The Reason

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God, a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross." -Phil 2. 5-8.

This was my first Christmas away from my family, and I'm not going to lie, it was a hard month in December, until finally the Holy Spirit was like, "Rhonda, stop feeling sorry for yourself and remember why you even celebrate Christmas." That made me stop and think-sure, I love my family, love the traditions my family has, and I simply love everything about Christmas, but the reason I'm even in Mexico right now is because Jesus came to the earth 2010 years ago to save me. As Philippians 2 says, Jesus humbled Himself, gave up His home, His right-hand seat in Heaven to come to save sinners like me. Due to His grace, He is using me right now in Mexico, so how dare I complain, when it is because of the "first Christmas", I am here, serving my Savior. He is the reason I'm here at all-so praise be to Him!

I know I haven't updated in awhile-between my students' Christmas program, the church's Christmas program, passing out blankets, celebrating Christmas with people here, I have barely had a moment, though I've loved it all!

My kids did an amazing job at their Christmas program...they sang English really well=) The first day we went to pass out the blankets at the juvenile detention home, we were only allowed to pass out food because early in the day a fight broke out, so no one could leave their cells. It was still a good time, and we sang songs as some of the women passed out the food. The Christmas cantata went smoothly as well; I helped with the props, and thankfully nothing big was missing=)

I did get to see how Mexico celebrates Christmas!! They celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, eating around 10-10:30 at night, and I didn't get back to 2:30, though the missionaries did tell me that some people go until 5am. I got to taste their version of turkey, stuffing, punch, beef cooked in lime and not on the stove, and I got to through sparklers at 12am, another custom to welcome Christmas. It was fun to see how different but at the same time how similar it was to America. The missionaries and their family and friends accepted me to their Christmas celebration, that I am so thankful to God. Then on Christmas, the youth pastor's wife asked me to hang out with their family and extended family, and once again God proved how faithful He is in the little things. I did get to talk to my family, which was good, and then God allowed me to stay busy with other people, that Christmas was good even if I was away from my family. I had such a blessed and humbling Christmas-that once again made me remember to focus why I'm here on the earth-to glorify my Lord, who is so worthy! Thanks for all y'all's prayers and support! Have a wonderful day!

Because of Christ,
Rhonda

Traditions=)

I’m so sorry for not updating in two week…unacceptable I know. The first thing I must share is that of early this morning (3:20am) I became an aunt to now, two adorable nephews=)
My class is getting better each day, which is encouraging, thanks to the Lord. I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. I made an advent calendar for my class, so each day we do something for Christmas. They absolutely love it. I did introduce stockings to them (I had to bring some American culture to them, right??) I’m glad they like Christmas because I love everything about Christmas, plus it helps me from being away from home. We have a Christmas program next Thursday, and I’m so proud of all my classes learning some Christmas Carols in English, and they have so much fun with it.

Talking about traditions, I invited a few friends over to decorate sugar cookies, which I had to make from scratch-and I didn’t ruin them!! They had a lot of fun, and they were so creative, a lot more than I was. It was such a fun, good time. I’m so thankful that the Lord gave me the boldness to actually ask people to come over...it was such a good night!

On Monday, the teens and some people from the church and I are going to be passing out blankets to the teens in the juvenile detention home as well as food for Christmas. I’m excited, and I ask that y’all pray that these teens will feel the love of God and be receptive to the Gospel. For the season is about the gift Jesus gave to the world when He came to the earth, and hopefully these teens will accept Christ. So please continue to pray for this ministry that I have the amazing privilege of participating in.

As for the lessons I’m learning, I am waiting on the Lord for some things, and I have to confess that I’m not a patient person, so it’s been really challenging to simply rest in the Lord and wait for His direction and answer. But on Wednesday night, the pastor spoke on Lamentations 3:22 and how we should remember how God’s compassion never fails, even in those periods when we are waiting. When I got home, I read the verses following, and verse 25 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” It was just so reassuring to remember that He will show me in His time because He is faithful and will fulfill His promises. So, I simply need to remember exactly who God is, whom I serve. Isn’t He so awesome??!!

Because of Christ,
Rhonda