So we ask Hrln for her name and more or less where she lives, and we head out to find this lady, Lz Mrn. After about a 20-minute search, we eventually find her sleeping in her chair with His Word in her lap. We enter into the house, meet her family, and listen to her story. She is searching for help economically which was sad to hear but she had been accustomed to the other M who lived in Palenque always giving out money. I cannot blame her because that is what she had been taught but it does make our jobs more difficult. We shared the gospel with her and asked if she was willing to study with us. She said yes and so we gave her homework to read and that we would tell her the stories the next time we came. She was excited and we also invited her daughters to our youth study that night.

As we headed back to the house, Darlys was disappointed in how she wanted money and not Him. I tried to encourage her that we were at least invited into her house, we spoke His Truth, and He would do whatever He wanted to glorify His Name and we would be obedient. After lunch, we headed to Krstn and Dncl to meet with them. And the theme of the day would continue, they too began to ask indirectly for things from us. Darlys was really discouraged and so I shared a story and taught them Who He Is and they applied it to their situation and at least Dncl repented of asking us and not Him. We headed back to the house and prepared for the youth study. We started the study on the porch but the group grew so much we went to the street but everyone was so distracted and so we headed in the house. Darlys shared her testimony and connected it with a story in the Bible to show them how to share a testimony and a story with others. Afterwards, we talked about the change that HE makes in our life. That our testimony is who we were before we met Him, how we met Him, and who we are now after He has changed us. In all of the discussion, I presented part of the gospel and once again He began to confront them with His Truths! Oh how beautiful! It was neat to hear out of their mouths that these things were deep and that they had to think about them because they were opposite of what they believed! And it was cool to see Darlys be more comfortable with this type of HS confrontation and conviction. A couple of the youth stayed to ask questions, and then we had a devotional with Hrln and Js Mnl. Darlys and I spent the evening praising Him for revealing Himself to so many people today and how HE is working through the HS in each of their lives. It was a great day of blessings!

Thursday, I spent the AM talking to Js Mnl and Hrln about their passions for Palenque. We did not get to finish as the women began to arrive for our weekly study together. While we were singing, HE told me to ask them what HE had been teaching them. He had told me to plan to teach on faith but as we were singing, I heard Him say to ask them what HE had been teaching them in each of their personal times with Him. And so I obediently asked them and the answers blew me away! Hrln and Js Mnl talked about how He had been teaching them about being chosen in Isaiah and how this had completely changed their ideas of salvation and of Him. (A result of the election conversation that He ordained the week before and some private convos that we had last week.) Jn shared from Isaiah as well but basically repeated the lesson from the night before with the youth which was huge in my book. She is slow to understand concepts and the fact that she could repeat the Truths that we shared was so encouraging to me! And then the biggest one, Ktln begins to share that after our study last week she had been in Romans 9 all week. She woke up meditating on it and went to bed meditating on these Truths that she had not paid any attention to before. At the time that she began to share what she had been learning and what HE had revealed to her, the pastor of the club arrived. He came in and sat and listened as she walked us verse by verse in the revelation that HE had shown her through these verses. My eyes filled with tears of joy as I watched Our DAD open her eyes to Him and His salvation power and His Sovereignty over all things. She confessed that she has now had a difficult time forgiving herself for the years that she had been teaching, serving, and thinking that she did all of this to please Him and earn her salvation. She was memorized my a Dad Who would choose her out of her family to be His Own. She was speechless. So I challenged her with some more questions that she needed to search the Scriptures to find the answers for and Darlys later shared with me that she too was needing to hear those questions that I asked because she had not known how to answer them personally. Oh what a joyful time hearing what HE has been teaching His people when His people allow Him to use His Scripture to open their hearts! My heart was so full after this time and we didn’t even get to finish our discussion but it was so rich!

That afternoon, He kept the blessings and revelations coming as we met with Myr for the first time individually. She asked for help to prepare her for her upcoming marriage. He revealed to her that she doesn’t know much about Him and her relationship with Him. It was cool for her to recognize this as we searched Scripture after Scripture and she finally understood that until her relationship with Him, the Heavenly Bridegroom is where He desires, that she will never be the wife He has designed her to be! Oh what a sweet time at His Feet. Pry for her as she continues to search His Words. Pry that she will not grow weary but honestly have a hunger for His Truths. After this time, we headed down to the farm to meet with Mnl and his family. There was something weird in the atmosphere here but we continued with our meeting. We asked them to share and a couple of them did but there was something going on here that was not normal. We had a good time in His Word as He revealed new things from a familiar story that they have all heard and knew by heart. Our focus with them is to bring everything back to the cross. He has truly revealed new aspects of Himself there. We had a brief English class with the family, as they are preparing for their exam in July when my mom and Stacey come to visit! It was late and Darlys and I pryd that HE would bless us with a free ride back to the village. And as He always does, HE responded and a guy offers to take us all the way back to the house for free and we continue praising a Dad Who doesn’t overlook little details and ways to show His love for His children! We spent the evening processing the day…all the new cultural things we have realized, their desire for things and money more than Him, their lives being confronted with His Truths, and what a blessing it has been to be on the front row for all of it.

Friday, we woke up, packed up, and headed to the farm. Today, Darlys came with me and she enjoyed some time with the kids and Luz Mercy. The women did not show up for the study/pryr time. Stacy came up and she and I had some great times just talking about the week and this next week. She and Julie are getting to go to the states for the women’s conference that I had wanted to go to but could not go. Julie comes back home and there is something not right there, so I ask for some time with her if HE allows. Stacy and the kids went back down to their home and I talked with Josh for a while. During lunch, Julie and I had a great time to just talk and for me to listen what is on her heart and how her week was going. Oh how my heart broke when she told me of situations that are not going well and how she was feeling. It was a good time of just listening and sharing. I did not get to play with the kids too much but we did for a little bit when they had finished all their chores and homework. That night, I came home, unpacked, showered, and began working on my work for my class.

Saturday was a good morning at His Feet and just preparing for SS class the next day and the study with the youth that afternoon. One of the youth arrived 3 hours early and had not eaten so I sent him to the store to eat and met with a guy from the board about my future plans. After our meeting, I went downstairs and spent some time with this youth in pryr as we waited for the rest of the youth to arrive. Once some of them starting arriving, the environment in the room completely changed. It was weird but I expected resistance as today we were talking about the gospel and more importantly how they each presented the gospel. I pryd for awhile over the group and we began. HE revealed so much to me as we listened to one of the youth present the gospel. It was clear that I had missed a step with them and so I apologized to them and redirected our conversation. I presented the gospel message and asked them to take notes of what I mentioned and what Scripture I used. I later told them my testimony and connected it with a story from His Word. I taught them how to do the same and gave them the next two weeks to prepare their testimony, connect with His Words, and meditate over the gospel message. As they left, and Brody and I went for a walk I realized that I had thought they were all stronger than they are in the faith. I had stopped discipling them personally and 3 of them were going through some tough times. I repented of my sin and called each of them that afternoon just to see how they were and encourage them and apologize. I spent the evening on my knees asking for His Plan for this group that I thought were strong and firm in their faith. I praise a Dad who always gives second chances and reveals things to us and then shows us what HE wants to be done. Please continue to pry for these youth that are passing through a faith crisis – not being able to forgive themselves and understanding His forgiveness.

Monday existed of my computer, Augustine, Cassian, and myself all day. I was trying to finish my paper for my seminary class before I left for Palenque, so that I would not be focused on anything except the work. It did not happen. I did have a good meeting with Darlys and Maricela for their time of discipleship. Afterwards, it was back to the paper…

Tuesday, was more of Monday except I hit a wall and could not get past it. So, I talked to Josh and he listened to me and made sense of my thoughts. I sat down with a clear head and began to write some more until another block came. I felt Him telling me to go watch a movie. I did not trust it at first because the last thing I wanted to do was write my paper and it sounded too good to be true for me to have permission to watch a movie. It was indeed from Him and so I watched a small movie called the Encounter. It is about several different people who are traveling, the road is closed, and so they wait out a storm in a diner where they have the encounter with Jss. It was a good movie but HE used to it reveal a root of a sin that I have been fighting against for years, since HE revealed it in my life.

I have struggled with lying my whole life and HE has truly freed me from much of this sin. About 7 years ago, HE revealed to me that I was still lying and not living completely in His Truth. HE revealed that every time I do not tell the entire truth because I want to protect myself and when I exaggerate something to be funny or whatever, it is a lie. I have asked HIM to reveal the root of this sin, as it has wrecked havoc in my life since I was young. I despise liars and I was the biggest one of them all. Well, it was during this movie that revealed that the root of this sin is my pride. I do not tell the entire truth to all people because I want to protect myself…pride. I exaggerate things because I don’t believe that what HE actually did is sufficient to tell people…pride. WOW! HE also revealed that there was one time in my life that I did not understand why and had asked and was waiting for the answer. When I was in college, HE eliminated the opportunity for me to graduate from Baylor. I never understood why HE would take me all the way there and not let me graduate. HE revealed that HE was protecting me from a further fall into this sin of pride. This was just one of the many things HE revealed to me today during this little movie. I immediately got on my knees and repented for all of the times HE brought to my mind and heart that I had lied. HE showed me that when I am challenged to slip again, it is better to remain quiet than to lie. I praise HIM for releasing me and cutting this root of this sin I have been fighting with for so long. I still struggle with pride, do not get me wrong but the rest of the week I was not tempted to not tell the entire truth and was tempted one time to exaggerate in a story I was telling. I heard His Sweet Voice asking me, if what HE did in my life wasn’t sufficient and I thought I needed to “spice it up a little”? Another humbling time in the life of Kendall, I think that this land of sanctification gets hotter and hotter the longer I am in the refiners fire. I sure hope I come out looking a lot more like Him and less like me.

