"What more do you want from God?" Neal asked the congregation. We all came from very different backgrounds united only in the Lord.
"¿Qué más quiere de Dios?" Manolo translated.
I didn't need to wait for the translation before I began making a mental list of things I wanted from God. All selfish things, too. I was in Nicaragua and still had an out-standing balance on my trip. I had applied to five graduate schools and was still hoping for acceptances. I was hoping to head to China in the summer and was waiting for those pieces to fall into place.
"He's already give you Jesus." Neal's words slapped my list-making face. I needed to hear them again.
"Él ya te dio Jesús."
What more can I want from God when He's already give me the best He can: His Son. He's already given me all that I need, and it's called grace. He's engraved my name on the palm of His hand, and I'm asking for money. He's given me purpose, hope, and a future and there I sat in an uncomfortable Nicaraguan folding chair asking for more.
I felt naked, like my selfish, dirty list had been broadcast by the broken LCD projector. In a way, they were. They were available for One to know.
I like to think God chuckled when He watched me frantically try to erase them, delete them, unthink them.
I gave up on my list that day. I took peace in Abba giving me His Son. What more could I ever need or dare to want?
Days like today it's easy to start making a list again. I want this job interview to go well. I want to see her joy and her smile on this earth once again. I want reassurance that God truly is good and in control.
I want everyone to know the hope we all have in Jesus. Jesús. 耶稣.
I want all of God's children to know how loved they are by their Father. I want them to know forgiveness as intimately as I do. To know they don't need any more than that.
Abba, use me to reach Your people. May my life show Your love today and every day. In the States and across the world. When things go well and when dreams aren't achieved. Lord, let my love for You be contagious. When people see me may they have no choice but to love You more. Draw them into Your loving arms, Lord. May they know that no matter what life brings, Jesus is enough. Our greatest need has been satisfied. Thank You for Jesus. Teach me to remember that He is enough, always more than enough.
This is my prayer. My hope. My desire.
<>< Katie
Showing posts with label Manolo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manolo. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wacky Wednesday
David: Katie, I especially like the Wacky Wednesday quotes when Nikki's mocking you because they're so funny!
Heather: Evan, get a canoe and row home.
Evan: I would love that but I think it's uphill.
Katie: It wouldn't matter; you'd be in a canoe!
Katie: It's "Yo quiero verTe."
Neal: Yeah, V-E-R-D-E.
Katie: No, V-E-R-T-E. It's "I want to see You" not "I want green."
Andy: What is this? Do I look like a maid? Or a butler?
Amy: The first one.
Nikki: Maid.
Caitlin: You exchanged hats! That's like a promise.
Michael: Yeah! It's a promise ring for gangsters.
Katie: Is that the Beast from Beauty and the Beast on your shirt?
Professor: James, do you know your Bible well?
James: No.
Professor: That's because you didn't grow up Lutheran.
Jennifer: Elizabeth, I can feel your heart beat through my butt!
Manolo: Say, "Esta es mi primera vez en Nicaragua."
Neal: Esta es mi primera vez en Nicaragua.
Katie: Neal! Stop swearing at us!
Neal: What?
Katie: He's teaching you naughty words!
Neal: Nah! This is a man of the Lord!
[an hour later Manolo did intentionally teach Neal the wrong word]
Nikki: I made a phalic image in this poem and he totally caught it!
Katie: He's a boy. I'm not surprised.
Nikki: No, it was a Biblical image!
Katie: He's a boy and a div school student.
Sara: Katie's always brave and tries the mystery salad from the stir fry line.
[That's really just in here for Mom]
[I'm cutting cookie cake with a butter knife. Andy handed me the machete we use to cut watermelon]
Katie: Will you make the bleeding stop when I cut myself with this knife?
Andy: Yes, but only this once.
Katie: Do you want some cookie cake without any blood on it?
Andy: No, I want blood on mine.
Katie: Well, I'll supply the cookie cake. You'll have to supply the blood.
Boy: I thought it was a fart. But then it rolled down my leg.
Mother: And onto the carpet.
