tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89086465944050139482024-03-04T20:36:44.296-08:00Copeland's Coffee Break"How precious is Your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light." Psalm 36:7-9Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-63959594258243877872010-08-23T19:50:00.000-07:002010-08-23T20:16:14.478-07:00finding homeThe past year and a half since returning to America has been a whirlwind of activity. In it I have left home, yet again, and moved to a place that, though "southern", is not familiar. I am living in what is termed a Metroplex and learning to drive among people who frequently remind me of the self-centered, post-modern culture that is our society. I came alone and have felt alone. I excitedly started studying a subject dear to my heart in an institution that represents a faith bigger than my understanding. Discouragement quickly set in the first semester as I was reminded of the demands of an academic life as well as of the imperfections in people and organizations. Yet through all the activity I have learned to trust God in ways I thought I had already learned and understood. I have seen His lovingkindness towards me, knowing I do not deserve it. I left home and God has given me a new a home. I came alone and have been given a faithful companion to share life with. Through the disappoints and discouragement He has redirected my focus from the frail and fallen to the Everlasting and Perfect. For those who have chosen Christ, this world is not our true home. We are still awaiting that glorious place. People are not our strength or hope. We have a Strength that does not grow faint and a Hope that is everlasting! Blessed be the name of our God and Father and of our LORD Jesus Christ both now and forever more! For His faithfulness is from everlasting to everlasting and His lovingkindness knows no end!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-18971116388825250942009-01-02T07:39:00.001-08:002009-01-02T07:59:19.555-08:00the old manHere in Latin America they have an interesting tradition that for the New Year they build a paper man stuffing him with fireworks and old newspapers. They usually will put an old T-shirt and pants on him and when it's exactly 12 a.m. on New Year's Eve they pour gasoline on him and set him on fire. They call him El Viejo Ano or the Old Year. It's symbolic of being done with the old year and looking forward to the new one. As I think about this unique way of celebrating a new year I cannot help but think of how it relates to all of us who have put our faith in Christ. The Scripture tells us that "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Cor. 5:17 Literally the person we were before is dead, and we experience a rebirth. We are remade. We have a new beginning, a new life because of the work done for us on the cross. My prayer is that we will live this year, 2009, as Christ's new creation. All of our sins, our old life, has been burned away! Maybe we need to have a burning of our own, but instead of it representing the Old Year, it be our old life. <br /><br />"...putting off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator." Col 3:9-10Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-12611546531749104532008-11-06T15:02:00.000-08:002008-11-06T15:20:54.083-08:00coming to a closeit's crazy to think how quickly time is passing. yet another year is ending and my time here in Colombia with it. i have learned so much while being here. mainly in my personal walk with the Lord. He has reminded me again and again that our ministry is only as strong as our walk with Him, and our walk with Him only as strong as our personal prayer life. <br /> i've been doing a lot of soul searching trying to be sure that i'm where i need to be. longing to finish well. in doing that i've been reminded of His power and faithfulness. knowing the work is His and He will take care of it. mine is only to be obedient with what is given to me. there's such solace in that truth and in knowing that He can be trusted. i know these sound like such fundamental things, but i needed to be reminded of them. needed to be still and know that He is God. that He will be exalted among the nations. that His word does not return to Him void, but accomplishes that for which it is intended. and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. <br />what an honor and adventure to know and serve the Most High!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-2146241979924600522008-07-28T12:32:00.000-07:002008-12-11T19:29:42.435-08:001/2 Marathon Blooper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUn8tlidmRmuJH9kwQOZgpGWaHlJwdEqKF2nhCtz6-EzIGb30luj-f5osEhxHpR4hghgHSa4aSgWphz2gynn-lrpGK4opqqOBWkSlVKfPLzxqhKhB8zgXApakEfpPDYgxrC9AjR7yQOE/s1600-h/IMG_1777.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUn8tlidmRmuJH9kwQOZgpGWaHlJwdEqKF2nhCtz6-EzIGb30luj-f5osEhxHpR4hghgHSa4aSgWphz2gynn-lrpGK4opqqOBWkSlVKfPLzxqhKhB8zgXApakEfpPDYgxrC9AjR7yQOE/s320/IMG_1777.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228250180967428882" /></a><br />super hero pose before the race<br />me, lucas and katie<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv-8wxXLexddCT2lRHZjn-Vyc1mjZNYKxrJTfUyR7sLc4VlevW6QP_x4JtlfOKSABuN8NNXPRJ1ASS0cOKbfds9-U-YB6Tpb0FXIAbVYk0n5IPpBAeZgLIROcj3DEaA_4QWc6IW8qt1o/s1600-h/IMG_1778.