An ipod keyboard is small, but my message is big!:)
Hi friends! I know it has been a while since my last post! My computer is down and out and I was going to wait until I got it running again to write my post. However, its looking like I may not get it running again for a couple months until someone can send some new parts along with one of the teams. So between my ipod, the secretary's computer in the office, and sketchy internet connection I will continue my posts- hopefully regularly! :) (also, please excuse typos as it is hard to proofread on the small screen of my ipod.)
The past couple weeks of school have been going as usual. The older classes have some verbs and prepositions down pat so we're working on putting the sentences together! This week we're working on explaining day to day activities. I feel like what I'm teaching is finally starting to stick in their brains. I was warned before I came down that they learn by repetition which is hard to do without boring the kids, so I've been tryin to keep things interesting with games and such! But I'm still open to suggestions if anyone has any!:) Last week we learned the parts of the body and I taught them "Head, shoulders, knees, and toes" which they already knew in Spanish. Now they love to run up to me and show off their English skills by singing "head, sohder, kneesantohs kneesantohs!". I tried to explain the meaning of 'and' to them, but still, whenever I ask them how to say 'knee' in English, I often get "kneesan!" or "kneesantohs!".
This past Thursday, I was informed that we wouldnt have classes on friday because of International Women's Day. We had a chapel service and then had empanadas and cake! Some of the kids made little gifts for their teachers and mom's. I even received a gift from one of the girls- a homemade heart-shaped tablet fitted neatly inside a plastic heart-shaped box!
As I mentioned at the beginning of my post, my computer is down and out. However, as we should in every situation in life, I've learned from this! God showed me some things about myself that I tried to deny before this. I have always liked to think of myself as a flexible person who is not attached to my wordly posessions and can easily make do without almost anything- especially electronics. However, the first couple days without both computer and internet proved me wrong! I had almost constant contact with my friends and family back home since I arrived. I hated feeling unconnected! What if something happened?? I was no longer just a text or facebook message away! I let this drag down my mood for at least 2 days. I pouted to God about my computer and the internet. I knew I was acting like a spoiled brat, but I didn't feel like doing something about it. Having a pity party sounded much easier. I finally decided to force myself out of my pity party pit and do something that would take my mind off of my problems and get my focus back on glorifying God. After all, thats my purpose right? Not just here in Bolivia, but I should be giving glory to God with my entire life! How often do we let petty inconveniences take our focus off of our purpose? We are supposed to run the race, keeping our eyes on the goal, but we get distracted so easily! I think of all the missionary stories I've heard growing up. I loved listening to the testimonies of people who allowed their lives to be put into danger for the sake of Christ. I loved hearing how they left contact with their families and friends to live among 'primitive' people, ate unknown food, spoke to unknown peoples, and endured many hardships to show these people God's love. And here I am- privileged to also be working in missions- complaining about my internet connection. Looking back, I feel pretty ridiculous, but thats why I'm thankful for God's grace and patience!
Prayer Request! There is a little boy, Juan Bernardo, that came to live here several months ago. He is 3 years old and has a tumor in his leg that we originally thought was malignant, but recently found out that it is cancerous. He is in Santa Cruz right now getting medical attention. We are not sure what they are going to do yet as far as opperations and whatnot. I don't know how much finances they have to help him either. Please pray that the doctors will have wisdom and that they will be able to help him! Pray that God will work some miracles!!
Devotional thoughts:
I've recently been reading through the second half of the new testament- some of my favorite books! I've read these books multiple times and I knew that they talked about faith. However, this time the passages about living by faith and living as strangers here on earth seemed to pop out more as I read. They encouraged me because faith is believing in what you cannot see. Faith is leaving your home and taking your family to an unknown destination. Faith is sacrificing your only, promised offspring because God told you to. Faith is living, without fear, the life that God puts before you; not for others to see, but because you have your heart set on the ultimate goal: the kingdom of heaven. Hebrews 11:11 says, "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age- and Sarah herself was barren- was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise." The promises made to Abraham were fulfilled because he had faith. We need to have faith in God's word and his promises. Without faith, what do we have?
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:1-4
The trials that I've gone through here seem sometimes so insignificant when compared to the stories I have heard of other missionaries! Yet, I find it hard to "consider it joy". I would rather consider it pure pain-in-the-neck! But what does that tell me anout my faith? God is developing my perseverance. He is trying to develope your perseverance too- will you let him? It doesn't mean you have to be happy all the time! But let thing sort of roll off your back. We don't have to hold onto the anxiety that overwhelms others, because we know that soon our trials will be over and we will be with Christ in His kingdom!
"Because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement." James 2:13
We should be extending mercy, not judgement, to people. Mercy is a greater power than judgement to show Christ to people.
"Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do." James 2:18b
Don't talk about how much faith you have. If you really have faith, people will see it because of what you do. Especially for what you do in humility as a servant of God! That's the point of faith; not to exalt self, but to exalt the one in whom we put our faith! We have faith in God's love, mercy, goodness, and faithfulness. Because of this, we act in obedience to Him!
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18
Wisdom is a gift that God gives generously to those who ask for it. Like faith, wisdom does not serve the purpose of exalting self (that would actually prove us to be the opposite). Being wise includes knowing how to be humble and to speak into the lives of others in a way that glorifies God and attracts people to Him!
"Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." 1 Peter 1:17b
"Oh God, can I even begin to understand you? Do I realize your greatness and overwhelming power? Do I fear you? Do I tremble before your mighty power? Or am I so focused on what you do for me that I completely miss who you are? How often do I praise your power, grandness, and fierceness instead of praising you only for what you do for me? Give me even just a glimpse of who you are so that I might fear you as I should. That I might approach you with "reverent fear", aware of all that you are. Do this so that I may never be flippant toward you. Be my God! Be the source of everything I am!"
