Redeemed

Well...I DID IT!!  I got the tattoo (and managed not to scream or cry during the process) and I LOVE it!! 

Nervous?!?  Not at all...  (ha!)

The pain was intense.  I don't know how anyone can put themselves through that multiple times.  We will see if I get the "addiction" everyone warned me about.  As of right now...no way do I plan to endure that pain again!!

Redeemed

But the LORD will redeem those who serve him.  No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.  Psalm 34:22

Got Ink?

Inked. Tatted up. Branded. Whatever your decide to call it, people get tattoos every day for many different reasons. For most, it's something meaningful and a way of expressing themselves. Others it was just the "cool thing" to do at the time.

I personally don't have a tattoo...yet.

I've wanted to get a tattoo for quite some time but haven't found anything that I could live with permanently. I've googled, I've gone into the parlor a few times, and I've had people tell me things to get. My indecisiveness kept me from ever doing it. Smart, I know. All this time I've been looking for something cool....some kind of symbol to represent me. I've looked at Hebrew, Incan, and Chinese symbols for "mother" and "mercy", or something to represent my mission trip to Peru, but nothing ever jumped out at me. Today I went online and looked again, thinking that just maybe there was a new symbol or design created since the last time I checked. (what can I say...I'm an optimistic dreamer! Ha!). Right as I began my search for the design that is to be forever branded on my body, I stopped and realized I had forgotten to put on my "I am Second" bracelet this morning (something I never take off). I started thinking about how many times I have had the opportunity to share my testimony and the meaning of that bracelet. When people see it and ask what it stands for, I'm able to tell them about how awesome my God is, how He has forgiven me, and how I strive to put Him first in every area of my life. That black bracelet brings glory to God. I had an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. How awesome it is that God has redeemed a sinner like me and loves me so much that He let his son pay the price for MY sins. (John 3:16)

Redeemed.

That's it. No cool design. No interesting language (that I more than likely can't pronounce, much less read!). Just clear and simple: Redeemed. That's what I want to see every day for the rest of my life. A reminder to me and a statement to all that by His great and unfailing love and mercy I have been redeemed. With that one word tattoo, I hope to have the opportunity to share God's word and the work he is doing in my life.


Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. Psalm 103:1-4

#27

I just celebrated my 27th birthday and in doing so I've acquired 3+ gray hairs and stress. Yea...how about that for a birthday gift from myself. Don't worry...I'll stop now with the complaining and pity party!

Earlier this week I decided I was going to treat myself to a weekend getaway...solo. Yes, by myself. Earlier this month I went to Houston to visit Phillip, and since he was in training, the majority of my weekend was spent poolside reading. With that short and quiet weekend, not only was I able to read an entire book in less than a day, but I was also able to do a lot of thinking and praying. Not that I can't do all that at home, but it is way different to be out of the routine and be able to just clear my mind and spend hours in quiet time and studying God's word or praying to Him to give me guidance. I came back refreshed and renewed. It was no fancy vacation or anything; I was at a standard hotel airport. The location didn't matter, it was the time. I may be redundant in saying this but that weekend did wonders for me spiritually as well as in my relationships and outlook on my life.

In saying all that...I'm sitting in Houston waiting to board a plane to my destination. I've got two books to read and an open mind asking God to open my heart and renew my spirit as I spend the weekend devoted to spending time in His word and slipping in a little relaxation in there:)

When I got off the plane from Little Rock I was planning on going to Savannah however when I got to the part in the terminal where I was to turn left...I decided to go right. You see, Phillip listed me on a Savannah flight as well as a flight to Kansas City, Missouri. He is working this weekend and his overnight is in Kansas City. I came to a point in the terminal where I had to choose...the cute historic city of Savannah, Georgia with a nearby beach or Kansas City where he would be greeting me at the gate. Yup, I turned right and chose a few extra hours of airport sitting and am Kansas City bound!!! I'm sure I can find a spa somewhere in this city!

Oh, Mercy me!

Before going to Peru, everyone on our team was asked to take a Spiritual Gifts Analysis to find out what our gift is.  Mine:  Showing Mercy and Pastor/Shepherd.  I was pretty much off the charts on mercy, which wasn't a surprise!  I've always found myself being able to show empathy towards others, understand, and/or comfort them.  I love people and I have a huge desire to be there for them.  I try to help in anyway I can, whether it be talking, inviting them to hang out, sharing stories of my past struggles I've overcome (as well as those I still battle with today), and praying for them.  


