He is sovereign. He loves me. He knows me. He knows what I need to learn.

Hi blogging world!

I'm back home in Pontiac now after a wonderful month of training in North Carolina. The training program was FULL of helpful information and skills that I will need on the field but here are a few things that really stuck out to me:
-In studying Ephesians, I was reminded of who I am in Christ. Understanding my identity in Christ determines the trajectory for my life. What a priviledge to realize that I am adopted, chosen, loved, and forgiven. And what a priviledge to share with children who don't know WHO they are or WHO they belong to- to be able to introduce them to Christ and give them a new identity...
-God has a specific ordained path that he has laid out for me based on my personality, gifting, and experiences. Jesus is my example- He knew who he was- and he was totally free to give his life and serve.
-God is sovereign. He is completely in control and he will never leave us or forsake us. But Gods kingdom is often forwarded by suffering. In whatever circumstance, God will provide perfectly so that I can suffer well to glorify Him. Whatever God calls me to do, even if it involves suffering, he will equip me and has given me all the resources I need. Above all, God's glory is worth everything.
- When there is conflict, I should admit when I am wrong, assume the other person's story is bigger than what I can see, and ask God what He wants me to learn about Himself.
-Moral purity must be a top priority
-Spiritual maturity is fundamental but if you neglect culture you might not love people the way they feel loved.
-In many cross cultural situations, I need to ask myself, "What is more important- the relationship or my time?"
-Conflict resolution- be aware of my own feelings, pray first, and don't assume I know what the other person thinks/feels.
-I need to put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD every day.
-A servant is often called to walk in mystery, but the Master knows the big picture.
-In meeting with a Dominican lady to help us with Spanish, she told me this, "I wish someone would have told me as a young girl that God was always with me. I didn't know that- It would have made a world of difference." I think this is what God is calling me to do.

Thank you for praying for me, especially this last month at training. This time was so valuable for what I need to prepare and to be spiritually and emotionally healthy while I am overseas.
I am with my family for this month, getting ready to leave on OCTOBER 2!

cuanto cuesta un mango?

Mangos are one of my favorite fruits. Living in Mexico as a child I don't remember liking them that much, but I love them now!
Yesterday, I went on an adventure with my new friend Stephanie from my training course. We heard about a huge Latino open air/flea market not too far from here. Of course we were interested in checking this out. After some tricky navigating and driving through crazy places and downpours of rain, we found it! The market area is basically rows and rows of tables under tents. You never know what you are going to find when you turn a corner- there was beautiful produce- I saw cacti (is that how you spell cactus-plural???), mangos, cilantro, pineapple, and every kind of pepper you can imagine. Other tables were selling clothes, socks, perfume, movies, cell phones, parts for your car, and even cowboy boots- basically anything you can imagine!
Stephanie and I had a blast checking out all the booths and taking in the culture- Spanish was the language of choice and the smells coming from the food vendors were incredible. We got chicken quesadillas with fresh salsa- yum!
Being there took me back to the days when my family lived in Mexico City. Every Saturday morning, I would go with my mom to the "tianguis", the open air market. I always loved going- there was so much to see and smell. I have vivid memories of my mom picking out fruit, my dad holding my hand, finding old school Enrique Iglesias cassette tapes....it was always an adventure.
God's been reminding me a lot of that lately. This life with him is an adventure every day. Sometimes it comes at a big cost to follow Him, but it is always worth it- and I never walk alone.
I look forward with such anticipation to the days when I'm living in the Dominican Republic- finding some open air markets, getting delicious mangos, and having Jesus right there with me.

Here's what I've been learning from Ephesians 1-3

Before the foundation of the world, God chose me- He predestined me to adoption as a daughter through Jesus Christ.
My redemption is in His blood. In Him I am forgiven because of the riches of His grace that He lavished on me. He has sealed me with His Holy Spirit- who gives me wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
Daily, the eyes of my heart are being enlightened so that I will know what is the hope of His calling and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
Even when I was dead in my sin, God made me alive together with Christ. By His grace I am saved- and raised with Him and seated with Him in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus. This has nothing to do with my works- it is His gift. He created me in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared beforehand so I would walk in them.
God is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that I ask or think-according to the power that works within us- to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever!

learning, learning, learning

My head and my heart are full.
At training I am learning so much- we are covering working with different personalities, Scripture studies, dealing with conflict, serving cross culturally, worldview, and language learning techniques. More things are coming too!
Today, a seasoned missionary was teaching us about different worldviews. She was showing us different doors that each one has for the Gospel to enter. I found this session very informative and thought provoking. We learned about different ways to present Christ to animist, modern, and postmodern worldviews.
My team mate Karen and I have been getting along great. She will also be serving at the Park Care Center in Caraballo. We can't wait to get there! Because we are heading to a Spanish speaking area, we were assigned to a Latin American church to attend while we are here. Both of us really love it- all the Spanish and the warmth of the Hispanic people.
Have you ever gotten a case of the church giggles? Well let me tell you, Karen and I had it really bad last night at the church Bible study. It all started when the leader asked everyone to stand for the corporate reading. They began reading in Luke at the rate of approximately 1,000 words per minute in Spanish. Karen and I followed along for maybe the first 5 words and then there was no hope for us! Not only were we lost, we started cracking up laughing! The next few minutes were spent trying to hold back giggles about how there was no way we could keep up! Then we began singing and still could not stop laughing.....oh dear! Finally we pulled it together and hopefully no one noticed :)
I heard this today:
"The most important thing you will ever take to the field is your prayer team"
So, thank you prayer team for remembering to pray for me. I need it every day!
Love from Waxhaw, NC :)