After this revelation, I cannot tell you the freedom I felt…the weight that was lifted off of my shoulders. I head back to my computer and for the next 5 hours write and write and write until I finished my paper! I praise HIM for allowing me to finish this paper before going to Palenque! I spent the evening on my knees in pryr and praise for what HE did in my life and asking HIM to prepare me for Palenque.

Wednesday, we left for Palenque and had a great time of discipleship with Darlys on the way out. She is dealing with lots of doubts that she has had since HE has opened her eyes to some spectacular Truths. I helped her walk through several of these on our way out and of course we spent time in pryr. We arrive and talk to the newlyweds who had recently returned from their honeymoon and then head down to study with Ddr. Darlys did not feel comfortable taking the lead and so I walked Ddr through a review of what we had been studying to see what she did and did not understand. We then headed to Krstn and Dncl’s house and find them busy but willing to talk. So we sit, listen to them talk, and watch HIM open doors for us to share His Word without having a specific study time set with them. HE is really moving in this couple and it is exciting to watch Him transform their marriage (now that they are married), their family life, and just the love between the two of them. It is really beautiful! We head back to the house to eat dinner, and set up for the youth that night. We had decided to show a movie because it had been awhile since we had shown one. We had a huge group of youth that showed up for the movie and the discussion afterwards was very interesting. The movie made them think about lots of different issues and I asked them how they would deal with each of those issues based on what the Word says about each one. They did not know and so I challenged them to pick a couple and search His Words for what they say and how they should respond. It was a really good time with these youth and I pry every day that HE continues to generate a hunger in their hearts for more of Him.

Thursday AM, I had planned to meet with the youth but Susie was still here with her group and asked if we could have worship together. I agreed and so we had worship that morning together with the women whom we normally meet with each Thursday. She then asked me to teach and because Js Mnl (Hrln’s husband) is now living in the house as well, I did not feel comfortable teaching them the lesson I had prepared for the women. I asked Js Mnl to teach and he taught on the persistent widow from Luke. He was using the passage out of context but I just watched and waited for His timing to speak. One of the younger girls with YWAM asked about the work elected and who are the elected. I waited to see what the two men would say or what the other leaders would say and when they said nothing I began to ask questions. I wanted to see what their understanding was of this doctrine before I taught on it. As usual, free will was brought up. I asked to be shown where the word free will is in the Word and then I noticed the tension in the room rising. People were no longer talking in love and seeking Truth but in their flesh and pride. I stopped the conversation and said that I would love to teach on this subject but only after everyone has had a chance to research it. They all agreed and we pryd and finished the study. I had a chance to speak for a little bit with the women and see how they were doing. About the time we were sharing, a lady from a foundation came in to share with us her project and see how we could help. It is neat to see how HE is opening doors for us to share His Truths in different areas. We had a nice conversation and plan to be in their meeting next week to hear more about their plans.

After that little meeting, I sat and listened to Susie share her heart and what has been going on in her life. It was good to hear what HE had been speaking to her about and what her heart condition was at that time, so I can know how to pry. She told me about their week in Palenque and their plans for the rest of the year. We all had lunch together and then Darlys and I headed out to meet with some ladies. It was a good time of just getting to know these ladies and hear about their lives. We headed down to the farm for our study as a family and English class. We are talking about the works of the cross with the family. We are discussing sacrifice and talked about the first sacrifice in the Word and it was cool to watch Him open their eyes to this part of the story. We also spent time in the consequence of sin for man and for woman. I love that this family is so comfortable with us that they show their truth thoughts which gives us a chance to point them to Scripture and allow the HS to refine them in their ways of thinking and acting. It is such a blessing to watch Him work. It was also a great time for me to talk to Darlys afterwards about bringing everything we do back to the work at the cross. She was challenged by the teaching from the fall of man story and had many questions on our long walk back to the house.  That evening, Yeison one of the YWAM members was presenting a slideshow about his trip to Africa. It was a great way for His Name to be spoken in front of several youth who showed up to hear about his trip to Africa. That night, we spent time with the YWAM team just talking and sharing stories. It was really important for me that we bond with this team as they re-enter and that we are unified in what HE has given us to do in Palenque.

Friday, we leave early so that Darlys can get to work and I head to the farm. Finally, I was able to get all the women together for a time of sharing and pryr. It was an awkward time at first and I am not sure why there is a weird tension in the room between the four of them, so I began to pry for discernment as I lead. We pryd for each other and afterward I spent time talking and planning with Luis Fernando. He and I are teaching at the mission’s conference on the gospel and we were discussing what HE had shown each one of us individually. I praise HIM for His faithfulness! He gave both of us the same passage and the same ideas for the workshop we are teaching. We spent several hours planning and studying and pryng together over this workshop. I ate lunch with his family and then headed down to spend time with the Riffle’s.  It was a good day but I had to leave early to get home, look at my paper once more and send it in. I get home and take care of my paper. It was such a relief to have it all taken care of and that assignment finished so I could move on to other assignments. I spent the evening just processing what HE showed me during the week and praising HIM for using me in such a cool ways!

Saturday, I woke up exhausted but it was a full day. I had brought home some clothes of Ktln’s to wash, so I washed her clothes while I spent time with HIM. I spent time studying for the study with the sports team and then the youth girls from the local club that were coming to spend the night. It was a good study with the youth team as we recapped what we had learned in Romans and I gave them a new assignment of preparing their gospel message presentation. I love watching them grow in their confidence of using His Word and allow His Words to be their guide for all their decisions and no longer the beliefs they grew up with based from their clubs. I pry that HE uses these youth to reform the local clubs back to the doctrinal basics that we were meant to stand on and not man made rules and a watered down gospel. That evening, I sat with Darlys and waited for the girls from the club to come. It is Darlys’ birthday and we both decided that if no one showed up that we would go home, eat, and go see a movie but the girls one by one showed up. We ended up with a good amount of girls, which was great for me as I observed them interact with each other and learned so much about them as individuals and a group. I am not sure what HE wants me to do with this group of girls. I am not sure if they even have a desire to truly know Him. As I listened to their testimonies and conversations, I was sad to hear that many of these girls have received “discipleship” yet have no idea what the gospel message is at all. They have based their lives on a lie and for this reason are not completely sold out and are constantly going back to their old sin…they don’t know HIS Grace! It was a good night and I think they all enjoyed it. I was exhausted as we finally got to bed at about 3AM…yes, I am WAY too old for this kind of thing. The next morning, Darlys wanted me to do a devo with all of them but I wanted them to spend time alone with Him. I wanted to see what their personal devos looked like and what He could show me through this and model for them through my time alone with Him. I am excited to see what He does with this group and what role He desires for me to play.

Wednesday, we left early in the morning for Palenque. We had a great time of discipleship in the car and He is really growing Darlys into a cross-cultural M. I am excited to see how HE continues to refine her. When we arrived, Hrln was stressed and excited to see us. We had brought her dress and other things that she needed for her wedding. We spent some time with her, pryng, hearing her plans for the week, and seeing how we could help her. That afternoon, we spent time with Ddr and Krstn studying His Words and hearing their hearts about different themes. It was a sweet time of fellowship and discipleship. On our way back to the house, two of the women who live on our street invited us in to their homes. We were just walking and they called for us to come in their house. It was such a Dad moment that we could not say no…Palenqueros we do not know are inviting us in their homes! He is too good. We had a good time with each one, just getting to know them and seeing their home. We explained the reason that we were here and they apparently already knew. We head back to the house to prepare for all the youth that come to the house for our Wednesday night studies. Because we did not come the week before, we did what we had planned to do with them…and Easter egg hunt. I explained the story behind the egg hunt and they loved it. We did not do a secular egg hunt but a hunt for eggs that had a symbol in each one to represent one part of the story of Jss entering in Jerusalem through His resurrection. It was sad to me the amount of them that could not tell us their little part of the story correctly – a story that they claimed to not only to know but also live. It was a great time of them hearing Truth and understanding more about the cross and what it means to us. It was a blessing to be able to share this story with them and have Him open their eyes to a new way of looking at things. Darlys and I spent the evening debriefing the day, pryng and getting ready for the next day!

Thursday, we woke up and had a time of devotion with the women. It was a sweet time in His Words and their eyes were also opened to more and more Truths. I love the looks on their faces and the light that turns on in their eyes when HE reveals something new to them. It is so incredible how He allows us to be apart of this change He is doing in their lives. After our morning with the women, Darlys and I headed down to the farm to get things ready for the wedding. Oh what a day…I think that they do more for a wedding than we do but all at the last minute. I cut out Styrofoam in different shapes, painted them, carried chairs and tables, arranged flowers, cleaned the farm, and tried to be His Light. I took advantage of every opportunity HE gave me to listen to His People and use my mouth for His glory. It was a LONG day! We ended the day studying His Words with Ddr and her family. Then after the study, they invited us to eat dinner with them and we had our first English class around the dinner table. If you could see the way HE is opening up this family, it is really beautiful. By giving us an entire afternoon with them, HE showed us so much about their family and we had lots of opportunities to share His Stories with them individually and as a group. After a full day, Mnl offers to take us back to the house on his moto and we accept. That evening, we sat with the bride and just talked over fears, pryr requests, and sex. Neither Darlys nor I have any experience in that department, but praise HIM that I was given parents who were not scared to discuss this subject with us and educate us based on His Words and practicality. At first, the bride was a little uncomfortable but after awhile the questions just kept coming and HE gave me the answers for each one. She looked so calm after our several hour talk and so we pryd over her and went to bed.

