Being Content While Single : Prayer

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Wednesday! The week is half way over!

 

Today I want to talk about praying for our husbands. I know, you're single, you don't know him yet. Well, neither do I. But I don't think that should stop us from praying for them. The God we pray to is well aware of who our men are, so when we pray for them, although we don't know who they are, He already does. And that same God, hears our prayers.

 

I want to interject that by praying for them, I do not mean asking God to send them sooner. I have often prayed that, but today I am talking about something totally different.

 

A few months ago two other girls and I did a Bible study. We decided to do a book study, and somehow stumbled upon the book, Praying for Your Future Husband. (This book is part of the giveaway!) It changed my world. It pointed me to Christ, and to the Bible in such a real way.

 

This book encouraged me to pray for my man in real ways. Not just prayers for our future marriage, but actually praying for him right now, wherever he is.

 

This has changed my view of a lot of things. I realize my husband is a real man, right now. He is already born, grown, and living life somewhere. (When I pray for him, I always picture him in Africa, is that weird?) He has real struggles, problems, and disappointments. My prayers right now can effect him, right now. I may not know him, or his exact problem, but I believe that when I pray for patience, strength, and protection, God knows what he needs in that moment, and He hears my prayers. What a unbelievably incredible way to impact his life before even meeting him!

 

One of the biggest bonuses of praying for my future husband, is that it has brought so much contentment and peace to my heart. I am not sure how it works, but I know the more I pray for this very real man, the more faith I have in God's plan, and the more at ease my heart feels.

 

 "Trust also means believing your prayers will work in the life of your future husband even though you can't see him today. ... You have most likely not met him yet, but your prayers will make a difference in his life. As you pray, you too are changed. You're building your trust. You're placing your hopes in God's hands, and there's no better place they can be." (Praying for your Future Husband-Preparing Your Heart for His Gunn and Goyer)

 

Another thing praying for my future husband has done for me, is put things into perspective. When I think about some girl kissing my husband right now, I don't like it. The same is true for him, I'm sure he doesn't want some random guy kissing his future wife. The more I pray for him, the more I realize I want to remain pure for him. I want to save the late night conversations, the flirting, the cuddles, and the sharing of hopes and dreams. It is teaching me to guard those things close, because there is only one man worthy of unlocking them, and he isn't here yet.

 

I have a little notebook with random ramblings. They are letters and notes to my husband. I long for the day to sit down and read them with him. I can't wait to hear his side of the stories of the nights I woke up from a deep sleep with him on my heart, and protection on my mind. What was he doing? How did God answer my prayers? While I was out serving Jesus, was he doing the same? What situations was he in while I prayed for clarity in making decisions? I have dated my letters, in great anticipation of hearing his adventures that just may correspond with my prayers.

 

I know praying for him now is also good practice for being a praying wife, and a praying mother one day. It is a good habit to start now.

 

I urge you to begin praying for your husbands. I have had the most incredible few months of trusting God, and learning contentment while praying for mine. I know it may be a slightly strange concept to some of you, but I encourage you to try.

 

Have a great day! Love, Michelle

Wednesday's question: What are 3 things you can pray for your future husband right now?

 

 

 

GiveAWay Info: I will be giving a way a prize pack with some of my favorite goodies at the end of this series! There is only one prize. You can enter every day of the week by answering the question at the end of each daily blog. You can go back to previous days blogs for additional enteries. Leave a comment with your name, city and state, and your answer to my question to be entered in this week's prize pack! I will announce the winner in a post on Saturday, April 13th, 2013. The winner will have to contact me via email at michelletobolivia@gmail.com with their mailing address to receive their prize. Good luck! Prize Pack includes: The book Praying for Your Future Husband: Preparing Your Heart for His, Measuring cups and spoons, Nivea lip balm, Revlon nail polish, and a Bath and Body Work's lemon candle.

The Complete Series:

Intro

Day One: Identity
Day Two: Love

Day Three: Prayer

Day Four: Truth Day Five: Adventure

 

 

 

Don't forget to check out the other 15 blogs also doing the Intentional Living Series. You will be encouraged! I know I have been so far!

