Reflecting and remembering. . .

So it has been quite a long time since this blog has seen any action, so long in fact that this blog no longer represents just my life as a single woman on an adventure from God in Monterrey. Instead it will tell of the adventures of a married woman and her husband in Monterrey. :) In fact, a year ago today that wonderful man proposed (picture below) and I am so thankful for the blessing God gave me in him. Today Sam and I both continue to serve full-time with TIME Ministries in Monterrey, working closely with Iglesia Biblica La Gracia. In an effort to keep you, the people who support us and pray for us, more up to date and informed about what is happening and what God is doing, I hope to keep this blog hopping with news, pictures, updates, and reflections. 

One of those reflections I'd like to share now. This weekend, while spending time chatting with a great friend who came to visit (yes, we love having visitors!), I have been able to reflect over the years I have been here and what God has been doing, not just in this city and the church but in me. Numerous people have asked us over the last few days how we met if she lives on one side of the US and I am from the other. Many seem shocked to find out that the answer is we met here-in Mexico. You see, this friend was once an intern for the summer working alongside the TIME Missionaries and with the many groups that come down and the churches we serve. It's quite amazing to reminiscence, reflect, and remember the path on which God takes us and to see with renewed eyes the many blessings He has given us. Two things today were an additional reminder. This morning, we celebrated "la santa cena"- The Lord's Supper-Communion, the time to remember and reflect on what Christ did for us on the cross. Later this afternoon, Sam and I, our visiting friend, and a few other friends were able to visit a beautiful place just outside the city. A place that brought to mind and made alive a few scripture passages. I'd like to share just one with you. 

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1 

We drove through an area surrounded by mountains and rocks, everywhere I turned my eyes were drawn up. Up to see where this massive structure in front of me would end. But only some of them were visible, today being a lovely, cool, rainy day (yes, they do happen occasionally in Monterrey). The others were hidden behind and underneath a blanket of white. But I knew they were there. We  live right on a mountain and in a city surrounded by them, they are usually resplendently beautiful and visible the second we leave our house, but as with the last few days, if you didn't already know the mountain was there you'd never guess how close they are. As my friend exclaimed yesterday during a moment when the sun broke through and the clouds weren't so low. "Wow, you really do live in the mountain." Sometimes life is like that-at least for me. It's not always so much a matter of not knowing; it's more a matter of not remembering, of not reflecting, or of not lifting up my eyes to see that the top of the mountain is there and most importantly to know that that is where my help comes from. Sometimes it's easy to just see the base of the mountain. Maybe the top is covered with clouds, maybe I've forgotten to lift up my eyes, but whatever the case the top is still there. My Savior-the one who died for me, for my sins, who loved me enough to give His life- He's still there. "I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord."I need to lift up my eyes to the mountains, all the way to the top, whether it's visible or not, and remember that from up there comes my help. When the mountain feels huge and the clouds are low, my Savior, the Maker of heaven and earth, awaits. 

As I've reflected and reminisced with my friend over the last few days about moments when the mountains were big and the clouds were low, moments when I forgot to take the time to look to the top of the mountains to find my help even though God has placed me in a location where I am surrounded by their beauty, moments when all was well and the skies were clear, through them all I've been reminded of just where my help comes from and will continue to come. I've been struck by His immense faithfulness and seen the truth of the Psalmist David. 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You annoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23

The glory of God

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

Cleansing Rain

This week it rained for the first time in about 6 months. It was such a refreshing cleansing rain. The dirt visibly washed down the streets and muddy water pooled in the streets as the typical flooding made streets into rivers. As the sun came out after the storm everything seemed brighter, cleaner, fresher. The mountains immediately seemed greener, perhaps bigger.

That evening the group from Stillwater EV Free Church in Minnesota and members of Iglesia Biblica La Gracia went to a lookout in the center of the city to pray for Mexico and Monterrey. After a time of enjoying the view of a city surrounded by mountains left freshly washed by their Creator and as the sun set behind us we gathered together to pray for the renewal and revival of a city and country that is deeply hurting. What a humbling experience to join together with people of various of various churches from two countries who speak different languages to cry out to the Almighty God for His hand to move in Monterrey and Mexico. God is not finished here yet. Please join me in praying for a cleansing rain and revival to fall on this city and country.

Creeré

I just spent about an hour watching the youth group, Amiud 24/7 of La Iglesia Biblica La Gracia (Grace Bible Church) here in Monterrey practice a drama and a choreography they are doing for a special event for Valentine's Day, here known as the day of love and friendship. Valentine's Day often has such a couple's focus, but we're hoping to present a program that speaks to the heart of true Love-the Love of God.