Friday, we woke up and have a devo with Hrln before heading out to the farm. On our way out, Drlys and I debriefed the past couple of days and pryd over everything. She had been tested to her limit as we had spent two days helping Hrln with the wedding and we did not see Hrln do much of anything. HE was teaching her how to love like HE does and how to been a living sacrifice. That day on the farm, I spent time with everyone. It was great. Julie and Josh and I chatted about different things. Mike and Stacy and I chatted about other things. We were able to play with the kids, take showers, and then we headed to back to Palenque. We had to pick up some flowers, food, and other random things for the bride again. When we arrived back at the house, there were tons of people. There was a group from another club there, Susie and some YWAMers were there, and lots of people from the community. I get started on making the flower arrangements, bouquet for the bride and her bridesmaids, and spent some time talking to Susie and the youth. Darlys begins to blow dry and straighten Hrln’s hair. By the time we had finished, it was late and I was exhausted. We pryd over Hrln for her last night as a single lady and went to bed.

Saturday, we had to wake up at 5:00 so that we could be ready for the wedding at 9:00AM! I spent some amazing time in the Word that AM and HE knew I would need it to make it through the day glorifying His Name and not showing my ugly flesh! I spent the AM cutting hair, fixing hair, doing makeup, organizing things/people, and random other things. It was so hot in that house and as more and more people showed up, the American in me came out! Thankfully, I just kept quiet but I could not believe the amount of people who came into the house to just sit, watch us, and then ask us for food/drink/their makeup/etc. Oh how Great is Our Dad who never gives us too much but only the perfect amount to test our faith and perfect our patience! 

We finally finish Hrln, take pictures, and start the long walk to the local club for the wedding. There were SO MANY people at the wedding that Darlys and I did not fit in and did not want to because of the heat. So we stood on the outside, listening/watching through a door and feeling somewhat of a breeze on the hill. Once the ceremony was over, Darlys and I walk to the farm to get the car and head back to pack up our stuff. We return to the farm and there are so many people there. We walk around to say hit to everyone and wait and wait and wait. We were there for about 2 hours before they started serving any food and it was like 1:00PM...and we were hungry! So we tried to make the best of the situation and spend intentional time with whomever HE showed us... 

We spend some amazing time with Nz just listening to her heart, sharing His Words with her and pryng over her and her family. I praise HIM for ordained times of ministry like this that remind us why we are here...sweating and waiting for 2 hours with headaches and loud music playing! It is all about and for His Glory! After another hour, we had spoken to everyone, congratulated the bride and groom, and had not been served any food. We decided to go ahead and leave. It was an exhausting week but a week where HE worked on Darlys and myself dying more and more to our selfish desires and just serving His people.

Sunday, I went to the local club. I do not know what it was but something was just not right in my Spirit there. SS was good but the youth are not really interested in studying His Words. In the service, it is just music and singing now so, I decided to leave early to go and announce the mission’s conference at a couple of other clubs. The pastor and the club are not doing anything to promote this conference besides sending out flyers. I am not sure why they like to wait until the last minute but they do and assure me that they are going to announce the conference in other clubs. I spent the AM pryng about if this was really where HE wanted me to serve or not. I have felt for a long time a longing to serve at the club on the farm because they have women who want to learn and are asking for a teacher…so you can join me in pryr about this. I am at a club that the women and youth are not really interested in The Word but mainly activities and there are a group of women hungry for more and more of His Word at the club on the farm. I want to be wise in my decision but it seems like He would want me to go where HE is working. That afternoon, I spent working on my paper for my class and catching up on reports for the board. I was really exhausted but needed to get this work finished. So I kept working and finished the night on my knees, just asking Him to reveal His Will for my week and especially what club He wanted me to serve in and mobilize to be on mission for Him.

HE IS ALIVE!! HE IS RISEN!! What a glorious Sunday morning as I awoke to the beautiful promise of life in My Risen King! I did not have Internet service (who knew) nor electricity this AM and was not able to listen to my favorite resurrection song, Arise My Love. So I did what any Baptist would do and I sang it and others at the top of my lungs, on my knees to My Precious Savior! I finished an amazing time of worship and reflection of what today means to me and then head to pick up Eric, the kids, and Jill. We get to the farm just in time for the service. We sing some of my favorite hymns (they did it in Spanish but this AM I sang them in English!) Josh speaks on the resurrection. He takes us all over the Word. He takes us to Romans 8:31-39 and points out the key to this very powerful passage. It is a passage that I have memorized and quote very frequently. Yet how had I been so blind to not see that the connection, the key to all of this was clearly stated in the midst of this powerful passage. I mean I knew that Jss is the key to all Scripture but had completely missed it in this passage.

It reads, “What then shall we say to these things? If Gd is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against Gd's elect? It is Gd who justifies. Who is to condemn? Chrst Jss is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of Gd, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Chrst? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Gd in Chrst Jss our Lrd.” WOW…look at that…the resurrection talked about in this very passage as that does everything. The verses about our election are connected by His resurrection to the fact that nothing can separate us from Gd because it doesn’t depend on us but on His glorious grace!

After the service, I had a great time of chatting with the brothers about different things HE has been teaching us. I am so thankful for these two as I learn so much from them and they like to hear what HE has been teaching me or challenging me with each week. I spent some time in the main house with Julie (letting Jill get to know everyone) and then head down to spend time with Stacy and the family. We eat lunch, Luis Fernando and another Colombian come down and we have an amazing discussion about His Truths. After some time with the family, Jill and I head back up to play with the kids and end up spending the entire day on the farm. I had some amazing conversations with Colombians that were there, the ladies, the kids, and just enjoyed being together as a family.

Monday, I wake up, spend time with Him and then head to a meeting. I come back from this meeting in the worst mood ever. I have feelings of being all alone, frustrated with my class work, no desire to meet with people for discipleship, no energy, nothing. I cry for no reason. I listen to the accuser remind me of the wretch I am and forget to listen to My Redeemer remind me of who I am in HIM. It was truly a rough day as I cried out to Him for help. I had no Internet to talk to family or friends and pry together. He used Monday to show me what parts of my life are not dead and that I have not surrendered to Him completely. 

I wish I could say that this mood ended on Monday but no, being the disobedient stubborn child that I am – I allowed my emotions to affect me on Tuesday as well. I felt that there was nothing I could do well and just sat in His lap and cried for hours. HE being the Faithful Father that HE is met me there. HE whispered His sweet words in my ear reminding me of Who He is and to take my focus off myself and put it back on Him and His glory. He reminded me to stop looking at my circumstances and allowing them to affect me but seeing how each of these circumstances leads to the advancement of His gospel saving message. He asked me to give Him more of my flesh so that He could kill it and that I would be dead to that sin. He asked me to live in Him each moment and not focus on anything else. It was such a sweet time and I praise HIM for meeting me here and rescuing me from the attack I was under. I spent the rest of the day working on schoolwork, preparing for Palenque, and trying to catch up on reports and emails.

I will post what HE did during the wedding week when I get back from Palenque...

Sunday AM, I taught the youth SS class in Ezekiel. We went through the chapter verse by verse because they are still not to the point where they read during the week and know what is going on. It is neat to watch Him supernaturally unite me with different youth each week and receive their trust. I praise Him for working in these youth and allowing me to be a part of it. That afternoon, a group of ladies came over to the house to continue to study His Words. We spent a good bit of time pryng over each other, sharing what is on our heart, and reading His Words. It was another blessed time in His Words with His kids and watching Him move amongst them. I honestly do not enjoy being at this club but as long as He is choosing to use me there, then there is no other place I would rather be.

Monday was a day full of meetings and homework. I met with my supervisor for paperwork things, Darlys to pry and plan, and a group of ladies to pry and plan for SS. When I wasn’t meeting with the above, I was reading/studying/writing for my class. I honestly feel like this class is suffocating me and I do not have time to leisurely do anything. I hope and pry that HE is using this class to refine me and expand my way of thinking. I hope He is using this class to make me a more effective instrument for Him because right now, all I can see is a mound of books and work that I have to do and trying to schedule my time to fit it all on. I am so thankful that I am not taking another class, as I am sure I would not be surviving at all. Please pry for me as I take this class. My professor is very interesting in his questions on our quizzes and exams and I do not want to become bitter about this class and want to continue to see it as a blessing.

