It is Finished

This trip has finally come to an end, and these last few days were some of the most blessed days of my whole six weeks in El Salvador. Wednesday, Miriam and Doctora Sanchez took Lainey and I out to dinner in San Miguel. We first saw Dra. Sanchez's beautiful house, and then we met her husband and Buffalo Wings. Yes, we did go to Buffalo Wings in El Salvador, and we had a BLAST. We shared so many laughs, and I felt just as if I was home and out with some of my friends at college. It was amazing to share such a wonderful time with them. Then on the car ride home, we introduced them to Nutella, and I must say it was the best 30 minute car ride ever. There is nothing like nutella and girl talk with Miriam.

Thursday, we helped Debbie prepare for the team that was coming, and although we were all a little stressed with the amount to do, I was glad I got to see a glimpse of what it's like for them when teams come. Debbie and David both put so much time and energy into preparing for them, and I admire how Debbie literally spends all day cooking amazing meals for so many people. She is a wonderful humble servant of God. So we helped out any way we could, making banana nut muffins for the team and cooking dinner for Debbie. We made Rosemary Lemon Chicken. Delicious.

Yesterday could not have been any more perfect for our last day. We had breakfast with the team and then headed to the clinic to say goodbye to all of our friends. I've never been good at goodbyes, but it was nice to take some final pictures and share those final moments with these special people. They touched my life, and I wanted to touch theirs as well. Be looking for pictures on facebook of the doctors and us...funny stuff.

After lunch, we walked around with the team, and it was an odd feeling because I felt more like a Latin in that moment than an American. I was so familiar with the culture and people of Jucuapa that I was the one answering their questions and telling them about the culture. It really was a weird feeling to be on the other side of things. I constantly was thinking about when I take a team to the Dominican Republic, and I was hoping we were not as....American in the way we presented ourselves. It definitely made me more aware of being culturally aware.

We has our last English class, and even though it was raining and the school was locked, 5 students showed up. We took them back to the Hawks to have class in the garage, and we played jeopardy. It was a truly wonderful ending to that class, and I was touched that they showed up when rain so often stops people from going places in Jucuapa.

After dinner, we did our evaluation with the Hawks, and it certainly provided some closure as we shared openly, and less sarcastically than normal, how we felt about the trip and each other. God was present in that moment, and I thank Him for the discernment he provided to all of us.

When we finally arrived at the Rodriguez's an hour later than we were supposed to, we were surprised to find the whole youth group there to say their final goodbyes. It was such a blessing and I thank Sammy and Timmy for planning that. Each person said something to us, and we share some last words with them. Then of course we ate food and sang songs. It was sad but also provided so much closure. I pray that God spoke through me when I left them with one last piece of advice.

It's humbling how the lats few days we have been showered with gifts and thanks, when I feel like I should be thanking them! They are the ones who accepted us into their homes and communities so willingly, and I do not deserve all they have done for me. They are special people, and Jucuapa has a special place in my heart. I know I will always remember the laughter and memories I shared with these people, and I pray God continues to foster these relationships. One day I will see them again, if not on this Earth than in Heaven when we worship our holy, loving Father.

Dios Le Bendiga

Special Friends

With only three days left, I am coming to realize just how much I will miss these people. Tonight, we had our regular Tuesday night church service, but at the end, they prayed for Lainey, Tiffany, and me. It was all I had in my sick-riddened body to not cry, but the love I felt was overwhelming. As Vivian wrapped her arms around me, and Miriam passionately prayed over us, I felt like I was truly in the body of Christ.

It was six simple words that nearly put me over the edge as Miriam told me, "I've never had friends like you." In six short weeks, I have made a friend so special, and the craziest part of that is we don't even speak the same language. My God is so great, and He is a God of love. He fosters relationships, all kinds of relationships. Tonight, I heard so many people tell me, "You are very special, and it's been a blessing to have you here!" Little do they know that they are the ones that should be told that. Everyone I've met here has been so special, and I truly have made friendships I pray last a lifetime.

I do not know what God has in store for me in the future, but I pray I can one day return here and perhaps even when I speak Spanish! Regardless, I will continue to pray for this community and these faithful believers. I pray God blesses them and their work here in Jucuapa.

Solamente Un Semanas Mas

After 5 weeks here, it's hard to believe this is my last week in El Salvador. I've come to realize that God is always with me, guiding me in this life through experiences such as this. My prayer was that I would have discernment on this trip, and God has certainly provided that. It is clear to me that God has a plan for me, and there is no need to worry about tomorrow. My experience here has made me even more excited for what the future holds, and I am daily falling more in love with my Savior.

I have become so acutely aware of my many blessings. Except for two hours a day, we haven't had running water here for two weeks. Water is definitely something I've taken for granted, and until you don't have it, you never realize how important it is for cooking, cleaning, laundry, and especially bathing. People here live such simple lives with only what they need. The grocery store is small and has mostly essentials. In America, we are bombarded by so many choices and so much abundance, we often don't know what to do. Why do we have such a need to live in such excess? I appreciate the opportunities I was provided, and I thank my father for always providing for our family. Why did I deserve to be born into a place where I had so much freedom, so many opportunities, and lived in such abundance? It doesn't make sense to me why some people are born into wealth and others are born wondering when they'll get their next meal. But I praise my God for the blessings I've experienced here, and it has been so humbling to spend five weeks among this wonderful community.

