Fun groups, Birthday, and Ladies Class!

Hey everyone!

I hope this post finds everyone well. I haven't written in awhile. Once the summer hits in Baja, you never know which day is which! This week starts the 5th week of groups here in the Baja. I just had the best 2 weeks here in Baja! The first week, I worked with the Vaughn Park group that comes from Montgomery, Alabama. If you want to be super productive while making lasting friendships, this is the trip to come on! Seriously, everyone in this group gets along and we have so much fun together. I consider everyone family in that group. They normally sing the "Sweet Caroline" song to me, but since I had bronchitis this year, they changed the words up a little bit.

"Sick Caroline, Cough, cough, cough." hahaha! They are hilarious.

My friend and roommate, Lindsay Richardson, came on this trip and also stayed for the City of Children trip. She was such a great addition to both trips and helped out so much with her Spanish skills!!

The second week I spent with Jackson Park, Troy, Goodlettsville, and Lewisburg. Wooo what a trip! It is interesting to see how everything plays out when there are 4 groups working together! It was really great spending time with the kids at the City of Children. They are so sweet and precious! I also got to lead a little workout time with my girls Fernanda and Marycruz. We would eat cake and drink coffee and then all meet up for the last 15 minutes and do a short workout ha! I also got to translate for the women's classes in the morning and the older medianas at night. Both were GREAT experiences. I loved working with the older medianas and getting to know them better.

Today is my birthday and I am sick!!! I am currently drinking Theraflu to start off my day! I will be going to Leonardo's with Pilar and Lissandra(my host sister) to eat lunch and apple pie!! After that, I will do a little yoga, watch Pride and Prejudice, and make sweet tea while looking on "Pinterest", my current obsession.

On Friday, I will have my last class with the ladies in Maneadero. I am so excited about the class, but so sad that it's my last class with them! They have really been my support here in Baja. I have learned so much from them and they are so loving to me! I love hearing their stories and the current issues and situations that they deal with, sometimes so much like ours, and sometimes so different. I really think this will be the group that I keep in touch with the most once I head back home. I really believe that they are serious about God's work and I know He is blessing the church in Maneadero through them. I have been so blessed to work with them. This Friday, I am going to attempt to teach a Yoga class(haha) and we are going to make my mom's chocolate chip cookies!!! Yay, I am so excited! Hopefully I will have some pictures to post later this week!

I guess that is all for now! Hope to see all of you very soon!

I'm back to blogging

oh hey!

Wow it's been a crazy month! For those of you who don't know, my grandparents were involved in a really serious car accident in late April. Thankfully I was already in San Diego with Tom Begin's family preparing to spend Easter with them. After a few scary phone calls and the worst text you could ever receive, "You need to start looking for a ticket to come home", I finally made it to Memphis where my grandma was being treated. A family emergency was a big reason I was hesitant about spending so much time in Mexico. Thankfully, we serve a very faithful God and He hears our prayers and our cries for help. Please continue to pray for both of them! They are both still in the hospital and still need prayers and healing.

Did I mention my 2 sisters are basically heroes?? They are both nurses and they are way too smart for their own good. While you might consider me a translator of the Spanish language, they translate medical jargon and words we can't even pronounce. Also, when nurses come into Nanny's room to do something, she tells them that they need to talk to Meggie first bahaha.

Tomorrow is the 1st day of June!! I am so excited! June=Birthday month. That's not the most important thing, though! My favorite group, Vaughn Park COC, from Montgomery, AL comes in 2 weeks! My friend/roommate in Nashville, Lindsay Richardson, will be coming with them and staying another week at the City of Children! Kate Keith, Siobhan Hickerson, and Sara Robb come this Friday because they will be working as Baja Missions Translators for the summer. YAY! It is basically going to be a big Baja reunion all summer! Granny White COC from Nashville is here this week and they are so much fun! They are spending time at the City of Children. I have been visiting houses with them in Colonia 89 this week. That has been such a blessing because I have seen some of my long lost friends from that church! I even got to visit some of their houses!

In Baja News...

The weather is soooo nice right now!

There was an earthquake on Saturday! My door handle shook for like 10 seconds and I thought my little host sister was messing with it.
Alex: Are you ok?
Me:Yes, why?
Alex: You were shaking your door handle.
Me: No I wasn't! That was you!
Alex: No, it wasn't me...
(Insert 10 minutes of staring at each other trying to figure out who is lying)
She finally came back in my room and said, "It was an earthquake! The TV just started shaking!"
Sooo I just sat by the door for ten minutes.
Believe me, I already have my earthquake escape plan all mapped out. It's something that I think about when I wake up in the middle of the night. I am turning into my mother!!!

I guess that is all for now.

Salmos 139

I wanted to write a short post about my Women's Bible Study last Friday. It was such a special time spent with 3 very special women. The numbers were down because of a chance of rain, but that turned out to be a blessing! Basically I do enjoy leading these Bible Studies, but I don't always feel excited about the topics we discuss sometimes. However, I am reading this great book that is making our time together so meaningful and special...



I HIGHLY recommend this book to any woman looking for a good read or a boost of confidence. My mom loves Joyce Meyer, but I have never really been a fan until now! However, I saw this book and thought it would be perfect for the class. Now all of the women are asking if it comes in Spanish!

Anyways, I didn't mean for this post to be about the book, but more about where I'm seeing God work down here. Before I taught my class on Friday, I felt so disorganized and stressed out about my lesson because I didn't know if it made any sense. Of course, the women always talk a lot in my classes, but because there were only a few of us, it gave them the chance to talk a lot more about what they are dealing with. After the lesson, they thanked me for challenging them and for providing them a special time to share their struggles and victories with one another. I really couldn't accept that because I know that God is the One that always intervenes and makes something beautiful out of  my mess. God is so good and HE ALWAYS shows up in the places that I need Him the most. I am not always good at noticing that :)!

We also read Psalms 139 and I wanted to share that with you.

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
 ¹ You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
   you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
   you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
   you, LORD, know it completely.
⁵ You hem me in behind and before,
   and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
   too lofty for me to attain.
 ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
   Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
   if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
   if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
   your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
   and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
   the night will shine like the day,
   for darkness is as light to you.
 ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.
 ¹⁹ If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
   Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
   your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
   and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
   I count them my enemies.
²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

I'm Back! (Hold your applause, please)

Warning: Lots of rambling!

WOW. I haven't written in so long. The past 2 months have been completely busy with friends and family visiting! God only knows how much I needed that. It is such a joy to see the way my friends and family connect with the people here. I consider it an honor to be where I am and working with the people here. It is more often a challenge than I thought it would be, but I am joyful on such a deep level that I can't let my mind dwell on that.

I just finished a Spring Break Mission Trip with Lipscomb University. We spent 4 days in San Quintin (3 hours South of Ensenada) and 2 days in San Vicente (2 hours South of Ensenada). The trip is a lot different as a translator! Not really having any control over your schedule because you are basically going from one conversation to the next, a trip to the pharmacy, a house visit, the hardware store, Avigal's (the grocery store), a class to translate, a conversation between a friend and a Mexicano to translate, etc. I love knowing exactly what my schedule looks like at the beginning of the day. However, life as a translator doesn't exactly work like that! No complaints here, though. I got to spend much time with my friends from Lipscomb and it was so special to see them serving here in Baja.

My little sister Meggie came to visit me this past weekend. It was very relaxing and I needed some sister time. Apparently something that Meggie just learned that I have known for the past 24 years is that she likes to sleep a lot and I like to eat a lot. It took her by surprise more than once on our trip when I stated that I was hungry (one time at 4 p.m. after having eaten one waffle the entire day). She couldn't believe I was hungry again! I forgive her for that because she did let me go to Panera for hazelnut coffee!!

Funny Story: Meggie likes to let me know quite often that I am "weird". Whatever that means! Anyways, 10 minutes after telling me that I do a lot of embarrassing things, we went downstairs to go to dinner. A few of the attractive bellboys offered us a leopard print umbrella. TOTALLY our style! So Meggie proceeded to open it, but not only did it open, it went completely inside out hahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!! She basically looked like this...



So basically my chances with any of those bellboys was instantly dashed after that incident. After we returned from dinner, they asked if we had any more problems with the umbrella haha!

