Happy Saturday

Hola! Well, it's been longer than a week, but I am here again : ) I am going to start with the word/phrase I have for the year as I have been meaning to write about it the last few times and obviously have forgotten. Praying you will be encouraged! 

It first started with the word abide. He just wanted me to be present and spend time with Him. Then the word adventure and guide were coming up. Abide and let Him guide your adventures is the phrase I feel like the Lord wanted me to have for this year. I am definitely in the middle of an adventure right now! Really every day of our life is an adventure! My one devotion in January talked about how our quiet time, reading and praying shouldn't be something we check off our to do list, but preparation for the greatest adventure God and I are about to head off on together in the hours ahead. Now what could be more exciting than that? I was convicted as some days I treat it as something to check off my list. Lord, help me to start each day with you and remember that each day we are on and adventure together! Are you treating each day as an adventure with the Lord? This was a simple prayer the devotion shared to start your day...God, I want to see You. God, I want to hear You. God, I want to know You. So that I can follow hard after You!

There was another devotion around the same time titled made for adventure. This one talked about how we were made in God's image for adventure. Genesis 1:28 says "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." We have a drive to invent, take risks and create new things as we fruitfully rule the earth. The adventures may be large or small, but they are best when they benefit others. Adventures of all kinds keep our heart beating. What new task or project is tugging at you right now? Perhaps God is leading you to a new adventure.  The devotion ended with this prayer...Adventurous God, send me on a new adventure out of love for You and others! This may you require you stepping out of your comfort zone. Are you willing to go on a new adventure? 

Another thing I have been meaning to share and keep forgetting is that I have decided not to do any adult English classes. If you have been reading my blog from day one, you will remember they wanted me to teach some adult English classes when I first came here. They think because I speak English, I can teach it to anyone. At school, we have curriculum to follow and they are kids, so I can handle that. I honestly wouldn't even know where to begin with teaching adults. I also didn't feel like I knew enough Spanish to try and teach. I felt like I had enough on my plate for now. All that to say I didn't feel like now was the time I should be teaching adults English. Maybe this is something I can come back for another time. Please continue for praying for God to guide and direct if that's something He wants me to do later. He has been faithful in each and every detail, so I believe He will make that plan clear too. He knows I need two by fours! 

In a previous blog, I have shared a few pictures of cards that people sent in the mail. So glad they made it here as I was told mail may make it and it may not. I also had two cards waiting when I came back from Minnesota in December, but didn't get pictures of those. I did share my address back in August, but will share it again incase you want to send a note or card. Just don't send a million dollars as it may not make it! My mom said she sent a Valentine's card about about month ago, but that hasn't arrived, so if you decide to send something, I wouldn't send it after April 30th. As of now, I am scheduled to fly back to the states June 12th.  

Tomorrow night it the night I get to share my message on true friendship and dating/courting! I had to laugh when they first asked me to share as I am clearly no expert at dating/courting. My dear friend Margie reminded me that I am great person to give the message as I am right in the midst of being single and trying to find a Godly man myself. As I was working on the message, it was like God knew I needed to hear these things. Weird!! My other dear friend Brenda reminded me that this is truly a time God wanted to speak to my heart! 

I will be honest, I need to work on praying faithfully for a Godly man and trusting that He will provide one if it's part of His plan. I often like to think I know what I am doing and try to find a man all on my own. That obviously has not worked. I also need to remember how important it is to find a man that is equally yoked. I have tried dating someone thinking it was my job to bring them closer to God. That clearly hasn't worked either.  I now many of you are already praying for that Godly man and for me to be patient in the waiting. Thank you! If you aren't praying, please join me in faithfully praying. I joked with my mom that maybe there would be a single Godly man there and that's how I would find my husband : ) That would be a good story to tell. Lord, I am giving my desire to you and trusting you will show me what you have for me. Lord, thank you that you chose me to share this message! 

I thought I was doing good at being flexible until this last Tuesday. We went to lunch about 15 minutes early. Then after lunch, we played some games. I was thinking we were just going to play a few games and go to class. Oh no, an hour passed by and we are still playing games. Liz is very good at just coming up with games and things to do on the spot. I am working on getting better at that : ) The other teachers were blowing up balloons and writing messages on them for Valentine's day, so we had all the kids together. I would have done this the day before or before school : ) Two hours later, we all gathered together to give gifts to their secret friend and a balloon. I was annoyed and frustrated as after about an hour the kids were getting antsy, so we went and read some stories and watched a couple videos. Then I had to remind myself, I am in Mexico, this is their culture. All this to say, please be praying for me to be more flexible and have a better attitude when things are changed at the last minute or when I don't know what's happening : )  Also be praying for me to be slow to anger when things are crazy and unknown. 