Brother: Yeah, I'll put that on my facebook: my brother pooped on the carpet.
Mother: No.
Boy: Please, Mom?
Ted: Uno, dos, tros.
Mo: Oh, did you see? The directions are in plastic, too.
Jessica: You can't read plastic?
Mo: I mean, English.
Nikki: Do you like your sandwich cut?
Amy: Yes, like animals.
Nikki: You're going to get triangles. Four of them. Actually, I changed my mind and cut your P, B, and J like a pizza.
Erica: Where's Sherry from? America? I thought she was from Australia.
Sara: Are you stretching or giving me a hug?
David: Yes.
Heather: God is so good amidst all this crap.
Katie: She just said a naughty word in the prayer room!
Anonymous Friend: Hell, yeah!
Katie: Nikki! You always walk away when I'm talking!
Nikki: I know that your stories are long enough that I can walk away and come back to hear the real point.
Amy: Ah! I just got my phone charger stuck in the air conditioner vent.
James: I didn't do the assigment.
Professor: Well, that's what we expect from males.
Dad: I had a bad dream last night. I was graduating college and I didn't have a job.
Katie: I'm so glad your nightmare is my reality.
Neal: If you don't perform your role, our body is not whole. So don't let satan convince you that you're insignificant or something you did last week means you're not capable for being part of the body this week. Without you, our joy is not complete and we can't enjoy this trip. Maybe you're a pinky or maybe you're a heart; you're still part of the body.
Heather: Evan, get a canoe and row home.
Evan: I would love that but I think it's uphill.
Katie: It wouldn't matter; you'd be in a canoe!
Katie: It's "Yo quiero verTe."
Neal: Yeah, V-E-R-D-E.
Katie: No, V-E-R-T-E. It's "I want to see You" not "I want green."
Andy: What is this? Do I look like a maid? Or a butler?
Amy: The first one.
Nikki: Maid.
Caitlin: You exchanged hats! That's like a promise.
Michael: Yeah! It's a promise ring for gangsters.
Katie: Is that the Beast from Beauty and the Beast on your shirt?
Professor: James, do you know your Bible well?
James: No.
Professor: That's because you didn't grow up Lutheran.
Jennifer: Elizabeth, I can feel your heart beat through my butt!
Manolo: Say, "Esta es mi primera vez en Nicaragua."
Neal: Esta es mi primera vez en Nicaragua.
Katie: Neal! Stop swearing at us!
Neal: What?
Katie: He's teaching you naughty words!
Neal: Nah! This is a man of the Lord!
[an hour later Manolo did intentionally teach Neal the wrong word]
Nikki: I made a phalic image in this poem and he totally caught it!
Katie: He's a boy. I'm not surprised.
Nikki: No, it was a Biblical image!
Katie: He's a boy and a div school student.
Sara: Katie's always brave and tries the mystery salad from the stir fry line.
[That's really just in here for Mom]
[I'm cutting cookie cake with a butter knife. Andy handed me the machete we use to cut watermelon]
Katie: Will you make the bleeding stop when I cut myself with this knife?
Andy: Yes, but only this once.
Katie: Do you want some cookie cake without any blood on it?
Andy: No, I want blood on mine.
Katie: Well, I'll supply the cookie cake. You'll have to supply the blood.
Boy: I thought it was a fart. But then it rolled down my leg.
Mother: And onto the carpet.
Brother: Yeah, I'll put that on my facebook: my brother pooped on the carpet.
Mother: No.
Boy: Please, Mom?
Ted: Uno, dos, tros.
Mo: Oh, did you see? The directions are in plastic, too.
Jessica: You can't read plastic?
Mo: I mean, English.
Nikki: Do you like your sandwich cut?
Amy: Yes, like animals.
Nikki: You're going to get triangles. Four of them. Actually, I changed my mind and cut your P, B, and J like a pizza.
Erica: Where's Sherry from? America? I thought she was from Australia.
Sara: Are you stretching or giving me a hug?
David: Yes.
Heather: God is so good amidst all this crap.
