And the journey ends...(at least this one)

Okay. So I just re-read my entry about the next before I left to come here to Chihuahua. It was names "And the journey begins". Therefore, I felt it fit to name this one, "And the journey ends"

As I was reading my entry the night before I left Plano, I realized that I could literally copy and paste that entry and put it here. I feel all the same feelings I was feeling the night of August 21st, only now its December 15th.

I honestly cant believe that my time here has ended. 4 months at the start seemed like a lifetime...but not it feels like a blink of an eye. But I couldnt be more thankful for this opportunity to come to Chihuahua and live here for 4 months. How many people can say that at the age of 18th they lived in another country and learned to speak a different language...well Abigail and Belen can haha....

I could sit here and right about all my memories and experiences but there will be time to share all the stories. Right now my mind is just rushing with thoughts and feelings. I dont think I will be sleeping very much tonight. Its hard to leave somewhere you have grown to love. I love Chihuahua. It feels like home. It feels right. I cant express how much I love my church here "La Casa de Mi Padre." Everyone at my church is so welcoming. Since day 1 I felt like part of the church. They never treated me like an outsider and always helped me with my spanish. We really started hanging out outside of the church about 2 months ago and now I feel like I have known them forever. They are some of my best friends. Its so cool to sit back and realize that I can be such good friends with people, who at the beginning, didnt speak the same language. Now, its just normal, like hanging out with my friends in the states and chatting it up. So cool to just think about.

I am really sad. I am really going to miss my wonderful family, the school, my friends, the teachers, and the city. My time here was a once in a lifetime chance and I took advatange of every moment. I dont regret anything. It was the best experience of my life so far. Thanks to Inter-Action and all the people here in Chihuahua, I now can speak spanish :) It is so fun.

I was talking with one of my friends about how I am not ready to leave and just how I am going to miss the spanish. I am going to miss always hearing spanish, on the radio...tv....and just everyone talking in spanish. I am going to miss always reading spanish....I am going to miss always speaking spanish.....I am going to miss all the little puestos and ordering in spanish....yes I hope there will be opportunities to speak and use my spanish in Texas...but its just not the same. Basically, I am counting the days till I can come back and just be surrounded completly in spanish.

I cant wait to see my family and friends in the states. It has been awhile and I just cant wait to hug each and everyone of you guys.

Just keep me in your prayers this week. Its going to be a little hard ajusting to the states. I am not really sure if I am going to know how to handle things. Its just different and I am a little afraid of culture shock. I know I am been to mexico many times but only for a week or two at a time. 4 months is alot different.

Wow. I just wrote alot and pretty sure none of it makes sense but that is just cause my mind is just running. I am sad, happy, excited, nervous and just about every other feeling. Wow. I will be in the states in less than 24 hours. So weird. So weird. So weird.

Love you guys.

Tuve un buen fin de semana :)

Well. I had a great last weekend here in Chihuahua. I still cant believe I am sitting here typing that. 4 months. 4 months. Went by faster that I thought it would. However, my last weekend here couldnt have been any better.

Thursday was our last day of classes and our going away party. The classes were really fun cause we just talked, played games, and just enjoyed our last day together. Our going away party was perfect. Everyones family was there and all of the teachers and their family's. We ate tamales and had like 5 different desserts. We recieved our Inter-Action t-shirts which to me symboled that we graduated from the class and we can officially now say that we can speak and understand spanish. The t-shirts are a new design this year and I am really excited because we are the first group to have them :) As students we decided to make a video to kind of end the course. With a little help from one of our teachers we came up with the idea to have each of us be one teacher and Ray be Greg. I have to say it was awesome. The teachers loved it and laughed the whole time. Hopefully Ray will eventually give it to me or put it on facebook so yall can all see how much spanish we really did learn :) We spent all night just talking with the teachers and Greg and Paloma and Ana and all the other students. I couldnt have been any better. Of course I cried....big shocker :)

Today. Sunday was amazing. In the morning I woke up early to go watch my dad here in Chihuahua play in the finals of the end of the season basketball tournament. It like a rec league but it was so fun. There are different age levels and the one my dad is in is called "Dinos" because its only for people older than 50. It was so fun watching their passion for the game and just how much fun they were all having and the best part is we won first place :) Its really cool how my family here as alot of things in common with my family in the states...dads who LOVES basketball and moms who both have diabetes. After the game my mom and I went out to eat menudo which I actually really like! We ran into a friend of my uncles and ended up all talking forever and he then payed for us. I wish I was more generous with my money. I hardly have anything but why cant I share more with the little that I have? After that I hung out with my sister and cousin at the mall for a little bit then went out around the town with my mom. We had a blast just talking and spending our last few days together. We also are really good fish today :)

In the evening, at my church, La Casa de Mi Padre, there was a Chrismas Dinner. All the youth learned a dance and a song to perfore during the event. It was really fun learning it. Then with 4 other girls, I learned another dance to a Christmas song and I had to learn almost all of it 30 min before we had to preform. But omgsh it was so much fun and I just love those girls. Then we just all ate and talked to forever! I learned some really cool games with all the youth today and they all wrote Britton and I a letter. Honestly, I never once felt like I was an outsider at the church. They always welcomed me in and are honestly some of my best friends now. O how I am going to miss my youth group here. Afterwards some of us girls just went over to one of their houses and chatted and laughed FOREVER! It was so much fun.

GREAT GREAT GREAT! memories and times here in Chihuahua that I will never forget.

See all you Texan folks this week!

Love yall!

La Última Clase :(

Wow. I cant believe that tomorrow is our last day of classes. Honestly, it feels like I have been here for about 2 months, but 4 no way! Time flies...and I really do believe it now. Dont get me wrong I am so excited to see my friends and family back home. I miss them all dearly and I cant wait to give them all a VERY BIG hug! However, my time here has just felt so short.

I keep telling myself that I am not really leaving and that its not really our last day of classes, but reality is...it is. As most of you probably know, I am not very good with change. It was hard to come here and leave behind everything I had known for 18 years, and now its going to be REALLY hard to leave behind what I now have known for 4 months. I know it doesnt sounds like a lot of time but I have really gotten used to my life here. Things are so much simpler and its not always go go go and do do do. Things just kind flow around here.