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv-8wxXLexddCT2lRHZjn-Vyc1mjZNYKxrJTfUyR7sLc4VlevW6QP_x4JtlfOKSABuN8NNXPRJ1ASS0cOKbfds9-U-YB6Tpb0FXIAbVYk0n5IPpBAeZgLIROcj3DEaA_4QWc6IW8qt1o/s320/IMG_1778.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228250184127655138" /></a><br />at the end...smiling through the disappointment<br /><br />Well, as many of you know this year I entered and trained for my first BIG race, a half marathon with my friend Katie. The day of the race was yesterday, July 27. It started off well, with us arriving well stretched to the start 30 minutes before time. The plaza where everything began was crowded with more than the expected 10,000 participants!!! It was insane! We were both excited by the hustle of it all and decided to make a quick trip to the bathroom before things got started. As we patiently waited in a line of easily more than 30 people we kept an eye out to see when the line up was beginning. Not noticing any change in the crowd we continued in the waiting process. <br /><br />45 minutes later we were finally leaving the indescribable port-a-potty experience and still waiting, with no luck, to see some semblance of people moving in the direction of the starting line. Finally it happened, so we joined the crowd blaming the 30 min delay on latin society. <br /><br />As we're preparing to start, I begin to get my running music ready on my ipod. Katie and I are feeling really good about our run. The crowd is cheering as people push closer to the starting line. With emotions high we're off to the start and all's well. We are able to set our pace easily and avoid being knocked down by the mob. We were doing really well and feeling good about it all. As we are coming up on the 10k mark, our halfway point, we're still feeling good and pumped up but we notice that the course starts looking a little odd. Turns out that we had somehow missed the call for the 21k amongst the more than 10,000 people and the potty line and started with the 10k instead. I cannot say how disheartened and straight up mad we were. I mean we trained hard for this race and at the end of it all we ran the wrong one!! We did jump over the cones at the end separating the 21k and 10k, thinking if we switched lanes the course would keep going(not so), so we did get medals for the 21k. I don't feel bad about that though, I mean after all that's what we trained for!<br /><br />Sadly, we have no one but ourselves to blame for this mishap, I wish we did, it'd sure would make me feel better. I am thankful to say we had a safe and good run and I feel blessed for the health and opportunity to have been able to do it. I guess it's just all part of life and you learn from it, right? We did however run the full 21k distance last Wed. So in our defense, we have run a 1/2 marathon, even if it wasn't official. All-in-all it was a fun, latin experience and I pushed myself harder than I ever have with my running. So 10k, 21k. We started it, we finished it, it was unforgettable and who knows maybe the next time we'll actually run in right one?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-41776920497290314382008-04-03T06:54:00.000-07:002008-04-04T07:25:12.085-07:00the best thingI don't know how many people can join me in saying that they are "doers". I love to be busy...the more activities, the better. Some endearingly call this the "Martha complex" from the familiar story in Luke 10:38-42. Recently the Father brought this condition that I share along with many others to my attention as being the reason for my tired and cranky attitude. <br /><br />It's so easy for me to get involved in things, only to have those things turn into worry and stress. The crazy part is, it just kind of naturally happens to me. I'm serious! You know what I mean...helping people out when they ask, being reluctant to say "no", feeling like it's all part of what I need to be doing. I mean, I'm a missionary right? Aren't we supposed to help and serve everybody? Well, the Lord has shown me that the answer is "no". This is not to say that these are not good things, just as Martha was doing good in serving the Lord. But I must ask myself, reflecting on what the Lord said of Mary, "Are they the best thing?" Keeping in mind as I ask this question the purpose Christ has called me to, and if the things I'm doing are keeping with that purpose. <br /><br />Refocusing my efforts and daily activities has not been easy. I've had to go back and say "no" to things I had already agreed to do. But the sweet release and peace that has come from letting many of these things go makes it worth it. <br /><br />This process has brought me to yet another step in the journey of learning to live by the grace that saved me. So in closing, dear friend I have to ask you, are you choosing the best thing?