Wow. Three weeks from tomorrow, Monday, I will be arriving back in Chicago. The more startling facts are that I will only have three more classes with the young adults, three more guitar classes, three more soccer practices, three more Thursday mornings with the kids from the orphanage, three more children's church services, and three more soccer games. It's scary, really. But comforting as well.
I feel confident in my return to the States. I'm looking forward to hopefully ministering to people I haven't intentionally made more time for in the past. I look toward the things that the Lord is working in my heart. I don't know what my life will look like when I get back. I don't have a job lined up, and yes, it's sometimes unnerving, but the overwhelming reality is that it's all under control. I know I can trust my God to provide the things I need. I am excited and nervous for the new challenges I will face. The sacrifices I want to make, even most Christians would think I'm crazy. Ha, I think I'm crazy. I just hope I'm not afraid to make those changes. I need prayer in that. But Jon brought something to my attention today: "I don't think it's likely you'll ever say 'I wish I didn't give so much to Jesus.'" Thanks Jon, for the laugh, and for the encouragement.
Our game yesterday was, well, it was horrible. The team we played was the team we beat in the first half of the season. But this time they beat us. The boys let one goal go in the first half. That's not bad, but the second half they let six more go. Jon (in the flesh) wanted to call it quits for the season, and just try to have a fresh start next season. But the reality of it is, God has the boys in our lives for a reason. Many reasons, but we believe that one of those reasons is "Don't give up on these boys I have given you." Everyone else rights them off. They probably don't get attention at home. They certainly don't get disciplined. That's obvious. But this Wednesday at practice, we're going to try something new. Please pray for us to persevere and be strong in this decision.
Also, something worth praising the Lord: I've been learning and having desire to learn worship songs. Please pray for further desire in such things, and pray that I would have the patience and perseverence to learn to play and sing at the same time. It's so hard to play a worship song with people around when you can't even sing it while you play it. Lol.
Love you all. Thank you so much for all of your support. I can't wait to see you.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Day 62 1/17
So I was just reading my devotionals for the night. I was reading Ezekiel 46, and the Lord is describing how the offerings are to be brought to Him, when the Lord revealed something to me. Something I've known and that many of us know in our minds, but when the Lord opens it up and plants it in your lap it's so amazing. The Lord opened my eyes to see that when He is describing intricate details, and repeats them, He is showing us that He wants things His way. Including the way we come to Him, the way we worship Him. He wants us to give up control to His desires. He wants us to give Him our lives, not so that we may live for ourselves, but so that we can live for Him. That is, after all, why He created us. I was reading in "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan last night. In the second chapter he describes how you or I may know someone who's been in a movie as an extra. They get all excited, call their friends, tell their family, for that split-second where you see the back of their head. They're acting as if they're the main character, but they aren't. They're just an extra. We live our lives like we're the main character. But we aren't. God is. It's everywhere in the bible. GOD created the heavens and the earth. The people rebel against GOD. GOD calls out Abram. GOD picks Joseph and Moses and directs them and works miracles through them. GOD sends prophets and judges because His people won't give Him the one thing He askes of them, obedience. He wants things done His way. Not ours. The truth is, when we've given our lives to Christ, well, we've GIVEN our LIVES to Christ. They are His to do with as He pleases. So if you're complaining about you're situation, it's not because God wants you to be miserable. Quite the opposite actually, Philippians 4:4 commands: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" It doesn't finish with "so long as you have a job," or "unless you're stressed out with family, or bills, or just like being miserable." No, we are to be obedient, and to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, as the verse states. So please, "offer you bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your reasonable service." -Romans 12:1
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 55 1/10
What an interesting day. Yes. Two posts for this day. After Jon and I left the cafe, we went to the post office and grabbed mail, and went to immigration to get another month for the Beards. Unfortunately the manager wasn't there to sign the forms so we have to come back later in the week.