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever had a moment that you knew you were exactly where you should be, doing exactly what you should be doing?
I won't lie, those moments are rare. Most of my life is just doing life. I go to work, I make dinner, I hang out with friends, and there are days I just want to get through. But occasionally, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing what I'm supposed to do.
Last night was one of those rare moments.
A few months ago one of my best friends and I were talking. Were in a weird spot. 25 and single. It's not necessarily normal. Especially in the church. We don't really fit anywhere. Women's ministry is wonderful, but they are married and have kids, some even our age. We are at different places in life. There is a lot of wisdom to be gained from spending time with them, but it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. There is young adult ministry, but again, were just at different places. No longer fresh from high school and living at our parents, we have bills, and are ready to settle down. So, here we are, stuck awkwardly in the middle.
So, we talked and started praying about about starting a get together night with other single girls in their mid/late twenties /early thirties and encouraging each other.
We had no idea what that looked like.  We discussed if we wanted to do a book study, a specific section of the Bible, or just share what were learning throughout the week. We went out to dinner, and ended up looking over a few books. The book topics were diverse.
We prayed, and ended up choosing one. Not sure if anyone else would even be interested in what we wanted to study, we ordered the books, and decided to trust God.
We didn't know if it would just be the two of us. We were feeling slightly cynical and discouraged, so I began to pray for girls to come. Not for twenty girls, but for maybe a couple of girls that were in the same place as us.
Wednesday night I ran into a friend at church, and we started talking. Somehow this study got brought into conversation. She asked if she could pass my number onto her cousin. Not thinking much of it, I agreed.
She texted me before I even got home, and she came to Bible study last night. She shared how she had been struggling with the same issues as us, and had been praying for months to find Christian girlfriends her age and in her area. We are all 25, and all live 5 minutes from each other. (How good is God?!?) She shared what God is doing in her life, and my heart was so full of joy. The study we chose is exactly what she had been talking to God about. So, we opened the Word, prayed for each other, and shared life together. It was amazing to hear exactly what we were all praying in the past few months, and how God is working it out, with each other as answers to prayer.
I cannot wait to see what God has in store. I'm giddy. It is such a delightful feeling to know I am being used by a real God. And that He really is working things together for my good. And for this moment, I'm exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
So, Happy Friday.
Love, M :)
Jeremiah 29:11-12
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Urgent prayer needed.

I received this email this afternoon. Please join me in praying for Marcelino, Sofia, their children, and the orphans they care for in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Hi Friends. I am still Stateside but just received an email from a friend in Bolivia. She just let me know that Marcelino is currently in the hospital because he is bleeding a lot. According to Sofia, she says that the doctors are concerned that he may die. If you would please pray for him to be able to heal from this and recover quickly. Also, please keep the children in your prayers as they just moved to a new location and all of this is pretty traumatic for them. I am sorry that I have no more information, but will let you know if I do. Thank you for your prayers!
Blessings, Kathryn
James 5:16b "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Love, M

Jesus is still King.

Politics make people act crazy.
Please be aware and remember that whoever is president of our great nation will fail us. For he is a man, and he is a politician. If we put our faith and hope in him, we will be let down.
So, remember that whatever happens, Jesus is still King. He is in His throne. He is not unaware of happenings here. He is sovereign. He is good. He is in control. He is in charge.
The Bible specifically talks about how God gives authority to leaders.
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
So, regardless of whoever is in power, be of good hope. Jesus is our only hope. He brings freedom. He conquered sin, death, hell, the grave, and Satan. He brings peace. He renews, restores, and refreshes. He came to give us abundant life. We have a home in heaven, only because of Him. He alone is good, and worthy of praise.
Don't get caught up in men's empty promises. Trust in Jesus. His words are tried and true.
Be praying for our nation and its leaders as we face our future.
Get some sleep tonight.
Love, M.

Surprise Surgery and His Sovereignty

Monday night I came home to find my roommate on the couch watching tv. She told me she didn't feel great, and was skipping our late night roomie chat and tv show. She said something just felt off in her body. She went to bed early, and I spent time in my room reading before bed.