Recently, I've questioned if I were using my gift properly or "too much".  Can a person go overboard on trying to be there for someone?  Does there come a time where you just stop trying to invest your time or thoughts into someone?  Some say there is.  I, however, don't.  It's hard for me to think about giving up on someone and thinking of them as a "lost cause".  I don't think there is anyone who is a lost cause.  Everyone deserves someone to be there for them.  Again, would you say that is my extreme mercy talking?  


I've been turned down on hangout invites with friends more times in the past 6 months than in my entire 26 (almost 27) years I've been living.  I've dealt with random spurts of being completely ignored and avoided.  I've been told not to waste my time on certain people.  I've felt used.  Yet I still keep trying.  Maybe its time I take a step back, while continuing to pray and give it all to God.


btw, if you haven't done a Spiritual Gift analysis to find out what your spiritual gifts are, you can do it online here:  http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Trusting God = Life Changing

Our final day at Casa del Aguila was a full one!  We woke up Thursday and got to work on finishing our painting projects with the help of the adorable Miss Martha Ann.  She is the daughter of Steve & Sheri Dyer, one of the missionary families at the orphanage.  She is such a vibrant and sweet spirited girl and was excited to help!

   Martha Ann aka "Michelangela"

She discovered a hidden talent of painting

Once we finished painting the guest house we had some free time to relax before the afternoon festivities.  The children had been practicing all week for the anniversary celebration for the school.  Families and children packed the stands at the school's outdoor play court.  The students preformed skits, dances, and we sang along to songs (well, attempted...they were in Spanish). We were able to interact with so many children and gave out tons more candy! There was an adorable little girl who walked up to me while I was sitting and watching the skits.  I smiled and said hello and she sat down next to me.  I knew she was eyeing the suckers I had in my hand!  I gave her a few and she got up and walked away.  I figured that was it.  But then she came back.  This time she sat closer to me and tried to talk.  Her name is Miriam and she is three-years-old.  Same age as my daughter, Kaitlin.  She was outgoing and sweet just like Kaitlin, too.  At one point she reached up and grabbed my cross necklace.  I said "Jesus" and she repeated it.  She sat with me and watched the dancing and skits for a little while longer before getting up again.  However, it wasn't long before she came back.  Each time she came back to sit with me, she would get closer.  This time she was leaning over my lap enjoying her sucker as she watched the performances.  She would turn and look at me or hold my hand occasionally.  It melted my heart.  Her clothes were soiled and wet and and her hair got stickier and stickier with every sucker I gave her!  But it didn't matter.  I saw an adorable little girl with whom I was able to share my love.  I wasn't able to communicate well with her because our translator wasn't able to make out what she was saying since she still had her "baby voice" as Gabby called it.  Regardless of the lack of verbal communication, I was able to love, hug, and hold Miriam.  

Meet Miriam.  

The adorable 3-year-old that I wanted to bring home with me!

After we left the school celebration, we had dinner and then headed to the midweek church service at the church on the farm.  We stood and clapped and I attempted to sing the songs, all in Spanish of course.  I notice the drummer of the band was one of the boys that was on my team during Oansa.  He stuck out on Tuesday night because he sang all the songs so enthusiastically and seemed so eager to learn his bible verses.  He nailed everything when he was quizzed.  I was impressed then, and even more so seeing him on stage playing the drums with the adult musicians!  

The upbeat music began to slow down and instead of hands clapping, they were raised in worship.  I couldn't tell you what the song was about or even tell you one word I sung and probably incorrectly pronounced.  What I can tell you is that God was in that room.  I closed my eyes, raised my hands, and worshiped Him.  I felt His presence and the emotions and gratitude began to flow.  I was so thankful and humbled that He would allow me to be there, with those people, and join in worshiping our God.  It was amazing.

Then it was Grober's time to speak.  I think Laura timed it to 13 minutes (correct me if I'm wrong).  Many of the children had fallen asleep during the hour and half singing.  Although it didn't seem to matter that the music was in Spanish, I was thankful that Grober had decided to preach in English, while Gabby translated for everyone else.  He spoke about trusting God.  One consequence was that you would miss out on what God had in store for you if you didn't trust Him.  Peru was evidence of that.  I didn't know what was in store for me or our group prior to leaving.  I didn't know how God would use me or even if He could.  I was scared to leave my kids for that long and to be that far away.  But I trusted God.  Had I not, I would have missed out on this life changing experience.

