This morning, my keys were mysteriously missing, so after work I turned the apartment over and found nothing. As I was leaving to go on a walk to mourn the loss of the keys, I walked past the mailbox remembered that I had left the keys on top of the mailbox as I was going through all the mail the day before. The whole building shares one mailbox, roughly 24 people total. Needless to say, there is always a TON of mail and it drives me crazy, so about once a week I go through and throw away all the junk mail. It takes a good five minutes, but, when I finished, I gathered up the trash pile and went down to my apt., leaving my keys behind (roommate was home when I got home so the door was unlocked.)
So, I made a ghetto sign saying I had lost them and posted it by the mailbox. So far, two people have gotten back to me saying that they saw the keys the day before but left them alone. So we're praying (you and me) that some good Samaritan has them and is going to give them back as soon as he/she finds out I'm the idiot who left them there. And I'm pretty sure no one is going to want to take away the 99 Camry. If they do, I guess it was meant to be.
1.30.2012
1.21.2012
Hey Look at These Crayons
If you have kids, you HAVE to show them this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWF86D_UNxc
And if you don't have kids, watch it anyway...then admit to yourself that Elmo is amazing (if you haven't already)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWF86D_UNxc
And if you don't have kids, watch it anyway...then admit to yourself that Elmo is amazing (if you haven't already)
1.12.2012
Glass 1/2 Full
Things that happened because something else was broken this week:
1. I drove a stick shift across town...I'd only ever driven with a qualified driver before.**
2. I called the washing machine man to come fix our washer, made the appt. and gave him directions to our house-all in Spanish.
3. I have gotten to spend a lot more time with my friends as they joyfully drive my humbled butt around this city.
4. I learned the Spanish words for the light bulb, the bulb part of a light bulb, the cover of a light bulb and how to say the light bulb is "burnt out." (They actually say "fundida" which means melted)
5. I've spent a lot more time reading, mostly while waiting on gracious friends to come pick me up.
6. Did I mention I drove a clutch today? Alone?** And that my amount of daily prayers grew exponentially as a result?
7. I've prayed for my mechanic. You should try it some time.
8. I've read Philippians at least 8 times. Also recommended.
9. I've been reminded that much more growth happens when we have to struggle.
10. I learned how to drain the water out of our broken washer and discovered the hilarious ghetto hole in the wall where the drain pipe goes (while flooding the kitchen, as previously stated)
To sum it up, I feel a little more humble, a little more brave, and a little more Spanish-speaker.
**I stalled at least 3 times on the road, once on a hill, almost ran into a wall because I thought it was in reverse, drove at least a half mile with the emergency brake on, and, lastly, I stalled at least 4 times in the parking garage where I tutor...the security guard was super encouraging and trying to give me advice. I think he was a little worried to see me go. I got the hang of it about a third of the way home but I MADE IT!!!
1. I drove a stick shift across town...I'd only ever driven with a qualified driver before.**
2. I called the washing machine man to come fix our washer, made the appt. and gave him directions to our house-all in Spanish.
3. I have gotten to spend a lot more time with my friends as they joyfully drive my humbled butt around this city.
4. I learned the Spanish words for the light bulb, the bulb part of a light bulb, the cover of a light bulb and how to say the light bulb is "burnt out." (They actually say "fundida" which means melted)
5. I've spent a lot more time reading, mostly while waiting on gracious friends to come pick me up.
6. Did I mention I drove a clutch today? Alone?** And that my amount of daily prayers grew exponentially as a result?
7. I've prayed for my mechanic. You should try it some time.
8. I've read Philippians at least 8 times. Also recommended.
9. I've been reminded that much more growth happens when we have to struggle.
10. I learned how to drain the water out of our broken washer and discovered the hilarious ghetto hole in the wall where the drain pipe goes (while flooding the kitchen, as previously stated)
To sum it up, I feel a little more humble, a little more brave, and a little more Spanish-speaker.
