Long overdue

I realize this entry is long overdue, like that library book you find at the bottom of your bag at the end of a semester, but here I ago any way. 

The past two months have been a whirlwind and I can't believe that I have been home from Costa Rica this long. After finishing my incredible 18 day trip with my dad through Central America, I arrived home in Pittsboro, Indiana. It was here that I was to work and wait as God brought together the pieces for my next place of ministry. I had Training at EBM, trips with family and visits to friends to occupy the waiting. Still, the unknown has hung over my head like a single lightbulb swings back and forth in a dark interrogation room. OK, maybe a bit dramatic, but it was a bit un-nerving. I began working part time and then volunteering the rest of my time at my home church, Bethesda. It was here that things began to take off into areas never expected and one thing was finally completed after a long time of waiting. 

Let me explain the one thing. Over 2 years ago, while completing my final year at Moody, I began to reflect on the journey in which God had brought me on to Himself and the amazing faithfulness He had shown. Though my heart was (and still can be) wicked and wanted (and some times still wants) nothing to do with Him, He drew me to salvation in Jesus Christ. For most of my life I thought that I was saved at a young age, because of a prayer prayed and a good life lived in the church. I was even baptized in grade school and made a re-dedication in middle school. My better understanding of salvation and what the bible teaches on how a person is saved, led me to the realization I wasn't saved at a young age. Actually, I was given salvation from sins when I was in middle school. This realization changed very little in my every day life, except a better understanding of my relationship with Jesus Christ and more passion for Him. However, soon I realized I had never proclaimed my true salvation to my home church by following the obedience of baptism. While in Costa Rica I decided that this was something I needed to follow through with, in obedience to the Bible. However, I really wanted to do it at my home church, Bethesda, which was a really long ways aways. So I waited. Well, 2 sundays ago, on the 24th of October the waiting ended and I was baptized!!!! It was such a joyful experience of obedience and fellowship with fellow believers. 

The unexpected, will have to wait for another time. I promise to tell you of God’s faithfulness in that as well. 

Now, I am just a week and half away from my trip to Puebla, Mexico. It thrills me to take the time to reflect back on all the things God has done in my life. He refines, He draws near and He strengthens those He has called to Himself.

The End with a Beginning

Today I graduated from my spanish language school, I even gave the speech on behalf on the graduating class in spanish. I said my final goodbyes to classmates and teachers, only crying a little bit. Then it was good bye to the missionary families that I have worked with for the past year. I was able to have one last meal with the Woolfords and then in my goodbyes I held in the tears until the drove away and then I lost it. But with all these goodbyes comes the beginning of my Dad and I's big adventure through Central America. We leave in an hour and half to spend 17 days traveling to the Panama Canal and then to Chitza Nitza, Mexico all over land. Its over a thousands miles and a lot spanish practice. I am sure it will be an amazing time. Look for updates of the trip on facebook along the way.

The beginning of Goodbyes

I have begun saying goodbye to the people I love. Sunday was my final service at my Costa Rican home church, Roca Viva. It has been a wonder place to learn and serve with such amazing people. I feel privileged to have had the chance to know these people, share life with them and grow closer to the Lord together. Graduation is friday, which means I have to say goodbye to all the friends that I have made at the language school. When I came to Costa Rican I never thought that I would leave with friends all over the world, but now I will. There are so many people that have become such dear friends it will be hard to say goodbye, many of whom I consider more like family.  Here are a few photos of those that will be missed.

Change In Plans

You know how you set off to do something only to find yourself in the middle of it doing something completely different than what you thought it would be? Well, thats what has happened to me. God has taken a hold of my plans and changed them. I am so excited to share with you the amazing things He has been doing in my life over the past 2 months to bring me to this change. Back in May I began to pray whether or not God might be leading me to serve for another year after my year of ministry in Costa Rica. After praying for a while I decided to seek some counsel for a potential possibility and the two people came back to me suggesting the same idea, coincidence? So I thought I would test the waters and look into the opportunity all the while praying to make sure this was the right thing for me. The opportunity, which is still in the works and not official, opened my eyes and heart the potential for longer term ministry in Latin America. As I began to talk with my director at EBM it was clear that the Holy Spirit was tugging at my heart to commit to a longer and more full time ministry. After discussions with family, friends, pastors and the missionaries I am and was going to work with here in Costa Rica, I have decided to reapply to EBM as a 2 year missionary, with the possibility of making it a career choice at the end of those 2 years. I will not be returning to Costa Rica after I leave next month, but will pursue a long term position through EBM. It will be hard to say goodbye to the many friends that I have made here, especially at Roca Viva church. They have been a wonderful family to worship and grow alongside for the last year and I will miss them so dearly. Its a big step out into the faithfulness of God, but I am excited to see where it will lead. When I return to the States in September I will be finishing the process of applying as a missionary with EBM, finalizing a ministry location and be interviewed for confirmation sometime in the beginning of November. Once all that is done, I will begin my support raising with the goal of being on the field in early 2011. I know its absolutely crazy, but I know its the right thing for me to pursue and grow through. I hope that you will pray with me as I follow God's leading as to where I will serve and its my prayer that you will be encouraged to step out there into His faithfulness.