Grober speaking while Gabby translates

Praying for Chonta

We spent Wednesday at a village called Chonta.  It's a village at approximately 9500 feet with the people primarily being farmers or herdsmen.  The view from the village is breathtaking.

Chonta

There is a school with around 23 children and one teacher.  We had the opportunity to visit with the children and watch them as they sang songs for us in Quechua, their first language, and in Spanish.  One of our team members, Laura, is a nurse and was able to treat a few of the children for their wounds.  One little girl was scratching at her leg while she was standing in line singing and Laura noticed her and had her come over so she could check her wound.  The wound is in the process of becoming gangrene.  It was heartbreaking to see these children with the sores and wounds on their hands and feet and not having the resources to tend to them.  This little girl could be at risk of losing her leg if it weren't caught in time!  Laura treated the wound and administered meds as well as left another dose in hopes it will tie her over until the medical mission team arrives on the 14th.

We gave the kids candy and Debbie and I rubbed some moisturizing repair lotion on their faces.  There was one little boy that kept watching me while they were doing their singing and dancing but I couldn't get him to wave back.  After I applied the lotion to his little cheeks his face lit up!

After visiting with the children we all surrounded them and laid our hands on them as Jana prayed.  She prayed for their health, education, safety, and food.  

The children in Chonta lined up to sing for us

We continued on through the village and stopped at a home where a brother and sister lived.  Their home was made of the same adobe brick as the other homes in the village.  They had chickens scattered around their small fenced in area.  We continued to walk up towards the door and notices tons of flies and to our surprise there was raw meat laying out on a building being dried to store.  (They don't have fridges, microwaves, etc.  They have electricity which primarily consists on a single light bulb in their small home with dirt floors.)  As we walked up I watch this tiny elderly woman walking down the hill towards us with a crutch.  She was was very accepting of our company and embraced us with hugs as we introduced ourselves.  Then the pastor of the church in the village told us their story.  She was blind in one eye and partially blind in the other and had previously had surgery.  He had surgery for a hernia.  When asked how old they were she replied by saying between 70 and 80-years-old.  We took our hands and place them on both of them as we circled around them.  Then we each prayed for them, with the pastor following with a prayer in Quechua.

We walked to the next house of a woman named Nancy.  The pastor asked us to pray for her because she has been baptized but hasn't been attending church.  This lady was also the mother of the child with the wound.  The pastor gave her the medicine and we gathered around her and each prayed.  I prayed that she sees God's love through us and through her people and that she would be led back to church, as well as for their health and safety.

The short walk to those two houses was God-awesome.  To be able to share God's love and see His people in need and have the amazing opportunity to place my hands on them and pray to OUR God was incredible.  No matter how different we may be on the outside or how different our lifestyles are...God loves us all and hears our prayers.  To be used by God to pray for those people in need and being willing to let Him use me and let His light shine through me was life-changing.  

Once we finished with lunch we began our hike into the Andes.  It was a pretty intense hour and a half to get to our final destination but I felt very adventurous:)  We stopped at a point in the mountains to see the comadors.  These birds have around a 9 foot wing span.  As we sat there and waited for them to come, I just looked around at all of God's beauty and reflected on the visit with the people in Chonta.

 A cross at the beginning of our hike

The visit and evangelism with the people and hiking about 5 miles was an amazing day here in Peru!!  I don't think I even noticed the danger of the winding road in the dark as we drove down the mountain leaving Chonta!

Sunset over Chonta, Peru

Oansa Night

Tuesday consisted of work and lots of play!  In the morning we continued painting one of the guest house.  After lunch we had some downtime to hang around Casa Del Aguila and relax.  Around 4:00, Oansa (like Awana in the US) began for the orphans.  First up:  Activity time!  I was pretty excited to play with all of the kids.  Then I remembered they are younger, quicker, and used to the elevation and they ran sooooo much faster than me!  I mean, I get winded walking back from lunch and dinner!!  I found myself sprinting around a circle with them and praying God wouldn't let me pass out!  Next was study time.  I sat with a young girl named Maria during class and listened to her and the others recite their memory verses and songs.  It was awesome to see such young children learning God's word!!

Jessica reading her Bible while one of the missionaries, Greg, was speaking on Salvation

Minor spider issue...

