How can I keep from singing?

If you remain in me and my words remain in you , ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 
           John 15:7
God continues to affirm my year in Guatemala through fundraising! My prayer has been that I would be 100% funded by the time I left on August 22 so I could think about other things during my year there. Well my friends, as of a couple days ago I am 83% funded which means I only need less than $2,000 to meet the fundraising requirement of $8,000!!!! Our God is so faithful! I have no doubt that by August 22 I will be 100% funded because He has been faithful thus far! I praise God for all you joyous givers that have been called to support me in this year!! 

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 

                                Proverbs 16:3

In his heart a man plans his course , but the Lord determines his steps.  

                                                                                     Proverbs 16: 9

More reasons to sing...
I was reminded and humbled yesterday by the way our God CLEARLY guides when we are attentive to Him. I have not only been affirmed by my close friends and family about this mission trip, but by people that are unknown to me....that I have never met in my life. Yesterday, out of the blue to me, a beautiful letter came from someone in the Wyoming Presbytery whom I do not know. The letter brought tears to my eyes as my heart was reminded that I wasn't going to Guatemala to satisfy myself....but because my God has called me there and he will guide me with straight paths. I was humbled by this persons words which reminded me that the resurrected Christ is going before me to Guatemala! He has plans for me there!  The person also told me that there are a lot of people in the state of Wyoming churches that are supporting me and praying for me. Wow. God is SO faithful to CONTINUE to remind me in so many different and perfectly timed ways, that HE has chosen this path for me. I am obeying. He is preparing a place for me in Guatemala. 


and last but not least....as I was hanging out with a bunch of friends this weekend someone came up with the idea of calling me Guateblaha. :) It brought joy to my heart. Just thought I'd share. haha

Fundraising update!

God has already provided 53% of my fundraising!!! I am easily on track for my year in Guatemala! I thank all of the kind hearts who have given with joy! I continue to pray  and ask you to join me...that I will have my fundraising done before I leave on August 22 to free me from being burdened by it during my year in Guatemala so that I can focus on the work God has ahead of me :).

A Place in Guatemala

Today I am reminded of how much our God loves us and cares for us more than we will ever understand or imagine. I am taken to Scripture where the Lord tells us not to worry, for can't we see that the Lord provides for the birds of the air?.. and we are much more valuable then they are!! Matthew 6:25-34. Our God provides for us perfectly if we will only TRUST. He wants to give us good things. So why am I reminded of this scripture? I found out my volunteer placement in Guatemala yesterday...and I am super stoked!! I have nothing to worry about in any of this process!! He is sovereign and perfect!

 I will be volunteering for an organization called Common Hope which is near Antigua, Guatemala. This is a program with different programs but I will be helping with the education part in elementary schools (I am super excited to work with younger kids!) This program partners with schools in Guatemala to help them enhance education with a focus on reading and writing. I will most likely be working along side of a Guatemalan teacher assisting him/her to improve educational quality at public schools. Most teachers in Guatemala leave high school and start teaching without ever recieving higher education. I will spend weekdays working with Common Hope staff in a school and at a homework center in San Miguel Escobar which is near Ciudad Vieja, outside of Antigua. I will help students with homework, model teaching practices in schools and help support teachers in some of their classroom activities that tend to distract them from more important parts of teaching.

 My placement was a little different than usual in that the organization requires an extra interview. So a few days ago I received a call from Guatemala from 2 lovely ladies who interviewed me...in Spanish! The interview lasted about an hour as they asked me about my expectations and teaching beliefs and experiences. As I twisted my tongue (I hadn't spoken Spanish in about a month or so :/ lol) to explain my beliefs about how I would teach youngsters and handle frustrations, etc. the two ladies were extremely kind and even complimented my spanish. (God knew I needed some encouragement at that point, hehe). The next day I received an email that they had accepted me to be a long term volunteer with them!!!! WOOT WOOT! Praise God. He knows my paths!

To get an idea of the program I will be working for visit the website: COMMON HOPE  and/or watch this excellent video that sums up the program! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YwCwc5j0lY