The choreography is being planned to the song "Creeré" by Tercer Cielo. Creeré means "I will believe" in Spanish. Go to YouTube and look it up. It's a really impactful song, I wish everyone could understand all of the words. I've heard and liked this song for sometime now, but sometimes I forget to pay attention to the words. The picture above is from a line in the song that says "Y la fe te dará fuerza de creer que vencerás." Faith will give you strength to believe that you will conquer or triumph. The whole song talks about choosing to believe in God alone when you feel down and discouraged and without strength.

Watching the youth practice tonight was a moment of seeing the belief amidst the doubts of the last few years played out. Seeing them practice something they are excited about and commited to. Watching them the last few weeks act on a passion to reach their friendship for Christ and as a group go out and look for them in a mission they have called "Rescuing Lost Souls". It is a sight that brought a smile to my heart and my face. I wish you could see it and understand. God is doing something in the lives of these kids. How humbling to be able to witness it.

laughter is good for the soul

I think we've all heard the saying laughter is good medicine. I think I would have to agree. I don't know what the theology is for this, but I praise God for the opportunity to laugh with friends. I find that I often tend towards the serious side but the other week I had the opportunity to have dinner with some friends and laughed for most of the few hours we were togetehr. What a joy. And tonight I also spent a few hours laughing, at myself mostly, and my dismal attempt to play a mario bros game on the wii. :) I think I lost about 12 lives in the last level we played before deciding to take a break. Oh well. It made for a great evening of laughter with friends.
Tonight I am thankful for laughter. I think it really is great medicine. When was the last time you spent an evening laughing? I hope you get the chance soon.

Merry Christmas!

It's strange as you get older and holiday traditions change and everyone must find their own. This is the third Christmas that I have spent in Monterrey. I have so much enjoyed putting up a Christmas tree in my apartment the last two years. This year it went up right after Thanksgiving. Without the normal Pennsylvania cold Christmas seems to arrive before I even realize it's December. The decorations help me remember and add a soft homey touch to my apartment. I hope to each year little by little add to my Christmas decorations, this year I added just enough to make my tree look a little less charlie brownish. ;) Being away from home at the holidays is always difficult but I have seen God's faithfulness in providing friends and family for me even when many of my loved ones are miles away.

It seems to be the tradition here that people have the big family gathering on Christmas Eve evening complete with gifts, tamales, and a host of other delicious foods. Christmas day is more relaxed with perhaps family returning for leftovers. I was blessed to joined in the Christmas dinners with friends of mine here both on Christmas Eve and Christmas day night.

Christmas Day we had a special Christmas service at the church. It was a very special time. For some from the church it was the first time they have celebrated Christmas as part of their church. Eighty-four people attended, some from other churches, some family members of the congregation who aren't believers, a few people from the neighborhood behind the church, and two girls from my apartment building. Praise God for the opportunities we had to remember and celebrate together that not only did God send His Son to be born as a baby but to be the Savior of the mankind! Please pray that I would continue to be able to have opportunities to talk with the girls from my apartment.

Sunday we had a great service and spent the rest of the day and night at the church with the youth and some of the young adults and adults. It was a great time just to spend with the youth. I'm also learning a lot as its a completely new generation and instead of hours of conversation and card games; Xbox, Wii, and Rock Band are the hits of the night. But I'm learning. :)

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy New Year! (We are planning round two all-nighter with the youth) ;)

Thank you for all of your support and prayers!

It's been a few weeks since I've commented anything on here. I think I intended to update about my wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, but never got to it and now we're facing Christmas around the corner. Times are busy and there is lots of craziness and at times uncertainty but there is much for which to praise God. Thanksgiving was a wonderful time that I was able to spend with some new friends. And we had the whole traditional Thanksgiving meal-although at 9 pm! I made my first Turkey, that almost didn't fit into my oven as well as some other yummy Thanksgiving favorites and even was able to find a glimpse of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on tv, as well as talk with my family as they were all gathered together.

There are also moments that create quite an amusing story to tell, even though at the time I didn't feel quite so amused. December 12 is the day of celebration to the Virgen of Guadelupe throughout Mexico. As a part of this tradition groups called Matachines dress in traditional ethnic dress and dance as they march through the streets to the Church of the Virgen of Guadelupe. Music, dance, prayers as well as groups of people are all a part of this custom, as well as a someone who walks alongside the dancers. The tradition that has developed is that he will run up and scare people, especially teens and children who might be standing on the street watching them pass. Well, last week this man, he's called "el viejo de la danza" got me. I had just pulled into my garage and was walking to unload things from the back of my car when "el viejo de la danza" came running up to the other side of the garage door (its not a solid door, more like a gate). I screamed so loud and without remembering how I got there found myself on the other side of the garage behind my car. I think I trembled for 15 minutes but thinking back on it now just makes me chuckle. I'm hoping I screamed loud enough that I scared the guy intending to scare me. Life is never dull.

