First thing's first: I'm not headed to Mexico just yet. I'm kickin' it here in the states until October 2012, so I can spend a little more time fundraising. :)
I'm going to be completely honest here. When I got the e-mail that my move date was bumped back, my first thought? "I failed. I din't raise enough money in time, I didn't do enough, I should've, I could've.... I-I-I-I..."
God is awesome. I mean, really super-fantastic you-really-oughta-get-to-know-this-guy awesome. Right in the middle of my tail spin "I suck at life" moment, God shook me up a bit. In the middle of all my "I's", God stopped me dead in my tracks and said "IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!! IT'S ABOUT ME!"
(Just FYI- when I say "God said" I don't mean the heavens split open and a deep majestic voiced boomed from the heavens. :))
It's not about me. :) This kinda goal is not something I can accomplish on my own. I can never do enough, be enough, say enough to get God's plan rolling. He's already got this. He has all along.
Truth is, I don't want to be in Mexico if He doesn't want me there. (This may not seem like a profound statement to anyone reading this- but it took A LOT of prayer and soul-searching to get to that point, let me tell you!!) Anyone who knows me knows that my heart is there. I can not wait to get to serve the families and kids there. But it simply won't work if God's not in it. So God said wait... and I'm waiting. :)
I thought I'd be REALLY upset if my move date got bumped back, but God has continually affirmed this move, and I fully trust that He'll keep His word and see this thing through. Every time doubt or fear tries to creep in, God blows it out of the water in big ways, constantly reminding me "I've got this- quit stressin'!"
This journey has been really remarkable already. I can't even begin to think how awesome it will be once I GET there! :)
Monday, July 9, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
How to be a rockstar
Conviction- today, your name is Jon Acuff. (Author of Stuff Christian's Like @ http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/ Read it-you won't regret it.)
Just in case you don't feel like clicking the link (I probably wouldn't), here's what it says:
It’s easy. Here’s all it takes.
Just in case you don't feel like clicking the link (I probably wouldn't), here's what it says:
How to be a rock star.
It’s easy. Here’s all it takes.
Spend more time practicing your dream than you do promoting your dream.
That’s it.
The Internet has made it ridiculously easy to promote your dream, your craft, your passion, your whatever. As someone who writes books and throws events, that is awesome. But that ease comes with a consequence.
The temptation is to spend more time on promoting what you’re doing instead of practicing what you’re doing. Honing your skills, putting in the hours to improve, working hard while no one is watching. Promoting makes people think you’re great. Practicing actually makes you great. There’s a huge difference between those two things.
Want to stand out from the clutter of social media and be a rock star?
Spend 10 hours practicing your dream for every 1 hour you spend promoting it.
Want to be a rock star even faster? Make that ratio 100 to 1.
If I’m being honest, I haven’t yet. I fall into the promotion vs. practice trap all the time. But the times when I focus on practice, I end up doing work that is vital, not just viral, and that matters more to me and probably you too.
Question:What are some ways you “practice” your dream?
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Now, I don't want to be a famous writer, or sing on stage for millions- I want to spread the love of Jesus. I want kids who feel alone and abandoned know an unconditional love that makes them feel whole and restored. I want to connect with people and create deep, honest, transparent relationships of encouragement and accountability. I want to see addictions broken, relationships restored, and lives changed through the love of Christ. So, do I practice? Do I try everyday to show the forgiveness, grace, love, and joy that has been given to me? Sadly, no. Do I get into the Word, spend time in some serious prayer? Do I live out the life-altering change I want to see in Mexico? No again.
Instead, I spend time scheduling fundraisers, telling everyone who will listen what I will be doing and how desperately I need sponsors. Have I even once truly sat down and asked God how He wants to provide money for my expenses while in Mexico? If I'm honest, nope. I've been too busy promoting. Sure, I've asked OTHERS to pray. Sure, I've shot up a, "God-PLEASE help me get some sponsors." "Lord, I trust you....but I really need to get some dinero in my account" "Please let this fundraiser go well!!" etc etc.... But God doesn't want my drive-through prayers, He wants my heart.
So....as I was casually reading all the blog posts I have piling up simply to clear the list, God gave me a little wake up call.
