quick pic!

i am so in love with the city of cochabamba. it is so diverse, pine trees, palm trees, cactus, and fruit trees. extreme poverty and wealth. mountains and the valley. modern and indigenous.

i am starting to feel better. took another long nap today and drank a lot of water! thanks for all the prayer! love, m

Monday Morning

Good morning! It is Monday, a fresh new week.

It is also carnival here. Carnival is a huge holiday here. Kids have Monday and Tuesday off of school. There are parades, confetti, spray foam, water balloons, masks, special food, and a lot of drinking. I have spent the morning relaxing at the house, not exactly what is in store for today. Bolivians love a good party, so I plan on laying low today.

Laying low is good plan because i haven't been feeling the greatest since yesterday afternoon. I took a four hour nap, and was up for two hours, and then slept for another eleven hours. If you know me, you would know I normally run on five hours of sleep a day, so this is not normal. I also had body aches. So being a good girl, i took motrin, airborne, drank a lot of water, ate some dinner, and went to bed early. I woke up feeling better, but now my belly and I are fighting. I could be dealing with not drinking enough water or the change in altitude. I am not sure. I am feeling better in the past hour or so, but would still appreciate any prayers. :)

Also, speaking of prayers, I would like to ask for you to pray for someone I love dearly today. No details necessary, just be praying for her especially today, and the weeks to come.

My close friend has not had her baby yet! AH! Hopefully soon!!!!!!!!! Be praying for her and a smooth delivery.

Yesterday I went to church for the first time in Bolivia. I attended Cochabamba International Church. We sang in Spanish and English. Some songs were just Spanish, and other songs the verses alternated languages. We sang a song about the Holy Spirit in Spanish, and I know some Spanish, so I understood it. But in that moment, it was so cool. I wasn't singing in my native tongue, but I was singing about how real our God is. I was singing along side other people who i have never met, but knew my Jesus to be true in their lives, as He is in mine. It was one of my favorite moments so far. The pastor who normally preaches was away with 20 couples on a couples retreat. So we had a guest speaker. He was a missionary to Bolivia years ago, and has since been in Paraguay doing full time missions. His message was encouraging and thought provoking. Just simple reminders to stop, look, and listen to what God is saying. And a reminder that we all have a call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, even if it isn't over seas.

I then went over to Danee's house for lunch, with her husband, and two girls. We had a yummy lunch, and awesome conversation. I love sharing the journey of getting here, and all my cool stories of how real my Savior is. We have knit hearts from having the same passions. It was lovely.

Then Danee took me to IC Norte, the grocery store. I picked up fresh baked Bolivian bread, Bolivian cheese, Ramen noodles, and a few other things. I spent 75 B's which is a little bit more than 10 USD. I was told if I cook Bolivian style, I won't spend a lot of money, but if I cook American, it will get expensive quick. For example, in the states I love to cook alfredo. So i looked at a jar of Alfredo sauce, it would have been equal to 7 USD, and thats the $1 stuff at home! But bread was less than a USD, and produce is cheap too. So, I am going to try my way at Bolivian cooking, lots of potatoes, rice, bread, and produce!

Love you! M

PS-It is my mom's birthday this week. I can't be there, but if you see her, will you treat her like a princess, and let her know she is loved?

Isaiah

If you are looking for a good book to read, go to Isaiah. It is full of good stuff!

I realized I hadn't been sharing the Bible as much as I wanted to. This morning I came across a few awesome verses, and wanted to pass them along.

Isaiah 26

vs3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

vs4 "Trust in the Lord forever, for he is the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."

vs7 "The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of righteous smooth."

vs8 "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desires of our hearts."

vs12 "Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we accomplish you have done for us."

vs13-14a "O Lord, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. They are now dead, they love no more; those departed spirits do not rise."

Happy Sunday! M :)

Greater things are yet to come.

God of this city (chris tomlin)


English
God Of This City

[Verse 1]
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

[Verse 1]

[Verse 2]

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our god
There is no one like our God

[Chorus]
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Spanish
Dios de Esta Ciudad

[Copla 1]
Eres el Dios de esta ciudad.
Eres el rey de estos gente.
Eres el señor (Dios) de esto país.
Tú eres...

[Copla 2]
Eres la luz en esta oscuridad.
Eres la esperanza a los gentes sin esperanza.
Eres la paz a los inquietos.
Tú eres...

No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.
No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.

[Estribillo]
Para cosas más grandes todavía no han llegado.
Y cosas más grandes todavía no se han hecho en esta ciudad.
Cosas más grandes todavía no han llegado.
Y cosas más grandes todavía no se han hecho aquí.

