I hope that the title does not immediately offend anyone in any way. I do not intend to preach something disrespectfully, rather I have made some interesting connections between my new life and life in the states.
Observation #1: Busy, busy, busy......
After doing lots of time reflecting on my growing up years I realized how much time I was running. Honestly, I would not change a thing about my life. God brought me through challenges and I am who I am because of the life God blessed me with. My parents stayed together and just celebrated their 25th anniversary, which is nothing more than a perfect example for my husband and I as we just married. I cheered in high school, had a variety of friends, not necessarily in one group, and was very involved in church all throughout my entire life.
That being said....what made me think about my childhood and just breathe. Because life was sooooo busy. Why is it that as Americans we are so darn busy? I never found time for quiet time and my life was just SO FAST PACED. I do not mind having a to-do list of things to accomplish, but instead of relationships, my overall time was completely focused on things to do. I clearly remember high school and college. All I could focus on was my future and where I would continue my education and what I would do after college and who I would marry, and everything else that every young person is thrown into as they reach secondary age. I think that I have learned by living in Guatemala, that it is OKAY to have free time. Doing nothing, reflecting, loving on people, visiting people, taking time to just breathe. WOAH. Don't get me wrong. People here are not lazy, but they are not so consumed with the future, their plans, where to drive, what they need to buy at the store for the month, where they have to take their children. Guatemalans walk, buy their food at the market daily or for no more than a week, visit their friends, walk to someone's house rather than calling unless it is a far walk. People do not have all the distractions from technology and are capable of making time for what they want. I see families that allow their kids to play outside and visit family. The son does not have soccer practice because he plays soccer in the street with all of his cousins and neighbors. Life sometimes is stressful, but I feel such peace and so calm with my life here.
I hope none of you see my comments as a direct negativity towards you. I have just had some cultural eye opening moments, some that come to you when you are in other countries, or when you travel and have a larger world view.
I will continue my observations and reflections. I will wait for God to continue to stretch me and grow me and teach me. For now I will leave you with this. Find God among the craziness and seek his presence for peace regardless of where you live. We all need him, all around the whole world.
:) Love, Kara
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
A daughter of the King....
Well friends and Family!
Marito and I are now officially married! We had our civil ceremony 1 week ago! And of course tomorrow makes the 1 week mark from the big church wedding! The music was beautiful and my entrance was breathtaking. I imagined it before....but I could never ever imagine a wedding as wonderful as I had. Everyone pulled together...there were plenty of people to calm me down and it was a Cinderella/romantic wedding just as I had always wanted. God blessed us. We received lots of appliances that we did not have, 220 cups and mugs, and other interesting gifts. I could not believe the total amount of people that came. We had over 900, YES NINE-HUNDRED, people come to our wedding! The biggest wedding I had ever been to myself and I have been to plenty in my lifetime!
The other exciting parts of the wedding were my drive to the hall, where we held both the ceremony and reception, the entrance, and the actual ceremony part.
1-On the way to the hall literally EVERYONE was waiting outside their house, store, or on the street to cheer and clap for my arrival...IT WAS SO FUNNY! I never felt royal until then. I was completely the center of attention and I was the princess, the bride to be wed, BUT in the same way I realized that this is God feels about us. We are sons and daughters of the King. WE ARE ROYALTY IN HIS EYES. He is there by our side to calm us through the storms and loves us so much. Now I understand how my King feels about me....He loves me soooooo much that he wants me to feel that special all the time. He sent his son to die for me and my sins. That's real love.
2-The entrance was the second part that blew me away. I had no idea what to expect while walking down the aisle. The only thing I could see was family nodded their heads, and then immediately my eyes hit Marito's eyes. He was not scared and did not cry. He was not nervous to take me by the hand and lead me to my chair....He was secure and loving. I could again see another analogy. God has me in his care, his arms, his hands. He is there always secure. His love for me never fails. And when we read about how the church is the bride and Christ is the groom. I now understand. Not the materialistic or physical love that some young women search for continuously....it is the love of sacrifice and service and a love that never fails. The way a true groom should love his bride is exactly how Jesus loves us. It is not a romantically perception. I always thought seeing Jesus or God as my groom was weird....but now I understand after doing some counseling and just how God revealed it to me at my own wedding...that marriage is soooooooo much more than the gifts, chocolates, date nights, single stem rose, or diamond jewelry. I am not saying that these things are bad, but the way Jesus loves us-there in no comparison. The best way to describe it is that God sent his own son. Jesus came to die for us. And if we take the free gift-eternal life by relationship, we have the chance to accept Jesus, surrender our life to him and then live with him eternally. I know Marito loves me. I saw it in his eyes....but this heavenly, miraculous love that Jesus has for us has no comparison. It's that grand!~
3-The ceremony was special because that was us taking the first part of our marriage and putting God as the center. IT was SOOO beautiful. I almost cried. Later on after the ceremony and reception...there was a time for wisdom and sharing. Someone sang and our families understood that they are not losing a son or daughter but gaining another. What a gift God can provide from marriage. I have extra parents and so does Marito. My parents gained a son and Marito's parents gained there "5th" daughter. We all cried and shared this beautiful time. We saw the people in our life who really care for us and reminded us of this. We should all be thankful for the people that God puts in our life. It is such a blessing to have this.
