For Unto Us a Child is Born....

Luke 2: The Birth of Jesus

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 ²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

This Christmas, I have been blessed beyond what I could have ever asked for, and given the beautiful gift of being able to celebrate the birth of my Savior with my family here in Autlan. 

 After my first semester in college, and all the changed that I've experienced in the past few months, it is so great to be able to come back to my home here in Mexico and relax. I have missed being with my family very, very much over that past few months, and it is so great to be able to spend good, quality time with them! 

 Christian, now almost 7 years old (I can't believe that!) said to my mom when they were going to pick me up at the airport on Tuesday, that it was "the greatest day of his whole life". How adorable is that?! 

Seeing my friends again, being with family, and being able to relax and enjoy not being cold here in Autlan, is the best Christmas present I could have asked for this year. 

 Since the night after I arrived to Autlan, we've had Posada (Christmas party) after Posada! It's been a blast, and I absolutely LOVE how the Hispanic culture celebrates Christmas here. 

Downtown, the entire center is filled with vendors, surrounded by the nativity scene that lights up the entire garden. Each night there are different performances, and the day after I got here, I got to watch Morgan perform her gymnastic routine there!

 This morning, as we all woke up and made our way down stairs to see what Santa had brought us, the faces of Christian, Morgan and Dane were priceless as they opened each surprise. 

 And of course, a Christmas season can't go by with out the family sitting down to watch Elf, a Christmas classic in our family. 

 Even though all these fun little things we were able to enjoy and memories created that we will cherish for the years to come, through out the day I couldn't help but having my mind constantly being brought back to the words above, found in Luke chapter 2. To think that I'm given all these great memories, parties etc. when really, just the opportunity to celebrate the gift of Christ's coming is waaaayyy more than enough! Really, I don't deserve in the slightest to even be given the gift of God's son, so to be able to celebrate it is the biggest honor and blessing alone! 

Thinking about how amazing this Christmas season has been already, I am placed, once again, speechless at the feet of my Savior, giving Him thanks, honor, praise and glory as I once again am the recipient of more than I could ever ask for, let alone deserve. 


Thank you, my dear Jesus, for sending your Son to earth as a gift to me. Thank you for the beautiful story in Luke 2 that tells us of how you did this wonderful thing for those that you love. 
 Thank you, God for the countless blessings you've given me this Christmas. Thank you for my family and their ministry here in Mexico. Thank you for allowing me to be here with them at this time. 
 God I ask that you would continue to show the world how marvelous you are, and how great your blessings are on this earth, for your people. 
I love you, Jesus, and thank you again, for your precious son. 
In your name, Amen.

Giving Thanks

I love taking this time away from school to spend with family, rest, and reflect on how thankful I am for so many things in my life.

 I wanted to share with you a few things I'm thankful for:

• snow, the beauty of God's creation that constantly surrounds me.
• family and the joy they bring in to my life
• hot cocoa, warm blankets, relaxing movies
• The Bible, the beauty in this precious book and each word written in it special for me. 
• Mexico, the specialness the country and the people there have in my heart
• naps
• children; how cute they are, and the constant joy they bring to my life as I see the happiness that constantly shines through them
• sunsets
• Corban and the opportunity God has given me to study there as it helps me become the person God wants me to be
• laughter
• dreams, God giving us them, and the ability and desire to strive towards them
• my amazing friends...
• the passion to write
• the God-given strength to persevere and find joy when life seems most difficult.
• my little red car
• intramural sports teams
• God providing for my every need, especially since coming back to the US to start college...I am so blessed!
• music and it's inspiration
• photographs
• Bethany Baptist Church
• the ability to play the piano
• the oh-so-many forms of communication...to talk with my family whom live far away. =) 
• the moments that hold you speechless in wonder of the incredible works of my Savior.

......I could go on and on with the thousands of things I have to be thankful for every day. What are you thankful for? Think about that as you go about your daily life tomorrow.

Simplicity....One of God's favorite ways to work in our lives and help us see and admire who He is!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

Almost There!

It's that time of the school year where homework is incredible overwhelming, and has reached it's peak. Exams are hitting you right and left, and you don't even know what you've studied for, and how much you remember anymore. You just know your brain can't handle much more. It's rainy every day, and you must wear your winter jacket, that you have grown to accept that it won't match with what your wearing half the time, but it keeps you warm and dry, so it doesn't even matter.

At this point in the semester, there's one thing that motivates you to keep pushing though. It's so close, you can almost smell the Turkey on the table, with the pumpkin pie in the oven for

dessert. Mmmm!! Bring out the Christmas music, Almond Roca, and apple spice candles, cause Thanksgiving break is almost here!

This wonderful five day break, is what keeps us overwhelmed college students determined to keep studying even when we think our brains can't obtain one more sentence of information. College students are probably one of the most thankful group of people on Thanksgiving. Because it means that the peak of the semester is over, and we don't have to stress out too much until finals. We get to enjoy the peaceful five day weekend of fall. Hanging out with our family, relaxing and catching up on all of our TV shows that we've become behind on over the past few weeks, and be able to take time to be thankful!

However, I can't escape from reality for now. Because as I sit on my floor in my bedroom writing this, I look down and am surrounded by notebooks, text books and flash cards, which remind me that I must keep studying for my test.

House Sitting with the Bestie

This week, my friend Hannah and I are house sitting for some close friends of ours, The Cornish family. Mr. Cornish is on a missions trip in Haiti, Mrs. C is in Ethiopia, and their three kids, Emily, Jack, and Ben are all off at college. They needed someone to take care of their cute dog, Cuddles, so Mr. C called Hannah and I! We've been there for a week now, and will leave on Saturday. It has been a fun week, hanging out and being "responsible adults" of the house.

Hans and I have been super close for a long time, but we just hadn't had very much time to "catch up on life" together since I got back in August and school started. This week has DEFINITELY fixed that. It has been so amazing! We've been able to spend lots of time together, hear about everything that is going on in each others lives. It has been incredible! Han

nah and I are so much alike, and we can relate so well with things that are going on. Love it! Love her! We've stayed up waaaayyyy too late a few nights, and even missed a few classes because of it. Oops!

Cuddles is super cute and fun to take care of, but she definitely has her stupid moments. It's been a great week though, and definitely a blessing to have some good, quality bestie time with Hannah. I love you chica!!

My Room at the Baker's

Thought I would share a couple pictures of what my room at the Baker's house looks like. I really enjoy living with them, and like my little room. =)

Fall

Right now, I'm sitting in the library at Corban, studying for a test. I have my coffee next to me, along with my iPod, and my notes. I sit by the window and thre trees just outside have that crisp, fall look to them. Their leaves turning colors, and beginning to fall down to the sidewalk below.

The chatter of students going to their classes fills the air, and you know that fall is now in full

swing.

Sitting, peacefully studying, I hear the giggles of some girls studying together down the

hall. I love that amidst all the stress of homework, as well as all everything else that the crazy, but amazing college experience holds, everyone still finds happiness. With our North Face jackets, and backpacks on, everyone heads to class to try to stretch their brains a little bit more and learn how to apply it to their daily lives. As we experience college, we find that it's not just about passing the the class with an average grade, or not falling asleep in class. It's not about impressing our teachers, doing well in sports, or seeing who can find their soon-to-be husband or wife first. No, its about finding out who we are and what God has planned for our live

s. Who He wants us to be, and how we can use everything we are learning, and experiencing in our lives now, for the rest of our lives. Because soon, we will look back at this tim

e and see that this is where we became the people that we will be for the rest of our lives, the people we are then.

Yeah, the homework sucks, and sometimes you can swear that what you're learning in class doesn't make any sense to anyone but the person teaching it, and you will never be able to apply it to your life. That may be true, but it doesn't mean you won't carry it on, even if it'

s in just a small way, for the rest of your life.

So I sit here with my warm winter boots on, sipping my coffee and enjoying the beauty of fall that surrounds me, as day by day I find out more of who I am and how God is going to use me in this world.