Tuesday morning I was up at 5, like normal. My normal routine was in motion, until I noticed the kitchen light was on. My roommate stumbled out of her room looking rough. She told me she hadn't really slept through the night, and wasn't feeling well. She assumed it was a kidney infection. I reminded her to go to the doctor and keep me posted. I then left the house by 5:50am.

Around 8:30am she called me and told me she was really sick to her stomach and in pain. I got off the phone and got online, looking for clinics that were cheap, since she doesn't have insurance.

We then texted back and forth all day. She kept me updated with snippets of phrases in the midst of pain.

I didn't realize how badly she felt until later.

She took an ambulance to the hospital and spent the day in the emergency room.

They had found a large mass on her ovary during an ultra sound. They scheduled surgery for that night.

Uncertainty.

She asked me to call her mom and explain what was going on.

Her family and friends all live on the other side of the state, a few hours away. She doesn't really know anyone here, except for me. I am her person.

I arrived at the hospital a bit after 7:30 pm, thinking I would not be able to see her before surgery.

I was able to see her in the pre-op area for a while. I prayed with her. Peace flooded over both of us.

He is sovereign. He is faithful. He is good regardless of the outcome. He is in control. He is not surprised by this. He is loving. He is healer. He is provider. He is peace.

I was able to meet the whole surgical team, and ask questions. That in itself was a blessing. I am not family, and yet they shared exactly what was going on.

She went back to the or, and I went to the waiting area. I updated my Facebook, and began praying.

If you know me well, you would testify to the fact that I am not always calm. I am often an emotional wreck.

Every day since being back from Bolivia I have cried and cried, longing to be there. I have cried, being overwhelmed at the grocery store, missing my babies, seeing a sweet commercial....I am a mess.

But.

God held me together. I was a pillar of strength. It was not my own. I was calm. I did not shed one tear. I did not throw up. I did not sit in a corner and grow grey hair. He held me together.

I trusted God. I was filled with Him. The prayers of my dear friends and family overwhelmed me as I remembered and reflected on who He is, and how He is always faithful.

My roommate's mom had driven a few hours and arrived at the hospital while she was still in surgery.
We got coffee and went back to waiting. I began to share bits of pieces of my story in Bolivia. I shared His faithfulness. I reminded us of who He is. We were filled with peace that is not from this world. We huddled together on a chair and praised our Jesus and begged for healing.

While we were praying, the doctors came out to talk with us. They took us to a back room, and closed the door. We then listened to the surgeon explain that the mass was a very large cyst. It had grown and filled very fast and the weight and position of it has twisted her right falopian tube, and cut off the blood supply to her right ovary. They had drained the cyst, and are fairly confident it was benign.

She was going to be okay. She was waking up in recovery. We would be able to see her soon.

The surgery may make it more difficult to get pregnant one day. But I am reminded of a God that opened the womb of a woman in her 90's, caused a barren woman to have a son, and a virgin to carry a baby.

Our God is greater, and He is able.

I helped her and her mom get settled into her hospital room and ready for bed.

She came home yesterday, and has been camped out on the couch watching movies. Please be praying for her as she continues to recover.

We know God is sovereign. We know He is aware of timing. We praise Him for that. If this would've happened 3 weeks prior, I would've still been in Bolivia. She would've had no one with her. If it would've happened three weeks later, she would've been in Puerto Rico doing missions work. We are so blessed I was here, and she was able to go to a wonderful hospital.

She is going to Puerto Rico for four months this summer to work at a camp for kids and to share Jesus.

I am asking you to pray for God to be two things to her. Provider and Healer.

She doesn't have insurance. She is done with her job since she is on bed rest and leaving in a week. She will soon have many medical bills stacking up. She rode an ambulance, spent the day in the er, had emergency surgery, and stayed the night in the the hospital. None of which will be cheap. We are praying for God to move mountains and provide for her medical expenses.

We are also praying for God to do big things in support for her mission trip. She is not fully funded, and is set to leave May 1st. I keep reminding her that He is faithful. He called her, so He will provide. It was a roller coaster raising funds for Bolivia. But the most incredible faith building thing I have ever done. I love watching Him unravel His plan little bit by little bit as we trust Him.