I will post picture when I get them. I still get butterflies when I think about the wedding. It was a fairytale wedding, in a most royal way. Seeing my Prince Charming at the alter waiting anxiously for me was only the beginning. I left the hall that day, December 3rd, understanding and knowing my God much more deeper than I ever had before. The commitment, honor, loyalty, and love a Groom has for his Bride is learned from God. God is the ultimate. The way the Groom the loves and cares for his Bride-even AFTER the wedding, that is how Jesus feels and acts towards us....We learn love by his example. JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! His love keeps you going. His love is eternal. His love never fails.
Marito and I are now officially married! We had our civil ceremony 1 week ago! And of course tomorrow makes the 1 week mark from the big church wedding! The music was beautiful and my entrance was breathtaking. I imagined it before....but I could never ever imagine a wedding as wonderful as I had. Everyone pulled together...there were plenty of people to calm me down and it was a Cinderella/romantic wedding just as I had always wanted. God blessed us. We received lots of appliances that we did not have, 220 cups and mugs, and other interesting gifts. I could not believe the total amount of people that came. We had over 900, YES NINE-HUNDRED, people come to our wedding! The biggest wedding I had ever been to myself and I have been to plenty in my lifetime!
The other exciting parts of the wedding were my drive to the hall, where we held both the ceremony and reception, the entrance, and the actual ceremony part.
1-On the way to the hall literally EVERYONE was waiting outside their house, store, or on the street to cheer and clap for my arrival...IT WAS SO FUNNY! I never felt royal until then. I was completely the center of attention and I was the princess, the bride to be wed, BUT in the same way I realized that this is God feels about us. We are sons and daughters of the King. WE ARE ROYALTY IN HIS EYES. He is there by our side to calm us through the storms and loves us so much. Now I understand how my King feels about me....He loves me soooooo much that he wants me to feel that special all the time. He sent his son to die for me and my sins. That's real love.
2-The entrance was the second part that blew me away. I had no idea what to expect while walking down the aisle. The only thing I could see was family nodded their heads, and then immediately my eyes hit Marito's eyes. He was not scared and did not cry. He was not nervous to take me by the hand and lead me to my chair....He was secure and loving. I could again see another analogy. God has me in his care, his arms, his hands. He is there always secure. His love for me never fails. And when we read about how the church is the bride and Christ is the groom. I now understand. Not the materialistic or physical love that some young women search for continuously....it is the love of sacrifice and service and a love that never fails. The way a true groom should love his bride is exactly how Jesus loves us. It is not a romantically perception. I always thought seeing Jesus or God as my groom was weird....but now I understand after doing some counseling and just how God revealed it to me at my own wedding...that marriage is soooooooo much more than the gifts, chocolates, date nights, single stem rose, or diamond jewelry. I am not saying that these things are bad, but the way Jesus loves us-there in no comparison. The best way to describe it is that God sent his own son. Jesus came to die for us. And if we take the free gift-eternal life by relationship, we have the chance to accept Jesus, surrender our life to him and then live with him eternally. I know Marito loves me. I saw it in his eyes....but this heavenly, miraculous love that Jesus has for us has no comparison. It's that grand!~
3-The ceremony was special because that was us taking the first part of our marriage and putting God as the center. IT was SOOO beautiful. I almost cried. Later on after the ceremony and reception...there was a time for wisdom and sharing. Someone sang and our families understood that they are not losing a son or daughter but gaining another. What a gift God can provide from marriage. I have extra parents and so does Marito. My parents gained a son and Marito's parents gained there "5th" daughter. We all cried and shared this beautiful time. We saw the people in our life who really care for us and reminded us of this. We should all be thankful for the people that God puts in our life. It is such a blessing to have this.
I will post picture when I get them. I still get butterflies when I think about the wedding. It was a fairytale wedding, in a most royal way. Seeing my Prince Charming at the alter waiting anxiously for me was only the beginning. I left the hall that day, December 3rd, understanding and knowing my God much more deeper than I ever had before. The commitment, honor, loyalty, and love a Groom has for his Bride is learned from God. God is the ultimate. The way the Groom the loves and cares for his Bride-even AFTER the wedding, that is how Jesus feels and acts towards us....We learn love by his example. JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL YOU! His love keeps you going. His love is eternal. His love never fails.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Preschool Graduation!