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-49986371637162863132008-01-30T05:26:00.000-08:002008-01-30T05:55:59.148-08:00things should not be this difficult!So for the past week or so I've been trying to sign up for a class in a university, just so I can have a presence on campus and get to know the college students of this culture. I returned yesterday, after taking a written and oral exam last week, to fill out paper work and pay for the class. Last week during the testing I had asked the professor questions about all I needed to do to be ready for this class, etc. She gave me info and I thought I was good. Well, as I proceed to do what I've been told...calling the school, no one can direct me where I need to go. On top of that, no one knows who I need to talk to!!! So yesterday I go up to the school at 6:30am to see if I can't have more luck in person. When I get there I find that the one office I need to get into does not open 'til 8:30am. Wonderful. So I wait. At 8:30 I enter the office and somewhat explain my dilemma. I am then left to wait another 30 minutes, at the end of which I'm told that they can't enter me into the data base because last Friday was the last day to register for classes. They then send me to the other side of the campus to talk with the department head and see what can be done. She informs me that she will send an email to explain my situation in hopes that someone will pity the poor foreigner, but cannot assure me of anything, She then sends be back to the office I was first in. When I return I speak with another worker in the office. He tries to get me into the program, when unsuccessful he calls the administration asking for permission to register me. After another 30 min wait he tells me that he has no idea when administration will give him a definite answer and for me to go ahead and leave and they will contact me when they can tell me "yes" or "no". <br />I left the office quite frustrated and down-hearted. Thinking to myself that never in the states would simply signing up for classes two days late be such a hassle when it was the professor who gave me wrong info in the first place!! These people want more students right? They want me to give them my money, no? Then what's the problem!! <br />At this point I must admit that I had a cultural revolt going on inside me. I could not stop thinking how things should not be this difficult and that everything is so much better and more simple in the US!! After calming down and refocusing, I know that is not necessarily true and that the Father more than likely is trying yet again to teach me patience among many things. There are always difficult moments and circumstances in life that we are not in control of, but we do control how we react to them. ~Father, help me to rest in You and trust You in these moments. Not letting my personal frustration cloud the way You would have me to respond, that is, with Your unconditional love. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-60895218483143388182007-12-08T11:46:00.001-08:002007-12-08T12:06:03.151-08:00most wonderful time of the year!December. Christmas. I love this time of year! Everything about it is wonderful, from the cheerful music and decorations to that crisp feeling in the air. It's a wonderful time to savor friends, family...and life. <br />As I ponder this year and all the changes and new experiences that I have had, I cannot help but stand in awe of the joy that comes from being alive. There are such wonders in the small experiences of drinking a dr. pepper, eating a hamburger, and being with friends. Things we aren't always conscious of, but that fill our lives. Life can be so complex and overwhelming, but then it's so simple...just live! I remain convinced that it's the litte things that make it worth the living.<br />I feel so grateful to be where I am today, learning new things, meeting new people, being able to look back and see how my Heavenly Father is shaping my life for His glory. <br />I guess there's something about this season that makes me so reflective, and maybe that's what makes this the most wonderful time of the year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-40511528253772987232007-10-24T12:21:00.000-07:002007-10-24T12:43:51.942-07:00utterly amazingwell the two month marker has now been officially reached. it feels more like three or four with all that's happened. God has opened so many amazing doors that i have no idea what's going on! not that i had much of one anyway...a small glimpse...the first week i arrived He put me in touch with a family that got me a two month pass onto a university campus (usually you have to be a student to be on campus) the school is one of the most prestigious in the country and the dean of the theological department came out to meet me and give me their latest text books. they also invited me to use their theological library. this same family has loved and adopted me as i learn this new place with all it's new ways. <br /><br />that same week a girl from the church i'm attending invited me to a university Bible study lead by a organization whose prime focus is university students. a few weeks ago this same ministry asked to partner with me in ministry!