What I am thankful for this Christmas

At 1:53 am and I was laying down on bed thinking about life, thinking about life (Yes I know I wrote that twice) and an idea came to mind. Why don’t you write a few things about what you are thankful for this Christmas season? So I decided to grab my laptop and start hitting some keys.

 I’ve got to say that I am thankful that God speaks to me. Man!! He speaks to me! He speaks to me clearly. He did it this morning, through the Bible. I found some powerful Bible verses that spoke to my heart and brought a lot of comfort and encouragement and they were so perfect and so appropriate for the occasion that I really felt that God was straight out speaking to me. 

This Christmas season I am thankful for Ily, that precious bundle of joy and body fat, she is chubby and  cute, that little tiny person brings a whole lot of joy into my heart. She is pretty amazing, and pretty incredible and pretty stunning. I love her to death, sometimes I feel like I want to eat her up thou. LOL She is too cute. 

I am thankful for my family, because even though we have gone through rough situations and we have had our ups and downs this year I’ve got to say that they are some darn cool people. (Please excuse my language). I know what they are made out of. They are made out of love, good deeds, lotsssss of protection for their daughters lol and lots lots of love. My parents are great. 

I am thankful for my friends, ok pause. I literally don’t know how difficult life would be without you in my life my friend. You know who you are, you have cried with me, you have encouraged me, you have lifted me up, you have heard my stories, you have been there for me. Thank YOU. Thank you for your friendship and for your words of affirmation, for your prayers and for your love. God has placed you in my life to help me go through a lot and I just praise Him because of that.

Lastly, I am thankful for my Jesus. It is because of Him that I live and dream. It is because of Him that I exist. It is because of Him that I am at peace. It is because of Him that I can fully say “Merry Christmas”

Love you Jesus, thank you for being born in my heart and in Bethlehem.

Merry Christmas to you.

God Answers Prayers, Even the Little Ones

Dear close friends and friends in general that read this blog. I just wanted to share a cool answer to prayer that Paul and I received a couple of weeks ago. We both had been praying to be able to find a church where we could both invest, a church where we could be involved in. Being a pastor’s kid is super fun and I am feel super blessed to have been born one. However, one of the few drawbacks  is that if your dad is a pastor and especially if he is a Hispanic pastor he will most likely have more than one church at the same time, in this case dad has three. You might think it is a lot. I don’t think so, lol, in Colombia he used to have 15, yeah, and sometimes more than that, all at the same time. Anyhow, going back to what I was saying at the beginning, because dad is the pastor of three churches, most of the Sabbaths Paul and I ended up going to where my parents were going so we could spend some time with them and with the Lord of course, but we were feeling like we were just sitting on the pews and not doing much. It isn’t a good feeling. We both, Paul and I, love to be involved at church. We feel alive when we do. There were times when Paul would go to other churches far away and preach and I stayed. I was happy for him because he was having opportunities to share God with others but I wasn’t there :(. So we both talked and prayed and told God how much we wanted to work together at a church. At the time I couldn’t figure out which church the Lord wanted us to work with and for. I thought about several churches but they were all  SO far and as it is right now Paul and I both travel at least two hours every day to get to our jobs and back home again. Paul even drives longer than that, sometimes three and four hours DAILY :( Soo, I was like “God please, please give us a church, gives a church where we can both work and that isn't too far “ and guess what? Yes, He answered and just two weeks ago mom told us that at one of dad’s churches, Bealeton church, they were wanting to start a youth ministry, a youth church. Without hesitation I said can Paul and I lead the ministry? She said “yes please” After meeting with the youth for the first time we all agreed that our first youth church will meet on April the 20^th. The teens were all very excited and committed. A few days later after we meet with the youth, the first elder from the church came to me and asked me if I thought Paul could help lead the Pathfinder club for the upcoming camporee. I knew Paul’s answer so I said “yes of course”.Yesterday we had our first official meeting with the Pathfinders, Paul taught them drills (Marchas) the basic formations and gave them an overview of what the camporee is going to be like and the different categories we will participate in. They are all very discipled. I was there watching him lead. I even participated in the drills while he led the whole team. They are all under 15 so I am the oldest one but it is ok, It is fun. I like seeing Paul work for God and I enjoy working for the Lord with him. Just wanted to share the latest news and praise God because He answers prayers, the little ones and the big ones.

Ps: I am missing some pics from yesterday's meeting with the pathfinders but I am sure I will be posting some from our upcoming events (youth church and camporee).

Camping at home LOL!!!!!