Now, let's see if I can remember what else has happened the last almost 2 weeks. Today, I am just relaxing at home catching up on some sermons from Minnesota, looking over my message for tomorrow and catching up on some other things. 

Yesterday, I was reminded of Mexican time. Norma and I were going to go to Wal Mart after school. I got home about 2:30. She said she was going to finish cleaning and then we would go. Then she was going to change quick and we would go. Let's just say it was almost 5 by the time we left. I practiced my Spanish and worked on devotions while I waited. I sometimes forget when they say a few minutes, it really might mean a couple hours. Lord, again, help me be flexible with time. 

We had a good week at school this week. We played number bingo with marshmallows and did a couple heart crafts for Valentine's Day. The students did a secret friend exchange. Starting last week, each day they brought something for their secret friend. One day a sucker, another day cookies, another day candy and other things. On Tuesday, they revealed who their secret friend was and gave them one last treat with a great big balloon. I took a few pictures. Norma gave me a sweet package of treats and earrings and I got a couple gifts at school as well.

Valentine's Day is celebrated here like in the states. Lots of flowers, balloons, candy and stuffed animals. I just brought some suckers and fruit snacks for the kids to enjoy while we did our crafts. Then they got to eat their marshmallows after bingo. I did little treat bags for the teachers with a chalk heart that said you are loved. They don't do valentines for the whole class, but had their secret friend they got treats for. We had pizza for supper at home : ) 

Answer to prayer as many of you have been praying for the school, Joe and Corinna are planning to come help a couple days a week at the school. They read my blog and offered to give some of their time to help out. Thank you Lord for their hearts and obedience. I continue helping with the preschoolers a couple days a week while they eat and have recess. This has been fun as I can be silly and goof around and not have to be in teaching mode. 

Monday was Pastor Francisco's birthday, so we had a little program at school with food and cake. Each class did a little song and dance. Be sure to check out the pictures. It was a fun day celebrating with Pastor. Monday night we had another party for Pastor. It was mostly teachers and their families and then some others from church. They are always having parties : ) I got to ride in the very back of a truck to this party, about 45 minutes away. It was a fun adventure. We got to swim in a pool at this party. It was cold, but fun. Praising God, that He had me in the right place at the right time as a 5 year old boy was reaching for a ball and fell in the pool and I was there to grab him. So scary! The night could have ended very differently than it did. Be sure to check out pictures from both parties. 

Tuesday, we had our second single missionaries devotion. My friend Barb leads this group and there are 4 single WGM missionaries that gather together. She shared about abiding in God's love. There's that abiding word : ) I am always encouraged after we meet. Thankful for Barb for taking time to pour into our group. 

Wednesday we didn't have school as it was the anniversary of Irupuato. We had our Mexico team prayer time at 6:30 a.m., so I didn't get to sleep in, but always good to gather with the other Mexico missionaries. Norma and I went for a walk. Then I ended up deep cleaning my room and even cleaned the bedding. I always love a fresh room. 

Last Sunday, I went to Joe and Corinna's to join them and some people from their church for the super bowl. I am not a big super bowl person, but it's always fun to spend time with Joe and Corinna and others from their church. Corinna is also a great cook and had quite the spread to eat. Check out the pictures. Joe and Corinna are from Pennsylvania and my sister lives in Kansas, so that made it fun to watch too : ) Joe was rooting for the Phillies and Corinna, Pastor Tony and I were rooting for KC.  Joe blew on the balloons and did a little Eagle dance every time the Phillies scored and Pastor Tony did a little dance every time KC scored. Lots of laughs, good fellowship and fun times!

Last Saturday, I spent most of the day putting my message together. It's good to go and I have a translator. Thank you for the prayers for the message and translator. Be praying that all goes well tomorrow night. That my words will be His words and not mine. Also be praying for the hearts of those that are coming. 

Last Friday, we went to Wal Mart to get some Valentine's treats and all the sudden I heard someone yell "Sarah". Liz was there. I had to laugh as I am not used to seeing people I know. Thank you Lord for the reminder of the relationships being built. 

