Lost for words....

CODA/GODA Retreat In Gilligan's Island

Honestly, I cannot believe that tomorrow is the day I fly back to the states. It does not even seem like a month and now it is time to return home. Time has slipped by so quickly that i feel like i have just begun seeing incredible things happening here. Today in the Deaf church in Aibonito there were 24 people there. That was not including our usual friends from Orocovis due to the lack of cars being able to go and pick them up. Today I had 7 people in my car and that is illegal (shhhhhhh). The Lord is moving here in Puerto Rico. I have made new connections with a few GODAs (Grandchildren of Deaf Adults). These girls are in the picture above and forming friendships with them has been amazing. It is crazy to think back a few weeks ago how they were so shy but now we are all so goofy with one another. BUT the most important part about these ladies is that they are seeking the Lord. They have been influencing their families to the point where their parents have been taking their Bibles just to read THE WORD of God. How incredible it has been to see this family, be moved by God. I am so humbled to see them grow in the Lord. Just a few weeks ago, we just started off with who is Jesus? What has He done and why did He die on the cross for us? It's this thing called LOVE!!!! HE LOVE US!!!

   When are we going to start letting go of "Well let me get right first then i'll come to God". It does not work that way- we can never "get right" with God- we simply come as we are and He accepts us, forgives us, and most important LOVES us. Now, with this grand LOVE He has captured us with--- what are we going to do with it?!? Spread it!! TELL IT!!! Let it out and spread the GOSPEL!! :) 

 God is so good!!! It has been such a blessed day and i am so blessed to be a part of what the Lord has done in these few weeks. Praise be to God!

Even though i know we will reunite again, but i am going to miss Sandra! Words cannot even describe how much joy she has brought to me in this month. Today on the way back towards Coamo, Sandra and I were discussing how we felt like Paul & Timothy. She is a great asset to this island to the Deaf and the CODAs. Be praying for her as she continue to grow in her relationship with the Lord. This Saturday she will be going to Costa Rica for the People 2 People program (She is special and was chosen.. o la la). She is reaching out to the CODAs and it is amazing! 

Marsha and David Mitchell are just precious people who love the Lord. They have told me their stories about how the Lord has called them to Puerto Rico. David, who was aspiring to be a Music Minister, later felt the call to be a pastor instead. It was a few years later he started losing his hearing, they started learning sign language and then was asked to help Bob Bell at a Deaf camp in Puerto Rico. They came to the camp and with their little knowledge of Sign Language, they were able to communicate with the Deaf. Marsha said, "It is like i saw my husband light up again and then i saw what the Lord was calling him to." They later prayed and then at a Deaf conference, David felt the call for him and his wife to minister to the Deaf in Puerto Rico. They have been here over 30 years and are still serving strong. They just celebrated their 50th anniversary today :) How precious!! They are in Tennessee with their family right now, this picture was taken this past Friday when i dropped them off at the airport. They have always asked me, "Ezelis, when are you going to move back "home" (Puerto Rico)?" They remind me everyday of how much the Lord has called me to do things such as this- missions, working with the Deaf & CODAS, spreading the Gospel, and being intentional. The Lord has really blessed me even when i was 14 years old and i stepped onto this island- i never knew tha the Lord would have called me to come back and minister to these people who were once strangers.

I am bummed to return home, but exciting things lie ahead. I know that i will not be leaving this island for good, it is just an hasta luego (see you later). The exciting thing ahead is Centri-Kid Camps. I'll be working two weeks of camp as a Special Teamer :) The coolest & scary part is- i start working camp tomorrow. I land back in the states at 4:30pm, drive about two hours, then go to camp. There will be a Deaf camper that will be there tomorrow that i will get to share the Gospel with. Pray for my team and I during these weeks of camp. I am so excited to meet them and to see what the Lord will do. I ask you will pray for strength for me as i get off that plane and start something new (well not really new but continuing to share the Gospel).
 The Lord is good and this summer has been amazing!! More stories will come and i will post videos on my blog soon. Thanks for praying and i love you all!!

Until next time---- Smiles, blessings, tears and smiles!!