I have definitely been learning how to be a more humble servant. I'm so used to serving God in a leadership role, but here in El Salvador, I have learned how to be a humble servant and actively look for the needs of others. I have been learning to lower myself and serve those in any way I can, in a more supportive role than leadership role. I pray I can be more like Christ in the way I serve and humbly approach the throne of God.

Today my mom and dad returned from Mexico, and I couldn't help but run to them and greet them with a great big hug. And as Sammy and I fought to hug Miguel, and he kissed me on the cheek, I couldn't help but feel like a family. And I got a glimpse of what it might be like to spend eternity in heaven with our family in Christ. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and it will be beautiful when we all worship at the feet of Jesus together.

I have seen so much and experienced God in so many ways, and while I don't want it to end, I am excited to take what I've learned and apply it to the ministries I am involved with back home. I pray God continues to work through me, and that I might be his humble servant.

I will miss this place and these people so much, but I pray I might see them again one day. But I must wait and see what God has in store.

Dios Le Bendiga

Bless the man who created Hammocks

As I'm relaxing in a hammock in the beautiful El Salvador sun under a lime tree, I can't help but thank God for the man who created hammocks. Lainey and I are down to our last two weeks, and it's hard to believe it's come so quick. At first I couldn't wait to leave and now I can't imagine leaving this place and these wonderful people. I've shared some wonderful moments with many of them, and even though a whole language separates us, they have become my friends. We still laugh and joke together (mostly at my poor Spanish), and I see Christ in them and their willingness to accept me (and not call me gringa).

Today another girl will join us here for our last two weeks. Tiffany will be teaching in the special education school, and hopefully Lainey will accompany her. I'm excited to see what these next two weeks hold, but I'm also eager to make the most of them. My devotion this morning was about "Initiating." We should be the ones who initiate the conversation with sinners, with other believers, with those in pain. Everyone needs the gospel, and we have been called by God to share it with everyone. So these last two weeks, I pray I can be bolder in my witness and show at least one person Christ and His love for us.

A few things I've come to love about El Salvador:
1) Liquada de pina

2) Spanish worship music and the Spanish language in general
3) My two families- Hawks and Rodriguezs

4) My friends Patti, Miriam, Maricela, and more!
5) Sunday morning breakfast

6) God's continual presence in this place

I have been so blessed this past month, and God has been slowly guiding me towards my next steps in life. I can only trust Him and His perfect plan. "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless." Psalm 18:30

Guardian Angels

I was going to write a really fun and short blog about the most shocking thing I saw today and the biggest blessing today. I was gonna chalk up the most shocking thing to watching boys cut grass with a machette, and I was still thinking about the blessing when something happened that blew all that out of the water.

Mom, if you're reading this before I've called you, don't panic. I am fine. Now here's the story. We were driving back from El Sembrador, the farm school, to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. The farm school was a really neat place by the way. I couldn't help but think it's something Grandpa would approve of. They teach the boys how to be farmers, and they have cattle operations, pig operations, planting, a dam that provides electricity for the school during the rainy season. Everything they helps pay for the school so it's self-supporting. They also provide an education to a some 100 boys that have had no opportunity for education. It was a really neat ministry.

But back to the story. We left El Sembrador and were headed to Teguc. It was around 4:30 pm, and we were on really bumpy, windy roads. We came upon a bus that was backing up, and we couldn't figure out why, so we simply drove around it. The rest happened kind of fast. Debbie was yelling, "Gun David! Gun!" Then David was yelling, "Everyone get down!" There were three gun shots, and I felt two of them hit my side of the truck. After we had sped by, we made sure everyone was alright, and praise God we were. It was two guys in black masks that had been shooting at us, and we believe they had intended to pull over the bus and rob them because that's been happening a lot in Honduras. When we passed by though, they tried to shoot out our tires. One of the bullets was awfully close to the tire. The bullet hole is right in the hinge of the driver door, so praise God it didn't go through and hit David's leg or hit anything important in the truck under the hood. We definitely felt like we had a guardian angel.

Everyone was a little shaken, but I couldn't help but ponder on the reasoning for it all. We almost didn't leave for Teguc today. We almost left tomorrow, and then we would have avoided the whole situation. But after we got past the shooting, David proceeded to stop all the cars we passed and warn them not to continue on, two of which were school buses. I couldn't help but wonder if God was using him to save those people. It's hard to know what God's plans are, but I know he was looking over us today, and He is every day. His sovereignty and providence are something I've been daily experiencing here in El Salvador, and one thing is clear: My God is always with me, and He guides me and protects me. He has plans for me, and I will follow Him.

"Lord I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever."

