"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me (x3), the Bible tells me so."
5/21/12
"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I recieved mercy for this reason, that in me, as foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal lie."-1 Timothy 1
:15-16.
I finished 2nd Thessalonians and started 1st Timothy this past week, one thing really stood out to me was this: "Jesus Christ displayed (displays) His perfect patience".
At the moment I was just overwhelmed with this certain thing in my life, but He just reminded me of His grace and patience towards me. I find myself "beating myself up" because I can't find a long period of time to spend in the Word and in prayer like I find back home. I found myself constantly having to remind myself that He loves me and that I love Him. I got to read this chapter called Love's Law and Life in the book Being God's Friend by Charles Spurgeon.
Spurgeon writes,
"Do not I love Thee from my soul?
Then let me nothing love:
Dead be my heart to every joy,
When Jesus cannot move.
Would not my heart pour forth its blood
In honour of Thy name,
And challenge the cold hand of death
To damp the immortal flame?
Thou knows't I love Thee, dearest Lord;
But oh, I long to soar
Far from the sphere of mortal joys,
And learn to love Thee more."
1st John 4 verses 10 and 19 came to mind.
"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be propitiation for our sins."
"We love because He first loved us."
Reminding myself of the Gospel and what He has done for me, of course He loves me! And of course I love Him. I don't deserve His love, I don't His salvation, but His grace says it all.
I stumbled across Psalm 116 and it all came back to the same thing.
"I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live" (vs. 1-2).
His patience towards me outstands me. I'm not perfect. I do struggle with things in life. I don't spend enough time in the Word and prayer as I would like to. But He is patient towards me. He is patient towards my sanctification and my killing of sins. His perfect patience.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
He Provides
Today we got to go to Eldoret to this missionary couple's home. They're american (from Maine) and they have the cutest baby girl. Kelsey (the wife) is only 25 years old, and Josh (the husband) is only 26 years old (he reminds me of my brother Luis!). They planted a church in Eldoret, Kenya. They have such a beautiful family. I see Christ in/through their marriage. They were so encouraging and welcoming. They have my dream house! Its the typical little missionary home that I would one day like to have. They have an oven and a fridge! (I've missed seeing those). Kelsey made us beans, hotdogs, and potatoe salad. I ate CHEESE! Oh man, have I missed cheese. In all honesty, I would say...its was the yummiest meal I've had here in Kenya so far. We had a praise and worship time after dinner. I got to talk to Kelsey about how Josh and her met...and her thougths about being a missionary is Kenya, giving birth in Kenya...etc. Lord willing, her and I will have a date soon to sit down and talk. I know that the Lord will use her life and testimony, and what she has to say will help me in my life concerning marriage and the mission field. I told her I would take some brownie mix to her house so we can bake together. I stand in awe...I needed this. I needed that time of praise and worship (in english and songs that I can actually praise and worship to), I needed that one person I can relate to. He provided. He provided those 20 minutes of just singing to Him and remembering what He has done. He provided Kelsey. He Provides!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Bits and Pieces
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I get to walk to back to the hotel and be accompanied by all these cute little ones. The one in the purple jacket walks the farthest with me, her name is Masi. I just want to keep her! She has the cutest smile.
This is me with this fake elephant I saw in Eldoret.
Monday, June 18, 2012
"Hey, I like your...chicken"
Thanking Jesus for having time to be still and mediate on His Word. For being able to listen to praise and worship and stare at His creation. Our God is an AWESOME God. )
Sunday Afternoons
This is Sharon.
She doesn't know exactly how old she is, but I would say shes around 7-8 years old.
She is the sweetest little girl.
After Sunday school service she comes to where I am and starts holding my hand.
I allow her to sit on my lap and we begin to laugh and smile.
I love her.
She doesn't know exactly how old she is, but I would say shes around 7-8 years old.
She is the sweetest little girl.
After Sunday school service she comes to where I am and starts holding my hand.
I allow her to sit on my lap and we begin to laugh and smile.
I love her.
He reminds me of His grace and goodness through this child.
Please continue to pray for the people here in Kenya.
Love you and miss you all!
Please continue to pray for the people here in Kenya.
Love you and miss you all!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
My Math Class of 67 Students
Today I got to teach all of these awesome kids how to convert a percentage into a decimal and some other math bambo jumbo.
After class they had break time and they begged me to stay in our classroom with them. We played ask the "mazungu" (white person) 12 (instead of 20) questions. It was fun.
They also begged me to sing for them...I taugh them how to sing "You Are Good" by Bethel.