Visiting Koryn at WOU

Yesterday afternoon, my friend Kelsea and I decided to take the 30 minute little drive up the road to the town of Monmouth, home of Western Oregon University. Koryn, Kelsea and I have all been close friends since 7th grade. We all have attended Bethany since then, Koryn being the most recent one to come to Bethany.
Since I had arrived to Salem in mid-August, I had only seen Koryn once or twice, before she began her college experience up at WOU. If you are in college, you can relate to the understatement of the phrase "life has been crazy since college began." This was, of course, true for the three of us "amigas" as well.
We decided that we had been apart for long enough though, and it was time we reuinited and spent the afternoon with Koryn.
We arrived at WOU around 6pm and stayed all evening. We took a walk around campus. They have a gorgeous campus by the way! Kelsea and I couldn't get over the fact of how flat it was though! haha. Corban is on a hill, so going from class to class, you always arrive tired and out of breath. haha, not at WOU! You could run to class and be fine.
It was nice to see Koryn's room, and where she takes classes etc. To get more of a "feel" for her life there.
It was SO much fun to be able to hang out again, and when it started to get late, Kels and I didn't want to leave! Needless to say, Kelsea is on her way back up to WOU as I write this, to bring Koryn back for the night. We're having a sleepover. =)
Besides being able to hang out with my friends, laugh, joke around and just be girls with them and catch up on life, the biggest thing I got from my visit at WOU was how thankful I am to be going to Corban University. Corban is a godly, small, but absolutely amazing school. I am so thankful God has placed me here!
I admire Koryn so much for her boldness as she steps out in faith, and choosing not to "live in the bubble" that many of her lost classmates live in. God has placed her in a mission field, even just in her hall. I know He has great plans for her there, and that she will make a difference for HIM as she sets an example and shares the love of Christ with those around her.

Saying Goodbye

Last night, the moment finally came. The time that we all knew had been coming for the past six weeks. The emotions over the past month and a half had bottled up, and it finally came time to release those emotions, and let go. Time to accept that my family was leaving, time to say goodbye. You'd think that after having to say goodbye to my home, family and friends over and over again the past three years I'd be used to it by now, but it's always just as hard. This time, being the hardest of all.

We went out to dinner as a family. Along with my grandparents, aunt and uncle Tim, and Auntie Dawn. Morgan sat next to me, and Christian on my lap. We were talking a lot through out the meal, and I asked Christian if he realized that after dinner, he would have to say goodbye to me; that I wouldn't see him in the morning before he left to go back to Mexico. He started crying, and gave me a big hug. That resulted in a few others at the table tearing up as well. It took a lot of strength for me to not allow myself to start crying too.

After dinner we went back to the Bakers house, and said our goodbyes there. Christian definitely has had the hardest time out of everyone. These past two weeks or so, he has wanted to spend every waking moment with me. My mom said that when we're not together, he's constantly asking when he would get to see me again. When he would ask and she would say soon he would jump up and down and yell "YIPPEE!!!" and couldn't wait to spend time with me. After we would spend some time together and it was time for him to go back to the house in Jefferson, he would cry. He would hug me tight and refuse to let go. It broke my heart every time, and the sadness that my little brother held because he knew he wouldn't get to see me that much more was so hard to see. It showed me how much he loves me though, and that meant the world to me.

Change is a hard thing. Starting a new phase in your life is hard. This has been a difficult thing to experience and accept for all of us, and saying goodbye is always the hardest part.

Last night after I said goodbye, I spent some time in my favorite book, The Bible, before going to sleep. No other book in the whole world could comfort me more. No other words could comfort me more than HIS words. I read Romans 5, which focuses on peace, joy and hope.

Here are a few verses from the chapter that really comforted me.

"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:2b-5

Dad, Mom, Brent, Dane, Morgan, and Christian- I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! I miss you already, but I know that God will ALWAYS give us hope, peace, and joy. Thank you for the amazing, one of a kind, best family I could ever ask for.

College Continues

As my journey at Corban University continues, I grow to enjoy it more and more. Homework is bearable, and sometimes even a little fun. Sometimes. ;)
Not living on campus, I'm definitely missing "the campus life", but at the same time I'm enjoying living at my Aunt and Uncle's house. I spend time on campus hanging out with friends, going to chapel, sports events, etc. oh yeah, and going to class. haha. But here at the Baker's house I can have quiet time to study, be in my room to relax, hang out with my cousins, and even fall asleep on the couch, like I did last night.
This past weekend, my friend Kelsea and I left right after class on Friday and went up to the Tri-Cities, Washington where my grandparents live. The rest of my family decided to go and spend a week with our relatives, and I wanted to come too! I couldn't spend the whole week up there, so we just made a weekend trip. It was so much fun to see my grandparents again, and hang out with my family for the weekend, as well as forget about homework and just enjoy the weekend away!

One thing that has really helped me in the process of adjusting to life here in Oregon again is memorizing Scripture. Adapting to life here again has been far more difficult than I thought it would be. Life has changed a lot, and I guess I just didn't think it would be so emotionally draining for me. It's a hard change, but I know it's a good change. To be honest, when I think about some stuff that's happening or that I know (or maybe don't know) will happen, scare me. But the adventure, new experiences, friends, and things ahead excite me as well. I'm learning day by day, as each new thing becomes more and more real, to completely trust God. It's really hard sometimes, but like I said, I'm learning. And He's been teaching me soooo much!

In the process of everything, God has been teaching, comforting, and providing for my needs and broken emotions in so many ways. One thing that has helped me incredibly is my friend Chloe and I are memorizing Bible verses together. This week we are memorizing Galatians 1:10. It says:
"Am I now trying to with the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

I love that when I feel at my weakest, God shows me how strong He is. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my never-failing Savior to depend on, and the peace that with my family and friends that I love and care about, but can't always be with, Christ is my connection to them, and that is one thing in life that will NEVER change. God will always be faithful, and when I'm going through a hard time in Life, I can completely trust in Him, and He will work everything out for HIS glory in HIS timing. And He will give me the strength to endure it.
God is so amazing!

Life here in Salem is fun, and I'm beginning to find my place, and trying to figure out the new ways God desires for me to be used here. The things I can do for His glory.

College Beginnings

I've been in Salem for almost two weeks now! I've been crazy busy with lots of stuff since I got here, which has left me with little time to write. :/
I've settled into my new home here at the Baker's house, and am enjoying my room. There are currently 16 people living here, which makes things really fun. There's always something going on! :) My family will be going out to stay in Jefferson at our shop there in the next few days, and will stay there until they return to Mexico on October 9th.
I began my college classes at Corban University on Wednesday! So far things have been going great! I'm loving being a college student, with the exception of all the homework that will be taking up a rather large sum of my time. haha. I'm taking Bible Survey and American Thought and Culture this semester. Along with my two high school classes.
It has been so great to reconnect with my friends here in Salem, as well as begin to meet new friends out at Corban.
So, it's mid August, the nicest month of the year here in Oregon, and today was the first day since I've been here that I haven't been cold. What is up with that?! It finally got up to 90 today, it was so nice. It was probably the first time this whole year that I actually was okay with being hot and sweaty.

For those of you that have been concerned about my health issues...
If you read my facebook posts, you will know that I went to the hospital last Tuesday night. I spent most of my evening there, and they did a CT scan. They found out that I had a kidney stone.
Thursday I went to my new general doctor for a follow up. After explaining everything that's been going on since May, she believes that the kidney stone is not the only thing that's been going on. She thinks there's something else too, maybe several other things. She ordered some tests, and we're pretty much starting from the very beginning, even though I had some testing done in Mexico. She wants to start from square one. I have another appointment with her in two weeks, and I should have some test results ready by then, and then I can start with the next ones she wants me to do.
I pray that it won't be another 4+ months before we figure out what's going on. I will update you all again when I get more answers. Thank you all so much for your prayers as I go through all of this.

I would also appreciate your prayers as I am still in the process of adapting to being back in the US, the "newness" of college and everything that brings with it, the sad thought of not being with my family much longer, relationships, my spiritual life, etc. etc. It's a lot to take in and try to process all at once, and can be quite draining and just all around tough at times. So I really thank you for your prayers and support through this!