Bueno. Right now I am just going to talk about school and then I will update one last time before I make my journey back home. I wish you could all meet my teachers. They are so amazing. They are not just teachers but they are my friends. I can talk to them about anything. Yes classes were tough sometimes and sometimes I just didnt want to learn anymore spanish. But when those times came, as a class, we would go around the town and explore the culture and just talk about life. I mean honestly sounds like my kind of school, and it def. is. Towards the end we started just talking about different themes during class or different topics, that way we could practice using ALL the different verb tenses. I would have never thought I could actually carry on these conversations for so long and really be able to state my point or my opinion. Now, I can talk and talk and talk. Trust me, I can talk just as much in spanish as I can in english, and we all know that is alot. The joke around here is that I never stop talking and I can always talk about anything, anywhere, at anytime, and I am not going to deny it because I know its true. This is prob. why I also write alot.

Wow. I could just keep typing and typing and typing about everything that has happend and about how you all should come to Interaction and learn spanish because there is no better or faster way, or how amazing my experience is...but I will save that for when I get back and we can go get some coffee or dinner and I can talk your ear off :)

I love you guys very much and I cant wait to share my experience with you guys. I would love to get together with each and everyone of you just to share everything...but only if you have the time and are interested!

SEE YALL IN 1 WEEK

p.s be prepared to here me speak a lot in spanish cause I kinda dont want to speak spanish...and my english...well its pretty bad...haha love you guys!

Feliz Dia de Accion de Gracias

Wow. Sorry I have been really bad about posting new blogs. I am probably going to post a couple here just to get some things out there. First of all I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving.

I had an amazing thanksgiving. Yes it was different because I wasnt with all my family, as a matter of fact, I wasnt with anything of my family. However, I quickly realized I was here with my family in Chihuahua. As students and teacher, we have all become a family. I mean, honestly how can you not after being in class 6 hours a day 4 times a week and then hanging out on the weekends?

We were invited to spend thanksgiving with The Tarrants and their family. I felt very special to be invited to celebrate this special day with people who I love. Greg began by saying all that he is thankful and how he was thankful for each and every person that sat around the table. Of course, I began tearing up...but that is normal. We then all dug in the food. We ate all the typical food for thanksgiving and let me tell you I could have eaten 10 rounds, but I stopped at 2 rounds to save room for the delicious pumpkin pie. I have so much to be thankful for and I know I dont say it enough.

First off, I am very thankful for this opportunity to be here in Mexico for 4 months to learn spanish. I cant even being to explain this experience that I have had, but I wouldnt change it for THE WORLD. I am very thankful for the family here in Chihuahua who offered to host me for 4 months because I am not just another person staying in their house, I am part of the family. One day we got back to the school and my dad here was outside. I yelled "Hola papa! como estas? and he said to me Hola hija! muy bien! Afterwards, my teacher was telling me how she thought that that was really neat to see and really special that we called each other daddy and daughter because its shows the type of relationship we have. SHe told me that if people would have seen they would have thought that he was my real dad and I was his daughter. I am also very thankful for my real family. They have allowed to be here and to follow my dreams. They have always encourged me to follow Gods plans and my dreams. When I told them "Hey. I am going to live in Chihuahua for 4 months to learn spanish, there was never a moment where they told me I couldnt because they knew how much this meant to me. I love yall and miss yall!

Obviously I am thankful for all my friends, new and old, and just the life God has blessed me with because I am blessed. I pray I always remember that.

Well I hope you all had a great thanksgiving, and remember we should be thankful everyday for the things God has blessed us with, big and small, not only on one day out of the year.

Love you guys!

Nos faltamos poquito...

Where to begin.

We are coming down to the wire. I will be leaving here in about a month. We only have 3 more weeks of classes. Wow. I cant believe how fast it has gone by. I dont like to think about how short of a time I have left...because I want to be able to enjoy the days I have here with my family, at the Lirio, at school, and with my friends.

I went to Lirio this past weekend. I wish I could adopt everyone of those kids because they deserve to be shown how much they are loved. I wish I could hug each and every one of them all day every day just to show my love for them. The love I have for them in unconditional because that is how God has taught us to love. Yes at times it gets tough being constantly asked can I use your IPOD, your phone, your backpack, your camara but then God softens my heart and reminds me that they just want to feel loved and this is one way they can see that we care because we trust them. Honestly.....its going to be extremely hard to leave next time. It will be my last time to be able to go out there and it breaks my hearts when they just plead for me not to leave. After spending some much time there I dont know what I am going to do next time. Please pray.

I was able to stay out at Lirio an extra day this past weekend because we didnt have school on monday. We spent 5 hours cooking for a going away party for Greg and Paloma. Let me tell you, the food was AMAZING! You can ask Greg and Paloma themselves. When we arrived, there were tons of pastors from all around the city. Each and everyone of them spoke about how much of an impact Greg and Paloma have had on their lives and churches. It was so cool to sit back and watch and listen to the stories and the encouragment as they move on to Africa next year. I am so proud of them, not just because they are going to Africa, but because of the impact they are making here in Chihuahua with so many people. They will for sure be missed here, but tons of people will be praying for them daily. All the pastors and friends have decided to get together every month to just have a prayer time. How cool is that?!

Prayer request- My diabetes. I dont know what is going on right now but my body just isnt doing well with the insulin. Usually at bedtime my blood sugar level is really good, but without eating anything or doing anything, I wake up with a high blood sugar level. My mom sent me 2 months worth of insulin and I am almost out. THe thing is I am not taking excessive insulin or I would be low all the time. When I read the box of my insulin it said to inject with 60 units every day. In the one box (which is "worth 2 months") there are 5 pins each with 300 units. Basically if I took 60 units a day...the box would last 25 days. I am not sure how that equals 2 months. It is frustrating because it is so expensive and I hate putting the burden on my parents. At times I just feel like not doing anything..checking or taking insulin...just cause I am tired of it. But dont worry I am taking care of myself here so much better than when I was at home. I have gotten back into the habit of testing EVERY TIME I eat and before I go to bed and I am taking all the insulin when needed. Just pray that I can continue to get under control. Thanks guys.

See yall soon!

CON AMOR :)

Oremos Chihuahua...Las Grutas...Cuatrimotos!

LAS GRUTAS

Friday all the students went to visit some caves. Yes there are caves in Chihuahua about 15 min from my house. Is that not really cool? Well even if you dont think its cool...I do :) Although it was really humid it was fun! It ended up just being us students in a group together with our guide. Not to mention he was cute :) haha sorry! But anyways there were TONS of stalagmites and stalactites! There was a part that we went through without light to get a feel of what it was like forever ago when the miners worked without light! That was a little scary. But after sweating for o about an 1 it was over and we headed downtown and hung out there all day!

