Dear Friends & Family,

  What an incredible last few weeks it has been!  I am truly amazed thinking back on it all, and for that reason I’m not sure what words to describe it to you. But I will do my best :)

   God really surprised me in a lot of ways this month! As a school, we welcomed a YWAM team from the U.S. to teach the Bible for two weeks as a part of their outreach from a school called the Titus Project. They taught various topics ranging from the Biblical overview, how to prepare a teaching, learning styles, and overall imparted a passion for the study of God’s Word.

  As excited as I was to receive fellow American’s and YWAMers at the base here, their presence alone implied major participation on my part. That is to say, I would have to switch from translating Spanish to English to translating English into Spanish, a feat more challenging, not to mention one I hadn’t anticipated taking on just yet! But if there is anything that I have learned from my time here in Vina, it is that God can give anyone the strength as well as the passion to do something when He is the One who has called them to do it!

  Several weeks ago someone encouraged me with this passage:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9

 This is so much easier said than done, but it is true nonetheless.  I have often found myself scared to death of doing something, not realizing the opportunity I am missing out on because I allow that fear to take precedent over my relationship with God. Why do I do that? Why do we do that? Why is it so hard sometimes to trust God when we say we believe that He is capable? This is still a continuous learning process for me, but I know that I am not alone, and I am so thankful for that!

  I want to encourage you all by testifying that our God is greater than our fears, and that by trusting Him with those fears He is able and willing to open amazing opportunities! I didn’t think that I could do this thing, translate from English to Spanish, having had no formal training, simply picking up the language as I went along. But God chose to use me…me! And when I was willing to be used, He blessed me more than I could have imagined!

  I now have more confidence and encouragement to speak and translate Spanish, as well as newfound friends that I believe will last for a long time because of all that we experienced together. And overall, it is such a good reminder to remember that it is not about me-my talents or abilities. It is about loving others, and that usually means doing things you may not be comfortable with at first, but in the long run they are for your own good. How awesome is it that we have a God who knows what is best for us?!