I do not even know where to start- I just have to say that these past two weeks since i have last written have hit us hard. This week has truly shown me that even among the chaos and the confusion that HE STILL REIGNS OVER ALL. I praise God for showing me this- because He holds us in the palm of His hand.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3,7"
Last Monday i woke up and was SO sick. I have no idea what was going on with my body, i really think it something that i ate but it took me a couple of days to recover. I am so thankful that the missionaries took me into their house and took care of me during this time. I forgot what it feels like to be completely helpless and how i hate it. I needed to rest and i got to- praise be to God. I finally got back to into the groove of things and then the next day David, the missionary was hit hard with sickness.At the same time, 4 of our ministry vehicles broke down. It has been one thing after another- satan really was/is trying to get to us, to make us discouraged and to make us give up. But the BEST news is- we haven't given UP!!!
This past weekend- all i did (and Jason too) was drive around every single vehicle our ministry has to the mechanic. Be proud of me- driving an 18-passenger around Puerto Rico is FUN stuff. It was good practice for me to drive around these huge vans on small/busy streets. Even through the stress of making decisions for the missionaries about the cars- i realize that i'm not only here for being with the CODA( kids/youth) i am here to serve in any aspect and in anyway i can. It was such an encouragement to be able to help the missionaries when they couldn't do this because of all the doctor visits and doctor orders. Also, i am so thankful for Jason because i could have not done all this on my own. Jason really is such a blessing to Puerto Rico Deaf Ministries and i really wouldn't know what to do without him here. I am glad that God knows what and who is needed in having "His" task completed (even when it's dealing with cars haha).
Also, this past week i got to participate in Relevo por la vida (relay for life). It was amazing to see SOO many people walk for this cause. I went with Melody and we had a grand ol' time- we even got friendships bracelets (what what- don't' be jealous). It was great getting out and see the community of Ponce gather together like this. And this week i have been going to Zumba class- let me tell you, I LOVE IT! It is so much fun gathering at the pier doing exercise classes in Spanish- i'm learning new vocabulary ja ja ja!
I woke up early Sunday morning, picked up people, and drove 2 hours to another Deaf church to have a joint service.Church on Sunday was really great.I got to announce the CODA youth retreat coming up (May 28,29 & 30th) and everyone is really pumped!! I got to spend time with the 4 CODAs (especially in the van)that i have gotten really close to and just to see them SMILE at me just uplifts me. After a total of 4 hours of driving (which i am so thankful for another member of the church who was willing to drive the 18-pass van) i arrived in Ponce (aka my hizzle "house" haha). I got to go to a birthday fiesta Sunday night. If you truly know me, you would know that BIRTHDAYS ARE MY FAVORITE!!! Even if it is not your birthday, i will tell you happy birthday once in a while :). My friend, Cristina, turned 20 woot woot. I had so much fun hanging out with her and her friends. They are crazy fun and for her to invite me to her birthday party really meant a lot to me. I am so blessed to have met the people i have in Puerto Rico.
how could you not smile after seeing these girls?
Cristina and me @ her fiesta.
You probably already knew this but it's already MAY! Honestly, this year has passed by so fast. Last year, around this time, i graduated from Gardner-Webb University and i can't fathom it. Here i am a year later, in Puerto Rico, doing what God has called me to do all along. I am so thankful for Gardner-Webb and the people i have met there. It's funny to think how God prepares us because when i was younger, i never even dreamed of doing this, i would have never dreamed of going to the places i have already been to. God you're amazing! Without God- i am nothing.
Even though these past two weeks have been so hard- i have smiled and laughed a LOT. I have some pretty amazing, witty people around me. I am so thankful to have people who make me smile and just love me. I am so thankful for you all- my family and friends. David told a pastor today while showing him all my pictures on the walls, " Ezelis is such a family person- she just LOVES people, and loves being around them. " I do love people, i love doing things, i love smiling, and i love laughing :) In this ministry at times, i have to do things alone- it does get lonely at times, but in those moments i am learning how to cherish the time that i have had here and that i'm never alone-God is with me. May all the HONOR go to our Father in Heaven!
Praises:
- I received a second money donation for the CODA ministry here.|
- I'm building closer relationships with people.
- i am over my sickness.
- i get to spend time with 6 CODAs this weekend in florida, PR.
- David & Marsha's daughter is coming in to visit with them and be a support for them as David goes to the doctor to figure out a diagnosis.
- I can drive an 18-passenger van in Puerto Rico woot woot.
- David's health and Marsha as she helps him.
- Our ministry dealing with electical and vechile problems.
- CODA youth retreat on May 28-30- pray for college students to HELP (i need a team and right now i have no one to help me teach).
- This Saturday and Sunday i will be going back to the mountains and working with some CODAs. Pray that they will open up and learn something new about God.
I'm sorry you got sick, but I'm glad you're healthy again! Praise God for bringing you through these hard times, and I pray He will continue to do so (as we both trust He will).
ReplyDeleteLove you,
<>< Katie