Psalm 37:4-6
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your ways to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

4 Days - I Love You, Mom!

Ican't believe that in four days from now I will have said goodbye to all my friends in Autlan, loaded up my suitcases in the car, and be boarding a plane to Portland, Oregon.
As I've been packing and preparing to leave this week everything has really become real to me. I've known this day would be coming before I knew it since the summer began, but the summer really did fly by, and I can't believe that it's now just four days away!
Last night I was in my room packing and my mom came in to tell me something. As I was taking down some posters on my wall she asked me if I was excited, and then began to talk about how different it will be when they come back to Autlan in October and I won't be with them. She wasn't able to word very many of her thoughts before she began to cry. My heart instantly began to hurt as I really understood how hard this all is for her. Even though I know it's impossible for me to take away the motherly feelings and how hard this all is for her, I wanted to so badly! As I walked across the room and hugged her for a very long time, the emotional part of it all finally began to hit me as well. I'm excited to go to college and see what God has in store for me as I begin this new chapter, but it will be extremely hard to be away from my family. I am going to miss them so much!!
I'm so glad that they will be with me in Salem for the first 6 weeks! I think it'll help us all. Then once they come back to Autlan, it will only be 2 months before I have Christmas break and come back to visit them. And in the mean time, thank God for Skype, emails, facebook and phone calls. :)

Mom- I love you beyond words and I am going to miss you so, so so much when I leave. I admire you and look up to you in more ways than you know. You are an amazing mother, and an incredible woman of God. Thank you for teaching me all that you do, and for always being there for me every single time I need you. Thank you for being my friend when I feel lonely or need someone to talk to. Thank you for being a role model for me and how to live my life for Christ. Thank you for teaching me how to change diapers, and cook, for teaching me to read, and to be confident in the person God created me to be. The list goes on and on, and I could never thank you enough for all that you've taught and will continue to teach me, the person you've been and will forever be in my life. I don't tell you enough how much you mean to me, and how much I love you. Thanks for being the best mom I could ever ask for....I love you Mom!!

cross

 

Good Day

Sometimes I get this feeling inside me, that when people ask how I am or how my day ways, I honestly can't tell them with words. I feel like they can't understand how it really was if I tell them with words, even though I wish so badly they could understand and feel what I feel. Today was one of those days.

This week was a very difficult one for me. I've been having some health problems since May, and this week it really hit me hard. I had to go to the hospital and it has all just worn me out. We are still uncertain of what I have, but we are in the process of trying to figure it out. So the majority of this week was spent with several doctors, specialists, lots of resting, medicine, and lots of blood drawn.

I spent the majority of the week resting and pretty discouraged not knowing what exactly I'm sick with. Today's Saturday, and God blessed me with a great day to end the week.

La Roca church spent the day together in fellowship at a small water park in Autlan. We had such a fun day! It was great to cool off from the hot, Mexico sun in the cool water, play basketball, go down the water slides 50+ times, smile, laugh and joke around with family and friends, have a delicious mexican lunch, and just enjoy the day with brothers and sisters in Christ.

About five o'clock we left the water park, went home and took a quick shower, and headed out to the center for youth night. Sunburnt backs, tired bodies and still with smiles on our faces.

Not really sure what youth night would be like this week, I was definitely surprised. There were 27 kids there tonight! Praise the Lord! A lot of them were younger kids, more middle school aged, which we've been trying to reach out to high school aged kids more, but we are glad they came, nonetheless.

We hung out and played some Kajabi can can, when about 7:30 we were blessed with a great surprise. Isai was at the gate. He had come for youth night!! Everyone immediately stopped playing and made their way towards the gate. He was swarmed with hugs, and smiles filled the faces of everyone there. His was so big, I could tell from the very second I saw him that he was absolutely extatic to be there. SO AMAZING! We talked and joked around for another half an hour, and everything felt so natural, so normal. With Isai there, lots of kids, everyone having fun and talking with each other, goofing around....I could feel God there. He truly blessed us beyond words tonight.

After a while we headed up for worship time. Isai was the first to make his way up, and I followed behind him. Brent was already up in the breeze way praciting the guitar. He was just playing some chords, not singing or anything. But as soon as Isai heard him playing, he started singing. Isai knew exactly what song Brent was playing and exactly which part he was at. As he sang, I wanted to cry. It was so incredible! I couldn't help but allow the giant smile that Isai has given me so many times cover my face. I joined in and started singing with him. I looked at him, and we both smiled. He was so happy!

The past few weeks at youth night different people have been sharing their testimony instead of having a lesson. Tonight Barbara and Rosa were going to share. Before they got up to speak, Isai came to the front and shared a few words with the group. He told us that he was in a very bad car accident, but that God has been very faitful. That He has showed him a lot of love and that He wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Him. He told us that God is amazing and that He has done a lot in his life, that he has a lot to be thanful for. He said that he was very happy to be with us, that he had missed being at youth night a lot.

It made me very happy that he went up and shared. He shared very little, but he shared with his heart, and I know that seeing him and hearing after all he's been through how much he still loves God with His whole heart and gives him ALL the credit, imapacted a lot of the kids. It for sure impacted me.

Rosa was very nervous to share her testimony, but she did great! Rosa has only been a Christian for four months, but God has changed her life in SO many ways since then. She has truly become a different person than before, and she is growing like crazy in her walk with Him. It is SO amazing to watch, and I am so blessed that God has blessed me with the opportunity to not only lead her to Christ, but to disciple her as she begins to grow in her walk with God and discover more about His love. In her testimony she talked a lot about me and Isai and the impact we've had on her life. That we taught her by example and by explaining the questions that she had what true faith in God is. She's only 14, and is a very new Christian, but she is on fire! She lives a very difficult life, but through it all, as she learns to turn to God in the troubled times, she is growing so much! It's incredible to watch, and I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with her as a close friend in my life. She is and will continue to grow to be an outstanding servant of Christ. Hearing from her tonight; her sharing her heart and listening to her as she spoke of her genuine faith in Christ meant the world to me. As she finished her testimony, she thanked Isai for showing her how important it was for her to live her life FULLY for God. Then she looked at me and said "Jess, I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you. Thank you." In that moment I realized how much God has really used me in Rosa's life, and I feel blessed beyond compare. God chose to use ME in her life for HIS glory! That right there is why I am a Missionary. Just that one sentence and with all the meaning it has behind it, makes every sacrifice or doubt I've ever experinced for being a missionary dissapear. I was able to be a part of the changing of Rosa's life. It wasn't me who changed her, but God used me to help her change and understand His love, and grow in Him. I am so blessed to serve such an incredible God!

--I love you, Rosa! I'm proud to call you my sister in Christ, and I can't wait to see as God continues to unfold His plan for your life. I know that you are going to make an incredible difference for His kindom, for His glory! Your smile and fun-loving spirit always brightens my day, and knowing that we will forever be connected through Christ brings me more peace and joy than you know. You're amazing, never stop giving God 100% of your life, your joy, your energy and your heart.

Barbara, wow...where to start! I know no one like Barbara. She holds such a special place in my heart, and I love her so so so much. She is such an inspiration in my life, and I admire her so much. The love and joy of Christ shines through her every day, all the time. No matter what. She's been a follower of Christ for three years now, and has grown more than you could imagine. Her heart is like none other, and I love her so much! Tonight as she shared her testimony with us, she was also nervous because like Rosa, it was her first time sharing it with a group of people. But of course, she did great! She shared her heart, and she talked about accepting that God forgives your sins no matter how bad they are. And that once we decide to follow him, we have to cling to his love, John 15:5. She talked about the difficulties that were brought along with her choosing to give her life to Christ.

--Barbie, you're amazing, simply amazing! I am so thankful that God has blessed us with the close friendship that we have. I look up to you for so many things, and I love you more thank you know. I will miss you dearly my friend when I'm away at college, but I know that our closeness will not change, especially because of our faith in Christ that we share. The way you work with the kids at the migrant camp, and the passion you have to serve God...Ah! It's amazing. I love you!

Afterwards everyone ate snacks and hung out, having a good time. I'm SO thankful for the amazing night God blessed us with tonight. I know that He was there with us, and that all the great, impactful, surprising stuff that happened tonight was all Him.

When I got home tonight I was filled with the joy that words cannot fully describe. I walked in the door and told my mom about my evening; I was glowing as I told her with the excitement and joy I was filled with. I turned on a Christian radio station in my room when I got home, and have now been listening to it for hours. Almost every single song that has played has fit in PERFECTLY with what I'm feeling and thinking. I love it! The same with Bible study this week, God is just speaking to me in every way! I absolutely love it, He is teaching me so much!

Lord God, I give you thanks for the day that you blessed me with today. For the little things that you did, for the happiness and surprises that you gave me. I thank you for giving me joy and happiness even during the hard times. I thank you that Isai came to youth group tonight and that he was so happy to be there. I thank you for Barbara and Rosa, for their testimonies about the great things you've done in their lives, and that they shared that with us tonight. I thank you so much for the opportunity you've given me to share your love with Rosa and to be the person that I am in her life. I know that part of the reason you brought me to Mexico, is to share your love with her. Thank you, God.