Greetings from Guatemala!
After my trip to the states, I am now back in Guatemala and thought it was time to update everyone on our August Preschool Graduation! It was a blast and through the pictures you can only imagine how much fun it was preparing for this. The kids and parents were so blessed by this! I hope you enjoy the pictures taken at the Graduation and Fiesta!!! :)
Here is the whole group minus one student who was sick. They were so precious!
The children dressed up in costumes and we had 3 bunny rabbits!
Three beautiful butterflies and one buzzing bumblebee!
Here is Marito with a few of the kids! He really loves playing with the children!
The mothers did a great job picking/making the kids' costumes!
Thank you for all of you who have supported me and the preschool project. Even though all the donations have gone to one place, I have been the one to have to fund the entire project. Without you sponsoring, the kids and their families would not have enjoyed such a delicious, chocolate Graduation cake! This was the perfect touch!
Here we have the gift/certificate table, the students' cupcakes, and an extra fruit cake to have enough cake to go around. We also had tostadas before all the sweets. I want to thank you all again for you prayers, supply donations, and financial support. I do not know how this year would have been possible without you. God uses people in our lives in so many ways. I am thankful for all of you who have taken part of my life as I have grown until now. You are making it possible for the preschool to take place here in Magdalena, where the students can have the opportunity to learn and we can share Jesus' love with them! Thank you!!! We are anxiously waiting for next year! Continue to support any way you can!
Blessings and Much Love,
Kara Denton
Monday, August 8, 2011
Open Doors.....
Greetings, yet again from Guatemala! I have had so much going on that I have not had enough time to sit down and simply share of all the wonderful things that are taking place and how God is working here in Guatemala. God is so good. Many times I like to think of the opportunities as open and closed doors. When God is for something that will bring glory to his kingdom, I can honestly say that he takes care of all the small details that we worry so much about. Needless to say with the preschool project, God has been up to some serious planning! The land next to the church was never exactly for sale, but the pastor and I had our eyes on this property. We knew it would play into either the church or this preschool ministry. The family selling the property were not interested in selling the land to anyone for a portion of the money. Once the man needed a certain amount of money for his medical bills, we began to see God work. He allowed for our church to take out a small loan and begin the process, both benefitting the church and the family. HONESTLY, we still need about $12,000 to finish buy the land and we are also on a time limit. God is definitely testing my faith by the added time limit we have to pay off the land. I know God will touch hearts to take part in this project or allow for some churches to seriously get involved. The amount needed is not really that much when people work together. THe land will either be used to build a new church building, giving currently used space for the preschool or vice versa. Either way we all believe that God will provide for our needs and there will be more room for ministry at our church. Please join us in prayer for financial resources and also pray for guidance in this project.
This is a picture of the land from a distance.
This property is such a blessing because it already has the capacity to run water and electricity from both sides!!! It is so exciting to see how God provides and to see how his plans just fit like puzzle pieces of the same puzzle :)
Another prayer requests is for the preschool project itself. We have the capacity by teaming with the church to run a school. It would be an actual private, Christian school. I know that would benefit the people of the community here in Magdalena as many people pay an outrageous amount of money to attend private schooling and this would also allow for families to have their children in a Christian environment, in which they can learn about Jesus and practice values, not just be told about them.
If this school becomes a legal school, it will take lots of paperwork. I know that I have been so stressed about the plans, but God has given me peace. I will know his will by the outcome of the paperwork once it is turned in. The church has wanted to have a school for so long. That tells me it is a God vision and not just my vision. I am thankful for the signs God has already given to grant peace and show me that everything is in his hands!
1) Pray for more guidance as we enter this new process.
2) Pray God gives us wisdom to make the best decisions.
3) Pray that the process is not extremely tiring and God's hand is ever-present.
4) Pray for financial provision over this project as we have cost of teachers' salaries and other cost that may come up.
God is so good and I am sooo sooooo excited for the open doors. I never imagined I would be part of plans like these. I see myself doing things I never even dreamed of, yet because God is sovereign and He has his will....I can do anything.... (Phil 4:13)
Thank you for your prayers and support. Without you we cannot continue ministry. If you are interested in taking part of financial support for the preschool, the land, or would like to become a monthly sponsor for myself or one of the teachers, please feel free to contact me at.... tapestryofloveinguate@gmail.com
I would love to hear from you!
Blessings!
Kara Rene'
Isaiah 25:1
"LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago."
