i can't get away, i keep running into YOU.

Stairs time :)

What an incredible weekend i had at this Leader's retreat in Cabo Rojo. It was exactly what i needed to be renewed and encouraged! I'm sure it was the same for everyone who attended this retreat. I felt such joy, peace, love, kindness, and much more while i was among these people who love God. I even got to see people that i met 11 years ago when i was a kid. Never would i have ever dreamed i would be back here, serving with these people that i looked up to when i was younger. I would have never dreamed of this- living in Puerto Rico among these people and absolutely loving it. I am so blessed that i can say, i have a second home- i can call this island and this place my home.

I got to teach my CODAs and my Deaf youth/kids at this retreat. We had such a blast together. I was really proud of them because they all stepped out of their comfort zones. They signed a song in ASL and acted out two dramas for the Deaf leaders. When they did these things in front of them- every single person's mouth dropped- because they are seeing their kids/youth minister to THEM. There were tears, laughter, lots of picture flashes, and love just poured into these CODAs- it was such a blessing to be a part of and to see. God was really present in this retreat i have NO doubt whatsoever. It is so neat to finally see these CODAs teens & kids be unified and get along. I see these kids with so many talents that they are starting to unleash and to show among their family, peers and church. One of my youth guys, is very shy, but when i asked him to pray he finally gave in. When he stood up and prayed all of us just stared at him because he prayed just like a pastor. His prayer was filled with joy, peace, honesty and when he said amen, all of us looked at each other and just in awe. Then we told him that he definitely has a gift of prayer and to keep on doing that. He was so encouraged because he never was really encouraged to pray- he found one of the gifts God has given him.

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Among the youth and the kids i saw them serve each other. When one would go upstairs to get a drink- they would bring extras down and ask anyone who wanted one. I had kids who would just help me start cleaning when i didn't ask them to. I had youth who would help me calm one of the kids when he wasn't listening. I see future leaders within them and it is such a blessing to be a part of their lives. It has been such an honor mentoring them in their walk with God and i pray that in God's time i'll be able to help them more. It has been a blessing to be God's tool and to see HIM work in miraculous ways in these CODAs lives and in these Deaf leaders i saw this weekend.

Happy December 1st to everyone!!

I seems impossible that it is December, it feels like i just got here to Puerto Rico.

I am leaving in 19 days for New Orleans to spend time with my family there.

You have no idea how excited i am to see my family and my friends but at the same time my heart is sad because i am going to miss everyone here so much- but i know this isn't goodbye but see you later. I know that whenever it is in God's timing i will return, i would love to. Pray for me as decisions are made in my life and that i am following God in what HE wants and not what i want. I am so blessed and it is such an honor to be used by God. I am so humbled and God has placed so much love in my life, it is unimaginable.

I am planning one more CODA youth retreat on December 10 & 11 for girls. Pray for us as we spend time in the word of God and fellowship! I love these retreats because each time we gather together the more joyful these girls are and the more i see growth in them! God is awesome!!! Thanks for your support and prayers for the CODA ministry, i covet your prayers for the next 3 weeks of my time here- pray it will be joyful and precious. I want these people to walk away from an encounter with me knowing i am real, loving, and that my life is being driven by Christ and my prayer is the same for them.

Lots of love to you all and Happy December!!!!

This picture was exciting because there was a concert in the mall- look at the pretty tree OooOOoo :)

Until then

oxox :)