"Stop promoting yourself, and start talking to me"
God Provides :)
Every time I open this page to write a new post, I never know where to begin. :) God has done SO much since I got back from Mexico last June.
Let's do a quick (and inadequate) recap:
-I asked my parents if they would support my decision to apply to move to Mexico with Back2Back, and they said YES! (truly and act of God!)
-I applied and was accepted to come on as staff with Back2Back
-God GAVE ME A TRUCK through a Christ-led, amazing family.
-Friends and family have been SO generous through this time of fundraising.
That so does not do what God has been up to justice by any means, but at least now I've got you somewhat up to date. :)
To be honest, fundraising has been scary, exciting, terrifying, and SUCH a blessing...all at once! :) Every once in a while, it'll hit me that my WILDEST dream is in the process of becoming reality, and it is almost more than I can handle. :) It blows my mind that I will get to be a part of an AMAZING organization, working with people I admire deeply, getting to serve children who have already taught me much more than I probably will ever teach them.
Going through this fundraising process has put me through a roller-coaster of emotions. I have had to fight doubts, insecurities, and fear every step of the way. God has been SO faithful. Each time I am just beyond myself, feeling like I just want to turn around and run, God has done something BIG to remind me, "Quit stressin'- I've got this." Right when I begin to succumb to fear, God blows it out of the water.
I haven't reached my goal for sponsors just yet, but I trust God's timing is SO much better than mine (although sometimes He needs to remind me lol) and that He will provide. :) He has been SO faithful this far, and He will continue to be faithful.
I can not thank everyone who has been a part of this adventure with me enough! Your encouragement, love, and generosity have made a HUGE impact- more than you realize. :)
Let's do a quick (and inadequate) recap:
-I asked my parents if they would support my decision to apply to move to Mexico with Back2Back, and they said YES! (truly and act of God!)
-I applied and was accepted to come on as staff with Back2Back
-God GAVE ME A TRUCK through a Christ-led, amazing family.
-Friends and family have been SO generous through this time of fundraising.
That so does not do what God has been up to justice by any means, but at least now I've got you somewhat up to date. :)
To be honest, fundraising has been scary, exciting, terrifying, and SUCH a blessing...all at once! :) Every once in a while, it'll hit me that my WILDEST dream is in the process of becoming reality, and it is almost more than I can handle. :) It blows my mind that I will get to be a part of an AMAZING organization, working with people I admire deeply, getting to serve children who have already taught me much more than I probably will ever teach them.
Going through this fundraising process has put me through a roller-coaster of emotions. I have had to fight doubts, insecurities, and fear every step of the way. God has been SO faithful. Each time I am just beyond myself, feeling like I just want to turn around and run, God has done something BIG to remind me, "Quit stressin'- I've got this." Right when I begin to succumb to fear, God blows it out of the water.
I haven't reached my goal for sponsors just yet, but I trust God's timing is SO much better than mine (although sometimes He needs to remind me lol) and that He will provide. :) He has been SO faithful this far, and He will continue to be faithful.
I can not thank everyone who has been a part of this adventure with me enough! Your encouragement, love, and generosity have made a HUGE impact- more than you realize. :)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
This week in a nutshell
Hey guys!
This week FLEW by!! It was crazy! Sunday we went to a ropes course with our group as a team building thing. They did the "Leap of Faith". Basically, you climb up a large tree, crawl on one of the branches, stand up, then leap to a trapeze hanging from another branch! (They were harnessed and safe, of course!)
Then we came back and had a party with over 500 people on campus!! Every children's home we serve was here. It was so cool! We all were wearing the same shirt, so it was just this sea of orange. The guy who bought all of the shirts for all of us said it was so we can all feel like one giant family of God's children. I thought that was pretty cool! We ate really good food, hung out, and kids gave their testimony about all God has done in their lives. It was really cool!
That's also where I met Wendy and Lidia's mom! She's so young! I'm kinda bummed, because a friend of mine took a picture of all of us on her camera, but lost her camera before I got the picture on my computer. :( It's ok though, I'll still remember her!