OREMOS CHIHUAHUA

This has to have been one of the coolest things :) At my church this past sunday I recieved a flyer that said Oremos Chihuahua. Honestly my first thought was this kinda sounds like the God of This City event back in Dallas. I told everyone I really wanted to go. So we went! When we first got there I got the goose bumps. It was so amazing to see how many people showed up to this outdoor event. Yes it wasnt as full as the concerts I have been to here, but it was still so amazing to see everyone worshiping God. In this city there are few Christians compared to Catholics. Therefore, I didnt expect that many people to be there. When we got there, it felt just like the "God of The City" event that I went to this past spring. We all stood worship our God and praying for Chihuahua. Praying to take away the terrible violence through out the state. We prayed that there would be Justice. Peace. Joy. We all live in a lost world, but our God saves. They invited all the pastors that were there to go up on stage so we could pray for them. How powerful. God was so powerful and I felt his presence there. Then we ended with one of my favorite songs, and it happened to be the same song that "God of The City" event ended with to. And of course that would be God of The City or Dios de Esta Ciudad. Purely Amazing. I love how no matter where you go...God is there.

CUATRIMOTO

Yes thats right. Today I got to ride a 4-wheeler in the mountains of Chihuahua. Britton's family invited all the students to hang out with them today. They own a farm with land and a house but we decided to go more into the mountains to have more of an adventure! And boy did we! We drove about 2 hours on mountain road! Then we started riding the 4 wheeler. There was only one so we took turns! Ray and I drove really fast of course and the view was absolutely gorgeous! I loved it. Then we all cooked out and had a great time! However one of the trucks got stuck in the mud and sand. So we spent about 2 hours trying to get it out. Meanwhile though we climbed things, took pictures, and talked! Finally a tractor came to the rescue! It was a great adventure!

Good time in Chihuahua!

Prayer

Okay I promise this one will be short. Well at least shorter than most. I am not going to write about what I have been up to or how much fun I am having. Just wanted to talk about whats been on my mind lately.

We recently started subjunctive form of spanish. It is difficult because we dont have anything like it in English to compare to. Therefore...it is stressful. On top of that I am starting to get really stressed about where to go to college this next fall. I will be going to CCCC next spring but only for the spring. Then I will be transfering...just dont know where. I have a couple in mind but I really need Gods provision right now. I ask that you could just pray that God continues to lead me where he wants me to be. Just pray as time is nearing an end here. I dont do well with change therefore...I am not even close to being ready to leave. I feel that time has gone by way to fast. Just pray that God softens my heart and prepares me for another big change.

I also have the opportunity to go to Guatemala in the spring time. Pray that if God wants me there he will put everything in place for me to be able to go. I would love to go because it would be a chance to use my spanish. I am always looking for changes to use it. If you have any ideas of how I can keep up with my spanish when I get back let me know :)

Continue to pray for my family. Today I read my sister here status on facebook and it was discouraging. They read

"los misioneros salen al mundo a cristianizar a los salvajes, como si los salvajes no fueran ya suficientemente peligrosos" and "dicen que la fe mueve montañas, pero en realidad la dinamita ha resultado más útil"

These say that missionaries go aroud the world christianizing the savages as if they werent already dangerous enough. The other reads they say that faith can move mountains, but reality is that dynamite actually is more useful. This is discouraging and sad to see people perseption of Christians. Some people just see it as one big joke. Please help me pray for them and that I can just continue to be a light.

A little fun new...i ate cow testicles today. Yes thats right cow testicles. My family told me after I had eaten them and I cant lie but they were really good! :) I didnt get a picture though! How sad! Cause I prob wont eat them again! But hey thats okay! ANd a new baby cousin was born today! He is precious!

I just ask for Prayer right now. I am getting tired really easily and I think its just really heavy work cause I am at school from 9 to 1 and then 4 to 7. Then its dark and not much happens. Therefore its school all day. And ALL SPANISH!

Thanks for your prayers and please let me know how I can pray for you!

Me Di Cuenta Algo :)

Honestly I could sit here once again and write forever about my life right now. Its amazing and God is blessing me constantly. I am amazed by him daily.

Recently I got to go to the Circus in Mexico. Yes lets just say it was an AMAZING experience! Belen (britton) and I got to go last sunday night. The tickets were 125 pesos which is less than 10 dollars...and we sat in the front row! YES I SAT IN THE FRONT ROW AT A CIRCUS IN MEXICO! Not to mention it was my first circus to ever go to! so that made it that much better!! I got chosen to be part of an act. I WAS REALLY NERVOUS! So one of the guys pulled me into the middle and then saddled me up. I was the second person to go but basically the goal was to jump of the horse and then try and stand up. There is a video and I will be sure to post it on here. ALL yes EVERYTHING they did was part of the act! It was so much fun though! There were 3 different people that were choosen and all had the same task. However...the circus people did different funny things to the 3. At the end of the circus...after I thought everything was over with...they ask us to stand up. So we did. Then by cheering the audience had to choose who they wanted to win....I WON! haha and won 2 free VIP passes to go again! However...the next day was the last day of the circus...but Belen and I decided to go again! It was awesome! jaja and enjoy the video! Hope it makes your day!

I also wanted to let yall know that I did ask my sister to go to church with me. AND she said YES! I was so excited but then sunday came around and she was not feeling well at all. At first I was really confused and just frustrated...not with her and not with God..I guess just was really looking forward to her coming to church. However when I went to church we read Eph. 2:7-10 and in the message it reads "Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. Its Gods gift from start to finish! We dont play the major role. If we did wed probably go around bragging that wed done the saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." This immediatly reminded me that God is in control! And that everything is under his control! Now though I have no fear in asking her to go with me again!

However something that I realized a couple days ago while I was talking to my love and amazing friend Samantha. We started talking about just my time spent here and how fast life flies by. Then I dont remember how we got on the subject, but we started talking about Churches. As most of you know one of my biggest fears was having to change churches and leaving the Yard and Chase Oaks Church. This church has been a part of my life since I was born and means a lot to me. That was one of the hardest things I had to go through. I also kept thinking about when I go off to college and trying to get involved in a new church and just how hard it was going to be for me. However, I have started to realize something as I have been here. Well I have realized a lot of things but one in particular and that is my church. The first weekend I was here I went to church...not knowing anyone and just hopped in the car of one of my teachers, who I just met at that time. I was scared for a couple different obvious reasons. However, the people were so loving and welcoming! I felt welcomed and loved right when I walked even, even though my spanish was iffy. The church was really small compared to Chase Oaks. When we started worship though...I recognized so many songs that we sing at Chase Oaks and songs that I know. I felt Gods arms just wrapping over me. This church is very special to me. Basically everything that I worried about was quickly forgotten with my new church. I love going their on Sundays and seeing everyones face and just the smiles and excitement that everyone has. I also love attending the youth group on Saturdays! Everything is so much fun!