[Copla 1]

[Copla 2]

No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.
No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.

[Estribillo]
Para cosas más grandes todavía no han llegado.
Y cosas más grandes todavía no se han hecho en esta ciudad.
Cosas más grandes todavía no han llegado.
Y cosas más grandes todavía no se han hecho aquí.

No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.
No hay nadie como nuestro Dios.

[Estribillo]
Cosas más grandes todavía no han llegado.
Y cosas más grandes todavía no se han hecho en esta ciudad.
Cosas más grandes todavía no han llegado.
Y cosas más grandes todavía no se han hecho aquí.


Please join me in praying this for Cochabamba, Bolivia.

last blog for tonightne

#3 blog of the night! WOO! Hope you all have enjoyed reading the past little bit. I feel like I will never be able to express all that God is doing, all that I feel, experience, and see. But I am trying to relate as best as I can.

I think tomorrow I am going to do a "who's who" blog. I'm sure some other missionaries' names will wind up in here. So cool to see how we are all knit together.

A few families here are from Michigan. I get to do the "I live here...while pointing to hand" and talk about home to people who know it very well, while in South America. Goodness, so cool.

I will also try to paint word pictures of the different ministries, money, food, and different locations (city, mountains, guesthouse, my room, etc) so that way yall have a better picture until I post pictures.

But tonight, I sit jamming out to music, and drinking coca cola in my room. I am the only one staying in the house this weekend. Blogging away to my heart's content,or at least for a few more minutes.

Toilet paper CANNOT be flushed in Bolivian toilets. Their system can't handle it. Most public restrooms and homes don't even have tp.

Sink faucets are labeled "c" and "f". I wasn't thinkning the first time, and wanted cold water, and got a surprise of agua caliente!

The weather is lovely. Or at least I think so. Bolivians would disagree. I saw many wearing knit caps and winter jackets. It was 67 degrees F. It did rain some, which kept it cool. Dirt roads are muddy messes. My toms are pretty muddied up. It was sunny yeasterday morning. I ate Bolivian Fruit Loops outside. Yumm!

Bolivians = people Bolivianos = money

The water here is very unsafe. One of the other missionaries rinsed his toothbrush off with tap water, and left it out to dry over night. (If the water is completely dry, it is safe) His toothbrush didnt dry all the way, and he used it the next morning. He got sick with a stomach fungus. No thank you! Pleay hbe praying for all of us down here o be and stay healthy.

I had lunch at a Bolivian ish Panera my fisrt day. Panini sandwich with chicken, mushroom, onion, tomatoes, and cheese. It was amazing.

My first night for dinner we had chinese. Second night we had Iranian kebobs. Third night we had pizza. Haha. Its all been amazing, but I am ready for Bolivian food.

During the huge holiday/festival of Carnival, teenage boys will use water guns and water balloons to get girls and traffic wet. I was initiated today. Ha ha.

i got to call my daddy yesterday. It was a fun surprise! i talked to himfor 15 minutes. It was nice to hear his voice, and gush about my love for here.

i went to an orphanage my first day here. I was holding the sweetest boy on the couch, and I fell asleep. I had traveled 10am Tuesday - 10am thursday, and didnt get much sleep the last night. When I woke up, I was covered in a blanket, and had 9 pairs of chocolate brown eyes staring at me. next time I go over there, I need to be super awake and fun. Dont want them to think of me as the boring, sleeping girl!

Cochabamba is in a valley. We are surrounded by mountains that are the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Pretty cool!

I am falling more in love with being here than I ever could've imagined. I know I have 5.5 weeks left, but I wish it was forever. I think leaving is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. But I am trying to not focus on that. Just taking it day by day, and doing as much as possible while I am here.

Pretty excited to go to church tomorrow. I miss corporate worship, and coming together. I know it has only been a week, but I crave it. I think music is Spanish and English. Preaching is in English, with a spanish translator in headphones for Bolivians.

God is moving here. It is just a very dark place. Be praying for a pouring out of the Holy Spirit, and a revival. There is much work to do. Excited to be doing what i have been called to do.

Earlier tonight i read over some old blogs. Pretty cool stuff. Aasking for prayer about something specific, and two blogs later it is answered.

Thank you for supporting, reading, praying, encouraging and loving me.

Love you. Night Night. Mi

PS- I am a times zone ahead of any readers in the States. Im writing this from the future. Bahahahah. Sunday is looking good ;)

Ah what a day.