A Beautiful Morning in Guatemala....
Good morning to all of you! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to take on a new day. Today is the start of two weeks left of preschool. As teachers and any who are involved in this project, it sure takes time to get paperwork finished, agendas finalized, plans completed, and many other things needed to be finished for next year. A new ministry takes so much time and effort. On top of all of this I am still wedding planning and the list goes on and on.
I will post more information about the preschool later on today as time allows. For now I have a few minutes to explain why we have to cut school so short. The government here declared that all schools have to finish before September. I have heard some will be finishing a few weeks in October, but we thought it would be best to finish and work hard for next school year. We really appreciate your prayers as we continue with the plans of the preschool.
As we start our day I would be so thankful if you could lift these requests in prayer.
1) That God would direct our steps in this preschool project.
2) Health-I have been sick for the past week off and on.
3) That we would be productive in our last two weeks.
I will post more information about the preschool later on today as time allows. For now I have a few minutes to explain why we have to cut school so short. The government here declared that all schools have to finish before September. I have heard some will be finishing a few weeks in October, but we thought it would be best to finish and work hard for next school year. We really appreciate your prayers as we continue with the plans of the preschool.
As we start our day I would be so thankful if you could lift these requests in prayer.
1) That God would direct our steps in this preschool project.
2) Health-I have been sick for the past week off and on.
3) That we would be productive in our last two weeks.
Thank you Lord for a gorgeous morning here in Guatemala!!!
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be Glad in it!"
-Psalm 118:24
I pray that you enjoy your day and praise God for his faithfulness that renews every day. It is a new day and we can have joy in Him. No matter what goes wrong, HE remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers!!!! :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
To Love like Jesus....
Hello everyone! Greetings again from Guatemala! I am so sorry that I have not been in closer contact with ya'll. Life here has been pretty busy, but now I can happily say I have a big chunk of some free time to blog about what all has been going on here in Guatemala! God really is at work here in Guatemala and it is so exciting.
1) Wedding Planning-Marito and I have been planning away! It really is such a blessing because he is so caring and he is really helping me, along with my mom and maid of honors. I am so thankful that God blesses us when we serve.
2) Monthly Sponsors-Marito and I have also been super busy while in the process of finding those family and friends that are willing to become sponsors. I have to pay rent, food, medical expenses, meds, and other stuff that comes up just like the people in the states. Soon college loans will be included into the budget. Praise the Lord I can say I have started this process and God has touched hearts. I continue to pray and ask you to pray with me that people will be receptive and willing as God touches their hearts. God is really good all the time and all the time God is good!
3) THE PRESCHOOL! I just love ministry. It can wear you out, especially when it is a new project. I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve my Savior. So much has gone on here in Guatemala since the last post. God has allowed us to continue serving 14 families/14 students. We are able to reach out to them and show God's love for them. I can honestly say that God has taught me so much in the last few weeks.
One student named Jenifer had stopped coming to school a week or two after I left for the states in May. When I returned, I simply assumed she did not want to come like other students had done. Her mother never called, because they do not have a phone and she is a single mom. A couple days ago she stopped me and my future sister in law in the street and begged us to allow Jenifer to attend school at the preschool again. She explained her story. In the midst of being pregnant, her mother had a serious c-section and was kept at home for awhile. She could not send Jenifer to school. I was so moved and could see something in her eyes. She needed this second chance. It reminded me....don't we all need second chances or maybe even more than that. How many times do we fail someone or even fail God, our mighty creator, when HE loves and is always there for us. I know I fail and through this experience I saw God giving me compassion for those in need. Some times we are too cut and dry....how can we be like that to someone when God opens doors and continually gives us grace?
Another little boy who attends the preschool has had such difficult segment in his life currently. Back in May his father passed away due to cancer. His story simply breaks my heart. I know he misses his daddy. He will now grow up only seeing his father in pictures. The daddy passed away leaving behind an 8 year old boy, David who is 4 years old, and a baby girl close to 5 months. The mother has no way to provide besides raising chickens and turkeys. She cannot leave to go work outside the home with a baby and the daily house chores as well. Today I was so proud of how David had been learning to trace and write more letters on his own after looking at his homework. I ask him what he wanted to color to make him enjoy his homework and his response brought me nothing but tears to my eyes. He wanted to color a rose for his daddy. I just about lost it. I know this is such a struggle for this little guy.
In this country, I see so many people hurting. They hurt physically and sometimes emotionally just as people do all over the world. I have been listening to a song, "God of the City" and it just chokes me up. The words are so moving. God is the God of the city and the people. He is Lord over the nation and the light in the darkness, he is the hope to the hopeless, and the peace to the restless. Only God can make these situations better and only HE can take away their pain. God provides for his children and he is there when we need him. Sometimes we may not realize how important we are to others. Maybe God would use you to touch someone else's life. The compassion that God has renewed in me is what will help me to Love more like Jesus everyday to the Guatemalans I serve.