I realized that its not the "church" or the "building" but its about God and when He is being worshiped, it is all that matters. No matter where I go I will meet new people, friends, and churches. I realized that it is possible to find other churches...yes they might be compeltley different but everyone is there for the same purpose, and that is to worship God. Therefore, no matter the size, look, people, the way church is done...God is There and God is being Worshiped.

I honestly am not sure if I would have realized this if I had not come here. I have a different perspective on things and still stand here amazed at what God has done in my life. Gracias a Dios que estoy aqui ahora. :) Le extrano mi familia, amigas, y todo pero yo se que estoy aqui por una razon y por Cristo.

I love you guys ALOT!

Here is the video of me at the circus if you would like to see it.....

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=180588229852&subj=618732952#

God Spoke to Me

Once again sorry I havent updated in awhile....I have been lazy. I will try my best to keep updating. I did want to mention that I was blessed to be able to see the Maulis Family two weeks ago. Most of you know that I went to Batopilas last summer for my mission trip. This family was the family we actually helped while we were there to build a church floor. They are a BEAUTIFUL family and I honestly thought after last year that I would never see them again because getting to Batopilas isnt exactly the easiest thing....God once again amazed me and showed me his power by allowing me to see the whole family again. I see Luis everyday because he works in the school, but I finally got to see Mickey, Flor, and Victoria.

I have really been enjoying my life here. Yes a lot of it is very different than in the states, but at the same time a lot is the same. The things that are different are things that I really enjoy. Life is simple. A typical week, I wake up and walk with my mom in the mornings, eat an AMAZING breakfast, go to school to learn some espanol, take a 3 hour break where once again I eat an AMAZING lunch talk with my family and take a nap, head back to school to learn some more espanol and then basically every night is something different. These past two months there have been free concerts almost every night! The concerts are really fun and actually really popular people! Streets shut down and car park wherever they want! I love it here! Then they are all the little "puestos" which is basically really cheap good food! As students we love to go out! Then some nights its salsa dancing with my sister and others going to the movies and others just spending time with my family.

I have been blessed with an amazing family here who treats me as their daughter. They call mi corazon or heart which is translated weird but here its is someone special. I feel loved and a part of the family. I am not just somone living in the house. Every time I meet someone knew my mom introduces me as the child they have adopted for 4 months to live with them. I just smile every time I hear that. They are amazing. I am blessed. They surpised me the other night and took me to one of the concerts without telling me and then afterwards we went and ate tripas which are basically cow intestines or cow guts. I know I know sounds discusting and trust me I thought it would be...but they are really cooked and crispy and just looks like regular meat, and you eat it like a taco. I usually dont like strange foods but I must admit I LOVE IT :) If you ever get the chance....face your fears and try it! You wont regret it!

Now to my story about how God really spoke to me this past week. Thursday night I read Sara Garza's entry in my journal that my mommy gave me. It was really good to here from here, but most importantly it was exactly what I needed to here. After reading her entry there was one line that stuck out. "Rember this is not only an oppoutunity to go live in Mexico and learn Spanish...but this is an opportunity to bring Jesus to people that dont know Him. Maybe thats even the reason He is putting you there-Remember you purpose of being there!" Immediatly I thought of the family I am living with because they are not Christians...they are Cathloics. Yesterday in class I got to talk with my teacher a lot about Cathloicism because I knew that it was very different here than in the states, but boy was I shocked.

Basically they believe that "La Virgin de Guadalupe" or the mother of Jesus is more important that Jesus. Also there are 1000 of different saints that they pray to or ask for help from. All their prayers are recited and from different books or things. They believe the way to Heaven is by good works, which the bible clearly states otherwise. They believe the way to talk to God is through the saints or "la Virgin de Guadalupe" and that you cant talk to Jesus to get to God. I was very shocked about this because before I honestly didnt really understand much about this religion here just knew it was very different. Also every time someone speaks all they do is read from a piece of paper or book. It is never actually being preached....just read. Pray for Mexico and the people here who have a skewed view of God and who Jesus is. "You're the Light in this darkness...You're the Hope to the Hopeless...You're the Peace to the restless...Your the God of this City...Better things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this City." I lift Chihuhahua up to you God.

I am not sure if my family here are very strong Catholics because I have never seen my mom go to church but there are things they say and things around my house that show that they are. Here in Chihuahua the majority are Catholics and if your not anything...you just say you are Catholic. However I have seen this as a huge opportunity to share my faith with my family. There have been a couple of times where they ask me questions and I answer them with the spanish I know. I have been able to talk to them about what I learned in Church and things like that. After I read Sara's entry I knew that God was pushing me and challenging me to go further. I would love to invite my older sister to CHurch one sunday. I ask for continued prayer to push myself and for God to continue to push me. Pray along with me for the salvation of my family. Since I have read this entry I have really been pushed and have reached out more and prayed more for my family. I just ask for help in this.

I was reminded I may not every see a change in my family. I may never be able to witness the work God has used me for. But I have faith in God that he will use me just how he wants me and will continue to put people in their lives to show them who God is and what Christianity is. I just want to be a seed for God and I have no doubt he will use me and that is why I am here. Once again just pray for my strength and the salvation of my family.

We all need a little reminder from God sometimes because we can get so caught up in the routine. God spoke to me and in the past week I have already seen a change in me and the way I pray for my family and for my strength to be a light! God is GREAT! ALL THE TIME! No matter where we are at!

Love you guys very much!

God's Plans :)

Classes started today with just Edith and I because the other student in my class was sick. We decided to do something fun instead of having class! Therefore we decided to watch a movie :) I think the name was A Ladron que roba una Ladron. Of course it was all in spanish but surprisingly I understood most of it. Then after the movie was over it was time for break.

