Available

It started my senior year of college. "What are you going to do after your graduate?" And then when I kind of had that figured out by living in Boyle Heights in a house with 8 people doing ministry and living life together in community, "What are you going to do when you move out?" "What are you going to do with your life?" What do you want to do?" "Where are you going to live?" "How are you going to support yourself?" 

Ughhhhh. 

All very good and frustrating questions. My answer "I don't know" never seemed to be sufficient. It never seemed to satisfy those who were asking. Society expects me, a 23 year old woman with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, who hasn't lived with her parents in 5 years, and who can't remember what she had for lunch yesterday, to know what she wants to do for the rest of her life. How am I supposed to know what I want to do for the rest of my life when I can't pick a favorite color. I like turquoise and grey. Does that count? But Christmas is coming up, and I'm really enjoying dark burgundy/wine colored things. How anyone can chose one favorite color and stick with it is beyond me.

The only thing I know is that I want to serve the Lord. I want my life to be a reflection of the love that He has shown me, so that others may know Him. And as of right now, I don't know exactly what that is going to look like. But good news is I don't have to know. I don't know because God hasn't shown me yet. He reveals His plan to me step by step. Just as soon as I need to know. Not a minute sooner. 

Pastor Alcides shared this morning that we are all called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We all have unique individual callings for our lives. God has known and has planned it out since before we were born. And thankfully, it's not a game that He is playing with us. Otherwise, I'm sure I would lose. 

And even though I don't know what I'm going to be doing for the rest of my life, I am available. I am available for what God has for me. And for this season, it's to be in Paraguay - teaching English, leading a small group, helping out with the youth group, being a camp counselor, participating in campaigns. Whatever the Lord throws my way. 

And last week, that meant helping out with a campaign with a church that came up from Argentina. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouraging emails. We worked in Las Mercedes, sharing the gospel door-to-door, inviting them to the activity at night, and showing the love of Jesus. I was super nervous about going to door-to-door and striking up conversations with random people, but I learned to not be so worried. God just wants me to be available. I just have to show up. He'll take care of the rest. 

The same thing happened on Thursday and Friday. I went to camp again to be a counselor. This time for a Christian school where most of the students aren't Christians. The four girls in my group were 13 years old and just the sweetest. Even though I stumbled over my Spanish, and had a somewhat difficult time understanding them because they mixed the Guarani and Spanish, and spoke really fast (13 year old girls are 13 year old girls no matter where you are), the Lord just called me to be with them. We walked arm in arm to the meetings and meals. They fought over who got to sit next to me. It was raining almost the entire time and we didn't have any electricity, but we shared meals together, we laughed together, we had fun together, and we loved on one another.  

Maybe my calling is to just be available. To be available whenever and wherever God has me. I pray that you, too, would make yourself available for Jesus. He may not call you to move to a foreign country, but He may have you strike up a conversation with the person behind you in line at Starbucks. Maybe He wants you to buy lunch for that guy at work you just can't seem to get along with. Whatever it may be, make yourself truly available. God will probably surprise you. 

Luke 14:26

Remember this post when I had my first fight with homesickness? I sat in my room, cried, read my Bible, listened to sermons, prayed, and called my mom. I am so thankful to have a family that prays for me. A family that not only allows their daughter to move to a foreign country, but supports her in doing so, even though she decided to go a month before. 

My loving mother texted me Luke 14:26, and honestly, instead of helping me feel better, I became frustrated and confused. Naturally, I just put it aside. However, when God wants to teach me something, He brings it into my life again and again. I'm stubborn and He knows that very well. He knows that He needs to repeat lessons in my life because I just won't get it the first time. 

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple"

Luke 14:26

Frustrating, am I right? It's hard being away from my family because my family loves me well. We love each other well (most of the time). I have been blessed with a very supportive family. And now, Jesus, you're telling me to hate them? How the heck is that encouraging? Thanks, Mom...? 

Yet, again, this verse popped up this weekend at the missions conference the church held. Pastor Eduardo Buldain explained that Jesus didn't mean to literally hate your family and yourself, but that our priorities need to be in check. For some this may mean that the cost of following Christ means the loss of family. Some families won't support the decision of following Jesus. And in this, we need to be willing to be rejected by our family. 