I took a truffi by myself today. A truffi is a vehicle (kinda like a taxi and a bus) that has a certain route they drive all day. They all have route numbers posted on the front of their vehicles. They can be vans, cars, suvs, or buses. They cost 1 B and 70 centavos. (30ish cents in US) The price is the same regardless of how long you ride. To get on, you stand on a corner or kinda in the street and wave one down. I take the 270 up and down America. (a main road. off of it is my house, mike and bonnie's house, the store, the church, etc) Once on, you might be the only person riding, or there could be over 20, depends on the route and time of day. To get off you hollar "i want to get off" or "the next corner please". It is an interesting way to travel! But cheap and effective!

Went to Saturday outdoor market. i bought cilantro, onion, tomato, and avacado to make guac tomo. i do have to wash everything in a special antiseptic before doing anything with it, so i need to pick it up at the store after church. i also bought a huge bouquet of daisies for my room for 5 b's (equal to less than a $1 usd)

went to baby washing in the plaza. i didn't wash today. i dressed the babes after they were washed. some had scabies and other things on their skin. heart breaking. but my oh my, i was smitten.

mike and i then went to another side of town to the coffee roaster. he wasn't finished yet, so i got to watch beans be roasted, ground and bagged. man it smelled good in there! about 50% of proceeds from bolivia's best coffee goes right into these orphanages. so cool. and it is really good coffee. i encourage people to buy it, now that i really see how it profits here. (check out the link on my blog!)

we then went out to pizza. three missionary families and me. there is so much work to be done here, and everyone has different passions, so its cool how God uses them all differently. There is work with the homeless on Tuesday nights. Fridays Steve goes to a bad part of town with some nurses and brings medical care to prostitutes and glue sniffers. He said it is the hardest thing, there are so many images you cant get rid of, that you wish you never saw. But i am anxious to do work there. God lit under me a fire for girls and women in prostitution and human trafficking, so looks like i get to get my hands dirty. there is also a nutrition center in town that takes care of kids. danee was telling me that one baby she just saw was 7 months old, but looked like a newborn. he was all skin and bones. there aren't enough workers there, so a lot of times babies are left in their cribs. so i plan on serving there too. such a need for Jesus' love. not even necessarily sharing the gospel yet, just meeting basic needs and showing love. what a broken place.

Ecclesiates 1:18 "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief." The more I see here, the more heartbroken I have become. But these people will not be freed, healed, and restored if we turn our backs, and avert our eyes. So convicted to do as much as I can in the name of Jesus while I am here.

I apologize for poor grammar.I am trying to get a few blogs done tonight before bed, so just pounding them out.

Pray for adjustment to the high altitude. I had a headache today. And for a continued healthy body!

(one of my friend's little girl's prays that Jesus would keep me safe if a bear were to bite my finger. out of the mouth's of babes. goodness, i love it!)

Love you all, M

the journey

February 15

I sat in the Miami airport at my gate sobbing. The reality of what i was about to embark on was staring me straight in my face. I wasn't scared. I just hated saying goodbye. My phone was dying, and once I boarded that plane, no more phone calls, text messages, facebook checks, or emails at my fingertips. The next time I talk to my loved ones was unknown.

So, I cried over that.

And then one of my closest friend's mom called for a quick last goodbye. She said her 39 week pregnant daughter (my friend), went to the doctor, and was having contractions. That was when the full on sobbing began. I wanted to meet that baby, brand new and just born. I know there are countless hours of baby time once I get back in April, but I wanted to hold him before I left. I hate knowing that I missed it. I know its not a big deal, but to me, in that moment, it was everything.

Sobbing in the airport, I began to pray. I needed the Holy Spirit, the Comforter to come in a tangible way.

i cried standing in line to board, I cried boarding the plane, and putting my carryon away, I cried sitting down and buckling up. Everyone on that plane must've had some interesting opinions of the sobbing, snotting American. I continued to pray for comfort.

Almost everyone on that plane spoke Spanish, so I started praying for someone to speak English. The plane was still boarding, and I still had big, fat tears rolling down my cheeks, when a girl with a Mickey Mouse shirt on came up to me. She stopped at my seat, put her hand on mine, and said something in Spanish. I being ever so graceful, blurted out, "Any chance you know English?!?" She responded in gorgeous English, "Yes, I do. I am actually fluent in 5 languages. I am a translator." I was then able to share why I was upset. You know how sometimes you just need to say it to someone listening, and then it is over? Well that was the case. I said it outloud that I was sad about missing my friend's son being born, but how excited i was to know I was going to where God had me to be. She reminded me of some truth, and rubbed my arm, and sat down. That was all I needed. Just the comfort of knowing someone cared, and being reminded that He's got me in the palm of His hand. No more tears after that. :)

More airplane stories...