<br /><br />God has also given me the opportunity to, alongside my supervisors, teach two english classes for university students. we've been going strong for a month now. we started with two students and now have eight and growing. we are using a bilengual Bible as part of the class. most of the students either aren't believers or are ashamed to admit so to their peers. one of the guys who openly told us he wasn't a Christian has loved reading through the first chapters of John and seeing how beautiful the gospel story is! he told us he had no idea what the Bible said or that this is what it really meant to believe. <br /><br />it is utterly amazing to see all these things and be a small part of them. it would be a lie for anyone to believe this has all been smooth sailing or that i have anything to do with any of it...it is a daily battle of seeking the Father and His will...and it is never easy. one thing is certain though, He remains faithful and He hears the prayers of His children! blessed be His name!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-79838798236266619392007-09-13T18:29:00.001-07:002007-09-13T18:44:26.074-07:00life in colombiaWell, I've been in Colombia a month now and am still trying to find my way around this HUGE city! It has been a hard adjustment for me, living alone, but God has shown Himself faithful in so many ways. He has given me wonderful friends that are like family, as well as put me in contact with a university! Woo-hoo! So much has happened so fast that I can hardly process it all. I still feel confused as to how God is going to use me here, but He is obviously working in so many ways. It's an exciting and scary time...life is definitely an adventure...and I'm so thankful that His mercies are fresh every day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-44936012774874106842007-08-08T19:02:00.000-07:002008-12-11T19:29:43.396-08:00ya me voy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7i4Lh2fjjvW5zEpJoNUhzRm3YaOIZHVCk1RQ7W5cqRsSyjhw9l0KamkcVTTHijlwnDAOSlSw2VRbOruwPtYCEibaubVL4j3tMGhCq5tkCTJWL__8ybDv3b1qi6FudjrMGPHcNftGM9k/s1600-h/IMG_0844.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7i4Lh2fjjvW5zEpJoNUhzRm3YaOIZHVCk1RQ7W5cqRsSyjhw9l0KamkcVTTHijlwnDAOSlSw2VRbOruwPtYCEibaubVL4j3tMGhCq5tkCTJWL__8ybDv3b1qi6FudjrMGPHcNftGM9k/s320/IMG_0844.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096520178107075570" /></a><br /> panamanian playa<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4Rc3ZjbRCBFEk2GFsvjFTOXfbuwyTrXp6IpT-iiL-LoKvmvsmwe7e8du8mDmZn7WBNT6cZG2962q2_kfZUdrcrDQTE4Al8gFWuc_Dbg_fKg3iaHHX03T2nRldVghEST3SExSgHRPTGc/s1600-h/IMG_0887.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4Rc3ZjbRCBFEk2GFsvjFTOXfbuwyTrXp6IpT-iiL-LoKvmvsmwe7e8du8mDmZn7WBNT6cZG2962q2_kfZUdrcrDQTE4Al8gFWuc_Dbg_fKg3iaHHX03T2nRldVghEST3SExSgHRPTGc/s320/IMG_0887.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096520182402042882" /></a><br /> sketchy border crossing bridge<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeo4hzREIWLxu4mYyYP1aEfj-3kSYoQQp5AdkEdJn8Yj3f1PMH9GhsWsyzbpfKPlJHyTkBwkvZJy_P0X1d4Pja2BXvrY3_z3QgLIfCHLcP2BBw0hspY45IWTJuos9whAC3LFnHPnAIeo/s1600-h/IMG_0810.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeo4hzREIWLxu4mYyYP1aEfj-3kSYoQQp5AdkEdJn8Yj3f1PMH9GhsWsyzbpfKPlJHyTkBwkvZJy_P0X1d4Pja2BXvrY3_z3QgLIfCHLcP2BBw0hspY45IWTJuos9whAC3LFnHPnAIeo/s320/IMG_0810.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096520186697010194" /></a><br /> bocas del toro isla (yes it translates mouths of the bull and I have no idea why)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3dShiOH7sRyRg9dzLOYaJnZ3qxJuMwnOUhj1Sw8R6dntnSUt5wKpUgsSHsP6pzjjajaNnGccRHw7dMi4CUxaiWvgO8Bey6XycGIjAcdoWxdsP103BB_ZC9F553MwWZe-9NoQaa-iaVw/s1600-h/IMG_0905.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3dShiOH7sRyRg9dzLOYaJnZ3qxJuMwnOUhj1Sw8R6dntnSUt5wKpUgsSHsP6pzjjajaNnGccRHw7dMi4CUxaiWvgO8Bey6XycGIjAcdoWxdsP103BB_ZC9F553MwWZe-9NoQaa-iaVw/s320/IMG_0905.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096519216034401250" /></a><br /> proudly showing off the visa<br /><br />Well, after two months and six visits to the Embassy I now have my Colombian visa and leave a week from Friday! Woo-hoo! It's hard to believe how quickly these four months have passed and that I'm going to be leaving soon. God has blessed in so many ways. My visa is just one of the many. I'm once again flooded with mixed emotions as I pack-up and leave a place that has just begun to feel like home. I'm trying to prepare my mind to face a world of newness and unknowns once again. I feel like a child at Christmas...I've waited so long to leave for Colombia and now that it's here I hardly know what to do with myself. Having the opportunity to come to Costa Rica, meet the people, learn the culture and see the sights has been a blessing too great for words. <br />I had the chance to visit Panama and renew my Costa Rican visa, and what a beautiful country! The whole border crossing was an adventure in and of itself, but thankfully we made it safely both ways. I don't know about inland, but the beaches of Panama are amazing. It's almost like a clip from a movie...unbelievably blue water, palm trees, white sand...absolutely gorgeous. I continue to be blown away by the beauty that our God has made and allows us to enjoy. What goodness!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-77655645974840011552007-07-04T14:30:00.000-07:002008-12-11T19:29:43.883-08:00las tres cruzes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46pa8lt7_46ALti7UV_Z_KORjDqJj6GjnsdimeHIHu6aL_l7NFUTkIS6jluuWhKh7i5uI2Y-C9mJX5XA0y1scLW2uacTfjHsgK0nGXgUQdeyAm9kaOYhE18DbgBxAxuYORZZzYfIFDvU/s1600-h/IMG_0757.