Katie: She just said a naughty word in the prayer room!
Anonymous Friend: Hell, yeah!
Katie: Nikki! You always walk away when I'm talking!
Nikki: I know that your stories are long enough that I can walk away and come back to hear the real point.
Amy: Ah! I just got my phone charger stuck in the air conditioner vent.
James: I didn't do the assigment.
Professor: Well, that's what we expect from males.
Dad: I had a bad dream last night. I was graduating college and I didn't have a job.
Katie: I'm so glad your nightmare is my reality.
Neal: If you don't perform your role, our body is not whole. So don't let satan convince you that you're insignificant or something you did last week means you're not capable for being part of the body this week. Without you, our joy is not complete and we can't enjoy this trip. Maybe you're a pinky or maybe you're a heart; you're still part of the body.
Friday, April 1, 2011
God: Interpreter, Provider
I didn't realize how much time Neal and I spent together in Nicaragua until I got home and started telling these stories. I think this is the last one (for now).
On Thursday morning we drove to another middle-of-nowhere church where we were going to do a service at 10am. The Nicaraguan pastors suggested we walk around town and invite people, especially children, to the service. So we did exactly that.
We strategically split into two groups with our best Spanish-speaking students split up and our bilingual Nicaraguan pastors split up. Manolo, the bilingual Nicaragua pastor in our group, told me he wasn't going to translate our invitations. That was all my job. Huh what? Not fair!
I would have much preferred to hide in the back and not do any of the talking. Manolo was going to make sure that didn't happen.
So towards the first house we walked. Our team stayed in a crowd in the street, and Neal and I approached the front door.
"Buenas," he said. "We're going to have a church service over there at ten o'clock if you'd be interested in joining us. Especially children, we're going to have activities and games for them."
Yeah, I don't know those words. But I translated the best I could. Then Neal and I walked on to the next house, and Manolo talked to the people, probably clarifying what I said.
Neal tried to get the other people in our group to introduce the neighbors, but only a few did and still I did all of the translating. Honestly, I didn't really think it fair that they got to hang out and talk while I did all of the work.
That's because it was awkward and very uncomfortable to walk up to a house and talk to strangers about church... in Spanish never the less! Neal and I confessed to each other that it was out of our comfort zones. But with every house, we admitted, it got easier. Neal became comfortable with his spiel and thus I began to anticipate what he was going to say. Of course, he threw me a curve ball now and again but the more houses we talked to, the less clarification Manolo gave afterwards.
Of course, by now it was 10:05 and we were still inviting people to the service at 10:00... Nicaraguan time.
As we walked back to the church to prepare for the service, we talked about how the Holy Spirit interprets for us. It communicates what we cannot. That brought me so much peace. Even with my befuddled Spanish, the Holy Spirit allowed to be heard what needed to be heard.
When we got back to the church, we were able to see the fruits of our labor. Not at first, mind you, but slowly the church filled up. Eventually, they dismissed the kids to go out back.
One... two... three... four... I stopped counting at 50. Our final estimate was about 80. All squished into an area the size of a dorm room.
And again we had no plan.
We did a skit to stall for time. Then Sara told the story of Jonah (and Annalisa, our best Spanish-speaker, interpreted). Then we handed out Jonah coloring pages... until we ran out.
Then we handed out home safety coloring pages... until we ran out.
Then we handed out blank pieces of paper... until we ran out. That time we ran out of kids asking for paper.
I manned the paper and crayons while our other team members scattered themselves among the masses.
Some of our girls set up in the corner of the backyard area and made Salvation Bracelets.
We kept worrying about running out of beads, so we signaled for those incharge of the service to wrap it up. They saw, "Keep going."
Five loaves, two fish, and a half-a-bag of beads we did not run out. God is such a provider! It's was awesome!
It was great to be on the bus leaving and see the children wave, each boasting a Salvation Bracelet on the wrist that matches mine.
I came home with some very important lessons learned:
1. Sometimes God asks us to do things that are uncomfortable. But the more you do them, the more comfortable they become.