Praise the Lord, my family does not reject me for following Jesus, but they too are Christ-followers. What a blessing that is! 

Because that is the case, what am I supposed to do with this verse now? 

Jesus may not be calling me to literally hate my family members, but all other things and relationships need to come second to my relationship with Christ. Duh, Nicole. But, this is a lot easier said than done. I need to be ready to part with very dear relationships and the greatest enjoyments in my life, and with life itself, when Jesus calls for it. I'm not there to see my brother grow while he is at college. I'm not going to be there for Thanksgiving. I'm not with my family as we are growing and changing. I don't get to go on walks with my stepmom. I can't just hug my dad when I want, or call my brother and watch Jimmy Fallon videos online. I have parted with my family in this sense. And the closer and closer I get to coming home for Christmas, the harder it gets. 

This is what Jesus is teaching me through this verse. I need to love Christ so much that all other human relationships pale in comparison. 

Indeed, thank you Momma. More importantly, thank you, Jesus.  

On another note, tomorrow I am going out sharing the gospel door-to-door with a team that is hear from Argentina. And I'm super nervous. Door-to-door just isn't my thing. Some people have the gift of evangelism. That's awesome. I don't. I pray that my own anxiousness and worry would be thrown aside, and that God would use me in whatever way to bring glory to Him. I have no idea what that's going to look like, and that probably scares me a little bit too. Please join us in praying that God's presence would be made known in the town of Las Mercedes, that people would come to know Him as their personal Savior, and that they would be discipled. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Wait, Right??

We probably should have known. Collectively we've celebrated Thanksgiving over 100 times. But when the different stages of culture shock set in (that's what I'm blaming it on, anyway), and there weren't ever any decorations in the stores, nor are people talking about it because it's not on their calendars, and it's been almost 100 degrees the past week, and no one is wearing scarves, the leaves aren't changing colors, and no one is drinking pumpkin spice lattes, you guess. And we just happened to be a week off. 

But we went with it anyway. 

Because why not? We knew it was going to be a sort of make-shift Thanksgiving anyway. And really, we were the only ones who knew, and we all love a good laugh. 

Our Thanksgiving started about a month ago when Kendra, Charlotte, and I were emailing, texting, and calling Scott to bring different key ingredients that we knew we were not going to be able to find in Paraguay. Thankfully, before we went to Peru, he delivered those precious ingredients. Then the waiting began. 

We were just a little bit anxious. At least I was. I love Thanksgiving. Food, family, and football. What's not to love??

While we didn't watch any football (partly because no one really likes/understands the NFL in Paraguay, and mostly because we were celebrating on the completely wrong day), I would say our Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. So much so, I'll share some highlights. 

I took the bus out to Tobati on Tuesday afternoon after going to the store and trying to find frozen green beans, brown sugar, and marshmallows. None of which I found. Fresh string beans was the closest I could get. And we were going to make it work! Kendra and I almost immediately started on the apple pie. We had a little frustrations with the dough for the crust at first, but then we got it! Then we made brownies because we all know you can't just have one dessert on Thanksgiving. 

We took a break from making food for Thanksgiving because we needed to make dinner. Kendra taught me how to make empanadas! But sorry Mom, we didn't make the dough from scratch. If you want me to make them when I'm home, we might have to find the pre-made stuff, or just wing it :) 

We ended the night by making turkey hands and sharing what we're thankful for. We put them on the fridge, and called it a night. We had a BIG day ahead of us! 

We "planned" everything out and decided that something needed to be in the oven by 9am. After slowly waking up, sharing coffee, donuts (!!!!!!, not exactly the same, but the closest I've seen in Paraguay), and our morning devotions, we were a little behind. But thankfully, we were on Paraguayan time! And we decided to not attempt sweet potatoes. Mostly because we didn't have marshmallows, brown sugar, or sweet potatoes. I think it worked out in our favor. 