Expecting the Unexpected

I waited all week for this Quincinera, and the day had finally come! I was even excited to get a little dressed up and perhaps look decent since my last three weeks have been spent with my hair up and no make up. But if something can go wrong it will go wrong...according to Murphy. Yesterday Lainey and I helped Maricela and Kaitlin get ready since they are two of the lovely damas. Around 3:30 we went back to the house so we could change. Well it was pouring rain, and David drove off as soon as we were under the porch. Unfortunately, no one was home. We then proceeded to spend the next hour on the porch. We went through all the typical conversations people have when lost. Should we try to find our way back or stay where we are? Surely someone will come back for us right? At one point we were about to venture into the rain when lightning struck the house. We took that as a sign to stay put.

Finally we did venture out, and we arrived back at the Hawk's house. When I had thought I was doomed to go to the Quincinera in the scrubs I still had on, we found some clothes in Kaitlin's closet and was off. My hair was wet, I was sweaty, and I was no longer excited for this Quincinera... regardless it was still a wonderful experience. The food was good, and the company was even better.

Today we headed to Honduras, and around 5:30 we arrived in Tegucigalpa, the capital city. It's pretty exciting that we got to come to another country. We experienced the famous food of Honduras, baleadas. They were soooo good. I'm still having a hard decision between baleadas and pupusas though. They are both so good! Tomorrow we head to the farm school, and I get to see where Jessica (another VIA) will be spending 7 weeks!

As I get closer to the end, I grow sadder. I truly love this place and these people. They feel like my family, and I thank God for bringing me to this place. It was definitely an unexpected blessing, and I can't help but feel that I will be back here again.

But mostly I have learned to expect the unexpected because God has things we could never imagine instore for us.

A Review of the Last Three Weeks

Today marks three weeks in El Salvador. I've experienced so many things, but mostly I've come to love this community and these people so much. I don't have too many pictures, but I'll try to give you a review of the last three weeks in photos!

He will give you the desires of your heart

Yesterday my papa gave Lainey and I a talk about praying for your future husband. I thought I had him at first when I pridefully answered, "I do pray for my future husband!" He calmly continued by asking us if we were specific. Do we specify his hair color, eye color, personality, age. At first I thought, why should I be picky, God will bring me a great guy. I even challenged papa on this fact, and his only response was, "He will give you the desires of your heart."

That got me thinking. Its true isn't it? That the Lord loves us so much that He will give us the desires of our heart if we come to Him. Yes, I must surrender my life to His will, but He also loves for me and cares for me. I am not a puppet in His show, but I am His child, a beloved child of God! Don't parents want desperately to give their children the desires of their heart. I'm often reminded that I have such a limited view of God. There are so many beautiful aspects of God, and it is hard to grasp all of them in our simple minds. It is hard to hold seemingly opposing ideas in our minds. God is a God of wrath but also a God of love. He is a Just God but He is also a Merciful and Gracious God. I am humbled by how awesome my God is.

While this conversation was more helpful in giving me a greater view of my Lord, I also realized I better start making a list of what my heart desires :). Miguel also suggested trying the line, "Hola, pienso que puedemos tener ninjos bonita punta." I think I'll just put that one in my reserve, next to, "Do you know karate because your body is kicking."

It is beautiful how God works in our lives. Yesterday was a very slow day in the lab, but God gave me some answers yesterday. He showed me the next steps to take in my life, and He encouraged me to just trust Him. I am excited for what God has in store for me, and I am blessed to be able to serve my God. I pray you all know the love your father in heaven has for you. It will bring you to your knees.

How He Loves Us

I was overwhelmed in church tonight as I could really feel just how much God loves us. It's enough to bring you to your knees for sure. I am so unworthy of the love, the grace, the mercy He gives me, yet He freely gives it. I became aware that when I sin, I am nailing my Savior to the cross. I am spitting in the face of God, and I nearly broke down at this thought. I pray I can remain pure and holy and set my mind on things above!

Seven months ago when I did a google search for short-term mission opportunities, I never imagined God had all this in store. It seemed like an small part of my life, but God knew, and again that is overwhelming. "He works all things together for the good of those who love Him" Romans 8:28. I know the Lord has my life in His hands. He has the whole world in His hands!!

Today was an exciting day as I drew blood for the first time! Now the guy's veins were HUGE so I really couldn't miss, but I was still really excited about it. I also saw pinworms in a stool sample, and that was pretty neat because I knew what it was before she told me! Thank you Organismal Biology! I've learned so much in the lab, and I really enjoy the company of the ladies in there.

I officially feel like a part of the community of Jucuapa. I walk around town and stop to talk to people I know from church or the clinic (in Spanish!). Even if my Spanish is less than up to par, I do my best to fellowship and encourage people I know. I feel very at home, and I know these people have so willingly accepted me into their lives. I definitely feel like part of the Rodriguez family as well. I already know that when the time comes to leave in 3.5 weeks, it will be very difficult.

On Saturday I am going to a Quincinera, and Patti (my friend from the lab) wants to straighten my hair and do my finger nails. Again, I feel like I truly am friends with these people, and it is amazing. Mi mama brought out two "dresses" for Lainey and I to try on for Saturday. We were dying laughing. 1. because they are so different looking 2. because they aren't exactly our personality. But you can be the judge.

Almost ready to go. Now we just need shoes, hair, make up, and jewelry according to mama

I thank God every single day for the blessings I receive. Thank you for your prayers!