"And I'll sing because You are good.
And I'll dance because You are good.
And I'll shout because You are good.
You are good.
Good to me."
He Will Be Exalted
"Our God is compassionate.
He is rich in love.
He is full of mercy.
His love is unfailing.
His face is shining here.
Oh God, You are my God and I will ever praise You.
I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways. And step by step You lead me and I will follow You all of my days."
Yesterday I was walking to the Children's home in the afternoon and a group of kids from River Side Academy (a school thats between the hotel I live in and the orphanage/the school I teach in) started following me and two of my friends. After being asked a bunch of questions by the kids I began to walk ahead of the group. This young girl (I believe she told me she was 10 years old) caught up with me and held my hand. As we both walked up and down the hills of red dirt together, I began to ask her questions. After getting to know her for a bit, I asked if she had ever heard the name of Jesus before. "No," she replied. I asked her if she had ever heard about God before. She said yes. So I asked her if she would like me to tell her about Jesus. After she said yes, I began to share the Gospel with her. It was a little hard to stay on topic considering everything that was going on around us (we were intrupted by a herd of cows (I'm not even kidding), these three extremely nice old ladies, and the group behind us). Telling her about Jesus and all that He had done on the cross for us, and what He continues to do, starting from Adam and Eve to His coming. By the time I was talking about Jesus dying for the ungodly and sinners, we both had to depart routes. Although I didn't get to talk to her about repentance that leads to salvation, I know a seed was planted. And I pray that I would see her again.
After spending time with the kids at the Children's home and eating dinner, I got back to the hotel and started the book of 2nd Thessalonians and a couple of other chapters in the Bible that my friend Kiki encouraged me to read.
"When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal desruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." - 2nd Thessalonians 1:7-12.
Beginning of the Chapter:
1) He is the one inflicting vengeance.
2) Theres a difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him.
3) Knowing when one is a Christian= someone who is obedient the Gospel of Jesus (fruit).
4) Not knowing and not obeying = not only suffering the punishment of eternal destruction but being away from the presence of our sweet Jesus.
Rest of the chapter: ALL GRACE, HIS IRRISISTABLE GRACE.
"Be stil and now that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." -Psalm 46:10-11.
As I try and beat myself up for not sharing the Gospel with every single person I see, He humbles me and reminds me that He doesnt need me, He doesn't need any of us, He chooses to let us take part of His great commission and commands us to do so. Whether I ever get the fruit of the seeds I plant or not, HE WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS, HE WILL BE EXACLTED ON THE EARTH!
"Jesus, nothing compares to this Grace that has rescued me!
Savior, now and forever Your face is all I see!
I'm humbled by the wonder of Your majesty."
"But the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him; in those who hope in His steadfast love." -Psalm 147:11.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Encouragement via Internet
"Nati!! Its incredible how God always reminds me to pray for you...I usually forget to pray for many people but with you, I know it's just HIM saying "pray for Nati"... He is interceding and protecting you!
I know you probably miss your family and lifestyle you were used to but I also see God's hand in this and know He will mold you more into the image of Christ as you walk this path. It may not be super easy but it will bring about beautiful fruit! For the glory of God and your joy!
Praying for your my sister! Love you." -Kiki
"Nati, I am so happy for you and so proud of everything you're doing for the Lord. I want to let you know that you're always in my prayers! Keep your head up, in the good times and the bad, always remember to rejoice. Just sending some love your way! See you soon for our date!" -Maria
Its always so awesome to see how He cheers me up through my brothers and sisters in Christ.
He interceeds and protects, He molds and refines. He guides and gives rest. He comforts and encourages. He is Yahweh.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words. Love and miss you all!
I know you probably miss your family and lifestyle you were used to but I also see God's hand in this and know He will mold you more into the image of Christ as you walk this path. It may not be super easy but it will bring about beautiful fruit! For the glory of God and your joy!
Praying for your my sister! Love you." -Kiki
"Nati, I am so happy for you and so proud of everything you're doing for the Lord. I want to let you know that you're always in my prayers! Keep your head up, in the good times and the bad, always remember to rejoice. Just sending some love your way! See you soon for our date!" -Maria
Its always so awesome to see how He cheers me up through my brothers and sisters in Christ.
He interceeds and protects, He molds and refines. He guides and gives rest. He comforts and encourages. He is Yahweh.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words. Love and miss you all!
The Great Reminder: He Who Promised is Faithful
Yahweh is Faithful.
Justification-Sanctification-Glorification.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all curcumstgances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sancitfy you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification." -1 Thessalonians 4:3.
