Underestimating

First, I must apologe for not writing last Friday. There was a ACE (the curriculum the school uses) Conference in Mexico City (which is where the picture was taken), that I went to with Mrs. Guzman and two other teachers. Let's just say it was a 14 hour, overnight bus ride for a two day trip. Needless to say, it was quite long, and I learned that I cannot sleep on a bus, but on the bright side I got to eat Papa Johns=) and I am now more sure of how the curriculum should work, and it re-energized me and encouraged me as to what I was doing: pouring into my kids, whom I love more each day!

Teaching is going well. I really enjoy it the more I do it-my kids are learning so much and are using English more and more-which is encouraging. They are also so eager to please and do a good job-I just love them!

I didn't have my English class last Saturday because I didn't get back from Mexico City until 9am, and I only got around 7 hours of sleep in three days, which might not sound bad, but I'm just not as young as I used to be...lol...but everyone seemed to understand. I can't wait to see them tomorrow. I did get to hang out with one of the people who attends the English class last Tuesday. She is a couple years older than me, and it was so nice to be able to just hang out and talk. She is so sweet, and I'm thankful for this new friend God has given to me. And yes, we talked in Spanish for like three hours-she was so patient with me=)

The juvenile detention home is such a blessing to be involved in as well as visitation. God is stretching me a lot through these ministries. He is also allowing me the opportunity to do what I love: discipleship and simply talking about His Word. Two Saturdays ago, I was able to go disciple this one teenage boy named Jesus. He accepted Christ about a month ago when we came, and it was such a blessing to be able to explain to him more in depth about the decision he made and talk about the new life he now has in Christ-so please pray that he will continue to grow and be in the Word, and his hunger that he has will never go away.

God is still teaching me so much, which I'm very thankful for. I have realized living here how much I underestimate the Lord. There have been countless times where I simply tell the Lord that I can't really talk to people or I can't really share His Word with people because I'm not fluent in Spanish or I don't want to make His Word unclear for someone or I'm too nervous or I'm just not good talking with people I don't know. I just give excuse after excuse, yet God pretty much forces me into situations where I have to talk, where I need to share the Word where people, and literally everyone else is talking to other people, so I'm the only one to do it. And every time, He has come through. He has given me the words I've needed, giving me the references I've needed, and allowed the other person to understand. It's so humbling because here I am, faithless Rhonda, being like Moses and making excuses, yet God is again showing me that it is not about me, and He is not daunted by my weakness, in fact it's through my weaknesses, He is most glorified because no one can give me praise because they all know my Spanish isn't perfect. Therefore, if I was able to do it, it was only through God, so praise be to the Lord and not me-so, just as Paul said, I will rejoice in my weakness so that God will be glorified. So next time you're tempted to tell the Lord you can't for various reasons, remember that He used Moses, who was full of excuses, to lead a nation, and He is using me, who still struggles with underestimating His power and what He can do with a willing, earthen vessel!

Because of Christ,
Rhonda

A Clearer Picture

It's hard to believe that I've been living in Mexico for two months. When I stop to think about it, I can hardly fathom it. It has been one of the most challenging, stretching yet rewarding two months of my life, and I'm excited to see what will happen in the following months to come.

My kids are a blast. They surprise me with how much English they are catching on to. Now, there are somethings I will explain in English, thinking they won't understand if I use some English, yet they respond by giving me the English equilavent of what I said-I'm so proud of them. They are also learning how to read and spell in Spanish and English-and they are doing a great job, though I must say it's ironic to me when they ask me how to spell words in Spanish. I must say that I'm thankful that I had good Spanish teachers (though, I should have studied more), and I'm thankful that Spanish is a language where you simply have to sound out the word to spell it-it's been a lifesaver. Oh, and it does help that they are only in first and second grade, so I know the words they want to spell...lol. I am enjoying my kids, and the more I am around them, the more I have a desire for them to accept Christ as their Savior and really grow in Him. I asked one of my kids what his favorite day is during the school week, and he answered Thursday because of chapel-I just pray that all my kids will grow to know the Lord and be excited about learning about the Lord.

