Random Ramblings

-13 days until I leave. That's less than 2 weeks. Wooooooooo!

-I was able to share how Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven this week, in my own home, over a bowl of chili. So blessed by how God gave me the right words, at the right time. I was amazed that this person's curiosity. I was able to share how its not about all the "right" we can do. We ALL have done something wrong, and that separates us from God. We can never do enough good to make it into heaven. Our good will never out weigh our bad. It is ONLY by faith in Jesus that can bridge the separation between us and God. We will never be good enough. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."  It was such a sweet time to share what I really believe to be true. Please join me in praying for him to continue to be curious, and for Jesus to be real to him for the first time.

- My body is so overwhelmed. I have been fighting some physical thing all month long. Last night was the stomach thing again. It was a miserable night. I ended up sleeping on the bathroom floor....not the most comfortable. So grateful for my chiropractor today! :) I can't quite figure out what is going on with me, fighting all kinds of sickness. But I do know Satan is real, and he will use anything to distract me and discourage me right before leaving. So please be praying for my strength and my health, and pray against Satan and all sickness.

- I bought crunchy peanut butter with honey tonight! I am convinced this is one of the world's better inventions, and I was told pb is very expensive in Bolivia. So this girl is bringing her own jar. Yummmmm.

- My car and I are fighting a bit. She is really acting up. Please pray for continued safety while driving her, and that she lasts the next 13 days. And also just guidance on what to do about a car when I return.

- I have received some donations for the children already, and my heart rejoices! Thank you sooooooooooooo much! If you would still like to send stuff with me, please let me know, and get it to me soon! (socks, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes, crayons, clothing, soap, etc.)

- Yesterday I had to run a random errand and grab a set of keys from a mom friend who accidently took her husband's keys to work with her. It was a stressful few minutes before we discovered she had them. Once we did, it was a confusing few moments of figuring out how to het them. I got in my car, and starting driving, and saw one of the most beautiful sunrises in my life. Lamentations 3 rang clear in my mind, "...His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness..."

- My excitement is rising. I just want to be there. My heart is already there. I hate packing. My car is stressing me out. I hate looking at snow. But as much as I want to be there now, I know He has me here for the next few days for a reason. I am excited to see what that is.

- Packing has begun. Slowly but surely. My living room, bedroom and kitchen area have all turned into multiple piles, and boxes, with piles inside. Planning what to bring for 6 weeks is overwhelming. I had an awesome woman pop by yesterday with mosquito netting, an outlet converter, and vernors. What a wonderful woman. :) If you have any packing tips, send them my way! I need all the help I can get.

- Time to catch some zzzzzzzz's. I plan on being at youth group and young adult's bible study tomorrow night. That makes for a very long day, after babysitting all day. But I really look forward to it. I love my life. I am so blessed.

Good night. Love, M

check engine light, grocery shopping, and a secret admirer

I feel like I have much to share tonight. So hold on tight!

Last night my car's check engine light came on, and I became stressed. I asked for prayer for my health, rest, and provision. Last night was one of the best nights of sleep ever. I slept on a friend's couch in jeans with one blanket, and I woke up so refreshed and rejuvenated. Any left over icky feelings was gone, and my heart was so at peace. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers! I woke up this morning and read 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." So true.

I took my car to the shop this morning. I turned in her keys, and sat down in the corner, and opened up the Bible. I have never before felt so at peace waiting to hear uncertain, potentially expensive news.

I began reading in Psalms 103 and 104. "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits....The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love....he does not treat us as our sins deserve...For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him....But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with those who fear him..." " Praise the Lord, my soul, O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.... How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all... May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works...I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD..."

What powerful reminders of who God is. He is the one who stretched the heavens, and forgave my sin. Him alone. He is mighty to save. He is faithful. He is in control, and He holds the future.

So, the reason for the check engine light was because it was giving a "torque converter clutch code". I have no idea what this means. Other than my car keeps shifting into overdrive. I was told it will need to be fixed eventually, but she is safe to drive for now. She will not leave me stranded, or blow up (one of my slightly irrational fears). I can drive her, she will probably just get worse gas mileage. So that was all great news! I was able to have my car all day on my only free afternoon left to accomplish a lot of my errands. And the best part, he didn't charge me anything! Isn't God good? I was praying for under $200 today, and I didn't even pay two cents.

I have ongoing lists; "big to do", "small to do", "to buy", and "home to do". I have been quite the distracted girl lately. I will think of something that needs to be accomplished, and by the time I find paper, it has flown out of my brain. Planning for life for the immediate now, the next bit, six weeks in a third world country, and then the back to reality has been almost overwhelming. I accomplished so much today.

