Pretty. Awesome.

From August 9th-18th, a group of thirteen people from Bethany Baptist Church (my family's home Church in the U.S.) came to Autlan, Mexico, for a week of missions work. It had been a long time since I had seen my friends and family that were coming on the trip and I couldn't wait to be with them once again. I had more excitement running through me waiting for them at the airport than any teenage girl should ever be able to have. (Not to mention trying to figure out what to do with all of my excitement) I couldn't wait to laugh, hug, smile, take pictures and hang out with my friends from Salem once again.
The nine days that they were here were incredible. I saw God work in many different ways. I saw how much passion my friends have to serve and honor God with their lives and that encouraged me a lot. We had a great week of ministry and were able to serve the people here in Autlan in many ways. Some of the things the group did while they were here included: Leading a Vacation Bible School each morning at the Church that my family attends here in Autlan. Going to an Indian camp one evening and sharing the gospel with the children. Going to La Roca coffee house, doing both a music night and two English conversation clubs. We also did some work around the center and went to Andy and Jessie Clark's (some of our ministry partners) house, helping them paint, clean bathrooms, wash windows etc. We had a very busy week, but I know that the group's work brought glory to God in many ways.
It was cool to see how much the relationships between my buddies and I that came on the trip grew throughout the week. We all became a lot closer and got to know each other better. It was cool to see how each of my friends has different passions, gifts and ways they want to serve. I am very thankful that the group from Bethany got to come down this summer, and for all the work that was done while they were here. We had an awesome week of ministry and I know that God was very pleased with the work that was done for Him.

Spanish Finished!

Today I took my last two tests for Spanish. It was a long, but yet at the same time short nine months of studying Spanish. I look back and see how much Spanish I knew in January, and how much I know now and I am amazed. I still have lots of practice until I am able to speak as good as I would like to, but I will get there. When you live in a country where everyone you come in contact with speaks Spanish, you will learn it. :) I am very thankful for all of my teachers at Harvest. They are all great teachers and are passionate about us being able to learn and speak Spanish well. I have learned so much the past nine months, God strengthened me in so many ways. I don't think I would have been able to make it without God helping me endure until the end. I was learning Spanish to make a difference for Him, and He was at my side helping me learn it all the way through.
Most of you probably know that I am homeschooled. I decided to take a break on my normal school studies as I was going to language school so I could completely focus on Spanish. I will begin right away catching up on my Sophomore year in highschool and then start my Junior year as soon as I can. I would appreciate your prayers as I do so. It is going to take a lot of effort and disipline to catch up. I look back and do not regret my decision at all. Yes, it will be difficult to catch up in my studies, but I have learned a heck of a lot of Spanish in the past nine months, and I will be able to use what I have learned to serve my King; and I am willing to do anything to serve my King.
Thank you all for your love and support as my dad and I went through language school at Harvest Language Center. It was an amazing experience and I learned more Spanish than I could have ever imagned. Now I get to take what I have learned, and make a difference for my Savior.