During the break we all got talking about old photos of when we were little. Ray then proceeded to tell Edith that he had a bunch of photos of me when I was little. I knew what was coming next. My slideshow that Ray made and my parents showed me at my graduation party. I decided to watch it again. And OF COURSE I began to cry. I didnt think I would, but then again I am Courtney Parlin who is very emotional! It just made me miss my family and just awwww pictures and memories. Dont get my wrong I love it here but it just reminded me of graduation. It was beautiful and will be something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

After the flowing tears, we returned to our classroom. This is when God's work began to shine and really just opened my eyes. Edith began by telling me that she understood why I had the tattoo "beloved" after seeing the slideshow even though she couldnt understand what my parents were saying. She understood how much I am beloved by my parents, friends, and most importantly God. This meant a lot to me, but that was only the beginning.

She proceeded to tell me that before she even met me, she read through my exam and talked to Greg and wasnt really sure that she liked the idea of me being in a class with others just because of the level I was at. And as she began to get to know me and realized I am only 18 years she wondered why my parents let me come here. She always wondered that about her students. She then told me that she knows that my parents have faith and trust me. They know that this is God's plans for me and that they are praying for me. She told me she could tell and see how much faith I have in God.

Now she understands that God put me in my class that I am in for several reasons. Whenever we start to talk about something in class that is sometimes a touchy subject, she is always confident that God is going to put the words in my mouth that would glorify Him and give him the praise. SHe told me "Gods always puts us right where he wants us to be. We might not understand why we are where we are right in the moment, but shortly He will begin to reveal His plans for us." We even talked about how the family I am living with right now is not christian, and how that she thinks this is a great opportuinty for them to just see how a Christian lives. Here in Chihuahua a lot of people dont have a very good perception of Christians. Therefore, for them to see me could help if anything just change their perception of Christians. God works in miserious ways. I strongly believe that what she says is so true. I have been given so many opportunities here to just let God work in my life and I am truly blessed.

She proceeded to tell me that she wants her daughters to grow up like me and that I am a light in the school to everyone, and people do notice. This blew me away. I mean I am only with her 3 1/2 hours a day speaking a completely different language (and right now, not that well). I dont see how this could be possible for her to see this in me. Quickly I remembered it is because of the ALMIGHT God that we serve. I began to cry as she was telling me all of this. God blows my mind away DAILY...right now just typing this I cant believe this. She said it is very rare to meet people like me and that I am very special and that God has great plans for me and that I will bless every person I meet and she has no doubt in that because people will see the difference in me and realized who the God is we serve. She wanted to make sure that my parents back at home knew that DAILY she is praying for me. She is praying for my safety, my health, and my walk with Christ. I couldnt have felt more blessed to be her student. She has blessed my life already in so many ways. I wish I could remember everything Edith told me, but I cant. The bottom line was that God has plans for me and that he will always lead me where He wants me to be.

Today I was reminded that God always has me right where he wants me, down to every day. I am in my classes to be a light. I am in my school to be a an example of the outstanding God we serve. I am blessed. We serve a mighty God and dont let anyone tell you differently. God has plans for you and where you are now is where he wants you to be. You may not know it now, but God will use you while you are there.

I dont write this to brag in any way and I hope it didnt sound that way. I just am blown away by God's greatness and I couldnt help but share what He is doing here in my life in Chihuahua, MX. All this glory goes to God and I wouldnt be the person I am today without Him. GLORIA A DIOS! Therefore, please dont read this as me bragging but as me showing the amazing work of God. I think I was forgetting the reason I am here and was getting caught up in the daily routine. God used Edith today to remind me why God has me here. I stand amazed.

"Walk in the paths He shows you: follow the life-map absolutely, keep an eye out for the signposts...then you'll get on well in whatever you do and wherever you go"

1 Kings 2:1 (the message)

Inauguración y La Sierra y Concierto

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to attend an Inauguraction. It wasnt just any inauguraction. For those of you who know Lirio, you know how special this place is to me. Two years ago a team from Chase Oaks Church helped build the kitchen for the older boys home. At this time there was 1 house for the older boys to sleep in. It held 16 boys. Sometime last year the kitchen was finished, but Lirio's dream was to have one more house to hold 16 more boys. However, they were not sure when this would happen because of money issues. But, God ALWAYS provides.

Because of this last week was the opening of the new boys home that now houses 16 teenage boys. There was a whole ceremony. Presenting of the flag, the national athem, and a school band played along. Then we all headed inside to here some very important people speak. However my favorite part was a slideshow that was put together to represent who and what Lirio stands for. It was a tear-jerker for sure. It showed all the different building but most importantly the kids there and their lives. Many of the kids have recently graduated and 4 are in college right now. There have been weddings and celebrations. This place is unique and special. Each one of these kids has amazing people who love them dearly.

After the ceremony we all walked outside with a balloon in hand. Mama and Papa cut the blue ribbon and we all let go of the balloons. The new home was open. All the boys were very excited to see their new home and a place where they can have more privacy. I am so proud of all the kids at Lirio. They each have a special place in my heart and have a special place in God's heart to.

This past weekend we went to Creel. A town fimiliar to me. Last year I went on a mission trip to Batopilas and it was indescribable. We stayed in the same place I did last year. It brought back many memories from our trip last year. RUTH, PHILIP, KELSEY, RAY, GREG, and I. I got to see the Elephant rock and the lake. Then we all went to the Barrancas del Cobre or the Copper Canyon. The copper canyon is by far the most beautiful thing to this day I have ever seen. Then Saturady we took an 1 and 1/2 hike to some waterfalls. I love God's creation. It seizes to amaze me. It was a great vacation with the school and I reallly loved just being in God's beauty. You would have thought we were in Mexico. Ahhh I loved loved it!

Now for the concert. This past sunday I went with my church youth group to a free outdoor concert. Little did I know that here this group is EXTREMELY popular. They are from spain and their name is La Quinta Estacion. They were awesome! There was about 6000 people there so you can only imagine how squished we are were. But none the less it was awesome! I LOVE IT HERE!

"For the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

El Grito

Okay. So I first have to apologize that I have not updated my blog in awhile. I guess I have just been a little lazy and we have been pretty busy. I am going to spare all of you and do a couple different blogs about significant events that happened in the last two weeks, instead of telling you every detail of every day. ENJOY :)

First off Tuesday el 15 de septiembre, we had a fiesta in our classes for Independence Day because we didnt have school the following wed. During our break we ate every typical mexican food it seemed like. During our break, my teacher Edith asked me if I would explain or tell the whole story of Mexico's Independence Day to everyone. This included all 4 teachers, 6 students, Ana (our secretary) and Greg and Paloma. Therefore, you could say I was just a tad bit nervous. But I SURVIVED and everyone told me I did a great job!

