Listening to His Heartbeat

Psalm 119: 9-16
How can a young (woman) keep (her) way pure? 

By guarding it according to your word. 

¹⁰ With my whole heart I seek you; 

let me not wander from your commandments! 

¹¹ I have stored up your word in my heart, 

that I might not sin against you. 

¹² Blessed are you, O Lord; 

teach me your statutes! 

¹³ With my lips I declare 

all the rules of your mouth. 

¹⁴ In the way of your testimonies I delight 

as much as in all riches. 

¹⁵ I will meditate on your precepts 

and fix my eyes on your ways. 

¹⁶ I will delight in your statutes; 

I will not forget your word. 

Hello again! 
Today is my 13th day in Bogota.  Where has the time gone? I feel like I just got here yesterday.  Last Friday, June 10th, my Papaw (Leroy Peters), and two lovely ladies from the States came down to visit the church here for 10 days.  They will leave late Sunday night; I will be so sad to say goodbye, especially since they have been such a great encouragement to me and the women here in the church.  Lisa and Kerri both serve at a women's ministry in Columbus, Ohio.  This past week has been crazy packed with Women's Bible studies, kids programs, and just having fun being with each other.  How often do you get to hang out 24/7 with two solid women of God??  In the photo, Lisa is on the far left and Kerri is right in the middle.  

Last week, was the first time I got teach english in Chia, a little town just outside of Bogota.  Thankfully, Santiago was paired with me so that I would have a translator.  I'm so thankful for my little brother! 

The kids are so sweet and are so willing to learn english.  The day starts off by everyone gathering for a time of devotion.  Although a lot of the day is spent learning english, I love that we intentionally gather to be reminded what all this is about... Jesus.  The program is all about Him.  What a great reminder! 

Throughout the day, we take breaks for craft time, games, and lunch.  I love sitting and talking with the parents and kids.... Basically all of our conversations are in Spanglish.  Somehow we understand each other :) 

Memory time: So, I've never taught children before (besides being a camp counselor), so my first day of teaching was a little hectic.  We meet for two class sessions of 45 minutes each, and about half way through the second class, Santi and I ran out of things to do.  I think the kids noticed, and they immediately  gathered around me and started me all sorts of questions, like, "where are you from, what are you studying, what's your favorite food, do you like sports?"  I'm so glad we ran out of stuff to do, because it allowed for some time to really talk with the kids! Two little girls, for the rest of the day, were either hugging me and sitting on my lap.  We were inseparable! Yesterday, Santiago and I taught 6-8 year olds about animals and colors.  Who knew that "I Spy" and "Simon Says" could be so useful??

Last Sunday was my first Sunday here in Bogota, and I was so blessed to hear my Papaw speak and teach! After church, once a month, the church in West Bogota, gathers for a HUGE potluck.  I cant wait for the next one! I met several girls my age that were able to speak some english, and I was able to hear little bits and pieces of their stories.  I'm learning a little more spanish every day, so I cant wait to see what conversations I'll be having in a couple of weeks.  The girls here are so open to talk and are excited to practice their english.  The girl on the far right, Danielle, asked Lina and I if we would like to go paint-balling with her.  Part of me has always wanted to go, but I'm scared to death! Haha, I'm sure it will definitely be an experience worth remembering if we go! 

To be completely honest, although this week was amazing, it was also very challenging.  Being constantly surrounded by others who know almost no english is hard.  Communication is 20 times harder and requires constant hand motions to talk about almost anything.  Through this, I have been learning what it means to draw near to the Lord.  About the second or third day Kerry and Lisa were here, I sat in on a lesson that Kerry was teaching some children.  She talked about Psalm 91:4, which says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Just like a mother hen gathers her chicks under the safety of her wings, so God gather us under the shelter of his wings.  I'm blown away knowing that God desires us and desires to know us intimately.  In a conversation I had earlier this week, I was reminded of this truth: When I was a child, one of my favorite things to do when I was tired was lay on my mothers chest.  Why? Because I could feel her heartbeat.  God desires that we are so close to him that we feel his very heartbeat, just like child does when laying on his or her mother's chest.  How precious He is to me!

Me and my precious Papaw! I'm so glad that I've been able to spend quality time with him this past week.  He has been such a great example to me, and has been such an encouragement to me in my walk with the Lord.  Love you Papaw!

My Family!!

Downtown Bogota!