Even the Very Hairs on your Head are Numbered

Today was another incredibly blessed day. I cannot begin to tell you the joy I feel here in El Salvador. I am constantly in the presence of the Lord, and I am surrounded by such wonderful people. I do believe Lainey and I officially became part of the Rodriguez family. Timmy, Sammy, Lainey, and I all pitched in to make the secret family pancakes. Did you know it's not as hard as it looks to flip a pancake with just the pan? The whole family sat down to breakfast, and we practiced our spanish as we told them about our families. Again, it was the perfect Sunday morning. Miguel offered me some incredibly encouraging words about God's sovereignty, and I realized just how right he was. "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than the sparrows." Matthew 10:30-31.

God has a plan for my life. He has every moment in His hands. He knew I'd be coming to El Salvador in 2012 before I knew how to walk. He has something planned for me, and I praise Him for whatever that is. I am already so incredibly blessed to have lived the life I have. God has always provided, and I've definitely been blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends. I have so much to be thankful for, and I have joy in the Lord.

Church was wonderful, and I even caught MOST of the sermon. It was on obedience, and I couldn't help but reflect on Christ's obedience. He was obedient, even to death on a cross. I want to be obedient to God's will in this way.

After church we had a wonderful trip to Chinameca for a festival. We ate some delicious street vendor food and had a wonderful afternoon of fellowship. I had camarones on a stick...so shrimp shishkabobs. Delicioso. It was just wonderful to be so accepted, I truly feel like part of this family.

                                         Timmy chowing down on a burrito in Chinameca

Sunday nights at cell group are always a special treat because it is clear just how powerful God can move. Nearly 40 kids show up every Sunday to memorize bible verses, hear bible stories, and play games. These kids are the poorest in Jucuapa and many of them come without their parents. It reminds me of how the little kids came unto Jesus, and it is a trulyl beautiful site.

                                                 Mi madre y padre para seis semanas


Thank you for your prayers! They definitely have not gone unappreciated because it is your prayers that have made this such a blessing.

Walking with Jesus

Today was a day of firsts. I had my first public bus ride, my first taxi ride, and my first eggnog ice cream with raisins. After a half day at the clinic, Lainey and I were invited to travel to San Miguel with Miriam and her two kids Lydia and Joel. It was quite an experience catching a bus and just following along when we had no idea what was going on. Our first taxi driver practiced some english with us which was a plesant surprise. Then when we arrived at the mall, we had chinawok. I gotta say it wasn't the best chinese I've had..... and I felt pretty sick afterwards. It was a great trip though. I loved watching Joel, who is 7, light up every time he saw a toy helicopter. And Miriam is one of the funniest people I know, and I can't even understand her! ha ha. When we decided to get ice cream I was overwhelmed by them shouting questions at me in spanish so I just pointed to a flavor. That's when I experienced eggnog with raisins... I hated it, but apparently it is very popular here... go figure. We also went to an arcade, and again I was struck by the normality of life here. Five of us played multiple games of air hockey, and it was the most fun I've had in a while. Then Lainey and I had a showdown at dance dance revolution. Lainey drew a crowd with her particularly poor dancing, but it was a blast.

When we finally got a taxi and chased down an overly crowded bus, I had time to think about my day. I realized I'd been walking with Jesus today. I saw Him in Joel's smile, in Miriam's laughter, and in Lydia's gentle spirit. I've been in Jucuapa two weeks, and today I was treated like family. It was like Lainey and I were long time family friends. In no time, this family, and other families have welcomed us into their lives with open arms. Isn't that what Jesus does? He loves us with open arms no matter what. He does not ask how we've sinned, what we've done wrong, who we are....He just invites us to come to Him. I couldn't help but think that you never know where you're gonna meet Jesus.

We finally got to the church, tonight was youth group, and we wre only 1 hour late. :) It's okay because we're on El Salvador time. We played games, and I felt so much like myself. I cut loose and made jokes. I did not skimp on my smiles and laughter, and I just loved on people. Sometimes people just need to be loved on you know? Maricela asked me to french braid her hair, which I've done once on an American girl doll....but I gave it my best shot. Then another girl asked me, and I was defeated by her layers.. I'm clearly gonna need to practice. We had bible trivia also, and I can tell I'm definitely picking up on this spanish thing. I could understand about half of the questions without Sammy translating for me. By the time I leave, I'll be fluent!

I praise God for the time I've had here so far, and I thank Him for the experiences I am yet to have. These next four weeks will go by so fast, so I pray I do not waste a moment, but that I am a humble servant unto the Lord every second.

Tomorrow morning Timmy and I are making pancakes!! Yum

No mas aburrimiento

Praise God for a FABULOUS day. One word I've definitely had ingrained in my mind since I've arrived is aburrido, I am bored. While the clinic has been fantastic, there are many days that are very slow, and yes I get bored. But today I had a change of scenery. Instead of being with the nurses, I spent the day in the laboratory.

It was a familiar place for a biology major.  There were centrifuges, microscopes, test tubes and more. I couldn't do any of the work, but I got to see so many cool things. I saw crystals in urine, parasites in feces, various cells in blood, and so much more. It was a day full of learning, and if I thought biology was fun in english, it is even MORE fun in spanish. My brain was working on full power today as I tried to translate everything that was being said to me while learning new procedures. But I loved it. I love learning, and the women in the lab were a lot of fun. The best part was probably cleaning out the test tubes that had clotted blood in them... j/k. It was neat though.

