A Little Ice Won't Stop Me...

As most of you know, Oklahoma encountered a minor winter storm a couple of days ago. I'm a scaredy kat when it comes to driving in ANY type of weather, so I decided to hibernate at my sister's for a few days until the roads were clear.

Today seemed better, so I thought I would make a quick trip to the store and Starbucks. I went outside to "dethaw" my car, as it is one large chunk of ice. With de-icer in hand and bundled in layers of winter gear, I braved the cold. My door was frozen shut, including the handle...nice. Finally after I pryed the door open, I started my car to begin the defrosting process. Only one problem...I CANNOT find my scraper! Ahhh! My mom and I just had a discussion about this and I assured her I owned a scraper. (I mean who doesn't own a scraper?) I seriously do, it has a purple handle. I just cannot locate it at the moment. Why do mom's ALWAYS have to be right?? (On a positive note, I found an earring I have been missing for months!) *grin*

So after realizing it will take hours to melt away the inches of ice accumulated on my car, I decided to walk to the store and Starbucks (it is just around the corner anyway). That makes day number two of walking to Starbucks. I think an addiction is forming...

Mexico Bound!!!

That's right...I'm headed to Mexico! La Manzanilla to be exact. This small community is located on the Pacific Coast of the country, about 3 1/2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta.

I will be working with La Catalina Educational Community as a Volunteer Community Teacher, teaching English to children and adults in La Manzanilla. I will also be helping with some after school programs including arts & crafts, music, etc. I feel like there is so much to do before I leave in March, but at the same time I can't wait to get there and meet the people of this community, learn about their culture, and help out anyway that I can.

While I am there, I will have the opportunity to study and improve my Spanish speaking skills. Its so frustrating to think how many hours I spent studying Spanish in college, just to forget a majority of it in such a short time.

Words cannot explain how excited and honored I am to be given this opportunity. This is my passion, my heart, my desire. To serve and help others, as I have been given much and blessed beyond belief. I know this will be challenging, yet rewarding. I covet your prayers as I prepare to leave and while I am in Mexico - for protection, for strength, and that I would be an example of Christ's love.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

well hello 2009...

I know I am few days late in "bloggerville" writing my goals, hopes, and expectations for 2009 and reflecting on the past twelve months. That's probably not a good way to start off the new year??

2008 was an interesting year to say the least. It was a time of stretching, growth, questions, joy, tears, pain, answered prayers, hope, excitement, confusion, opportunity... I left my job with FCA. I packed up and left Texas, not knowing what was next. I spent the summer traveling and serving. I have gotten to spend real, quality time with my family.

I don't like to make resolutions. Probably because I am not a huge fan of New Year's (don't ask me why??) and because I have never truly kept a resolution that I have made. I have set some goals - some measurable, some not. Below are a few:

* Memorize 2 scriptures a month - Last year God placed an amazing woman and mentor in my life. We memorized new verses every week. It was so awesome to hide His word in my heart and helped me to stand on the truth when things got tough or when I was being attacked by the enemy.

* Become a true woman of prayer - This one is not really measureable. I have to be honest and say sometimes my prayer life disgusts me. I get lazy. There are so many things that I should continually be on my knees pleading with God for or simply just worshipping Him for who He is.

* Train for half marathon - I trained for a half marathon a couple of years ago. Right before the race I broke my ankle...ugh! I'm not sure when or if I will actually get to run in a race since I am leaving for Mexico soon, but I still want to train for one so that I can build up my endurance and get back into "running" shape.

More than anything I pray I am open and available to what He has in store for me and make the most of every opportunity He puts before me. I hope you all have a blessed 2009!!!