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46pa8lt7_46ALti7UV_Z_KORjDqJj6GjnsdimeHIHu6aL_l7NFUTkIS6jluuWhKh7i5uI2Y-C9mJX5XA0y1scLW2uacTfjHsgK0nGXgUQdeyAm9kaOYhE18DbgBxAxuYORZZzYfIFDvU/s320/IMG_0757.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083458551082335522" /></a><br /> a beautiful view of the central valley<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzPMHH3t0SAHF9DJkJSAdjP8w1kt7dvGe9ecgy-MqUceBN9oKjiH9kU33EMgO4BHPrqc9NsdZq9JbiChQtpxYh3kdilEY77dCgDbQsS5MIeoRz8BFiICVufqbRSzCFiKtavymBx1krvE/s1600-h/IMG_0755.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzPMHH3t0SAHF9DJkJSAdjP8w1kt7dvGe9ecgy-MqUceBN9oKjiH9kU33EMgO4BHPrqc9NsdZq9JbiChQtpxYh3kdilEY77dCgDbQsS5MIeoRz8BFiICVufqbRSzCFiKtavymBx1krvE/s320/IMG_0755.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083458095815802130" /></a><br /> jessica, me and mandi enjoying the view from the top<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54SIUl3hdw94_j5lJXR2hwQRMpp1E5CROYobugsO4HNXU8NMpK5uS3nvxREA3LkQ6XgAzofp2ioz9Ykj3PUQdAtkKf3bT4DdTQhIcJLtSzbYVZK_854PWVMzb0eo7pN1ZimfH2yCiDHU/s1600-h/IMG_0714.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54SIUl3hdw94_j5lJXR2hwQRMpp1E5CROYobugsO4HNXU8NMpK5uS3nvxREA3LkQ6XgAzofp2ioz9Ykj3PUQdAtkKf3bT4DdTQhIcJLtSzbYVZK_854PWVMzb0eo7pN1ZimfH2yCiDHU/s320/IMG_0714.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083457580419726594" /></a><br /> us at the first crossUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-11799310548951937392007-07-01T13:57:00.000-07:002007-07-01T14:51:57.069-07:00tengo calorSo yesterday I got to do some hiking with some of the language students on a local mountain. The nationals call it the hike to las tres cruzes, because there are actually three crosses that you hike to. There were seven of us in all and we left early so we could avoid some of the crowd to catch the bus that would drop us off at the foot of the mountain. This would not only be a physical adverture for me but a great language learning opportunity. <br />As we started out I could tell this was not going to be the average hike. The mountain had a pretty steep incline that didn't level off very often. We had to hike up a road to get to the actual trail head. At the trail we stopped for a break and I was already feeling a little winded, the sun was shinning brightly and I was hot. I had been sick the week before and could tell that I was still weak. Our guide, a local national, asked me if I was ok. My reply, "Si, estaba emferma la semana pasada y estoy caliente." As soon as I made the final remark I realized my mistake. I quickly attempted to correct myself by saying "No, no. Yo tengo calor." Too late. My guide had already given me an odd look and begun to explain my HUGE mistake. In Spanish "Tengo calor" means "I'm hot." as in from the eliments of your surroundings. "Estoy caliente" in a nice translation means "I'm turned on." Needless to say it is not a good connotation, and my face was not merely red from the heat. Fortunately, the guide had a good sense of humor and we were able to laugh through my VERY embarrassing moment. I don't think that'll be a mistake I make again!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-35298704043645907222007-06-22T15:07:00.000-07:002007-06-22T15:48:15.689-07:00still learningIt's been a while since I've felt the inspiration to blog. A lot has transpired in that time, but as I reflect back even futher on this year, that we are rapidly approaching the middle of, I see how quickly and vastly my life has changed. God has stripped me of many comforts, and through this He has soften my heart. He is, I believe, not forcing me, but rather inviting me to lean more fully on Him, in a reckless abandon I cannot fathom. As you know I'm in a strange place, with strange people, who speak a strange language. I've commited to do something that I know is above my head and out of my hands. I am often tempted to feel alone and forgotten, helpless and at times a little hopeless of ever feeling competent at anything again. I am acquainted with the overseas illness that brings out the little girl cry deep within for mom to come and make it better. I have been humbled by seeing how prideful and arrogant I truly am. I have often felt confusion, the painful awkardness of being different, and at times even shunned. Yet greater than all this I have been absolutely AWED at the glorious, beautiful, capable, unchanging, unmeasureablely loving, LIVING GOD I serve! I can't remember a time in my life when I have been more grateful and aware of the faithfulness of His presence. I am learning and unlearning much. I pray that through the entirity of this journey I remain sheltered in the ming-boggling peace that He supplies.