Last Friday night, I got a surprise babysitting job of two girls in the church. It was fun though; I taught them Skipbo, which they thoroughly enjoyed. After that, the youth pastor, his wife, and one of their daughters visited me. It was so encouraging. They encouraged me so much through the Word and their words. And I must say, I made coffee for them-everyone should be very proud!! My class at the church is also going well. They are doing really well too, and they are just so friendly. I'm thankful for them. The youth pastor started small groups at the juvenile detention home for the teens who have accepted Christ. It's a privilege to be a part of discipling new believers and teaching them the Word of God. The youth pastor paired us up, so there are two people teaching, and I'm still really nervous to talk Spanish, I must confess, but the guy I'm paired up with makes me talk, which is good. But please pray that the Holy Spirit will use ministry He has given us there to build these teens up and that they will continue to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Visitation is going well too. It's cool to see people's hearts for the Lord and to share the Word with others; it's hard to explain, but the joy the Lord gives when you are sharing the Word and encouraging someone in Christ-it's amazing. Last night, I was forced to talk-but the Holy Spirit was so faithful, and He gave me the words in Spanish to say=) and according to the person I was talking to, they understood me-praise the Lord!! I'm so thankful for the Lord for those opportunities because it's something I loved to do, and yet again, I've made God too small, thinking because I am not totally fluent how could I really share the Word or what's on my heart, yet God put this ministry in front of me and surrounded me with people who push me, which has been such a God-thing and a blessing-I'm so thankful to the Lord.

As I've mentioned earlier before, God has stretched me so much since being here, teaching me a lot and drawing me closer to Him. God is teaching me to really rely fully on Him and seek Him out more and more. God is just wanting me to pursue Him and really grow more intimate with Him right now instead of relying on people. I can see God's wisdom in it all. For example, it is good that not a lot of people know English well because it forces me to speak the language more and reach out more. Also not having my close friends or family a phone call way, I feel like God is saying, Rhonda, I want this time with you, and this way you have less distractions and less people to talk to, so talk to me, share with me-so it's good just at time a little hard...it's definitely been a stretching couple of months, but at the same time, it's so cool b/c I have seen God is such awesome ways work in the little things-it's like I'm away from the normal distractions I had while I was at home or at school and am placed outside my comfort zone that I'm aware of God moving, even in the little things-so it's been so good and so challenging at the same time that I wouldn't trade it. I'm so thankful for the clearer picture God has given me of Himself and in ways He moves. I love Him so much more, and I pray that I continue to love more and more with each passing day! Thanks again for y'all's prayers!

Because of Christ,
Rhonda

Catching a Glimpse

Welcome to the first day of October!! Here in Mexico, God gave me a little taste of home by providing fallish temperatures these past couple of days, which I have absolutely loved. However, several people here got sick because of the change of weather, so that's not great, but I can't lie, I have enjoyed it so much! It's fun to see the students come in winter coats, and I couldn't help but be amused when one of the little boys told me it was so cold it could snow. I had to sadly inform him that it actually had to be a lot colder for it to snow, but it was so cute!

Classes have been going pretty well. My boys were a little rowdy today, but all in all, they are getting into used the schedule, and they are learning so much. My kids are so cute and fun. They are beginning to speak more Spanglish, which I think is a good sign. For example, they were making an ocean, using a shoebox because I taught them animals under the sea, and one of my boys lost his octopus, so he said, "Maestra, falta mi octopus!" And if they really want something, for example to go get water, I think they believe if they speak English, I am going to give in, so they say, "Teacher, puedo tomar water, please?" It's so amusing. If they get desperate, Maestra turns into Teacher...I am enjoying it more each day, even through the frustrating times when they don't want to listen or when they call each other names. It's endearing when they all want to eat around my desk, so I moved all of us to a table, so they can all eat with me. It's encouraging when they remember their verse or the Bible story we talked about, or the eagerly show me their work, so proud they understood...especially the English. God is so good!