**I stalled at least 3 times on the road, once on a hill, almost ran into a wall because I thought it was in reverse, drove at least a half mile with the emergency brake on, and, lastly, I stalled at least 4 times in the parking garage where I tutor...the security guard was super encouraging and trying to give me advice. I think he was a little worried to see me go. I got the hang of it about a third of the way home but I MADE IT!!!
1.09.2012
Learning Contentment
4:11 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
4:19 "And my God will supply every need of your according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
I've held on tightly to these verses this week. My car went into the shop yet again last Thursday, I got it back today, and its not any better. The crazy thing is, that car had zero problems last year. I'm convinced that someone in the great beyond is using my car issues to try to bring me down...or Someone Else is wanting to teach me a lesson in humility. It is not expensive to have it fixed, it is just inconvenient to ask friends for rides or take taxis. For those of you who know me, you may know that I can get really prideful about my independence, and it is really hard for me to accept charity. I think its one of those, "I am woman, hear me roar" complexes that I'm not (or am?) proud of. All that to say, the car is broken, and I'm trying to heed to God's reminder that I am to be not only content, but joyful, in all circumstances. Also, I am to trust him to supply my needs and have faith that He always has the best in mind. Sadly, I've supposedly learned all of that before. Apparently it didn't stick very well.
I think that coming off of a great trip home isn't helping either. I miss it, but am finding lots of rest and peace in the confidence God has given me in my role and purpose in Mexico.
I leave you with my anecdotal story of the week: Our washing machine is broken. It filled up with water on Saturday and quit on us. Last night I tried to fix it (because I am woman hear me roar) and wound up draining the washing machine water into the kitchen. My roommate was making dinner and the next thing she knew she was jumping up onto the counter to escape the flood, and I was trying to fight off the rising water with a mop AND a broom. Thankfully there is a drain in our kitchen, and I was indeed roaring...with laughter.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good."
4:19 "And my God will supply every need of your according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
I've held on tightly to these verses this week. My car went into the shop yet again last Thursday, I got it back today, and its not any better. The crazy thing is, that car had zero problems last year. I'm convinced that someone in the great beyond is using my car issues to try to bring me down...or Someone Else is wanting to teach me a lesson in humility. It is not expensive to have it fixed, it is just inconvenient to ask friends for rides or take taxis. For those of you who know me, you may know that I can get really prideful about my independence, and it is really hard for me to accept charity. I think its one of those, "I am woman, hear me roar" complexes that I'm not (or am?) proud of. All that to say, the car is broken, and I'm trying to heed to God's reminder that I am to be not only content, but joyful, in all circumstances. Also, I am to trust him to supply my needs and have faith that He always has the best in mind. Sadly, I've supposedly learned all of that before. Apparently it didn't stick very well.
I think that coming off of a great trip home isn't helping either. I miss it, but am finding lots of rest and peace in the confidence God has given me in my role and purpose in Mexico.
I leave you with my anecdotal story of the week: Our washing machine is broken. It filled up with water on Saturday and quit on us. Last night I tried to fix it (because I am woman hear me roar) and wound up draining the washing machine water into the kitchen. My roommate was making dinner and the next thing she knew she was jumping up onto the counter to escape the flood, and I was trying to fight off the rising water with a mop AND a broom. Thankfully there is a drain in our kitchen, and I was indeed roaring...with laughter.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good."
12.08.2011
Why I Love Monterrey This Week
1. English Christmas songs translated into Spanish
2. tacos, quesadillas, sopes and tostadas
3. Posadas...name for Christmas parties...that literally happen with every group of people you could ever find an excuse to throw a party with (I've lived here for a year and I was invited to 7-not because I'm popular. That's probably a small number).
4. Meeting sweet ladies at a church garage sale
5. Chispa...roommate's new puppy that I am quickly falling in love with
6. I have a sweet friend who doesn't care a whole lot about the Lord, but is going through a hard time. This week she sent me this email, "Starting looking up old church songs I sang when I was younger. I really wanted to share them with someone and I thought of you."