Please pray for healing. She is beginning to move off the couch and get up by herself. She has a follow up appointment early next week. The doctors have said she is cleared to go to Puerto Rico, as long as everything looks good. She is tired and in need of rest. Her body is sore from surgery and medicines. Please join me in prayer for rest, healing, and energy.

She has much to do in the next few days. I know God will show Himself to be faithful. He always does.

I know this was a long blog. But I just had to share. He is good when life feels so uncertain. He is sovereign in the confusion. He is peace. He is in control.

I look forward to sharing more as it all unfolds. I know she will have great stories. I can't wait to hear them.
Love you all. M.

These city lights....a girl could get lost tonight...

I normally prefer to fly early in the morning. I don't know if I have ever flown at night and sat by a window.

Tonight, I left Coch and flew to Santa Cruz. Coch Valley is strikingly beautiful. It is a huge, densely packed city, full of lights. At night, from a plane, it looks like God spilled glitter from Heaven onto a black sheet in a perfectly precisioned manner.

It must've been one of the prettiest things I have ever seen.

Blue, Orange, and white glitter, sparkling down below. Looking just like the magical city that stile my heart 6 short weeks ago.

Cochabamba, I will miss you, and your surprising beauty. You hold a special place in my heart, and I long to return one day. I hope for the day when I can call you home.

More stories.....

A man told me to go up the electronic ladder to immigration. He meant escalator.

Trying to leave the country....my bag was searched twice. Once because I have a flashlight, and it showed up on the xray. The second time almost everything was taken out of my carry on. My bags of coffee were cut open and he smelled them to make sure I wasn't smuggling coke. He complimented how good the coffee smelled. (I laughed. It is great coffee) I was then questioned by two men. I then thought I was in the clear. But then a woman directed me into a room and patted me down.

So glad my Jesus was with me. I wasn't freaked out.

I was humored that little, missionary, me appeared to be a threat. But grateful they are strict on drug trafficking. I believe Bolivia is the 2nd or 3rd biggest coke distributor in the world. And the good ole US of A is the number one consumer in the world. Interesting fact.

I am now in a room waiting to go to the gate. It's after one in the morning and I am getting tired.

Hoping we board soon. I am looking forward to a nap en route to Panama!

I am now in Miami. My flight home has been delayed by three hours. I am just ready to be home. I am tired. I am tired of sleeping in airports and airplanes. I am anxious to see my family.

But even here, God is using me.

A woman ran up to me, and frantically asked if I spoke English. She then shared that her daughter is having her first baby in Miami. The woman is from Chicago. She was so upset because she got a cab to see her daughter, but was $17 short. Her bank card wasn't working, and she didn't know where to go next, or what to do. I handed her some money, and asked if I could pray for her. She started crying, and agreed. She was overwhelmed by me, but I just told her, its just Jesus. Please be praying for Joann and her daughter Sarah,  having a baby.

I am so glad He is using me in tangible ways in foreign places, and home too. What a good God we serve.

Flight should leave around 10! Be home early tomo morning!

asking for...

First off, I am begging for your prayers for my family. Especially tomorrow morning. Please be lifting them up in prayer. We believe in a Sovereign God, but in the midst of chaos and confusion, it is hard to always feel that. So please, pray earnestly for my family.

Tomorrow I get to spend the day with my compassion international girl I sponsor, Karen. I am overjoyed, and have been looking forward to meeting her for months! I can't wait to see her, and her beautiful 5 year old smile!

I only have 3 more mornings to wake up in the beautiful city that I love so much. Be praying for many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am also exhausted. I need to be renewed and refreshed.

Also, be praying for smooth travels home. I just rechecked my flights, and one flight keeps changing times. 5 airports and multiple flights and layovers. Asking for prayers for smoothness, and an uneventful trip back home.

Asking for prayer for transition back home. I do not want to become comfortable. I want to be ready and willing to wherever God calls me. I also would like to move closer to family. I don't know what that means, or what that looks like. So much uncertainty, but such a sovereign God, who has it all under control. I know the mission field is where I am called, just not sure where, when, or how.