I hope you are all doing so wonderful and I miss you very much. Please continue to pray for me, my fiance, our families in the states and in Guatemala, the preschool, the preschoolers and their families. Thank you for your prayers. They really mean so much.
Love like Jesus <3
Kara Rene'
1) Wedding Planning-Marito and I have been planning away! It really is such a blessing because he is so caring and he is really helping me, along with my mom and maid of honors. I am so thankful that God blesses us when we serve.
2) Monthly Sponsors-Marito and I have also been super busy while in the process of finding those family and friends that are willing to become sponsors. I have to pay rent, food, medical expenses, meds, and other stuff that comes up just like the people in the states. Soon college loans will be included into the budget. Praise the Lord I can say I have started this process and God has touched hearts. I continue to pray and ask you to pray with me that people will be receptive and willing as God touches their hearts. God is really good all the time and all the time God is good!
3) THE PRESCHOOL! I just love ministry. It can wear you out, especially when it is a new project. I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve my Savior. So much has gone on here in Guatemala since the last post. God has allowed us to continue serving 14 families/14 students. We are able to reach out to them and show God's love for them. I can honestly say that God has taught me so much in the last few weeks.
One student named Jenifer had stopped coming to school a week or two after I left for the states in May. When I returned, I simply assumed she did not want to come like other students had done. Her mother never called, because they do not have a phone and she is a single mom. A couple days ago she stopped me and my future sister in law in the street and begged us to allow Jenifer to attend school at the preschool again. She explained her story. In the midst of being pregnant, her mother had a serious c-section and was kept at home for awhile. She could not send Jenifer to school. I was so moved and could see something in her eyes. She needed this second chance. It reminded me....don't we all need second chances or maybe even more than that. How many times do we fail someone or even fail God, our mighty creator, when HE loves and is always there for us. I know I fail and through this experience I saw God giving me compassion for those in need. Some times we are too cut and dry....how can we be like that to someone when God opens doors and continually gives us grace?
Another little boy who attends the preschool has had such difficult segment in his life currently. Back in May his father passed away due to cancer. His story simply breaks my heart. I know he misses his daddy. He will now grow up only seeing his father in pictures. The daddy passed away leaving behind an 8 year old boy, David who is 4 years old, and a baby girl close to 5 months. The mother has no way to provide besides raising chickens and turkeys. She cannot leave to go work outside the home with a baby and the daily house chores as well. Today I was so proud of how David had been learning to trace and write more letters on his own after looking at his homework. I ask him what he wanted to color to make him enjoy his homework and his response brought me nothing but tears to my eyes. He wanted to color a rose for his daddy. I just about lost it. I know this is such a struggle for this little guy.
In this country, I see so many people hurting. They hurt physically and sometimes emotionally just as people do all over the world. I have been listening to a song, "God of the City" and it just chokes me up. The words are so moving. God is the God of the city and the people. He is Lord over the nation and the light in the darkness, he is the hope to the hopeless, and the peace to the restless. Only God can make these situations better and only HE can take away their pain. God provides for his children and he is there when we need him. Sometimes we may not realize how important we are to others. Maybe God would use you to touch someone else's life. The compassion that God has renewed in me is what will help me to Love more like Jesus everyday to the Guatemalans I serve.
I hope you are all doing so wonderful and I miss you very much. Please continue to pray for me, my fiance, our families in the states and in Guatemala, the preschool, the preschoolers and their families. Thank you for your prayers. They really mean so much.
Love like Jesus <3
Kara Rene'
Saturday, July 9, 2011
My Joy comes in the Morning....
Hello everyone! I hope ya'll are doing so wonderful! I am doing pretty good today! I love how I can wake up on a Saturday to the sun shining and a new fresh start. That is something that I have found here each and every day. Regardless of rain or shine tomorrow is a new day, a new and fresh start. Some days seem so challenging and maybe it seems like a break will never come! But the reality is that tomorrow is a brand new day and I can have joy because my Jesus loves me and he will always be there by my side. I am SO thankful for each morning. :)
At the preschool we have been very, very, very busy! With the other students we have begun the process of reading. In spanish we have to teach the young children how read a little differently than children who learn English. The younger children are reviewing and now learning the alphabet. We review numbers and vowels even though most of them have memorized them.