Once we left immigration we headed to where the Durango was getting fixed. We hadn't gotten a call, but figured we'd just head over anyway. Here's how it went. When we dropped the truck off at 7:30, they said it should be done by about 12. We arrived at 2 and walked in and let's just say they weren't working on the car. Problem? Yes and no. I can understand needing a break. Anyway, 4:30 comes and the guy who's supposed to be working on the truck is working on something else. Finally Jon says something and 20 minutes later the car is back together and ready to go. ...Or not. I don't know wwhat happened, but I know cars are not as predictable as we'd like them to be. For some reason the odometer is saying "no bus" which means 1 of several problems with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), and it's not getting spark. Hmmmm. So Roberto (owner of the shop) called our friend who recommended, Ivan, a cuban mechanic who has a shop that specializes in EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) systems. So Ivan is going to sttop by Roberto's tomorrow to check it out. So, realizing it's 5:30, and won't be able to catch a bus to Ojojona anymore. Fortunately they offer to bring us to our other mechanic (also named Ivan) where the bus is. So we pack up in one of Roberto's customer's cars and head on our way. And we all lived happily ever after. ....Oh wait, I forgot something. This car died on us. It seemed to (rather ironically) have a similar problem with it. Remember the Idle Air Control motor I mentioned? I think that's what the problem was with this vehicle as well. So next we had Douglas, the gentleman giving us a ride, call Roberto and let him know. So they sent another car, and while waiting for this one, we turned the vehicle we were in at the time around and pushed it down a hill as Jon steered to a local mechanic shop. So after we get the new car, we put in some gas, grab a snack, and head to Ivan's (the one where the bus is.) We arrived about 7:15 to Ivan's, and we are just about to enter Ojojona as I type this.
Today didn't phase me. But unfortunately we needed to go to PriceSmart to pick up food for the dogs, which were never able to do. So Jon has some anxiety regarding that. Please pray for him, and for good news from Ivan and Roberto as they work on the Durango.
We'll need to go into Teguc again because we need to go back to Immigration by Monday, but the dogs need food soon. So please pray that by Thuursday everything will be sorted out.
Oh, one thing I am majorly bummed about: I lost track of time and wasn't able to call mymom before she went in to work. Sorry Mom. Maybe Wednesday or Thursday.
Once we left immigration we headed to where the Durango was getting fixed. We hadn't gotten a call, but figured we'd just head over anyway. Here's how it went. When we dropped the truck off at 7:30, they said it should be done by about 12. We arrived at 2 and walked in and let's just say they weren't working on the car. Problem? Yes and no. I can understand needing a break. Anyway, 4:30 comes and the guy who's supposed to be working on the truck is working on something else. Finally Jon says something and 20 minutes later the car is back together and ready to go. ...Or not. I don't know wwhat happened, but I know cars are not as predictable as we'd like them to be. For some reason the odometer is saying "no bus" which means 1 of several problems with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), and it's not getting spark. Hmmmm. So Roberto (owner of the shop) called our friend who recommended, Ivan, a cuban mechanic who has a shop that specializes in EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) systems. So Ivan is going to sttop by Roberto's tomorrow to check it out. So, realizing it's 5:30, and won't be able to catch a bus to Ojojona anymore. Fortunately they offer to bring us to our other mechanic (also named Ivan) where the bus is. So we pack up in one of Roberto's customer's cars and head on our way. And we all lived happily ever after. ....Oh wait, I forgot something. This car died on us. It seemed to (rather ironically) have a similar problem with it. Remember the Idle Air Control motor I mentioned? I think that's what the problem was with this vehicle as well. So next we had Douglas, the gentleman giving us a ride, call Roberto and let him know. So they sent another car, and while waiting for this one, we turned the vehicle we were in at the time around and pushed it down a hill as Jon steered to a local mechanic shop. So after we get the new car, we put in some gas, grab a snack, and head to Ivan's (the one where the bus is.) We arrived about 7:15 to Ivan's, and we are just about to enter Ojojona as I type this.
Today didn't phase me. But unfortunately we needed to go to PriceSmart to pick up food for the dogs, which were never able to do. So Jon has some anxiety regarding that. Please pray for him, and for good news from Ivan and Roberto as they work on the Durango.
We'll need to go into Teguc again because we need to go back to Immigration by Monday, but the dogs need food soon. So please pray that by Thuursday everything will be sorted out.
Oh, one thing I am majorly bummed about: I lost track of time and wasn't able to call mymom before she went in to work. Sorry Mom. Maybe Wednesday or Thursday.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Days 54-55 1/9 - 1/10
Well, Jon and I are sitting in a cafe in Teguc. We're waiting for the truck to get the transmission fixed. We've been here an hour, and we're already tired of surfing the internet. You can only check your Facebook and text messages so many times before you get bored as you wait for music to download.
Yesterday I replaced the Idle Air Control motor in the Durango with what turned out to be an old used part which somebody must have returned. It happens from time to time. Somebody wants a free part, so they buy what they need, replace it, and clean up the old one and return it, getting their money back. So this morning on our way to Tegucigalpa, the truck stalled, so I replaced the "new" IAC motor with the one that I had taken out of thee Durango yesterday. Haha. Apparently God needed 15 extra minutes to prepare Teguc for us.
