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