Just had lunch. I think. Or an early dinner at 3:30. I had a hot, cheesy, turkey sandwich, a small salad, a coca cola, and 2 oreos. It hit the spot. I didn't even realize i was hungry. The man next to me doesn't speak any English, but he and his wife have kind eyes. I know everyone eats oreos differently, but i have never seen them eaten quite like this before. The man next to me opened his cookies, and scraped every bit of cream out of it, and then ate them. Better not get him double stuff oreos! Haha!

On the radio in the plane all of the verses of "I've been working on the railroad" are playing in English. So random.

I opened up my journal to write these tales down, and a piece of paper fluttered onto my lap. It was a verse from a friend. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." True that! Such a great reminder that wherever I go, He is with me, no need to fear!

The overwhelming theme of the past few hours has been God is not American. He doesnt just speak English. He truly is universal. Every man, woman, boy, and girl need Him in a very real way, if if they don't think they do. Religion or English may not translate, but a very real Savior does. I knew that before, but now with every part in me, I know that to be true. The power and love of Jesus can break barriers. I am so excited to share His love with some heartbroken and hurting people. Since He does not only speak English, and He lives inside of me, I believe He can, and will break barriers of language, culture, religion, and my awkwardness to share His love.

Love, M

Estoy Aqui

hola amigos!

i am here! it has been a long journey, and it is not complete yet. i have one more flight to cochabamba at 7am. i am sitting at a computer in the airport. i am exhausted, but so excited. i am here. for real. no longer a dream. im living it.

i have so many stories to share, but not much time now. i need to check into my next flight, and find something to eat.

all i can say is, God went before me. every step of the way. everything was smooth, and the couple small hiccups didnt bother me. peace that passes all understanding is filling my soul. He put people in my path for exact moments. So blessed.

if you are up, and see this, please be praying for my luggage. i am only allowed 44lbs total. i am bringing 100. also be praying i find rest soon. i havent slept much since the hotel in miami, and i so excited, but i know i need sleep soon.

love you all so much. looking forward to getting there, and changing clothes, i smell like airplane.
¨
love M

Goodbye USA!

<p>I am sitting at the gate, waiting to board the plane that will take me to panama city. One more step closer to Bolivia! </p>

<p>I was thinking, my heart has been in cochabamba for weeks, its about time the rest of me is getting there! Ha ha. So close I can almost touch it. What a beautiful journey it has been. </p>

<p>Last night was lovely. (I am hoping to write a blog about last night, and God's love before leaving) Such a wonderful night of sleep. I slept in a king size bed, was full of the peace of God, and was exhausted from travel and carrying suitcases all over. I read God's word, caught up on emails, and made sure paperwork was all set. I fell asleep as soon as I hit the pillow. </p>
<p>This morning I woke up at 6, grabbed my phone from charging in the bathroom and fell back asleep. That bed was amazing. I fully woke up at 830, and relaxed. It was such a nice feeling to not have to worry about my car (be praying what to do for a car in April, she is close to kicking the bucket.) or stress about juggling three babysitting jobs in one day. No anxiety. Just peace, and excitement. I'm doing it. I living my dream. </p>

<p>This morning I realized I forgot all my medical insurance info on my couch in Auburn Hills. Be praying that He will make that way smooth, and it can be emailed to me. Also pray that I won't even need it. I began to be anxious about traveling, but God is good, and after calling out to Him, and binding anxiety in Jesus' name, peace over came my soul. </p>
<p>I got ready and went downstairs to the airport. Cops Air was close to the hotel. Which was wonderful because I was struggling with luggage. 130 lbs of awkwardness is....well, awkward. :) </p>
<p>I got checked in fine, but my brand new duffle bag had a hole in it, so I had to pay to get it wrapped in neon green plastic wrap. The man who worked the little station was very talkative. His English isn't wonderful, and my Spanish isn't either, but we understood each other fine. His name was Rafael. He has been in Miami for 10 months, and is from Cuba. As he wrapped my bag, he asked where I was going, and what I was doing, and I got to share a little bit. He then told me he will pray for me for six weeks. What a blessing. </p>

<p>As I walked through security, I must've had a terrified look on my face. The security man looked at me and said, "You don't need to be afraid, there is nothing to fear, you are going to be okay."</p>

<p>So thank you whoever has been praying with me for every person I come in contact with. They have all shown me grace and kindness. I also did not have to pay a penny for my bags to be checked. Yay! </p>