Just last Thursday we had eye check-ups for each child at the church. Most every child had perfect eyes and did so well on there exams. Only one little girl had an infection in her eyes and I am so thankful she had the opportunity to see a doctor. I thought something might be wrong but her eyes were not constantly red. If she had not seen a doctor, I am sure the infection would have become a lot worse. PRAISE THE LORD for open doors. It was almost a $1.50 for each exam and I knew that if the school payed for it, then the parents would take this opportunity! All the parents were happy to know that their children have healthy eyes!
Hopefully I will learn how to put up some pictures very soon! :)
Keep praying if you have been! I really appreciate it!
God is good and HE is at work here in Guatemala! I see in the faces of each child as they come in with a smile and leave waving so energetically, screaming, "SEE YOU TOMORROW TEACHER!" They really love attending school and love learning about numbers, letters, songs, the months, Jesus, and simply soak up all the attention we give them. They are so precious......I am so passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and being his hands and feet...serving. It is so beautiful...
At the preschool we have been very, very, very busy! With the other students we have begun the process of reading. In spanish we have to teach the young children how read a little differently than children who learn English. The younger children are reviewing and now learning the alphabet. We review numbers and vowels even though most of them have memorized them.
Just last Thursday we had eye check-ups for each child at the church. Most every child had perfect eyes and did so well on there exams. Only one little girl had an infection in her eyes and I am so thankful she had the opportunity to see a doctor. I thought something might be wrong but her eyes were not constantly red. If she had not seen a doctor, I am sure the infection would have become a lot worse. PRAISE THE LORD for open doors. It was almost a $1.50 for each exam and I knew that if the school payed for it, then the parents would take this opportunity! All the parents were happy to know that their children have healthy eyes!
Hopefully I will learn how to put up some pictures very soon! :)
Keep praying if you have been! I really appreciate it!
God is good and HE is at work here in Guatemala! I see in the faces of each child as they come in with a smile and leave waving so energetically, screaming, "SEE YOU TOMORROW TEACHER!" They really love attending school and love learning about numbers, letters, songs, the months, Jesus, and simply soak up all the attention we give them. They are so precious......I am so passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and being his hands and feet...serving. It is so beautiful...
This is Marcel and Jostin working on math!!!
Caitlin is so precious!
Marcel and I during centers :)
Abby working on putting numbers in order! She is really smart and laughs so much!
The wooden beads I bought with donation money last December might be their favorite center!
Ps-we had some fireworks on the 4th of july and it was sooooo great!!!! :)
LOVE LIKE JESUS <3
My joy comes in the Morning....
Hello everyone! I hope ya'll are doing so wonderful! I am doing pretty good today! I love how I can wake up on a Saturday to the sun shining and a new fresh start. That is something that I have found here each and every day. Regardless of rain or shine tomorrow is a new day, a new and fresh start. Some days seem so challenging and maybe it seems like a break will never come! But the reality is that tomorrow is a brand new day and I can have joy because my Jesus loves me and he will always be there by my side. I am SO thankful for each morning. :)
At the preschool we have been very, very, very busy! With the other students we have begun the process of reading. In spanish we have to teach the young children how read a little differently than children who learn English. The younger children are reviewing and now learning the alphabet. We review numbers and vowels even though most of them have memorized them.
Just last Thursday we had eye check-ups for each child at the church. Most every child had perfect eyes and did so well on there exams. Only one little girl had an infection in her eyes and I am so thankful she had the opportunity to see a doctor. I thought something might be wrong but her eyes were not constantly red. If she had not seen a doctor, I am sure the infection would have become a lot worse. PRAISE THE LORD for open doors. It was almost a $1.50 for each exam and I knew that if the school payed for it, then the parents would take this opportunity! All the parents were happy to know that their children have healthy eyes!
Hopefully I will learn how to put up some pictures very soon! :)
Keep praying if you have been! I really appreciate it!
God is good and HE is at work here in Guatemala! I see in the faces of each child as they come in with a smile and leave waving so energetically, screaming, "SEE YOU TOMORROW TEACHER!" They really love attending school and love learning about numbers, letters, songs, the months, Jesus, and simply soak up all the attention we give them. They are so precious......I am so passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and being his hands and feet...serving. It is so beautiful...
At the preschool we have been very, very, very busy! With the other students we have begun the process of reading. In spanish we have to teach the young children how read a little differently than children who learn English. The younger children are reviewing and now learning the alphabet. We review numbers and vowels even though most of them have memorized them.
Just last Thursday we had eye check-ups for each child at the church. Most every child had perfect eyes and did so well on there exams. Only one little girl had an infection in her eyes and I am so thankful she had the opportunity to see a doctor. I thought something might be wrong but her eyes were not constantly red. If she had not seen a doctor, I am sure the infection would have become a lot worse. PRAISE THE LORD for open doors. It was almost a $1.50 for each exam and I knew that if the school payed for it, then the parents would take this opportunity! All the parents were happy to know that their children have healthy eyes!