<br /><br />Lately this familar and, often for me, easily forgotten verse has been on my heart, <br /><br />Galatians 2:20 ~ "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-29066808394408613012007-05-20T19:07:00.000-07:002007-05-20T19:39:32.851-07:00feria and fiesta timeToday was full of first time experiences. It started early this morning when I accompanied my tico mom and her youngest son to the local feria. The feria is a huge trade-day-like-event. The atmosphere is filled with a large number of people busily picking over fruits and vegetables as the vendors yell out prices. I got to see, experience, and learn the names of tropical fruits I've never heard of before. I also got to drink coconut juice out of a fresh coconut! The man actually cut it open, stuck a straw in and handed it to me. I thought it was pretty cool. <br />Later this afternoon, I got to attend a fiesta de cumpleano, which I was really excited about. You must know this is my first real fiesta. It was the birthday of the younest son's best friend. So...we arrived at the party around 2:30 and we didn't get back home until close to 7! When we got there a clown was leading games and tricks with the kids. Then he moved to painting faces. About this time it's 4ish and the guest are served the traditional arroz con pollo, chicken and rice. Next, we bring out the pinata. After scrambling around on the floor for candy it's time for ice cream. We all enjoy the ice cream. Then the birthday boy opens presents. It was a big party so there are a lot of gifts...finally we cut the cake. After enjoying the cake and saying goodbye to everyone in the room we leave. I really did have a good time even though I had no idea what the topic of conversation was at my time the entire evening. Despite my confussed state of mind, I am thankful to have had some quality time enjoying life with my Tico family. When all's said and done the Costa Rican people know how to shop cheap and party hard! Well, at least the Costa Rican's I know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-25095388861428217792007-05-10T15:42:00.000-07:002007-05-12T15:37:15.197-07:00learning momentsToday was the second day of language school and I can't help but feel there is so much to learn. A language is such a vast goal to attain! Taking a deep breath, stepping back, and looking at the big picture, I realize it is only one star in the grand nightsky view of this journey I'm on. There are many things to learn and conquer, there always will be. I think one of the ironies of life is that the more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to know, and that you will never be able to learn it all. I'm learning to glean what I can and not worry about the rest. The teachers at the Institute are gracious and truly desire their students to understand and speak the language. I am grateful for their kindness and patience.<br />Having the opportunity to live with a Tico family is helping me immensely to learn more about the latino culture, language, and amazing food! Whoever said you lose weight overseas did not know my Tico mom! The youngest son in the family, Jean Pierro, is 8 years old, and is loads of fun. So far we have played cards, Gran Banco(Costa Rican form of Monopoly), and with pistolas de agua. Ocassionally his 8 and 6 year old nieces and 2 year old nephew (this is not a type-o) come over and we all play together. It's amazing how much fun you can have with people and have no clue what one another is saying! Diago, the uncle, is so cute running from room to room declaring "Hola!" to everyone in sight. My bond with him might be strongest since we share the same vocab range. Truly, there is much to be learned from children, their sincerity, and love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-72206370731234830942007-04-18T17:03:00.000-07:002008-12-11T19:29:44.138-08:00tico sunsets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBu_Lmk-QbQYKGT9HCcvRdurXsrQHe2lLKQLPOidx3BdBKajK9m_TVZDs8DqCqH7PpEYSexmVyyqVS6pMSW2UQPPIx4rfmgSoyhow_pMtm6teuBCUK1FbzKXi4KBo79_JI9fYwLeTU6U/s1600-h/IMG_0354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBu_Lmk-QbQYKGT9HCcvRdurXsrQHe2lLKQLPOidx3BdBKajK9m_TVZDs8DqCqH7PpEYSexmVyyqVS6pMSW2UQPPIx4rfmgSoyhow_pMtm6teuBCUK1FbzKXi4KBo79_JI9fYwLeTU6U/s320/IMG_0354.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054963969084340658" /></a><br /><br /><br />This evening as I gazed on the unbelievable sunset here on this foreign shore I realized that I have been living here for a little over a week. There are many days that I feel like a kid in a toy store, in sheer amazement of all that's going on around me. Then, there are the days of feeling like the lost child in the store trying to get some one to help me, but no one speaks my language! As I have these feelings, God has continually taken me back to Psalm 23. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." O, the comfort of having a Shepherd to pick me up, place me on His shoulders and carry me during those moments of confussion...as well share in the good times of fun, laughter...sunsets.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-30207866899326541912007-04-18T17:00:00.000-07:002008-12-11T19:29:45.401-08:00beautiful views in a foreign land<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-fCPZVBsgJq90jAT9BJaqqZYLRu0Zme23Eq8Qh8RXUx8tiiTrjt23jZzHY5QZD4WORaamvohD2xjBv-MJNg1y0XqlJSSxN0_JVaMy2X4ZCi25v58oomvaGQpRgJRlRu80yGyyXtd63o/s1600-h/IMG_0344.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-fCPZVBsgJq90jAT9BJaqqZYLRu0Zme23Eq8Qh8RXUx8tiiTrjt23jZzHY5QZD4WORaamvohD2xjBv-MJNg1y0XqlJSSxN0_JVaMy2X4ZCi25v58oomvaGQpRgJRlRu80yGyyXtd63o/s320/IMG_0344.