God bless you!
Have a great day!
Kirsten Hawbaker
The past couple weeks of school have been going as usual. The older classes have some verbs and prepositions down pat so we're working on putting the sentences together! This week we're working on explaining day to day activities. I feel like what I'm teaching is finally starting to stick in their brains. I was warned before I came down that they learn by repetition which is hard to do without boring the kids, so I've been tryin to keep things interesting with games and such! But I'm still open to suggestions if anyone has any!:) Last week we learned the parts of the body and I taught them "Head, shoulders, knees, and toes" which they already knew in Spanish. Now they love to run up to me and show off their English skills by singing "head, sohder, kneesantohs kneesantohs!". I tried to explain the meaning of 'and' to them, but still, whenever I ask them how to say 'knee' in English, I often get "kneesan!" or "kneesantohs!".
This past Thursday, I was informed that we wouldnt have classes on friday because of International Women's Day. We had a chapel service and then had empanadas and cake! Some of the kids made little gifts for their teachers and mom's. I even received a gift from one of the girls- a homemade heart-shaped tablet fitted neatly inside a plastic heart-shaped box!
As I mentioned at the beginning of my post, my computer is down and out. However, as we should in every situation in life, I've learned from this! God showed me some things about myself that I tried to deny before this. I have always liked to think of myself as a flexible person who is not attached to my wordly posessions and can easily make do without almost anything- especially electronics. However, the first couple days without both computer and internet proved me wrong! I had almost constant contact with my friends and family back home since I arrived. I hated feeling unconnected! What if something happened?? I was no longer just a text or facebook message away! I let this drag down my mood for at least 2 days. I pouted to God about my computer and the internet. I knew I was acting like a spoiled brat, but I didn't feel like doing something about it. Having a pity party sounded much easier. I finally decided to force myself out of my pity party pit and do something that would take my mind off of my problems and get my focus back on glorifying God. After all, thats my purpose right? Not just here in Bolivia, but I should be giving glory to God with my entire life! How often do we let petty inconveniences take our focus off of our purpose? We are supposed to run the race, keeping our eyes on the goal, but we get distracted so easily! I think of all the missionary stories I've heard growing up. I loved listening to the testimonies of people who allowed their lives to be put into danger for the sake of Christ. I loved hearing how they left contact with their families and friends to live among 'primitive' people, ate unknown food, spoke to unknown peoples, and endured many hardships to show these people God's love. And here I am- privileged to also be working in missions- complaining about my internet connection. Looking back, I feel pretty ridiculous, but thats why I'm thankful for God's grace and patience!
Prayer Request! There is a little boy, Juan Bernardo, that came to live here several months ago. He is 3 years old and has a tumor in his leg that we originally thought was malignant, but recently found out that it is cancerous. He is in Santa Cruz right now getting medical attention. We are not sure what they are going to do yet as far as opperations and whatnot. I don't know how much finances they have to help him either. Please pray that the doctors will have wisdom and that they will be able to help him! Pray that God will work some miracles!!
Devotional thoughts:
I've recently been reading through the second half of the new testament- some of my favorite books! I've read these books multiple times and I knew that they talked about faith. However, this time the passages about living by faith and living as strangers here on earth seemed to pop out more as I read. They encouraged me because faith is believing in what you cannot see. Faith is leaving your home and taking your family to an unknown destination. Faith is sacrificing your only, promised offspring because God told you to. Faith is living, without fear, the life that God puts before you; not for others to see, but because you have your heart set on the ultimate goal: the kingdom of heaven. Hebrews 11:11 says, "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age- and Sarah herself was barren- was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise." The promises made to Abraham were fulfilled because he had faith. We need to have faith in God's word and his promises. Without faith, what do we have?
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:1-4
The trials that I've gone through here seem sometimes so insignificant when compared to the stories I have heard of other missionaries! Yet, I find it hard to "consider it joy". I would rather consider it pure pain-in-the-neck! But what does that tell me anout my faith? God is developing my perseverance. He is trying to develope your perseverance too- will you let him? It doesn't mean you have to be happy all the time! But let thing sort of roll off your back. We don't have to hold onto the anxiety that overwhelms others, because we know that soon our trials will be over and we will be with Christ in His kingdom!
"Because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement." James 2:13
We should be extending mercy, not judgement, to people. Mercy is a greater power than judgement to show Christ to people.
"Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do." James 2:18b
Don't talk about how much faith you have. If you really have faith, people will see it because of what you do. Especially for what you do in humility as a servant of God! That's the point of faith; not to exalt self, but to exalt the one in whom we put our faith! We have faith in God's love, mercy, goodness, and faithfulness. Because of this, we act in obedience to Him!
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18
Wisdom is a gift that God gives generously to those who ask for it. Like faith, wisdom does not serve the purpose of exalting self (that would actually prove us to be the opposite). Being wise includes knowing how to be humble and to speak into the lives of others in a way that glorifies God and attracts people to Him!
"Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." 1 Peter 1:17b
"Oh God, can I even begin to understand you? Do I realize your greatness and overwhelming power? Do I fear you? Do I tremble before your mighty power? Or am I so focused on what you do for me that I completely miss who you are? How often do I praise your power, grandness, and fierceness instead of praising you only for what you do for me? Give me even just a glimpse of who you are so that I might fear you as I should. That I might approach you with "reverent fear", aware of all that you are. Do this so that I may never be flippant toward you. Be my God! Be the source of everything I am!"
God bless you!
Have a great day!
Kirsten Hawbaker
Comments
Post a Comment