Times Like These

Last night Annie and I were in a real movie mood. I was personally exhausted from a busy day but wanted to spend time with one of my friends that I cherish most. I know I won't have these moments forever. We have been really busy lately with our ministries and trips. I think sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves here.

I love it when I just get to relax and take it easy somedays. I used to have the mindset when I first got here that if I took time or did anything for myself I felt a scence of guilt almost like it was a sin to do anything for myself. I do not really have that mindset anymore even though I like to do things for others more than myself.

I am so filled with God's joy that He put me here for a purpose with my team.

Annie and I did watch Ice Age 2 and laughed ourselves almost to sleep until 1 in the morning. Love you girl.

An Invitation

Well I am exhausted right now, but still have quite the list that I want to accomplish before I go to bed, and I have a bad headache. Sad.
Anyways, us girls got invited by a lovely young couple in the church on Sunday for dinner tonight. They are such a sweet family and I didn't know them well until tonight. It's hard to get to know everyone so well in the church and the way you want to, especially with a large congregation.
She fixed us one of my favorite meals, enchiladas! It was amazing and I ate four. Sounds like a lot, but it's not that much because the tortillas are small. But it still filled me up. We also played Chinese Checkers, which I have never played in my life, nor just the normal kind of checkers. It was a lot of fun and we even got to play with a lady that is living with them, since her husband died not too long ago, and she has been coming to church.
I pray that I can be a blessing to people and that God uses me as a tool in my ministry, the way people are a blessing to me here.

My Birthday

Well, today is my birthday! Yay!
I got to sleep in a little bit and then talked to my parents on web cam. That was a real treat because they don't have Skype because their computer has problems. The girls want to take me out for lunch. But I can't really decide where. So I guess we will see.
Today is also the Ladies' Day at the church. I don't really have a whole lot planned as far as I know, but it wouldn't surprise me if the girls are up to something for me.
I do wish I could be home and do things with my family, but I know that this a chance of a lifetime and its also (not the easiest experience) a good experience.
Thanks for all your love and support through your letters and the care packages you all pamper me with!

Good Times

Well... I think a lot has happened since I last blogged.

First of all we just got back on the 13th of Feb. from Mexico City. My team went down to visit the AIM class from this year for about a week. It was so good to see some of my close friends and my assistants. And also making new friendships and memories with them.

Also while we were there Donovan's family came down to see him and Annie's mom decided to surprise Annie by not telling her she was coming on the trip. It was quite exciting and they headed back with us to Leon to spend time with them and see our work here.

I am so excited for our new Leon team that is coming in May. They seem to be a great group and I can't wait to see what God is already planning for them. Even though I can see a lot of differences from our team and theirs, I can see that we are going to be a strong working family for the Lord. Please continue to keep them in your prayers and also the other teams that will be spread out into the world in just a few short months.

This weekend we hosted a Marriage Seminar for 2 days. It went really well and we had a positive turn out. The guest speaker was from Toluca, a city in Mexico City. It is the Rubio's supporting congregation, so a lot of people came from there and enjoyed seeing them.

The AIMers on the other hand babysat the kids and we had about 30 kids including us. I voluntered for cooking supper for them. I have to say it didn't turn out to what I expected, which is what God does anyways. He flips it around and makes it better.

The 1st night I decided that I would cook hot dogs. I started preparing them and getting everything ready before all the kids showed up. Turns out their was no gas! haha. So praise God that there was a microwave that the Johnson family left when they moved. It was quite interesting and took a long time to cook 40 hotdogs, but in the end it was worth it.

New Sister in Christ

Just this past Monday we have a new sister in Christ! Praise God!

Donovan has been studying with her since the first of December. The last Bible study I filled in for Annie, who usually goes with Donovan to the study, because she was sick. I am so grateful that I went. I got to share my testimony about how I came to be a Christian and answer and give advice that she had. She is such a beautiful girl inside and out.

Please keep her in your prayers and she is facing the everyday challenges of being a young christian woman.

Sharing Memories

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers as I went home for Christmas. My stay was better than I expected. I really enjoyed the times that I spent with my brother and my family. It was one of the best Christmas's. Thank you all so much.

On a different note...
Last night I went to the fair with Evelyn. All of us girls planned on going, but Annie and J'Lae could not go at the last minute because they were sick. But I decided to go anyways.
We were planning on going to see an Ice Skating show. But, when we got to the doors, they said that they were already packed and their was no more room. Evelyn and I were a little bummed, but that didn't stop us from wanting to have fun. We decided to go see a dolphin show. It was a lot of fun and I know that we enjoyed seeing it together.
Evelyn and her family are so special. I enjoyed sharing and spending these memories with her and I know I won't forget it.

All Praises Be

Hola! I hope that this finds everyone well. Just a couple of things that I want to share with you...

First of all I am very excited and anxious to go home this Friday for Christmas! I was blessed with the exception by my coordinator to go home for Christmas.
It has been nearly 2 years since I last seen my brother. I am very excited to be ALL together as a family once again. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. I am not stressed or nervous about the flight, but I want my luggage to get home safely. And for the travel home from the airport to be good. Kansas is supposed to get more snow the night I come home. So please pray for me, my family, my luggage, and no delays.

Second, PRAISE GOD! We found out tonight that we are getting another AIM team in May. I am very excited as we are getting 4 girls and 2 boys!
I am very excited as I know what they are feeling right now. Please be keeping them in your prayers also! They will be here before we know it!

Thank you for your abundance of love and prayers. May God be with you always. Love you all!