I got really sick Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. :( No, I didn't drink the water!! One of the American's that came with one of the groups brought cooties with them! A bunch of us got really yucky. :P It was only one night/day thank God!! I got so dehydrated I couldn't get out of the bed for a little bit. :P Go figure, I come to Mexico and catch AMERICAN cooties! lol
Thursday we had this HUGE soccer game! The kids from one of our children's home came to this neat soccer stadium one of the groups rented out for us, and we had such a great time. Chaotic, but really fun!
Then Friday we had our intern outing!! (Pictures to come!!) I had a blast!! I'm gonna try to post a separate post of just pictures right now. Cross your fingers!
This week FLEW by!! It was crazy! Sunday we went to a ropes course with our group as a team building thing. They did the "Leap of Faith". Basically, you climb up a large tree, crawl on one of the branches, stand up, then leap to a trapeze hanging from another branch! (They were harnessed and safe, of course!)
Then we came back and had a party with over 500 people on campus!! Every children's home we serve was here. It was so cool! We all were wearing the same shirt, so it was just this sea of orange. The guy who bought all of the shirts for all of us said it was so we can all feel like one giant family of God's children. I thought that was pretty cool! We ate really good food, hung out, and kids gave their testimony about all God has done in their lives. It was really cool!
That's also where I met Wendy and Lidia's mom! She's so young! I'm kinda bummed, because a friend of mine took a picture of all of us on her camera, but lost her camera before I got the picture on my computer. :( It's ok though, I'll still remember her!
I got really sick Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. :( No, I didn't drink the water!! One of the American's that came with one of the groups brought cooties with them! A bunch of us got really yucky. :P It was only one night/day thank God!! I got so dehydrated I couldn't get out of the bed for a little bit. :P Go figure, I come to Mexico and catch AMERICAN cooties! lol
Thursday we had this HUGE soccer game! The kids from one of our children's home came to this neat soccer stadium one of the groups rented out for us, and we had such a great time. Chaotic, but really fun!
Then Friday we had our intern outing!! (Pictures to come!!) I had a blast!! I'm gonna try to post a separate post of just pictures right now. Cross your fingers!
Monday, June 20, 2011
FINALLY!! :)
Hey guys!!
I'm so glad to finally get to post again. These past few days have been CRAZY! Even my day off flew by- and the internet didn't work for DAYS here. No bueno.
So, let's see..
I went to Rio III last week! It's my favorite place. Just a quick explanation- "Rio" is Spanish for river- and the Spanish government allows the homeless to create homes, essentially out of garbage, since they don't have government housing here.
We took the group on a walk as we explained a little about the hurricane that hit last year, and what kind of damage that created for the Rio community. As we were walking, a dead chicken was laying on the ground amongst the piles of rotten food and garbage. It breaks my heart. I just can't even fathom not knowing when my next meal was going to be, or when if ever I would be able to clothe my children.
It was SO cool to see all has done for a small church in the Rio though! I honestly didn't recognize it! It had DOUBLED in size!! I'm not even exaggerating! I'm hoping to get to go back next week to take pictures!
I'm rather disappointed in myself!! I have barely taken any pictures!! It's quite different as an intern. There's SO much to do! I love it- it's so rewarding and exciting! But it also leaves little time to take any pics!
We had a GIGANTE FIESTA (giant party!) yesterday!! It was AWESOME! Each year there is a group that comes, and the man who leads the group brings T-shirts for EVERYONE, and pays to have this huge celebration. EVERY children's home we serve came to the back-to-back campus for the party! We had a huge tent set up, the kids got to see this neat program with costumed characters. And we all got to eat these steak (very expensive in Mexico) tacos with homemade pico de gallo and guacamole on them!!! It was so awesome.
The BEST part?! I got to meet the mother of the girls I sponsor!!
I realize this may not make sense- so let me explain as best as I can.
In Mexico, a parent does not need to sign over rights in order to drop a child off at a children's home. If a parent is no longer able to provide for a child, they are able to take them to a Casa Hogar. Wendy and Lidia's mom visits them about once very two weeks or so. I was finally able to meet her. I got a Spanish speaker to come over and try to explain how I was connected to her girls, but I'm not quite sure she understood. She was also very young. It seemed as if she really just didn't know what to do with the girls- if they cried or wanted to be held or anything. I'm really happy to know her, and to be able to put a face on who I am praying for. A friend here took a picture of the four of us, so I'm hoping to get it off her camera tonight! :)
Today's my day off, so it's laundry time! :) I'm hoping to get to go to Pollo Loco tonight with everyone- just have to hitch a ride with someone who's also going here.