After classes in the afternoon, we headed to my church Mi Casa de Mi Padre to pray over Chihuahua and then to eat :) After we all headed to EL GRITO! El grito is an event in downtown Chihuahua where thousands of people gather. The governer starts the event by yelling things like VIVA CHIHUAHUA! And everyone repeats VIVA! and then VIVA MEXICO! VIVA! VIVA MEXICO! VIVA! It was a very neat experience. Then afterwards there was a firework show. I have to admit it was the BEST firework show I have ever been too. It probably lasted 45 min and there were fireworks shooting off bulidings in all directions towards downtown. Then there were these fireworks that were stationed on top of the buildings that would start spinning fireworks and were different designs and words. They all changed every so often. There was even a waterfall of fireworks off one of the builidings. Basically you should be jealous that you didnt get to experience this firework show (only kidding). It was amazing! After the fireworkshow there was a concert! We stayed and danced to some mariachi songs! I had a blast! Then the following day there was NO SCHOOL! It was also the first day I slept past 9 a.m.

I would have to say that I enjoyed Mexico's Independence Day a lot more than Americas! VIVA MEXICO! If you ever are in Mexico on the 15 of september...figure out where downtown is and go enjoy an amazing event!

I went back to lirio for the weekend :) amazing. Then monday was one of my teachers birthday. We had a cake and of course a pinata :) It was a lot of fun! I also talked with my sister Eva for over 2 hours just about everything. I love her and it was fun to actually be able to carry on a conversation for that long.

ILOVEITHERE :)

"If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously...And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Romans 12:8 (NLT)

Extrano mi familia y mis mejores amigos...pero ahora estoy en el lugar que Dios me quiere tener.

In case you didnt understand what my title meant...Its says I miss my family and my best friends but right now I am in the place where God wants me to be. I wish I could explain it better but that sentence pretty much sums it all.

Miercoles 9/9: Today was a day of encouragement. For homework the night before I had to write a one page paper. Then next day when my teacher Edith read it over I only had 2 mistakes. I was honestly shocked but proud at the same time. Then in the afternoon my teacher Laura told me that my spanish has improved termendously since I have been here. Honestly before this I wasnt sure I was learning anything or getting any better because I am around it 24/7 so its just natural. God knew what I needed to here. Thanks GOD :) Ray and I also went to the Fashion Mall to buy some clothes for one of my good friends at Lirio, Silvia. This past saturday was her 15th birthday, something every special here in Mexico. Therfore we bought here some gifts :) thanks to the help of many friends back in the states.

Jueves 9/10- Lets just say today I didnt want to learn more spanish. This was kinda unfortunate for me since I am at a Language School. haha. Therefore instead of class we went to Pancho Villas house. It def. beat having class! Then in the afternoon everyone came over to my house to have a cooking class taught by my mom! We learned how to cook paella. I cant really explain what it is but it was DELICIOUS! After class Ray and I went to Lirio to give Silvia her gifts. SHe loved them and was so thankful!

Viernes 9/11- "Remembering 9/11" Julie, Linda, Ramon y yo fuimos al Fashion Mall! Sorry random spanish thrown in there. I ate a subway, yes subway sandwich, drink, and chips for $3.75 gotta love it. We killed some time by shopping around. Then we went to see "La Cruda Verdad" or The Ugly Truth. We watched it in V.I.P which is basically amazing. HUGE seats and you can order food and everything. A little like Studio Movie Grill...but better and only for about 5 bucks. After the movie we headed to Italianissimo. Obviously an Italian restaurant where I had a ceaser salad.

Sabado 9/12- COOKING DAY! Yes basically all I did was cook. We cooked a meal in the morning like normal. Two meals in the afternoon, one normal and one for a party. Then Ramon y Linda came over to help us make 2000 yes 2000 bocadillas, which are like small sandwiches. We cooked por una boda (wedding). It was alot of work and by the end of the day we were all EXHAUSTED!

Domingo 9/13- I woke up to get ready for church but then Laura, one of my teachers forgot to pick me up. It was my fault because I didnt talk to her about picking me up. So instead I skyped with my family back home. AHHH I miss them alot. Then I practiced driving our car around Chihuahua. My family wanted to see if I was good enough to take the car out when I needed to. I PASSED! Therefore, me and my sis when to Fashion Mall to see another movie, "Reconstuyendo Mi Vida" It was very good.

Fun. Fun. FUN times here in Mexico. And wed is Independence day here so we wont have school! And tomorrow night is a going to be CRAZY. Basically the whole city with be downtown. CANT WAIT :)

I love you all very much and keep in touch. I want to know how yalls lives are going. Remember to always pursue God with all your heart.

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Genesis 28:15 NIV

Me encanta mi vida :)

Well I thought I would be updating this very often...but obviously that hasnt happend. I apologize but I will continue to do my best.

This past week was a GREAT week. Honestly it seems like every week is a good week. I am going to share with you a little about each day or the things that were significant.

Lunes- we got a new student, Linda from Switzerland and she is here for a month and is in my class :) I have really got to know her and she is really really sweet. Then my mom and I looked at pictures from Batopilas and ate filet mignon for lunch at my house. Can you say AMAZING?! Monday I had alot of doubts. Just doubts that I will actually learn spanish. Which sounds a little crazy, but satan is trying to get in my head. At this point it had only been a week, so I know things will be alright.

Martes- Classes were WAY more encouraging. My teacher Edith really encouraged me. God was using here to talk to me and tell me that I am doing well and just really lifting me up. Then tuesday night my sister Eva and I went to a drive in movie! QUE PADRE! We saw twilight..it wasnt actually a drive in movie theater but a big projector on a side of a plain wall building. It was better! Although we didnt have a car so we just sat outside while it rained! Which is seems to do EVERYDAY here. It was my sisters first time to see twilight and lets just say shes hooked. We are already getting tickets for the premire of Nueva Luna :)

Miercoles- For morning class we decided to go out and about around town just talking. A really good way to learn to communicate in everyday life. I really love the atmosphere around here and at school. Then I went to watch Ray play his tenis game, which he lost. Que triste. Then for some exercise in the evening after classes we all decided to meet up to walk around the deportiva (about 1 1/3 miles around). However its a 45 min walk just to get there so it was alot of exercise :) Then it began to POUR. So we got drenched and found somewhere to eat dinner, hoping the rain would die down. It never did so we got a taxi and headed home. First time to ever ride in a taxi. Very interesting I might add.

