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)