This post is a pure reflection on God's amazing, unfailing, faithfulness, in the midst of chaos. It's one of those posts I have to make just so that I may continue believing with a faith that is unwavering when times are unsure.

This morning I went with a group of friends downtown to hand out coffee to the homeless. We like to call it Coffee Street Ministry.  We make a lot of Coffee, head downtown and search for homeless (it really is more of a search than you would think). This morning as we were walking, we were really discouraged because we couldn't find anyone, and if we did find someone they didn't want to talk to us.  As we were talking amongst ourselves, we were discussing our goals, and we were all feeling as if we were missing them pretty miserably. Maybe we were being ineffective. Maybe we needed to change our strategy. Maybe this wasn't working....... OR MAYBE... we just needed to be a little more specific in asking Him.  As we approached a street corner, a friend and I stopped and we just were super honest with Jesus...
" Jesus, we want to honor your name, and we know that you can show us where these people are. Please give us your eyes. Please help us to see them. Bring them in to our path. Let the gospel be spread through us this morning.. "- Amen

Just as we finished our prayer, we "stumbled" upon a man.

Ahh. Jesus He is so incredible ALWAYS hearing us when we pray.. and ALWAYS answering in His way.

Dennis .. Dennis was his name.. As we engaged in a conversation with Dennis, He began to share a little about his life. We noticed he was wearing some sort of hat that mentioned God, so we asked about it.  He said, " I am a born again believer", but just as quickly as he proclaimed it he turned his face towards the ground. "But... I haven't been so faithful."  I comforted him quickly, and tried to confirm to him the goodness of our God.. "Dennis,  isn't it amazing that even when we aren't faithful He has never left our side?" The look of shame just took over his face as his words confirmed that he "knew" that, but it obviously wasn't resonating within his heart.

 Our conversation continued and Dennis told us that he has been in and out of jail for 39 years for doing different sorts of drugs, and actually he was just sitting there waiting for a guy to come bring him some dope as we spoke.

We tried to continue to bring the conversation back to the idea that he didn't have to live this life, and he had a chance to change. It was possible! He could do it!  God has broken every chain ! There is not one that has ever been unbreakable for Him.

 He said something to the effect that he just couldn't face God again..  "But Dennis ," I said,  " God doesn't hate you. He isn't upset with you. He face isn't angry with you.. you know that right?" He said he knew, but once again it hadn't become heart knowledge.

I asked Dennis if I could pray for him, and he chuckled and said what would I pray about? I  said whatever you want.  Eventually, we got a name of a guy that he was looking for to find work.   "George.. you can pray that I'll find George." Done..  we'll pray that you find George.   As the conversation wrapped up, he was starting to get a little anxious as he saw the guy who was bringing him the drugs, so we said goodbye, and went our separate ways. We all walked away with hearts shattered for Dennis, we longed for him to know the freedom from sin that he had.. It was all a lie. This wasn't true bondage, this was bondage that the devil has made him believe he is in!
 We stopped again and thanked God for the amazing answer to prayer that he had given us.. We prayed for Dennis, and for George to be found!

As we finished up our conversations for the day getting ready to leave, Dennis showed back up.  He had found George.   HE HAD FOUND GEORGE!  He now has a job !

There was so many crazy answers to that prayer that we prayed today, but this was just one of them. I feel like I could write for another hour or two just telling you the stories from this morning.  Dennis was a divine appointment. Friends, this happened in Knoxville, where we live, in our downtown.  There are Jesus stories to be had all over this county, all over this city, all over this state, and all over this world.... Look for them, and ask for them!

I hope you are encouraged by this. I hope that you see this doesn't just happen to people who "love Jesus a whole lot".. this happens to the people who are seeking after Jesus.. this can happen to you.. you can experience this.  I hope you do. I hope you ask and seek.

 He will never fail you..  #prayforDennis

Thanks to the awesome coffee street team!

        "The Light Shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

I have been thinking about this verse recently. Do you ever look at a verse that you have read a thousand times and just see it the same way...its like it has just one meaning,and then all of a sudden you see something different? I have been thinking about this verse (John1:5), and Jesus has given me a new thought behind this verse.

I have always thought this was referring to Jesus shining in our hearts, so that in return we can shine in this world of darkness.  This is true. I have prayed this many times, that because Jesus is inside of me my life may radiate to those who haven't experienced this life changing light.  I don't think at all that there is anything wrong with this.. This is so true and biblical, but just yesterday I was thinking about this verse and HE gave me a new perspective.

There are times in my life when I just feel like I am completely battling sin, everyday, all day long ( like yesterday). Sometimes I feel I just can't get a break, and I am exhausted and ready to throw in the towel. Lately, these are things that aren't even my "normal struggles". It's as if the devil is just pelting me with anything and everything hoping that SOMETHING will take root.  Obviously there are times that I don't battle like I should and I give in to that temptation.  Usually the results of these times leave me realizing my complete and utter depravity.  I am so hopelessness without Jesus, and above that... my heart is desperately wicked. On occasion, it's as if my heart has become numb to my desperate need for a savior... and I don't even realize that with EACH breath I take.. Each time I wake up.... Each time I get to see him work... I am experiencing the relentless mercy, and then the endless outpouring of His grace in my life.  He is so good. He has never left me alone, and some days that is the only comfort that I need.

All that to say this.. Sometimes his light isn't me...  It's in me. Sometimes knowing that his "light" is in my heart illuminating the darkness IN MY HEART...  is such a great comfort. I can cling to the promise that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.  My  sinful desires and thoughts and actions  will not take over and hid the light that is in my heart!

Jesus Is so gracious.  Instead of letting your sin, struggles, and battles drive you away from Jesus... Let them pull you closer to Him. He Allows these things to come so that He can Prove himself The Mighty Warrior, The comforter, The Savior, and The One who has overcome the darkness. Let him do that..  Let him overcome the darkness in your life.. so that in return your life can shine amongst this darkness.

-CR

Lots of thoughts

 Every week we drive to a place that is about an hour away to teach English, and we always pass by this area where there are just a ton of lights lit up for miles. It is so beautiful.  It just seems to go for miles and miles where you can see so many houses represented by one little light. Every week without fail I am reminded of "A City on a hill", and the light that Jesus calls us to be.  This particular ministry spot has proven to be difficult and it seems like our objective has changed 100 times, but I am always reminded on the drive that I am called to the the shining city on a hill.

 Matthew 5:14 "  You are the light of the world a city on a hill cannot be hidden"

 We have such a responsibility to let our lights shine brightly.  In this day and time when the light is blurred, dusty, and dim, we must continue to shine. When Christ is illuminated in our hearts, He shines so brightly that even people in the valley and in the darkness can look and see that there is something more than darkness.  The actions in our every day lives matter, people are watching.
 There have been times, when I just didn't want to teach English. I just didn't feel equipped to handle a class of 25 very basic English speakers.  However, when I applied my best abilities, Jesus illuminated himself in my life, and has been faithful to show himself through me!  I know it doesn't seem very profound, but I am reminded of this every week. Reminded of the responsibility that we have as believers to be different and let our lives shine radiantly just like these little towns in the picture. It is really one of the most beautiful things that I think I have seen while I have been here in Peru.

 "Shine make them wonder what you got,
 make them wish that they were not on the outside looking bored
 Shine let it shine before all men,
let them see good works and then
 let them glorify the Lord. " - Newboys

-CR

Just Walk

Last week we took a trip up to the mountains. It was a great time with the team and some other friends. We were about 11,000 ft up, which was a totally new experience for me! It was on the agenda for us to go on a hike one day. Technically when you go up to that kind of elevation, you are supposed to spend a couple days before you hike, but since we were only there for a couple of days we needed to make the most of our time! .. Just in case you were wondering.. Breathing really isn't that important.

Generally, I am not an avid hiker. As a matter of fact, when the word is mentioned I cringe a little. I had been sick the day before, so I wasn't super enthused to go, but I knew that the other girls really wanted to go so I decided to suck it up.  I knew that it would be worth it and beautiful in the end. 