Heavenly Father I pray that our youth group would continue to grow, and that the youth there would be hungry to learn more about your love. That their hearts would be open to your love, and that they would allow you to become part of them. That they would see they need you, Jesus.

I love you so much, and again, I thank you for giving me a good day. Thank you for reminding me that with you there will ALWAYS be joy, even in the darkest times. That you will help me no matter what kind of trial or hard time I'm going through, no matter what I'm feeling, no matter what joy I'm experiencing, you'll be there. I am proud to be called your daughter, your servant, a tool for you. I'm proud to say that my heart, soul, mind and body belong to you. I stand in awe in all the ways you work, and can't wait to see the many more things you have in store for the future. I love you Jesus. Thank you for being who you are. For loving me and everyone as much as you do. In the name of your precious Son I pray, Amen.

When I got home tonight I was filled with the joy that words cannot fully describe. I walked in the door and told my mom about my evening; I was glowing as I told her with the excitement and joy I was filled with. I turned on a Christian radio station in my room when I got home, and have now been listening to it for hours. Almost every single song that has played has fit in PERFECTLY with what I'm feeling and thinking. Same with Bible study this week....I love it!!

19 Days

It's hard to believe that I only have 19 days left in Mexico before I begin my journey back to Oregon and begin college at Corban University....It seems like just last week we got back from furlough and I was exciteded and anticipating all the summer events ahead. Now our last group is here this week, days after they leave Chad and Kendra make their way home, and just 11 days after that, my family will follow them.
This summer truly has been an unforgettable one! I look over how fast it has gone by and am sad, but only because it's coming to an end. God has done some absolutely incredible things this summer!!

I must admit every day I get a stronger bitter-sweet feeling. I get more sad because I think more about the fact that soon Autlan will no longer be my home, and that I will only come back for Christmas and summer vacation. That my friends will be here, continuing on with life, and I will be far away. I will miss my job at La Roca, our Church, going to the migrant camp, and youth night so, so much. However, the thought that saddens me the most, and that I will definitely miss the most is my family. I try not to think or talk about it too much, because the thought is hard for me to grasp and handle okay. It's going to be really rough.
However, I'm extremely thankful that they will be traveling back to Oregon with me and will be there for the first 6 weeks. Then it will only be about 2 months before I come back to Autlan for Christmas.

I will be staying at my Aunt Marcy and Uncle Tim Baker's house this coming school year in Salem. They live about 5-10 minutes from Corban, and about 3 minutes away from Bethany, my home church, where I will be attending. It will be nice to stay with them, and have my crazy cousins there to help me feel the comforts of home to an extent. :)

I feel like in many areas of my life right now I am living out, or in the process of doing my best to live out James 1:12 which says: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

As I do my best to persevere through the hard times, and rejoice in the happy ones, I know that God will be there at my side through it all, no matter how hard it gets. But that doesn't mean it will be easy. I would appreciate your prayers as I begin this new stage in life, and as I begin to unfold all the wonderful things I am confident God has in store for my life as I take a new step.

Justiano

On the outer part of Autlan, there's a migrant worker camp. About 200 Indian workers live there. Each family gets one small room, and inside, there's hardly anything. The women cook in barrels outside their room, there's only one mens and one womens bathroom that everyone has to share. You have to go and get your own water, garbage is everywhere, kids runaround dirty, with no shoes, and unsupervised as their fathers work in the fields, and their mothers cook.

Going to the migrant worker camp is an eye opening experience, but also a heart breaking one. There's many ways to serve there, but its rough.

Since we moved to Autlan we've gone out there with groups to play with the little kids, give them candy, and try our best to share the love of Christ with them in the process.

The first year or so that I went out there, all the kids looked the same. They would tell me their names, but I couldn't ever remember them, and I'd be lucky if I recognized them from the week before. Not because I didn't care about them, or want to show them that I love them, but because I didn't really know them personally, and I hadn't spent the time to get to know each one of them personally.

About 7 months ago, my mom and Barbara started a womens Bible study on Tuesday afternoons. After we would play with the kids, and through that I began to be able to remember some of the kids names, and begin to get to know some of their personalities on a more personal note. I really enjoyed and was happy that they knew who I was, and looked forward to when I came.

Then, the California group came. One of the main ministries they did intheir time here was they held a VBS for the children at the camp. Beau, Chloe and I were leaders for the 7-9 year olds. We had a group of about 13 kids each day, and I had the greatest time getting to know that group of kids. In no time at all we knew who our two or three trouble makers were, and we knew which ones really were there to listen and wanted to behave. One of those kids, who I could tell was different then the rest from the very beginning was Justiano.

Justiano (left), Salvador (right)

Justiano is 8(?) years old, and has the cutest smile of all time. He's just lost his two front teeth.

He's the oldest in his family, and has two younger brothers. His littlest brother is just 1 year old, and Justiano takes care of him a lot.

At VBS each day we would learn a verse, and Justiano loved it. If we didn't give him his own copy of the verse, so he could read it by himself, he said he couldn't learn it. Once he had his paper he would go off to the side and read it over and over, trying to memorize it. If he couldn't get a part, he would get frustrated with himself, but once he got it down, and recited it to me so he could receive his prize, the pride, joy and contentment that splashed all over his face was indescribably amazing. Each day he would come back and tell us that he had been practicing hisverse all evening in his house, and I knew he really had. He was always the first to say 'thank you', and the most intent listener in story time. He would finish the questions for the teacher if she couldn't get the words out fast enough, and knew the answers to every single one.

Each day, Beau, Chloe and I would fall in love with this amazing little boy more and more.

However the last day of VBS came, and he didn't show up. Beau and Chloe were heart broken they couldn't say goodbye.

Three days after the group left, Barbara was at my house. Her and my mom were talking about the camp, they were talking about a lady that lives at the camp that is a Christian, and that was going to join the study. My mom looked over at me and said "did you know that lady is Justiano's mom?" It took a moment to process it all. Justiano's mom is a Christian. I got the chills. It all made so much sense! I knew he was different from all the other kids, I should have known, how could I have been so blind to the love and joy of Jesus shining so vividly through him?!

Upon hearing that news, I couldn't wait for two things. One, to tell Beau and Chloe. Two, to go back to the camp and see my little brother in Christ, Justiano.

I went to the camp the following day, Tuesday, and when I saw Justiano, my heart filled with happiness. I had missed him a lot. I went over and start ed talking with him, and told him how sad Beau and Chloe were that they couldn't say goodbye. I had made a picture that said "Beau and Chloe are cool! We miss you a lot, come back soon!" I asked him if he would sign his name on the picture, and if I could take his photo with it to send to them. The kids around himwere listening, and they all looked at him like he was the luckiest boy in the world. He started giggling with joy, and buried his face in his picture he was coloring. I asked him if that was okay, and he nodded his head. I could tell he was overjoyed.

Today, I went back to the camp and was super, super excited to see Justiano again. I had missed him even more this week! All the boys were out on the soccer field shooting goals and playing keep away. I immediately started searching for him when I got out there. It didn't take me long to find him, and of course, when I saw him, he was smiling. I called out his name to say hello, and he glanced over at me and kind of smiled but continued to play. I got a little sad thinking he must not have missed me as much as I missed him.

About a minute later, a ball comes rolling towards me with an energetic Justiano running behind it. He had kicked it towards me on purpose, and was coming over to play with me. That sadness went away in an instant, and before I knew it, the two of us were playing against two other boys. He was adorable to watch run after the soccer ball and try his hardest to kick it back to me, and not let the other boys get it. After a while we had to stop playing because it was time for story. As we began to walk back towards the houses, I gave him a high-five and told him we definitely won. I told him he was great at soccer, and he looked at me with a huge smile and said, "really?!" I said, "yes, of course, you're awesome" and he never looked more happy.

We made our way back to the cement court and sat down for story time. He ran over to the area where the women wash their clothes, and came back with his little brother in his hands. He sat down holding him, and listened intently to the story. Even though his little brother is just one year old though, he's like half as big as Justiano. I could tell he was kind of uncomfortable holding him, so I walked over and told Justiano I would hold his brother for him, so he could listen to the story. His baby brother had fallen asleep in Justiano's arms, so I gently picked him up.