Jana, TK, and I are sharing a room.  While writing my last entry a huge fly kept buzzing around my head.  I finally got tired of it and reached for a shoe after it landed right next to the wall by my head.  Here's what I saw:

Which led to me trying to kill both, one falling on my bed and not knowing which one it was, me screaming and jumping in to Jana's bed, Jana laughing hysterically, TK waking up wondering what all the ruckus is, us moving our beds towards the center of the room, and me on Spider Watch Duty.

Come to find out...our window was open.  Hopefully that solve the spider issue AND warm our toes up (its in the 30s outside!).

The Plan: To be willing and flexible

Initially we thought we were going to be helping to build a church this week...however plans change!  Instead we are helping around the farm with painting a guest house and the store, as well as helping to build a fire pit/grill.  The Picasso in me had a paint brush in hand and a little sidekick named Jessica to help me out!  We had a fun day painting one of the guest houses with the help of a few of the orphan girls.  They were all so sweet and helpful and it was great being able to interact with them.  Jessica helped me with the cinta (tape) and plantar (paint), as well as a little face painting to my surprise! :)

 Jessie+Jessica

Jessica & myself with our face paint

After lunch we walked down to the Rio Blanca river with some of the orphan boys and the team.  I can't describe the beauty of this place, so here are pictures.

Grober taking a photo of the Rio Blanca & Mountains

TK, Jana, & the kids walking back from our afternoon exploration

Shawn & TK taking a walk

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  - Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Acclimate, Acclimate, Accli....whoa, let me catch my breath.

Casa Del Aguila consists of an orphanage, school, small clinic, housing, along with other projects in progress.  The farm is surrounded by mountains.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Yesterday was "Acclamation Day".  Back home we are about 250 ft above sea level.  Here we are around 8000 feet.  We took it pretty easy while giving our bodies time to adjust to the altitude.  Altitude sickness is no joke, however I've laughed at myself a few times.  Yesterday after lunch my friend Jana was trying to take a picture of a butterfly.  I thought it would be funny to jump and scare the butterfly away.  Joke was on me though.  I got light headed and my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest!  Other than a slight to moderate headache and being very easily winded, I'm adjusting well to the difference in altitude.  Some of our team members are having a little more trouble with nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, so please keep them in your prayers! 

Here is a few photos of the farm and the gorgeous view!

It's the thought that counts

I love getting K-Love's Encouraging Word of the Day and thought I'd be going without for the next 10 days.  However, I had a very thoughtful surprise.   A very dear friend of mine took the time to make 10 cards, each with a verse and a little encouraging sentence.  Here's the wording in the card for Day 1:

Step Out of the Boat
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."  "Yes, come," Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  - Matthew 14:28-29
I know you're nervous but so was Peter.  You got this J!

How about that for some inspiration?!  :)

I've got a prayer & support team back home praying.  I've got my daily devotional.  I've got my daily encouraging word.  I've got an awesome team with me.  And most importantly, I've got God!

Mission Possible

I am embarking on my first mission trip as we speak...well as I type.  I am on the biggest airplane I've ever been on, the longest flight I've ever sat through, and the furthest away from home I've ever gone.  In addition, I'm leaving my kids for 10 days...Whoa!

In preparation for this trip, I'll be honest...I've experienced many tests and emotional ups and downs.   I questioned myself, my strength, and my capabilities.  I mean...how could God call ME to go on a mission trip?  Is it really possible for HIm to really use me?!  You better believe it!

Jesus says in Mark 9:23 "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked.  "Anything is possible if a person  believes."

Our team will be having daily devotional and journal while we are on this trip.  I read Day 1 on the flight from Little Rock to Atlanta and it reminded me to keep my heart open and let God work his magic.  To go ahead and plan to fully experience whatever God has in mind for this trip.  And I plan to do just that!  I believe without a doubt that I am following God's call to serve Him by serving the people in Peru.  I have absolutely no clue as to how He plans to use me or exactly what I will be doing.  What I do know is that I have surrendered 100% to His call and I am traveling to South America with 6 other people who feel the same.  My heart is fully open and am letting God begin to mold and change me.  To renovate and transform me to the likeness of Christ.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the conifdent hope he has given to those he called- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.  - Ephesians 1:18

I'm ready to let God's light shine through me.  Whatever God's plan is for me on this trip, whether it be share my story, help build a church, play tic tac toe with an orphan, or just show my love (and His) to the people...I'm down.