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054922836977571186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtAckzehd-W72C5B0cdUmUXqEo0-3QX2zyyiTDwh-FlwVjzkjvkMAzMNaqlkhADJV1Js77TRCKhulicm2cAi2du5Up_nyvyru8otjMMmrr7ef8ytlErekoFPNsdHm7LM5rFnDYcufRNs/s1600-h/IMG_0345.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtAckzehd-W72C5B0cdUmUXqEo0-3QX2zyyiTDwh-FlwVjzkjvkMAzMNaqlkhADJV1Js77TRCKhulicm2cAi2du5Up_nyvyru8otjMMmrr7ef8ytlErekoFPNsdHm7LM5rFnDYcufRNs/s320/IMG_0345.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054922836977571202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0bUyT6Eja0noyndrn2J1U3EJaVO2PylGmk6mUvZxecNNpYWBSvWV5TU51L8_O2Xr7OrxpSqh0FzCnmrfpCw1Pef9M8-AhqHy7mXnIdGtjIXq8lyePsPIaZlZiLHGIIk2-maJi0ZE74w/s1600-h/IMG_0346.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0bUyT6Eja0noyndrn2J1U3EJaVO2PylGmk6mUvZxecNNpYWBSvWV5TU51L8_O2Xr7OrxpSqh0FzCnmrfpCw1Pef9M8-AhqHy7mXnIdGtjIXq8lyePsPIaZlZiLHGIIk2-maJi0ZE74w/s320/IMG_0346.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054922841272538514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1t0P-0RbJ_OBOK1KNUc0OP9eT_y5TYUp_lPtMitITMF2vVIYWXPpLrdFdBdScJxtiXjCWSM3Jfzow1zAeL3q7tVPhAe818DTgQNzU7B3uvbKftvjUsoA4R27jZXtxGh6Dxxo7ACzTY/s1600-h/IMG_0347.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh1t0P-0RbJ_OBOK1KNUc0OP9eT_y5TYUp_lPtMitITMF2vVIYWXPpLrdFdBdScJxtiXjCWSM3Jfzow1zAeL3q7tVPhAe818DTgQNzU7B3uvbKftvjUsoA4R27jZXtxGh6Dxxo7ACzTY/s320/IMG_0347.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054922845567505826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPQhgPZkknS1cSfh98v67nRoZt4HGDQTlXaDFNKgeePVHGJ8xKuvtTu_KjLcCPKtxZfVM3LagM9ykdP27ARKjLN40N6SHKde2Xvf2P9THubDt1N2OujdRP0gTEEg18z2a7FzR5Wbh300/s1600-h/IMG_0352.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPQhgPZkknS1cSfh98v67nRoZt4HGDQTlXaDFNKgeePVHGJ8xKuvtTu_KjLcCPKtxZfVM3LagM9ykdP27ARKjLN40N6SHKde2Xvf2P9THubDt1N2OujdRP0gTEEg18z2a7FzR5Wbh300/s320/IMG_0352.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054922845567505842" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-7769567071845151002007-04-09T14:38:00.000-07:002008-12-11T19:29:45.560-08:00Estoy Aqui!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUC99x-SSYYMh3oMHDMuuZ1hCrJNg2NMFMdwKW_KskYAdL9i25R9zXYNIRxkbTbNa8VjApGv7BZOnPUGeRA0TdCmllDRQdmFCQCNxeZNUtQjV-pnc8GOkA4NUReu6reyKbiwdgS43bKY/s1600-h/IMG_0343.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUC99x-SSYYMh3oMHDMuuZ1hCrJNg2NMFMdwKW_KskYAdL9i25R9zXYNIRxkbTbNa8VjApGv7BZOnPUGeRA0TdCmllDRQdmFCQCNxeZNUtQjV-pnc8GOkA4NUReu6reyKbiwdgS43bKY/s320/IMG_0343.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051858438654909474" /></a><br />Welp, it's finally here. After a crazily busy weekend and half a day's travel, I'm in a foreign country. I think it will take a few days for it to all sink in. I'm sitting on the bed looking out at the breath-taking view of the mountains surrounding San Jose. The windows are open and a cool breeze is blowing through as birds are yaking and flying around. I'm amazed yet again at the goodness of my heavenly Father, and am in great ancipation of all that He is going to do. This past weekend was a great time to reflect on the unending love of Christ and to know why I'm here right now. What a life-giving message we, as believers, have to share with this world. I pray that I will not be silent, and that I will fulfill all of God's purpose.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-4030686016206800232007-03-28T17:40:00.000-07:002007-03-28T17:58:14.665-07:00Almost ThereSo there's only one more week of orientation left, and then we're all off to the various corners of the world. It's surreal to think that I'm actually doing this...going to live in another country and share the unending love of Jesus! How mindboggling is that! It feels like this thing that I've only talked and prayed about for months on end, and now it's actually reality. <br />Despite how intimidated I am, I am even more in awe of the greatness of this task and opportunity. I can't even begin to describe how being around like-minded people for the past eight weeks has encouraged and challenged me. What an amazing God who puts the right people in our lives at the right time. I know that this part of my life will forever change the person I am. My prayer is that I will become more of the woman God would have me to be, and that this time would cause me to walk with Him and trust Him as I never have before. So that I would become a woman after God's own heart who will do all His will (Acts 13:22).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-31658505031443185392007-03-16T13:04:00.000-07:002007-03-16T13:30:57.891-07:00Our ConstantGod completely blessed my heart during our personal retreat time yesterday. The weather was perfect, full of the sounds and smells of spring. His word is so rich and fresh each time I read it. As I sat taking it all in I was overwhelmed and moved to tears by the thought of how vast and uncontainable our God truly is. He is unchanging. His beauty beyond description. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! With Him there is no shadow or turning. Words cannot express what amazing joy and peace this promise brings my soul. How uncomprehendable that while so many things in our lives are unpredictable, inconsistant and out of our control, we have a Constant. One who will love us no matter who we are or where we go. Who will never leave us nor forsake us! What wonderous love is this O my soul? How sweet are the riches of His goodness! <br /><br />"For I am convinced that niether death nor life...nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD." Rom. 8:39Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-84943798801152155672007-03-11T09:54:00.000-07:002007-03-12T15:03:45.186-07:00BalanceEverything in life seems to be hindged on balance; finding that place of true humility. Where you understand your depravity and need for Christ yet know that you are His beloved child. My mind cannot comprehend a God who is Holy and loves me inspite of the sinful person I am. I am constantly humbled to think that God wants to use me, and in the same breath amazed by His overwhelming grace. My heart's desire is to be balanced, remembering where I've come from, yet confident in who I am!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-53435572004645612732007-03-06T14:45:00.000-08:002008-12-11T19:29:46.292-08:00Thoughts...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkTCh2l29cscAhYABU9mkYKBGD5qM6w1Afjrr2O5gGyGYL2MHfGMiOxmV64O8qapMM2LmJcYqah2x7qMO5FlajAIZhfcMOrf7h4UJ3Sw0XwcmtEYPwZ2rJiFC9D4EpYwGwsdI3CDGjI8/s1600-h/IMG_2398.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkTCh2l29cscAhYABU9mkYKBGD5qM6w1Afjrr2O5gGyGYL2MHfGMiOxmV64O8qapMM2LmJcYqah2x7qMO5FlajAIZhfcMOrf7h4UJ3Sw0XwcmtEYPwZ2rJiFC9D4EpYwGwsdI3CDGjI8/s320/IMG_2398.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038949732077502482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9vS2emJkx1JlKLfhyIU8SSrSHgZ6jeMxGVCPuFO9V1hMHXYO7HC3Gn3c3uYbwHiZ8bIvnRKzT3M1roAe7OTogeM-wbhDnV3YzCDYZvXffOn95fpBd_CTiADZPQxz7iO7wh1xHTaMylg/s1600-h/DSCF0304.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9vS2emJkx1JlKLfhyIU8SSrSHgZ6jeMxGVCPuFO9V1hMHXYO7HC3Gn3c3uYbwHiZ8bIvnRKzT3M1roAe7OTogeM-wbhDnV3YzCDYZvXffOn95fpBd_CTiADZPQxz7iO7wh1xHTaMylg/s320/DSCF0304.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038949586048614402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnQsticYgmsjMKRrsX5-01KjQwCFS2Tl50sgeFbI77mZQ0LpmfhCUidhVZieW43avcJ6Fy4kU1RnK2XYx60hHXVDUvhyVTU8C5bbJaGNFqtdvV8N2lzJBkN05o5zRtF41jaJHJEA7T2M/s1600-h/DSCF0303.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnQsticYgmsjMKRrsX5-01KjQwCFS2Tl50sgeFbI77mZQ0LpmfhCUidhVZieW43avcJ6Fy4kU1RnK2XYx60hHXVDUvhyVTU8C5bbJaGNFqtdvV8N2lzJBkN05o5zRtF41jaJHJEA7T2M/s320/DSCF0303.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5038949474379464690" /></a><br />This week has been crazy, and it's only Tuesday! The days have been long and the sessions a little draining. There's a lot of information to take in. Fortunately, I have lots of friends to enjoy the time with. This past weekend a group of us went exploring through some of the woods. It was great to breathe in some fresh air and climb on some logs like a kid. Being outside reminds me of what a creative God I have and how awesome it is that I can experience the beauty of all He's made! Thinking about that helps me deal with a lot of the tough info I've gotten this week. There are mean people in the world who don't care about God or anybody else. But that's why I'm going overseas. So they can hear what a great God of love and peace He really is!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-38172965070142100432007-02-23T15:52:00.000-08:002007-02-23T15:58:45.363-08:00TGIFThis week has flown by. I can't believe that there are only five weeks left in trianing. I'm so tired of sitting through sessions. I know I need them, but I'm not sure if does any good if you can't stay awake! I'm excited about having some time to chill this weekend. Hopefully I'll get to get away from campus for a little while and breathe some fresh air. I really hope that I remember all this stuff when I finally get to Colombia! It'll all work out anyway I guess. I feel like a great gulf of unkown is luring before me. I know that's it's going to be filled with some great times as well as some hard ones. Thankfully I'm not alone and it's Friday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908646594405013948.post-14328960934350758592007-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:002008-12-11T19:29:46.456-08:00Good times<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQEHUUxLnxXxK2M09kC3rteeIYA2-ZWnvNbmMukoidfmlUY1mkEX_DV3QDk-bPoEMFGvebACqpLitH66eJZosY2EW9LLDKb7dl4d9zgORoAEm64-uq5YVawLN8IiAv1WlyXEfhohK3XA/s1600-h/IMG_0120.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQEHUUxLnxXxK2M09kC3rteeIYA2-ZWnvNbmMukoidfmlUY1mkEX_DV3QDk-bPoEMFGvebACqpLitH66eJZosY2EW9LLDKb7dl4d9zgORoAEm64-uq5YVawLN8IiAv1WlyXEfhohK3XA/s320/IMG_0120.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031923173982294002" /></a><br /><br />So here I am in Virginia enjoying the cold weather, since it doesn't get that cold in Alabama. My brain feels like it's gonna bust from all the information it's been receiving for the last week! I'm excited to be learning so many new things that will help, but my brain has its limits. The scenery out here is beautiful. It's so great to go out and see nature. It's so refreshing and life-giving. I know I will look back on this busy time as some of the best memories of my life!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0