I feel like the past few blogs have been just prayer requests. But I know there is power in prayer. There is power in Jesus' name. And I need that power. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me, Bolivia, my family, and the people I have fallen in love with here. I am so blessed to have such a diverse group of people loving me, encouraging me, and praying for me.

THANK YOU!!!!!! love, M

i don't understand.

Today was a hard day. By far the hardest I have had in Bolivia.

I received an email telling of a devastating family tragedy.

Please be praying for my family in this time.

As I have had some time to begin to process the best I possibly can, I have realized some things to be true.

-God is still God.
-My Jesus is real.
-When life or death doesn't make sense, He does.
-He conquered the grave.
-He is sovereign.
-"Daddy" has a plan.
-He is close to the brokenhearted.

It was emotionally draining seeing my street kids for the last time today. When I walked into the plaza, some girls shouted "Senorita Meechelle esta aqui!!!" They remembered my name, and were excited to see me. Thank you Jesus for little smiles in the midst of tragedy.

I am exhausted. I am spent. I am broken. I am nothing. I need Jesus to be all that He says He is. I need to rest in His arms tonight.

Please be praying for my family and our broken hearts. Please be praying for me as I only have 4.5 days left here. Be praying for strength to be His hands and feet. Be praying for my transition back home.

Love you, M

Quick Friday Hello

Please be praying for a possible opportunity I might have to fly to La Paz, Bolivia before leaving to possibly do something with human trafficking. More details to come, if things unfold. It might be a shot in the dark. But God knows my heart, my dreams, and desires. Praying things come together smoothly, timely, and cheaply. I'll keep you posted. Love, M

p.s. I am leaving to go work with street kids down in the plaza in an hour. Be praying that they see Jesus in our actions. Pray that I have Jesus' eyes and heart, and love with His love.

Life is Uncertain. God is Not.

Yesterday was my half way point in Bolivia. I left Detroit 22 days before, and will be back home in 22 days. Half way. That means every day is just another day closer to home, to leaving the beloved people and place of Bolivia.

Last night I was blessed to skype with three of my dearest friends. I met my one friend´s brand new baby boy. He is the most perfect baby. I am already in love.

I loved seeing my friends. But the reality that I´m not here forever started to sink in. I know that may sound strange, but I can´t picture my life back home. It´s so different than what I´m living here. There are certainly things I really miss from home. (My two best friends kiddos, Olive Garden soup, breadsticks, and beliini iced tea, my bed, my family, a shamrock shake, being barefoot, etc) But I am not quite ready to be back.

After talking to my friends, I went to bed. I sat up in bed, and started freaking out. The uncertainity of coming home was overwhelming. So, please join me in praying for a few things.

1. I am almost positive I want to move this spring or summer. My friends, family, church, ministry, places I babysit, everything is 25+ minutes away from where I live now. I have no idea what this means exactly. I have looked at a couple houses to rent before coming to Bolivia, and everything kept falling through with roommates, etc. I know I want to be in Clarkston. Please be praying for mountains to be moved with that situation. There are so many uncertainities. But being away is making me want to be much closer to the people important to me.

2. Please also be praying for wisdom on what to so with my car. If you remember past blogs, she barely made it to my parent´s the day I left. There were lights on her dash, noises, weird driving, all sorts of issues. I don´t know if I should get something different, or keep trying to fix her. I will be close to broke when I return, so I really need God to make the past smooth on this one. I am so uncertain.

3. And the biggest one......I really think Bolivia is where I am supposed to be. Long term. I dont know when that means, or for how long. I am praying, and asking you to pray with me. I know it will need to be in God´s perfect timing. And somehow, finicial needs will need to be met. I want what God has for me, and I really belive that is to be here. There is so much work to be done here, and I have such a heart for the people here. Please be praying as I seek Him.

As I sat in bed, worrying, I was reminded of what Jesus says... Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith. So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


Things are going very well here. Please continue to pray for my health. Headaches and fevers this week :( Can´t wait to share more about what God is doing in Cochabamba.