My Saturday class is so much fun as well. They are amazing people, and I really enjoy the relationships I'm making with them. Visitation went well yesterday. They are now making a rule that no one can speak English to me while we go on visitation, unless they want to learn an English word...so I guess that's a good thing, though I must say, it's somewhat of a challenge...=) The youth pastor, Hermano Edgar, is such an example of the Lord. He is so full of knowledge and wisdom. It's challenging because he knows so many different passages and references. It reminds me of how much more disciplined I need to be in learning the word, and as 1 Peter 3:15 commands, we, as Christians, need to be ready every moment to give a reason for the hope that is within us. We might not always have a Bible with us or one with a concordance in the back, or in my case, I have to use a Spanish Bible, so I need to know the references to show people and encourage people using the Word.

One thing the Holy Spirit is showing me is a glimpse of how He feels when His children sin, including me, and it's really eye-opening as well as humbling. My students, especially among the boys, have a real problem with name calling and hitting each other. And it breaks my heart. There are days when it seems endless, and they are being so mean to each other, and it makes me want to cry. And I was praying about it earlier this week, asking the Holy Spirit to show me ways to teach them and show them how to show love toward each other instead of hate and anger. And while I was praying and thinking about it, the Holy Spirit just "hit" me, helping me realize that this is just a glimpse of how He feels when we sin. When we sin, it hurts and saddens Him. Ephesians 4:30 clearly commands us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. I love my students, and when they are mean to each other, it makes me so sad, yet when we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit, which is much more than simply making Him sad, which is worse enough. And thinking about how I feel toward my students, I am able to catch just a small glimpse of how my sin affects my loving Father, my Abba, who sent His Son to die in order to give me life. It's been such a humbling lesson, yet one I will never forget. It has made me hate sin even more, not merely because of the consequence but now much more because what it does to my precious Father. Thank the Lord for the lessons He teaches us to bring us into a more intimate relationship with Him!
Because of Christ,
Rhonda

A Lesson from My Little Ones

Another week has come to an end, but what a week it's been. One full of stretching and blessings and my eyes being open, thanks be to God!!

Teaching is going well; my students started on their other subjects, which I think they are somewhat excited to have a break from an entire day of English, but on the bright side, they are speaking English more=) Though, they picked up saying "I water" when they want water, and when I told them what they are really saying, they thought it was the most funny thing ever! They are a joy to teach. Everyday at lunch time, they all pull up their chairs around my desk in order to eat with me...simple things like that just endear them to me even more (don't worry, now we eat a a larger table that gives a bit more room) As for teaching the teens and some adults, they told me last Saturday that they have fun learning English, whether they are learning anything or not is still to be determined...lol. But in all seriousness, it is a lot of fun teaching them as they teach me even more Spanish, which I am extremely thankful for!

Last night, I went on visitation again. I must say, I have become a better listener, since I have to always be attentive to follow conversations and make sure I understand what's going on, but it's always good to be a good listener, so I am honing my listening skills=) But last night went really well. I would ask y'all to pray for a guy named Jaime as well as for a woman named Martha. They don't know the Lord, and as Hermano Edgar shared the Gospel with Jaime, Jaime wasn't interested. It broke my heart knowing that he turned away from the most important decision in life, but I know that the Holy Spirit is powerful, and God loves Jaime and is hurting over his decision. Please pray on behalf of these two people that the Lord will continue to work in their lives and that they will accept Him as their Savior. Also last night, Hermano Edgar and his wife and the other teens made me invite everyone to come on Saturday night because the youth group is going to a park to do an evangelistic outreach. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous the four times I had to say it...I know, lame; however, it's just one of the ways the Lord works. I have been trying to be more extroverted and speak Spanish more, and God knows how hard it is for me, so He brings people in my life to push me and make me speak Spanish, which is really a good thing.