"...for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." - 1 Thessalonians 4:9b.
"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." -Colossians 4:18.
These are a few verses that have come up alot in my walk with the Lord recently. I've had the chance to study Colossians and 1 Thessalonians and a few Psalms. It's been awesome to see how He reminds me of His goodness and grace. Everything I read, see and hear...it all points to this: Jesus and His faithfulness.
He justifies me, He sanctifies me, I will be with Him in glory.
He who promises is faithful.
He breaks me and restores me at the same time. He molds me to the image of His beautiful Son.
He reminds me why I'm here in Kenya: To serve Him and make Him known.
I do get very homesick and I do miss my Colombian food (any type of good food really). I miss my mommy and my brother and sister. I miss my bestfriends, I miss my CF family. I'm sad at the fact that when I get home most of my friends will be in colleges that are far away from home.
But when I see the kids at the Children's home all of the negative goes away. When I see the kids I get to love on, I feel at home. I get to be their "Aunti Nati", for some I get to be their older sister, for some I get to me their mommy (taking out my first-aid kits and fixing some boo-boos).
When I go to the city (Eldoret) and I see my friend Masi at the Bakery at Tusky's, and the sweet woman (whose name I can't pronounce) who sells me Samosas at the butchery next to the sketchy place that I buy cheap scarfs at, and the little kids that make me feel like a movie star cause they want to touch/hold my hand. The babies at the local primary school that cling to my hands and arms, with their dry boogers all over their precious little faces and their dirty/torn attires. The funny 67 students in my math class. Sunday mornings and afternoons with all the kids from the block. All of these things, all of these people....it dims all the things that I miss.
Being homesick is temporary. Serving Christ is eternal.
Justification-Sanctification-Glorification.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all curcumstgances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sancitfy you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification." -1 Thessalonians 4:3.
"...for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." - 1 Thessalonians 4:9b.
"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." -Colossians 4:18.
These are a few verses that have come up alot in my walk with the Lord recently. I've had the chance to study Colossians and 1 Thessalonians and a few Psalms. It's been awesome to see how He reminds me of His goodness and grace. Everything I read, see and hear...it all points to this: Jesus and His faithfulness.
He justifies me, He sanctifies me, I will be with Him in glory.
He who promises is faithful.
He breaks me and restores me at the same time. He molds me to the image of His beautiful Son.
He reminds me why I'm here in Kenya: To serve Him and make Him known.
I do get very homesick and I do miss my Colombian food (any type of good food really). I miss my mommy and my brother and sister. I miss my bestfriends, I miss my CF family. I'm sad at the fact that when I get home most of my friends will be in colleges that are far away from home.
But when I see the kids at the Children's home all of the negative goes away. When I see the kids I get to love on, I feel at home. I get to be their "Aunti Nati", for some I get to be their older sister, for some I get to me their mommy (taking out my first-aid kits and fixing some boo-boos).
When I go to the city (Eldoret) and I see my friend Masi at the Bakery at Tusky's, and the sweet woman (whose name I can't pronounce) who sells me Samosas at the butchery next to the sketchy place that I buy cheap scarfs at, and the little kids that make me feel like a movie star cause they want to touch/hold my hand. The babies at the local primary school that cling to my hands and arms, with their dry boogers all over their precious little faces and their dirty/torn attires. The funny 67 students in my math class. Sunday mornings and afternoons with all the kids from the block. All of these things, all of these people....it dims all the things that I miss.
Being homesick is temporary. Serving Christ is eternal.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Pieces of Kenya
This is my little Gideon.
He's such a cute little soccer player/runner.
I just want to take him home with me!
He's such a cute little soccer player/runner.
I just want to take him home with me!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Karibu (Welcome) to Kenya
Its been exactly two weeks since I've been here in Kenya.
Settling down is no easy matter.
My Living Quarters:
I am currently living with the missionary family in this house in Kaptagat Hotel. My room has a bunk bed and two double beds. I sleep on a double bed with a friend while three other girls (soon to be 4...another girl is on her way to Kenya) sleep on the rest of the beds. The room is small but home-y. Despite that fact that we hear rats at night, and we've actually seen a huge rat run around our room before, I love it. There is mold and losts of red dirt in the room. We have a bath tub, a sink, and a toilet (which is quite rare to see here in Kaptagat). I am extremely thankful for our toilet and sink! Oh my goodness, words cannot describe how thankful I am for toilets here! We have a stove, we dont have an oven nor a fridge. Therefore the food choice are tough to make. There's not much we can cook.