Love, M

broken in the plaza

Praising Jesus, I am FINALLY feeling better!!!! I am not quite 100%, but headed there! I ate yummy Brazilian for lunch today, and it settled well! Thank you all for praying for me. I am so grateful for my support system all over. I am loving being out of the house and seeing sunshine again.

Friday afternoon, I went to a plaza with Steve to work with street kids. Cleferros (spelling may be off) is the slang term for ¨glue sniffers¨. They live on the street, washing car windows at intersections for change. They carry little bottles of glue to sniff to get high. And they need a real Jesus.

I knew Friday would be uncomfortable. But, in no way could I have been prepared for what I saw. Within seconds of walking onto the plaza, my eyes filled with tears. I convinced myself it was not the time or place to lose it. I had been praying for me to have the same eyes that Jesus has, to share in His heart. If His heart breaks, I want mine to break. Oh, the depth of brokenness has never occurred in my heart before Friday.

There were quite a few volunteers on Friday. We quickly assembled, and prayed together. There were believers from multiple countries gathered together to serve the least of these.

We split up into different stations in the plaza. There was a medical station, offering wound care. There was a station set up to wash feet and hair. I was handed a bag of nail polish. I stood in the midst of the crowd like a deer in headlights. I didn´t know what to do.

A girl in her teens came up to me. She spoke only Spanish, and asked me if I would paint her nails. Paint nails? Of course, I can do that. So, I took the bag over to a spot in the park, and we sat down. She picked out a color, and I began to paint her nails. Once we sat down, she pulled out a bottle of glue, and began sniffing it. I was surprised. I live a pretty sheltered life back home. No one has ever gotten high so close to me. This wasn´t something on the big screen, or in someone´s story. This was my real life. And it was happening right now. I began to pray for that girl. I am so thankful that Jesus is real, and He loves that girl as much as He loves me.

A crowd began to form, and I had the privelege to paint many nails that day. Women in their 50´s, girls as young as 12, all living on the streets in a hopeless life. My heart broke for them.

I never knew painting nails could be used to show the love of Jesus. But isn´t it the coolest thing ever that I was able to use something I am good at to love a broken woman? Being one of five women in my family, and babysitting a lot of little girls has given me much practice for this moment. Praise Jesus, He prepares us when we are unaware, and living life in obedience.

Next to the nail painting station was the washing station. A lot of the boys wanted to wash their hair. They kneeled over a babytub, and scrubbed their hair with soap, while a volunteer poured water over their hair. Many of the boys removed their shirts before washing their hair. Their chests, stomachs, and backs were covered in scars made by knives. They live hard lives on the streets.

The medical section was interesting as well. I was told a story later of a man being stitched up after being attacked. When asked what happened, a girl exclaimed with a smile, ¨I did it, I´m the one who cut him!¨ When asked why, she replied, ¨He raped me.¨

After everyone was washed, attended to medically, and nails painted, we gathered together. A volunteer stood in the middle of the circle, and read the Bible, and shared Jesus. We then passed out cups of juice and sandwiches. Afterwards, we just spent time talking to them and just listening and loving.

I was exhausted physically (first day out of the house all week), and emotionally. We got in the car. Steve said ¨that´s a lot to take in, huh?¨ Words couldn´t even describe. I don´t have enough time to tell you all the stories, sights, smells, conversations, etc. I was invited out to dinner that night, but was still feeling sick, so I went home. I went straight to my bed. I ended up sleeping 15 hours straight that night. Haha....I was spent.

It is now Sunday. I still have faces burned into my mind. I have sobbed over them, praying for them. I am excited for Friday to come, so I can go again.

I never want to leave something like that and not be heartbroken. I want to always have the heart of Jesus.

I promise feel good stories to come. But I am quickly learning, life isn´t always feel good, and rated g. It is ugly, raw, and painful. That´s life. But, I do have exciting stories to share soon as well.

Keep me and the city of Cochabamba in your prayers.

Love, M

be still

If you know me, you would know that I am always on the move. I thrive on being busy. I go, go, go, go, until I can't go anymore. I schedule things back to back, just to squeeze as many things in a day as possible. That is my life. Well, that was my life.