I stayed standing in Justianos sight for a long while, but my arms eventually got tired. I went about 10 feet away and sat down. About two minutes after I sat down, Justiano stood up and started looking for me. He was checking to make sure his baby brother was close and that Iwas still taking care of him. It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen.

Holding Justiano's little brother, I couldn't stop staring at him. He looks a lot like his brother, and was just so cute, and peaceful sleeping in my arms. I prayed for him, and enjoyed every second I was holding him.

After a while, Justiano's mom came over and took the precious baby back to their room to sleep. I was sad that she took him. I could have held him for hours.

I didn't want to bother Justiano, but I couldn't stay away from him. I wanted to talk with him, and get to know him more every moment I was there. I went and sat next to him as he colored his picture. As soon as I sat down and started talking with him, I could tell he liked that I was with him.

I told him about Beau and how much he had told me that he misses him. The same smile that he had the week before when I asked him to take a picture, came back on his face immediately. I told him all about what Beau had told me about him, and he felt like he was a king. He felt loved, and that's what it's all about. I asked him if he wanted me to tell Beau anything for him, and he didn't say anything for a moment. I asked him if he did, and he said yes. But when I asked what he wanted me to tell him, he got shy and wouldn't say, but still had his amazing smile on his face.

I asked him if he wanted to think about it for a little bit, and he said yes.

About five minutes later, I went back and sat next to him again. I asked him if he had thought about what he wanted me to tell "Bob Esponja" as they called him at the camp. He giggled and said he didn't know. I started to tickle him and said that I knew he did. I decided to help him get started, knowing that if I told him a few things he could say to him, he would join in and say what he was really thinking; what I knew he wanted to say, but was just too shy to tell me. I asked him if he wanted to tell him that he misses him, and he said yes. Then I asked if he wanted to tell him that every time he watched Sponge Bob if it reminds him of him, and he saidyes. And then he said "and tell him that I'm asking all the time when he's going to come back." My heart melted. I said that I would for sure tell him. I could tell he was super happy that he decided to tell me what he was really thinking. I was too. He had finished coloring and all of a sudden got super excited. He looked at me and held out his paper, shaking it with excitement. Give this to him! he said! I said, okay, but you have to write your name on it. He wrote his name with pride, and handed me the paper to give to Beau with a giant smile on his face.

God has placed Justiano on my heart, and I can't get enough of him! He captures and makes my heart melt. He's only like 8 years old, but he's incredible! He's adorable and set apart. I pray that as he grows up he will continue to be set apart from the world, and continue in his walk with God.

My heart breaks thinking that soon I won't be able to see him each week. See his smile, hear his laugh and watch him live life with the constant joy that he has, despite the extremely hard life he lives. I will miss him dearly when I'm away at college, but I'm confident that we will one day spend eternity in Heaven together, and nothing can give me more peace and joy than that.

I never thought God could teach me so much from one little boy, that lives in a migrant worker camp in a small town in Mexico. I'm so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to get to know Justiano, become his friend, and allow him to change my life. That he has taught me all that he has. I love you Justiano!!!

Bethany California Group

Yesterday morning in Church, when it came time to share prayer requests and praises from the past week, I was at a loss for words. God has done more than I could have ever asked for in my life this past week!
Bethany Church on the Hill, from Thousand Oaks, California has been coming down to Autlan annually for missions trips for many, many years.

I met them for the first time last summer. From the day they left last year, I've been excited for them to come back.

This year there were 11 teens in the group. Six of them had come the year before, and the other five I had only met breifly when we visited Thousand Oaks in January.

I seriously cannot comprehend how you can connect and feel like you know someone as much as I feel like I know the kids that came on the trip this year, in such a short amount of time. I feel like we've known each other forever. From the very beginning there was just that connection. It must be a God thing! I feel like I've known them forever, and even though I've known them for so little time, they are some of my best friends. =)

Each and every one of them are incredible. They all work together and encourage each other in all they do. They all have incredible hearts to serve God, and have a true love and passion for their Savior.

Watching and observing them this past week impacted my life in many ways. I was encouraged, inspired and challenged.

We did a four day VBS at the migrant worker camp. Most of the people in the group didn't speak much Spanish, but that didn't stop them from connecting with the children and sharing the love of Christ with them. Everywhere I looked there were smiles, and the love of God was evidently there with us every moment. Ten children accepted Christ into their hearts as their personal Savior at the camp this week! God is so good!

In the afternoons we worked on some projects at the center. We re-painted and decorated the two bunk rooms at the center, which I have to say, look amazing.

In the evenings we did a variation of things. One night we went to the garden downtown and performed a drama to the song "Who am I". We had a Bingo night at La Roca, which was super fun!

We had many fun-filled adventures aside from ministry as well. Going to the tortillaria, having a flood upstairs and cleaning it up with out power due to the thunderstorm, intense games of Blitz, Navy and fooseball. Star tripping, boyz in shorts awesomeness, ga-ga...the list goes on and on. It was truly an incredible week!

Thank you all for the work you guys did in Autlan this week. You truly made a difference in the lives of the people here. You encouraged the Christians, and shared the love of Christ with the ones that don't know Him yet. You are all amazing, and have made a huge difference in my life. Love you all!!

ISAI COMING HOME!

Just moments ago I was infromed by Poncho that Isai is released from the hospital and will soon be making the journey back to Autlan. He will be staying at the Church where his parents live for a while as he continues to recover. On Saturday afternoon the teens are going to have a welcome home party for him. =)
He has improved more than I ever imagined possible in the past week and a half. He talks, and remembers EVERYONE! He still says things that don't make sense sometimes, and gets irritated pretty easily. However, he has made incredible improvements in such a short amount of time, and it's only expected to say random stuff or act a little different in his condition. In time though, he will be back to his normal self, I am confident. He walks great, but does still need a little help. After laying in a bed for 30+ days, I would have a little trouble walking and getting my muscles working again too!
Someone called him on the phone the other day and talked to him in English, and he responded in English. Then after he got off the phone, all afternoon he only wanted to speak in English! This news encouraged me greatly because I've been worried as to if he will remember how to play the piano or not. He plays the piano and has been for a lot longer than he has spoken English, and if he remembers English, I'm sure he will remember the paino.

Yesterday I went to the evening service at Aposento Alto. Poncho was there and had just arrived back from Guadalajara a few hours before. He told me that Isai remembers Brent and I perfectly and even asked Poncho to say hi to us on his behalf! This made my day, and I felt extrememly happy and blessed.
I hope to go and see Isai tomorrow. I have missed him so incredibly much since the last time I saw him. I can't wait to hear his voice again, see his smile, and give him a huge hug.

Thank you all for your prayers and support for Isai and his family as the past 40 days have been a journey of a lifetime for them. Please continue to lift them up in prayer as Isai continues to recover and regain his strength.
Love you, Isai!! So glad you are finally going to be back in Autlan.

Isai- The Past Three Weeks -

Since I saw Isai for the first time 18 days ago, I've grown immensely in learning how to trust COMPLETELY in God.
From the time I wake up in the morning to when I lay in bed at night, thinking and praying for Isai, I have to remind myself of this: in times like these, when you want to do all that you can, but the only thing you can do that will truly make a difference, is put all your trust in our Savior, and find peace in Him. God has renewed and strengethened my faith in Him every time, as well as shown me the power of HIS LOVE through every aspect.
2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us to "live by faith, not by sight." This passsage has taken on a whole new meaning to me. It has become incredibly real to me, on a whole new level than before. I've had to learn how to trust 110% in God, because there is nothing, absolutely nothing more than I can do. God is our "strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." (Isaiah 33:2)


This past Saturday, July 3, I was blessed with another opportunity to visit my dear friend Isai in the hospital in Guadalajara. A group was arriving on Saturday morning from Texas, and we were to pick them up at the airport. Some of the people in the group know Isai from coming to Autlan in the past, and have been praying for him every day since the day they heard about his accident. They wanted to go to the hospital to visit him, and I followed right behind them.