<p>Boarding begins in half an hour. I leave at 2:27 pm. Please be praying for me every step of traveling today and tomorrow. I arrive in Cochabamba tomorrow (thursday) morning at 745. </p>

<p>Please be praying for my ears to understand Spanish, and my tongue to speak it. Pray that my luggage is not an issue in Bolivia, and that any extra fees are cheap. Be praying for health and strength, and rest when needed. Pray that Jesus shines through everything I do, and everything I say. Pray for Devon from Texas and Jonathan from Maine who will be coming to cochabamba in the next few weeks to serve. Be praying that Satan's lies will be muted, and his plans thwarted. Pray for finances. </p>

<p>Thank you so much for your support. This may be my last blog for a while. No idea when I will be back online, and for how long.

Goodbye beautiful country I love, and hello beautiful country that holds my heart.

Email me @ michelletobolivia@gmail.com

Until later! M

And I'm off!

There are so many tales to tell from the past few days, I hope I recall all of them.

I am currently on a plane, thousands of feet in the the air, flying to Miami. Cozied up in seat 12F, drinking a Coca-Cola, with God's Word open, just amazed.

If you would've asked me the past few days and weeks if I was nervous, I would've said no. And that was the truth. I haven't been nervous or stressed for the most part, just excited. I have a peace from God. That peace has multiplied and is now beyond overwhelming.

If you know me, or have read previous blogs, you know I hate to fly. I hate airports, security, luggage issues, planes, dealing with tons of peopleetc. So I started praying for the path to be made smooth before me. And yesterday I started asking for every airport person I come in contact with to be gracious and kind towards me. I have been begging God for His favor.

Wow. Where to begin......

Yesterday morning I was a mess. I was crying and the most stressed I have been in months. I had lies of doubt being whispered in my ear. My bags were over weight, and still not packed. My to do list was only getting longer as the hours grew shorter. My house and car were beyond messy. I was starting to feel sick again. I was battling.

I went to a friend's house to pray, and just be in the Word together. This group of women have been my spiritual soul sisters the past few weeks. I love them all dearly. We gathered in the living room, and they all laid hands on me, and started praying. The very second they touched me, and started praying, I had the most incredible feeling. It was like a whoosh from the tip of my head, to the bottom of my toes of peace. It wasn't just a feeling, it was real. My entire body and spirit was resting in His peace. These women believe in who our God is, and in His power. When we pray in the power of Jesus' name, I truly believe hell shakes.

One thing I was freaking out about was how much my bags weigh. For American Airlines, I can pay $60, and have two 50lb checked bags, but not an ounce more. For Copa Airlines, for free, I can have two 50 lb checked bags. And for Aero Sur, I can only have 44 lbs total, or I am paying over weight baggage fees. (please be praying for God's favor there)

Last night, one of my bags was 50 something and the other was close to 70 lbs. My roommate (who has been a rockstar at helping me pack) and I went thru everything, and took stuff out. No more peanut butter, extra bath towel, mouthwash, deck of cards, extra jeans, books, etc. It was a hard night of decisions. I had bought a little hand weigher for luggage because my scale is jacked up. We weighed and rearranged, weighed and took stuff out, weighed and rearranged until almost two in the morning.

When I got to the airport this morning, I put my first bag on the scale, and it was 51.5 lbs. I was told to put the second bag on the other scale. It weighed 48.5 lbs. I put on thing from the first bag to the second, and reweighed them. They both came out to 50.0 exactly. Not an ounce over. God's favor right there. He was going before and making the path smooth.

I had the most cheerful, smiley airport workers I have ever met or seen. The scary looking security guard and I laughed together. Wherever my feet will go, He has already gone before. Security was not an issue, and I found my gate right away.

When I got onto the plane, I actually fell asleep before the plane took off. (that has NEVER happened, normally I am sick to my stomach and so nervous) Praise be to my God for being so real. The plane is completely full, and somehow I ended up with the only empty seat next to me. So I get to relax and spread out a bit.

The sunshine out the window of the plane is warm and comforting. I am doing exactly what I am supposed to do. What peace. It goes beyond any explanation or understanding. I cannot describe it. I can only say it has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with a very real God.
I walked onto the plane today, and I had a rushing feeling of my dreams are here, they are reality. I'm doing it. This is real life. Wow.

I land in Miami tonight, and will be staying the night in a hotel. Tomorrow morning I fly Miami to Panama City, and then Panama City to Santa Cruz, Bolivia tomorrow night. Thursday morning I fly Santa Cruz to Cochabamba, Bolivia, and there I will be for six weeks!