Jueves- For break...we ate barbacoa tacos! Que ricos. Then for lunch my family was invited over to my aunts house to eat, but not until 3:30 and so I talked to greg asking if it would be okay if I was late to my classes and he said it was fine and that my spanish was going well :) When I returned to school no one was there cause they went to eat some ice cream. So I had a good convo with are AMAZING secretary Ana. Later after my 15 min of class (hehe) Eva and I went over to a friends house to watch a movie, but before I went and saw the monument of Pancho Villas grave site. IT WAS HUGE!

Viernes- Went to the good ole wal-mart to buy a couple things. Then ate tacos camarones or shrimp tacos. They were delicious. Then ray and I made the trek back home. It only took ohh about an hour. :) Then Mama Rosa and Papa Ed from Lirio came to pick Ray and I up. I was off to one of my favorite places on earth. There is really know way of explaining Lirio you just have to go. Maybe in one entry I will just explain the way this place works. Its amazing. And Mama and Papa seize to amaze me. Did I mention they are praying about the posibility of Lirio 3 in Kenya, Africa? Well they are. Amazing.

Sabado- Basically it was the monthy clean day. This means EVERYTHING gets cleaned and deeped clean. I was put on washing down all the mattress. All the kids and I cleaned for about 3 hours. Then we basically just hung out. Later on in the afternoon we went to the boys soccer game. There were two different games. One for the younger boys and one for the older boys. They both won :) IT was muy chido! I cant really explain how much I enjoy this place and how much I love just getting to hug the kids and never wanting to let go. They are VERY special to me. And they are the reason that if its in Gods plans, I would love to adopt. Please pray for these kids and the adoption process and for you and your family and maybe the possiblity of you adopting. Trust me there are kids out there who would love to be a part of your family. I have no doubt.

Domingo- We stayed at Lirio to watch over the house and the kids that didnt go to church this sunday. Another day to love on kids while they love on you. I was only there for a short time but trust me I cant wait to go back. The kids didnt want me to leave but I know I will see them shortly and they know that too. When I got back home, my mom told me that my family here really missed me. :) I missed them too. I wouldnt change ANYTHING about my life right now and I have no doubt it is where God wants me to be.

Lunes- Another wonderful day at school. I know wonderful and school arent supposed to go together, but here they do. Trust me. During our morning class we ended up talking alot about our churches back home and the differences and our beliefs. I love talking about this kind of stuff! And we did it all in spanish! In the evening I let my family borrow my computer so they could skype with my other city in Mexico City. Evas computer doesnt have a mic or a camara so its a little difficult. To see the smile on their face when they were able to see their daughter and visa versa was amazing. It made me happy. Then after my sister Eva wrote on my wall on Facebook that she was really happy that I was her sister. I also got to talk to my amazing cousin Brian on skype. Boy do I miss my him.

Hoy- Classes were normal. I am a little sick right not. Not sure if it is a cold or alergies. I am hoping its alergies. In my morning class I got to talk alot about my diabetes and different things about my family. It was really exciting. THen for dinner, we (as in the students) decided to walk and get the most amazing hamburgers ever! They were delicious. We stayed and talked forever. It was really fun!

I want to apologize again if these entries are really long. But you dont have to read them! It is just a place where I can write about my adventures and trials while I am here in Mexico. I honestly see God here and in my life so much. He is ALWAYS faithful and will ALWAY provide. Never forget that. I love you guys and miss you. Thanks for being a part of my life story.

MI primera semana aqui :)

WARNING! WARNING!

Well since it has been a week since I have posted

...its going to be a long one!

Well tuesday was a very good day for me because I really began to be part of the family here. I talked alot with my parents here who started calling me their daughter! I also got to talk alot with my older sister who is EXTREMELY nice. I fit right it with my family! I love them. Then wed. my family and I went out to eat some tacos! Que ricos! And also me and my sister Eva are friends on facebook now :) In school on wed. we played pictionary in spanish of course! haha it was very fun and funny! I love playing games during school! Then I got to talk with my bestest friend Kelsey on skype! I miss here alot. alot.

Thursday was the really first hard day for me. I dont know why but class was just frustrating and I dont know, satan trying to kick in. I really started missing everyone. But it got better. I went to the CITY CLUB, basically Sams Club with my family to buy lots of food and then we went to My dads sister, so my tias store and they gave me a free coke and chips :) They are the sweetest. I also learned that mis padres have been married for 31 anos and were novios 5 anos antes. Que padre :) (Which means like how cool.) Camila and Guierrmos mom asked me more about my religion today. She asked me who baptized me and when I was baptized. I hope this is the start of many more conversations.

Friday NO ESCUELA :) Therefore ray, britton, and I met one of our teachers Abi downtown where we did lots of exploring and everything is decorated for Independence Day! This was my first time throughout the city. Muy Chido! (very cool) I bought a Chivas Jersey with my COURT written on the back and then we all walked for what we thought would be 20 min, for 70 min to eat Gelado, but it was worth it! If you have never tried it...do it now :) I also got to talk and see my wonderful family on skype! How I miss them terribly!

Yesterday I started the day off by cooking with my mom. But it was some serious cooking! We cooked for 40 yes 40 people! We cooked and prepared things for 2 hours. But I loved it! Every minute of it. I really got to spend quality time with my mom. We also took lots of pictures together! Then of course I took a SIESTA! Everyone needs to have one of those per day! Then it was time for youth group. We sang some songs and then the pastor spoke. I actually understood most of it! Then we all went out for ice cream together afterwards. I really love the people in the youth group they are really funny and really help me learn spanish! They make me laugh and I cant wait to get to know them even better than I already do.

Hoy! I went to church this morning with the same amazing people! It was a little harder to understand but I will get there (hopefully). After church I went home and ate with my family. You should all be jealous (not really cause jealousy is bad haha) but really because I know I am eating food that is 500x better than yours :) trust me on that one. Cada comida. Cada Dia. Then I went to the movies with mi hermana. We went to the movie theater in the mall. She paid for everything! What a great sister! I am very blessed. We saw G.I Joe of course in spanish. I liked watching it in spanish. It helps me understand more spanish because I can here the words and see the actions. Fue muy chido :) Then I went again with mi mama y papa to his sisters store where of course more food and more drinks! Then we went to my dads other sisters house where I met more family. So much family! I cant remember them all, and we all know how bad I am with names. I met someone who is 19 who is somehow related to my family here and he was very nice and said that sometime I should go and hangout with him and his friends to get to know more people and practice spanish of course! Great day!