Currently we're planning events for a Christmas day service at the church. The custom seems to be that families gather on Christmas Eve, so we are planning to come together as a church family on Christmas day. Please pray for the opportunities to reach out to the community using this event!

Merry Christmas!

universal importance of snow

So I know I've been a little behind on updating this blog. I took a wonderful trip home to spend time with family and friends (and especially my nieces and nephew) and to attend my brother's wedding! What a great time! It was a wonderful relaxing, yet busy trip for me.



Since getting back it's been a busy week as well, complete with another wedding (!) and getting back into preparing for groups and Iglesia Biblica La Gracia!



Yesterday I spent a great afternoon with a friend wandering around the mall and seeing all of the preparations for Christmas. We stood and were talking while observing the joy of lots of little girls getting their pictures taken with princesses in the Disney Palace when all of a sudden a gathering appeared around the palace. What followed was a cute little event full of Christmas princesses, including the "princesses of light, ponseittas, bells and the queen of something I don't remember. :) As well as the prince of the Christmas tree and the King of the Spirit of Christmas. It was cute, it was obvious to see the kids enjoyed the show immensly, but interesting as well. My friend and I had been discussing doing outreach at Christmas to spread the true meaning of Christmas. Especially in light of the air of uncertainty that is often felt. Please be praying for us as we plan and have programs at La Gracia that will spread the truth of Christmas-the birth of the son of God who brings salvation to the world.


On an amusing note: a vital part of the show that was meant to get everyone in the "christmas" spirit was the fake snow falling from the sky. Funny how even in a city where snow never falls, snow is an essential part of bringing the christmas spirit. It's hard to see, but if you look real close you can see the snow falling. :)



Visiting Mirador de la Bandera complete with all old flags from the history of Mexico during the week celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Revolucion in Mexico.

...where am i?

Do you ever feel like that? That you're not quite sure where you are? I do. I don't travel all that often (although this year it's happened more), but I travel just often enough and meet enough new people each year that sometimes I'm just not sure where I am or who I might run into. Over the last week I've had quite of few of these moments where I'm just not sure what city, state, or country I'm in. :) Ususally this happens when I see people I know from one place in a completely different place-such as being at a ministry board meeting where you combine people from various parts of the States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, almost all of whom I have meet before and known for some time, except that they all didn't know each other and I know them from various times and events in my life. But yet I count those as such special times. Especially the chance to get to go to dinner with fellow missionaries and interns. I enjoy those times of remembering and reconnecting.

Dinner with staff and interns in Dallas

Today I was reminded of this oddity as well. While visiting my parents, I decided to make a "late night" run to the store (it was 8:30pm-this is only late night when I am at my parents house considering my normal bedtime is midnight, yet it always feels so strange). Anyway, the clerk when I checked out was a member of a group that had visited the DR during the time I was there. I did a double take and so did he and said "the last time I saw you, you were in the DR." :) I had the same thought for a moment trying to remember exactly where I was and how I know the person in front of me and why he was in the same place I was. :)

However, I do count my blessings that I at least I have yet to do what I witnessed while traveling last week. As I was waiting in line inside the women's bathroom at the airport, I looked over to see a tall man in a suit pass by me on the way to the stalls. That is until he realized that he was not in the right place. He left quickly apologizing for it being a long day. The women in line chuckled (myself included) but I felt bad for him, but yet, perhaps I do understand. :)

Visiting the farm

Decorate...?

So I bought these paintings in the DR. Got them safely to Dallas and then to my apartment. And on my first trip to IKEA I picked up a few picture frames and got them safely to my apartment. But now, the problem, all of these great ideas to hang paintings and pictures and finally get something on the bare white walls of my apartment.

But there's just one problem...How in the world do you hang paintings on a concrete wall???
First I thought maybe concrete nails. Hmm, not such a good idea. Although I did manage to get one partway in the wall (despite a few sparks, yes sparks! I literally saw sparks fly off the nail as if flew back out of the wall and almost took me out!) So I asked around and finally caved to needing to use the drill. Thanks to a little bit of practice using a drill in the DR I didn't feel quite so overwhelmed, but honestly I was secretly hoping someone would come along and do it for me. :)
But...