We continued to make green bean casserole, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, the big bird (chicken, not turkey), apple cider (Sprite and apple juice did the trick), and cranberry sauce (taking it out of the can that traveled from the US counts as making it, right?). There was just one thing missing. Ice cream. You can't have apple pie without ice cream. And if you've ever had ice cream from Amandau, you would know how important it was to get ice cream. That stuff is seriously so good. Charlotte and I got a ride into town with Pablo as he went to pick up some of the girls from school. We walked right up to our favorite ice cream placed - closed. Dang. Okay, plan B.. not as good but still yummy - El Heladero, just a couple of blocks down. Closed. Bummer. Big fat bummer. It was 11:30, why aren't you open!? Anyways... Pablo picked us up after making his rounds and we sadly delivered the news to Kendra. I'm glad she likes ice cream as much as I do because she was not going to settle for not having it. Around 1, we headed back into town. It better be open this time! And praise Jesus, it was. We picked out our flavors to fill up one kilo, and we were so stoked. The whole ice cream ordeal probably took up two hours of our day, and it was so worth it. 

By the time we waited for the bus, and got back, Luis had also gotten back from school. We were ready!!! Luis said prayer, and we dove right in. We all sat in silence eating. The combination of emotions from being exhausted, hungry, enjoying the food, and missing home. All at once. We didn't feel the need to talk. We all knew. 

This was Luis' first Thanksgiving ever. This was the first time Kendra and I had cooked Thanksgiving without the help of our mothers. And Charlotte, bless her heart, was not feeling well, but was the biggest help. 

This was a Thanksgiving I will never forget. And I am so incredibly thankful. 

Peru!

I know I have been a little MIA recently, but it's all for a good reason! Last week, I had the blessing of an opportunity to go to Peru with my stepdad, Scott, Alcides, and Jeff (he was part of the James 127 team this summer to Paraguay). 

We spent the first couple days in Cusco. I know exactly what you're thinking. Kuzcotopia. 

Uh huh. Uh huh uh huh uh huh. Boom baby. While we did run into some llamas (thankfully none of them were demon llamas), Kronk was no where to be found. Neither was the waterslide. But I had the best time. Cusco (the real one) is a beautiful old city. Cobblestone streets, tiny alleyways, old architecture, and plenty of tourists. The first day we spent exploring the city, getting used to the elevation of 11,200 ft (that's about twice the elevation of Denver).  In order to adjust to the elevation, they drink Mate de Coca - it's a tea that is derived from the same plant they make cocaine from. When any of us made a mistake from then on, we knew exactly what to blame it on. Here's a picture of Cusco at night. 

The next day, we left super early to catch a bus, then a train, then another bus to go to Machu Picchu!! Incredible. I hardly have any words to describe to you the beauty up in this mountains with the ruins. Thankfully, I have a few pictures (and of course, they don't do it justice). And you know what they say... So here's a couple thousand words. 

The rest of the week was full of meetings with different people to discuss the real reason we went to Peru in the first place. A big problem in Peru is teenage pregnancies - sometimes as early as 12 or 13 years old. Once these girls get pregnant, many of them chose to abort their baby. We went to Peru praying that God would reveal His plan for the idea and vision many people share. We would love to create a home for these young mothers who have chosen not to abort, but, for varying circumstances, can't return to their own house. This place would be a refuge for them, where they would learn motherly skills, and hopefully be counseled, and they would learn about Jesus and how to have a relationship with Him.

It was so clear that God is working in Peru. He is doing big things. We met Evelyn Stone who opened a prenatal clinic in La Molina, right across from the university. We met David and Gina, missionaries to Flores de Villa, who are serving the Lord through a medical clinic and boys and girls homes. We met the Kennedy family, who opened an orphanage. We met Jessica and Rebeca, who volunteer at the prenatal center and both have a passion to see change in the lives of pregnant teenagers. All live in different areas, all have different ministries, but all have recognized the need for a home for teenage mothers. 

These are just a handful of the people we had the opportunity to meet this week in Peru. I think I'm still processing it all. Maybe that's why I don't exactly know what to say. It's hard to sum up such a time. I do ask, though, that you would join us in prayer for this country. Pray that the Lord would fill us with His wisdom and guide us in how to approach this issue. Pray for the families, couples, and individuals we met - that when they feel discouraged that God would remind them that their work is not fleeting. They are working for the King. 

This is a view of the town we are praying about working in. 

