Saturday 18 June 2011

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!









Wednesday 8 June 2011

Better late than never :)


So, today is my fourth day in Bogota, Colombia and I'm loving it! For the next 11 weeks I'm living with my second family, the Roncancio's.  Israel Roncancio pastors Grace Missionary Bible Church in West Bogota, and he and his wife Adrianna graciously opened his home to me as I, with several others from the church, will be teaching english to children every Friday.  We are teaching english and using this opportunity to also teach them about the Bible.  I don't have a crazy amount of experience with teaching, but I will be surrounded with a solid team of believers that will encourage me through the whole process.  Isn't that great?!?!  
The Roncancio's have two children, Lina Maria and Santiago, whom I love dearly! Lina and Santi lived with my family for a year while attending school in the States about two years ago.  Lina just graduated from High School and Santiago is preparing to begin his sophomore year of high school.  The Roncancios live in a home directly attached to the church in West Bogota.


The houses here are so different from the states.  Every house has a huge gate in front and when you enter through the front door, you immediately step into a courtyard.  Because the weather is so nice all year round, most people like to leave windows and doors open to get fresh air.  I love it! 


On Monday, the Roncancio's took me to their church's sister church in Tunal, Bogota, for a Bible conference.  Pastor Roncancio taught out of Genesis chapter 3.  I don't know much spanish, so Lina and Santi took turns translating for me.  I met a couple girls my age that spoke a little english and were interested in meeting up with me so we could practice both english and spanish together :P  I would love that! 


Culturally, it is normal for people to kiss each other on the cheek and hug, so I think I was hugged and kissed by every person that was there that day (about 200!).  
After the conference, we were then invited over to a family's house for an amazing meal :) Once again, no one could speak english, so we just laughed and tried to communicate through sign language as much as we 
could.  The people at the church are so friendly and generous; I can already tell that I'm going to love getting to know the women here! I can definitely tell that God is and has been at work here in Bogota! 
Pastor Roncancio gave me a workbook to work through that will help me learn spanish faster.  I'm sure my spanish gets better each day, but I'm trying not to get discouraged by how little I know.  Monday, when I was a church, I meant to say that I was embarrassed, but I loudly said, "Estoy embarassada," which means, "I'm pregnant."  That was one awkward moment! Haha, all those around me knew what I meant to say, and we laughed as I pieced together what I meant to say.  I'm sure there will be many more awkward moments as I feel my way into a speaking a new language.  


So, some cultural differences that I have noticed so far are: Colombians prefer to buy their milk in bags and not in jugs.  We went to the grocery store the other day and I was amazed to see a isle completely stacked with bags of milk! 
Also, fruit is huge part of daily life.  I don't think I've ever eaten so much fruit ever!! Yesterday, the Roncancios had me try 7 different types of fruit.  When thinking about yesterday, I can only think of two words, "Estoy llena" (I'm full!).  
Today, the whole family got up bright and early and went for a run at a nearby park.  It's so refreshing to get out and run.  I got to spend a little time talking with Adriana, Mrs. Roncancio, and loved every second of it!  She is such a solid woman and is filled with God given wisdom... we just have to cross that language barrier :) Patience and persistence is key!
I am so glad that God has brought me here, and I'm excited to see what I'll learn as time goes by.  Although I've only been here a few days, I've been learning one thing in particular: patience.  Not being able to effectively communicate with many people can definitely be trying, but I know that God is with me through the whole process.  It amazes me to think that God knows my every thought and word and cares deeply about every part of our lives.  Even when I may feel lonely or isolated due to the language and cultural barriers, God is my ultimate comfort and friend.  Two verses in particular have been ministering to me in this area: Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," and Isaiah 41:13, "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” 
Although some days will be trying, I look forward to learning more of what it means to depend on God and look to Jesus in all circumstances (Hebrews 12:1-3).