Thank you all for every bit of encouragement. It was such a blessing today. I will have some internet access, so please email me! michelletobolivia@gmail.com. You can also sign up by email to have this blog delivered into your inbox. It is completely private. I am not sure how much I will be on Facebook while I am there, but I will pop in occasionally.

Excerpts from an email from one of my closest friends. Made me smile. "... I am beyond excited for you! As long as I have known you (and that has been a long time!) this has been your dream. I always thought you were a little crazy when we were young, but now I totally get it!!! ~ Be safe. Watch out around you when in public. Don't take candy from strangers. Don't get in a creepy van with no windows. ~ If a man is making advances on you, he probably just wants a green card so tell him "NO!" ~ I do not believe that you will meet your man in Bolivia or that this is one more thing to check off your list before you can get married. ~ Eat breakfast ~ Brush your teeth twice a day. ~ Wear shoes... most of the time at least! ~ Remember the sunscreen, even if it rains all day. The sun can still burn you through clouds. ~ Wear bug spray ~ Look out for small animals. ~ Don't kidnap any brown babies!" So grateful for a friend who gets me better than most. Laughing at her advice, and loving knowing I have an incredible woman praying for me. Any more advice any of you would like to leave, do so in the comments. Ha ha, might make me smile.

I had another great friend write me encouraging cards for each week I am gone, and a few extra in case I need them. Pretty excited to read them. What a thoughtful friend.

Thank you for believing in me, and what God is doing in me and through me. I love sharing this journey with you all. You are the reason I'm here now. Thank you. Please continue praying.

Things to be praying for:
-continued boldness
-continued favor
-continued safety
-continued peace
-holy spirit to guide
-satan to be muted and bound and have no power in any of this
-rest and health

I have a little gnome away from home. (check the pictures) Currently he is unnamed. I am doing a little contest. You can leave a name suggestion in the comments section, and I will choose a winner. Whoever wins will get a little prize from Bolivia. Check out more mini contests to follow in the weeks to come!

Love you all. Planning on blogging a few more before I leave the country in the morning.

M:)

the library.

Yesterday I was at the library. I had pulled a few books on Bolivia, and was sitting at a table reading one quietly. As I read, Satan began whispering lies to me. He is the Father of Lies, and any untruth comes directly from his lips. I began believing I didn't know enough about the country, the people, or the culture. I was doubting if God could really use me. So, I asked God to renew my mind, and calm my restless heart.

A woman came up to me. We had never met, and never talked before. She simply stated, "I lived in Bolivia for six months, you're going to do great." Um, what????!!? How did she know?!? Maybe she had seen the book I was reading, but I could've just been reading a random book. God gave me that woman to calm my heart. I asked her questions about the people and culture. And she reassured me, I will be okay. It was a short conversation, but a mighty one.
Most people don't even know where Bolivia is, (South America, sharing borders with Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay.) let alone, have actually been there for any length of time. I refuse to believe in coincidences. I will believe in a God who hears the whispers of my heart, and responds in a real way.

I am packing all day. Woo! Let's do this! :)

If you would like to donate items for me to take to the orphanages, and dump, to love on some kiddos, its not too late!
-toothbrushes
-toothpaste
-underwear
-socks
-crayons
-coloring books
-baby wash
-if you have something else you would like to send, just ask.

I am leaving in 5 days, so please let me know if you want to send anything! Email or text me, and we can meet up soon!

I would love to get emails while I am gone. :) If you would like to send any messages, pictures, etc, please send them to michelletobolivia@gmail.com

Love, M

your love is better than life

I have been so overwhelmed with the support I have received so far. I am so grateful for every bit.

Tonight I was blown away once again at His goodness. I had an hour and a half break in between babysitting jobs. I went to the store to purchase a few items to pack in my first aid kit, and a bag of dove chocolate (my favorite ever!) to take on my trip.

I got to my second babysitting job a few minutes early. When I walked in, there was a note rubberbanded to some money on the table. It was from the 7 year old boy I babysit. There was $8 of his hard earned money. He wanted to give, to help me go and love on some people, and share Jesus. Seven years old. He blew me away. What faith and obedience he has to give. What a cheerful giver.