Thank you for reading my little blog. It's so encouraging to receive texts and emails saying that I need to update. And I'm coming to realize that fall is in full swing states-side. Please go to Trader Joe's right now and pick up a box of pumpkin pancake mix. And when you make them on Sunday morning (because that's the morning for pancakes), add chocolate chips. You won't be disappointed. 

Dale Rojo!!

These kids like to play. And compete. And this week was a perfect display of their skill and competitive spirits. 

This week the entire school, which was divided into two teams, Red and White, participated in Las Olimpiadas (the Olympics). It started last Thursday with events in speech, poetry, drawing, and math. On Friday, the teams presented their teams with skits and songs. There weren't any classes all week, but this week allowed me to get to know my students better. There was a lot of down time, watching the kids play a lot of soccer. And I mean a LOT of soccer. And we took advantage of the time by talking about whatever we wanted :) Everything from One Direction and which boys they think are cute, to the prosperity gospel and why Cerro is the best soccer team in Paraguay. While at some points I would have rather have been in the classroom, I am thankful for each of the conversations I had with my students this week. 

Including the embarrassing ones. That's what brings us closer, right? Okay, here it goes. I'll start off by reminding myself to never again ask high school boys to teach me phrases in Guarani. (For those who don't know, Paraguay has two national languages. Spanish and Guarani. Guarani is completely different, I only know a few words, but I wanted to know more. Completely innocent.) The first boy taught me to say "I'm hungry" because it's the most important thing to know. But I already knew that, and it's kind of boring. The next boy taught me a phrase and without telling me what it meant, he told me to tell the other boy. And I listened to him. First mistake. Everyone around started laughing. I had no idea what I said. Through their giggling and making jokes, I finally figured it out. I had asked my student to marry me. Great... My face immediately turned red. Mistake number two. But I can't help it! And then they point out that my face is red. Just like my shirt. Perfect. You guys, I don't know how to describe it to you. So awkward. And then he ran off and told his friends. For days, he was telling different people. But I think I (eventually) handled it like a champ. The wedding is in December. You're all invited.

Kidding. But it did give us something to laugh about. Unfortunately, it was at my expense and embarrassment, but I'm realizing that sometimes that needs to happen. Sometimes I need to be vulnerable with my students in order for them to open up. How can I expect them to be vulnerable with making mistakes in English, if I'm afraid to do it in Spanish? As their teacher, I need to set the example. 

Another highlight from this week: On Wednesday night, I went with some friends to hear Nick Vujicic speak. If you don't know his story, you should definitely check it out: www.lifewithoutlimbs.org. Nick was born without legs or arms and is using his story so that others may know Christ as their Savior. I loved hearing his story and spending time with friends (Yes!! I've made friends!). Afterwards, we all went to the mall and ate pizza together. I loved it. It felt so normal. This is my life. 

Oh! And I got to watch the end of the Chargers game on Monday night. Yay!

While the quality is horrible, here's a picture of the red team during their presentation last Friday night. 

 These are my friends ready to eat pizza!

And here we are after hearing Nick speak. 

Another reason I am thankful that I got to spend time outside of the classroom with my students is that I got to hear some prayer requests. If you would join me in praying for Andrea. Her grandmother passed away this week. She was pretty old and had diabetes. Andrea also has diabetes which scares her. Pray that she would find her comfort in the Lord, and that He would sustain her. 

I hope you all are enjoying your fall weather in the states. I have been craving donuts like no other. I know that's not typically a food designated for the fall, but when Sidecar Doughnuts keeps posting their fall flavors on Instagram, I can't help but drool a little. 

This is my life

I would have never considered myself a babysitter growing up. Sure, I babysat. What 13 year old girl didn't? I didn't, by any means, make it a hobby or wanted to do it every weekend. I've never lead a small group for high school or junior high kids. I absolutely look forward to the day when I become a mother, but there's something about looking after someone else's kids that just doesn't appeal to me. Kids just haven't ever really been "my thing." I get super awkward. I don't really know how to connect with them. And I think it's because I didn't do it very much growing up. But somehow this weekend was different. 