Tuesday was a great day in His Words just allowing Him to empty me out as we planned to leave for Palenque today. I watched some classes, packed the car, and waited for Darlys to be ready to leave. We left and spent the car ride just listening to her and pryng over her as she is stressed out because of her university work. We arrive to Palenque, unload our things, and head to Ddr’s house to study His Words. When we arrive, she is doing her nails and the entire family is around. We did nails, I cut hair, and shared life stories and His stories. We find out that the president of Colombia is coming to visit the next day to check on the progress of all the projects that the government is funding. They showed us where the group began to dig the aqueduct for the waterline and how they had advanced in putting in the gas line. Oh, how Colombians will work when the president comes to town. It was a great time of fellowship and I see Him really opening up this family to us. After our visit with the family, we head to meet up with Pdr and his group of boxers. We watched the end of their practice and as they were stretching we just spent some time getting to know each of them. These were youth that we had never met before and it was neat to get to know another group of young people. Pdr is seeking for Truth and I love that he is so passionate about his search and the people of Palenque. Please pry that He will open up Pdr’s heart to understand His Truths. We head home, make a little dinner, chat with Hrln and then head out to meet with Nz. We arrive at her house and she is not there but there is a large group of young people meeting in her patio. One guy comes to greet us and it is Pdr’s older brother.  We ask introduce ourselves and ask what they are doing here. He begins to tell us that this is a group of young people who want to preserve their culture, learn about their culture, and other historical things. He was thrilled that we came and allowed us to introduce ourselves. We listened to them, they listened to us, and asked if we would be interested in joining their group. I clearly explained that we would if we were allowed to tell His Stories. They agreed and were going to approach one of the leaders to ask permission for us to join their group as educators. He is so cool and opening up doors right and left for us and His Truths! Finally, Nz comes home and we sit on her front porch and catch up. She shares about her weekend, life, and we share His Truths with her. I am not sure when she is going to surrender her all to Him but am excited that He is using us to encourage her each step of the way. It was late and we headed back to the house. We spent the evening debriefing the day and praising Him for the unexpected blessings of the day.

Wednesday, we had a great morning devotional lead by Darlys. She is really growing in her confidence in Him and the HS inside her to lead a study. We stayed in the house as we waited for the president to arrive and leave. We took advantage of some good time together in His Word and some more teaching/planning. That afternoon, we met with Dncl and Krstn in their home. They both were there with His Word in their hands ready to dedicate time to study with us. It was such a blessing and very unexpected. We shared the story of the fall from Genesis and focused on the first sacrifice. They did not know what a sacrifice was and through the story they began to understand. Both of them were hanging on every word of the story, like they had never heard it before and the applications that they drew from the story were all His doing. I think it was the first time that we have been with them that both of them stayed, listened, responded, and did it all without fighting! Praise Him for what He is doing in their lives. We went to meet with Pdr and see his boxing group – he was so excited to see us and promised to come to the house that evening for our weekly study. After sharing a story with his group, we headed back to eat dinner and pry before the youth small group. Pdr came early because he had something else he had committed to but wanted to hear the story and learn more about His Words with us. We had a great group of youth this evening and taught on the end of the Sermon on the Mount – building our house on rock or sand. It was neat to watch Him confront each of them with how they had not been putting into practice the lessons that they have been learning each week. They were truly convicted and were sad. It was neat to see some of them truly repent of their sin. We shall see how He continues to teach them and how they respond to His Truths. We finished the evening with more pryr and debriefing in between Drlys and I. There were lots of things that were done today that I was able to use to teach her and watch her develop into a stronger M for His Kingdom!

Thursday AM we had two surprise visitors – Luis Fernando and Julie from the farm came to visit us. Darlys and I had planned a study with the women at the house and to talk about the work we felt He was leading us to do as women in this village. Not only did the women arrive but Dncl came as well and I asked Luis Fernando to lead our time of teaching. I love how he teaches with such ease and love. It is beautiful to watch someone glorifying Him through the gifts that He has given each one. After the teaching the two men excused themselves, and we talked together as women. It was great to hear their hearts for the women here and their openness to new ideas that HE had placed on my heart. I am excited to see how He grows these women and shares His Truths through them in the village. That afternoon, we went to meet with two more families and had a great time in His Words with each of them. He is truly granting us favor amongst the people here and I can only imagine it is because you guys have been pryng for Him to do so! So I thank you for pryng for this and I am excited to see how HE continues to answer our pryrs.

Friday, we left and I headed to the farm and had an amazing day. I spent the AM loving on, listening to, and pryng with Julie! Something that we had not done in so long and it was such a blessing to me. I headed down to hang out with Stacy and the fam for awhile. Stacy and I tried to spend some time together talking about what He had been teaching us during the week but with so many disruptions, we decided to just head up to the main house and play with the kids. I spent the next 5 hours just loving on all the kids. We played games, we rode bikes, we went on a nature hike, and it was so much fun! I missed my window of time to leave the house and so I stayed for dinner, which gave me some amazing time to listen and learn from my older brother who is being confronted on some new issues. It was cool to listen and now I know how to pry for him. I headed back pretty late that evening, took a shower, and went to bed.

Saturday was a great day in His Words and with Him. I love my Sabbaths and would not trade anything for them…except maybe some more time at His Feet. Darlys came over for some one on one time and I am teaching her guitar – it was a good time. The youth were once again blown away by His Truths and His teachings through Romans. I love this time in His Words with them and watching them have their eyes opened to Truths that are setting them free. I praise Him for this group of youth and how He is uniting each of them in Him and growing us as a team! Please continue to ask that HE will show us where He desires for us to be on mission for Him. Saturday night was more school with little to no Internet. Which is why this post is so late. For the past three weeks, I have had little to no Internet here and have been calling and begging for them to come and fix it. Sometimes I do not love Colombia as much as I should and so I am learning to love like He does in all circumstances!

On Monday, I started reading Philippians…the entire chapter. I have been blessed by a cutie from FBC Euless who blessed me with some precept upon precept studies that He has used to transform my life. I am so grateful for their generosity and obedience. Today as I was enjoying a beautiful morning on the balcony with Him, a cooler breeze, a delicious cup of coffee, and just meditating on His Words. He pointed out several things that Paul kept repeating in this letter. Rejoice in Chrst! Here Paul was in prison and is reminding the people to rejoice always in Chrst. Then He hit me with 4:11, I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. At this moment, I was not completely content with my circumstances and I had to repent of that asking Him to allow me to find my joy and satisfaction in Him and Him alone. How many times I have asked this of Him?  It was a great start to the day and then I received a call from the imaging clinic asking me to come in to receive my MRI results. I was obedient and took one of the many huge books for my seminary class with me and spent the next couple of hours finishing my reading for the week while I waited for them. I finally am seen, they show me all 3 MRIs, and I just start crying with joy! The last two images show the exact same thing…the popliteal tendon is attached, no inflammation at the insertion, and does not appear to have elasticity in the tendon. WOW!! I wanted to hit my knees in praise for His healing but He had another agenda for the next hour of my life. As the technicians and doctors asked me hundreds of questions trying to figure out how this happened, doing every physical test known to man to test my knee, and then finally asking me what I thought about all of the images. I simply explained My Father healed me. I had been asking for healing for over 4 months and He did it to glorify Himself…and then had an opportunity to present the gospel! Did the message fall on deaf ears, we shall see as they are making me go back next week for another image. I left the imaging center crying, singing His praise, and feeling His love in a way that I have not felt it before. AMAZING! I came home, hit my knees (for the first time in A LONG TIME), and just sat in His Presence crying. I mean, what else can you do. I just experienced another miracle and now need to share what He did so that others can give Him glory!

You guys know the rest as I sent you the email and hundreds of people joined with me glorifying Him and believing that He is a miracle working Father. It was really an incredible day after that and I really do not remember what else I did but I know it was incredible.

Tuesday, I woke up and for the first time in a long time pryd on my knees at the corner of my bed! Such a sweet time at my Dad’s feet and I didn’t want to leave. I left to walk/jog with Brody, came back and spent my time with Him. I watched a couple of classes, packed for Palenque and waited for Drlys to call me ready to go. Well that call came at like 3:00pm and I decided it would be a better use of our time to leave early the next day for Palenque. So we spent time in pryr, study of His Word, and working on some discipleship material for the local club. Afterwards, I was about to talk to my mom and dad (always a blessing) and finished most of my class work for the week.

Wednesday, we left early for the village but had to stop by the farm first to drop a bag off for Mike. It was so great to see all of them again just for a minute. Oh how I had missed these families and I was excited for the opportunity to hear all about what He had been doing in their lives over the past 6 weeks. We arrive in the village and receive the amazing news that there is no water, the river has dried up in most parts due to some machine that they used 2 weeks ago, and that the village is not stable politically. On Tuesday we were told that someone was killed on Tuesday in the plaza as a result of this political fighting…praise Him from keeping us from entering yesterday! We spent the AM spending time with several different women who passed by the house, talked with two couples who were having issues (seeking us out for help), two leaders came by the house to welcome us back in, and then we walked around trying to follow His lead where He wanted us to go. He gave me the opportunity to talk to the inspector of the village and find out more about what is going on. I pryd over him, at his request, and set up a time to come back and spend time with his wife. PRAISE HIM! That night, the youth came to the house and HE showed up in a big way. I had told Drlys that I wanted her to pretend I was not there and I wanted to see what she had been doing without me around. He told me it would be a good way for us to evaluate the work and allow Him to make changes and make us more effective. That night as we sat on the front porch several people walked by and joined us as we worshipped, shared, and then she told a story. Then He did the coolest thing…opened the door for me to share part of the gospel with these youth to correct some things that they were saying. It was incredible as His Presence fell over us while He spoke through me and it was like some scales fell off of their eyes. It was incredible and I am excited to see how He will use these words to change these people. That night, Drlys and I reviewed the day and pryd like we had done before. I praise Him because He had given me favor with the people and they all received me like I had not been gone for 2 months. Not to mention, that every single one of them commented on how fat I was…oh the joy of being back in the village!