This morning, well last night, but specially this morning I started deeply thinking about the fact that somewhat for the past few days I have been camping at home. Yeah!!!! Just what you heard, I mean what you read, camping at home : ) , as weird and unfamiliar as it might sound I feel like I have been camping at home. I’ve been sleeping on a sleeping bag, using a pillow with no pillow case. I’ve been cooking all my meals with one small pot and a small skillet.( I borrowed Ilsa’s camping pot lol) I’ve been using the same plastic  cups over and over again (yay for saving and reclying, hahaha. My mom wouldn’t think the same if reading this blog) and I’ve been using no furniture, no desks, no couches, no chair, no nothing and guess what? I kinda like it! I like it!
 Yeah this morning I had to work on some paper work related to my job and I was like “umm man, there is not a desk here. Where  do I write?” so….I made my own desk, a pillow for my back and a pillow for my legs, that was my desk. I also wanted to eat some oatmeal for breakfast but the pot I usually use to make it with (Ilsa’s pot) was taken, being used for another purpose. So I made my oatmeal on the skillet LOl! It really felt like camping.

 Wait, wait, before you jump to any conclusion let me explain a little why I’ve living this way for the  past few days and will continue to live like that for the next 7 days or so.
I am not using furniture and couches and a comfy bed and big pots and fancy knifes because I don’t have them and I am ok with it : ))))) (at least for right now hehe). I don’t have them right now and I actually like it this way. It does not mean I won’t EVER have them. It does not mean I will live like a hippie for the rest of my life and won’t purchase the things that humans “need” to make a home a home. (aha!) it just means I have chosen to live this way for a few days. The most difficult thing has been the cooking part, when wanting to make something there have been a few times when I have wished I had better knifes, bigger pots and skillets, more dishes, but we have managed and when having those wishful  moments I just think man!!! This feels like campinggggggggggg and I get all excited and cook my heart away.
I guess one of the many points I am trying to make with all this long blog is that there is happiness and fun in living a simple life. There is happiness in cultivating relationships rather than gaining material things. There is happiness in sharing a homemade meal with a friend, which is sometimes* is better than eating out. It is cheaper, healthier and you can add that secret ingredient to the recipe that in Spanish we call love. There is happiness in being able to save money on things that are not always indispensable.  

Lastly, for those who are a little concerned about me and my current state of living, do not worry  I won’t live like this for ever LOL!

Virginia is for Lovers : )

This morning Caro, dad , Linda and I had a chance to go out and exercise. We played some volleyball, Caro and dad played basketball. I walked my dog while I read (Yeah,I do that sometimes, it is a good way to memorize stuff lol).
Caro and dad looked more beautiful and handsome than ever, Linda was dirty and happy. The grass was wet and she got herself brown...
As we were coming back home I started thinking about my childhood, about the values my parents had implanted into Caro's heart and my heart. I started thinking about Halloween as we saw some houses HORRIBLE decorated with those cadavers and weird stuff. Caro, dad and I agreed that we wanted to put some Jesus' stuff on our front door so that it would make a difference in the neighboorhood lol! We are crazy like that. I love my family...

Anyhow, by now you might be thinking what does it all have to do with Virginia? Why that little for this post if you haven't even talked about Virginia? Wellll....Among all the things that I have been thinking about lately. I have been thinking about Virginia, about this beatiful and colorful state, especially now that the leafs are turning orange and the sweet and soft breeze brushes my hair.

The other day, last Friday evening, while running, running, running and feeling that same soft and sweet breeze all over my body. I started thinking about that sign that I have seen in postcards, in t-shirts, in hats "Virginia is for Lovers" and I thought about the beautiful stage my lil sister is going through.  It is so wonderful to see her happy and in love. It makes me happy to see how God is leading her life and how after many years she is the same Carolina that we all knew and missed.

I also thought about God, about His love and faithfulness, about His voice and quietness. I felt Him while running.

I really like this state, I really like VA. If I ever leave this state in the near future I will miss it. I will remember its vibrant fall and warm summer, its green trees and rich soil.
Virginia I like you! Virginia is for lovers!

I'm determined

So I am becoming an adult, well at least that's what my mom says. I feel I am still a young girl. I am 24, that's young. To be honest with you I feel younger than that and I like it : )
Very soon I will start working and along with the job other responsabilities come bills to pay, a car and a house/apartment payments,  a phonebill of on my own,  food and groceries to purchase regulary... growing up...it doesn't sound too fun. Well some things do sound fun, others don't.

But, as I grow up and get a job and get busier... I am determined!
 I am determined to wear  tennis shoes( other than while working at the hospital) and shorts and keep going for long walks/runs.
I am determined to take those tennis shoes off and let the sand play with my toes and enjoy an intense v-ball game.
I am determined to ride a bicycle once in a while and go throught the mountains, through the city, through life.
I am determined to go camping, hiking, and all the *ing* sports and outdoor activities that make life happier and bring people together.
I am determined to organize, attend and create events where lots of young people can gathered together just to hang out, laugh, cry or share a spiritual thought or idea.
I am determined to hug an elderly person, to kiss a child's cheek, to dance in the rain.
I am determined to stop to smell the flowers, to contemplate a sunrise, to kiss heaven.
I am determined to let the little girl inside of me get super excited for things that make me happy and share my happiness with others and jump and jump high whenever the joy inside of me can't be controled.
I am determined to life long, healthy and faithfully.
I am determined!!!