Minutes after I had walked in the house to babysit, I received a phone call from an old friend. We have been trying together for weeks. She happened to be in the same area I was at. The mom I was babysitting for told me to leave and meet my friend up the road, and just come back. It was perfect. I drove two minutes up the road, and met my friend at a gas station. She handed me money. I know it was every bit as hard earned, and given in faith as the boy's eight dollars. I am so thankful for it. What a blessing it is! I asked her to pray for me. So in the chilly night, we held hands, and she thanked God for what He's doing in me and through me, and for giving me opportunities to serve and love. She told Him she knew I was meant to be a missionary, wherever that may be, and thanked him for this opportunity in Bolivia. She prayed with such truth and authority, it stirred up my heart, and shook my soul. I was then able to share with her some amazing ways God has been moving. She is so excited for me. Having friends who support me is one of the greatest gifts I've received. Her excitement made my excitement grow. I want to jump up and down, and squeal like a junior high girl.

If I am being used in huge ways here, watching mountains move, reading the Bible with fresh eyes, knowing it is alive and for me in this moment, and knowing a real God who has become more personal than ever before, and I haven't even left yet.....hold on. I cannot wait for what's to come.

I am standing on the cusp of what is to come. Literally, I am less than a week away.

Tomorrow is my last night at youth group and young adults gathering, until April. I am probably going to be weepy, because that has been my response to everything lately. I am so excited to go and serve in Bolivia, but a part of my heart is sad to be leaving where I have been serving here. I love Wednesday nights. It is the highlight of my week. I love my high school girls, and their silly stories. I love watching young adults be excited and hungry for the true Word of God. I love worshipping together with people I love dearly. I love baking yummy treats for young adults. I love sneaking upstairs at church to where my mom serves with the little kids to sneak a hug. I love being apart of a youth group with my brother and three sisters. Wednesday night is the best. I am so excited for tomorrow.

Psalms 63
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory. Because YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced."

Love, M :)

8 days left!

I am 8 days away from the biggest adventure of my life so far. 8 days. Single digits. Next week. Here we go!

This trip is a long time coming. I got the ball rolling for this trip last January. So it has been 13 months wondering, and preparing for Bolivia. But in the early 90's, my dad went to Honduras for a building mission trip. When he came home, I heard stories of him building churches, seeing God move, and stories about all the kids. As a little girl I wanted to be just like my daddy, and still do. He is a good, Godly man. I want to love on the unlovable, build churches, share Jesus to those who need Him, and be used by a real God. This is a long time coming. I know I have some sort of calling on my life. Not sure what that means, entirely. But I do know Bolivia for 6 weeks is a good step in the right direction. 

I have a strange love for brown babies. My only guess from where this began would be the kids my dad had taken pictures of while on mission trips. One of my favorite stories my mom tells, is when my younger sister was born, I was so upset she wasn't brown. I didn't want a white baby. I wanted a brown one. She thinks when we had visited the hospital beforehand, the nursery only had little brown babies. Wherever this love came from, it is there, deep in my heart. I can't wait to love on some brown Bolivian babes, wrap my arms around them, cover them in kisses, tell them how beautiful they are, and how loved they are. Ah. My heart aches to be there.

God is so good. His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful and constant even when nothing else is. I have been falling so in love with my Savior the past few weeks. His love for me is overwhelming. He is in control over everything, and His timing is perfect.

This weekend so many wonderful things occurred. On Friday night, a couple girl friends and I went out to Novi, and stayed the night in a hotel. Through God's favor, and an awesome couple, we got the two hotel rooms for free. We had such a lovely night. We had a fun dinner together, shared stories in the hot tub, ate cheese cake on the bed, and had one of the sweetest nights of my life. We shared what His has been teaching us in His word, and had an incredible night of prayer. I have always believed prayer is a good thing, but didn't always believe in the power of it. My goodness. I know with everything in me, how powerful prayer can be. I get to talk to the Creator of the universe, and He listens, and knows me intimately. It's incredible. The same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead, lives inside of me. I have that power. My eyes have been opened to how important prayer, and the power of God is. James 5:16b "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." I am so blessed to have an awesome sisterhood that has come along side me, mentored me, and prayed for, and with me. Ah. I could write and write the things I have been learning about my God, and His love, but there wouldn't be enough time. I do challenge you to read the Bible for yourself, and ask God to reveal what it means, and seek out to know more. It will change your life.

Packing is in full swing. I have shrink wrapped toilet paper, and laughed about it. My living room is a mess of lists and piles. But we are getting there!

Saturday I was able to spend the whole day with my best friend and her beautiful baby girl. We celebrated my birthday, 3 months late, but it was celebrated! It was gorgeous, warm, and sunny. I loved it. I have been so blessed to get a lot of quality friend time lately.

