The last week and a half has flown by. I find myself getting behind on too many things.
I had numerous meetings with people concerning various projects. (Adrienne & I discussed the ministry day for the Ladies Bible Study over a Chai latte, I picked up items for the Medical Clinic from Michael, made a delivery and had lunch with Zandra, Cindy and I discussed the games/activities for Project Love while enjoying a Mexican lunch, I kid-sat with the Janes kids one morning (after getting mixed up on the day! oops), I picked up Deanna from the airport, had lunch with Will Janes as he cashed in his Christmas coupon from me. I was blessed to spend some time conversing with Elizabeth in Spanish at the Food Pantry. It was a really nice week. But I did keep the roads hot!
Spanish classes have been challenging and great!!! There are 4-5 of us who are really working hard to learn. I pray everyday that God will open my mind to learn this beautiful language. It's beating my brains out, but I love it!!
Monday night (last week) we had 15 kids during the Cuerpo Vivo leadership class. We had to use a small room, so we watched a movie and then had snacks. This Monday night I had 12 kids who didn't want a movie, so we played games instead. I'm remembering more of the kids' names. They think it's funny when I get them mixed up. I love getting to know the families better each week. The parents are so appreciative for the child care. I'm blessed to be there with them.
The Cuerpo Vivo Leadership classes on Tuesdays are really challenging me because they are all in Spanish. I'm not only encouraged and inspired (through the subject matter) to delve deeper into the Bible and my walk with God, but it's also another avenue for me to discover the language. Even though I have been in classes like this in English, it's like discovering it all in a new way because I'm looking at every word so closely (to translate it).
I've been listening to a lot of Spanish praise music. I'm working on translating the Spanish lyrics to English. (Maybe I'll get extra credit in Spanish class. heehee ) Oliver and Erika look these over and correct me and are very encouraging. Concentrating on each word gives the songs a new perspective. I just love this time of meditation and worship. I listen to the music on my iPod while walking at the Wellness Center. I really get into the songs and sometimes feel like closing my eyes. But I'm afraid I may run into someone, or a wall, so I keep them open.
One challenge for the participants of the Leadership classes is to read through the New Testament in 30 days. I have to admit that I have fallen behind on the schedule. I find myself hungry to read it. Even though I have read and even studied some of the books, it feels fresh and new and exciting as we are all doing this as a group. We talked about synergy today in the class. You can really feel it in the congregation of Cuerpo Vivo and in the classes. I love being a part of it.
Saturday was a day of catch-up for me. I stayed in lounging clothes and no make-up so that I wouldn't be tempted to leave the house. I needed to spend the day reading and working on the computer. To catch up a little on the Bible reading, I read the book of Luke in the morning and then the book of John in the evening. A few hours were spent on translating Spanish praise songs, a few more hours on missions work and an hour baking some healthy cookies. No naps for me, but I felt refreshed. I just soaked in the Lord all day.
Sunday was very busy. I was at the church 10 hours (except for 1 hour for a meal) because Cuerpo Vivo had our regular service and then a conference/worship time in the evening in which other Hispanic churches were invited. We flowed some of the kids through the FBCR nursery, preschool classes and children's choirs. For the last hour I had 35 kids from the ages of 1st grade to 12th. We played in the gym for a while and then I had them run some relay races to wear them out. I hope they were ready for bed when they got home. (I know I was!) The conference went well and God was faithful to give me strength, patience and energy with the kids. It was a good day. I had to miss the commissioning service for my friends, the Hansens, who are moving to Indianapolis to be missionaries with NAMB. I did get to stop in the tail end of the reception and get a hug from Tanisha.
I am so blessed to be able to work with the Hispanic community and Cuerpo Vivo especially. I know that God has created me for this work. And I know that He has plans for where, when and how I am to serve.
I'm looking so forward to the mission trip to Nicaragua over Spring Break. Our team will have a meeting this Sunday, so we are meeting for the Worship time with Cuerpo Vivo before our meeting. This will be a good time of worshiping in different languages. I think the team will enjoy it.
Workouts have been going well. I've had to alter some of the aspects of each day due to time limitations. At the very least, I walk 2 miles on the track and 1 mile on the treadmill. On a perfect day, I do 30-45 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardio. There is enough variety in machines and options to keep the workouts interesting and fun. It's always fun to see friends from FBCR there, too. It's the place to be!!!
I better sign off for now and head to the den for some Bible reading before bed. Oh, how I love my LORD. And I love the different ways that He allows me to experience Him.
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