Have you ever been on a journey like that ?  You really wanted to get to the top, but the path there wasn't super ideal? So many times I think.. If I just know the route and I know what to expect then it will be easier because I can pace myself.  There is just something about looking up a daunting mountain thinking.. oh my gosh... I have to climb up this and I have no idea how long it is going to take. It looks really steep and it doesn't even look possible. 

 I think so many times we just back away from opportunities because they just look impossible. .. 

Anyways, here I am..walking up this mountain at 11,000 ft. We were about halfway up when we decided to take a "short cut" a little off the beaten path. It was literally vertical.. in the rocks and dirt.  In my head I was gripping.. UGHH... huffing and puffing... SERIOUSLY. There was no stopping point in sight. I was so focused on getting to the top of the mountain and looking at the end goal that I was not focused on the steps that were at hand.  I  had a baseball cap on and I pulled it down so that I could only see  Carissa's  feet in front of me... I guess it was a little like blinders that a horse wears. Just one foot in front of the other.. just follow the steps that she takes in front of me. It made it so much easier to just walk and not anticipate what was coming or the journey that was ahead of us.. Just walk..  

When we focus on Jesus in front of us, we are a lot less likely to be distracted. Less likely to quit... Less likely that we will psych ourselves out..  When we were climbing up that really steep part I envisioned our path to be straight up, but just when I thought I had the path figured out.. Our guide would make a turn to the left or right. It was just enough to lighten the load of the hike.. It never got easy, but it was just enough relief to give me hope that maybe we would eventually make it up to the top. It always took me by surprise because I thought I had the path figured out.  (Don't ever assume you have the path figured out.. you'll always be on an adventure with Jesus).

 What if I hadn't followed? What if I decided to quit because I knew the path, and I knew it wasn't going to get easier? I would have missed out . I wouldn't have gotten to see the beautiful view overlooking San Luis and the highest peaks still covered in snow. The victory that surges your body as you arrive at the top makes you feel like you are on top of the world, and it is priceless (maybe a little mix of adrenaline too).  Standing on the top of that mountain and seeing a new side of God's handiwork is really just another glimpse of our creator and his indescribable beauty displayed through the nations. 

There is something to this whole thing about putting your head down and walking. Just focusing on the next step. It's important to trust and just enjoy the journey.  Stop trying to figure out when you will be finished and start thinking about this step and what you are supposed to be learning.  Sometimes this means that we have to put our blinders on.. They aren't always put on for us. There are times when we have to make the choice to put them on and trust the person leading us! This can be an act of faith on it's own .Making the choice to stop listening to all the things that grab our attention and discourage us  is pivotal to our walk. It could determine whether you will make it to the top of the mountain.

There is a season for everything. A season to embark, A season to climb, A season to question, A season to endure, and A season to rejoice in victory in Jesus.  Put on your baseball cap and maybe even your rain jacket hood and Just walk up the mountain trusting your guide, OUR GOD, the One who works all things for your good when you commit your way to honoring him!... by the way we made it to the top!

-CR

A Shining Star

 Today I was sitting on the bus, and I happened to look up at the sky. It was dark and I noticed that I didn't see any stars.  I hadn't spent very much time noticing this since we had been here, but tonight I realized that I really missed seeing the stars in the sky.  They are just such a fun little glimmer of hope and a very beautiful reminder of God's intricacies.... So naturally I started thinking and God gave me a thought. ( I am starting to realize that God uses the bus time to talk to me)
 The past couple of days I have been reading  in 1 Chronicles.  I really don't know if I have ever spent time reading in this book before now, but let me tell you that I am LOVING IT.  (Since I have come to Peru, God has given me a new thirst for scripture!) Anyways... back to the point..  I have been reading about David. Once I got past the 9 billion chapters of genelogy, I got to the part about David. I am so impressed with David.  I know he made mistakes, but he was a great king. The desire that he had to please God was so intense. He desired so much that every move he made  would be honoring to God. He wasn't satisfied just being normal or neutral. He had a fervor that surpassed anything else that he wanted for his life.  He was a star, and he shined really bright.
 Lima is a very cloudy city, and at night I guess there is just so much smog that you can't see the stars. I know that they are there, but they just aren't quite as magical when you can not see them.  This is the same way in our lives as Christians. I know there are shining stars, but so often they just get covered up by all the people who say their lives belong to Christ, yet nothing about their lives resemble the call that Christ has given to us.  Sometimes I get weary, and I just want to be refreshed. I wonder sometimes if I am crazy. Sometimes I have those thoughts when I think about the ways that Jesus is changing my life, and I am like.. woah.. this is crazy.  I feel so abnormal.  However, the last couple of days, as I have been reading about David, I have been reminded that there have been many others who have walked before me living crazy abnormal lives for Jesus.  I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned and I hope that you are encouraged by this.  I have been reminded so many times just how MIGHTY and POWERFUL Jesus was and still is!!!!!
 So here I go :

1) 1 Chronicles 12:22 " For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like an army of God."  I really loved this verse. If you read the verses before this one it talks about all of these people just coming to join David, and it was not just some people.  It was  A LOT of people, and I just kept thinking about how God orchestrated that.  God was working in each of their lives to bring them to David. I think about how God does things in our lives today and orchestrates things in our lives that we are so dumbfounded by, yet they are so much smaller than this.  The last part of the verse says it was a great army.. like an army of God.. They knew that only God could have done this. I would have liked to have been there just to experience this huge gathering of people who longed to be a part of what David was doing, because they knew how BIG his God was.

2) This leads me to my second point. In 12:33 it says" ...Equipped for battle with all the weapons of war to help David with singleness of purpose"  David had one purpose... many military purposes, but one overall purpose.  He was there to be an agent. An agent for God to display his power through! It was so important to be united. I can only imagine if all of these hundreds of thousands of people had come and just started to wage war on different areas.. I have a feeling that they would have all been conquered very quickly by the militaries that were organized, but when they went as one strong force they were able to overcome so much more. So many times in our lives we forget to unite ourselves with the believers around us. When I say unite.. I don't just mean to fellowship, I mean to really unite our hearts with one spirit and purpose.  Think about how unstoppable we would be if we united our hearts together and committed to make Jesus our number one priority regardless of all the things in our lives that seem to divide us.... Unstoppable right?.... Just like David's Army. Not just because we are great, but because we have the unstoppable one on our side!
 "All these men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with full intent to make David King over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king."- 1 Chronicles 12:38

3) 1 Chronicles 14:12 " And they left their gods there, David gave command and they were burned."  David was after God's glory alone.  I am sure those statues were valuable.. They may have had some  gold or bronze or something that David could have used for building the temple later on. However, David knew that he had to be focused on the the main thing! There was not anything that could remain that had taken the worship away from the one HOLY god.

4)1 Chronicles 14:14 "And when David again inquired of God... " I loved this... There has been so many times that I have failed to consult God about something for a second time.  David had just  been given the go ahead to fight a battle by God, and God gave them victory.  If I was in charge I probably would have just assumed that since God allowed me to win the last battle that he was going to let me win the next one. However, David wasn't so presumptuous.  He understood the responsibility that he has be given by God to lead God's people, and  he continually took each decision to God asking for guidance in every situation.  James 1:5 " If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him " David didn't assume that he knew God's plan for his people. David understood the importance of continually giving back to God what God had allowed David to a be a steward of.

5) 1 Chronicles17:18-20, "And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant. For your servant's sake, O Lord and according to your own heart you have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. There is none like you O lord and there is no God besides you according to all that we have heard with our ears."
David has yet to forget who God really is! David has had so much success so quickly. He has made huge strides, yet he has continued to give God all the glory.  I struggle with this so much. I feel like it is a never ending battle dying to myself and letting God take the glory in every situation.  This is such a great reminder that we are defined by Christ. We are not defined in our winning or losing efforts, but solely in our identity as a child of God.  I don't have to take pride in my efforts when I am found securely in the arms of Christ.  Remember this next time you begin to boast in your own arrogance.