Thursday, we woke up and still no water. About 5 ladies came to the house and we spent time studying His Words together and pryng. We headed out to visit several different people as HE led. It was a beautiful morning of women serving other women, listening to each other, pryng for each other, sharing His Stories, and ministering in anyway that we could. It was a long morning/afternoon in the intense heat but HE was there ordaining every moment. In the afternoon, Drlys and I met with two different families to catch up, pry together, and share His Stories. He revealed a lot to me as I observed and shared. That evening, the youth came over again for a time of drama – where they each had to choose a story, write it out, and share it with the group. It was neat to watch Drlys lead the youth and Him revealing different things in our approach with the Palenqueros. He gave me grace and love to share some of the things I had observed in her that day and how the people were reacting to her and ways we needed to be more sensitive to their culture and their ways of communicating. She received it well and thanked me for sharing.

Friday, we had devotion with the family in the house, packed up and then left for Turbana. I dropped off Drlys and headed to the farm. I had a great morning hearing all about what HE had been doing in the lives of Luz, LF, and the kids. After a cup of coffee and some amazing conversation with them, I headed down to Stacy and Mike’s house where I was greeted by my so very cute nephews and nieces. They were adorable wanting to tell me every little thing that they had done while I was gone. After I listened to each one, we sent them outside and Stacy and I had some time to just talk. It was great to be around her again and we talked about what we should study this next time as a group of ladies. Finally when the kids could not take it any longer, we had to go back up to the main house so I could watch each one of them ride their bikes. Julie came back and she told me about her month in the States. The highlight for her was that her brother who had been chained to a legalistic lifestyle for son long was set free and finally understood grace and the gospel. She said it was beautiful! I say goodbye, head home, take a shower, take care of some Internet issues/house issues, work on class work, and began preparing for the weekend of studies with youth.

Saturday, I woke up early and had an amazing time with Him. I listened to a great Piper sermon, read in the pool, and just enjoyed being with Him. That afternoon, the youth came over to study Romans. I absolutely love how HE is opening their eyes to His Truths and they cannot get enough. It is cool that He gives me a front row seat to ask questions and watch them search His Words for His Answers. These youth have definitely become my kids and I love them. I think for so long I tried to see them as my friends but He showed me that they are my kids and it gives me a new look on my reactions with them. It is neat. After I finally kicked them out of my house, I headed to the local club to an activity for the youth girls. I have been elected the “counselor” of the young ladies and they wanted me to lead them in a study as we kicked off the New Year together. They had asked me to talk about the girls being valuable instruments in the hands of Him. So I pryd about a story to share and He said no. I thought about sharing from Romans about being instruments of righteousness and He said no. He clearly told me you will share with them what I taught you on Feb 25th. Me the not so great pupil did not honestly remember what HE taught me off the top of my head so I head to my journal and start reading…who knew…the gospel. To remind these girls that Chrst did not die to make our happiness/joy possible, He died to be our ultimate and supreme joy and happiness. So I share, they listen, they are quiet afterwards, and we end our time together. I came back home and continued to prepare my SS lesson for the next day from Ezekiel. I love the prophets from the OT. I rarely understand them at first but He always clearly explains their words to me if I will sit and meditate on His Words.

Sunday, amazing day in His Words along with a great RUN on the beach! Yes, my first day running and it kind of felt good as I sucked wind on my 20 minute run. Brody was thrilled to finally be running again and He gave me the strength to finish and the intelligence to put ice on my knee afterwards. I head to club, SS was good and HE seemed to speak through me to a very diverse group. That afternoon, another group of girls comes over because they were interested in studying His Words together. We took time sharing our testimonies…and HE revealed exactly what HE has for this group and what He desires to teach them. I just love all these opportunities that HE is giving me to be His instrument to speak His Truths and help His people return to His gospel saving message. It is an honor and a privilege. I took a long walk with Brody and we sat on a pile of rocks for a while and watched the sun set. I couldn’t stop singing His praises as I thought about all He had done this week and what I had seen Him do in and through me. As sometimes it does and not always is it a good thing, my singing draws a crowd but unfortunately of some persistent young men. I politely tried to let them know I was busy and definitely not interested but they just did not understand. So I ask Him if it is wise to share, He says no, so I excuse myself and keep praising Him as I walk back home. It has truly been an incredible week and I praise HIM for you who are faithfully and fervently pryng for this work. He is hearing them and answering them!

Here’s to what He will do this week…

Sunday, I stayed in my hammock longer than normal because it was raining and was cool. I just sat listening to the rain and praising Him for a new day. We all went to the same club today and I felt more at home. The service was great and I think I know one song in Akn now that I can sing with them. Josh told the story and it was neat to see Him use Josh in such a cool way. That day they were celebrating two little girls birthdays and here comes the familiarity of where I live. We sat around for awhile, not knowing we were invited to stay for lunch and then some of us helped move the food and get the serving started. All the kids with us were tired, hot, and hungry as we had now been at the club for 4 hours and it was way past time to eat. We get everyone served and they start their own festivities. I think normally, we could have stayed for the entire thing but being that we were leaving the next day, the Shirey's excused us and we headed back home. We arrived at like 4:00 and began cleaning and packing up. We had a community meal together which felt rushed because of the time spent at the club but I enjoyed it none the less. That evening, the MKs put on a cute little presentation of everything that they had learned. It was so cute to see what they had been doing all month and they were so proud! That night, I made some rounds doing my PT stuff on certain people's necks/backs/etc...who knew that I would use all that I had learned on a bunch of Ms! The last one I worked on was Charles and I enjoyed one last convo with these two amazing people before heading back to my house to finish packing up and cleaning. I am not going to say that I am excited about going back but I as I packed and praised Him for this amazing experience, He brought new things to my mind that He was doing in Colombia. It was kind of like a sneak peek of what He had been doing and what He had in store for this year. I know I am called to my people for now but He confirmed in me how at home I feel in a jungle with such limited worldly things and with a team of people who believe the same things that I do. I am excited to see where He takes me to share His Truths.

Monday, we woke up early to shower, finish packing and clean. Christy and I woke up early enough to finish all we had to do so that we could drink coffee, eat breakfast, and spend some time with Him one last time on our porch. Oh sad day for me to have to say goodbye to this amazing porch, river, jungle, and camp. He showed me so much of Who He was and we had such sweet times together here that it is sad to leave...not to mention the amazing family I will be leaving behind that have quickly taken a piece of my heart with them. We head up to the air strip, weigh in, and wait for the plane to come. There was something wrong with the planes and so we had to leave in two different groups and I was in the first one. We said goodbye to our new Akn friends and this island that had been our home. As I sat talking to Britt on the way back to the city, He filled me of His love and desires for this day and I was excited to serve the other families as He had showed me. We arrive back into the city, get our bags, drop them off at the hotel, and go eat lunch. We walk into McDonalds and I go into a fog. I cannot explain the shock of all the people, noise, and options in front of me but it was more than I could process at one time. Good thing Crystal was there for me and she did not think I was crazy for being in this fog. We ate lunch and then went shopping at a souvenir store and the American culture shock grocery store. It was so hard for me to process everything that was going on around me as I had become accustomed to life on the river...the simple life. I was the last one to finish shopping in the souvenir shop (which those who really know me, know that this is crazy as I am the first one in and out normally.) We finished shopping and went back to the hotel. I spent some time in the Word and took a nap while others planned for their day in Trinidad and swam and other things. 

When I woke up, it was time to go eat at the restaurant together as a group...for the last time. The place was incredible! I had a great time being silly with Beth and the two hands on girls, Natasha and Ellen (who I claimed as my girls for the day so that they would not get lost.) Then came the food...it was incredible and there was so much of it! And then Beth took the silliness to another level and was convincing the kids that I would be a perfect match for Charles big brother who is single. We had already closed that door during like week 1 but Beth wanted to bring it up because she thinks she is a good matchmaker. She could not give me her success rate but at any rate had Charles' boys on board, getting his uncle's photo, and making wedding plans. It was good fun until the kids really thought it was serious and I had to break the news to them that it was not happening. We enjoyed some conversation with Britt and others who would sit with us at random. It was neat to see how He had transformed this group of strangers into a community in a month. We head back to the hotel, Charles shows us a video that he had made of the men's trip, and we start saying our goodbyes. Well it was hard to say goodbye to all of the people who you have become accustomed to see each day but especially the Shirey family. What a work He had done in my life through them. What a heaven sent blessing Brittany was for me and another friend/pryr warrior! What a iron sharpener my new big brother had been for me this month! I went back to my room, took a HOT shower (and yes praised Him the entire time!!), and continued my praising for all that He had done.

Tuesday, we leave at 2:00 from the hotel and get to the airport to begin a day of traveling together. We leave Suriname and spend the entire day in Trinidad. It was too expensive for me to leave the airport and see the city and plus it was carnival for them. Unfortunately there was no internet in the entire airport for the 12 plus hours that we were there. We spent time playing games, entertaining the kids, and napping with Joy. One family and the two hands on girls left us first and then the rest of us head to Panama. We had a great last flight together sitting together and just hanging out for the last time. Once we landed in Panama, we all say our goodbyes and head to our own gates to head back to our own countries and ministries. On the way to Colombia, He replayed the ways that He had sanctified me and showed Himself faithful to me during the past month. I felt Him saying well done my daughter. Once I was on this plane, I was ready to land in Colombia to contact my family and friends and see my cute dog...oh and sleep in a bed!!!! As I waited in immigration line that took over an hour and a half, I talked to family and friends and put His patience into practice. I got home, played with Brody for a bit, unpacked somethings, took a shower, and sat on my bed to go to sleep and....BRACK! My bed breaks. I was so exhausted that I was not thinking clearly and start crying. I called a friend of mine who understood I was not thinking in my right mind, told me to take out the boards, put the mattress on the floor, and sleep. Why I couldn't think of that myself, lack of sleep and exhaustion!