I bought a lot of things on the "to buy" list today. I was told to take a Pepto Bismol tablet with every meal to reduce upset stomach, so I bought 9 boxes. I did feel a bit ridiculous checking out. I got hair clips and pony tails to do hair of beautiful girls while at baby washings. I got a lot of random things I know I won't have access to while in Bolivia. I went to 4 stores, slowly but surely checking off the list.

At the last store of the evening, my good friend joined me. She helped me think through what I might need, and wandered aisles as we laughed and put items in the cart; contact lens solution, battery powered alarm clock, hair gel, bandaids, etc. Travelling always requires a big shopping trip beforehand. We approached the self check out, and I told her to go first since she only had a few things. I turned to look at a magazine, and next thing I knew, she was ringing up all of my items. I very confused, asked her what she was doing, and she smiled, and ignored my frantic yelling. She said she wanted to help buy a few things. She ended up paying for all of it. She completely surprised me. I was blown away. What an incredible friend. I also have a couponing friend who let me "shop" her stock pile, and grab things for my trip. So the "to buy" list has shrunk considerably.

Sometime after I was home from errands, and before dinner, (only 25 minutes or so) someone left a card and chocolate rose on my car. The card had $20 in it and said "chelle, your awesome". I am perplexed. But beyond blessed. I will be celebrating Valentine's day alone, flying to Miami, and preparing for my adventure. I am so amazed at someone's thoughtfulness. I got to celebrate Valentine's day a bit early. No idea who my secret admirer is, but you certainly made my night.

I am blessed beyond words. Just so amazed at each day. I have an incredible Savior, and amazing friends and family. So much more to look forward to! 17 days left. Packing should start soon...yikes!

So blessed. Can't wait to share more. Love, M

the good, the bad, and the ugly

The good:
Tonight I finished off my "big to do list". I bought the remainder of the tickets and booked a hotel room for Miami. Yesterday I bought medical insurance while I am in Bolivia. All that is left are little things. Yesssssssss. I'm doing it!

I depart Detroit February 14, and arrive in Cochabamba February 16. I depart Cochabamba March 28, and arrive in Detroit March 29. (with lots of stops along the way) So excited.

The bad:
Yesterday I had some form of a stomach bug. I rested, took medicine, and all other helpful things, and woke up feeling great. Well, now I am no longer feeling great at all, and I'm babysitting for a few more hours. The kids are having a hard time going down, and I'm getting cranky.

The ugly:
Tonight while babysitting I took the kids to basketball practice and then to the library. (Pretty funny trying to follow directions in the dark, in an unfamiliar area, with some kiddos who struggle with their left and right....) On the way back, we were almost to their driveway when my check engine light came on. Now, if you know me, you would know I instantly freaked out a bit. I hate all things car. I know how to put gas in it. And that's about it. Earlier this fall when I was really starting to get the ball rolling with my trip to Bolivia, my car was in and out of the shop so much. It ate my Bolivia trip savings right up. I have been telling my girl Fuega that she must make it until at least Valentine's Day, and then.... I have no idea. But I need a car the next 19 days. I had just spent almost $600 an hour before finalizing travel plans. This is not a very convenient time for the check engine light to come on. I have no idea what is wrong, and I loathe going to car places to find out.

The truth:
God is in control. My feelings don't matter, they will lead me astray. He is faithful. He will continue to provide. He called me, and I am exactly where I am supposed to be. He is faithful. In the midst of a storm, He is steady.

Please pray for:
-my stomach to settle
-my car to be fixed inexpensively and timely
-my faith to stand unwavering
-rest
-provision

James 5:16b - The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Love, M

these boots were made for walking

I am going to Bolivia in the rainy season. One of the many weather related stats I read, stated that during these months, there could be 18 or more days of rain per month. That's a lot.

I was told to bring an umbrella and rain boots, and be prepared for rain.

I think rain boots are adorable. One of my friends gave me a pair of lady bug rain boots for my birthday a few years ago. I wore them all of the time. Well, I did until the right boot split up the back. I do not know why. I attempted to fix it with shoe glue and tape, but they were a lost cause. I keep them around because they are wonderful for short trips to the dumpster in the rain or snow. But I knew they would not last me six weeks in the rainy season of a country with rain forest. Not happening.

So yesterday, I put rain boots on my to do/ to buy list. (Which in theory should be decreasing, but is only getting longer.) I started shopping online. I found a really cute pair that had owls (my favorite) on them. They were adorable, and almost $80. I could not justify that purchase at all. So the search continued. Most of the boots online were more than I was willing to spend, plus there was added s&h fees. I was annoyed.