The best part was after we'd cleaned the lab up, the lab tech taught Patti and I how to do a platelet count. The slide ws split into quadrants on a grid, and we had to count the platelets in five different quadrants. At the end, Patti and I had both counted 50 while the lab tech got 51. Success!

I have saved the best for last though. On top of a great day in the laboratory, I got to watch the extraction of lymphoma. Dr. Araujo removed two lymphocytes from behind a man's ear. While he numbed the area, the man was still awake so to get his mind off the surgery, we played his favorite music. Metallica. I can't explain the smile I had on my face as Dr. Araujo sung and grooved while stiching up a man's ear. Good times. Small blessings.

Now to switch subjects a little bit. I've noticed a few things that you'd never see in America.
1. Cows blocking the road
2. Men with BIG guns guarding every store
3. Men walking down the road with machettes
4. Lots of public drunkedness
5. Washing every coverslip, every test tube, every microscope slide

In America we are much more wasteful. In the lab at school we just throw away our slides when we're done, but here we washed every single one. It just made me think of how priveleged we are in America, and how much more grateful we should be. I am reminded every day of how God blesses me, and how unworthy I am. Yet instead of giving me what I deserve, he has forgiven me and promised me eternal life with Him. Wow God's grace is so powerful, so wonderful. I praise Him today and everyday!

Dios Le Bendiga

There is no one like Our God

It was a slow day in the clinic today, but like 1 Corinthians 15:58b says, nothing I do is a waste of time or effort because I know I am doing the work of the Lord. Leave it to the nurses to make you feel better about a break up. They sure do crack me up. Dr. Franco also brought me some "paterna" to try. It's this really interesting fruit. Be sure to check my facebook for pictures of it. It was pretty good though. My favorite part of my day at the clinic was talking to William. If I do nothing else while here in El Salvador, I hope I can get him to smile a little more. He is the technology trouble shoot guy for the clinic, and he is very pessimistic. His english is pretty good, but he constantly says it is terrible, and he almost never smiles. We cracked a few out of him today though.

After the clinic, I was so blessed by the prayer meeting at the church. We had some amazing worship, and it was clear God was there. Although we sang it in spanish, I had the words "There is no one like Our God" branded in my mind. How true is that? There really is no one like our God. There is no one else who is always by our side. There is no one else who can wash us white as snow with the blood of the lamb. There is no one else who loves us like God loves us. I was overwhelmed. Miguel preached for a short time, but the only bit I caught was about having faith like a mustard seed. There was a very drunk man who wandered in and sat at the stairs of the church listening, but he kept yelling, so they led him out. I was very upset by this though. Aren't these the people that need to hear the word? Aren't these the people we should be preaching to?

When we came to our time of prayer, everyone got on their knees and prayed to God. It was clear the holy spirit was moving. I prayed for that drunk man. I pray that he heard something tonight that begins to stir in his heart. It was good to stop and talk to God. I don't do it enough. Prayer is one thing I struggle to do on a consistant basis. But tonight I told God everything, and I surrendered it all to Him. I cannot continue to try to plan my life like I do. Besides God already has it worked out, so I will faithfully serve Him while I wait for my next step.

Lainey, unfortunately, is VERY sick. Please pray for her. It's bad enough to be sick, but it is even harder to be sick in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. I am feeling much better though, so thank you very much for your prayers. I am blessed to have strong believers praying for me.

After dinner, I came back to the Rodriguez's to find a house full of people, and the stove was fired up. There were some people from Honduras visiting, and they were cooking some sort of Honduran food. I tried a bit, and it was delicious, but I'd already had dinner. I felt very at home though, as I sat surrounded by smiling, loving people. There is something special about sharing a meal together and with laughter filling the room. I didn't understand most of the conversation, but Timmy was kind enough to keep me clued in.

I'm beginning to adjust to life here, and I'm sure as soon as I do, I will be thrust back into a new environment. I worry about going from six weeks of this to six weeks in a lab working with DNA. I feel so at home when I am serving like this. There's something so wonderful about serving the Lord so intentionally every day. I want my whole life to be spent serving My God.

Now, I simply pray that God reveal to me my next step after El Salvador and after Emory & Henry. I know He has great things in store for me, and I trust in Him.

Dios Le Bendiga

That Still Small Voice

The presence of God is so peaceful and so wonderful. I am so thankful for church this morning. Even though I did not understand what was said this morning, I felt the presence of God. There was so much worship and praise, and even the sermon was a blessing. I don't know exactly what was said, but it was on Jeremiah 18:1-6. I am clay in the potter's hand, and I will allow Him to mold me.

I'm really beginning to love it here. I have seen so much love, and I even feel useful. In church, I ran the powerpoint which was actually a lot more difficult than it sounds. In the afternoon, we went to a dance practice for a Quincinera, and somehow we got dragged into dancing. It was definitely an experience, and unfortunately there was a video taken. I'll try to put it up on youtube at somepoint. The Quincinera is on June 2nd, and I am really excited to experience this culture in that way.

