2012 ... R&R (Repair and Restore!)

It's' that time again!   In a month I will be returning to Colombia, my home away from home!  I never know what God has in store for me... all I can do is go with a willing and obedient spirit.

Recently God gave me the passage Isaiah 58:11-12... and I don't think it was by coincidence that it came to mind.  The verses speak about bringing repairs and restoration.  At the Foundation, we have begun a process of repairing the entire finca.  From the buildings, to the well, sewer system, and even the landscaping, there is a lot to repair.  We have also been restoring and strengthening friendships with the neighbors and local churches just through random acts of kindness.

I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers as I travel once again.  It's an adventure, full of many unknowns, but God is in control of everything!

If you would like to donated towards my missionary trips or towards the various repair projects we have lined up for the orphanage, you can use the "Donate Now" Paypal link on the right side of this blog or send a check to Revival Fires International, P.O. Box 1171, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.  All donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you for your continued support!

May you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!!!

The LORD will guide you always;

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins

and will raise up the age-old foundations;

you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,

Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Isaiah 58: 11-12

YOU are needed!

I will not throw in the towel! / No tiraré la toalla!

Here I am, Lord, send me.

Aquí estoy. ¡Envíame a mí!

I have been so blessed in this past year, seeing God's hand in everything.... from the unusually smooth process of getting my visa, to my newly advanced understanding of the Spanish language, to having the money I need to eat, to His sovereign protection over me as I walk the city streets by myself, to the very special friendships I have made.  God is so faithful and amazing!

And you are too!  I can't tell you how touched and blessed I am when I receive a response to my emails, facebook messages, and blogs.  Or when I "mystery check" comes in the mail (even while I'm away in Colombia)..... they always come at the right moment!  And your prayers mean more to me than you can ever imagine.  I have heard many missionaries report that it is getting harder and harder to do what they do, and sadly, many are giving up.... not because they want to, but because they have to.  Thank you so much for your support.  I want you to know that this missionary is not giving up.  I went to a youth conference a couple months ago where the guest speaker used the example of a boxer.... friends, my new declaration is:  I WILL NOT THROW IN THE TOWEL!!!  May God's will be fulfilled and may God be glorified!

Todo entrego a Ti

Todo...

Cada parte de mi

Todo entrego a Ti

Todos mis sueños, todo de mi

Me rindo

I went to see the president, but he was not home.

I had always wanted to visit the capital city of Colombia, and in April, my opportunity arrived.  Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed as I had hoped.  That kind of city life I am definitely NOT made for.  Getting around was impossible with all that traffic, and the weather was so cold in rainy, which I'm told is normal.  However, the best part of the trip was the fact that I got to see the president's home!  Check out the pics:

In one of the major plazas of Bogota.

Pastor Francisco

Even the guards needed umbrellas.

Outside the gates of President Santos' home.

Apparently the guards don't usually take pictures with the tourists...  woo hoo!!!

The president's home... Casa de Narino

Walking down "old Bogota"

Family time!!!

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR SKYPE!!!

Not only can I communicate easier with my family, but I can also keep in contact with my Colombian family when I am in the United States.  

A visit to Pereira...... English judge???

During my quick trip to Pereira, my friend Sandra asked me if I would be willing to judge an English competition.  She is an English teacher at one of the local schools in Pereira and also works as a translator for missionary teams that come to the area.

Each grade level put on a skit or song to show off their knowledge of English, and then the judges had to give them scores to determine the winners.

Kingergarten

The elementary students

1st grade

3rd grade

7th grade.... performing "Titantic"

The judges...

Christine and Sandra announcing the winners

Sandra, the proud English teacher

A visit to Pereira.... an American potluck!!! :)

I was able to break away one weekend to visit my wonderful friends in Pereira.  Christine, an American missionary living there, arrangled an American potluck for me!  It was so fun to see whether or not the Colombian grasped the concept of a potluck, and it was a wonderful time of fellowship and food with my dear friends.

Carolina, Sandra & me

HOT DOGS!!!  Believe it or not, after several months in a different country, one even misses hot dogs.

FOOD!!!!!  Including "American" items such as: rice krispie bars, hot dogs, mashed potatoes...

Sarita & Sandrita

Stiven & Orlando

Wonderful friends!!! ... and they all speak ENGLISH!!!  WOW!!!

Playing UNO in Colombia.... You know, it made me laugh when I translated the game.  For them, it's like playing "ONE".  hahaha!!!

Poor Carito... she always collected the most cards.  haha!

Holguin family

Friends from La Pampa visit the Foundation!

My special friends from La Pampa, a neighborhood of Palmira, came to spend an afternoon with me at the Foundation.  We enjoyed the pool, soccer field and a picnic lunch together.

Pastor Daniel of La Pampa church and some of the young girls from that area

Genis, Julian David & me

POOL TIME!!!

mi papasote... Cristian

FUTBOLLLLLLLLLL

A night of unity and prayer.... la vigilia de Palmira

My first "vigilia" ... or all-night prayer meeting

Held in soccer coliseum of Palmira, more than 50 churches from the city gathered together for an all-night prayer meeting to pray for peace in their city and nation.

The energy of the crowd was absolutely amazing!

Pastors from Palmira

The worship and passion were indescribable...

Arturo Giraldo, a well-known singer in Colombia, came to lead worship for a part of the evening.

The band from the Charismatic church also took a part of the evening to lead the group in some powerful worship!

With some of the young people from the Charismatic church

My amiga Lina & me

For [Palmira's] sake I will not keep silent, 

   for [this land's] sake I will not remain quiet, 

till her vindication shines out like the dawn, 

   her salvation like a blazing torch.

Isaiah 62:1

Por amor de [Palmira] no callaré, 

y por amor de [esta tierra] no descansaré, 

hasta que salga como resplandor su justicia, 

y su salvación se encienda como una antorcha.

Isaias 62.1