Brother Franco has suggested that I write a book titled "Los Dias En Baja".  It will basically be about my time here in Baja. Obviously. Anyways, even if I don't write the book I will definitely come up with the chapter names. Some examples so far: Tuesdays With Franco (because he comes to the office every Tuesday and talks to me and Pilar), Taylor The Dog (I don't think this chapter will be too ruff to write-I may talk about her rise to super stardom). That is all for now. Let me know if you can think of any more chapter names!

Things I'm missing in my life:
1.lamps
2.candles
3.mom's cooking
4.coffee with mom 438943 times a day
5.fruit tea

That basically concludes my list for now.

This week I am planning my women's classes for those at Maneadero. We will be talking about marriage and seeing ourselves the way that God sees us. We will also be starting Yoga classes!! A group from Mayfair comes in 2 weeks and I have been put in charge of the children's classes. In those classes we will be talking about respecting and obeying our parents. The parents will be receiving a few classes on parenting and other related topics. Basically I'm pretty busy which is good for me!

Spring is springing here in Mexico! Believe it or not, I'm noticing a lot of beautiful flowers and warmer weather. I can't believe it's already Springtime! 7 months down, 4 to go. Please enjoy the Tennessee weather for me (minus the tornadoes).

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalms 84:10

Love ya'll.

Trench Shovel

Lately...

I have already started my Bible Study with the women in Maneadero. We are going to be talking about some VERY interesting things. We have already discussed handling our emotions and healthy ways to deal with that. Also, we have been talking about our lives compared to the "abundant life" God desires for us. Do they look the same, what does "abundant" mean to them, etc. In the next few weeks we will be discussing marriage, infidelity, and other related subjects. Should be very interesting to hear what they have to say!

I may start teaching an English class two days a week at an elementary school in Maneadero. It's basically a dream come true. Hopefully I will be starting in the next few weeks! A big plus is that some of the church kids in Maneadero attend this school and will also be in my English class. I am looking forward to developing better relationships with the members of the church in Maneadero! Very excited about that!

I spent some time with Vaughn Park COC (Montgomery, AL) in Maneadero a couple of weeks ago. Major blessing! They made me feel like a part of their family right away. It's kind of insane how much they get done in 4 days! They built 2 houses, distributed 160 food bags total-80 for church members and 80 for community members, fed the church and community everyday, held a clinic for the sick, and so much more! I have already called dibs on their group in June :).

I may have some ways you can help here in the next few weeks. I will update my blog soon to let you know more about that!

I'm happy to have my nose in another book these days. I have problems with finishing the twenty other books I am currently reading before starting another. After being stumped recently by the word "Trench Shovel", I decided I really need to get with my construction terms in Spanish. Heck, I don't even know construction terms/equipment in English! But after my dear mother heard about my translation issue, she called all over Nashville and found this book for me:



She is a real dear and a keeper!

She also sent her famous chocolate chip cookies and carmelita bars! The only things missing were her presence and her mad translation skillz. But she'll be here in just 2 short weeks with her parents (Wowzers!!), dad, Meggie, and Jimmy and LeEllen Smith. It is going to be quite the weekend here in San Diego and Ensenada.

That is all for now! Hope everyone is doing well! Please continue to keep the people of Baja in your prayers.

"Sometimes it helps to get outside our problems and stick our fingers into someone else's for a while."
-Shauna Niequist

Never a dull moment.

On Tuesday morning I woke up 6 minutes before my mother and I were scheduled to depart the house. That NEVER happens. Either I slept right through my alarm or it never went off. We're still unsure. I like having days where nothing goes exactly as planned. I didn't plan on seeing Jaime Lynn Spears at the Nashville Airport, nor did I plan on getting hit over the head with a box of unopened snacks by a Southwest flight attendant. I'm talking it came flying out of the overhead bin, corner hits the top of my head and then it landed in my neighbors lap. It all happened so fast I didn't know what to say. Everyone on my row thought it was funny! I can't complain though. After I asked the flight attendant for a coffee refill, she said, "Anything for you, dear!"

I have never been so happy to see a new year!!!!!!! I know 2011 is going to be a good year! I'm excited for the groups to start coming and to continue teaching English and learning more Spanish. I'm excited to make new Mexican friends and to learn more about the friends I already have here. I'm also REALLY excited about the Lipscomb Spring Break group that comes in March. That trip is a personal favorite. I'm also excited about my relationship with God and learning more about Him. I have only been back one day, but I will be sure to update you guys soon on English class, Women's Bible Study, and visiting groups. Thanks so much for your prayers. Please continue to pray for Mexico and the work that God is doing here.