6) Last thing 1 Chronicles 21:17 ".....Please O'LORD my God, be against me and against my father's house. But do not let the plague be on your people."  David messed up and I know this isn't the first time or the last, but that isn't what I want to dwell on. In this chapter, it seems like after David sinned, he almost immediately turned to God and asked for forgiveness. I think this is such a important reminder as well. How many times do we mess and we let it sit for days and days, because we are afraid to go to God ? The longer that we delay this process the more the space is wedged between you and God.  Deal with your sin quickly and honestly. This is the best way to correct your path and continue to walk the path that He has laid out for you! Be vigilant when dealing with your sin.  Last of all, remember that your sin does not only affect you, but it always has an effect on someone else. Many men of Israel lost their lives because David lied, and in this verse you can see the remorse that David had for his sin.  It was a lesson learned the hard way, but thankfully we have the opportunity to make a different choice.
I would encourage you to go through and read this book, when you read it all together you really get the whole picture of who God is and how mighty HE is. I am sure that I have not given it justice, but go read it for yourself and let God reveal his greatness to you!
The Lord was with David, and the Lord gave David so many victories.  Be Encouraged to live extravagantly for Jesus. We may be weird, but we are called to be shining stars. It is worth it.  You never know the encouragement that your life may be to another believer who is pondering if Jesus is worth living extravagantly for. .. Jesus is worth it.  You aren't crazy in the eyes of Jesus. Give him EVERYTHING you have.. EVERY MOMENT of EVERY DAY.

-CR

Boldness

 Hello friends!
Have you ever had that moment when you were trying to say you were hungry, but what you actually said was that you wanted a man!.. Yep that happened to me. Unfortunately everyone still remembers AND reminds me each time we see each other.. I think that you would get the word hombre and hambre really mixed up too.
The last couple of weeks have been really busy! We have settled in to some what of a routine! We have made some really great friends and have begun to build relationships with them!  I miss home, but as many of you know I have a box of cards that my friends and family put together for me a couple of months ago! Those cards have been so amazing! Many days the verses will coincide with the exact situation I may be facing that day, but when I look up at the date it was written in June or July! The Lord is so faithful! He cares about each detail in our lives!  It has been very humbling to serve such a MIGHTY God!
I have a story that I want to share with you! It happened last week, but I haven't been able
 to stop thinking about it. I thought that might mean that I should share it with you! So I hope you enjoy!
Almost everyday we travel around the city by buses. Many times they are really crowded and full of people just trying to get home after a busy day of work, or to the next lunch meeting! It is a common practice for men and women to get on the bus at each stop and attempt to sale some chocolates, peanuts, or pens. It is also common for  people to get on the bus and tell a sad story to try to get people to give them money.  When they stand at the front of the bus they often mumble, hang their head low, and look ashamed. However, one day I was on the bus, and a man came on the bus. He was slightly taller than most of the peruvians, and he began speaking. Immediately when he started to speak he got my attention. There was something about the way his voice sounded that compelled me to look up at him. I listened to see if I could understand what he was saying, and I began to catch small phrases.  He was speaking with such boldness.  He was speaking loud and he believed every word that came out of his mouth as if his life depended on it. Little did I know that his life really did depend on it! I gathered that he was talking about Jesus. He was sharing the story about how Christ radically changed his life. I looked over at Gina and I asked her if she could tell me specifically what he was saying. This is what she said
" He says he was a drug addict. He was on the streets and he lost everything. He tried so many times to break his addiction, but he failed. He lost his family. He lost his home. He didn't have a job or anything else. He ended up in jail.  He said that the doctors told him that his addiction to the drugs was so strong that he would never be able to detox.  Then he met Jesus Christ.  He said that Jesus radically changed him. He broke his addiction to the drugs and he was set free! He said that Jesus Christ had the power to change any one's situation! He told us that  the bible says that if a man doesn't work he doesn't eat, and so he is on the bus trying to provide for his wife and child. Now that he has earned their trust back he is doing the best of his ability to provide for them!"
 I was just astounded. I normally just pray for them or tune them out, but this man was different!  His story was so compelling! He was just on the bus trying to provide for his family, yet he was doing so much more! He was sharing with others what Jesus Christ has the power to do! We have a lot to learn from this man.  I was encouraged simply by the way he spoke. So many times we try to sugar coat the gospel. We try to tip toe around what might offend other people. However,  I think we are holding the piercing words of scripture in our heart afraid of losing a relationship. When in reality I think that we are holding back words that could give them life! When we believe in what Jesus has done for us....When we have told God and others that we are devoting our lives to christ, we must follow that up by speaking BOLDLY! I am not telling you to stay on a street corner and condemn others, but I am asking you to share and speak the message that brings life.  Speak boldly about the way the Christ has changed your life . Don't stand at the front of the bus with your head down mumbling about why people should give you money. Present your words with passion (Not sugar) that captivate the listener's attention! This is the way that we start to accomplish the one mission we are called to!

Speak in boldness when you have plenty- " You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone O'Lord make me dwell in safety!" Psalm 4:7-8

Speak in boldness when you are unsure!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding " Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in Him at all times, O people pour out your heart before him; God is our refuge!
"Have I not commanded you, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed or frightened for the Lord God is with me wherever I go" - Joshua 1:9

Speak in boldness when you are unequipped!
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common mean, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus" Acts 4:13

Lead me

  Hola Chicos! I have to preface this by saying, it is really late, and we have had a really full day of activities. My brain is pretty much mush at this point, but I really want to write this while it is fresh on my mind.
Since I have been in Peru, I have noticed something that  keeps happening. The first time that I saw it was the second week that we were here. We were downtown in the midst of traffic. We were walking along with the busy pace, when I noticed there was a blind lady who was crossing the street ahead of me. As you can imagine crossing a street can become quite a task, but just trust me..it's a big ordeal. A lady had grabbed her hand and helped her across. Once they crossed, the lady left the blind woman to carry on her way.. I immediately noticed that the blind lady needed to cross the street again, but this time instead of someone coming up and helping her, she was on her own.  She blindly stepped off the curb in to the street where there were cars, buses, taxis all whizzing past. She had her stick that allowed her to feel a few feet in front of her, but that was all. One of the ladies that was with us went up and grabbed her arm. Immediately the blind lady picked up her stick and tucked it in her arm and walked confidently beside Tiffany. Once we had crossed, she was on her way again until the next kind soul decided to help her out. She was back to walking small, unfamiliar steps, that lead to who knows where. When I observed what had happened I was a little taken back, and a little astounded by how much trust that lady had in others, but I didn't really give it much more thought...... Until today. Over the past couple of days I kept seeing more and more of these situations.  Today I looked at Carissa and said, "Have you noticed that there are so many blind people here?"  She looked at me a little funny and said, "No, Not really." I thought to myself that maybe I just happened the see the total population of the blind community in the last couple of weeks, or maybe my eyes were being opened to something. Maybe there was something that God was trying to teach me. As I continued to think on it throughout the day it became more obvious to me.  This is such an example of what my life is like without Jesus. When I am walking through the busy streets, some days just doing my best to figure out what the next step looks like, I do well to not get hit by a bus. How can I walk confidently when I don't know where I am going? Or when I have never walked this path before? How do I know when the road curves or when to step over the next big pot hole? I don't.  I only have a limited amount of information as to what is around. However, when you allow Jesus to come and swoop up your arm things change. For me, my steps are a little more swift. My posture straightens up a little, and I can put my foot down with a little more confidence than I had previously. I KNOW....that wherever he takes me I will be safe. I know that he will not let me walk in ignorance.  He is guiding my steps and when I know that.... my posture is changed immediately, because I know who HE is. I know He is my father. I know that ALL (good, bad, and the ugly) things are working to bring me closer to him, and bring glory to his magnificent name.
The application to the lesson is endless.  Maybe He's speaking about your life? Maybe He is referring to this season, or maybe he is just talking about today and tomorrow? I do know what it looks like for you, but I know what it looks like for me.  I know that most days I probably walk around clueless as to where I am going, because I rely on my stick. I rely on what information I can gather from my surrounding, which are helpful, but not complete. I want to walk around arm and arm confidently with Jesus knowing that HE has a specific destination for me every single day.  He does and I don't want to miss out on that.
Some days, we are given the opportunity to take "the blind man"by the arm (literally or figuratively) and allow him to experience what it means to walk confidently across the street. He knows that there is danger all around, but maybe for just a few steps he can know what is feels like to walk through life confidently!