Hopefully I will learn how to put up some pictures very soon! :)
Keep praying if you have been! I really appreciate it!
God is good and HE is at work here in Guatemala! I see in the faces of each child as they come in with a smile and leave waving so energetically, screaming, "SEE YOU TOMORROW TEACHER!" They really love attending school and love learning about numbers, letters, songs, the months, Jesus, and simply soak up all the attention we give them. They are so precious......I am so passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and being his hands and feet...serving. It is so beautiful...
This is Marcel and Jostin working on math!!!
Caitlin is so precious!
Marcel and I during centers :)
Abby working on putting numbers in order! She is really smart and laughs so much!
The wooden beads I bought with donation money last December might be their favorite center!
Ps-we had some fireworks on the 4th of july and it was sooooo great!!!! :)
LOVE LIKE JESUS <3
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Faith that can move mountains!!!!
Today I have been dwelling on one of my devotions from the other day. It always comes to mind in the midst of plans and living life....the conversation I seem to have so oftenly had with God. I have so many times told him in my life I am not ready and then he simply responds by saying, "I AM". It is so incredible that God can be so in control when things seem as though only a miracle could keep something alive and running. God seems to be right on time...As an old friend told me, God is always on time just never early. God's timing requires an awful lot of patience and simply waiting until He is ready and that is when the puzzle is finished. The last few pieces take time to fit....
God has led me to teach preschool and move to another time....The part in this journey that takes faith is the more tangible materials that is takes to run a preschool and live somewhere. Honestly I can share that I am without a paycheck. Regardless of whether I end up working for an organization or if I continue solely working with the local church, funds are currently needed to continue living here. I am in the process of finding monthly sponsors for the preschool as well as a more personal level of sponsorship so that I am able to pay for the basic needs, medical occurrences that surprisingly come up, as well as areas in the budget for hygiene and transportation. I am excited about this process. It will be a time that I will grow and see God and how big he really is. If you are interested in sponsoring me monthly, please feel free to contact me. (tapestryofloveinguate@gmail.com)
I am excited to start a new school tomorrow! The older children are going to be starting the process of learning how to read!
Pray for the preschool, direction with the preschool, finances, and strong, healthy relationships between the local Guatemalan people.
Much love, Kara
God has led me to teach preschool and move to another time....The part in this journey that takes faith is the more tangible materials that is takes to run a preschool and live somewhere. Honestly I can share that I am without a paycheck. Regardless of whether I end up working for an organization or if I continue solely working with the local church, funds are currently needed to continue living here. I am in the process of finding monthly sponsors for the preschool as well as a more personal level of sponsorship so that I am able to pay for the basic needs, medical occurrences that surprisingly come up, as well as areas in the budget for hygiene and transportation. I am excited about this process. It will be a time that I will grow and see God and how big he really is. If you are interested in sponsoring me monthly, please feel free to contact me. (tapestryofloveinguate@gmail.com)
I am excited to start a new school tomorrow! The older children are going to be starting the process of learning how to read!
Pray for the preschool, direction with the preschool, finances, and strong, healthy relationships between the local Guatemalan people.
Much love, Kara
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
"I Shall Come Singing..."
Today I read the most beautiful devotion.....it gave me confidence in knowing I AM DOING WHAT GOD WANTS FOR MY LIFE! It brings me joy to know that God wants us to live for him wherever HE has called us. The devotion is short and therefore, I will share it with all of you!
"Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." -Luke 12:40 (NKJV)
"My children, be silent before Me. I will lift up My voice as the sound of a trumpet-I will speak clearly to you, for the hour is at hand. Be obedient, and raise your standards of discipline and dedication to a higher level. For My face is set toward My imminent return to earth. I wait only the release from the Father's hand. Though I am ready and longing to come to you, you are not yet ready. You have spurned My entreaties, and you have fought against the restraints of the Spirit. (this next part is phenomenal) KEEP YOUR VISION FILLED WITH ME. KEEP YOUR LIFE IN TUNE AND YOUR WORSHIP IN MUTUAL HARMONY. FOR I WILL COME SINGING, AND WHAT WILL YOU BE IF YOU ARE IN DISCORD?'
Honestly, I can share with you that in my experience, finding God's will is hard. It is not easy to be in tune with His spirit and be able to know when you hear his voice.... It can be so easy to be distracted by others. Sometimes our families and friends may see God as radical and not realize His voice and visions. I am thankful that God each day that seems very difficult, while I have started a preschool from scratch and no help from a specific organization, I see God throwing encouragement my way from the short-term mission teams or even from my preschoolers.