Another exciting thing that happened this week is this past Tuesday, I gave a little devotional to the girls on 33-6 (a dorm at Liberty). My old RA partner, whom I had the amazing privilege of serving with on the same hall, asked me to speak during hall meeting because it was Missions Emphasis Week and that hall has adopted me to pray for me this year. So, I was able to share how the Lord brought me to Mexico and how He's been teaching about being truly surrendered to Him and not worry about the things of this world and how I have been struggling between cultures, but we don't belong in this world, so we shouldn't be comfortable in this world but should be striving to serve the Lord and bringing glory to Him, wherever He leads us, doing whatever it is He has called us to do! I was so blessed to share that with them because I have missed teaching like that, and I also was able to talk to one of my girls, which was so encouraging!

As you are reading this, you are probably thinking, "Rhonda, when are you going to get to the meaning behind your title?" Well, I'm here=) I have been really struggling with what my ministry is and how I can really pour into my students. And the Holy Spirit has been showing me that I need to really love my kids with the love of Christ. So, I was thinking through 1 Corinthians 13, and the one thing that was really convicting was love is patient. There are times when my kids will ask me what they are suppose to do for the third, fourth, fifth time. And I just want to respond, "Why weren't you listening? How do you not understand?" But the Holy Spirit has really been convicting me about my attitude toward them and pressing upon me the importance of responding with patience, which is not only a fruit of the Spirit but also of love. So, everyday, as I ask the Lord to use me how He wants to, part of it is having patience. So now, when my kids ask me repeatedly the same question, I am reminded that I am to shine the light of God, and one way of doing that is through loving them and seeing them as He does, so instead of getting frustrated over what actually is a really little thing is to respond positively with patience, showing them the love of God. So, as i am suppose to be teaching them, the Holy Spirit is using them to teach and stretch me...praise be to the Lord, God Almighty!
Because of Christ,
Rhonda

Ups and Downs, Nevertheless, Viva Mexico!

So, I experienced my first holiday here in Mexico...that's right, el Dia de Independencia de Mexico on Wednesday. It was so much fun, and I must say, I think in Mexico they are even more patriotic than America. And don't worry, when I helped with the "Fiesta" at the church, I wore green and white-what can I say, I didn't want to get deported...lol. This week has been pretty relaxful, since I have been off since Wednesday, though I've kept busy=)

My kids were able to Skype my mom's class in the US, and they did such a good job using their English-not even Spanglish, and they had a blast talking to kids their age in America. When we finished talking to them, they asked if we could do it again-I was so proud of them=)

On Monday night, the teens threw a surprise party for the youth pastor, who is such a passionate man with a heart for the Lord as well as us. It was fun, though they tried to get me to sing in English-which I can't sing, so I told them I would just teach them the words, so they could sing it with me-and they seemed okay with that...lol. On Wednesday, some of the teens and I made sandwiches and took them to the juvenile detention home with the youth pastor and his wife, so the teens their could celebrate the day as well. After we delivered the sandwiches, the youth pastor bought us all Porsol, a typical Chipain drink, though I couldn't have it because of the water, so I drank coke, but if you see pictures, they made me hold up Porsol, so I wouldn't feel left out-it was a lot of fun serving with them and hanging out...they are continuing to teach me Spanish and are always asking me, Como se dice ____ en ingles? So, we are learning together, which is fun! Then that night, I helped run a booth at the church's fiesta, which helped raise money for a missionary who is going to Africa, and it was so much fun to help and just participate with the church body here. The picture above is a picture of Emily and me at the booth. Emily is so sweet and is 21. She knows some English, so she helps me a lot, and she is so sweet, and I'm so thankful for her.