The Children's Home (the orphanage):
The new home is currently under contruction (its beautiful, if I do say so myself). But the workers are so SLOW! I just want to go and help build to make the process go faster. But we are being patient and trusting that the home will be finished in His perfect timing. The children are living in two separate little rooms (one is for all the boys and the other for the girls). Every night we have dinner and fellowship in this little room that is located in the middle of two rooms (the boys' room). We eat, sing and dance, pray, someone share a testimony, we read out loud our memory verse of the week, and we sing some more. Most of the songs are in Swahili (I sometimes wish I knew what I was singing! I could only understand a few words here and there. Like Mungu=God Yesu=Jesus...etc). The kids are so awesome! I love them all so very much in their own unique way. The older boys just stare at me and then I make a comment/face and we all start cracking up. The older girls are my good rafikis (friends), I love them so much. Getting to know them and just love on them has been such a beautiful experience. The younger kids as well. There are these two little boys (youngest of age in the orphanage) named Victor and Gideon...they are just the cutest thing! They are always together and they love playing soccer with me. I just want to take them home with me! Victor understands a few english, but I sometimes feel like Gideon has no idea what I'm saying! We somehow communicate in english/swahili. Despite the language barrier, I love them!
There is so much I would like to write about these past two weeks, but its hard to find time.
Its even hard to find a long period of time to spend in the Word, prayer and stillness. Its been awesome to see how faithful He is and how He comforts me, He always reminds me of what I read in His Word in the past. I walk about 3-6 miles a day (depending on if we have the truck or not), along my walks my heart rejoices when I come accross a beauitful flower. They remind me of His goodness.
Lastweek was a week of homesickness. I miss everyone back home so very much! But He just keeps reminding me of why I am here. To serve Him and make Him known. Please continue to pray for me and for the people of Kenya.
Love you all!
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will recieve the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." -Colossians 3:23-24.
Oh the thought that we can serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Settling down is no easy matter.
My Living Quarters:
I am currently living with the missionary family in this house in Kaptagat Hotel. My room has a bunk bed and two double beds. I sleep on a double bed with a friend while three other girls (soon to be 4...another girl is on her way to Kenya) sleep on the rest of the beds. The room is small but home-y. Despite that fact that we hear rats at night, and we've actually seen a huge rat run around our room before, I love it. There is mold and losts of red dirt in the room. We have a bath tub, a sink, and a toilet (which is quite rare to see here in Kaptagat). I am extremely thankful for our toilet and sink! Oh my goodness, words cannot describe how thankful I am for toilets here! We have a stove, we dont have an oven nor a fridge. Therefore the food choice are tough to make. There's not much we can cook.
The Children's Home (the orphanage):
The new home is currently under contruction (its beautiful, if I do say so myself). But the workers are so SLOW! I just want to go and help build to make the process go faster. But we are being patient and trusting that the home will be finished in His perfect timing. The children are living in two separate little rooms (one is for all the boys and the other for the girls). Every night we have dinner and fellowship in this little room that is located in the middle of two rooms (the boys' room). We eat, sing and dance, pray, someone share a testimony, we read out loud our memory verse of the week, and we sing some more. Most of the songs are in Swahili (I sometimes wish I knew what I was singing! I could only understand a few words here and there. Like Mungu=God Yesu=Jesus...etc). The kids are so awesome! I love them all so very much in their own unique way. The older boys just stare at me and then I make a comment/face and we all start cracking up. The older girls are my good rafikis (friends), I love them so much. Getting to know them and just love on them has been such a beautiful experience. The younger kids as well. There are these two little boys (youngest of age in the orphanage) named Victor and Gideon...they are just the cutest thing! They are always together and they love playing soccer with me. I just want to take them home with me! Victor understands a few english, but I sometimes feel like Gideon has no idea what I'm saying! We somehow communicate in english/swahili. Despite the language barrier, I love them!
There is so much I would like to write about these past two weeks, but its hard to find time.
Its even hard to find a long period of time to spend in the Word, prayer and stillness. Its been awesome to see how faithful He is and how He comforts me, He always reminds me of what I read in His Word in the past. I walk about 3-6 miles a day (depending on if we have the truck or not), along my walks my heart rejoices when I come accross a beauitful flower. They remind me of His goodness.
Lastweek was a week of homesickness. I miss everyone back home so very much! But He just keeps reminding me of why I am here. To serve Him and make Him known. Please continue to pray for me and for the people of Kenya.
Love you all!
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will recieve the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." -Colossians 3:23-24.
Oh the thought that we can serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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