 You see, the ironic thing about all of this is this morning I was reading Jesus Calling, but I accidentally read the one from yesterday. Read what is said

 " Walk with Me along paths of trust. The most direct route between point A and Point B on your life-journey is the path of unwavering trust in me. When your faith falters, you choose a trail that meanders and takes you well out of your way. You will get to Point B eventually, but you will have lost precious time and energy. As soon as you realize you have wandered from your trust-path, look to me and whisper, "I trust you Jesus." This affirmation will help you get back on track.
The farther you roam along paths of unbelief, the harder it is to remember that I am with you. Anxious thoughts branch off in all directions, taking you farther and farther from awareness of my presence. You need to voice your trust in me frequently. This simple act of faith will keep you walking along straight paths with me. Trust in me with all your heart, and I will make your paths straight"- Sarah Young.  Jesus Calling

Isaiah 26:4 " Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, THE LORD, is the rock eternal.

Psalm 9:10 "Those who know your name will trust in your, for you, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 25:4-5 " Show me your ways O Lord, Teach me your paths guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior and my hope is in you all day long."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding In all of your ways acknowledge him and He will make your path straight."

 I hope you sense the urgency that comes with walking confidently. Our time here is short and we have an important task at hand.  Walk confidently and cover your ground.

I really hope you know that I treasure your prayers while I am here!  Keep them coming. !

-CR

Treading Steadily

    We are so ready to start our first FULL week of ministry.  We are entering into our fourth week of being here.I It seems like we have been here for a long time, but  it also feels like we still have a lot of work to do! One of my goals while I am here is to pick up on some scripture memory that I started a while ago.  Throughout the last week I have been saying it a lot, and something new stood out to me. Even though I have probably said it a million times..  it has never hit my heart this way before...

 "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, Greetings. 

Count it all joy my brothers when you face trials of various kinds

For we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness.

Let steadfastness have it full effect so that you may be perfect and 

complete lacking in nothing."  James 1:1-4

     Steadfastness that's the key!  This past week we finished our last week of "orientation", and I think that it was really easy for the four of us to think that it was a little unnecessary. However, not only was it full of really useful information, I think that it helped shift my mindset. The first couple of weeks that we were here we were running off of "Honeymoon" energy. I don't think that there is anything wrong with it, because it is really productive, but it isn't sustainable. I have moved past the excitement of the first week or two and then I hit this past week.  I no longer had that initial stamina that seemed supernatural, and I needed this week to know that it was gone. What do you do when you run out of Coffee (In a spiritual sense)?  This week forced me to dig down and really begin to understand that task set before me! I can't finish this with a cup of coffee.. or even a pot.

     I think this is what the book of James was trying to convey to us.  We must learn to be balanced, and let our roots grow deep... deep ... and even deeper into Jesus. Because regardless of how strong that pot of coffee was, it will never be enough to run the race of life. It will never be enough to climb mountains.  Don't you want to be perfect and complete lacking in nothing? I do. However, I also know that I am far from "lacking in nothing". So in order for my faith to be genuine and grow deep deep roots, it must be taken further than my pot of coffee will last.... And that my friends is why we can face all hard times, all defeated times, all stretching times with a confidence.We can be assured that is allowing our feet to be firmly planted in Jesus Christ, who is the only one who can provide any sort of stability in life, or overseas, or tragedy, or in overwhelming joy.

    So all that to say, I am thankful for this last week. Even though it wasn't what I thought was best, it is what was best. It allowed my caffeine high to wear off and my roots to start growing through the soil  in to the steadfastness that Jesus provides for his children. I am thankful that I can head into the next few months knowing that there are going to be some fabulous times, and some times when we feel completely overwhelmed and defeated. However, the steadfastness that we experience in him allows us to keep running, because it is never changing.

 Here is a brief run down of our schedule this week, so that you can be praying in specific ways:

 Monday- a day or preparation and planning our lessons for the week

Tuesday- We start Spanish classes, and we will be going to a village (VS) where we will hope to start some new work. We will be surveying and talking with the people in the village. Our goal is to train Advanced English Students to teach other students followed by a bible study.

Wednesday- Spanish, Girls home, and then we will be teaching English and having a bible study.

Thursday- Spanish, Teaching a health lesson, and English lessons downtown in a Quinta

Friday- Same as Thursday, just in a different Quinta

Saturday- Afternoon in a Quinta, and then hopefully we will get to go to a youth group and spend some time there!

Thank you all for your prayers! We are excited and expecting some great times this week! I am praying for God sized things to happen!

Psalm 62:8 " Trust in him at all times, O People Pour out your heart before him; God is our Refuge"

-Cayla

Good Morning!
          I can't believe I have already been here for two weeks! The days have been going by so fast as we have been taking in so many new experiences! We arrived last Tuesday pretty early in the morning and we were welcomed by our Hands On trainers.  Wednesday through Friday we spent most of the day in training! Although the days were really long, we were exposed to so much interesting material.  The Affinity team here in the America's did a great job! Here are a couple of topics that we covered:

 * What is our strategy?  We talked about how everything that we do needs to be a part of our overall goal to reach our targeted area. If it isn't strategic then we are wasting our time. This has been really helpful, because the need is so overwhelming that it is very difficult to pick and choose the things that we will invest our time and resources. Let everything that you do be strategic.

 * Are we creating something that is reproducible or creating dependency? This was a whole new world for me. How many times have I gone and imposed the American way in another country? How many times how I gone and just given a band aid to a problem that is much deeper? We must be conscious to work alongside a community or people group, instead of continuing to feed the thoughts that they can never have the right resources to do what we are doing! Everything that we do must set a model that allows nationals to take the lead. We will never be able to complete the Great Commission by sending out  missionaries from a certain organization! We must train and Equip national believers!

* Storying- This is so exciting! I had no idea that storying was going to be something that we would use! This is just one of those things that God has been preparing me to do, yet I had no idea. I went through the T4T training at my church, and I was just so excited about this methodology.  I have a lot of stories to learn!

Overall the training was a really great time! We spent a lot of time with all the Hands On students that are serving in the Americas for the next four months|! It is interesting just how quickly we became a family! Four of the students are serving in Brazil, six in Mexico, and five of us are here in Peru.  Tuesday everyone left to go to their final destinations.  For us, Tuesday was when we finally met Quentin and Gina. They took us downtown and we toured a lot of the places that we will be working over the next four months!   It looks like we are going to be very busy! Hopefully over the next week I will be able to give you a detailed list of our schedule so that you can be praying specifically for each opportunity! So far we have had a blast! The Lord has taught me so much about my desperate need for him even just in the last two weeks, but the great thing about it all is that I know that He has called me here.  Someday's I feel like  I am a Special agent with a really important task. I have some extremely important information that I need to get out, yet there are so many people that need to hear!

Here are a few things that we have done for fun!

 The Incan Market

 Friday night bus tour!

 Water park!

 IN the water tunnel!

 Please keep praying for us! We need you ! We have a very busy schedule and we are just praying that the Lord would use us! He has called us here specifically and we want to be open to his plan  for us here!  I am so thankful to be here, even on the hard days! This next week we will be planning our classes and lessons for the next couple of weeks, and then we will jump in with both feet! God gets all the Glory! Talk to you soon-

Adios!

This Means War

I'm ready to fight.  The past couple of months have definitely not gone according to the plan, or at least not my plan.  I have a dream and a strong desire in my heart and for some reason I thought it would be in place/ happening right now, but guess what it isn't.  I feel like the Lord has been priming my heart for several months maybe even a year now, confirming the desires that are deep down in my heart (Not my own just the ones that HE has planted there).  It is actually really crazy. The things I said a year ago about my future when someone asked me what I intended to do with my nursing degree would have probably sounded something like, Oh I’m going to get some experience and move to Africa...I still kept it in my mind. I partly just said it to give someone an answer to get off my back, but partly I knew that it was in my DNA and maybe someday and somehow it would come true if I just said it enough. When month after month went by, without the right job coming along, I knew He was saying just wait and pray. He had a different plan. What plan? I argued God, if you mean that plan I'll need experience. I need to know what I am doing. I am a new nurse with two weeks of vast nursing knowledge. What could he do with me?  Won't I look illequipped?   Don't I need money? God I have loans I have to pay off... Do you know this?  God, I can't pay my loans working an almost minimum paying job? He just kept saying be patient and pray.  I started praying and He started opening my eyes. Not only to opportunities surrounding my dream, but to new things about HIM and who He was.  He would quiet my heart and say Cayla.. I have you right where I want you, you know that. However, something deep in my heart just couldn't rest in that, and I would fight it.Why did I work my butt off in nursing school to work at this job and to nanny? Couldn't I be more useful somewhere else? I don't understand, but I also knew what He was saying and it was still to be patient.  So I kept praying and He would keep giving me sneak peaks of maybe what He was working on. Even though those "opportunities" didn't always work out, it was like He was saying Cayla, I haven't forgotten. It's just not time. SO I kept waiting.  

       I had the opportunity to hear a girl speak about a month ago who was so ridiculously in love with Jesus, I honestly don't know if I had ever seen someone that was so obsessed with him and also so bold about telling people. She was talking about this point in her life when doing life and doing church just wasn't enough anymore. When I say "Doing church” I don't mean it in a fake way. I don't mean you just show up, eat the doughnuts and go home, but it wasn't super personal. It wasn't a longing that couldn't be quenched or a relationship that made every other relationship in her life look like hate. While she was speaking, something in my spirit just couldn't be relaxed and entertained by her words, it was compelling me to something much more significant than  "doing church”. I honestly wasn't trying to simply replicate something that had happened in her life. It was showing me how disgusting my laziness is when it comes to my relationship with the creator of the world. She continued talking about how she didn't know what to do except read her bible day and night, and when she wasn't reading she was meditating on it or praying.  It wasn't a new fun thing to do or a heartless commitment that would fade away in a week or two IT WAS WAR. It was war against her flesh, against the prince of this world, against the comfortable Christianity that we have fallen in to. I walked out of that place extremely challenged and convicted.   It has become a war the past month.  I am not going to lie I feel like I'm losing most days, but nevertheless I keep fighting because I know in the end He wins and He has my heart.
       I truly believe that God has something churning in my future. I would like to think that it is closer rather than far away, but either way I still believe it wholeheartedly. I believe that when I would flippantly throw out an answer about doing community health around the world to answer someone's question, that it wasn't a coincidence.  I am not saying that with arrogance, because it isn't my grand plan. It isn't my idea or even possible for me to complete without Him. I feel like this time that I thought had been wasted is really only him preparing my heart for the mountain ahead.  A journey isn't easy.  I won't always have the comforts of my couch, friends, or bed, and sometimes that will be hard. My calling is much higher than that though and so is yours.
       Tonight I was reading over Psalm 40, When David was talking about the Lord not restraining His Mercy from us, because our sins have overtaken us. I am so thankful for that chapter. David, God's chosen man said that his sins outnumbered the hairs on his head, yet God still chose to save him! I'm pretty sure I could have a lot of head's full of hair, and my sins would still outnumber them. He is still faithful. He is still my Father, and His love is still steadfast.
       "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Look Full in His wonderful face, and the things of the Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace"
So Thankful for his pursuing love everyday towards my hard and dark heart. Praying that He will use me in a mighty way only for His Renown. Also for his all-knowing plan that has provided me with an almost minimum paying job and opportunity to share my Faith.
 There's way more to it than we will ever know. Go to War. He hasn't forgotten and He has a plan.

AFtermath

 Five weeks and one day ago I came home from a summer of seeing God work in my life in an unbelievable way.  I think it has taken me this long to just process everything and understand partially what the Lord has taught me.  I think one thing that I learned during the whole trip was very simple. There wasn't a moment in my time there that I thought  "Oh yea.. this is exactly why I came".  There wasn't a huge moment when the Lord shot lightening down from Heaven or anything spectacular, but it all started with a small voice.. that grew bigger and bigger until I was willing to listen to it.   I had been there about a month, I was having the time of my life.  I was making friends, eating strange foods, learning culture and all the wonderful things I had intended to, but I wasn't always looking for the Lord's work. I was looking for my experience. Please understand that I knew that God had called me to this place, and I was right where he wanted me. I just didn't feel him working. I felt like nothing was happening. I was just living and having a great time (thinking I was doing something extraordinary). I then realized that is the exact place God needed me to be in order to show me what he was about to show me.   My heart.  Who knew that it would take me flying all the way around the world and doing crazy things in order for Him to show me something that was with me the whole time.  He kept impressing these thoughts in my mind. .. Why am I here? For my glory or His? How am I living? Lifting my name higher or His?.. I quickly realized I was so easily wrapped up in what I (BIG I) was doing for His kingdom.  I was there telling an unreached people group about the one who brings life.. I was doing that.. How awesome was that.  me. me. me. me. me.  Then He showed me..  He doesn't need me and I don't bring anything to the table He doesn't already have.   He showed me who I was .. Who we are as humans. Wicked. Evil. Sinful.  (regardless of our deeds) I have a sin problem. The only good in me is Jesus.  Even when I try to do something good it is usually tied in with some kind of self exaltation. My flesh seeks to glorify self. I never thought that I was a horrible person... I mean yea.. I have sinned a couple of times , but they weren't "that bad"..  so I thought until this particular time.  Jesus showed me how desperate my heart was for a Savior.  So desperate.  So entangled in Earth.  My sins that weren't so bad ran deep. They ran deep into my DNA, and I saw why I needed a savior. It wasn't those little sins that were so bad, but the underlying issue that I was mocking God. I saw how prideful I was. I can no longer say that I am a good person, because there is no such thing. A good person doesn't sin against the creator of the World, spit in his face, or mock his commandments.  I do.  We do as humans,Yet He was willing to die for me.  I feel like this is a lesson that I have known in my head for a long long time, but I have never truly felt it in my own heart until this point.   He is good and I am not. I am unworthy to stand before him, and unworthy to be his servant. I am not good with words, and I don't feel like I have expressed my heart adequately.  I hope you are able to see and understand. I hope that God allows you to see.
 If you would have asked me before my trip what I thought God wanted to teach me this summer I would have said.. Learn to love the Lost or how to be a good worker in the garden . I never would have thought that the Lord would show me my heart and how self seeking it is.  I am so glad He did.  I am so glad He showed me because I felt like It brought me closer to him by seeing how much I needed him. I need my heart to be healed. I need to love like HE loves and not how I love.  I need my eyes to be opened like His eyes are opened.
 My God Is faithful. He is faithful to use my efforts even when they are not pure.  He is faithful to lead you to the desert and bring you back with more knowledge than you had before. He is always there. Ready to teach and equip you. Ready to show you how you can love Him more.  Ready to prove himself faithful over and over and over and over and over. You just have to have faith. He can do it. He is the God of the Universe. The One who conquered Death. The One who took your place! The things he shows you aren't always the lessons you want to learn, but always the lessons He needs you to learn.
 I don't know how I can express anymore how crazy this has been.   I just know that He told me to do something and I did it. He took care of the rest. Be obedient.

 " Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up" James 4 :10

"Being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it out unto completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6

 The Lord is faithful.. ... Always.

A continuation

I can not believe it is time to say good bye! It less that 5 hours,we will be getting on a plane and leave this hot, sticky city that I have grown to love! I can't believe it is over! Really! The Lord is working in my life and in the lives of all the people that I have  met!  It has been a incredible journey, but I am trying to remember that the Lord is not finished leading me !  The journey will only continue when I get home!  I get to share my stories and testimony to everyone in America and tell them what my summer has been like! What an amazing opportunity!  It is a little overwhelming thinking about all the things that are going to be thrown in my face when I get back, but I know that the Lord is with me.  ( This is one of the most comforting phrases that I have grown to love during this time) I love being here and having my mind set on a purpose every single day, and doing whatever the cost is to accomplish that Purpose! I intend to try my hardest to leave everyday with that purpose when I come back home!  I don't want to re reabsorbed in to the "American way" that I was so entangled in when I left! It's so freeing to not have to worry about what you are going to wear because you only five 5 outfits, or what kind of car you drive because every one has black Kijangs.  It is simple and only the issues that matter are the issues that you face every single day! I am so thankful for everything that I have been able to do while I was here. Everything was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!  Thank you!  I am going to try to write another post as I am readjusting to life in the US!  Thank you for all the Support!

 The last couple of days have been really great! We have had a really great time with friends and workers here. We have had to start saying good byes, because The fasting month begins tomorrow and a lot of people don't want to hang out with us because it is a time to be with family.  I don't want to leave some of them, but yet I am so excited to see my family and friends again.   There are some things I just can't wait to do as soon as I get back, but somethings I will just miss terribly.
 For example, I won't miss being able to wear my shoes wherever I go so that the bottom of my feet are not constantly black.  I won't miss the smell of things burning all the time . I won't miss the smell of the bathrooms or houses, It's like an ammonia smell. So strange but it is everywhere.  I will miss the smell of J- co doughnuts.... SO amazing. I won't miss having to put my shoes on every time I go in the bathroom because it's wet.  I will miss the helper looking at me like I am absolutely crazy when  I walk out of my room when I first wake up with all my hair on top of my head and my pajamas.  I will miss trying to use my little bit of Indonesian along with motions to the helper to communicate.  ( you would think that once she said the same thing several times I would learn it) I won't miss falling asleep to toxic bug spray or the mosquitos eating me up. ( IF YOU EVERY COME HERE YOU CAN NOT BRING ENOUGH BUG SPRAY). I won't miss wearing the same 5 outfits for 2 months, but I will miss the fact that it doesn't matter what I look like every one still tells me I am beautiful.  We will miss eating with out hands, despite how dirty they might be.   I won't miss never having a hand towel to dry them off with. (They never have things to dry your hands off with ).   I WILL NOT miss smelling Durian  every where I go. I will miss being able to play at the petting zoo when we go to the supermarket. I might miss the call to prayer being blasted in to my room every morning at 4 am.  I won't miss picking out the bones off my chicken. A nice chicken breast with zesty Italian dressing would be truly amazing. no bones, no heart, no liver, no galbladder, no breaking it legs.  That will be so nice. I won't miss brushing my teeth with seperate water.  I won't miss tofu, but I will miss soybeans
These are only some of the things I can think of right now, I know it probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but It will once I get back.

This morning we were able to  meet and fellowship with people literally from all around the world. We had people from, Indonesia,Germany, New Zeland, Switerzerland, and America all in the same room. It was so incredible. It was so nice to be around people who were taller than me again. They were so tall. SOOOO tall and get this.. They had white skin.  It's the small things.  I am actually taller or as tall as most of the people here which is so strange.
 Love you all,
 Cayla

The countdown begins

Wow! Can you believe that we have been gone for almost two months! The thought of that is absolutely crazy.  My Father is doing a mighty mighty mighty work  in this place, and you both know where there is a hero there is always an antagonists.  It is certainly that same way in this situation!  I feel completely overwhelmed by everything that has gone on.  So overwhelmed that I was chosen to come here and share my life with the Indonesians.  So overwhelmed that I  am able to see the harvest, and eagerly planting new seeds for the next season. Wow. My heart is so full. .... Seriously.  Please be talking with your families and fathers and everyone urging them to share the news of the things that are happening on the other side of the World! It is truly amazing. My Father has been BY MY SIDE the entire time and I think that has been one of my favorite things.  I can go on and on and on but I can't say much more right now..... except PLEASE be obedient to the things your Father is asking you to do.  Please. It's worth everything you could ever have to give up.  That doesn't mean that it is easy, but worth counting the cost.
     I am going to try to give you a recap of everything that has been going on for the last week. I think that is the last time that I have sent out an update.  Last Friday  we had a normal day and then spent the night at the Rukko. I was not feeling really good, so I went to bed early. The next morning  I woke up with a pretty high  fever and was pretty much toast for the rest of the day. I was a little scared because I thought I might have dingy fever, but then when I started feeling better, I knew it would be smooth sailing. (Talking about answering requests fast). Sunday, I was still not feeling super great but able to function. We spent the morning together and just resting.   We got a phone call asking us if we would like to go to the S's house to spend some time with an Indonesian friend. We jumped at the opportunity to get out of the house and to be with him , so of course we went. We spent the afternoon talking and singing songs together.
     That night  the K boys came over and we had a great time with them playing while there parents went out on a date for their 18th anniversary! We also got a special treat from McDonald.  I love those boys so much. They are so sweet spirited and are a great example! 
   Monday morning, we had our last Monday with the Brimob police. It was a bitter sweet parting, but all good things must come to an end.  Some of them were icky so we were happy to leave, but the most part were so kind and eager to learn. They even put together a sweet little concert for us and sang.  We have encouraged them to come to the library to keep practicing so tonight we will see if any of them come! As soon as we were finished with The police we hopped back in to the car and headed over to a school to teach at an English club.  It was a good experience.  ( Trying to be positive) It was so hot and the kids did not speak a lot of English so it was really hard to get things done. Also, It was the beginning of school so they didn't listen well.  I am sure that the next time they go they will be better behaved.  They were sweet though.  By the Afternoon, We were all pretty wiped out from the heat and being sick so we rested.. I think.
    Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were all pretty similar. We woke up, got ready, and headed out to the Library to spend our day talking with people. There aren't usually a lot of people there, so a lot of the time we just spend time with the workers. I played Hang man with them  for a long time one day and we had a lot of fun.  I also had a sweet conversation with a girl named Tres something.  ( I am just writing this so I will remember to tell you about it when I get home).    On those evenings, We spent time organizing all the things that you sent with me to give to the Orphanage.  We bought a lot of things with Your Money and had TONS of toys to give to them.  So we had to organize it all and package it up for them. It took a bit of time.
       Thursday Afternoon, We finally got to go to the Orphanage.  It was such a long awaited time! Oh and the best part was that It was an all GIRL orphanage.  Oh my gosh, I wish I could tell you every detail, but I can't. So I will just highlight.   A lot of them are refugees from a war that is going on, so a lot of them aren't even from Indonesia.  They looked so sad at first, but once I got them going their shells cracked and they had the biggest smiles.  I played and taught them songs, and games, and all kinds of things for like 3 1/2 hours.  Meanwhile, We had a little situation because they told us they only have 30 children, but once we got there  they told us 55, and then changed it back to 35 . BUT we only had 30 bags. M said.. what were you thinking you didn't pack extra bags.. and we said, Well we thought that they knew how many kids they had haha. Anyways, P and Rachel did an awesome job of re organizing it and buying more stuff while A and I kept them entertained. Our Talents fit so perfectly in that situation. We had such a blessed time, and we are hoping that we can go back next week.
      Today (Friday) We woke up really early and went with our doctor friend to her clinic and got to tour her facility. It was such a great time. Rachel and I took Aids test, and you would all be thankful to know that we were both NEGATIVE. .. I was a little scared at first because I didn't see them change the needle in the sticker, so I was a little freaked out because I thought, what if you give me aids in the process of testing me for aids, but when I asked they changed it. :) We had lunch with her... and now We are back at home for an hour of so until we have to go to the Library for the night. Tonight, We are having Joke night at the Library and a little going away party for us! It should be a great time.
           This is the kicker. Next would can either be a really great week or a not so great week it all depends. Monday Ramadan starts, which means fasting starts, which also means EVERYTHING changes. So we might have a lot of chance to hang out with people, or no one will be able to hang out. We are still trying to work around this, so you can be talking with the Father about that.  We can potentially have some great moments.
     " The Reality of the path we follow could never become greater to me than right now, It is so amazing that I have been found"
  Would love to keep hearing from you! Miss you all so much!