Wednesday, Brody wakes me up to go for a walk. We come back, I eat the Cinnabon I had bought in Panama, and I pry for awhile asking Him to let me go back to sleep. I go back to sleep for a little bit. I spent the rest of the day just processing everything and unpacking and washing clothes. I think that is the only thing I did productive was wash clothes and spend time with Him. 

Thursday was more of the same...getting into the routine of things, buying food, fixing things broken in the house...oh how I wished Mr. Joel was around. My vehicle also had to be taken in for some repair and I could barely understood everything the mechanic was telling me...welcome back to the real world Kendall. He blessed me with sweet time in His Words and a must needed conversation with Georgie. She is another blessing in my life and I cannot thank Him enough for her! He also allowed me talk to my parents and brother in law to hear all about their past month. I went to the DVD rental place here in Crespo and rented a movie or two because I just wanted to laugh. I am not that funny in Spanish and I definitely don't think that they are funny...so I decided to rent something that would make me laugh but ended up going to bed.

Friday was more of time in His Word, processing what HE had taught me over the past month. I finished several reports for my supervisor, met with him, and talked to several people I had not spoken with in awhile. And then I began to work on my seminary class work. I quickly realized that this class was WAY more intense than I had thought and as I began to look for ways to drop the class and pick up another, I see that I do not even need this class to graduate. It was serving as one of my electives (you know the classes you choose to make an easy A and boost your GPA). Well my advisor had advised me wrong but HE is sovereign and I accepted that I cannot get out of this class and began reading and watching the classes. Oh joy back to the real world for sure with the welcome of this intense theology of church history class...whoever heard of such! 

Saturday, I had an amazing day of rest with Him. The weather was almost perfect. The breeze is here and brings sand and everything else in the house but it is nice and cooler than normal. I listened to a sermon on the gospel, read Ephesians, and just praised Him for Who He is. The youth came over that afternoon to continue their study in Romans. Please be in pryr for them as they are being persecuted by their families and local clubs for this new found Truth. They have been confronted with the Truth and it does not match up to their lives or what they have been taught. As they lead in their homes and clubs, they cannot help but speak of these new Truths that excite them and they are being criticized like no other. They have even been told to stop hanging out with me because I am corrupting them with this nonsense. Praise Him that He has used me to teach them to explain everything with His Words not our own and so the people cannot argue too much. They too are being confronted by these youth who are hungry for more of Him! I praise Him for the miracles He has worked in their lives and how HE is opening their hearts/minds to understand His mysteries and using this group to strengthen each one. What a privilege to lead this group and watch Him transform their lives.

On Monday, I got up extra early to spend some alone time with Him before waking up all of our little sleeping beauties. HE keeps reminding me through 1 John the importance of standing firm on His sound doctrine, obeying Him at all costs, and loving like HE commands. So needless to say it was more of a time where HE pointed out all of my wickedness and disobedience in this area, I repented and then praised Him for His mercy and grace that He has for me! Christy gets up and we begin to prepare the breakfast for the girls. Because I am slightly weird (no comments), I decided to speak in a British accent all morning as I woke the girls up, served them their breakfast, and got them ready for the day. They were not too excited about going back to MK school but they went. After our AM devotional, we spent time as ladies once again. Britt lead us in discussions about different aspects of ministry when the men are away, spiritual warfare, etc. It was neat to watch Him open up eyes to Who He is and just how Big He is when we often forget that in the midst of our daily routines. One thing that stuck out with me, that doesn't apply to me now, was that when CS leaves he prys over BS and passes the authority of the house to her. When he returns, they do the same thing in returning the authority of the house back to him. I thought that was a cool idea. That evening, we prepared a community meal together and awaited the return of the men. We had a time of sharing as a group as the men shared what they had seen and done and listened to the women/children tell them about their weekend. It was neat to listen to their experiences and just serve the families.

On Tuesday, another amazing day in His Words as I reflected on putting on the armor of Dad. My grandma Betty challenged me 3 years ago to memorize this passage and put it on each and everyday. It has been neat to watch Him use this simple repeating His Words before leaving my bed each day and how HE has used this to prepare and focus me for the incredible things He had planned for that day. During our devotion, there were some really neat comments made and I really felt that HE was leading our discussion on a topic that too often we overlook. One man said that sometimes we run out of the house so fast, forgetting to put on our armor, and then wonder why our pants have fallen down and we can't walk. Without the belt of truth, we end up looking like those youth with their pants sagging and no one can go to war like that! One person said that he was asked by The Father today if he could even find his shield. The Word says that if we have the faith as big as a mustard seed, we can move mountains -- so can you even see your faith? Can you hold your shield? Or is it too small? I really liked hearing that as I too have been convicted of the same thing and for that reason ask every day for Him to give me more faith to put in Him. Oh and then another man mentioned a guitar analogy that I had heard before but was such a perfect reminder for me today. In this analogy, the guitar is the world, the strings our flesh, and the player is satan. If satan can play one string and excite our flesh, then he is done. Our flesh will take us father than he ever could. This is the reason why HE has been humbling me and emptying me out and convicting me of the lack of His holiness in my life. We must strive to be holy as HE is and we must flee our fleshly lusts and passions because they will destroy us.

After our devotion, we had more debriefing time from the men's trip and then talked about how to have a daily quiet time. It was neat to hear some things that I have been convicted about but have been told that I was crazy and too radical in my thinking about my time alone with Him. I still hold fast to that your time with Him in the AM is the platform for the rest of your day and if that means you have to get up extra early, then get up extra early to be alone with Him at His feet. We were given more time to work on our master plans for our ministries and at lunch time SB flew in. After lunch, he lead our camp time on first aid but he really is just a great source of knowledge. He has lots of experience and lots of amazing ideas of things that most people do not even think about. I am excited to see what we learn from him this week. That evening instead of going out to share with the women, we went to the radio station and Sonia told the story over the radio. It was neat to see the radio station that HE built and how He is using it to get His Word into the homes of these people. I pry that HE will use His Word to change their hearts.

Wednesday, He reminded me through His Words about His Word being my bread and what sustains me. He challenged me to rethink the way I have been doing ministry and make sure that His Word is the first thing off my tongue and if not, to be quiet until it is the first thing. We spent the morning listening to Scott talk about risk management, contingency planning, and hearing of the times when HE has rescued His people from situations. We talked about different ideas on how to be a family in a remote location and make it a joy to serve and not a burden. We had some time to talk about different issues as a community and once again, He lead me to mention that we should fast again as a community before the men leave on Friday. I hope He covered me in His Spirit when I speak these things and they come from humility and a desire to seek His face. I feel like many of the people here think I am crazy or accuse me of being super spiritual. I honestly just want to see Him glorified and hear His voice and obey, whatever He tells me to do. I ask each day that He humble me and sanctify me (which I know this month has been a time of sanctification; especially with my knee being the constant bother that it is!) That afternoon, we had the privilege of soaking up more of Scott's survival knowledge and ideas. It was a good day of hearing His voice and watching Him work in people's lives.

Thursday, I was told to fast from sunup to sundown and He had me reading in all different locations in His Word but reminding me that He is my Jehovah Nissi. I have loved this time of getting to know My Dad in another way and on a deeper level. I could totally stay here in the interior with His nature all around me, His voice speaking clearly, and His work being done in spite of my inabilities. Today we had some member care sessions, talked about morbid things like being prepared for illness, death, etc, and were given some more time to work on our master plans. We spent lunch together in pryr just seeking His face as a community. I love times of corporate fasting and having His Spirit fall on us. It is so sweet that you really don't want to say Amen and leave. After lunch, we had an amazing camp time as we learned how to tie different knots. At this point, He has given me permission to be myself around CS and BS. Bs got onto CS and I for being disruptive in this class...so great to have a sweet reminder of Him in my life. That evening, we went to the island for the last time to share with the women. It was a bitter sweet time for me as I pryd over this island as we walked. In such a short period of time, He has given me His love for these people and I long for them to have the veils removed and really see! There is something magical to me as I have left and leave the island in the boat, just as the sun is setting, and praising Him for allowing me to serve Him in such a cool place and in such a cool way. I came back and spent some more time alone with Him just seeking His face and drawing near to Him. When He released me from my fast, I went to the Shirey's to just be. Their home has been such a place of peace and rest for me. I can let down my guards, speak freely, laugh and be my goofy self, and knowing that HE is there and is getting the glory. I praise Him for time with this family and the conversations that we have had. I was feeling like I was suffocating again and when she invited me over to the house, I almost started crying because HE loves me so, sees me, and was giving me the freedom to go without others. Please praise Him along with me for this amazing family and their ministry!

Friday, we had a great time of worship together and then 3 of the units presented their master plans. I was speechless. HE had unsettled all of our hearts, showed us His desires, and changed our way of thinking about His ministries. Even though their had been some opposition to teaching on pryr, fasting, personal holiness, and things that cause us to fall on our face before our Holy Dad...He had accomplished His agenda just like He always does!! Each one of the units mentioned that they were adding pryr and fasting as part of their goals in their ministries!! YES!! AMEN!! Of course they have to be a part of our plan because it is HIM doing the work and it is really His plan! We definitely have to get on our faces and seek His Will and where He is moving!! Oh it was such a sweet time for me and I praised Him for allowing me to see this miracle of changed and humbled hearts in all of us. After their presentations, we said goodbye to the men and began to clean up the island and prepare to leave. It was a good day of just being together as women. That afternoon, we had all the boys over to have their time with their aunts. We played games, made caramel popcorn, talked, and then swam. It was a sweet time with them but an exhausting time. There were such a difference in age between them that it was hard for us to keep them all entertained and not fighting...but you live and you learn. That evening, we ate dinner with CM and just hung out with her for awhile. We then migrated over to the neighbors house where we just got silly. All month long, I had given BB a hard time for being the best dressed at camp because she always looked so cute...in the jungle. So we started laughing at how funny it would be to give out end of camp awards and then we just laughed all night as we searched for awards for each person at "camp." It was definitely a much needed time of laughter and silliness!!