On Sunday night we always do a cell group in the very poor part of Jucuapa. The kids are all dressed in the same outfit they wore a week ago, and they are covered in dirt. They only get running water to their houses about two days out of the week. We picked up a man on the way who was very drunk. Both his legs are broken because he fell out of a coconut tree while he was drunk. His daughter broke both her arms trying to pick fruit to sell for their family because they have absolutely no money. It really was a heart-breaking situation. We have so much in America, and we still complain. Please keep this family and the many other families like them in your prayers.

Remember, the Lord your God is always with you.

When the Waters Rise

"When the waters rise, around me I am safe, in the valley Lord, you are near always!"

They sure were right in orientation when they said the enemy would attack. In one short week, I've felt so much be attacked. Things I love being taken away, and now even my health has been taken. Today the nurse became the patient. I have been feeling sick the past few todays, but when I woke up this morning, I knew it had gotten bad. I went to see Dr. Araujo at the clinic, and it turns out I have some kind of infection. I didn't quite catch what with all the spanish, but I believe its something with my throat... idk. It sure feels an awful lot like walking pnuemonia to me. Regardless, I will not let this stop me from the ministry God has called me to here. Satan can attack me as much as he wants, but My God is greater, My God is stronger. And My God never lets go of me.

I've noticed some things are different here in El Salvador as far as the way they approach medicine. My first observation was that they give a whole lot of shots here. It turns out that most of the shots they give are a mixture of various vitamins. The doctor explained to me that since people eat so many carbohydrates here and very few vegetables, they give people vitamin shots to compensate. I don't understand why they can't just eat better. From what I can observe, it seems like preventitive medicine education is needed here. A lot of these problems can be fixed if people knew the proper way to take care of themselves. I was also confused by my prescriptions today. While yes I was prescribed an antibiotic, I also was prescribed acetaminophen. Isn't that just an ingredient in a lot of pain killers like tylonel? Why would he prescribe that? It seemed odd. They also run a WHOLE lot of tests. They almost never make a diagnosis without lots of lab work. It just doesn't seem as efficient as in America. But they have their way of doing things and it works for them.

I have been so blessed by the hospitality and love everyone here as shown me. I hope that I can only return that same love. There is so much opportunity for evangelism here. There are drunk people at every corner, and many of them are even outside the church. I will continue to pray that God shows me how I can evangelize in a place that I do not know the language. The gospel is so important, and I want everyone to hear it. Lord use me.

Girls will be Girls

No matter where you are in the world, girls will be girls. Today I truly became one of the nurses as we spent MOST of the day having girl talk. It all started when Lainey told Miriam I had a boyfriend, and then the rest of the day was spent talking about the boys in each of our lives. One thing I learned is that people are VERY romantic in El Salvador. Dolores' boyfriend said something along the lines of "I want to eat you with kisses" and she said something like "your body is so rich." I was shocked and they asked me, "Well what do you talk about with your boyfriend?" I said, "Well I mostly ask him about his day and we talk about our faith in God." Apparently that isn't enough. I'll soon try out the line, I want to eat you with kisses. Man, I'm still laughing about that.

In all seriousness though, today was a day for fostering relationships. The clinic is really slow on Wednesday, and apparently Thursday and Friday too. But in that time, God allowed me to get to know people better. I know the nurses so much better now. It is humbling the way they call me friend, and even though we don't speak the same language, they can love me so deeply. We also go to know Dr. Franco very well. He is a funny funny man. He is supposed to be practicing his english, so we try to help him, but it ends up being him teaching us spanish. I did teach him some Italian words though. Finally, I feel like I got to know the Rodriguez family much better tonight. We spent some time all just sitting in the living room talking. It was the simple mundane things that make you feel close, like helping Timmy with his Psychology lab report or talking to Sammy about college decisions.

I am incredibly blessed to experience the love and hospitality everyone here has shown me. My prayer is that I can return that in some way. I told Vivian and Sammy that I'd cook some authentic Italian pasta for them sometime. And maybe I can make a cake for Sammy's birthday on June 5th. It is clear to me that God has a plan for me here, and now I surrender my life to Him because it is not my life to live. Galatians 2:20.

Buenos Noches!

"And surely I am with you always"

"Y les aseguro que estare con ustedes siempre" Indeed our God is with us always. I know you all have been praying for me because the last two days have been so much better. I am beginning to adjust to this very different time, and I even beginning to think in Spanish. So basically, no mucho pienso. (Hey Cole, if you see this, I'll know if you are REALLY reading my blog).

Today started out as a very slow day. Yesterday the clinic had the most patients it has ever had in the 7 months it has been open. In contrast, today was VERY slow. I still gave 3 shots today though, and most of the rest of the time was spent making or wrapping guaze. It is very interesting how they make it. I'm not sure if they do that in the states or not. But just as I thought the day was slow, I found myself in the TV show ER. One of the nurses walked over with a note written out and as she read it she said in poor english, "Do you like ice cream?" Of course, my heart skipped a beat because I LOVE ice cream. Today was las dias de enfermeras so Dr. Araujo brought ice cream to celebrate. We had just gathered to eat our fresa and chocolate ice cream when there is a scream and someone runs through the door with a baby in their arms. The doctors and nurses throw down their ice cream and rush the baby into the pequena cirugia room. I literally felt like I was watching a show. Just as the nurses and doctors take a breather and start to have some fun, all heck breaks loose.