Isai had been removed from Intensive Care a few days before, because his fever, infection, and pnemonia had been overcome. Thanks to both the miraculous provision of God, and a Christian nurse in the hospital that had heard about Isai, he was blessed with his own, the only, private room on his floor.
As we approached the steps to the main entrance of the hospital, the devestation that surrounded us from every angle clouded over each of us as well. The eyes of the people around us told stories of hurt, desperation, and longing. People were everywhere waiting to hear news about their loved ones, trying to get past the security to see them, and waiting for a miracle.
Just moments after we arrived, my wonderful friend, and the sister of Isai, Ceci, came down to greet us. Her heart filled with joy as she greeted everyone. I received a big smile, and an even bigger hug from her. I knew she was happy we had come.
I asked Ceci to tell us the situation on how our friend was doing. She told us:
"He is doing well, and making small improvements. Two people may go up at a time to see him, but you can't touch him. There are face masks you must wear, and be sure to wash your hands before you enter."
Karen and I were the first ones to go up to visit our friend. As Ceci handed me the pass and told me which floor and room to go to, my heart was still nervous, but more peaceful. I had been longing to see Isai again every moment since I left his hospital bed two weeks before. I had been praying all morning that God would prepare my heart and mind for when I saw him again. Karen and I made our way past security and waited for the elevator.
Karen is a nurse in the United States, and I was really happy she could be here. She understood so much more that most of us did, and just by seeing him would be able to have a better idea of how he is doing, and what he needed.
The elevator doors opened at floor 10 and we made our way to room 10161. After washing our hands, I knocked at the closed door. Poncho opened it just enough to see us. He handed us our face masks, and after we got them properly assembeled, let us in, closing the door directly behind us. I gave Poncho a big hug. It was so good to see him again.
Inisde, the very first thing I noticed was that Isai had a cell phone right next to him, and was listening to music. I almost began to cry just at the sight of it. I had thought about how he needed to be listening to music while he's here. It's who he is.
I made my way over to the side of the bed that Isai was facing, and his eyes were wide open. I smiled, but then realized that because of the mask, he couldn't see it. I greeted him with warm, friendly, excited words. Poncho leaned over the bed, and in Isai's ear said to him "Isai, your friend Jessi came to see you. You need to greet her; raise your eyebrows to greet her, Isai." Isai raised his eyebrows in direct responce to Poncho. I never knew such a little thing could bring so much contentment, joy and hope to one person in one moment. However, I was overcome with even more of those same feelings when just moments later, as I continued to talk to Isai, Poncho told me that Isai recognized me.
Poncho said when he knows who you are, he is very tranquil, and his face is relaxed and content. When nurses or people come in that he doesn't know, he acts bothered, and makes annoyed facial expressions.
Karen was filled with questions, and as I translated for Poncho, Isai continued to listen to my voice, and study me intently. I knew he really did recognize me, and know who I was. Words can't describe the joy that brought and continues to bring to me.
One of the things I told Isai was that the teenage boy that he had been reaching out to daily before his accident, who was very skeptical and not interested in God, had come to youth group all on his own a few weeks back. And that he also came with me to church at Aposento Alto last Wednesday night. As I told this to Isai, he acted different. His eyes had a look of both determination and excitement. I knew what I had told him meant a lot to him, and I believe it moved him a step closer to getting better.
Amist the conversations with Poncho about how Isai was doing, Poncho informed us that Isai's fever was coming back. "The hospital is out of the medicine he needs, and it's hard to find. It's our job to get it, and its very expensive." Karen and I immediately wrote down the name of the medicine and the amount he needed.
Isai had lost a lot of weight since I saw him two weeks before. However, I could tell he was at peace. He wasn't constantly moving around, restless and upset, like he was the last time I had seen him. He actually was very calm while I was with him. I could tell that he was doing better; that he felt better.
Karen and I were with Isai for at least a half an hour, probably more. There were more people that wanted to see him, and we knew we had to go; even though I'm sure she was wishing she could stay with him all afternoon, just like I was. I held Isai's hand for a minute, and told him goodbye. I gave Poncho a hug goodbye, and we made our way out of the room.

As I left Isai's room, I had a very new, different outlook on my friend Poncho. He is the most amazing nurse of all time. He takes better care of Isai than probably 3 of the hospital nurses could together. He had this specific manner about it that amazed me, and was so good at it! Seeing this gave me a new level of peace about Isai. I knew he was being well taken care of, and I didn't need to worry about his care, Poncho was doing an outstanding job.
Seriously, the nurses that came in while we were with Isai just opened the door and asked Poncho how he was doing. They knew Poncho knew how to take care of him, and had showed him everything he needed to know how to do to take good care of Isai. Poncho had this joy, this contentment in every movement, and I knew that he was thankful for the opportunity to take care of his best friend.
I also left with a new, incredibly high respect for Poncho. God will bless him in many ways for everything he is doing for Isai. I've learned from observing how he is with Isai, that I need to have a servants heart like his. Thank you Poncho, for setting the amazing example that you have in my life, and in the lives of many others. You're incredible, and God will bless you for the man of God that you are.

Karen and I made our way back down the elevator and outside. My dad and Deb went up to see Isai next, and Ceci went to go talk with the doctor about the medicine Isai needed.
Everyone that had been waiting while we were with Isai asked me how he was immediately after I got down from seeing him. They were curious to see how I thought he was in comparison to when I saw him two weeks before.
Everyone fell quiet and listened as I began to tell them what Poncho had told me, as well as what I had seen, felt, and observed in my time with Isai just moments before.
I could tell that I was trembling a bit, and my voice was shaking a little as I spoke. I got about 2/3 of the way through, but then I couldn't hold it in any longer. I stopped mid sentence and began to weap. Why? Because as the words were coming out, and I began to cry at the same time, I also realized and knew that I believed with my whole heart, what I was about to say.
A moment later, when I was able to at least say the three words that they were waiting to hear, I let go of my moms warm hug. I looked around and just about everyone else was crying too, but I managed to get the three words out, "he's doing better".
Ceci came down and told us that the Doctor didn't have the medicine Isai needed. Karen, Ceci, and I all knew that if he didn't get that medicine NOW, it wouldn't be good. We told everyone about the medicine he needed and immediately began trying to figure out where we could get it. Before we began our search for the medicine though, we did took the first step, the most important step in finding what we were in need of.
We all circled around the front of the hospital, and without caring about how much room we were all taking up, or who was starring at us, we grabbed hands and began to pray. My dad prayed in English, and after he concluded, with my hand holding Ceci's, I prayed in Spanish.
After we finished, with tears running down her cheeks, Ceci told us thank you with the most thankful and more sincere heart than she was capable. With tears now running down my cheeks as well, she looked at me and told me thank you. I immediately hugged her, and we cried together. Both with sadness, longing and hope in our hearts. Neither one of us wanted to let go of each other, so we didn't. It felt good to be a comfort to her, and I was happy to know that our visit meant a lot to her.

After a long afternoon of searching for the medicine our friend Isai was in desperate need of, God provided us with it, just as we all trusted he would. We bought four of the ten that he needed; it would at least get him started. We were going to go somewhere else to buy the other six but Ceci we had already done more than enough, and that words could not describe how thankful she was for all we had done. (Even though there were five of us at the counter purchasing the medicine, we might have possibly left with out it and realized 15 minutes later...luckily we couldn't get very far without it!)
We drove back to the hospital to deliver the medicine. Before the car had even come to a complete stop in front of the hospital, Pastor Leonel and Olivia came running out to us. They had huge smiles on their faces. We immedately gave Pastor the medicine and he literally turned around and ran upstairs to give the medicine to Isai. Olivia quickly followed him, and we knew that God has blessed us all far more than we could have asked for that Saturday of July 3, 2010.


Over the course of the next few days there wasn't much word on Isai, just that he was doing a little better each day.

On Tuesday evening the group decided to go to La Roca. On our way there my little brother Christian (6) says "hey look, that's Pastor Leonel!" as we pass by a man on the sidewalk. We turn to look, thinking it's probably just someone that looks like him, only to find out that indeed it was Pastor Leonel walking down the street.
I jumped out of the car to talk to him, and everyone else continued on to La Roca. I was greeted with a warm smile and hug, but couldn't distinguish if more sadness or happiness lingered in his eyes.
I asked him about Isai's condition, and was awestruck by what he told me. Just today, Tuesday, Isai's breathing tube had been taken out, his fever was down, and they began feeding him food oraly. I literally had to contain myself from jumping with joy, and allowing tears of happiness to come from my eyes.
Pastor continued to tell me that he came to Autlan to get some documents from Nestle, the comany Isai works for. Apparently there has been a misunderstanding, and if they do not get the papers needed, Isai's insurance will not cover the cost for Isai's accident. Someone is claiming that Isai wasn't working when the accident happened, that he was simply using his work truck. Of course, that is completely ridiculous. They are having trouble obtaining the papers though, so please continue to be in prayer for that.
I gave Pastor Leonel a hug goodbye, and we both went on our way. I could tell he was very tired, and still quite down, but I could tell the good news had lifted his spirits some.