In other news...

Taylor Swift (the dog in Mexico) welcomed me back with open paws and lots of barks upon my return.

Quotes from one of the Southwest Flight Attendants:
"Put a tush on a cush, let's push folks!"
"If for some reason Southwest Airlines turns into Southwest Cruise Lines, use your seat cushions as floats, paddle to the shore, and the crew will be right behind you with the liquor kits."
For those of you who wish to smoke, we have 2 entertainment lobbies, you will find one on the right wing and the other across the hall on the left wing. While you guys are smoking, we will be watching 2 feature films, "Gone With The Wind" and "Bye, Bye Birdie". (bahahaha)

Tortilla Tally=a piece of history

This is my daily devotional for today. I HAD to share it.

You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success: not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failures, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me.
True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. I may infuse within you a dream that is far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a faithwalk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me. Enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life, through deepening your dependence on Me.  (Jesus Calling-Sarah Young)

Meeting Mr.Richter Scale

Hey Y'all!

The Baja Life is still treating me well. One week until I make the trip home for Christmas and I have SO MUCH to accomplish before then! Tomorrow I am heading to the church in Colonet (2 hours south) for the monthly get together with all the other churches. On Sunday I teach a class for the Teen Girls and Babies. And next week I will be shopping for Christmas presents for all the kiddos in Colonet. I will also be having my last Bible Study and Cooking Class with the women at Colonia 89 before the New Year. After discussing some ideas with my mom, I think we will be making puppy chow and peppermint bark. Tough life, huh?

Last weekend I spent time with Murrieta Church of Christ. They came down for their annual Christmas bash with the Maneadero congregation. It was such a success! It was so well organized and the food was delicious. We had carne asada, beans, rice, and homemade Christmas cookies! The event was held at a park in Maneadero. It turned out to be so perfect and I believe they are planning on having it there next year! I am so glad I was able to help out with that. Afterwards, we headed to the church building to measure for the new kitchen they will be building. I played a game of basketball with some of the guys back at the church. After being held hostage in my house by bronchitis a few days prior, that was just what I needed :)!

So about this meeting with Mr.Richter Scale...On Wednesday, my friend Misha and I headed to Mexicali to hang out with my host sister who is in school there. She had already finished her finals and we were going to ride back with her the following day. So we left about 8:00 on Wednesday headed to Mexicali. 5 hours later we enter Mexicali. First of all, I was so excited to have the chance to see another part of Mexico!!!!! Deserts and Mountains galore! We ended up exploring Mexicali all afternoon and we went bowling that night haha. So I am peacefully laying in my bed that night staring at the wall and felt the ground shake a little. I really thought it was just my imagination, but then it really started shaking. I was smart and just continued to lay there...But seriously, I was scared out of my mind! I got up because I heard Misha and Liss talking about it. They kept making fun of me! How rude! So I got back in my bed and still felt it shaking. I was like, "Guys, I think it's still shaking." Baha no, it wasn't, it was just me shaking. Anyways, we ended up looking on a website that records earthquakes and it just so happened that Mexicali had already had about 10 that day. The one we felt measured at 3.9. I will be just fine never having to deal with Mr.Richter again.

Other news making headlines this week:
Trip to Velmar Hospital in town ends in Bronchitis diagnosis.

New Fish Taco Stand opens just minutes from City of Children. (It's pretty delicious.)

Teen Boys at City of Children announce what is topping their Christmas List this year: My sister, Meggie, and Pants, my dog. (I'm going to try my best to make this happen)

Tortilla Tally-132

"Modern man has lost the perspective of eternity. To distract himself from the gaping jaws of death, he engages in ceaseless activity and amusement. The practice of being still in My Presence is almost a lost art, yet it is this very stillness that enables you to experience My eternal Love. You need the certainty of My loving Presence in order to weather the storms of life. During times of severe testing, even the best theology can fail you if it isn't accompanied by experiential knowledge of Me. The ultimate protection against sinking during life's storms is devoting time to develop your friendship with Me."