Ms. Vivian immediately started praying, and while I didn't know what was going on, I could see the worry in the doctors' eyes. I stayed out of the way, but Dr. Araujo called me in and said I should watch. It turns out the baby's fever had gotten so high he stopped breathing. They got him breathing again, and then they put a nebulizer on him and gave him an injection. They had a very difficult time finding the baby's vein because they are so small, but eventually they found one in his foot. As I saw the worry and fear in the doctors, nurses, and family, I just prayed that God be with them. And I know that surely he is with us always. The baby was fine, and I was thankful for the doctors in this clinic.

Straight from the clinic we went to the church for "meditation." They sang two fabulous english songs in spanish. Chelsea, they sang revelation song! They also sang Come now is the time to worship. They last song was in spanish. Then Ms. Vivian preached, and I don't know what she said, but she was really into it! I really wish I could understand. I pray everyday that I can learn this language quickly so I can form even closer relationships with these people and can worship with them more fully. Regardless, it was clear that the holy spirit was moving in the church. There was a long time of prayer, and many people were crying and shouting praise to God. When it ended, Ms. Vivian said to me, "I know you don't understand what is said, but you can feel the presence of God no matter what." And again I thought of "Surely I am with you always."

My God lives in me, and it is not my life to live but His. My prayer is this: "Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee."

Dios Le Bendiga

Toma De Biopsia

As Damon Bland once told me, your opening sentence has to grab the reader, so I have come up with this: It was while I was standing two feet away from a tumor biopsy that I realized I was no longer in America. Today was the first day at the clinic, and I “shadowed” a nurse. I wouldn’t much call it shadowing because I gave two intramuscular injections today as well as took patient vitals and entered them into the computer. I surely didn’t expect to be thrown in as such, but luckily I have the wonderful gift of observation. Praise the Lord. It was quite hard to learn from a nurse who speaks no English. For example, it took the longest time for her to explain to me that in intramuscular shots, you want to draw the shot up first to see if you get blood in case you have hit a vessel. Try listening to that in Spanish. I learned a VAST amount of Spanish today, and it was mostly technical terms. I absolutely love the staff at the clinic though. Both the doctors and nurses are very friendly, and all of them tried to communicate with me. There were three or four patients today that spoke English and when they saw the confusion on my face as the nurse spoke Spanish to me, they translated. Praise God for small blessings.

So a summary of all I saw today: removal of stitches, biopsy of a tumor in a man’s lip, ECG El Salvador style, and the cleansing and wrapping of a recurring ulcer on an 82 year old woman’s foot due to poor circulation. She is also diabetic, and did you know you can’t clean the ulcers of a diabetic with soap or iodine. HMMM… I also did a lot of small things like giving shots, asthma treatments, taking vitals, and nebulizer. Tomorrow I expect to be doing tumor biopsies… j/k!! It was crazy though. It was very exciting and sometimes overwhelming. My brain was constantly working trying to translate what people said to me. Yo hablo poquito espanol, y comprehendo menos. Google translate became my best friend.

It was nice to be busy today, and it made me feel more useful and less homesick. I am excited about working in the clinic for the next seis semanas, and I am excited to work with such wonderful people. God has outdone himself with blessings today as there were so many people who showed me kindness. I know my God is always with me, and I praise Him always. My prayer is that I can minister to some of the people I encounter in the clinic, and maybe God will perform a miracle, and I’ll all of a sudden speak and understand espanol!! Ha maybe.

I miss you all, and I love you. Thank you for your prayers and support.

 P.S. If you are sending a letter it takes about 2 weeks to get here… so send it early. J

Church in Jucuapa

Today we went to church, and while I didn't understand a lot of it, it is clear they have a wonderful ministry there. I stayed in the adult Sunday school, and they practiced evangelizing to each other. Then next week, they are going to go out and actually evangelize in the community. We found out today that most of Jucuapa are religious but many are apostolic or catholic and don't have an understanding of Jesus Christ. The music was also wonderful this morning. The youth led the worship, and they even sang two english songs in spanish, "Here I am to Worship" and "I am a friend of God."

After church, the Hawk's took us to Alegria for lunch. It's a small town near an extinct volcano, so there was a beautiful overlook. The food was muy delicioso. David's brother and his wife were there for lunch because they are on their way driving up to the states. They are stopping in and visiting all the missionaries on the way in Mexico and Texas. After lunch we walked around Alegria a bit, and it was a cute little town with lots of souvenirs. If you have requests let me know ;).

We then did some grocery shopping and watched Law and Order! Some good normal American things. at 5:00 pm we went to a very poor part of Jucuapa and did a bible study type things with the kids. They memorized bible verses, played games, and had a bible story told. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoy interatching with the kids. It's also a good opportunity for me to improve my spanish. I've found despacio to be important so I can tell them to SLOW DOWN when they talk. They talk muy rapido!