Once I got inside La Roca everyone wanted to know what Pastor had told me. I told my dad and a few other people right as I walked in, but was asked by the leader of the mission team if I could announce what I had heard in front of everyone.
Everyone was in the main room chatting and enjoying their coffee. I stood more or less in the middle of the room, and asked for everyone's attention. I was shaking again. The room was silent as I shared with them what Pastor had told me. I informed them of the needed documents and how his fever was doing. When I told them about Isai having the breathing tube removed, I knew the tears were close. I knew the best part of all was next, and I couldn't help but start to cry. I fell quiet and allowed myself to soak in the joy of what Leonel had just informed me with moments before, that I was about to share with them. Tears fell down my cheeks as I told them they had began to give Isai food.
I stood there for a moment in complete awe of it all. God is so amazing! Tears filled the room, as God showed us that it's ALL in His timing. Just days before when we had seen Isai we had no idea how close he was to being able to eat or breathe on his own. God knew the exact moment.



Isai was moved to his third hospital in Guadalajara on Wednesday afternoon. This is the hospital he had been staying at for the past two weeks, and the one we went to visit him at. As you look at this picture, please take a moment to pray for our brother Isai.



The front of the hospital. You can see the steps behind the gate, and the people waiting outside.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Pastor Leonel!

My family and I spent this past weekend in the grand city of Guadalajara. On Tuesday night after picking up the Barkes family from the airport, we were blessed with being able to help out the family of Isai in the way of giving Pastor Leonel, Isai's dad, and his wife Olivia a ride back to Autlan. They needed to get some documents from their home, and decided to stay for two nights so they could be at Aposento Alto (the church he pastors at) for the Wednesday night service.
When I found out they would be riding back with us, I was very happy. I hadn't seen or been able to talk with either of them since the accident.
They were very tired, and the sadness and desperation they carried with them showed through their every movement. I was still however greeted with two big smiles and hugs. Our ride home was pleasant. We talked for a while about Isai's condition, etc. and then continued on to subjects that were less heavy for their, and all of our hurting hearts.
When we finally arrived in Autlan and were soon approaching their home, I asked Olivia if she was excited to sleep in her own bed. I have never seen someone get that excited about sleeping in their own bed. I mean, I've been without my own bed for a long time, but Olivia had been with out it for 23 days, and she had definitely missed it.

During our ride I found out that the following day, Wednesday, was Pastor's birthday. So I would just like to take this time to wish one of the best Pastor's I know, a very happy birthday.
I am seriously amazed at the wonders God performs in this mans life. He is seriously an incredible man of God. He is not only the Pastor of the largest church in Autlan, but he goes out every single day of the week to near-by towns. He ministers to other Pastor's and Churches there. He also hosts people in need and allows them to stay in his house. He has so many gifts, and he uses every one of them ALL for the glory of God. He is one of the best preachers I've ever heard. I could listen to him preach for hours and not get bored. Pastor Leonel is a great example for how the Christian life should be lived. He does everything with so much passion, joy and love. Thank you Pastor, for being the person you are, and for inspiring and impacting my life in so many ways.

Following the evening prayer service at Aposento Alto on Wednesday night, the church had a birthday celebration for Pastor Leonel in the courtyard. I hope that he had a wonderful birthday. It had been almost a month since he had seen and been able to talk with his fellow brothers, and I think it was a good way for him to spend his birthday, especially during this difficult time in his life.





Mi familia y yo nos duramos el fin de semana pasada en el gran ciudad de Guadalajara. El Martes en la noches despues de ir al aeropuerto por nuestros amigos, la famila Barkes, Dios nos dio la oportunidad de ayudar a la familia de Isai por la manera de dando un ridete al Pastor Leonel y Hermana Olvia a Autlan. Ellos necessitaban unos documentos de su casa y decidieron quedarse dos noches para que puedan estar para el culto el Miercoles en la noche.

Cuando mi papa me dijo que Pastor y Olvia iban regresarse a Autlan con nosotros, estaba muy contenta. No les habia visto ni hablado desde que paso el accidente.
Cuando les vi, parecian muy cansados, y la tristeza y desesperacion que traian ensenaba en cada movimiento. Pero de todas maneras, todavia los dos me saludaron con una sonrisa y un abrazo.
El viaje a Autlan fue a gusto. Al principio hablamos de Isai y su condicion, etc. Y despues seguiamos a hablar de otros subjetos que no estaban tan pesados para su, y nuestros corazones.
Cuando al fin llegamos a Autlan y pronto llegariamos a su casa, le pregunte a la hermana Olivia si estaba emocionada dormirse en su propia cama. Nunca habia visto alguien ponerse tan emocionada para dormirse en su propia cama. Yo si he extranado a mi cama por unos dias, pero Olivia habia estado sin ella por 23 dias, y se notaba la extranaba mucho.
Durante el viaje me dijeron que el dia siguente iba ser el cumpleanos del Pastor. Entonces quiero tomar este momento a felicitar a uno de los mejores Pastores que conozco.

Estoy asombrada de todas las maravillas que Dios performe en la vida de Pastor Leonel. El es un hombre de Dios increible. No solo es el Pastor de la iglesia christiana mas grande en Autlan, pero tambien sale todos los dias de la semana a otros pueblos. El apoya y ayuda a los otros Pastores y iglesias que estan ahi. Tambien es un huesped a gente que necessitan un lugar donde quedarse un tiempo. Tiene muchisimos regalos que Dios le ha dado y los usa a TODOS para la gloria de Dios. El es uno de los mejores predicadores que he esuchado. Podria escuchar a su predicacion por horas sin aburrirme. El es un gran ejemplo de como la vida christiana se debe vivir. El hace todo lo que hace con mucho passion, gozo y amor. Gracias Pastor, por ser la persona que usted es, por impactar y inspirar mi vida en tantas maneras.
Despues del culto el Miercoles en Aposento Alto, la iglesia tuvo un celebracion para el Pastor para su cumpleanos. El y su esposa tenian casi un mes desde habian visto y tener la oportunidad de plactiar con sus hermanos. Creo que fue una buena manera como festejar su cumpleanos, especialmente durante de este tiempo tan dificil en su vida. Feliz Cumpleanos, Pastor Leonel!!

My Brother- Isai Ramos Martinez

My Brother- Isai Ramos Martinez 6/19/10


It was my eighteenth birthday. I knew I would proabably get some happy birthdays, maybe a couple phone calls, and some birthday hugs, but I never suspected to receive the news that I did.
On June 8, 2010 around 7:30pm I was informed that my dear friend, Isai Ramos Martinez was in a severe car accident earlier that afternoon. Details were few, but I knew it was bad. I began to pray for Isai that very moment.
Later that evening I was informed that Isai had been transported to the hospital in Guadalajara and was in critical condition. My heart and spirit fell quiet. The desire to help with whatever I could, with the conclusion that I couldn't do anything, overwhelmed me. The only thing I was comforted with, the ONE thing I knew I could do to help, was pray. So that's what I continued to do. With each moment that went on my heart only grew heavier, and my prayers for my beloved friend became almost constant.
By Tuesday night Isai's family was in Guadalajara, but they weren't even permitted to see him. I was told that he was in a coma, and his chances of making it through were extremely small.
My Dad and brother, Brent, went with another young man from La Roca Church, Luis, decided to go to Guadalajara on Wednesday night to visit Isai's family and offer to do anything they could to help. Even if it was just to offer a shoulder to cry on, and a hand and heart to pray with. My heart longed to go with them, but God's job for me at that time was to stay in Autlan and keep praying.
The days began to pass with little hope. My prayers were not simply asking God to help Isai through this, but pleading for God to work a miracle in his delicate life. There wasn't anything anyone could do to save him, only God. As each moment lurked on, the realization of that became only more clear, which meant my prayers only more ferverent, and my heart filled with more preocupation and sadness.
On June 11th I received the news that Isai was not in a coma and was showing a little movement, but he remained unconcious. He was going to have an operation done on his arm the following day, but was still in very critical condition due to his severe head injury.
From the 11th until the 16th the only update I received was that he was on a respirator, and had responded to his fathers voice with a little movement. Other than that, he was the same. I continued to constantly lift Isai up to God in prayer. Praying that God would work a miracle in his life, that His plan would be that Isai stay on this earth to serve his Savior here; make a difference for the kingdom of God on this earth for a while longer.
On Wednesday, June 16th I was informed that the doctors had done everything they could, and that he was removed from extensive care. The only thing left to do was wait.
Later that evening however, God blessed us with some positive news. Isai had opened his eyes! When I heard this news, I was overjoyed. This was a positive step, and encouraging, but I knew I needed to keep praying. I was also informed that Isai could hear. When his father, Pastor Leonel, saw Isai for the first time four days ago, and Isai heard his fathers voice, Isai moved. He responded to his voice! He later sat up when his brother talked to him about playing futbol. Little by little, Isai had began responding to things. When you talk to him, he can hear you. If you hold his hand when you talk to him and ask him if he can hear you, he will squeeze your hand.
Being out of extensive care, he now has permission to have visitors outside of his immediate family. Upon hearing this news, my heart instantly yearned to go see him. Someone from his family is with him 24 hours a day. He has an amazing family that is taking the best care of him.