I went to a friend's house to babysit last night, and afterwards, we ended up catching up. She shared with me some of her own God stories, and encouraged me with some truth from the Bible.

I was getting ready to leave, and out of no where I asked her if she could pray for me to find boots. Now, I don't normally pray for boots, and I certainly have never asked a friend to pray for boots, but I did, as random as that felt. I shared with her how I didn't want to spend a lot, and how I wanted something kinda cute. I told her my annoyance with online shopping, and that I needed them soon.

She went to her mud room and showed me a pair of boots she had recently gotten around Christmastime. They were from Costco, and in my budget. She told me to check online, and that I could possibly pick them up in the store. That sounded like a good plan to me. So I decided I would look on Costco's website later.

This morning I was searching on Costco's website, and they didn't have any rain boots. None. I was frustrated. So I continued the search on other websites. I am leaving in 22 days, so I knew I had to order soon because shipping sometimes takes a while. I ended up giving up, with the promise to attack this project again later.

My friend shot me a text soon after my annoyed fit, and asked if I could pop over to her house sometime during the day. I couldn't get over there until later afternoon, and she would be gone by then. So she sent me a text saying there was a bag next to the porch, behind the bushes for me.

I was confused. I had been there the night before. What did I leave there? Or maybe she had baked a yummy treat? I honestly was so perplexed.

I got to her house, ran up, and grabbed the bag. I sat in my car and opened it.

It was her new Christmas boots.

Stunned, I reached for the card, read it, and wept. She said God told her to give the boots to me as soon as I asked her to pray about it. She also said the boots are too small for her, and don't fit right. They are a size 7. I wear a 6.5.

The rest of the card was filled with some incredible verses.

"Stand firm ... with your FEET filled with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:14a-15

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my FEET like that of a deer, he enables me to stand on the heights" Psalm 18:32-33

"He will not suffer your FOOT to be moved: he that keeps you will not slumber." Psalm 66:9

"How beautiful on the mountains are the FEET of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

I am so beyond grateful I have a God who supplied rain boots in my size, for free, with no shipping costs or delays. They have yellow trim on them (yellow is my most beloved color), say sweet phrases, and have birds on them. They are so delightfully perfect for me. I am so blessed I have a friend who listened to the still, small voice of a real God, and gave up selfishness to love me, and meet my need. I hadn't asked her to give up what was hers. I hadn't even thought it. I had only asked if she would pray and believe He would provide a way. He certainly did.

Could a girl be more blessed?!?!?!

With every day, He is preparing me. I have fallen in love with the Bible like never before. He is showing himself to be more loving, faithful, and real than I had ever believed. He is drawing me near to Himself, when I feel confused, or doubtful. He is going before me, and making a way. The past few weeks have been an explosion of the realness of God. It's been incredible.

I saw Beauty and the Beast (my favorite movie of all time) in 3D tonight. I decided I needed a night to myself relaxing since all babysitting jobs for tonight were cancelled.

Belle sang a song that really resounded in my heart tonight. I want adventure. I want more than could ever be planned for me. And I'm pretty sure I'm living that.

"I want much more than this provincial life
I want adventure in the great wide somewhere
I want it more than I can tell
And for once it might be grand
To have someone understand
I want so much more than they've got planned"

As always, can't wait to experience and share the next stories. I'm sure there will be some good ones coming up. I recently found out I will be doing my laundry by hand for all six weeks. Ha ha, oh boy. :)

Love, M

the weekend in review

First off, I want to give a HUGE shout out to the readers in Russia, Germany, Chile, and Macedonia. I was so surprised to see other countries were reading, and continue to read! I am blown away! So thrilled beyond words that you are reading of how real, alive, faithful, and loving my God is. I hope you are encouraged!

Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations shall worship before You.

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!

Psalm 86:9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.

Ah! Where to even begin....His goodness is too much for words.

I have been praying for finances since May, and lately praying more urgent. The past few days He has just shown himself to be faithful.

On Friday, I had 4 new online donations post. I later had a woman drive to the home I was babysitting at to hand me a card with money. On Saturday I went to a baby shower for a very dear friend, and her friend had learned of my trip, and had a sweet card and money waiting for me. Saturday night I went to church, and afterwards I was able to catch up with one of my middle school friends and his sweet girl friend. I was able to share about my trip, and she slipped some money in my hand as I went to leave. I then drove to a friends house and baked yummy cookies. She and her had written a check, and her parents had also given me money for cookies to support me on my trip. I then was given tooth paste, baby shampoo and baby clothes to use in orphanges while in Bolivia. I was prayed for and encouraged this weekend. I doubt I have ever heard so many "so proud and so excited for you"s before. Everywhere I went this weekend, I was amazed and so blessed.