Tuesday, February 7th we took a field trip to the park and planted some plants. The kids had fun digging, planting and watering. It's always fun to get some fresh air and get a break from the regular lessons. Be sure to check out pictures. 

Liz and I watched another movie and did some studying. I know I have said it before, but so thankful for Liz. She is always so patient and gentle. Always willing to translate. I wouldn't be able to teach without her. I mean I could, but it would take a lot longer as I would have to use google translate.

Things at home seem to be going okay. Some days Norma has anxiety as she thinks about what happened. Thank you Lord that you know and you care and we can give her anxiety to you! I think Ricardo is looking for a different job, so you could be praying for the right job. Continue praying for their marriage as well as unity and peace in the house. I continue to be so grateful for this family, especially Norma! 

I think that's it for this time : ) A little recap on prayers and praises. 

Pray for tomorrow night's message-that my words will be His words and not mine, the translator will translate well, for the hearts of those that are coming.

Continue praying for guidance and direction with my future in general, but especially with teaching adult English classes. Also for living arrangements when I go back to Minnesota. I still have a little less than 4 months here, but thought we could start praying now. Thankfully I can stay with my parents when I first go back, but I will need to find a place to rent or to buy. If you hear of any good deals, let me know.  Pray that God will direct and be clear with His plans. 

As I mentioned, be praying for me to be patient and trusting that God will provide a Godly man if that's part of His plan. Pray for me to be content in the waiting!

Also be praying for me to have a better attitude and to be slow to anger when things don't go as planned or I don't know what's happening. For this I have Jesus. Help me be flexible!!

Praising God that He chose me to give this message on friendship and dating/courting. 

Praising God that He provided a translator. 

Praising God for relationships and good health. 

Praising God that Joe & Corinna will be helping at the school. 

Praising God that He had me close by to help the little guy out of the pool. Praising God for each one of you, your prayers, love and support! 

Enjoy some pictures. Adios! Until Next time!

    

Norma gave this cute little dish to put my earrings in

Next few pictures are preschoolers with their                                       heart fish : ) 

Earrings from Norma

Note from Norma : ) 

Cookie face I think I had thrown away at one time. LOL!  It was a craft from school

Valentine card from Liz 

Sucker from one of the students

Chocolate & humming bird from Norma. She is                                     just too sweet! 

Necklace from the other Liz : ) She is the one I have been helping in preschool

Chocolate from Liz

Homemade heart from Liz, scripture in English

Same scripture in Spanish

The fancy balloons : ) Worth the crazy chaos

So excited to get balloons

They got a marshmallow treat too : ) 

Alice and I : ) 

Dani with his picture from his secret friend

Dani with his gift for he secret friend

Look at all the red and white. Waiting to reveal                                 secret friends

All eating lunch together

Dani and Ian were their Valentine mice : ) 

Ester and her heart fish

Ester and her mouse : ) 

Ian and his mouse : ) 

Next pictures are of the primary class and their heart fish

Valentine Bingo with marshmallows

More bingo

Getting ready to start bingo

Beautiful sky at party Monday evening

Francisco opening his gifts

Few photos of the beautiful sunset

Liz and I swimming

Liz did a somersault into the pool. Check out                                                                         Mexico facebook page for video : ) 

Beautiful plants at the party

Pools at the party

Next pictures are riding in the back of the truck : ) 

Eating cake

All the students and teachers wrote a note for Pastor and put it on the tree

Signs for Pastor's birthday

Eating 

More eating

More signs

Feliz Cumpleanos : )

Pastor reading his notes

Secondary students presenting pastor with a poster

Primary kids each made a poster and sang Feliz                                 Cumpleanos

Preschool class had letters for Pastor and I love you                                                                                     at the end. Each student had something to say with                     their letter

Preschoolers dancing and sining

Feliz Cumpleanos decorations : ) 

Pastor Tony doing his dance every time KC scored. It's blurry, but was funny

Joe doing his eagle dance when the Phillies scored

Joe blowing on the balloons when Phillies scored

Watching the super bowl

Sliders and wings

Corinna's delicious spread. No one went home hungry

She even had green punch!

Corinna's fancy desserts

Pizza for National Pizza Day : ) 

How many kids can we get in the van for the park?!

Next photos are when we planted at the park 

Primary class giving Pastor their posters from their                 dance

Maribel and Francisco

Pastor and part of his family at the party

Students and staff with pastor at the party

Pastor with his cake : )