We're hoping we can get a lot of the grocery shopping done for the month today. We could use your prayer for deals, for good traffic, and for the truck to get done in a timely manner so that we can do these things. You probably won't be reading this in time, but it's still good to get out there I feel.
Prayer requests for myself: That I wouldn't feel discouraged about how soon I'll be coming home. I feel it's so soon, and I love it here. But please pray that I would be after what God wants, and that He would clearly reveal that to me, as opposed to seeking my selfish desires.
In fact, pray that I would look forward to coming home, yet not be discouraged that I still have several weeks remaining here.
Random thought: If I knew how to do accents and such, I might consider doing a blog post in Spanish, or bi-lingual posts. Hmmmm....
Thank you guys for ALL of your support: prayerful, financial, and just being there to read/see what's going on in my life and what God is doing in aand through me. It's weird to think that you have this insight to what's going on as I'm here, so chances are when I come home you'll hear stories I've already told.
Love you guys. Miss you all much. May the Lord smile upon you this perfect day which He has created.
Yesterday I replaced the Idle Air Control motor in the Durango with what turned out to be an old used part which somebody must have returned. It happens from time to time. Somebody wants a free part, so they buy what they need, replace it, and clean up the old one and return it, getting their money back. So this morning on our way to Tegucigalpa, the truck stalled, so I replaced the "new" IAC motor with the one that I had taken out of thee Durango yesterday. Haha. Apparently God needed 15 extra minutes to prepare Teguc for us.
We're hoping we can get a lot of the grocery shopping done for the month today. We could use your prayer for deals, for good traffic, and for the truck to get done in a timely manner so that we can do these things. You probably won't be reading this in time, but it's still good to get out there I feel.
Prayer requests for myself: That I wouldn't feel discouraged about how soon I'll be coming home. I feel it's so soon, and I love it here. But please pray that I would be after what God wants, and that He would clearly reveal that to me, as opposed to seeking my selfish desires.
In fact, pray that I would look forward to coming home, yet not be discouraged that I still have several weeks remaining here.
Random thought: If I knew how to do accents and such, I might consider doing a blog post in Spanish, or bi-lingual posts. Hmmmm....
Thank you guys for ALL of your support: prayerful, financial, and just being there to read/see what's going on in my life and what God is doing in aand through me. It's weird to think that you have this insight to what's going on as I'm here, so chances are when I come home you'll hear stories I've already told.
Love you guys. Miss you all much. May the Lord smile upon you this perfect day which He has created.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Days 52-53 1/7 - 1/8
Well. The Wisconsin team is gone. While they were here, it seemed as if they brought winter here with them. It was in the 60's probably most of the time they were here, and at times it was only in the 50's. Now that they're gone, yesterday reached about the mid 70's, and today was low 70's. Hmmmm. Glad they took it back with them.
Yesterday we had our first game of the second half of the season. The boys played extremely well, however we lost 2-1. It SHOULD have been a tie, as at one point the ball crossed into the goal, but because there was only one referee, he could not see it from where he was. It was a fantastic game which we actually should have one. We only had one crucial error in the game. What I personally believe may be happening, is that the boys just need to learn humility this year, and next year they may do quite a bit better. But only God knows, and only time will reveal it to us.
Today we had a great morning of worship. We did probably 5-7 songs with just the family. For those of you who have encouraged me to learn to lead worship *coughLandoncough* we'll see. Keep praying. But I am getting more confident, and I my heart is opening more and more to learning songs which direct praise and worship to our King.
Mare has been very tired today. Please pray for her as she is still trying to recover from the hecticness (is that a word?) of having had a team here.
That's all for now. Love you guys, and for those of you back "home" (Wisconsin) I miss you guys very much.
Oh, and a special "Thank You" to Kurt Theyel who it seems replaced my battery when I wasn't looking (which never held a charge, it HAD to be plugged in) for my netbook, with the one that he had. You rock brother!
Yesterday we had our first game of the second half of the season. The boys played extremely well, however we lost 2-1. It SHOULD have been a tie, as at one point the ball crossed into the goal, but because there was only one referee, he could not see it from where he was. It was a fantastic game which we actually should have one. We only had one crucial error in the game. What I personally believe may be happening, is that the boys just need to learn humility this year, and next year they may do quite a bit better. But only God knows, and only time will reveal it to us.
Today we had a great morning of worship. We did probably 5-7 songs with just the family. For those of you who have encouraged me to learn to lead worship *coughLandoncough* we'll see. Keep praying. But I am getting more confident, and I my heart is opening more and more to learning songs which direct praise and worship to our King.