Saturday, I woke up in lots of pain and just felt attacked. My leg hurt, I was exhausted, I had been pushed to my limit with people, and frustrated. I did not see certain people with His eyes nor did I love them with His love. I just wanted to cry because I was done. He tells me to go for a walk and so I leave my house and go for a walk where I just cry out to Him everything I am feeling and thinking. I am sure that the Aknrs thought I was crazy but I had to get away. As I was coming back, BS asked me to get the lunch ready for everyone and so I did and spent more time just asking Him for help. The men came back and it was good to see their dirty selves, not so much smell their dirty selves but whatever. It was neat to hear what they had done and listened to their experiences in the heart of the jungle. I cleaned up after lunch, went back to the house, and needed more time away. But we had to present our master plans again. It was a long time for me to sit and listen but He gave me His patience to make it through. I presented mine fast and we were dismissed. I was still not okay and just wanting to cry because I was not being left alone by certain people. He told me to go to the Shirey's and just be with Him. This is exactly what I did, I told BS I just needed to be and she let me be. She gave me a cold diet coke, told me to watch the dinner, and left me alone with My Savior! And as He emptied me more and more, He filled me again with His love and took away my frustrations. He was my refuge and resting place. He met me where I was and gave me the strength to continue and finish strong. Of course after He replenished me, He gave me time to sit and converse with two of the most amazing family members while they ate dinner. He is so good! 

Monday, it was a great day in the Word. I know I have said this before but I really wish you could be here to sit on the front porch with me, watching the river, and just the peacefulness of silence and Your Creator. Of course, a little Colombian coffee is always nice. It was another day of working with CTT and our projects. We had the opportunity to test our projects to teach basic healthcare to help us get into a village using this strategy. It was neat to watch each group share and listen to the national’s comments and suggestions. That afternoon we learned how to make a bug out bag. I had never heard that term before but quickly realized that it was just my emergency bag that is ready just in case I have to leave the country at an instance. It made me super thankful for our logistics coordinator who has done an excellent job of helping me prepare for emergency evacuations, I really felt the most prepared as I have everything ready. That evening, we had the two college student volunteers over for dinner. It was a sweet time of sharing our stories and hearing the redemptive work of Our Savior. Not to mention, the food was pretty good, as we had bought chicken from the winkle (store) that day on our Monday run.

Tuesday, we had a great devotional time that was a piece of scripture that was very convicting. It was a reminder to me to be prudent with my speech and discern through the HS when to speak and when to be silent. After devotional, we headed out to a nearby community to practice our projects of teaching health lessons and His words. Our affinity leader held a dentist clinic of pulling teeth while each of us took turns heading out with my big bro and BS translating each of our stories. He carried our group to share with a 15-year-old mother, an older women who was a believers, and to pry for a woman who was sick. It was cool to be His hands and feet as I have felt like we have been learning a lot of amazing things in our time in His Word. As we are leaving the village it begins to rain and for some reason Aknrs (like Colombians) do not like to travel when it is raining. So we wait and eventually get to send one group back to camp while we wait for them to return. Then it begins to rain hard for a long time, so long that we did not get back to the camp until 4 hungry, wet and tired. While we waited, I had some great conversations with the others who were stuck waiting with me. I enjoy watching and learning about people and how I can pry for them. We get back, eat some lunch and then I spent some time on the porch in a hammock, as I listened to a sermon, the pouring rain and felt the cool breeze. While I was beginning to prepare something for dinner, our neighbors ask us to watch their kids while they meet with our leadership. So we eat dinner while watching a movie with Joy and Isaac. Before I know it, our house is full of kids…wanting to hang out and play games. The kids had made a show and wanted us to see, so for the next couple of hours I serve my aunt duty and love on some kids. By time for lights out, I was exhausted and ready to shower and go to bed.

Wednesday, we decided to have a corporate fast as we sought His will for the men's 4 day trip up to the spiritual center of the Akn people. So I spent the am in my hammock, listening to the pouring rain on our tin roof, and praising Him for His word, this opportunity and asking Him to empty me of my wickedness and fill me with His holiness. This morning we talked on spiritual warfare and it was an amazing discussion. I think He used my big bro to open up the eyes of many of the others here to what really goes on and how to stand firm on our biblical worldview. After this session, we said goodbye to our affinity leaders and another family who had to return home early. And we welcomed a new couple who will be teaching us from a member care perspective over the next couple of weeks. That afternoon, we learned how to make a water purifier that I am excited to try when I get back to Palenque and see if it can help the quality of life of the house I live in and maybe try it in other homes to help decrease the many parasites and stomach issues that they have. I washed some clothes in the river, listened to sermon, and am now writing this...trying to put into words everything I am experiencing without being too long winded. I wish you could be with me as I wash clothes on two rocks in the river, the peaceful trickle of the waters current from the rain last night. It is so peaceful and allows me to hear Him completely. I love it. Tonight, we had another family to our house to eat, love on them, and just get to know them better. It was such a sweet time of hearing their hearts and hearing how to pry for them.

Thursday, I woke up with the song how deep the fathers love for us on my heart and praising him for that unfailing love. We had a good devotion and then talked about isolation, loneliness, and Aukan culture. It was a great morning. This afternoon, the men had an activity to get ready for their trip and I spent the afternoon working out, listening to some women, and preparing a story to be told that afternoon in the village. After a quick trip to the store, we head over to the island of Dtk for some evangelism. As soon as we get off the boat, I begin to have a huge headache and am sick to my stomach. We head over to a ladies home and sit down and the attack gets stronger and stronger. As we sit, I am prying because I know I am being attacked and I cannot even remember the story I was suppose to tell to this woman. I asked him to tell Brittany to keep talking and hanging out for awhile until He could have control of the situation as it was obvious that something was not wanting me there. Eventually, His peace came over me and I remembered the story and gave BS a look and I told the story. It was a blessing to be free from the headache, nausea and pressure from the enemy. We finished our time with the lady and headed to the other store because BS needed to buy some stuff for the weekend. On our way back, it absolutely begins to pour rain but we make it back…drenched.  Thursday night, I spent the night on my knees just pyrng over the men, their trip, and our time at the camp together as women. We had our woman's pryr time and only BS came because it was raining but it was a sweet time of pryr together.

Friday morning, we had a great devotional and then we said goodbye to the men as they headed off on their 4-day trip to the jungle. Then we women had our first session together as women. They talked about homeschooling and I listened to them, gleaning ways that I could pry more specifically for each of them. We ate lunch and then had a camp time of natural home remedies, which was informative and helpful. I worked out, did some laundry, and helped BS make some popcorn for our movie night. We watched my favorite, Swiss Family Robinson together as a group and ate popcorn. It was a lot of fun.

Saturday, we had our devotion together and then learned a little bit about sewing. BS was so excited to show everyone her house that was clean, so afterward I just at outside on their swing with some of the kids just sharing his stories with them. They were so cute as they loved hearing all about what He has been doing in Colombia. From this time on, they were glued to my hip. We ate lunch together, went swimming together, read a book together and cooked s’mores together. It was so cute. We had an amazing potluck dinner together as a group and played games all night. It was a lot of fun just to be together and get to love on the kids as the aunt of the camp. He blessed me with an amazing time in His words, a challenging sermon, and lots of kiddos to love on today.

Sunday we had club on the island as we storied through the book of Esther. It was neat to hear all the different women tell a different chapter and how He used BS to make each chapter a challenge for each one of us. One of my favorite lessons was after chapter 2 when we see Mordecai checking on Esther every day from the gate, BS reminded us of our gatekeepers who constantly check up on us and make sure that we are alive. We took some time and just praised him for our gatekeepers. I praised Him for my parents, sister, bro in law, grandparents and friends who constantly lift me up and make sure I am doing ok. It was a sweet time in His word together as a group. That afternoon, He blesssed me more than I deserve with some sweet time with Britt. We shared, laughed, cried and pryd together. He showed me that I am not crazy and that there are other people who believe like I believe and feel like I feel with the board. It hurt my heart to see that she has been badly wounded as well but it is reassuring to know the amazing Father we have and I am humbled at the opportunity I have to take her to the throne room on my knees. I am so thankful for her and her friendship and I am thankful for Georgie who told me I could trust her. It was the first time in weeks that I felt I could be myself and let my guard down. I praise Him for answering my pryrs. I helped prepare the dinner we would have together and then we had the girls spend the night at our house. We bunked their hammocks in one of the rooms while Christy and I slept in the other room. We played games, painted nails, and told his stories all night long. It was great to make something special for the girls that they would remember, and point them back to the cross.