I have been sick all week. As in, I haven't left the house since Sunday afternoon. It is Thursday night. I am losing my mind. I didn't come to Bolivia to sit in bed. I came to serve. I want to serve. I was fine for my first week and a half. I know what life is like in the city. I have seen the brokenness, the pain, and the darkness. I want to be a light, I want to love, I want to share Jesus. I want to hand bread out to the homeless. I want to whisper in an orphan's ear how beautiful they are. I want to hold gauze while a street kid gets stitched up. I want to hold a malnourished baby and pray over them. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I want to go. I want to do.

Last week, I woke up with an upset stomach. Everything I ate went right through me. I couldn't eat anything. Not the most fun thing ever. I was sick one day, fine the next, sick the next day, and then sick for days. I hated it. There were suspions that I had parasites. So, my house mate took a sample into the lab, and we discovered I had a nasty bacterial infection.

So, I started taking an antibiotic. It cleared up the issue quickly. But, in return, it gave me severe dizziness and nausea. The dizziness has been so bad that if I move my eyes too fast, I feel like my world will crumble. The nausea is so bad, I gag eating a banana, or taking pills. This is not what I signed up for. The side effects of the pills was worse in my mind than the original upset stomach.

So, I haven't done much. Sleeping is a nightmare. Every toss or turn makes the dizzyness and nausea worse. I have been miserable. I just want to get out of bed and serve. I did not come to Bolivia to lay in bed.

This morning was the hardest. The three of us living at the guest house do a time of devotion and prayer together. We watched a video about how "Daddy has a plan." Our Heavenly Father has a plan. We just need to trust him. We read verses that proved this. He is holding me in the palm of his hand. He has a plan for me.

But still my humanity cried out. Why am I sick? Why can't I serve? I feel useless. I haven't done anything. I am a hinderance to the team. What is the point of being in Bolivia, if all I do is sit in bed? I feel lazy. I feel pointless. I was angry. I was exhausted.

I sobbed to my friend this morning. She held me, and reminded me "Daddy has a plan". There is probably a lesson to be learned in this. But, He's got me.

We found out there is a mediciene to help combat dizzyness and nausea. She went to the pharmacy to pick it up. I took it, and napped. She woke me up to check on me, and I still felt awful. She ended up getting me soup and bringing it home. I slept some more.

All day long I slept, and reminded myself "Daddy has a plan". I became angry at God a few times. I am good at serving. I am not good at sitting.

And then, my 'aha' moment came.

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

One thing is necessary. Sit at the feet of Jesus. Listen to His words. Rejoice in who He is. Give glory to His name. Soak up His teaching.

Serving is good. But sitting is better.

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

So, I am know there is much work to be done out there. But I am going to try to just sit at the feet of Jesus. Read His word. Worship who He is. And relax, knowing, "Daddy has a plan."

I really want to be well enough to serve tomorrow. There are a lot of opportunites to be involved with.

Please join me in prayer for restful sleep, a sound stomach, dizziness to be gone, any weakness to be filled with strength, any lingering infection or side effects to be done. In Jesus' Name.

I am sorry I haven't been too diligent about blogging much lately. I have so many stories. I hope to share them soon.

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?

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.

getting kicked out of a country isn't ideal

Last night I went to my youth pastor's home for a reunion Christmas party for all the high school leadership kids that have graduated.

There are now seven classes that attend, so there were quite a few of us over. We played mafia and banana grams, watched a video we had made five years ago, and all caught up. I was the oldest "kid" there (are you still a kid at 24?!?), so a lot of the younger kids didn't know all of the infamous stories from when I was in high school. I was reminded of one such story that was turned out pretty life changing.

My senior year of high school about 15 or so of the leadership team went on a mission trip to Jamaica. We went for a week, and put on a Vacation Bible School, worked in orphanages, and did work projects at a local church.

This was our third year going to Jamaica over spring break.

At the time, to travel to Jamaica, the only travel documents we needed was a birth certificate and school id or driver's license. I had turned 18 five months prior, so according to the law, I needed a state id or driver's license, not just a school id. I didn't have a driver's license at the time. And we didn't even think about the fact I was legally an adult.