I am excited to take care of my other two plane tickets this week. I also am scheduling a visit with the little girl, Karen, I sponsor through Compassion International. I need to learn how to braid my hair this week to hopefully tame it against humidity, travel, hard work, and the jungle. I need to start buying rain boots, mosquito repellent, peanut butter, and other things to bring along. My to do list is growing in length! Yikes!

I have so much to look forward to. God is moving mountains. He is preparing my heart. I am not scared. I am so excited.

Please be in prayer for:
-My health. I have a nasty cough and congestion I can't seem to shake, and really want to be 100% before leaving. My body is still a bit off from all of last week's vaccines.
-Continued financial support.
-Lots of loose ends to begin to be tied up.
-Supplies for orphanages to come in.
-Flying logistics to work out.
-My heart to be willing.
-My normal spirit of procrastination to be overcome with productivity.

Beyond excited to be a part of what God is doing. What a journey so far. Only 23 days!

Are you loving it? Can't wait to see what this week will hold!

Love, M

It's Friday!

I love this journey so far. I love every person who has been brought into my life for this exact time. I love every step of the way, even if it has been hard. I love sharing what God is doing in me and through me. I love reading all my previous blogs and remembering what He has done. I love growing so much closer to my Savior the past few weeks. I love not knowing what is next, and being surprised.

I am amazed that people read, and continue to read. I am even more amazed when people give. I am so grateful for every single donation. Thank you for believing in me, and what He is doing. I am so grateful for all the prayer and encouragement. It is the best thing to have such a great support system behind me.

Tonight I plan on a quiet night home alone baking cookies to sell and reflecting on the past few weeks. I cannot wait. Date night with myself!

I scheduled my phone to be shut off Feb 15th. So while I am gone, Facebook, blog, and email are the only ways to get a hold of me. No voice mails or texts will go through at all for six weeks. (It was pretty cool sharing with the Sprint customer service girl about what I'm doing, and what He is doing.) Six weeks without my phone, and not reliable internet, wow....It will be kinda nice to focus on the moment and the people in the moment with me.

26 days until I get to love some brown babies. Yesssssss.

So glad to be exactly where I'm supposed to be, doing exactly what I was called to do.

Love, M

Did you know you can subscribe to my blog by email? Each new blog just drops into your inbox automatically.

Waiting.

I am pretty kitchen savvy. Perfecting homemade cookies is one of most favorite past times. Cookies from scratch require a bit of a time commitment. I love spending hours in the kitchen in my apron, dirtying every mixing bowl and counter surface. I love to take the time.

Today I really wanted a cookie. I didn't want to wait and spend the time by making my own dough. I found premade sugar cookie dough in the fridge. I decided I didn't feel like waiting for the oven to heat up for 10 minutes, and an additional 12 minutes to cook just two tiny cookies. So I decided to bake them in the toaster oven to save a bit of time. It went great for about two minutes. Suddenly the aroma of smoke filled the kitchen. The cookies were so burnt. All because I didn't want to wait. (I should've taken a picture, they were awful!)

I really am a pretty patient person... when I want to be. I have patience on the road, waiting in line, with crying babies, small children, and other things that make other people scream. People often tell me they admire my patience.

They just don't know the inner thoughts screaming, "Why is this taking so long?!??" "When is it my turn?!?" "How much longer can I take this??!?"

My life isn't quite how I envisioned it. I didn't think at this part of my life I would be alone. I had often thought I would have a husband and lots of beautiful babies by now. I have become frustrated with God, asking when it would be my time. I have grown annoyed with waiting. But the past few weeks more than ever, I am grateful its just me. I wouldn't be able to leave for six weeks if I was a momma. God has a plan bigger than I could comprehend. (1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” )

I know His timing is perfect. Waiting on Him is the best plan.

Waiting on Him is hard. Waiting on His provision is annoying. Trying to figure out finances from now til April is stressful.

But, remembering that when I take matters into my own hands and my own timing, I make a hot mess. Things get broken, and burnt, and fall apart.

So I will continue to trust in His timing. I will wait patiently on Him. I will believe He called me to go, so He will make a way. I will have faith in His faithfulness. My God will come through. I want His best for me.

Psalm 25:5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait,I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret...

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.

Psalm 52:9 I will praise You forever, Because You have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.
Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.

Psalm 69:3 I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.

Psalm 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning— Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Tomorrow is Friday! Still so very much to do on my to do list. But hoping to check more things off this weekend. I am starting to feel better. Lots of rest, motrin, and my beloved chiropractor has helped.

Excited to write more of His faithfulness this weekend. I know big things are going to happen.

Love, M