Basically over all, I LOVE IT HERE! Yes I miss people terribly but I wouldnt change anything. God is great and loves us termendously. All the time. NO matter where we are. Who we know. Who we are. We are his beloved. And I couldnt be more thankful for that. God has blessed me with this amazing oppurtunity. Gloria a Dios. Mas escuela! Here we come. Love you guys and miss you! Stay in touch. And remember GOD LOVES YOU and you can always lean on him NO MATTER what!

Con amor.

Mi primero dia de las clases y mi iglesia!

Hola mis amigos mejores!

Let me start with church (iglesia) first. One of my teachers picked me up from my house and we went to church, La Casa de Mi Padre...The worship was amazing! We actually sung a song that I became very familiar with when I went on my mission trip to Batopilas. The song De Tal Manera is a very beautiful song and I really could feel Gods presence and really worshipped, something I wasnt quite sure that I would feel while I was here. But God is faithful and we can worship in so many ways and languages. I met a bunch of the youth there who were all VERY welcoming and actually invited me to come back that same night to look at pictures of a weekend where they went to camp. It was really neat to see that different cultures still participate in the same activities while glorifying God. I really enjoyed meeting the youth and really feels like a part of home that I miss dearly is still here. Gloria a Dios!

Y Hoy fue mi primero dia de mis clases...and to say the least...the best surprise EVER...so Greg had told me a couple months ago that there was a student from California that would be studying here...I didnt think anything of it...as we are sitting there waiting for this "mystery" student...RAY TANG...yes RAY TANG walks in the room...and most of you could probably here how loud I screamed all the way from Texas...then of course the tears start rolling...I honestly couldnt believe my eyes! I still dont know how he kept it from me this whole time we talked about me going here and everything...but it made it so much better to be a surprise! Every time I think about it, I smile. I am so happy for him cause I know he has been talking about this for years, but I am glad he waited till I was able to come here too. Its going to be a great semester...no doubt! It was going to be amazing, but now even more amazing!

As far as the classes go, I am in a class with Gregs sister Julie, and she is so sweet! And my teachers are Edith and Laura. I can already tell I am going to love them. Lots of spanish was crammed in my head today, some things I already knew, but some I didnt. I just cant believe I am finally here. I cant wait to learn more spanish and to really learn the culture because it is a huge part of me. Lots of spanish spanish spanish..it makes me want to type here in spanish but then no one would be able to read it! Well it was a great first day of school! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers! Stay in touch!

Love,

a girl loving God with all her heart and more

p.s. yesterday I read my mommys entry in my journal! I know where I get my heart to serve others from. She is a great role model and my hero. I dont know what I would do without her and of course her idea to do everything she has for me since I have graduated...especially this journal :) it is such an encouragement and i love it! I am not going to write the rest of whose I read but I want to thank all of you in advance. You truly dont know how much this means to me. Thank you!

Mi Familia

I sit here writing from my new bedroom for the next 4 months. I cant believe this day has come and gone. I have been looking forward to this day since my freshman year of high school. And I sit here today in Mexico with my new family.

The plane ride was rough. I had to say goodbye to my family who means more to me than anyone will ever know. Its weird to think I wont be seeing them for a very long time, but I guess we all have to grow up sometime, and my time is now. I got to talk with Greg before I got to my host home just about my family and the upcoming semester...so this entry might be a little long, and if you know me..you know I can write a book sometimes!

My host home is literally right across the street from Interaction! Therefore, I can sleep in extra late and just run over when school starts. I also have the advantage of having wi-fi in my home and can also get the wi-fi from the school. I am not going to be on alot but just to update my blog and such.

Now about mi familia. I am living with a Mama Rosie y Papa Luis. They have two older daughters, one who is off in college in Mexico City, and the other who lives here...but i cant spell her name and I think she is about 20! They are such a sweet family! Mama Rosie also cooks for I think its a government office on the weekends and is an AMAZING cook. I can not wait to see all the yummy food we eat. I have only been here half a day and love the food! Mama Rosies niece lives really close and she has two kids, one girl 4 and on little boy 1. Rosie told me they are over here a lot and that excites me cause we all know how much I love kids. I learned from Greg that this family actually are not Christians. Greg told me that he hopped maybe by just me living here something might happen. They fully know the school is Christian based and are totally cool with me going to church every sunday. I ask for yalls prayer and that I can be an example to my family and that God can use me to impact them. I see this as a huge opportunity and just cant wait to see how God will use me.

Tomorrow I am going to church with one of my teachers :) I also found out that Gregs sister will be in my class with me and we will have the same teachers. I am really excited about this and cant wait to meet here. Classes start monday...I miss yall and love yall very much! Keep in touch.

P.S- Today before I left my mommy told me there was a little surprise for me. I looked at it and it is a book where friends and family wrote a note to me. I cant even tell you how much this means to me. I couldnt decide at the beginning if I was going to read all of them today or what I was going to do. I figured out that what I am going to do is read one entry per day and so that I can be encouraged when times get rough and know that I have people back home that love me and are praying for me. I couldnt have been given anything more special. Todays entry was my daddy. I love him so much and thats an understatement. He means the world to me, and I couldnt be more proud to call him MY daddy!

And the journey begins....

Hey guys! Wow just surreal that I am standing here getting ready to leave...I cant believe it is 4 in the morning on the day I am leaving for Chihuahua. Before I know it I will be saying goodbye to my family, hopping on a plane, and starting a new chapter in my life. Right now I honestly dont know what to feel. I can honestly say that every emotion is running through my head...just to think I will be in a foreign country for 4 months learning a foreign language is crazy on its own! Some may say I am crazy, but I have no doubt that this is part of Gods plan for me and that he is going to use this experience to grow me, shape me, and prepare me for the future! I ask for yall's prayer. Just pray for safety and strength when times get tough and I just want to quit and come home. Please just remember me in your thoughts. I cant wait to begin this journey, but at the same time it is so hard leaving a life I have known for 18 years. My church, friends, and family have been a HUGE part in my life and without the people and the support, I wouldn't be where I am today and who I am today. So, thank you!

I love yall and this blog is just going to be a place where I can share how God is using me and working in my life and the fun adventures I will encounter on my journey! Love you guys!

If you want to send me a letter while I am in Chihuahua...heres the address

Interaction-Courtney Parlin

Republica de Cuba 516

Colonia Panamericana

Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico

CP 31200