Seven years ago, seven suitcases....

Today my friend Paul and I went to the airport to drop off my parents, say goodbye to them and help them with the check in process. They were going to COLOMBIA! (Oh yes! Amen) They took seven, yes sevennnnnn suitcases with them. LOL! Of course my dad was taking just one bag and his carry on, the other suitcases were mom's : ). (Wait, wait, don't think my mom took all that clothes for her, most of the suitcases were filled with gifts, tons of gifts for the family. Mom has a big heart!!!

After we said goodbye and saw them get ready to go through the security check point  I shed some tears (of course) If you know me, you know by now that I cry, I cry a lot and I actually like it. It cleanses my soul, and my heart. So...yes I cried some, but I wasn't crying because they were leaving, or because I was going to stay by "myself" (Several people have already offered to adopt me during the time my parents aren't here...How sweet of them) I cried because I was touched. I was touched because I started thinking about seven years ago when dad, mom, Caro and I came to this country with lots of hopes, lots of uncertainties, lots and different emotions and one suitcase. Our whole "life" in Colombia became one suitcase. One suitcase for Caro, one for mom, one for dad...and two for me (Oh well LOL) We sold and gave away many of the possesion we had in Colombia, our house, furniture, car, jobs, and even some relationships. Today, seven years later my parents go back to Colombia with a green card in their hands, which proves their residency to this country. They go back with fullfiled dreams, tons I mean tons of miracles experienced, testimonies and praises to share, with a happy and thankful heart and with seven suitcases that maybe represent all the blessings we undeservedly have received from God during our time in this country.

Now it is time to go back and share with others the blessings we have recieved from our Lord. Mom and dad will be having an evangelistic series/week of prayer in the city of Villavicencio. They will be spefically sharing about what God has done through us and for us here in the US.

Lord, I praise you because you have given us more than what we deserved. You have been so faithful, you have been so great. My God, my Lord in whom I trust.

Africa is still here

For the past two weeks I was honored to have one of my dear and good friends at home. He recently came back from Africa. He served there as a missionary for 9 months as the hospital administrator in Gimbie. I learned so much about life and the Christian walk by many of the conversations we had, the sermons he preached and the testimonies he shared. I was also able to witness what living in a third world country does to a person. It has the power to transform a person’s heart and mind! While his visit here I vividly remember one day when my friend was deeply sad and home sick (Africa home sick) because he didn’t find people in the US to be as spiritual as people in Africa. I was touched when I heard him preached on Isaiah 58. After the sermon I felt as thou someone had taken me by my shoulders and had shaken me. My heart had been shaken.

I remember that preaching made my friend passionate, happy and sad. Passionate because of the message he was sharing, happy because once again he was having the opportunity to share with others about what he had learned, this time he wasn’t preaching to thousands of people like in Africa, but he was still sharing, and sad because he wasn’t sure if the message he was delivering was being applied by the audience the way God wanted them to.

 I learned many lessons this past two weeks and I was reminded of others. Here are some of them.

 While biking for 4 hrs on Tuesday and 4 hrs on Thursday, getting a free taco and walking in D.C. the whole day I was reminded that in life we don’t need lots of money to have fun, in fact, we do not need money to have fun.

While kayaking on the lake and having pouring rain fall on us I was reminded that a free spirit and a spontaneous heart can take you to places you never thought of visiting.

 While visiting the General Conference and having a humanly unplanned, divine appointment with the Adventist World Radio vice president, I was reminded that God has amazing plans for our lives. He takes care even of the little details. An adventist radio station might be started in Gimbie because of that meeting!

 While talking and hanging out with our mutual and new friend Wilmer I was reminded of the power of soul winning. Jesus sent His disciples two by two (Luke 10:1).

One morning I prayed “Dear Lord, please help Paul have a great time today, even if I don’t” lol! While visiting the Air and Space museum in Washington D.C. I was reminded that God answers prayers according to HIS will. I wasn’t really crazy about the museum but he loved it.

 While walking on the streets of Chinatown we noticed a gentleman that was trying to help his wife move her car by pushing it. The car wasn’t working. My friend didn’t know hesitate one second and went running to help this couple pushed the car.

Another day while getting ready, at the gas station, for our biking adventure, an African America man approached us asking us for a donation. He said he didn’t have enough money for gas and he had his family in the car waiting for him needing to get home. My friend immediately reached his pocket searching for money that he later found in his camera case and gave him a donation. What impressed me the most is that my friend didn’t have much money because he had just arrived from Africa yet he was willing to share the little he had. How many times I have thought I can’t share because I lack resources… ha!

 Africa, you have done some real good stuff to many of my dear friends. This time I was just very lucky and bless to witness it face to face. Thanks Africa. One day I will visit you!