I was in charge of all the craft projects for the V.B.S. and orphanages. We each had a carry on bag, and two pieces of luggage (this was before baggage fees, ah the good ole days) one for personal stuff, and one of random tools, craft supplies, tooth brushes, candy, etc. We weighed our bags, prayed with our families, and left the church for the airport. I have never been a huge fan of flying, even before this day, so there was some excitement and anxiety, but soon we were on our way. We had a layover, but were soon in Jamaica.

We began to pile off the plane, anxious to be there. We gathered in the airport in line to go through customs and immigration. About half the group was on the other side of the checkpoint waiting for the rest of us to get through and grab our luggage.

It was my turn.

I gave Karen, the airport worker my school id and birth certificate. She proceeded to ask my age, and if I had another form of identification. I began to get nervous.

 She called her supervisor over to ask her about me. I was clueless. Everyone else had gone through without an issue. The supervisor came over and began yelling at me. I didn't have the proper paper work...they were going to put me on a plane and send me back to the US...if she would ever come to my country and didn't have the proper paper work, she would be thrown out...who was in charge of my group...etc.

So my youth pastor came over to see what the commotion was about. He explained he didn't know about the paperwork mistake, and explained that we were on a trip to serve. The supervisor was yelling at both of us now.

I was so scared. I hated to fly in general, let alone was terrified to get on a plane alone because I was being kicked out of a country.

They said I would have to sit in the customs and immigration office alone until they figured out what to do with me.

 My youth pastor went to the rest of the group and asked them to start praying. The supervisor went away for a moment, and the original airport worker told my youth pastor and me to go through a certain set of doors.

I was crying and devastated. I had saved money, worked fundraisers, and planned crafts and lessons, I was supposed to be there. I was so close. What was God thinking? Why was everything falling apart?

We went through the doors, and on the other side was our entire group, outside. We were so confused. We looked around, and started to leave as fast as possible. After sobbing for a few minutes, I realized, I was free. We were on our way away from the airport, and I was on the bus.

Karen had snuck me into Jamaica.


We had an amazing week. We had so many opportunities to be a blessing to so many people, and in return were blessed beyond belief. I served the least of these in Jesus' name with some of ny dearest friends, and God used us. We saw kids and adults turn their lives over to Christ. It was incredible.

Any time we saw police, everyone hid me in the crowd. We kept thinking they were coming to take me away for being in their country illegally. I don't think we breathed easy until the end of the week.

Finally it was the day to return to the US. We spent more time in prayer than normal that morning, as I was nervous about all things airport related. We were packed and on our way.

We had to go through customs and immigration on the way out. There were multiple lines, and I chose one, and was shaking as I approached the desk.

I looked up, and it was Karen, the same woman who had risked her job by sneaking me into her country.

She remembered me. She was a Christian, and believed in what we were doing that week. She told me she had prayed for us that week. She asked how my week was, and through the tears I was able to quickly share how God showed up, and people met Jesus for the first time. It was incredible.

Could you call it a coincidence that the same woman who snuck me into the country was the last person I saw as I left the country? Out of thousands of travellers on spring break and vacations, she remembered me? Out of the numerous lines to be in, that I was in hers? That she was a Christian and believed in me and what we were there for? Are they all coincidences? I guess you could call them that, but I won't.

I firmly believe I have a God that takes care of His children, who has perfect timing, and an incredible plan that we often don't understand in the midst of it.

I was supposed to be in Jamaica that week, and there was nothing the government or airport security could do about it. God made a way when it seemed impossible, prayer worked right before my eyes, and I experienced a real God who really does care.

As I prepare for Bolivia in February, I do have anxiety about so many things. I frequently tell God He shouldn't have called me, or doubt that He did. But when it comes down to it, I am going with a big God who brings peace and is real. John 4:4b "because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." He's bigger, greater, and in my side.

So, prayers for safe travel are appreciated...especially for smoothness while going through customs. :0)

Update: I still need about $1,500 by January 14th...please be praying that God supplies the remainder of the funds.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been supporting me financially, with prayer, cans and bottles, and extra babysitting jobs. You are all amazing.

Love you all,
Michelle :0)