I did it!! And it was fun! And a really effective stress reliever. (Although I must admit the first time I tried I resigned because I was sick and just didn't have the strength. It's harder than it looks!)
But in the end it was kinda fun!! I'm looking forward to getting more frames to add more personality to my apartment! :)


The concrete dust that covered the apartment from drilling

The little wooden pegs you need to put in the hole you drill in the concrete so that you can put a screw in that to be able to hang the picture. It's a science. Or maybe an art . . .

One project halfway done


Hanging over my dining room table


This wall is still a little bare. What you can't see is the screw already in the wall to the right. Hopefully soon there will be another three picture frame hanging there with other pictures I've taken.

FINISHED!! Amazing paintings from the DR hung!

Sweet Morning Sun

I heard people say, or have read in books, that the they were awakened early , seemingly by the Holy Spirit to pray or read their Bible etc. And I've also always heard how great it is to wake up early to spend time with God and I completely agree. But I must confess waking up really early, or being awakened with a burden, especially early, doesn't happen to me often. I fight to wake up most mornings. I think it's safe to say I'm not exactly a morning person and throw in the couple years of working night shift and needless to say I find it hard to understand how my grandma, whom after 25 years of not having to get up at 5:30 to milk cows, still often wakes up at 5:30 am.

However, during the time I spent recently in the Dominican Republic (DR) something strange happened to me. I found myself waking up 30 minutes, an hour before I needed to be up, even when the wake up time was 4am! (I know! I don't understand it either.) However, one morning in particular was especially sweet. It was after a long day of helping with a foundation (and getting soaked) and receiving a rather sad and upsetting phone call in the evening. We were going to be woken up at 6 am. But by 5:15 I was wide awake, and truthfully slightly irritated that I couldn't fall back to sleep because I knew I would need the rest. However, I soon gave up trying and instead took my Bible, journal, and camera and went up on the roof of the building. Wow! Praise the Lord for waking me up. It was one of those times I was reminded and humbled by who God is and how incredible it is to live within his plans. Never would I have believed a few years ago that I would ever be able to watch a sunrise in the Dominican Republic (or in Mexico for that matter). If you knew me in high school or college-who would've thought? It's humbling to see how God has worked and to be on the receiving end of blessings I don't deserve. I wish now that I could watch the sunrise in quiet peaceful reflection from the roof of my apartment. But I am glad to have pictures, although they do not do the beauty justice, of the awesome beauty of God's creation and that special time of spending quiet time crying, praying, listening, reading, watching so early in the morning with my Savior. And I know that no matter where I am, He is still the same God, same Savior, and time spent with Him is just as sweet.

adventuras del verano

Bueno, he estado diciendo por semanas que necesito subir otra blog entonces aqui va. Yo se que no he sido muy fiel y pues dicen que esto es algo malo en este mundo de "blog." Pero pues creo que es una cultura a la cual todavia me estoy acostumbrando. :)

Hablando de acostumbrando de culturas, tuve que hacer esto mucho este verano. Pero fue exactamente lo que Dios sabia que yo necesitaba. Fue un tiempo de renovacion para mi espiritu. Yo pase casi 5 semanas en Dallas, 3 en la Republica Dominicana (RD), y como 10 dias en mi casa en Monterrey(Mty) durante el tiempo que normalmente tendriamos grupos aqui en Mty. Eso no fue mi plan hace como 4 meses, para nada, PERO, fue el plan de Dios. Yo vi vez tras vez que ciertamente fue el plan de Dios como salio este verano. El obro para traer la gente y los eventos juntos exactamente como fue necesario. Que tan grande es Dios!

Aqui son algunos de mis momentos favoritos del verano:

• Ayudando con el club de ninos en los departamentos en Dallas.
  
• La oportunidad de conocer personas de Monterrey en Dallas. Playeras que dice TIME Monterrey ha provisto ser una buena manera de empezar placticas con la gente. :)

Mi viaje a la Republica Dominicana (con Karen-mi companera de TIME)

• Que tan bonito esta el pais y que tan linda la gente
  
• Al fin pude conocer al staff y los lideres de la RD


• Viendo la construccion de las capillas y conociendo la gente de la comunidad.


• Visitando a Cercadillo-un pueblito ignorado por muchos-y viendo lo que Dios esta haciendo ahi.
  
• Fue un viaje que Dios uso para renovar mi espiritu en muchas maneras y hacer crecer mi fe. Gracias a Dios que "el esta encargado de todo." Asi me recordo mi sobrinita quien tiene 5 anos. Que lindo la sabiduria y fe sencilla de los ninos.

(Abajo hay mas fotos que va junto con este blog.)