The major lesson this week that God taught me, and is still teaching me, is the importance of continuing on and the importance of being fortified in His Word. There are times where I feel caught between two cultures, Mexican and America. It's like I don't belong in either culture, but as a good friend reminded me, we aren't called to be comfortable in the world-and that's where spending quality time with the Lord is so vital. When we are pursuing Christ, when we are trying to serve Him in all areas of our lives, Satan is going to attack-spiritual warfare is going to be even worse, and we cannot fight it alone; we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be fortified through the Word of God, and continue to walk in the Spirit, for as Galatians says, when we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. So as you pursue Christ, remember your constant need for Him and remember that while we are in this world serving our Lord, we are in the middle of a battle, and we need to remember the importance of the quiet, quality time with our Lord, everyday, so that we will be conquerors in Christ!

Because of Christ,
Rhonda

Full of Opportunities

Where to begin? Yes, it's been one of those weeks, full of both highs and lows, but as always, God has given me strength and encouragement I needed at the perfect moments-it's moments like those that I just so amazed at Him and just fall more in love with Him. I have been here for a whole month, and it's crazy to think that a month has past by so quickly. I walked to Central Avenue today passing all the decorations for their 200th year of independence that is coming up on Wednesday, thinking about how the time has flown by, how some days it feels like I just got here, and others it seems I've had the same routine all my life. There are times when I still feel overwhelmed or not quite sure all that's going on and other times when I feel like I understand everything. It's been so good and so challenging all at the same time.

My students are doing well! My little challenging one has had a better week, though I'm still learning what patience truly is...not just with him but with all at them. I love them dearly though and am thankful for each one of them. They are so understandable with my lack of fluency in Spanish, and they are great teachers. It's been fun as they say, "We teach you Spanish, and you teach us English". Overall, it is so much fun to work with them, and I enjoy trying to make learning come alive for them, from devotions to learning English to soon other subjects. In the picture, they made masks today for Mexico's Independence Day which is Wednesday, September 15th. They loved making them, but I'll see how many parents like me after they have glitter all over their house from the masks-but hey, what is a good craft without glitter right? The biggest lesson I'm trying to teach them is to show love to everyone despite what they do to you for if Christ loved us enough to die, they can love each other-let's just say, they are slowly learning this concept=) But each day with them is a unique challenge yet so rewarding at the same time with every hug I receive and every kiss on the cheek.

Teaching the teens at the church is a lot of fun as well. It is fun to answer their questions and debate how much easier English is to learn than Spanish (though they still aren't convinced of this fact...but I still have time to convince them). They also are really good about helping me with my Spanish and putting up with my questions about their grammar or which word do they use more often. The teens also make sure I know everything that's going on, though some of them don't realize I understand most of it, granted this is partially my fault because unless I'm teaching, I tend to just be quiet, blending in the background, what can I say, I'm an introvert=)

But in all seriousness, I have been reading Acts, and I've seen how the disciples followed the Lord to wherever He leads, and in doing so, the Lord provided opportunities for them to serve in different capacities. I know God brought me here, but there have been times where I've struggled in what I can do other than teach since I'm still not completely fluent in Spanish. However, I prayed that God would show me different ways I can serve the church here and get more involved rather than keep to myself which is really tempting at times to do. And this past week, since I've been praying about it, three different people have asked me to do different things. It's so humbling because it was like I was underestimating what God can do in me by pretty much telling Him that there really is no place for me to do much with the language barrier, yet here He goes and gives me four areas where I can serve. A week from tomorrow, I'm going to be giving my testimony at a missions conference that the church here is joint with, so please pray because it's in Spanish...and yes, I'm terrified...however, I did say yes, so hopefully the Lord will use it for His glory. And yesterday, I went on visitation with the youth pastor and his wife; now to be honest, I really thought they asked me if they could visit me, and I was like yeah, that's fine, but in reality, they wanted me to go with them to different houses of the teens that were sick or haven't been in youth group for awhile. It was a lot of fun, and I really had the chance to see their heart for their ministry and the love they have for their kids in the youth group. They actually asked me to go with them every Thursday, so I'm excited to hopefully just be an encouragement to the people we visit and learn from this godly couple. They also asked me to come again to the juvenile detention home every Saturday, so if you could remember to pray on Saturdays for this opportunity the youth group has to share the gospel and to pour into those who accepted Christ as their Savior. This Wednesday, I get to learn how to make tortillas and make whatever it is they're making for the juvenile detention home because we are going there this Wednesday as well to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day, which will be fun as well as another opportunity to shine the light of Christ with these teens. Lastly, Mrs. Guzman asked if I could help with one of the other teachers Wednesday night at a booth that will be for children to win prizes. The church is having a Fiesta de Independcia to raise money for a couple who is trying to go to a Spanish speaking country in Africa. So this is another opportunity that God has graciously allowed me to be a part of. So despite my doubts that I convinced myself I couldn't really do much, God has truly been amazing and overruled my doubts by giving me opportunity after opportunity to serve Him in different aspects. So if you really want an opportunity to serve the Lord, simply ask Him and follow Him where He leads...He is sure to answer for it is His desire to use His earthen vessels for His glory!