Last night, my roommate and I went to downtown Detroit, as part of our roommate fun-day Sunday. We went ice skating to start off the festivities. I had accidentally forgotten my socks at home, on the table. I planned on buying socks at the ice rink, but they had ran out. So I put my skates on barefoot. Perhaps not one of my better plans. I am not a great skater, but I am much improved from when I began a few years ago. Last night was awful. In my mind, I believe I am Michelle Kwan, but once I am laying in the middle of the rink, I realize I am Michelle Robinson. I fell so many times last night. Frustrated, I tried to leave the rink, slipped, and landed flat on my back, hurting everything, everywhere. I think I am going to retire my skates for a little bit. :) We then went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner, which was close to empty, due to the Superbowl. After dinner, we walked to Greek town, to get dessert from Astoria Bakery. Yummmmmm. I even got to share the love of Jesus with a homeless man. It was such a fun night.

Until, we couldn't find the car. Neither of us could remember where we had parked. We started wandering the streets of downtown Detroit, alone, and in the dark. Probably not the best. Frustrated, we paused, and I suggested praying. I closed my eyes, and I'm pretty sure my roommate was a bit freaked out, and was actively keeping watch. I just asked for our steps to be guided to the car, for us to be pointed in the right direction, and for continued safety. Less than a minute later, a man on the other side of the street yelled at us that we were looked lost, and needed to go straight, then turn right. He also said we looked lovely like angels. The car was right where he told us to go. I don't know if he saw our ice skates and pointed us in the direction of the rink, or if he was an angel, just giving us crystal clear directions, but God used that man. Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Please listen to me, I am not an advocate for a couple of girls wandering the streets of Detroit alone after dark. Don't do it. I believe God gave us brains. But, I also am a believer in God's power and protection. I had such a peace walking the streets of Detroit. I was reminded of a verse. Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord." Any weapon, any evil man, any wrong doing had to go through Jesus, who was covering me. I was claiming that verse. He had me. If I can wander Detroit, I can go to Bolivia by myself. I have the power and protection of God. He's got me. 2 Timothy 4:17a " But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..." 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 1 John 4:18a "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear.."

I am so excited for things to come. I am not nervous or scared. Just excited! I am so blessed that He continues to use me here, right where I'm at. 8 days left in the mitten for a while. :)

Please be praying for:
- Me as packing is going on. I have a lot to take, and bags must weigh under a certain weight. Prayers also needed for lowest possible baggage fees.
- My heart to be prepared to leave.
- Final preparations.
- Family to have peace with me being gone.
- People of Bolivia.
- Missionaries in Bolivia.
- Continued good health and safety.

Happy Monday! Love, M

11 days to go...

We are getting so very close. Eleven days until I get on a plane. Thirteen days until I am in Bolivia. I don't know if I have ever been so excited about something in my life. It's so close. My dream is beginning to become a reality. I can almost touch it.

I received an email this week from one of the missionaries in Bolivia. It was another "what to expect" email. I am so grateful for any peek into what my life will be like for six weeks.

My heart was overjoyed, there was a fire burning in my soul, and a smile affixed to my face as I read of the opportunities I will have. Baby washings at the dump. Loving the homeless in the plaza. Distributing food to poor neighborhoods. Working in orphanages. Painting and staining. Laying brick. Cement work. I have also been told previously that I will have opportunities to work with youth in an after school program, and help in a local restaurant's kitchen that benefits the orphanages. My heart is singing. I love all of those things. Brown babes, the homeless, cooking, painting, teenagers. Yes, please.

I was also informed that there is an internet cafe directly across the street from the place I will be living. I plan on checking email, getting on Facebook, and blogging semi frequently. I love emails, send 'em my way! (michelletobolivia@gmail.com) My phone will be completely off, so any voicemail or text message will not go through, even when I come back home. I might get a cheap pay as you go cell phone while I am there, but it would probably be too expensive to talk and text much from Bolivia to the United States. So really, email me!

Please be praying for:

- Packing to go smoothly. Everything to be under weight in suitcases, not to forget anything, and not be stressed about packing.

- My family to have such a peace with me going. I know my parents are proud of me, and are excited, but are also my parents. I am going pretty far away, for longer than I've ever been away. I know they worry.

- For me to keep sharing Jesus, wherever I am.

- Power of the Holy Spirit to continue to equip, prepare, and strengthen me.

- My neighbor and my sweet late night Meijer cashier friend. I know God is beginning to stir something in their hearts. That they would come to know Jesus for who He is.

- Orphaned and abandoned babies in Bolivia.

- A real revival to know Jesus to spring up in the Church in Bolivia.

I've had a song stuck in my head for days. The lyrics have been rolling around in my brain. The content has resonated with my heart. I know it to be true. So I thought I would share.

One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me
On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death and in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love

Happy Friday! Love, M