Monday, we started the day with an amazing time of worship. I am enjoying my secluded home on the river and my precious times alone with Him. I really do not know why I have been so blessed but praise Him for how He has provided for me. Our classes on Monday we all about language; how to learn a language, how to better your language, and how to evaluate where you are with your language. It was another review for us but you have to make the most of everything, right? That afternoon, our camp time was on hunting and it was the most fun! We learned how to shoot a crossbow, rifle, and shoot fish with a bow. I had the best time learning all about how to use the crossbow. Unfortunately, I am a weakling and could not shoot it without the help of my newly adopted big brother, CS.. He brought me his son's bow to shoot that I was able to do all by myself. I moved on to the shooting a pellet gun...super fun. My new big bro is amazing, his wife, incredible and his kids are adorable. If He brought me here for nothing more than to show Himself through this amazing family, it is totally worth it and I praise Him for them. We are on the same page and it is so comforting to hear that. They have become my family and He has allowed me to let down my guard and be myself with them, which is such a relief. I feel like I can breathe again with them and share my thoughts and His teachings. After a run to the store, oh yes you never knew that a trip to a little store could be so exciting, right? Well, when you are on an island, any trip in the boat is an adventure and everyone wants to go. We ate dinner with the big bro and his family. I love listening to their hearts and having real discussions with them. It is so refreshing and it is just what I needed. He is teaching me so much through them and His Word.

Tuesday, after another time in His Word trying to practice what I have been learning 1 John of abiding in Him and His words, we have a morning of learning more about storying. It was interesting to listen to different people and their opinions of storying but more of a review. In the afternoon, we learned about fishing and set up a snare to catch some wolf fish. The women headed out into the village to share a story with the two ladies that BS is meeting with each week. They were excited to see us and it was neat to watch Him use Brittany to love on them, encourage them, and teach them His truths. We came back pretty late and had our first night without our 2 hours of electricity that they have been giving us each night. So we made some mango empanadas and headed to the trainer house where we shared a meal with the people who are working with the kids each day while their parents are in class me. It was neat to hear their stories and how He has redeemed them and is changing them. It gave me lots to go back and praise Him for and intercede to Him on their behalf. That evening the women came to my house to have a night of pryr. When BS arrived, I heard a loud splash and remembering that we had placed out bait that afternoon for the fish I went down to pull out the fish and I being the novice fisher woman that I am, grabbed way too close to the hook and this fish came jumping out with a hug mouth full of teeth. I screamed like a girl and dropped the line. And with a scream like that you would think that everyone would come running right? Nope. Not one man came to our rescue, so four of us women pulled out the fish, knocked it out with a big piece of wood, and then finally two guys came out to scale it and cut it up to freeze. It was an adventure. That night, we had a great time of just prying for each other and sharing our hearts. It was a sweet time of sitting at the Father's feet and carrying other women to Him.

Wednesday, it was more teaching of language, strategy plans, and just us talking. As we were in our sessions, our affinity leaders came in to spend the week with us. It was great to see them and I was excited to hear from them.  Oh, I forgot to mention the outbreak that came into our campus on Tuesday. Lice. Yes that is right, we had three families with lice, no lice shampoo, or combs. So we all pryd, put vinegar on our heads, and began picking out lice. Oh the joys of community living. By the grace of Dad, CS was able to call a friend in the city to go buy meds and send it on the plane that would come later that day. We canceled our camp time to check for more lice, treat those who had it and begin to collect clothes to be boiled in the cut open half-gallon water jug over an open flame. At least we had had our fire starting class and built this huge fire to boil the clothes. It was such a process and so great to see the community all come together and take care of the problem. That evening, we made dinner for our lice infested neighbors and then went to eat with the sweetest couple here, Mr Joel and Mrs Wilma. It was neat to hear their stories and how they helped build this training center. It was a sweet night of fellowship.

Well Thursday, I wake up super early because I did not sleep well at all. I woke up, layed in my hammock, and just praised Him for another day and another year of life. It was a great time of worship and praising Him. I had to lead the devotional that am and told the story from Joshua 10. Then we had some great time with TL and VL listening to their hearts about different topics and just spend time with them. It was a good morning and a great way to start my birthday. At lunch the mks had made me a large birthday card and two cakes that I shafted with the community. After lunch, we had a time of learning how to build a jungle shelter, which quickly turned into a several hour nit picking session. It was a sweet time that we used to share different stories of His faithfulness. After we had gotten all the nits out of the girl’s head, the women headed out the store across the water. They had some eggs finally and some other goodies that made our day. when we arrived back from the store, the women headed out to share stories with the women at the island next us. It was a great time as we spoke to about 3 different women, pryd with several more, and pryr walked through the entire village. On the boat ride back, Christy gave me a new headlamp for my birthday present. She asked what the traditions that we had and I had told her that my family only gives our presents at the actual time when we born. So, she had brought it to give me at 6 but we were sharing a story with a woman at the time and she didn't feel like it was good timing. I was super excited to get my new headlamp and we returned to our home. She and I made eggs, pancakes, and had some fruit for dinner. It was really good. That night, we had women's pryr time and it was good to hear how He had been moving in the lives of all the women. It was a great birthday. I praise Him for giving me such a great day and how He made it a special day even when I couldn't talk to my family and friends.

Friday, we decided to corporately fast for the women's trip up river on Saturday. So I headed to the pavilion and spent time prying and seeking His wisdom for this trip. Terry led our time of worship and devotion. We have moved out of the book of Joshua and are now studying in 2 Timothy. It was a great time of worship. We started CTT training and had a chance to practice a lot of the training with a local aknrs. At lunch time, we stayed in the pavilion and prayed together as a body. It was a sweet time in the throne room as we carried all the details to Him and asked that He move in a huge way on our trip up river. That afternoon, we continued to pick nits out of everyone's hair until late in the afternoon. I went to help BS pack the trunk for our trip. She was a little stressed about this trip and I wanted to help with as many of the details as I could. I ended up back at her house, inviting myself to dinner, and so we ate little pizzas with her family. She blessed me with a diet coke...I seriously could not believe it. Not only does she bless me with sweet spiritual conversation, but she also blesses me with the one thing I had been missing for such a long time. We had a great night of bonding with the family. I have totally placed myself in the family but I thank Dad for this family as He continues to teach me things and love me through all of them. Today, I am thankful for CS and his honesty as he shared that he has a strong personality and most people like him are crtitical. He shared so transparently that He convicted me of the times I was being critical. Praise Him for a big brothers honesty.

Saturday, we woke up early to have breakfast, spend time with Him and pack for our trip. We had an amazing time of worship and pryr before heading out on our trip. The best part was that BB decided to go. She was not sure as her family was the main family affected with the lice epidemic that we had experienced but it was so great that she could go with us. She said that she decided to go in the last 10 minutes of the 2 plus hour pryr time that we had after AM devotion. Praise Him for His faithfulness. We loaded up the boat and headed up river to another village. I started my time just praising Him for this beautiful creation. There is something about being in a dug out canoe on the river with the jungle all around you that is mesmerizing. I could not stop singing His praise and thanking Him for this opportunity. After awhile, He told me to talk to CM, another m who had left her family and especially her daughter on her birthday. We had a great time of just talking...I listened to her and encouraged her as He lead and she encouraged me. As we were going, I noticed that we were going really slow but because Brittany had asked me to be more of a trainer this weekend to help the other women feel comfortable and take their worrisome minds off of things at home, I did not at anything but kept listening to CMl and it was not until BJPn (the local Aknr who chaperoned us) stopped our boat in the shade did everyone know that something was wrong. We pryd and He answered by sending a boat to pass us that he was able to flag down and ask them to take us the rest of the way. What a blessing as they agreed and we arrived in the village in less than 20 minutes. We arrive, unload the stuff, and carry everything up a hill to where we were going to be staying. And He surprises us again with an amazing house to stay in, with toilets that flush, a couch, and beds to sleep on. I nearly cried with joy as I watched BS’s face completely change as a peace came over her to know that we were not going to rough it and He had taken care of everything. We ate lunch, pryd and then headed out to the village to pry and share His stories.

Once again, He led us to where He was working. We stopped at a field and saw a home with some women that we all felt lead to go to. BS asked who was going to tell the story and none one answered. I began to pry and He gave me a story, and it was the story that BB had memorized. So I asked BB to tell her story of jairus daughter and the woman with the bleeding sickness. As we are speaking to this woman and her daughter, she tells us that she has s bad leg and her daughter has a blood sickness. Are you kidding me Dad? How perfect. He did not stop the entire day as we pryd and shared with different women all throughout the village. When we arrived back to the house, late, we were met with some of the believers on the island. For the next several hours, we pryd for them, they pryd for us and we worshipped our Dad together in two different languages and had a taste of what heaven will be like. It was such a blessing. We had asked to be a refreshment for them but they refreshed our spirits more! After they left, we ate dinner, hung up our hammocks, pryd and went to bed. Before we went to bed, we had a sweet time of sharing as some of the women were dealing with fear and it was neat to watch them share and Him heal them through their sharing and our pryrs.

The next morning, I woke up early and had anothr amazing time in His Word while I waited for everyone else to wake up. We made breakfast, packed up, and then headed to worship with the local believers. It was such a blessing to hear their hearts and share with them. We then headed back to the house, loaded up our stuff, and headed to the boat. The boat had been fixed while we were on the island and we headed back with ease. I spent the time praising Him, eating my pb and j sandwich and just bathing our time in pryr. When we get back, everyone is glad to see us and share what they had done while the women were away. I came back and unpacked, bathed, and took a little nap. When my roomie woke me up, it was time for our community meal of fish and taco soup. We ended the night with some share time together as a community as we reflected on the past week.