7. The bible study girls I have been blessed with
8. My roommate/neighbors asking me, now on a regular basis, how church was and what I got out of it.
9. After a very brief and vague interaction, a Starbucks barista asked me yesterday if I was fluent in Spanish. I told him I was working on it.
10. Mexico is close enough to the U.S. that I can go and visit and see my family and friends for 2 whole weeks over Christmas.
11. Talking with a coworker about the differences in the Catholic church and Protestant church, and about what she thinks a genuine relationship with God should look like compared to how she was raised.
12. God's endless provision and sense of humor, even when I doubt.
Merry Christmas!
2. tacos, quesadillas, sopes and tostadas
3. Posadas...name for Christmas parties...that literally happen with every group of people you could ever find an excuse to throw a party with (I've lived here for a year and I was invited to 7-not because I'm popular. That's probably a small number).
4. Meeting sweet ladies at a church garage sale
5. Chispa...roommate's new puppy that I am quickly falling in love with
6. I have a sweet friend who doesn't care a whole lot about the Lord, but is going through a hard time. This week she sent me this email, "Starting looking up old church songs I sang when I was younger. I really wanted to share them with someone and I thought of you."
7. The bible study girls I have been blessed with
8. My roommate/neighbors asking me, now on a regular basis, how church was and what I got out of it.
9. After a very brief and vague interaction, a Starbucks barista asked me yesterday if I was fluent in Spanish. I told him I was working on it.
10. Mexico is close enough to the U.S. that I can go and visit and see my family and friends for 2 whole weeks over Christmas.
11. Talking with a coworker about the differences in the Catholic church and Protestant church, and about what she thinks a genuine relationship with God should look like compared to how she was raised.
12. God's endless provision and sense of humor, even when I doubt.
Merry Christmas!
11.24.2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
So, same as last year, I worked today. My Thanksgiving involved baking pumpkin chip cookies for my kids. When I passed out the cookies the kids were pumped, as homemade cookies are pretty uncommon here. One kid in particular just kept going on and on and finally said, "Will you marry me?" When I turned to look at him, I realized he was talking to the cookie. He later referred to his wife digesting in his tummy.
Also had a kid ask this during a Science lesson about the digestive system: "So, do babies pass through the intestines too?"
Answer: "Nope. Ask your mom."
I hope you had a great day...now go do some serious Black Friday shopping for me!!
Also had a kid ask this during a Science lesson about the digestive system: "So, do babies pass through the intestines too?"
Answer: "Nope. Ask your mom."
I hope you had a great day...now go do some serious Black Friday shopping for me!!
11.15.2011
Highs and Lows
I feel that my life as of late would be best expressed in Bible Study Ice Breaker fashion. Ladies and gentlemen, my high and low for the week:
High: Krispy Kreme is opened in Monterrey TODAY only a few miles from my house. I drove by it today and there was a line of about 20 cars trying to get into the parking lot. I might have to wait til the newness wears off, but I'm sure I'll make it there sooner rather than later. I'll take pictures.
High: Krispy Kreme is opened in Monterrey TODAY only a few miles from my house. I drove by it today and there was a line of about 20 cars trying to get into the parking lot. I might have to wait til the newness wears off, but I'm sure I'll make it there sooner rather than later. I'll take pictures.
Low: My car wouldn't start this morning. CAN YOU PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SWEET CAR if you think about it? It has been to the mechanic 5 times in 3 months- to two different mechanics. My friend convinced me that my ability to choose a mechanic is weak so she insisted I go to the one she and her family go to. I took it tonight and they were super helpful (and there was an antique Rolls Royce being fixed. For some reason, that gave me comfort).
Also, two sweet friends from college lost their dads this past weekend. To my knowledge, both had massive heart attacks. So if you could also remember Margaret (and Bill- they are siblings) and Jessica and their families.
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