Mare has been very tired today. Please pray for her as she is still trying to recover from the hecticness (is that a word?) of having had a team here.
That's all for now. Love you guys, and for those of you back "home" (Wisconsin) I miss you guys very much.
Oh, and a special "Thank You" to Kurt Theyel who it seems replaced my battery when I wasn't looking (which never held a charge, it HAD to be plugged in) for my netbook, with the one that he had. You rock brother!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 34-51 12/20-1/6
Christmas was a very interesting day. And as long as I wasn't thinking too much of what I would be doing if I were at home (which fortunately I was pretty successful at) I didn't get too bummed out. We had an authentic Italian lasagna with a red sauce as you would normally prepare, but this also included a white sauce which was cooked by none other than myself. It was amazing. But enough about the food. The company was awesome. We had Oscar and his son, Fernando over for dinner. It was a very blessed day. Jesus rocked the house.
Onto our Christmas presents. On the 27th, my home church, Freedom Fellowship came to Honduras for an 11 day mission trip. Grant, Charlie, Jon and Olivia, Kurt, Rebecca, Jianna and Samara, and Kristen and Meribah (sorry if I butchered any names). While here, the plan was for the men (5 including myself) to work on Oscar's home for an addition onto his house. Unfortunately we incurred a few glitches (according to our plans, not the Lord's): Grant found out that there is a complication in the pregnancy of his wife, Kelly, and boarded a plane 4 days earlier than expected. Please lift the family up in prayer as we do not know what will happen with the situation. And then there were 4. So the next day, after working a good half day (we were working at Oscar's in the morning and doing VBS in the afternoon) Kurt and Charlie headed back to the ranch (a little earlier than Jon S. and myself). Kurt lost his footing on a rock and dislocated his hip. Fortunately Charlie has watched enough movies to know how to pop a hip back into place. Kurt was not able to (nor allowed to) do any more "strenuous" work at the ranch. And then there were 3. Fortunately, we were able to bring the foundation up to the point it needed to be at, and level out the area where the floor would be. Praise the Lord for getting so much done in so little time. It would have taken a lot more time if he were to do that all himself.
Today we were bringing the team to Tegucigalpa for their departure flight. We made it about 2/3 of the way and wouldn't you know, the bus dies. For some reason the battery hasn't been charging. We weren't able to get it started with either of two vehicles that stopped to try to jump us, so naturally, we shipped the team to the airport in the back of a flatbed. Welcome to Honduras. Adios Wisconsin Team!!!!!
P.S. Hot Pocket. -please forward any questions or comments regarding this to Charlie, Jon S, or Grant. Thank you.
P.P.S. In case you were wondering, we laughed so hard it hurt on many occasions, as well as laughing so hard we cried. Much love to all of you. Jesus loves you more.
Onto our Christmas presents. On the 27th, my home church, Freedom Fellowship came to Honduras for an 11 day mission trip. Grant, Charlie, Jon and Olivia, Kurt, Rebecca, Jianna and Samara, and Kristen and Meribah (sorry if I butchered any names). While here, the plan was for the men (5 including myself) to work on Oscar's home for an addition onto his house. Unfortunately we incurred a few glitches (according to our plans, not the Lord's): Grant found out that there is a complication in the pregnancy of his wife, Kelly, and boarded a plane 4 days earlier than expected. Please lift the family up in prayer as we do not know what will happen with the situation. And then there were 4. So the next day, after working a good half day (we were working at Oscar's in the morning and doing VBS in the afternoon) Kurt and Charlie headed back to the ranch (a little earlier than Jon S. and myself). Kurt lost his footing on a rock and dislocated his hip. Fortunately Charlie has watched enough movies to know how to pop a hip back into place. Kurt was not able to (nor allowed to) do any more "strenuous" work at the ranch. And then there were 3. Fortunately, we were able to bring the foundation up to the point it needed to be at, and level out the area where the floor would be. Praise the Lord for getting so much done in so little time. It would have taken a lot more time if he were to do that all himself.
Today we were bringing the team to Tegucigalpa for their departure flight. We made it about 2/3 of the way and wouldn't you know, the bus dies. For some reason the battery hasn't been charging. We weren't able to get it started with either of two vehicles that stopped to try to jump us, so naturally, we shipped the team to the airport in the back of a flatbed. Welcome to Honduras. Adios Wisconsin Team!!!!!
P.S. Hot Pocket. -please forward any questions or comments regarding this to Charlie, Jon S, or Grant. Thank you.
P.P.S. In case you were wondering, we laughed so hard it hurt on many occasions, as well as laughing so hard we cried. Much love to all of you. Jesus loves you more.
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