I have a few stories I would love to share with you. These incidents show me why I am here teaching. Today one little boy walked into our classroom. As we waited for the large team of students to leave and head out to there sites to work, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a yellow flower. This priceless little gift did not cost a ton of money, but it showed how much he cares.....My students love me and its because I am only be. I may be one person, but I know that God can use us all in so many different ways. Another young girl, Carmen, on my first day back teaching, walked up to me and was pointing to my shirt. I was wearing my black Greenville College Cheer shirt and the letters were orange colored. Little time did it take for me to realize that she was pointing to the "E" and told me it was that letter. I was so proud, but more than that I could just see a bright little girl who never had the opportunities. She became my student last January and entered preschool without knowing anything. She could not identify anything. No colors. No numbers. Not even letters or shapes. No one had ever worked with her enough to spark her mind and help being learning.
God is so good. He is at work here in Guatemala and I know that even though He does not send everyone out of the country, he can still use you in a special way as well. Poverty is real and does exist all over the world, even in the states-literally ALL OVER THE WORLD....
All I know is that I want to be ready like it states in Luke, ready for Jesus and share Jesus with beautiful people all over so they can be ready....More than this, nothing else matters in this world....
"Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." -Luke 12:40 (NKJV)
"My children, be silent before Me. I will lift up My voice as the sound of a trumpet-I will speak clearly to you, for the hour is at hand. Be obedient, and raise your standards of discipline and dedication to a higher level. For My face is set toward My imminent return to earth. I wait only the release from the Father's hand. Though I am ready and longing to come to you, you are not yet ready. You have spurned My entreaties, and you have fought against the restraints of the Spirit. (this next part is phenomenal) KEEP YOUR VISION FILLED WITH ME. KEEP YOUR LIFE IN TUNE AND YOUR WORSHIP IN MUTUAL HARMONY. FOR I WILL COME SINGING, AND WHAT WILL YOU BE IF YOU ARE IN DISCORD?'
Honestly, I can share with you that in my experience, finding God's will is hard. It is not easy to be in tune with His spirit and be able to know when you hear his voice.... It can be so easy to be distracted by others. Sometimes our families and friends may see God as radical and not realize His voice and visions. I am thankful that God each day that seems very difficult, while I have started a preschool from scratch and no help from a specific organization, I see God throwing encouragement my way from the short-term mission teams or even from my preschoolers.
I have a few stories I would love to share with you. These incidents show me why I am here teaching. Today one little boy walked into our classroom. As we waited for the large team of students to leave and head out to there sites to work, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a yellow flower. This priceless little gift did not cost a ton of money, but it showed how much he cares.....My students love me and its because I am only be. I may be one person, but I know that God can use us all in so many different ways. Another young girl, Carmen, on my first day back teaching, walked up to me and was pointing to my shirt. I was wearing my black Greenville College Cheer shirt and the letters were orange colored. Little time did it take for me to realize that she was pointing to the "E" and told me it was that letter. I was so proud, but more than that I could just see a bright little girl who never had the opportunities. She became my student last January and entered preschool without knowing anything. She could not identify anything. No colors. No numbers. Not even letters or shapes. No one had ever worked with her enough to spark her mind and help being learning.
God is so good. He is at work here in Guatemala and I know that even though He does not send everyone out of the country, he can still use you in a special way as well. Poverty is real and does exist all over the world, even in the states-literally ALL OVER THE WORLD....
All I know is that I want to be ready like it states in Luke, ready for Jesus and share Jesus with beautiful people all over so they can be ready....More than this, nothing else matters in this world....
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Safe Return Home...
Hello to everyone back home! Life is good here in Guatemala! Not too much has changed since last semester! The 5 weeks in the states were good to visit with people and raise funds. I was reminded as to how blessed I am to have time with people who support me and pray for me often! It really is soooo needed! :)
The preschool is doing great! They continued running the school while I was gone. That is what we all really wanted. Since my return, I have seen so many familiar faces and the parents of my preschoolers threw a surprise welcome home party! :) IT WAS SOOO EXCITED! I have never had a surprise party before! The kids are anxious to start new projects and material on Monday! I missed them so much!
I will try to be much better at updating! :)
Much love to you all and keep your prayers coming!
Kara :)
The preschool is doing great! They continued running the school while I was gone. That is what we all really wanted. Since my return, I have seen so many familiar faces and the parents of my preschoolers threw a surprise welcome home party! :) IT WAS SOOO EXCITED! I have never had a surprise party before! The kids are anxious to start new projects and material on Monday! I missed them so much!
I will try to be much better at updating! :)
Much love to you all and keep your prayers coming!
Kara :)
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