On Thursday, we left for camp with the younger kids from school. Two bus loads of screaming children at 8 in the morning. My dream, right? I was told that I was going to be a counselor for the weekend. And I thought, "How the heck am I supposed to do that? I kinda speak their language. What do I do if someone gets hurt? How am I supposed to take care of these girls? I'm supposed to prepare two devotions? What in the world?" And there I go again - worrying. I've really got to stop doing that. Thankfully, God's mercies are new every day. 

Camp was jam-packed with fun activities, competition, worshipping, learning, swimming, soccer, and mud. We did so much! I'll share some highlights. 

I was the counselor to three girls in 3rd grade, Jhula, Yemima, and Nicole (that name was easy to remember). They have the most precious hearts. The first night we were there, we prayed before we went to sleep. I love hearing children pray. So simple and so sincere. They thanked Jesus for being able to come to camp, and for me being their counsellor. They prayed for my friends and family at home and for their families here. Not that I'm biased or anything, but I'm pretty sure I had the best group. They were the ones who always wanted to participate; they were smart; and they were fast. And today at school, they all came up to me at different times and gave me a big hug. I loved it. 

Camp was divided up into two teams. These kids are serious about winning. Most of the competitions we had were for the kids. They played soccer (lots of it), ran around answering cultural, math, and biblical questions. They screamed, read their Bibles, and had to be on time. We decorated our cabins, and put on skits. Like I said, for most of these, I watched and cheered. But on Friday afternoon, there was one competition where everyone had to participate or else your team would lose points. And if the counselors didn't participate it would be minus 10 points. But the teachers were exempt. All I knew was that we were going to run and get really dirty. I tried to pull the "Soy profesora" card, but they wouldn't have it. So, I committed. It's for the kids. I was doing this for my girls, right? And I ended up having so much fun. I wish I had words to describe to you where we were running, the mud we were crawling through, and the swamp we were dragging ourselves through. We smelled so bad. But I think we won!

There was one point when I was covered in mud, my blue TOMS were now brown, and my finger was bleeding from running though trees that I thought "This is my life." Most people my age are in grad school, working their desk job, or trying to figure out what the heck they want to do with their lives. And while I still fall under one of those categories, I get to do it here. I'm in Paraguay, not sure of what tomorrow is going to look like, let alone my future. And lately, I've been loving every minute of it. 

Oh, and back to the whole kid thing - I had many favorite parts to this weekend. One of them being taking care of my girls. I loved the feeling of them needing me to hold their towels while they were swimming, making sure they had enough water when they were playing soccer, them wanting to hold my hand while we walked, and that they brushed their teeth before they went to bed. 

Here are some pictures of me and my girls! Shout out to Charlotte for taking them because I forgot my camera. I know, good one, Nicole. 

 Yemima and I 

Jhula and Nicole

Aren't they the cutest?? 

The second half of my weekend was spent at a retreat for the leaders of Juntos (the youth group at church). The place was beautiful. We discussed what the vision and mission of Juntos is, played ultimate frisbee, ate yummy food, watched movies, and just hung out. I absolutely loved it. It was very relaxing and fun. 

Thank you for hanging through this blog with me. I feel like it's all over the place. I didn't know how to tell you everything that happened this weekend and sometimes I think that the language part of my brain is mushy - including the English part. And Dad, I know I told you that I wouldn't forget how to speak English. I still hope that I can keep that promise! 

Party Hardy.

First, I would like to apologize for my lack of recent updates. I see it as a good thing. That means I'm getting more acclimated and not missing you guys as much, right?? Kidding. Of course I miss you! Sometimes I just don't know what you want to read. I don't know if it gets boring reading about how I drove in Paraguay (!!!!) or that I had meat for lunch and dinner (again) or about how I had a dream that Hilary Duff and I became best friends. If there's something you want to want to hear, let me know! I'd like to try to save myself from embarrassment by not just writing what comes to my head, pretending that no one reads this. Because you do. And that means so much. That you would care enough about me to take a few minutes out of your day to read my messy and jumbled update and pray for me. I want these updates to be for you. Or if I'm completely wrong, tell me. "Nicole, you're being silly. Write about whatever you want. Include the random anecdotes. I promise not to make fun of you about it later. Pinky promise." 

All that being said, I have like a week and a half to update you on! 

Paraguayans love to celebrate. And so do I. Perfect. 

Last weekend was Dia de Juventud and the first day of Spring! Dia de Juvented is like Youth Day... You know how when you were younger you always wondered why mom got Mother's Day and dad got Father's Day. There's even Teacher Appreciation Day, Grandparent's Day, and Administrative Professionals' Day. But what about the kids?? If you were a child in Paraguay, this thought would have never crossed your mind. I think it's brilliant that Dia de Juventud and the celebration of the first day of Spring are on the same day. That means we get to play outside! On Friday, we celebrated with the school by taking them to a water park, complete with wave pool and slides, and a soccer field, of course. On Saturday, we went to a park with the youth group from church. It was such a beautiful day. Volleyball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, hot dogs, the works. 

This past weekend was also a weekend of celebration. Thursday was Charlotte's birthday! I took the bus to Tobati (about two hours away) to have dinner and dessert and a sleepover! Charlotte directed Kendra and I on how to make her special birthday Guatemalan tacos. They were seriously so yummy. I made brownies to go with the one kilo of ice cream that we bought. It was so fun! 

Charlotte, Luis, and Kendra with the Guatemalan tacos!

Birthday girl with her birthday brownies!

On Saturday, I got to experience the traditions and beauty of a Paraguay wedding. I met the groom, Esteban, many years ago, and he is good friends with my mom and Scott. In many aspects, the wedding looked a lot like what I know a wedding to be - bridal party, exchange of rings, dinner reception. I guess the biggest difference would be that it "started" at 8:30pm. However, in accordance with Paraguayan custom, the ceremony didn't actually begin until a little after 9. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. 

The beautiful bride and groom

Sunday was also a very special day. It was the quinceñera of the younger sister of one of the girls in my small group. Lisette was celebrated very well. About 10 of her close girl friends shared a Bible verse and an encouraging word. Her aunts and cousins also shared how much Lisette means to them. We ate, watched a slide show of pictures from her life, and listened to One Direction. It was fun for me to participate in something so cultural and special. 

Lisette's friends sharing how much she means to them with her father and mother standing by. 

This past week and a half has been fun and I can definitely tell that I am settling in more. People aren't staring at me as much, as if I've come from another planet (either that, or they are hiding it well). I'm really starting to enjoy being here. I mean, not many people can say they spend a year and a half in a foreign country! Thanks for investing in my life and hanging in there with me while I'm trying to figure things out.

I miss you all. Pinky promise. 

Three Weeks, They Told Me

It took me 19 days. That's pretty close, right?

19 days to have my first breakdown of missing home. Being here is like being on a roller coaster (which I've never really enjoyed in the first place). Some days are great, and I know and am fully satisfied in being here. Other days, like today, I just want to go home.

It probably doesn't help that I stayed home sick today from school. I just want a bowl of chicken 'n stars and to watch funny videos online with my brother.

As I'm in bed praying, journaling, and listening to a sermon by Pastor Ray on the Abrahamic Blessing, the Lord is so quick to comfort me. One of the things that Pastor Ray said was that the call of being a disciple of Jesus is not always easy. It's worth it, but not easy. I couldn't agree with that more.

It is such a blessing to be a child of the Most High. If you also share this blessing, but sometimes find yourself struggling, I want to encourage you. God will be with you always. Rick Riehman shared Psalm 40 with me, and I want to pass it on to you. Here's the first couple verses: 

"I waited patiently for the Lord; 

He turned to me and heard my cry. 

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, 

out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand. 

He put a new song in my mouth, 

a hymn of praise to our God. 

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord. "

While you're checking out the rest of the Psalm, listen to "Safe" by Phil Wickham. It's such a great reminder of how big our God is, yet He cares so deeply for His children. Each and every one of us. Individually.

And guess what?! I get to see my cousin, Kendra, tomorrow! She is coming into town with Graciela, one of the girls from Su Refugio, and we get to spend the afternoon together. What a blessing. I can't wait! 

Happy Sunday!!

You guys. I'm living here. Like I'm actually going to be here for a year and a half.

Yay!

For the first couple weeks, it just felt like I was visiting again. But I'm starting to feel more comfortable here, like I belong. God is so faithful to remind me that this is exactly where He wants me for this next little season of my life. I am in the midst of His will. There's no better place to be.

It hits me that I'm going to be here a while in different ways. Today at church, for example, Alcides mentioned different things happening at the church for the next month or so. I'm going to be here for all of those. I talked with Betty about her method of teaching, and I shared the difficulties I'm having with trying to teach a small group of boys English in 3 months who are at very different levels. I'll be here for that. I'll be here when the high school group from Maranatha Chapel comes in April. I'll be here to welcome the teams from e3 Partners and the James 127 Project in the end of June/early July. And when the college students from the Lutheran schools from the US and Concordia come in July and August, I'll be here. 

I'm going to be here for all of it. And right now, I'm so excited. 

Granted, I know that I am not going to always feel like this. But I am so thankful for the times Jesus gently reminds me that I am not alone. He shows me that He is with me always. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He will not slumber on me.

On Sunday, I got to go to Asuncion Fashion Week. I got to spend time with Kendra, my cousin who lives a couple hours away, on Tuesday. I got to talk with my brother on Wednesday, who I miss a whole bunch. I got to FaceTime with another one of my best friends, Tiffany, and it was so good to hear her laugh. Jesus knows how much I love fruit, and it happens to be the season for strawberries! The national tree of Paraguay is in full bloom and they are absolutely beautiful. On Friday, I went to the college age and up youth group, and guess what? We played signs. Just like I had played many times with my friends at Biola. One of my best friends, Chantelle, sent me some music that she has been listening to - like a mixed CD, my favorite.

I have only been here a little over 2 weeks, and the Lord has been so faithful. I know that won't wither away. He's here for the long haul. And He has given me you all. Thank you so much for your prayers. Sometimes it brings me to tears knowing how many people are praying for me and want to know how to be praying for me specifically. I am so humbled by your faithfulness and desire to pray for me.

Since you asked, here are some prayers requests :)
 - I would love prayer for direction and wisdom in how to teach my small group of boys who want to study in the United States. They are all at different levels with their English, we are only working together once a week, and they only have until December. Pray for their focus and dedication in learning. 
- Please pray for mi hermana, Rebeca. She is raising support to study at Palabra de Vida in Argentina in April for a year.
- We're going to get a little personal here. Something I struggle with is saying no. I often worry too much about pleasing others. I don't want to offend them if I don't want to go to another event, or am full, but I feel like I can't turn down food or dessert. Please pray that I would find the balance of respecting those who want to serve me and the things I should be attending, and when it is okay for me to say no, for my own health and sanity. 
- I would also love prayer for myself in that I would be honest with myself and my emotions. I'm not always going to like this place or what I'm doing. Pray that I wouldn't ignore those emotions, but that I would face them on with Jesus by my side.

I would also love to be praying for you. Please feel free to email me your prayer requests.

Love y'all. 

Tu Gracia es Suficiente

It hit me on the drive home tonight out of nowhere. 

God, Your grace is sufficient. 

His grace is sufficient in all things always. These words have been the backdrop at church since before I arrived. "Tu Gracia es Suficiente." Not until tonight did it make so much sense. 

I am learning that one of the things that I love about this culture is that the people are so gracious. They are gracious with me and with each other. With people they know very well and with others they don't know at all. I see their grace with me when I am stumbling over my limited Spanish to try explain myself. Grace is apparent when I'm wandering the school because I don't know exactly where I am supposed to be. Their culture is surrounded by grace. If you're experiencing car troubles, no one honks or yells as you're barely making it down the road. If you can barely get on the bus because there are so many people, no one gets upset or silently rolls their eyes. 

The world needs grace. People need grace. Even though we can show grace to others and ourselves, our God is the best and most important giver of grace. We screw up time and time again, but He is always there.

What a reminder it is that we cannot live without Him. In our weakness, His power is perfect.

"Be he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

What a week!

It's not even Friday, yet, but I want to share with you about my week! 

I started working at Heaven's Kingdom Christian School on Monday. This week, I am observing Marcelo and Lidia, both English teachers. Lidia teaches preschool through 4th grade and Level 1 of the high school. Marcelo teaches 5th and 6th grade and Levels 2 and 3 of the high school. I think I've met every single student at Heaven's! And I probably remember about 4 names. 

Monday was a little overwhelming. I didn't really know what I was going to be doing. It was only my second day in Paraguay. I still hadn't caught up with sleep. I was trying my hardest to adjust to their Spanish. I felt like I was being told I was going to be doing two different things. It was all a little much, but I praise Jesus for siestas. I have been taking full advantage! 

Tuesday was a little better. I was getting used to being there and I think the students were used to having a stranger in their class. As cute as the kindergarten and preschool kids are, I have learned that teaching them English is not my gifting. Runny noses, yelling, mumbled words, and the attention spans of goldfish, all make it very difficult to teach them. Especially when my experience of teaching English is to 40-year old Korean men who want to study at the seminary. 

During the afternoon on Wednesday, there was culto (chapel) with the older kids. Even though Heaven's is a Christian school, it is not a requirement for the students to be believers. A few students organized the culto. There was a time of worship, a speaker, and one student shared their testimony. It was a nice break from classes!

On Thursdays, I am working with three boys who want to study in the United States, but don't really speak any English. Only one boy showed up today (after the principal called all of them - I think she forgot to tell them!). When I was working in his class on Tuesday, I asked my group to go around and tell me their names, how old they are, and what they like to do. He couldn't even do that. I didn't know how today was going to go. He's been in class since February! However, I think it was so good that he came by himself. I was very impressed with how well he did! I told him that he needs to practice tonight because I am going to ask him tomorrow! Homework on the first day. I'm so mean.

Overall, this week was very eye opening for me. I am so blessed to have received the education that I did - in classrooms big enough for all the students, with more than enough school supplies, attending the whole day, and with the ability to chose which classes I wanted to take. I pray that my experience feeds my desire to teach these students to the best of my ability. They deserve the best. 


Some pictures!!!

 The culto on Wednesday. 

These are a few of the students of Level 1 with Lidia (she's wearing green).

I feel a little something in my throat and I've sneezed a couple of times since my nap, so I might go take some emergen-c. Maybe. 

Nicole :) 

I'm here!

After almost 20 hours of travel time, I have made it to Paraguay. And with such a warm welcoming.

The Lord is so quick to remind me that I am not alone. While my community here in Paraguay is not going to look the same as it has for the past couple of years, these new friendships will point me to the Jesus and remind me that He is always with me.

I am so thankful to the Gonzalez family for opening up their home, for allowing me to live with them for almost a year and a half, for feeding me, for being patient with my Spanish, for guiding me, and for supporting me. I was able to talk with Alcides today about what my time here will look like. While plans are never quite set, in Paraguay, it was nice to get some sort of idea what I’ll be doing. On Mondays – Wednesdays, I’ll be working at Heaven’s Kingdom Christian School in the English classes. On Thursdays and Fridays, I’ll be working with three high school boys who want to do an exchange program in the United States and need to work on their English. On Friday nights will be the small group with the college age girls. He also mentioned working with Charlotte at Su Refugio to start up an English program. Let’s just say, I am going to be taking full advantage of siestas.

At church this morning, I shared why I was in Paraguay and how I felt the Lord calling me to be here. A few of the elders prayed over me. What a blessing it is to have such a prayerful support system in the United States, and here in Paraguay. Prayer is going to be my anchor in an ocean of uncertainty and new experiences. Thank you all for praying for me. Some specific prayer requests:

a)    Pray that I would be bold to try new things, that I wouldn’t shy away from things that are new and uncomfortable (including speaking Spanish!).

b)   Pray for my health. While I am adjusting to a new diet and routine, pray that I would remain healthy.

c)    Pray for the children of Heaven’s, the boys I’m going to be tutoring, and the girls in my small group. Pray for harmony, openness, and the desire to learn.

Your prayers are the best support. They truly mean so much. If you would like to support me financially, please visit surefugio.org or email Scott at sckvandal@aol.com.

Here’s to a year and a half of throwing toilet paper in the trashcan!

Abide in Christ.

Nicole :) 

"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1