Today, June 19th, God gave me the opportunity to visit my friend. My mom and I drove to the hospital this morning, and were met in the lobby by Isai's sister, Cecilia. She was very excited to see us, and had a smile on her face as she approached us. As I hugged her I could feel the heaviness she was carrying, but at the same time, I could feel the hope and joy she had as well. We talked for a minute about how Isai is doing, and she feels very encouraged at this point. He responds to your voice by squeezing your hand, and if you tell him to move over a little bit or something, he will do it. He is still on the respirator, but she said he can breathe on his own. However it costs him a lot of work so they are keeping him on it to help him out. He moves around a lot, but a lot of his movements are instantanious. Some small movements are him telling his body to do it, though, which is great. If all goes well, in a week or so, if he is able to breathe all on his own, he will move to the hospital in Autlan.
After I got a short update on how he was doing, Cecilia handed me the visitors pass. I accepted it both with nervousness, thankfulness, and mix of a thousand other emotions. I had desired for this moment to happen since I heard of his accident 11 days ago. God had answered my prayer. I walked past security and waited for the elevator.
I arrived to level ten, and after a few minutes, finally found his bed. 10153- Isai Ramos Martinez. The curtain covered him from the outside of the room, and I could only see his legs. They were moving all over the place. When the nurse first told me that was him, I didn't believe her. He couldn't be moving all over like that, I thought. However, as soon as I approached the bed, and could see his crazy curly hair, I was certain it was indeed, Isai. He had the best bed too, right by the window.
Unsure of exactly what to do, I went around the side of the bed and held onto Isai's hand that was resting gently over his stomach. I talked with him for the next twenty minutes or so. The more I talked to him, the tighter he gripped my hand, and the more comfortable I became. I think he missed me too. I talked to him a lot about music, and I even sang him one of the songs we're going to sing at church on Sunday, "Vine Adorarte" (Here I am to Worship). As I sang to him, it looked like he was tapping his foot to the beat. It made me smile.
He moved around a lot while I was there. Even though most of his movements were involuntary, I could tell he was restless. It's like he's lying there trying to get out, trying to wake up, but his body needs more time. His cough was really bad, and I could tell that it hurt him to cough. It put a whole new level of sadness in my heart to see my lively friend in such a state. His restlessness only made it harder. I know Isai, and I know how bad he must be missing all the joys he's used to experiencing in life. The excitement that always shines through him. He's ready to have it all back, and he's tired. He wants to be better now. I told him we want the same.
As I talked to him he opened his eyes a few different times, but his head was turned the other way, and he didn't seem to be focusing on anything. He didn't move his head at all. We both know it's okay though, he just needs to rest a bit more and give it some time. As I continued to talk to him, he moved his right arm, which has a cast on it from his operation, up to his face, and rubbed his eye. A smile came to my face as I saw him do this, and I was very encouraged upon seeing him do it. 'You go Isai! That's what I'm talking about!' I thought to myself. I took a quiet moment, listening to his breathing, and thinking about how every single breath he takes is a miracle in itself.
After we spent about twenty minutes together, the nurses began to come in and it was time for him to change his respiratory tube and stuff. I knew I needed to go so his sister could come up to help, but I didn't want to leave. I reminded him of the song "God is Mighty to Save", one of our favorite worship songs.* As I said those words he squeezed my hand really hard. I knew that meant he really did hear me, and that he too, believes that God will save him.
I prayed aloud for the second time, and soaked in my surroundings again. I knew I needed to let Cecilia come be with him, despite the fact that I wanted to stay with him all afternoon.
Relentlessly, I told him I had to leave so his sister could come be with him. I gave him one last hand squeeze and a quick kiss on his hand. I touched his crazy "Isai curls", glanced at his restless, but still fighting body, and began to walk away; praying with everything in me that God would continue to heal him.

I came down the stairs and found Cecilia and Mom waiting in the lobby. I gave Cecilia a hug goodbye, and knew that she was really happy that we came to visit. Her parents were going to arrive soon, but I knew my emotions weren't going to hold together much longer. Even though I wished I would've stayed to talk and pray with them, we left. I didn't even get all the way down the stairs before the tears began. Nothing has ever become so real to me in my entire life. From the moment I walked away from his bed until now I wish I could still be holding his hand right now, talking to him, praying for him, encouraging him, and being there while God continues to work in Him, and save his life. The time I spent with Isai in the hospital today will forever be vivid and more real to me than anything ever could be in my heart and mind.

Never once in my entire life had I seen Isai without a smile on his face, with energy and excitement, joy of life shining through every part of his body. Today was the first time I had ever seen Isai not like that. My heart broke. Everything became so alive and real to me. As it sinks in more and more, my heart wants to grieve more. But instead I'm trying to confide in the fact that God IS MIGHTY TO SAVE! He can move the mountains, and HE CAN save Isai. And I believe with my whole heart that God will.
Just in the past four days Isai has improved in numerable ways. He's still in a condition that is very grave and severe, but head injuries as severe as he has take time to heal. Little by little everything is reconnecting, but it's going to take time. We have to be patient and do what I've learned God wants us to know how to do best, pray.

Isai- You're like my older brother that I never had. You're an example and an inspiration to me in my life. You have a passion to serve the Lord with your heart and your life, and you do it with your perfect "Isai touch". No matter where we are, or what we're doing, if you're there, it's 10x more fun. Thank you for being the inspiration and the great person you are not only in my life, but in the lives of countless others. You're amazing. God has a grand road ahead for you, and I can't wait for you to unfold all he has planned for you. I know I will only continue to be inspired.

Jesus- I pray that right now, in this very moment, you would send your work would be done in Isai. That the plan you have for him and his life would continue to come out for your glory. I have faith and trust in you, that you will save his life. That you will continue to work a miracle in him. I know that you have the power to do it. I can't, you're the only one. The only thing I can do is as your faithful servant, continue to lift up my dear friend Isai in prayer. Lord, thank you for the blessing of giving me the opportunity to visit him today. To see him, hold his hand, talk with him, and pray for him while being with him at the same time. Thank you for the progress he has made, and for the wonders that you have done, and you will continue to do in his life. Thank you for being faithful and reliable. Thank you for giving me the peace of mind that as long as I continue to trust in you, everything is going to be okay. Father, please continue to heal him. Bring the fun, loving, full of life Isai back to us soon, dear God. As my heart is still heavy and sad, carrying a burden that is hard to carry, I pray that you will heal him. I also pray for his family. My burden compared to theirs is very small. Give them peace and trust in you as well, heavenly Father. And God, please give Isai the strength to keep moving forward. To keep working to get his body healthy again. Thank you for continuing to bless him with life. Thank you for every breath that he continues to take. For every step forward that you bless him with as well. I love you, Jesus, and I love my brother Isai. Thank you for his life, and once again, I ask you to continue to save it, and heal him. In your name, as your faithful servant and prayer warrior of Isai, Amen

Isaiah 33:2 " O Lord, be gracious to us, we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress."


*Mighty to Save
One of mine and Isai's favorite things to talk about is music. He is one of the most amazing musicians I've ever met. He has a gift, and I love to talk to him about it. He plays with passion, and he's incredibly talented. One of the last songs we talked about was "Mighty To Save". Since June 8th, that song has brought me more comfort than I can describe. It was special because Isai and I both LOVED that song, and the message fits perfectly with what has happened.

Here's the lyrics:

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave