iHeartfaces-PURPle!

I love themes like these!  It can go in so many directions!  I had several photos I thought of using, and in the end, I went with this one:

I LOVE how sharp her eyes are!  Brown eyes can be hard to capture, and her’s were so bright!  (Click on the photo to enlarge it just a little if it is not super sharp)

I did a First Birthday cake smash for the first time, and it took her a little bit to get into it, but she eventually LOVED it!  LOL  This was so much fun to shoot!   I can’t wait to shoot more!

Click on the iHeartfaces button to view more PURPLE entries!

a little girl’s room

I may actually be ready to move Brooklyn to her own room!  No, I realize it’s BEYOND time for me to do this.  But she’s my last.  She’s my baby.

OK, yes, I realize she is 4.

But in doing this, I’m having to find her a twin bed (she has a toddler bed right now), and I’m having to find all the little girlie things I’ve dreamed about for so long!  I’m looking at amazing bedding with matching quilts, and then…..I found this bedroom vanity!

My girlie heart simply MELTED!

OK, Brooklyn needs this:

(and I may sneak one of THESE in for me!  LOL)

But in looking at the CSN stores, I’ve also found the bedding I want for her too, AND it’s on SALE!  Oh BE STILL MY HEART!

So, at least if I have to come to the realization that my baby isn’t such a “BABY” anymore, I can try to give her a beautiful room!

Be kind, and embrace what makes you………. YOU!

Fix it Friday #63-iHeartfaces

This week’s photo is already so wonderful, it’s just a BONUS to be able to play with it!

Before:

Basic edits:

For the BASIC edits, I adjusted levels just a little bit (adjusted the sliders in mid-tones and shadows) and then used unsharp mask  to sharpen 80/2/0.   Then I cropped to a horizontal 5×7 size.  I then decided to clone out the post cutting right into the beautiful girl’s head.

Edit #2

For this edit, I used Florabella action “Vintage Spring” and then reduced that down 36%.  Then ran Florabella action “Primrose” and reduced that down 71%.  Then because I thought the yellow was a little overwhelming, I went into my hue and saturation and reduced just the yellow 20%.  Then, just for fun, I ran the Florabella action “Sunflare left” from her Vintage Spring collection and reduced that down to 63%.

Then just for something different, I did a square crop, and added white edges.

Edit #3

For this edit, I just wanted something dreamy, something just a little different.  I ran Pioneer Woman’s action “Colorized”.  Then to add that dreamy effect, I ran Daniella’s action “So softly” which added such a nice, dreamy effect to it.  Then I erased back in the beautiful little girls.  Then I wanted a soft, lighter edge to the photo, so I used the rectangular marquee tool to select a section just inside the edges.  Then I went up into “Select” then chose “inverse”, finally I chose “Select<Modify<Feather”  and chose 100 pixels.  Then I went into levels and upped the highlights until I was happy with the effect.  Then I went into filters and added a Gaussian blur at 2.5%.   Then did another crop.

Edit #4

I love a great black and white!  I used Florabella’s action “B/W rain” from her Vintage Spring II collection and then reduced it down to 52%.  I cloned out the wood post over her head, and then sharpened using unsharp mask to 80/2/0.

Edit #5

I’m really getting into the digital scrapbooking, so I used my 3rd edit and added it to a digital scrapbook page!  Just for fun!

Thanks, I Heart Faces, for letting me be a contributor!  I love this site!

Dana Suggs-from chaos to Grace

Dana’s Photography Facebook fan page

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And finally……my professional website:  Dana Suggs

Oh the rain, rain, rain….

Saturday pm, July 3, 2010 (pages taken from my journal on my Mission trip to Mexico)

This evening we went to a cell group service.  Some of the church family is unable to get to the church itself because they live too far out, or they do not have a mode of transportation.  Some of these people got together and formed a cell group in their neighborhood so they could still have church.  Usually they meet in the park in the middle of the neighborhood, however, this evening, it was raining.  A LOT.  So we had to have it under the 1-car carport, however, under it was a car that didn’t run. 

So……we removed the car from under the carport!  LOL  That is how dedicated we are to people hearing God’s word!  And by “we”, I mean the boys.   

Don’t hate….it was RAINING!

(Photos taken outside our Hotel San Lorenzo)

This is normally completely DRY and devoid of any water at all! 

After the guys moved the car, we set up chairs under the carport and waited for the church members.

But, the problem was, the more church members there were, the fuller the carport got, until pretty soon, 3 of us were standing outside the carport under our umbrellas getting DRENCHED!  Poor Jeff was soaked up to his knees, Ben’s umbrella did little to protect him, so his shirt and the back of him was completely soaked!  And me…….well…….I gladly gave up my chair to one of the Mexican ladies I got to know at the Ladies Bible study. 

And to take pictures.  (Come on…..you knew that was coming right?)

Yes, please notice that rain falling!  Yes, I was soaked!  I didn’t realize how wet I was until I got into the van and sat down and the back of my shirt and my pants were completely soaked!  But, like everything else, I was IN Mexico, NOT working, doing work God told me to do…….so I’m not complaining!    I was wet in MEXICO with beautiful pictures!  LOL 

We had worship in Spanish (which is odd) and the sermon Gordon preached was completely in Spanish.  Have I mentioned yet how much I LOVE my Pastor? 

I realized standing over an hour in the pouring rain, how hard it is not knowing the language.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand the worship and the sermon was not really intended for me, but for aiding and building up the Mexican church family we were there to help.  I totally understand that.  But for me, it was hard hearing and not being able to participate.  It’s difficult to really worship when you are concentrating on the words you are trying to pronounce in a language that is not your own.  The melody is familiar, but the words are completely alien.  And then you end up giggling over trying to pronounce “Poderosa” and all that you can seem to say is “Ponderosa” which was a steak place I went to with my family when I was a little girl.  Then you realize how good a nice, thick steak would taste right now as you are standing in this dripping rain.

Wait……no, I’m supposed to be worshipping, not envisioning steak.  Concentrate, Dana!  Stop LAUGHING!  This is worship and NOT supposed to be funny! 

Crap…….it’s gone.  All attempts to worship in Spanish is gone.  I give up.  I’m singing in English.  I’m sorry, I just can’t do it.  Sorry, PePe, I know you are sitting directly in front of me and you are singing in Spanish and my singing in English is probably throwing you completely off.  But, you are welcome for not dripping my umbrella all down your back like Ben has done for the last 20 min. 

Then Gordon started preaching, and he had originally said that he would translate himself as he preached.  Yeah, that didn’t happen past the first 2 minutes of the sermon.  Then, he asked Michael his opinion on what he had just said.  Wait……you’ve been preaching in Spanish for the last 15 minutes, Michael speaks about as much Spanish as I do, so the look on Michael’s face was PRICELESS!  Gordon didn’t even realize he had preached the entire sermon in SPANISH and had translated 0.5% of it into English!  LOL 

It was amazing to see this little Mexican church pull together under this little carport!  The lengths they go to just to worship and hear about God.  How many of us here won’t even get up in the morning?  How many of us don’t even try when we have every means available? 

It makes me sad to think how very spoiled we are in America.

iheartfaces-week 29-Over my head

This week’s theme is “Over my head!”  I took this photo a few weeks ago of a sweet family at my church.  They have 10 kids ranging from adult to 3 years!  They are such a blessing to us, so I wanted to bless them a little with a photo shoot.

She was so quiet and shy, and I think I captured a little of that in her beautiful expression!  What a precious family!

Be kind, and always be willing to give back to those around you!

(Click on the iHeartfaces button to see MORE incredible photos!)

Heaven in a cold glass

Saturday a.m. July 3, 2010

Today I noticed a marked relaxation with the Team.  We are getting into a good routine and overall, there hasn’t been any problems!  Think about it:  take 11 people, all very different in personalities, and put them working very closely together.  There is bound to be major issues!  And there hasn’t been.  We’ve all been hot, we’ve all been so tired, and shockingly, we are all getting along beautifully!  I feel like I’m really getting to know these people I’ve gone to church with for YEARS on an entirely different level! 

Honestly?  I was anxious over working with my Pastor because he is so devoted to missions, and I canNOT tell that man NO!  I have so much respect for him, I just cannot tell him no!  (I hope he’s not reading this….I doubt he does, so I won’t worry.   )  And I had heard stories about Slave-Driver Gordon.  And I completely love his passion!  And he’s HILARIOUS!  Who knew?!  I could do Mission trips with him any time!  He’s been encouraging to me this week and I needed that.

And Jeff, our Youth Minister?  He’s a Missionary too, so one of my biggest fears was looking stupid.  I stick my foot in my mouth constantly, and this is my first Mission trip, and I didn’t want to wear the label of WHINER the whole time.  I just didn’t want to completely fail my first time.  And who knows, I may be, but I know I’ve honestly loved this and I definitely want to do it more!  And I’ll be the first to admit truthfully……Jeff isn’t mean at all.    I have a ton of respect for him!   But, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up with these incredible men, and on Mount Doom, NO WAY, they left me in their dust.  But, sharing Christ?  Passing out Bibles?  Doing what I’m told to do?  I think I’m doing alright.  And the rapport between Pastor and Youth Pastor is awesome!  I couldn’t imagine being shepherded under a greater pair of men! 

I’ve learned a lot about my fellow church family here, and I’ve learned a lot about myself.   God really does equip you for EVERY good work He calls you to do!

I did feel bad today, I skipped out on the neighborhood door-to-door to go with the Missionary’s wife to edit pictures.  It was work that needed to be done, so I *grudgingly went with her to a really great restaurant (think a Mexican version of IHOP without the blueberry syrup).  I really **tried not to enjoy myself…….honest! 

(*grudgingly=I was overjoyed!  I tried not to skip to her van when she came to pick me up or wave and blow kisses to my poor Team who was heading out in the horrible heat to knock on doors. 

**tried=I actually did try to conjure up feelings of guilt and remorse for leaving my Team and all that hard work!  But ultimately, all I could do was kiss the booth in the air-conditioned building and thank JESUS!)

I should feel rotten for that, I know.  I’m trying to…..really I am. 

But, it was honestly work that needed to be done, and I had the most fabulous lady there to keep me company!  Have you ever met someone that you feel so comfortable with, that it’s like you’ve been friends your whole life?  That’s Deliegha.  She’s hardworking, she’s dedicated, and she’s hilarious!  She has been my saving grace this week.  She even sat next to me at every restaurant helping me to order my food!  I ♥ Deliegha.  She’s an amazing Missionary who loves Christ with all of her heart!  And she sits next to the fat chick to help her get food!  That’s love. 

I’d love to blame this little yummy piece of mastery on Deliegha’s ordering…….however, I’d be lying.  She ordered exactly what I pointed to.     How do you say “Chocolate Heaven in a cold glass” in Spanish?  Deliegha knows, and she ordered it perfectly.    Thank You, Jesus, for yummy goodness and friends who can say it in Spanish…..

Ummmm…..yes, I really did work.  I promise. 

This morning has been great.  I enjoyed the company of a friend, in a cushioned booth, in an air-conditioned building……doing God’s work surrounded by Mexicans watching the World Cup and cheering in unison, while slowly sipping a chocolate malt smothered in whipped cream. 

I ♥ Mexico!

The orphan child

Friday, July 2, 2010

Today I was invited to go with one of the families to a local orphanage!  I was so excited to do this, and at the same time, I was apprehensive.  I know how badly I want to adopt and going into a place like this may just throw me over the edge into pure insanity.  I’ve read blogs of people that go into orphanages and the kids ASK for you to take them home.   I’ve seen photos of horrible orphanages, poorly run, poorly implemented, and the kids are suffering.

This is what I expected, and part of me was terrified to go because my Momma’s heart would not allow me to NOT take a child home with me if they asked.   I was mentally going through the conversation with Mike in my head:

Me:  Honey…..ummm…..we need to talk.

Him:  What did you do this time?

Me:  Well…….I picked up another souvenir here, how much money can we pull together?  I’m a few THOUSAND short.  Can you hold down the fort a little while longer?  I promise it will be worth it……

However, the orphanage we went to was NOTHING like anything I had pictured in my head!  The children were HAPPY, the facilities were unbelievable, and the staff were totally involved in their care!

Yes, I understand it’s odd to post photos of their bathtub and po t ty, but I LOVED that the bathtub was designed to be adult ASSISTED!  No leaving children alone in the tub!  And the potty, what can I say about a miniature ur in al roughly an INCH off the floor!  It was so little!  Perfectly designed for small boys!  And their little toothbrushes were all lined up on the sink, and there, in the middle was a little SPIDER MAN toothbrush!  MELT MY HEART adorableness! 

It looked very similar to the Children’s Home here in Owasso that Mike and I were houseparents at!  And I will be totally honest and say, there were roughly 3 little boys that I could have scooped up and just taken with me!  They were so happy and incredibly FUN and I could have stayed and played all day!

Oh why can’t I just be rich and adopt them all?  {sigh} 

But the one that touched my heart so much was a beautiful, shy, quiet girl.  She played with her friends, and she was incredibly curious about us, but she wouldn’t talk to us.  She would just sit and watch us.  She reminded me so much of Brooklyn!

Oh I wanted to just take her home with me!  I know Mike wouldn’t have cared……he would have loved it!  How I wanted to scoop her up and bring her home to snuggle and love on…. {sigh}

It was so nice to have gone there, leaving was not as hard as I thought it would be.  This orphanage is incredibly run!  It just strengthened in me how MUCH I want to do this again.  I want to have my OWN Children’s Home……anywhere that God wanted me to be. 

After we left the orphanage, I went home with one of the Youth from the Mexican church and I had my FIRST homemade Mexican meal!  It was some kind of soup she called “meat in its own water”.  LOL

Lord, have mercy on my soul…..  Good just doesn’t seem to describe it!  It was some kind of meat (I think beef) with beans, onion, cilantro, and avocado.  Be still my heart!  It was heavenly!  I loved it!  And I loved this family! 

After this week of run-everywhere, busy-busy-busy, walk-walk-walk…..it was so nice to sit in this beautiful, quiet home and just rest.  I needed that today.

On another, entirely different note, today was also the day I realized I will NEVER EVER again say the words:  They are in AMERICA, they need to speak ENGLISH.  Today, the tables were turned and I was told:  She is in MEXICO, she needs to speak SPANISH.  We laughed, but deep down, it hurt my heart.  I want to speak Spanish so badly just so I could tell this woman how much I appreciated her hospitality and how much I loved her country.  Her family was so kind to us and I wish I could have told her all of that. 

Do I have to go home?  God was so good to me in such a quiet way today.  I’m getting used to everything now and I have a bigger peace, like I can feel His hand on my head calming me. 

Do I really have to go home?

(EDITED TO ADD:  It was mentioned in my last post that I need to try Rosetta Stone for learning Spanish!  So, now, I am on the hunt for a *CLOSE TO FREE* Spanish version of Rosetta Stone!)

Bring the rain

Thursday, July 1st:

Today, we did more canvassing of a neighborhood.  I was in a new group today and discovered that evangelism may not be my calling afterall.  I thought I had done alright until I was with this group.  I was WAY out of my league today!   I felt pretty deflated, and decided to hide behind my camera instead.   I’m not proud of that fact, but I’m honest.  I am not nearly as engaging as this group was, and even though I had previously been in 2 other groups, apparently I didn’t do something right, so I hid.   I still prayed, but I didn’t volunteer to go to doors unless they told me to. 

Yes, I’m a chicken.

But, I’ll tell you, I can definitely prayer walk!  And take photos at the same time.  I’m a multi-tasker!

   During our canvassing, we discovered that we were confused on which streets we were supposed to do, so our little group leader decided to split us up.  He sent me 3 blocks (remember I don’t speak Spanish) with one of our other team members (who also doesn’t speak Spanish, and neither of us know the area), and he and his fiancé’ went the opposite direction (let me just point out that they both speak Spanish, one adequately, and the other, FLUENTLY).  I realized after I went my 3 blocks and saw NO ONE from our Team, only a few sketchy men watching me……yet again, here I am in Mexico, alone, and I know NO SPANISH.  How does this keep happening to me? 

LEARN SPANISH.   Top of my to-do list.

By the time I saw a different group from our Team, I was stickin’ with them!  Please don’t leave me.  Pardon me if I attach myself permanently to your hip.   I love you. (Adam is such a GREAT guy….I just have to throw that out there.)

And, coincidently, during this time I was feeling totally inadequate in my sharing, God sent a Mexican lady RIGHT TO ME!  She crossed the street from where I was praying and came right up to me!  I said “Hola!  Buenos Dias” and she immediately started in on a conversation with me.

Again, LEARN SPANISH!

I had to call my translator over to help us, but ended up leaving the street and sitting in the park so I could pray with her.  I walked her through my track (with help from Ellie my translator), gave her a Bible, and we prayed together and talked for quite a little bit!  

Yet again, it was God showing me that He was still in control, even when I felt inadequate and borderline-useless, He showed me my purpose!  I am constantly amazed at His goodness to me.  I’m such a moron at times, and He pats me on the head and leads me where He wants me.  Or in this case, led His purpose TO ME!  I may have sucked at the “engaging at the door”, but God showed me I am useful to Him in other areas. 

Gosh, God is good to me!

Afterward, we went to the local Mall for “English lessons”.  We set up tables in the food court and had big signs advertising free English lessons with us.  They could come and practice their English as well, and in turn, we could sneak in the Gospel!  The first day, we didn’t have much success, so one of our Team members asked me if I’d be interested in prayer-walking the Mall with him.  We prayed, walking side-by-side down one side of the mall, and when we got to the other end, we prayed together.  The Mall was almost completely void of people, so I prayed for God to send the people in, however He would, if it meant extreme heat or a downpour of rain, I wanted that Mall full!  We finished our prayer and went down the escalator and continued prayer-walking on the first floor.  By the time we got to the opposite end and went back up the escalator to prayer-walk the other side of the 2nd floor, it was raining!  The more we walked and prayed, the harder it rained!  The harder it rained, the happier I got until I was laughing OUTLOUD in the middle of the Mall!  Pretty soon the Mall was FULL of people coming in to escape the rain!  And by the time we had finished our prayer walk, our table already had people at it!   Adam and I were so incredibly excited!  God had directly answered our prayer MINUTES after it was said!

But, God wasn’t done with me yet!  My new friend, Deleigha, the Missionary’s wife, asked me if I could help her.  She needed help with photos and editing.  Oh yes!!!  Something *I* could do!  Thank You, Lord!  Thank  You for giving me PURPOSE! 

I also need to say, I ♥ Deliegha!  I don’t know how she does everything she does AND raises 3 young children!  I am amazed at her and so blessed to have gotten to know her.  We had a LOT of fun together!  LOL  It’s like we’d been friends for years! 

(Edited to add:  they are going on furlough for a year and will be driving home from Mexico to Iowa, PLEASE, remember them in your prayers!  They are such an incredible family doing WONDERFUL work!  And I’m selfish and really, really like her.  LOL)

So today, was a great day.  It started out rocky, but I wear my emotions on my sleeve instead of keeping them covered by the blood of Jesus.  So even when I struggle in my humanness, God directs me and gives me purpose!  He shows me that I am useful to Him and His plans if I stay open and WILLING to serve! 

Have I said yet, I NEED TO LEARN SPANISH??  Or that I LOVE MEXICO? 

Another day in the bag and I lay in my bed exhausted, with a body aching in so much pain…..and a HUGE smile on my face!  God is so good!  I love this……

“Lost in translation”

Wednesday morning, June 30th

This morning I woke up early to do my Quiet Time under the carport of the Hotel like I’ve done everyday, usually accompanied by Jeff and Gordon.  Today I thought was very fitting.  I read the story of Elijah and the prophets (yes, I am a little behind in my reading, but I tried to do 2 different plans at the same time, and it didn’t work for me, so now I’m behind.  However, I think God planned this perfectly for today!).  I was so inspired by the lesson and that became my prayer for today and the people that God would send for us to encounter! 

Lord, show Your mighty power to the people blinded by their false religion here!  Open their eyes to You and to Your fire!  And Lord, reveal Yourself and Your fire to our team as well!  I want to see it!  And, please, give me the energy and strength You gave to Elijah so I can “tuck my cloak into my belt” and RUN!  I’m needing an extra little boost today.  I’m so exhausted in body, but EXCITED in my spirit!

Wednesday afternoon

Have I said how HOT it is here?  I’d say I’m “muy caliente”, but as I have discovered (the hard way) #1, I’m totally NOT, and #2, that’s the wrong phrase!  LOL  “Muy caliente” means I’m hot in a se x ual way!  HAHAHAHAHA!! 

Yet again, I’m lost in translation. 

Today we went door to door handing out the Gospel of John to everyone in the neighborhood.  Some were able to share the Gospel as well, but they are predominantly Catholic here and do not appreciate the Baptists very much.  LOL  Some are still friendly enough to take it, however, some are completely opposed to receiving anything they find threatening to their faith, and won’t take it.  The offer is out there!

As my particular team would go door to door, I would stand back and prayer walk while trying to snap photos incognito while they would talk to the people at the door.  I couldn’t just stand across the street and snap photos openly of the house and the people, how creepy would that be?  They’d shoot the Creeper taking pictures of them, and with good reason!  LOL  So, most of the photos today, were taken completely blind!  I hung the camera strap around my neck and let the camera hang in front of my chest.  I’d do my best to line up the lens with what I wanted to capture, and then snap the picture, praying for the best!  Sometimes, I was successful, other times….well……let me just say, I have a lot of odd pictures of b u t t s.  LOL  DELETE, and then try again!  

One of the houses we came to, I saw a little tiny old lady sitting right inside her gate staring out.  She was sitting in a chair, with her injured leg, wrapped up and propped in a chair in front of her.  I knew I had to talk to her, so asked David, our translator to go with me.  I gave my name, told her where I was from and why I was here, and when I was done with my schpeel, I told David I wanted to take her photo.  He just looked at me!  LOL   I asked him to translate my message, “You have a beautiful face!  I am a photographer and I’d love to take your photo”, but she couldn’t hear us or understand what he was saying, so after a split second of feeling totally defeated, I told David I was just gonna sneak it!  The odds were totally against me getting this shot AT.ALL, but I had to try!  David just looked at me apprehensively, but nodded.  I lined up the lens as best as I could in front of me, and prayed I wouldn’t shoot the bars of the gates instead of her face!  I prayed quickly Lord, I really really want this shot!  Help me, please!  And pushed the button!  I had about 2 seconds to get the shot and move on, so I only had ONE chance at it! 

When I walked away from the gate and saw the photo, I literally cried!

I don’t know why God is so good to me, I only know I am completely grateful!  This is one of my FAVORITE shots of my time in Mexico….if not my MOST favorite!  God is so good to me!

I believe I am most in love with the old people of Mexico!  Their faces are just beautiful! 

OK, truth be told, I’m totally in love with Mexico PERIOD!  The people are so friendly!  I’m loving my time here.  Totally and completely loving it! 

Mountain of doom

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 Colima, Mexico Mission trip

Today was interesting!  My first look at Mexico in the light!  It looks like just what I imagined, although everything is green. 

I didn’t get much sleep last night considering we didn’t get in til 1 in the morning.  But somehow, lack of sleep is not killing my enthusiasm to be here!

However, my excitement for the Mission trip quickly died when someone tried to play “KILL THE MISSIONARIES”!  In theory, beginning a mission trip with a trek up a mountain….(NOT a hill, a real MOUNTAIN) to begin in prayer and a devotion with God, is wonderful!  It’s inspiring, it’s magical, and in theory, it’s a great idea!

However, in reality, it’s sending a fat chick quickly to her death!  I had reached the 7th circle of hell and I had paid to get there!  I’m not sure who in Life I made angry, but I was paying for it with a slow journey to hell!  It was HIGH, and it was STEEP, and around every corner was yet another high, steep CORNER! 

It was miles of steep rocks in 300 degree heat, carrying 500 pounds of SWEAT dripping off my body.

It was awful.  And to top it off, I didn’t even MAKE it to the top!  I got 3/4 of the way to the top and gave up.  I can’t take another corner of MORE steep climb!  My legs hurt so bad, my feet are screaming at me, and I’m soaked in sweat!  Not to mention our trusty group left us in their dust to be picked off by the vultures circling our heads!  We are 2 gringos in the middle of NOWHERE, in Mexico, ALONE, and neither one of us can speak Spanish!  THANKS GROUP!  Glad we didn’t die on you! 

I’d love to say how inspiring it was and how much I enjoyed it…..but I’d be totally lying.  It sucked.  Every bit of it.  There is not one redeeming thing about Mount Doom.  Not one. 

And then I realized, after a very unsuccessful trip to WalMart and Subway, I HATE not being able to speak the language!  I couldn’t pay without help, I couldn’t order without help, and I ended up paying $40 for a BASIC fan!  UGH!  (But in the end I blessed the church there who was in desperate need of another fan, so I can’t complain too much.    )  I’m used to being able to TALK to people, and here I am totally unable to communicate the most basic of things!  I felt totally and completely alone.  It was then that I realized that I had to rely completely on God.  I’m used to being able to charm people, and I couldn’t.  Not even a little tiny bit!  It was standing in Subway trying to order a simple drink, that I realized that I could do nothing on this trip!  I couldn’t even speak.  It was all going to have to be God or I wasn’t going to make it. 

It’s a humbling experience, but a necessary one.  I couldn’t have gone in with any expectations that I could do anything without God.  Not that I was, but it was that reminder that I can do NOTHING without Christ!   I laid on the bed after we got back from WalMart, and I told April the trip sucked!  If this is what Mission trips are, I’m in big trouble!  I’m in so much pain, I’m exhausted, and I hadn’t even witnessed to anyone yet! 

So, laying in the quiet and the cool of the hotel room…..I gave the entire experience, the entire trip, and anything of me completely to Him.  I can’t, but He can.  And He’s much better at it anyway.   

We went to the Centro after our Mount Doom and WalMart adventure, and I went into it with fresh eyes and a fresh confidence in Christ!  And WOW, did God rock it for me!   He gave me the words to say, the questions to ask, and the people to speak to and photograph!  It was an awesome afternoon!  And I paid a few pesos to a couple of beggars for their photograph.  That was amazing!  It’s funny how a little conversation, and a little bit of time can brighten someone’s day!

 

God gave me purpose today.  He gave me the photos to take, the faces to photograph, and the people to speak to!  I am amazed at His grace He has for me.  Even when I am so out of my element I just want to sit and cry, He gives me the grace to continue going!

God is so good to me, even when I can’t speak the language!