I miss y'all and can't wait to hear from everyone when I get back! I honestly can't believe it'll only be 11 days until I get back! How weird!! To be honest I don't feel ready to go yet!!
The kids in Rio III singing to us! I cried, of course!! :) A girl (not in this picture, because she was attached to me!) recognized me!! She also kept asking over and over "are you coming back?" When are you coming back?" I can't wait to see her again. :)
This is me and my friend Kathy Couch! She took me to get ice cream!! We split that GIGANTIC banana split and STILL couldn't finish it! I had such a great time getting to hang out and talk with her!! She is a remarkable woman!!
I think this little fellah's name is Arturo. He was the sweetest. :) He got this tiny little scratch on the bottom of his foot, and asked me to pour water on it (from the pool) to make it better. So, I sat there for about a half an hour, pouring handfuls of water on his little boo-boo. Then, it hit me. This kid probably never gets that kind of attention. You've gotta be bleeding to the point of possible death to get serious one-on-one like that at a children's home! So, of course, I started crying for the 1,000th time this trip. :) There are roughly 8 children per encargata (caregiver)-actually probably even more... and as much as they would love to spend individual time with each child- they just can't. Makes me so sad...
Thanks for reading my ramblings guys! :)
I'm so glad to finally get to post again. These past few days have been CRAZY! Even my day off flew by- and the internet didn't work for DAYS here. No bueno.
So, let's see..
I went to Rio III last week! It's my favorite place. Just a quick explanation- "Rio" is Spanish for river- and the Spanish government allows the homeless to create homes, essentially out of garbage, since they don't have government housing here.
We took the group on a walk as we explained a little about the hurricane that hit last year, and what kind of damage that created for the Rio community. As we were walking, a dead chicken was laying on the ground amongst the piles of rotten food and garbage. It breaks my heart. I just can't even fathom not knowing when my next meal was going to be, or when if ever I would be able to clothe my children.
It was SO cool to see all has done for a small church in the Rio though! I honestly didn't recognize it! It had DOUBLED in size!! I'm not even exaggerating! I'm hoping to get to go back next week to take pictures!
I'm rather disappointed in myself!! I have barely taken any pictures!! It's quite different as an intern. There's SO much to do! I love it- it's so rewarding and exciting! But it also leaves little time to take any pics!
We had a GIGANTE FIESTA (giant party!) yesterday!! It was AWESOME! Each year there is a group that comes, and the man who leads the group brings T-shirts for EVERYONE, and pays to have this huge celebration. EVERY children's home we serve came to the back-to-back campus for the party! We had a huge tent set up, the kids got to see this neat program with costumed characters. And we all got to eat these steak (very expensive in Mexico) tacos with homemade pico de gallo and guacamole on them!!! It was so awesome.
The BEST part?! I got to meet the mother of the girls I sponsor!!
I realize this may not make sense- so let me explain as best as I can.
In Mexico, a parent does not need to sign over rights in order to drop a child off at a children's home. If a parent is no longer able to provide for a child, they are able to take them to a Casa Hogar. Wendy and Lidia's mom visits them about once very two weeks or so. I was finally able to meet her. I got a Spanish speaker to come over and try to explain how I was connected to her girls, but I'm not quite sure she understood. She was also very young. It seemed as if she really just didn't know what to do with the girls- if they cried or wanted to be held or anything. I'm really happy to know her, and to be able to put a face on who I am praying for. A friend here took a picture of the four of us, so I'm hoping to get it off her camera tonight! :)
Today's my day off, so it's laundry time! :) I'm hoping to get to go to Pollo Loco tonight with everyone- just have to hitch a ride with someone who's also going here.
I miss y'all and can't wait to hear from everyone when I get back! I honestly can't believe it'll only be 11 days until I get back! How weird!! To be honest I don't feel ready to go yet!!
Thanks for reading my ramblings guys! :)
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