We then had dinner with the Hawk's in the park. I had a very delicious pork burrtio, and it seemed the park was a popular place for dinner because we saw a lot of people from the church there tonight. Tomorrow Lainey and I are going to the clinic bright and early at 7 am.

Today I was struck by the poverty in the area that we worked with the kids. This one girl broke both her arms trying to pick fruit to sell for her family. Her father also broke his leg from falling out of a tree while picking fruit. A lot of those kids come to the church on Sunday morning without their parents. So the hope is that the parents will then start to come as well. The people in the church are wonderful and truly serve the Lord. I am excited and blessed to be a part of the ministry.

Another observation was just how normal the life of a missionary can be sometimes. They sit around the house sometimes and watch tv. They do grocery shopping, and they take naps. I'm not sure why, but I always had this idea of being a missionary in my head and it wasn't quite this. They are very much like a normal family.

Well enough for today. I am excited to visit the clinic tomorrow! Buenos Noches

Jucuapa at Last!

We arrived in Jucuapa safe and sound on Friday night. With te two hour time difference, Lainey and I had been up almost 24 hours, so we quickly went to bed. Saturday morning, we ate breakfast with the missionary Debbie Hawk, and she told us a bit about the town and what we'll be doing here. Yesterday afternoon we had quite an adventure as we went to a concert with the youth group in San Salvador. The music was very good, but I was so exhausted I almost slept through the whole thing. That is, until a stinkin monsoon came. It was an outdoor theatre and it just started dumping buckets. It was a rather comical situation since neither Lainey nor I brought rain jackets. Here we are exhausted at this concert we can't even understand and now we're soaking wet. I couldn't help but laugh a little bit.

I tried uploading a picture, but it wasn't working, so I'll try later. El Salvador is a beautiful country. The town we are staying in is rather small, and there is a lot of poverty. Miguel, our host father, told us there is a big problem with crack and alcohol in the town, and you can see a lot of drunk people walking around asking for money. Our host family is wonderful though. Vivian is very very sweet, and although she thinks she doesn't speak good english, she really does. She shared a lot about herself with us yesterday, and she reminds me a bit of my mom because she worries a whole lot.

While I'm sure I'll love it here, right now I'm just a bit overwhelmed. I often feel sick, I think because of the heat. I get very upset because I can't communicate well with the people. Lainey's spanish is very good though, and she's been teaching me. I'm a pretty quick learner so hopefully I can communicate better as the weeks go on. Please pray that God gives me strenghth and peace of heart because right now I'm struggling. But I know my God is there for me all rhe time, and I want to find his purpose for me here.

Dios Le Bendiga (God bless you)

Tomorrow is the Big Day

Tomorrow Lainey and I leave for Jucuapa, El Salvador! Rachel Goss will also be heading out tomorrow for her field in Uganda. This week has been so amazing. I've met wonderful people who share my passions for missions, and I am excited to support them in their experiences and be an encouragement for them. I do no know what God has in store for Lainey and I, but please keep us in your prayers. Please pray for our spiritual preparation and growth. Please pray for discernment and that we will make wonderful relationships with the nationals and missionaries. Thank you to all of you who have supported me in this and played such a vital role in my walk with Christ.

Keep checking for updates in the next six weeks!

Preparation

I'm not sure any amount of time could prepare me for something like this. In four days, I will be flying into Indiana for orientation. I still have to do most of my shopping and packing. People ask me questions like what will it be like there? How rural is it? Will you have bathrooms? What kind of food will you be eating? The thing is I don't know the answer to any of these questions. I find it best to not go in with expectations.

I recently purchased a $4 book called "Becoming a Woman of Excellence." This book takes you through various scriptures to help you discern the biblical view of women and being a woman of excellence. I've only done one lesson, but so far I love it. I love diving into the scriptures and so directly applying it to my life. This is something I hope I can spend a lot more time on, especially while in El Salvador. Each lesson has a memory verse, and today it was Philippians 1:9-10. "This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ."

I think this is a great prayer in preparation for this trip. I pray that God will work in my heart and that my love for Him and His word abounds. I'm excited to begin this journey in just a few days!

Dios Le Bendiga (Gotta practice my spanish).

Countdown

In only 16 short days, I will be traveling to El Salvador for six weeks. While I am excited to see how God uses me and what he has in store, I also have my reservations about this trip. I have a sneaking suspicion that God is really going to rock my world during these six short weeks, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

Starting May 7th, I'll be in Marion, IN for orientation with WGM, World Gospel Mission. This years theme is "Answering the Call." How appropriate right? Orientation is four days, and I believe 14 people are attending. Then on May 11th, Lainey and I head to El Salvador. Lainey is a sophomore at Montana State who will be traveling with me to El Salvador. While there, we'll be staying with a Honduran family, who thankfully speaks english. We'll eat our meals with missionaries Debbie and David Hawk, you can read about them here: http://www.wgm.org/page.aspx?pid=895. I'll be working in the medical clinic there, and Lainey will be teaching ESL. I feel like there is so much to do in preparation, but right now I can only pray that God will prepare my heart to listen and discern his call.

Please keep us in your prayers!