A week in Miami and Spanish classes

I arrived last night from Miami where I spent the week with Aaron as he went through the process of becoming a LAM missionary. He was accepted! So, we now face a long road ahead where we are expecting God to provide in the same way He provided for me when I was support raising. Some of you will receive more info on that at a later time. Here are some pictures of the week:







Upon returning, I immediately started off my day by heading over to the national university across the street. Its students number in the 30,000's and now, they have one more: ME! Crazy huh? I'm headed back to school this coming Monday for an advanced Spanish class to help with my professionalism. Classes are in the evenings, so it won't be interfering at all with work and ministry. Wish me luck!



QUOTE: Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats

Freezing hot in Miami

I came to the sunshine state to warm up from my mountain climate in Botoga only to discover that it would have been warmer to just stay put. Temperature this morning in Miami: 22 degrees! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... But it'll be in teh 80's by Friday so I'll pull out the shorts and tank tops then!

The real reason I'm here is to walk alongside Aaron as he joins the Latin America Mission. We made the decision a while ago for him to join the LAM for our future together in missions. The Lord provided in an AWESOME way for us both to make it here this week. I'll be headed back to Bogota next Wednesday. We are making some fairly big decisions this week and so would greatly appreciate your prayers for the Lord's guidance.

Speaking of orientation.....we have the privilege this week of meeting the new LAM president. Steve Johnson is coming to us from Arizona and has a plethora of experience in the Latin World, missions, and pastoring. My AZ readers may also recognize his name as the founding pastor of North Ridge Community where I attended when living in Phoenix and where my Uncle Dwayne currently serves as the music director. Small world huh? I'll put up pictures next week of my time in Miami.

See you in Bogota!

Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.

Decisions Decisions...

Apparently 2009 has come in with a BANG! And I'm not talking fireworks! No no, I'm not complaining, I like being busy. It makes me feel accomplished ya know? But THIS busy? Time will tell.

Why you ask? In the past 3 days I have been to 2 meetings laying out this semester's activities, needs, and projects. I had planned on continuing to teach English this semester, but it seems that that will not be a possibility. There is just too much on my plate. I am in charge of the music for the 40th anniversary where we are expecting about 800-1,000 people. Also, with my Spanish being more advanced than when I first arrived, I have decided to really begin to build strong relationships with the students. We have so many students who come from less than descent situations. They need people their age who will listen to them, pray with them, and encourage them with the Word and with love. I will be making house visits this semester to many young ladies who I know are struggling tremendously. That will take up many of my afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

Lastly, I'm going back to school. Yes, its kinda weird to even say it. I'm not going for my masters, yet. But I have decided to take an 8-week course in advanced Spanish here at the local university. I feel that this will give me the last nudge towards fluency that I need. With my wedding coming this year and my extended stay in the USA, I feel that it is necessary for me to have a professional level of Spanish that I can use anywhere in the world for teaching, translating, or, maybe one day far down the road, a career in a full-time Spanish-speaking job. The options are endless and its the only thing that makes sense. I have discussed this with my boss and have assured her that this will not interfere with my work, which it won't. I will attend class from 4-6 pm every afternoon. My work with UCU will be done during business hours and my visits to students will take place during lunch times, evenings, and weekends.

So, these are the decisions and changes that have started off the new year. I'm ready to plow ahead with your support and prayers. Thanks again!!!

Quote: Always remember that the future comes one day at a time.
Dean Acheson

Back to Bogota

I write to you from my desk, in UCU, in Bogota! Yup, I arrived early morning on the 8th and am starting to get back into the swing of things. I have a busy January and, since its nearly halfway over, I guess I should get a move on. In an effort to not bore you with random details, I'll close this out. I'm ready for this year and these next 5 months in a city I am continuously growing to love!

Quote: And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
Abraham Lincoln

Welcome to 2009!!

Is it just me, or does it feel like we were just bringing in the new millennium a few weeks ago and now its already 2009???!!! Time flies when you're globe-trotting I suppose! I have enjoyed my break here in the States these past few weeks and am wrapping up the last-minute things before I head back to Colombia in a few days. I'm ready for these next 6 months and am anxious to see what the Lord has in my path.

Here's what I'm thankful for in 2008 and praying for for 2009:
2008:
God's constant help as I chopped my way through Spanish Language School in Costa Rica
The Lord's incredible provision for me to move to Colombia
His care and protection over me as I live in Bogota
The divine appointment He set up for me to meet my wonderful fiance
The funds to be able to come home and have an Atlanta Christmas with my family
All of you who never falter in encouraging, praying for, and supporting me through this journey

2009:
Continued Spanish learning and immersion into the Latin culture
The Lord's protection as I continue to travel throughout Colombia for ministry opportunities
The Spirit's movement both inward and outward among the Colombian students that I work with
Smooth sailing as I continue planning my wedding from afar
Continued provision from both those who have been with me from the start, and for new supporters
God's leading for Aaron and I as we make very big decisions for the immediate and distant future

Below are some more pictures from my stay at home. Happy New Year and may this be a great year for you and yours!!!




Our Engagement Pictures:




QUOTE: Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin