So, like, what do you do?

Good question. 

I've been here since August 31 first (with a brief visit home for Christmas), and I think I'm just now figuring it out. Here it goes...

I teach English at Heaven's Kingdom Christian School. This is the school that is connected to the Florida Church (Florida is the name of the street, I don't actually go to South Beach every Sunday). I teach from 5th grade through high school. Some classes I teach alone, and others I co-teach with Josu. The school year started in February, and so far this year has been going much better than last year. It makes a world of a difference to start the year with the students and set the classroom rules than to try to come in halfway through the school year. 

I also teach English at the English Academy at Su Refugio. More like, I'm going to be teaching. Classes start this Saturday! We offer classes from ages 7-97 (or even older!). One of the goals of the Academy is to bring in revenue for Su Refugio. However, Su Refugio is located in a small town, and not many people are able to afford it, at least right away. Learning English would open up many doors for jobs for the people of Tobati. We would like to offer scholarships for those who are really interested but are unable to afford the registration fee, book, and tuition. The classes cost $30/month and will go until the end of November. If you are interested in providing a monthly scholarship, email me at nicole.m.riha@gmail.com, and I'll get you set up! It would be a huge blessing! 

Not too long ago, I was appointed In-Country Coordinator. Basically, there are various missions trips that come to work with the Florida Church throughout the year, and someone needs to coordinate translators, transportation, hotels, that sort of thing. I don't have a lot of experience in doing this kind of thing, but so far I'm really liking it. It's a little bit of a challenge, but I think it is using some of my gifts. 

Last week, Alcides talked to me about his desire to set up an study abroad/ exchange program with the school where his brother teaches in Virginia. The idea is to have a few students from Paraguay go to the United States for about 6 months to study, learn English, and maybe play soccer. Eventually, the goal would be to have students from the Virginia come to Paraguay to study and experience a new culture. But someone needs to coordinate all of this. Nicole's job #4. The only experience I have that's anything close to this is that I studied abroad when I was in college. I definitely didn't have to do any of the coordinating myself, but maybe that can give me some sort of direction. 

Number 5 - Alcides wants me to teach him English. He already understands so much. It's the speaking part that's difficult. And I totally, completely, 100% understand that. I think he'll improve really quickly! 

I also lead a small group of college aged girls, and I'm a leader at the youth group on Saturday nights :)

Whew. I think that's it! I like having things to do. It's way better than being bored all the time! And as of right now, it doesn't seem to be super overwhelming. Praise Jesus for that! I hope that kind of clarifies what it is I'm doing down here :) This year is going to be full, and I'm sure it will just fly by! 

Where do I even begin?

I guess I should start off by apologizing. I'm so sorry it has been so long since my last post! Life has gotten super crazy and busy these past couple weeks, and I have finally found time to write it down for you! Of course, that means I'm sacrificing my siesta, but you're worth it! 

We'll go chronologically. Sound good? I promise to keep it brief!

That means we'll start with my birthday!! I just love birthdays. And I so enjoyed my birthday in Paraguay! It was definitely the hottest birthday I've ever had. What made it even better was that Rebecca and I share the same birthday! First thing in the morning, the family all came in and sang to us :) It was such a fun tradition to be apart of. The rest of the day, I was stuck in teacher meetings. That was blehhh, but they all sang to me when I first got there, and that made it a little bit better! 

Then the party really got started! Our friends started coming over around 8, and we hung out for awhile. We ate super panchos (hot dogs) for dinner around 10 or so. And then we had karaoke! If you know one thing about my family, it's that no one can sing. We just have not been blessed with vocal chords of angels. Or even of an 90s pop band. But you only turn 24 once, right? And as far as I know, this is going to be my only birthday in Paraguay. So why not rap Grillz by Nelly? 

Wednesday was the start of a new school year! It was fun to see the students again. Some familiar, others new. I think this next school is going to be better than last year. Everything is more organized, with more direction. I'll be teaching 5th & 6th grade, Level 3 for junior high, and Levels 2 & 3 in high school. So far, so good!

This is the high school Level 2. Well, most of them anyway!

Late Wednesday night, my mom and Scott flew in!! It was so nice having them here. Especially my mommy :) Even though they were only here for 4 days, it was so refreshing to have my own family sitting next to me at the dinner table, and getting a hug from my own mom. 

On Friday, I went out to Su Refugio to celebrate my birthday with Charlotte, Candida, and Bill. Charlotte made Guatemalan tacos which has become a birthday tradition! They are seriously so yummy :) We made brownies and just hung out. It was so relaxing. 

The next morning was the inauguration for the Center of Hope for Women at Su Refugio. The front doors were put on about an hour before people started arriving! The Center for Hope is going to be a place where women can come a learn different trades, such as sewing, knitting, cooking, etc. to be able to support their families. This is also where we are going to be holding classes for the English Academy starting in March. If you want to read about it and test your Spanish, here's an article to check out.  

Getting ready the day before. Check out those clouds!

One last thing, I was in Asuncion yesterday, and I thought it would be a good idea to take a little video of where I was to show you what it looks like because I know that not many of you have been here! Well... I just watched the video, and you see more of my face than the actually city. My apologies. I tried. Here it is anyway... 

I hope that it won't be so long until my next post! Until next time, my blogging familia :)

Muere + Vive + Sobrevive

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Galatians 2:20

I had the incredible opportunity to spend this past week in Cordoba, Argentina, at a missions conference/camp. The organization that put it on is called Movida ("moviendo vidas"). It is their goal to encourage and motivate young latinos to impact the world for Jesus. There were about 2,500 young latinos from all over South America - Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil - just to name a few! 

I was so encouraged and blessed by my time there. While it wasn't the most comfortable week (imagine trying to provide food, showers, floor space to sleep for 2,500 people when it's 113 degrees!), the Lord used it to teach me a few things. As He always does :) 

Because of my sin, I have died. My sins have been crucified with Christ, and now He lives in me. And I don't want to live for me. I don't want my life to be focused on myself. I want my life to make a difference. I want people to know that they, too, can have a life in Christ, and spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

One of the speakers, Bill Wilson, talked about how Jesus called ordinary people to make a difference. He uses the person you would least expect to make a difference. Like in Numbers 16. There's this giant plague that is killing thousands and thousands of people. Moses told 100-year old Aaron to run to the midst of all of it. Can you imagine?? At 100 years old. Running. He stood between the living and the dead. I don't know about you, but I definitely wouldn't chose Aaron to be on my team. But God chose him. He chose the least expected player to make a difference. 

Bill also pointed out that when you choose to step out and make a difference, there will always be someone to tell you can't. And in my life, I think that's myself. I don't always believe in myself that I can do something. Sometimes, I believe the lies Satan tells me. I don't want that to be the case. I want to see me as Christ sees me. I want to live my life for Him. 

This week was a perfect mash up of cultures, loving Jesus, and serving Him. And I am so incredibly thankful. 

 One of my favorite parts of the sessions was the worship. Check out this song we sang all week. I love it. We sang in Spanish, English, and Swahili. The two men in white in the middle are from Mali. One was the speaker and the other was the translator. I just loved seeing so many cultures and countries represented in one place worshipping Jesus.  

 This is my it's-frickin-hot-but-I-love-Argentina face. 

 And this is where I slept. With about 700 other girls. On a yoga mat. 

Here is my small group. We met up all week twice a day to talk about Jesus and missions. We went out one day to clean up the city together. What a fun group of Bolivians, Argentines, Chileans, and Paraguayans.

In 2016, the next conference is in Quito, Ecuador! Maybe you can be the representative from the United States!! 

Campa Florida 2014!!!

I survived. We did it. 

As you know, I wasn't the most stoked on going to camp. I'm just not quite the camp person. But praise Jesus that He knows me better than I even know myself. 

I ended up having a really good time! 

The first day and a half was really hard. I didn't want to be there. I wanted to be home. I didn't want to jump up and down and scream. I didn't want to run in the heat and humidity. I wanted to be sitting at home with the people I love, speaking English, and eating food that doesn't make my stomach feel like someone is tying some intense Boy Scout knot around my waist. 

But I went. I am so thankful I serve a gentle God. Throughout the first two days, He gently nudged me to step outside of my comfort zone, to reach out to the kids, and to enjoy my time there. And that's exactly what happened. After the younger kids left on Wednesday, things started going up hill. The older kids came later that day. And even though we were still running around when who knows how hot it was, and screaming and cheering for our team, I could relate to them better. And I actually got pretty into the games! I played soccer for the first time in years. I played water polo for the first time ever (and scored two goals!). I encouraged and cheered on our girls. I got to sit, read Scripture, and share difficult stories with two beautiful girls. 

And you know what? By the time Sunday rolled around, even though I was the most exhausted I have been in I don't know how long, I wasn't ready to leave. Sure, sleeping on a yoga matt size mattress outside with the bugs for about 3-4 hours a night wasn't ideal. And yeah, I could have eaten more fruits and veggies. But I really did enjoy myself. 

I laughed throughout the talent show. I cheered on our team as they won their soccer games. I ran alongside our girls through the mud. I slept next to them. We drank terere together. We worshipped together. And we prayed together. 

And now, as I'm sitting in my room, getting over the flu (see what camp will do to you??), I am so thankful that God doesn't listen to me sometimes. He knew I needed to be there. And I am so glad He made me go. It was unlike any other camp experience I've ever had. It was only by the grace of God that I made it through Sunday with a smile on my face. He is so good. 

Here are some picture highlights of the week. I apologize for lack of pictures. I really just need someone following me around taking pictures, or else I just won't really do it. Anyways.. here ya go! 

 Our team name was Bruzuca, after the name of the soccer ball for the 2014 World Cup. This proud little boy was our mascot. 

This may not look like it, but it's a talent show. The kids had 30 seconds to impress the judges with whatever talent they had, from singing and rapping to breakdancing and ball juggling. These two guys, dressed in black and wearing masks, would come out, and start mocking you. And if they didn't like your talent, they would hit you with pool noodles and give you a nice shaving creme pie to the face. 

I apologize for the horrible quality, but this is a glimpse into the girls' cabin. See how they are all lined up like sardines? They are even on the floor. And this is just one side. There are just as many girls on the other side. And about 10 counselors outside. Quite the experience! 

Please pray for my health as I continue to get better! I'm leaving on Friday to go to Argentina for a week for another camp. The 15-hour bus ride will just be miserable if I am sick the whole time. Also, please let me know how I can be praying for you! 

Bananas

I just got back to Paraguay after spending three weeks at home with friends and family. And it was hard. It was hard being home. In more ways than one. 

I've been well aware that I'm living in a third world country. That's what I've been told anyway. But it didn't hit me until I got back to the States what that actually meant. I didn't quite get it until I was on the road back to San Diego. It's not like I live in grass hut without water and electricity (although that happens sometimes). I have a bed to sleep in. People have internet in their homes, cell phones, and cars. Sure, there is the occasional horse or cow blocking the road, but for the most part I didn't understand what the big difference was. And the funny thing is, I found the big difference in something so small. 

Bananas. 

And I don't even like bananas. 

The bananas back in the United States are spotless. Perfectly yellow. I'm telling you, the bananas I saw in the grocery store a couple weeks ago were really nice. 

Just like the sidewalks, landscaping, cars, grocery stores, buildings, roads, restaurants. Everything you can think of. It is all really nice. 

I don't know why the bananas stuck out to me so much. I don't think it bothered me so much that one culture has really nice things and the other doesn't. I understand that. I think what bothered me most was that it doesn't bother other people. For the majority of the people in the grocery store that day, I can tell you they probably didn't think twice about how nice the bananas were. If anything, they probably complained that they weren't nice enough. That they weren't just right. 

One of my favorite quotes comes from John Stam, one of the men I learned from in Costa Rica:

"Countries are like people. When you get to know them, it enriches your life."

We can learn so much from people of other countries. I know I have learned so much from the people of Paraguay in my short time here. Jesus has been teaching me grace and to be others-focused through His people here. 

As we start this new year, I pray that you will be open to learn from people of other cultures. Even if you aren't able to leave the country, there are people in your own back yard (in some cases, literally), from whom you can learn. Be open and listen. Ask questions. You might be surprised by what you learn and how others can change you. 

I also have a few prayer requests of my own: 

• We are leaving for camp early Monday morning. And I'm not so much the chasing-little-girls-through-the-mud, screaming-at-the-top-of-my-lungs type. Pray that I wouldn't be so self-focused. Pray that I would put others first, and stretch myself to do things that I wouldn't normally do. 
• That goes for my time in Paraguay, in general. It's really easy to be self-focused here because it's hard. It's hard being away from my family. It's hard having stomach issues. It's hard being dependent. I can either chose to focus on those things, or go out and spend time with other people, learning from them. I want to be open to what Jesus has for me here, and it would be very difficult to do that from inside my own head. 
• I would also love prayer for my health. When I was home, the doctor told me that I have gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining. Which basically means I have to be more careful of what I'm eating and drinking. 

Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. If you're looking to support someone financially in this new year, and you feel that God is calling you to support me, send Scott an email at sckvandal@aol.com and he'll get you all set up with the whole tax deductible thing. And send me your prayer requests too!! 

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.