2. The Holy Spirit interprets and speaks when we cannot. What needs to be said is said through no doing of our own.
3. The Lord provides. It's as simple as that.
Thankful for Grace,
<>< Katie
On Thursday morning we drove to another middle-of-nowhere church where we were going to do a service at 10am. The Nicaraguan pastors suggested we walk around town and invite people, especially children, to the service. So we did exactly that.
We strategically split into two groups with our best Spanish-speaking students split up and our bilingual Nicaraguan pastors split up. Manolo, the bilingual Nicaragua pastor in our group, told me he wasn't going to translate our invitations. That was all my job. Huh what? Not fair!
I would have much preferred to hide in the back and not do any of the talking. Manolo was going to make sure that didn't happen.
So towards the first house we walked. Our team stayed in a crowd in the street, and Neal and I approached the front door.
"Buenas," he said. "We're going to have a church service over there at ten o'clock if you'd be interested in joining us. Especially children, we're going to have activities and games for them."
Yeah, I don't know those words. But I translated the best I could. Then Neal and I walked on to the next house, and Manolo talked to the people, probably clarifying what I said.
Neal tried to get the other people in our group to introduce the neighbors, but only a few did and still I did all of the translating. Honestly, I didn't really think it fair that they got to hang out and talk while I did all of the work.
That's because it was awkward and very uncomfortable to walk up to a house and talk to strangers about church... in Spanish never the less! Neal and I confessed to each other that it was out of our comfort zones. But with every house, we admitted, it got easier. Neal became comfortable with his spiel and thus I began to anticipate what he was going to say. Of course, he threw me a curve ball now and again but the more houses we talked to, the less clarification Manolo gave afterwards.
Of course, by now it was 10:05 and we were still inviting people to the service at 10:00... Nicaraguan time.
As we walked back to the church to prepare for the service, we talked about how the Holy Spirit interprets for us. It communicates what we cannot. That brought me so much peace. Even with my befuddled Spanish, the Holy Spirit allowed to be heard what needed to be heard.
When we got back to the church, we were able to see the fruits of our labor. Not at first, mind you, but slowly the church filled up. Eventually, they dismissed the kids to go out back.
One... two... three... four... I stopped counting at 50. Our final estimate was about 80. All squished into an area the size of a dorm room.
And again we had no plan.
We did a skit to stall for time. Then Sara told the story of Jonah (and Annalisa, our best Spanish-speaker, interpreted). Then we handed out Jonah coloring pages... until we ran out.
Then we handed out home safety coloring pages... until we ran out.
Then we handed out blank pieces of paper... until we ran out. That time we ran out of kids asking for paper.
I manned the paper and crayons while our other team members scattered themselves among the masses.
Some of our girls set up in the corner of the backyard area and made Salvation Bracelets.
We kept worrying about running out of beads, so we signaled for those incharge of the service to wrap it up. They saw, "Keep going."
Five loaves, two fish, and a half-a-bag of beads we did not run out. God is such a provider! It's was awesome!
It was great to be on the bus leaving and see the children wave, each boasting a Salvation Bracelet on the wrist that matches mine.
I came home with some very important lessons learned:
1. Sometimes God asks us to do things that are uncomfortable. But the more you do them, the more comfortable they become.
2. The Holy Spirit interprets and speaks when we cannot. What needs to be said is said through no doing of our own.
3. The Lord provides. It's as simple as that.
Thankful for Grace,
<>< Katie
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Climb
"It's not very, how do you say? Es-steep," said our host-pastor, Manolo.
Famous last words.
From my first step off the bus I knew the hike up the mountain would be challenging for my out-of-shape self. Manolo said it would take 45 minutes, but I didn't dare time it.
I followed in line behind some mountain runners... I don't run on flat ground much less up a mountain. It was not long before, I was incredibly out of breath and I could feel my heart pound in about 87 different places. It was so bad someone asked me if I have asthma.
Those in front of me kept going but I could not keep up no matter how hard I tried. I gave everything and it wasn't enough. Finally, I paused to rest.
Neal: Hey, Katie.
I didn't even have the breath to respond; I turned my head towards him.
Neal: That's where we're going.
He pointed above our heads to the rock.
Neal: Does that encourage you or discourage you?
Katie: I know it's supposed to encourage me, but, honestly, it's really discouraging.
I had no idea how far I'd come but it seemed shorter than I had left to go. That was discouraging!
As the runners disappeared from my view, I found the strength to continue. I'm not a quitter. I knew it would eventually be worth the pain. And I had been promised communion at the top of the mountain.
A Nicaraguan youth with our group offered to carry my bag. I let him (that bilingual Word of the Lord is heavy!), and he disappeared up the mountain.
Katie: There goes my water.
Neal: I have some.
Katey: We can share mine.
I felt so cared for and loved. I was getting up that mountain, my friends were going to make sure of it!
Neal would pop back down and again, but Katey and I walked together the rest of the way up the mountain. She accepted my pace, and we stopped frequently to enjoy the views (ok, and catch my breath). It was no longer a race to the top but about enjoying the journey. Slowly I began to enjoy my trek rather than only continuing for the communion at the end.
Tortoise-style Katey and I continued towards the top... Slow and steady. Eventually we heard laughter and shouts from nearby. Even though we'd lost the rest of our group, they had to be nearby. We rounded the corner and there they were.
From the top, we could see for miles, kilometers, actually. It was breath-taking! When everyone made it to the top (believe me or not, Katey and I weren't last) we took a group photo. Best team photo ever! Then we took a seat and listened to Manolo teach while we watched the Master Painter paint us a beautiful sunset!
Afterwards, we were given the assurance of the forgiveness of sins through the body and blood of Jesus Christ. We then sang "Revelation Song" a capella. Breath-taking!
The wind was blowing and the sun going down, taking the temperature with it. Even with the goose bumps on my arms, I didn't care much.
Now in the dark, we began our journey down the mountain, under the barbed wire, and around the rocks. Except we hadn't planned to be hiking in the dark, so we didn't have enough flashlights for everyone. New version of walk by faith and not by sight!
We walked slowly, getting split up as we went. We prayed for safety. Cold rain began to fall.
Hiking down a mountain in the dark, shivering, and it's raining. Sounds awful, right?
"Well, it'll be a story to tell when we get back," I said. Honestly, I thought it was wonderful. Maybe I'm biased because I was one of the lucky ones with a flashlight.
Sherry began a rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus." That turned into "The Hokey Pokey" which became "I'm in the Lord's Army" and "Father Abraham." (Those are Baptist songs... I don't really know them either). We were having so much fun singing and slipping.
Eventually our group got separated, and I walked alone with my flashlight. Under my breath I continued to sing.
I love You, Lord,
and I lift my voice
to worship You.
Oh my soul, rejoice.
Take joy, my King,
in what You hear.
May it be a
sweet, sweet sound
in Your ear.
Abba, I belong to You.
I belong to You.
Abba, Father.
Abba, I belong to You.
I belong to You.
Abba, Father, God.
Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy is He.
Sing a new song
to Him to sits on
heaven's mercy seat.
Holy, Holy, Holy
is the Lord God Almighty
who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing
praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything,
and I will adore You.
Just me and Jesus time. Somehow amidst the literally rocky ground, the cold breeze of night, the gentle rainfall, and the tiredness of my body, I found the strength to praise Him.
The climb down was considerably better than the trek up because I had a goal. It wasn't the top of the mountain. It wasn't even the bus at the bottom. It was to spend time in the presence of the One who formed every mountain, placed every rock, and grew every leaf.
The same One who put me there was worthy of all of my praise.
When we made it to the bus, those who were already there cheered for the newcomers. I smiled. We did it. Not by our own strength or power. God's hand of protection guided us up and down.
Take a minute to praise Him today. Amidst the barbed wire, the rocky ground, and the wind. As you share the heavy load and water with friends, thank Him for the friendship. As you see flowers, sunsets, and raindrops realized He formed you, too. Enjoy the hike up; it's not a race. Enjoy the stumble down; it's ok to fall.
<>< Katie
PS: No one was hurt in the making of this blog. (Except maybe a spider).
Famous last words.
From my first step off the bus I knew the hike up the mountain would be challenging for my out-of-shape self. Manolo said it would take 45 minutes, but I didn't dare time it.
I followed in line behind some mountain runners... I don't run on flat ground much less up a mountain. It was not long before, I was incredibly out of breath and I could feel my heart pound in about 87 different places. It was so bad someone asked me if I have asthma.
Those in front of me kept going but I could not keep up no matter how hard I tried. I gave everything and it wasn't enough. Finally, I paused to rest.
Neal: Hey, Katie.
I didn't even have the breath to respond; I turned my head towards him.
Neal: That's where we're going.
He pointed above our heads to the rock.
Katie: I know it's supposed to encourage me, but, honestly, it's really discouraging.
I had no idea how far I'd come but it seemed shorter than I had left to go. That was discouraging!
As the runners disappeared from my view, I found the strength to continue. I'm not a quitter. I knew it would eventually be worth the pain. And I had been promised communion at the top of the mountain.
A Nicaraguan youth with our group offered to carry my bag. I let him (that bilingual Word of the Lord is heavy!), and he disappeared up the mountain.
Katie: There goes my water.
Neal: I have some.
Katey: We can share mine.
I felt so cared for and loved. I was getting up that mountain, my friends were going to make sure of it!
 |
We'd made it! We had reached our destination! The handiwork of our Creator was ours to enjoy!
The wind was blowing and the sun going down, taking the temperature with it. Even with the goose bumps on my arms, I didn't care much.
Now in the dark, we began our journey down the mountain, under the barbed wire, and around the rocks. Except we hadn't planned to be hiking in the dark, so we didn't have enough flashlights for everyone. New version of walk by faith and not by sight!
We walked slowly, getting split up as we went. We prayed for safety. Cold rain began to fall.
Hiking down a mountain in the dark, shivering, and it's raining. Sounds awful, right?
"Well, it'll be a story to tell when we get back," I said. Honestly, I thought it was wonderful. Maybe I'm biased because I was one of the lucky ones with a flashlight.
Sherry began a rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus." That turned into "The Hokey Pokey" which became "I'm in the Lord's Army" and "Father Abraham." (Those are Baptist songs... I don't really know them either). We were having so much fun singing and slipping.
Eventually our group got separated, and I walked alone with my flashlight. Under my breath I continued to sing.
I love You, Lord,
and I lift my voice
to worship You.
Oh my soul, rejoice.
Take joy, my King,
in what You hear.
May it be a
sweet, sweet sound
in Your ear.
Abba, I belong to You.
I belong to You.
Abba, Father.
Abba, I belong to You.
I belong to You.
Abba, Father, God.
Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy is He.
Sing a new song
to Him to sits on
heaven's mercy seat.
Holy, Holy, Holy
is the Lord God Almighty
who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing
praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything,
and I will adore You.
Just me and Jesus time. Somehow amidst the literally rocky ground, the cold breeze of night, the gentle rainfall, and the tiredness of my body, I found the strength to praise Him.
The climb down was considerably better than the trek up because I had a goal. It wasn't the top of the mountain. It wasn't even the bus at the bottom. It was to spend time in the presence of the One who formed every mountain, placed every rock, and grew every leaf.
The same One who put me there was worthy of all of my praise.
When we made it to the bus, those who were already there cheered for the newcomers. I smiled. We did it. Not by our own strength or power. God's hand of protection guided us up and down.
Take a minute to praise Him today. Amidst the barbed wire, the rocky ground, and the wind. As you share the heavy load and water with friends, thank Him for the friendship. As you see flowers, sunsets, and raindrops realized He formed you, too. Enjoy the hike up; it's not a race. Enjoy the stumble down; it's ok to fall.
<>< Katie
PS: No one was hurt in the making of this blog. (Except maybe a spider).
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