 Love
 Cayla

Homestay

Everything is going really well on the other side of the world.  I think that the last time that I updated everyone might have been last saturday, almost a week ago.  The quick run down of the  days in between are as follows. Saturday night we went out with a lot of friends and sang karaoke which was really fun. Saturday was had a house gathering, and a couple of people from the team had to go out of town for various reasons so we the rest of us spent the afternoon at the mall and furniture shopping for the K family.  We had a great time (as always). Monday we visited the Police men again and then came back home and packed for our trip. We had movie night with Prisk and Andri two of our favorite teenage girls, and then off on the road we went.  We were going to a place about ten hours away, and everyone told us it would be cool there so we were so excited. The plan was for us to stay with an Indonesian family for two days and a night just to get a little more culture experience.  Well, Let's just say it was full of culture.
          After traveling all day, we finally arrived in PA and met Espi.  We thought that we were going to be staying in a city, but once we got there we found out we had another 40 minute drive out. (which actually turned into 2 hours). You could probably imagine that after two hours, we were not in a city anymore, but surrounded by village after village. OH and by the way, when I say Village I am not using that word loosely but in every context. So we arrive, and the road that her little house is on is not big enough for our car to drive down. So we unpack and carry all of our stuff to her house. By this time everyone realizes that someone new is in town. Little did we know, we were the first white people these people had every seen. We meet up with her family and they invite us in. So we sit down and are talking (except we aren't really talking because no one speaks English so we just smile). AS we are chatting our little lives away I see someone walk in carrying the dreaded fruit.... yep. you guessed it was durian. I Wanted to cry, because I knew that I was going to have to eat it. There was no getting around it . They were all staring intently at us. So they slice one.. then they slice 2 and another and another. Before I knew it there we were sitting with atleast 9 halves of durian in front of us.  So We dug in. I was praying that simple phrase that Peggy taught me. Lord Ill gulp it down if you keep it down.  Rachel and I were sitting across the room from each other so I look at her and notice she is trying to distract herself from the durian and I made eye contact with her and smiled with me eyes (you know in that really nice way) and told her there was no getting around it. So we ate a little and it was really nice to see her gag in front of everyone.. Made my day.  Then we continue with mangos, avocado juice, duku, rambutan etc.  When we ate all we could, I looked out the door and there stood almost the whole village at the front door trying to get a look at us. wow CULTURE SHOCK.  We went outside and took pictures for about 2 hours.. Then it happened.
       It was time for B and G to leave.  I watched them drive away in there kijang and I thought I might fall on the ground and scream and cry as loud as I could, but I held it together. Espi knew a little English but she couldn't understand us so that made for an interesting time.  We walked around the village with all the little Asian children following us it was so sweet. We walked around saying hello and everytime we met a group of people and told them we were from the us they would say  OOOOOOOH AHHHHHH. It was hilarious.  We Eventually made it back to the house we were staying in and Espi asks us if we would like to take a bath. Rachel and I looked a little funny at each other and thought well, its only like 5 o clock so we passed. Then she went to take a bath followed by her mother, father, brother, and aunt.  By 6 o clock everyone had their PJs on and I thought hm... maybe I should shower and put my pajamas on because that is what they are doing and after all I do want to be culturally correct.  So I ask Espi, Could I take a shower ? She says of course and hands me this towel...  It was a little damp (actually like soaking wet) and I put it all together they all had used the same towel. EVERYONE and now it was my turn... So I said a quick prayer and asked him to put me in a  bubble so I wouldn't get any disease and hop right in.  Except It wasn't a shower.. That's what you were thinking right? Nope. A Bok. It's like a big tub of water and you dip water out and pour it over yourself with a little bucket. and it's in the same room as the squatty.. So it had to be clean right?
 I managed to get clean with some forever Sunshine body wash and St Ives face wash. It seemed to act as an all in one cleanser.  Then I make my way back in to my room where I find a host of ladies waiting on me. I tried to communicate that I was going to be changing, and I thought they might leave, but instead they decided it would be okay if they all cramped in really tight and just shut the door.  I did a really good job of changing all my clothes and holding a towel up at the same time.  I am sure that whole village knows about the white girls.
( Rachel is going to fill you in on the sleeping part or lack there of sleep part of the night)
We have been told that most Indonesians sleep with the light on, out of fear of evil spirits. We had been preparing ourselves for sleeping with the light on, but we were by no means prepared for the long sleepless night ahead. There was a twin size bed in the room that the three of us, Cayla, Espi, and myself, shared. It was to our great disappointment that the hammock-looking thing hanging from the ceiling was actually a mosquito net. (or mosk-queee-to, as they like to pronounce it here) The entire night Cayla and I hugged the wall laying horizontally, legs dangling off the bed; meanwhile our dear LITTLE friend took up 3/4 of the bed. Thankfully we were able to turn the light off, as Espi told us the light would only make the room hotter. This was difficult to believe, as we were sleeping in a sauna with no windows, a closed door, cement walls, and silk sheets. Somehow a renegade moskqueeto managed to join us under the net. He bestowed us with countless little itchy bites throughout the night, but we were unable to get the benadryl stick out from under the net. We slept a couple minutes and lost at least two pounds just from sweating. The next morning Espi brought us our first breakfast in bed. It was fish crackers. Now please understand that this family, especially Espi, did their best to provide only the best of food and conditions for us. Indonesian and American culture is so very different that it made the stay challenging but very educational for the two of us. That being said, the fish crackers resembled the taste of cardboard and the lumpy fried unknown item . . . well we are unsure as to its identity and resemblance. After we were ready for the day, we were offered a second breakfast. Rice, fish soup, and chicken. The rice was the best I have eaten yet. The fish head was still in the soup, its eye looking straight at us every time we were served more. The chicken was absolutely delicious, but spicy enough that we no longer needed the sauna room. Even Espi found the chicken too spicy to eat. She would later offer us lunch and was kind and thoughtful enough to wash the chicken with water to tone down the spice for us.
      We went  to meet the head of the village who needed to grant us permission to be in the village. He was very disgruntled as the last foreigners some twenty odd years ago had neglected to request permission to stay there. Cayla, through some translation help from our very smart Espi, was able to smooth things over.   (Cayla is now telling the rest of the story). After he made us write down every piece of information about ourselves in his little notebook we hopped back in our land rover from the 80s car and headed to the swinging bridge.. Eh The things I do.. I hate bridges. Anyways, We had a fun time there and headed back to E's house to grab our sutff. When we arrived there were atleast 10 other guys in our living room area who had decided they were going to go to the tea plantations with us.  So they all crammed in the car... It was a tight squeeze. Twleve of us all together.  They were all smoking, eating durian, burping durian, shooting snot out their noses, along with a little hint of BO.. perfect recipe for  a long day in the car. We drove to a couple waterfalls and they were so extremely beautiful. Hiked a little bit on the mountain where all the tea plantations were, and then visited a few more waterfalls. 
       The whole time we  were walking this one guy kept telling us that we walked really fast, and I preceeded to tell him that if he didn't smoke he too could walk as fast as I could.  He refuted, but I insisted and after we were finished the first thing that he did was light another one up. Genius.  The last waterfall that we went to visit, turned out to be one of the most comical things in my life.  The bridge was broken so we climbed down on the rocks to see the fall. Unfortunately,  it wasn't a great view so the Indonesians and I convinced Rachel to cross the rough river and go to the waterfall.   She thought it would be okay because she could just hold her skirt up and it wouldn't get wet.... well. The water was a little deeper, a little faster... the rocks a little sharper and slippery than she had first thought. She ended up falling and the men had to drag her across. I have never ever laughed so hard in my life.  It was a great day. 
      One of the things that we learned was that they like to take rests. For example, when we had been in the car almost an hour they would say.. we must stop and take a rest, so naturally we said okay..   We got out stretched for 10 or 15 minutes and then  got back in the car. We literally went around the curve and there the waterfall was. I don't know why they couldn't have waited just another 10 minutes, but that is the culture and it happened all day.   On our way back home, we had an array of tasty (sarcastic) snacks Tofu... etc. When we arrived we pulled in to the hotel where B and G where and they didn't believe it was us when  we pulled in and everyone was smoking and there were so many people in the car, but then we emerged from the depths.  We had a blast that night telling stories. 
      The next day, we drove home and on the way stopped and taught some English at some schools, which is always a blast. The kids are so fun to be around. I think I laugh as much and they do. We arrived home late thursday night and were welcomed home by a nice meal at Pizza Hut ( where they make you balloon animals). I don't think the servers at PH in the states are that talented, but I could be wrong.
 That long story basically sums up the highlights of the past week. There are so many other things that I would love to share but it is simply too long.  It was one of the hardest and uncomfortable things I have ever done, but  worth every sec for the purpose.
On that note, there are several people here who may one day get to meet my father.  Please be thinking about that and knowing that dreams can come true. Also,   Our energy levels need to stay pumped up for the last couple of weeks. We still have a lot to do.  I have some sort of cold going on and I am not feeling super great. There is so much going on! I miss everyone the most right now! Keeping my sight on Mcghee Tyson on Aug 11! Be there or be square!! Love you all! Would love you hear from you and there are a lot of new pictures on Facebook!
see you soon
 Love,
 Cayla and Rachel

A Perpeptual State of Emergency

I don’t know where to being, I feel like it has been days since I have talked to you all and so many things have happened that you need to know. Fair warning.. This could be really long.
     Monday morning we went back to the police station and started teaching on Directions. That was an adventure in itself. We had so much fun and they were in good spirits and ready to learn. I felt like I could let me guard down a little bit because they respected us more and did not just see us as American Girls.  We joked around and actually had them walking around on a little kids playgroud practicing, which looked rather funny in there official uniforms.  After we came back home we were spending the day with I and L and there family. We took a walk to the nursing school that is behind their house. We talked a long time and they said that we could come  back in a week or so and actually visit in the classrooms to see how they do things. I think could be a really cool opportunity.  That night A good friend of theirs came over, who is also a nurse, and she had some way cools stories about all the work she had done. We really enjoyed our time with her.  Tuesday morning we woke up bright and early to go on the River. It’s called the Mussi river and a college club had invited to take us out so they could practice their english with native speakers. We had a great time. The boats were so slow and the waves that the other boats were making compared to our boat looked like a tsunami and we were always wondering if we were going to sink.. haha but we did manage to make it.  We took the boat ride to a famous Island in the city where we are. It is  a big tourist attraction. When we first arrived, we saw some children digging through the trash who lived on this island and it broke my heart. I wanted to give them some food so bad, but it was not a good time and I didn’t want to be rude to the people who were feeding us lunch.  When we got to the other end the children were there and sitting close by, so Rachel went up to them and started talking to them and kind of playing a little game and they loved it! We ended up playing with them for a good 45 minutes and just talking to them.. So adorable. They stole my heart. SO quickly.  I just had happened to pack a few extra granola bars in my purse that morning so we split them between the six of them. We had a blast. They group that we were with were also so kind to them.  They gave up some of their lunches and gave to the kids, It could have been really akward because people tend to be a little possessive of us (white people) when we are with them, but they all just loved on the kids as much as we did. It was so amazing.  So we left them knowing that they had plenty to eat that day.  The college students themselves were a blast!  We sang songs to each other, one guy cornered me and sang me a love song by muse.. and it was all together a great time. We sang Christmas songs and things like that. Rachel  threw her cucumber on the ground at lunch and the chicken literally almost pecked our feet to death trying to eat it. Scary moment. The river trip was mostly an all day trip. By the time that we got home , The K family was over and took us out to dinner, mostly because they love us so much ( ha ha ).  They have three boys who are some fun! We have a great time with them. We got back late, so mostly we just said good bye and went to our room. Wednesday  morning we got up, packed and headed out to another city that was about 7 hours away. This is where the realy good stories begin..  We drove around the city for about an hour picking another lady up, then we went back to the taxi service and got another driver who could take us to the city. He was not as nice as the first driver. As soon as he got in he turned the air practically all the way off, turned the emergency flashers on ( so we joked and said that we lived in a perpetual state of emergency) , and all the music off.( I was sitting in the front seat) Then he plugged his phone up to the charger thing and this one song started playing over and over and over. I thought seriously, if I have to listen to the same song for 7 hours that will not be okay. Well, what I didn’t know was that the music would be the least of my problems.. About three hours in to the trip, Rachel asked G , What city are we in.. and she said that we were in the same city that we started out in... Crazy, but then the driver started burping.. like not just one time. They were huge belches like almost on a time schedule. Every couple of minutes he would do it. AND THEN.. he would sit there and smack his lips like it tasted so good. It was so nasty. He did that the whole rest of the time.  Then I started getting hot so I turned the air conditioner up and he would turn it back down and I turned it back up, and then he turned it back down. The last time he looked and we and spoke some harsh Indonesian words at me, and I assumed he was saying not to do that. Well, Then G text me from the back and told me that He said we wouldn’t have enough gas to make it there if we turned the air up.  Good grief. It was so hot.  I was like well I mean, we could always hook him up the engine, because he seemed to have plenty of gas in him.  So on top of all this, about half way there he begins to start driving really fast on really curvy roads and doing crazy things. So G asks him if he is tired and he obviously says, No I just have leg cramps. So She said why don’t you pull over and take a shower so that you can wake up and stretch and he says no.. Well then he like starts slumping over the wheel.  G keeps talking to him, but then he gets irritated that we are talking to him, so he tells her to stop because he needs to concentrate. So meanwhile, between the burps, the falling asleep, and the same music playing over and over.. It was nothing but completely interesting.  G told us to click it or Ticket so we did THEN.. The Indonesians in the Back actually buckled up... which tells you that it truly was bad haha.  So we finally made it there at like 6 30 or 7 after leaving at 1030 am. We have such a great time with the Hosts! Everyone came over even the NPs. WE sang and then stayed up until 2 am just talking. It was a blast and good time of Encouragement I think for them as well. The next day we went out to eat with a girl who wanted to meet Americans, and then we went to their English center and spent like five hours. We played jungle Uno, which I will teach you all about when I get home, blast! Then  we went back to the house and ate dinner. While we were eating, one of the guys we were visiting said “ I am going to have a visitor” and we were just like okay.. that’s fine. We didn’t really think anything about it. Then He gets there and we are all like Whoa.. seriously. He was the best looking Asian I have ever seen.  SO we giggled for a long time about him and then went upstairs. Well somehow through a series of events He found out that I was the one who thought he was cute, but really it was all of us. So The guy told him that we were going to be going to the zoo the next morning. So we joke about it, that he will show up at the zoo the next morning, but I never actually thought that he would show up. He did. !!!and We apparently had this little date and the zoo, He was so sweet. I felt so bad that it all played out that way, because i just wanted to be his friend, but I don’t think he thought that.  Regardless, he ended up coming to lunch with us and back to the house and waited there until our driver picked us up to take us back to our city. Who knew. He told me he would always be waiting for me in that city. Talk about heart wrenching. I didn’t even like the guy and my heart felt bad, I can only imagine two people who are really in love and they have to say goodbye. oh my, I got so caught up in the date that I forgot to tell you about the zoo, They had the only Sumatran tigers born in captivity on the whole island . They will still babies and only like 5 months old! SO cute, and  those birds that we fed at the other zoo with our hands, They had them in cages like 10 feet away from us because they are so dangerous, and we had fed them with  our hands.. pretty funny. They also, let us hold some bunnies and this other thing. I can’t remember what is was  called, but it was about 100 pounds. It looked kinda like the ROUS from the Princess Bride. It was cute ( Ill post pics on FB). It was a great trip to the zoo and it was a lot nicer than the one that we went to before.   After the trip, it was time to come back home.  The ride back home was a lot less entertaining, but still had some burping involved. Every time he made a gross sound like smacking his lips I would do it too and mimic him out loud. We almost combusted into laughter several times, but managed to hold it together! 
    It is good to be back in town where we are a little more familiar with things, but It was such a fantastic trip. We met some really incredible people ( cough Alex Cough) haha.  They were so kind to us. 
    Today is Saturday and tonight we are going to be going to karaoke.  It should be fun, We will potentially have some really great opportunities! So please think about us :)
 I hope you enjoyed this.. I left out so many funny things, but there was just too much to talk about.. Just ask me when I get back to TN :)
 See you soon
 Love,
 Cayla