Because of Christ,

Rhonda

Faithful in the Little Things

What a week I've had-it's been challenging and good, all at the same time; that's just like God, who as I keep on saying, I know, is so faithful as well as good teacher! Teaching the people at the church is going really well. They are learning, though they are a little shy about speaking it. On Saturday morning, I went with the youth group to the juvenile detention home, where they go every Saturday. At first, when I was asked to go, I was reluctant because how much could I do with my limited Spanish, but I can make excuses easily, so I decided to go because I want to get to know the teens better, and to learn Spanish, I need to get over my nervousness and speak it. So, I went with them, and I helped the youth pastor's wife with passing out the food, as well as prayed while the message was being shared. About ten teens received Christ-which was truly awesome!! I went there wondering why I even went, but I did get to see some of the youth group's passion as well as simply pray, and there is power in prayer. Though at times I feel like I might not be able to do much, there is always the option of prayer, which is easy to underestimate the power of prayer, but remember, just as I need to do, I can always pray, no matter where you are or what you are doing!

The same night, after youth group, the youth pastor's wife came and took me to a house of one of the girls in the youth group for her birthday. It was a lot of fun, and it showed me a glimpse of their culture. The encouraging thing about being here is the people. I can't begin to explain how encouraging the people at the church are, from the teens to the adults. They are constantly asking how I am doing and making sure I'm doing alright. They also feed me whenever they have food, which is always a blessing=) But I do thank God for this church body who has accepted me with open arms; it's just another way how God is faithful in the little things!

My little kids are doing learning English-which they are so cute! The story of the week is I was teaching them the question, "May I go to the bathroom?" and one of my kids asked me, "Puedo ir al bathroom?"-So though they are learning English, it's more spanglish, but hey that's works for me! They also enjoy teaching me Spanish as I teach them English! But continue to pray for them that they will grow in the Lord as well as simply learn. I really do enjoy teaching them and am really learning how to love them.

This past summer, God really challenged me with what love truly looks like, especially in 1 Corinthians 13, which of course I know, but in a book I read, it challenged the readers to substitute love with your name, and ask yourself if that describes you-it's convicting. I have a challenging student in my class, and everyday I pray for my students and really ask God to help me to show love to each and everyone of them and to be a light for Christ. Yesterday was reallyrough with my little "trouble child", and I'm not going to lie, it was pretty discouraging, but while he threw a tantrum, it was totally the Holy Spirit because He just gave me patience for Him, and today when he came in, I just prayed for the attitude of love, and He was so faithful in giving me more patience, which as 1 Corinthians 13 says is part of love. Also, in most of the sermons and in my quiet time, it has been full of examples and verses that talk about that the Lord is the one who gives strength in the midst of our weakness and will work through us for His glory. So this week to sum it up has been full of little things in which God has made Himself known! May we continue to seek Him and allow Him to teach us and mold us for His use!
Because of Christ,
Rhonda