For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
No matter what the circumstances are in our lives, or the things going on today, God has a reason, a purpose, a plan for everything. He is ALL KNOWING, ALL SEEING, ALMIGHTY, He is the BEGINNING and END to all things. Nothing gets past Him unnoticed and he knows the outcome, BEFORE the event! This is a season of "drought, a season of "difficulties", a season of "tribulation".
There is so much that God is doing in my heart. I don't know even know where to begin. I will begin by praising His faithfulness and how He has provided for Uruguay Summer Project so far! I am currently at $2,385 which is 48% (for you mathematicians) of my overall goal of $4,950 by May 19. It has been so encouraging to talk to people about what God has laid on my heart and how He has called me to Uruguay this summer. I am very excited to see what God does in and through me this summer. At the same time, I am sad and hurt. My mother was recently diagnosed with depression again. It's been hard. She's has told me that she doesn't want me to go to Uruguay this summer because she doesn't want to be alone. All I do is cry out to God. I know that He is not surprised by this and that He knew this would happen. I never doubted that this is where He was calling me to go. The most encouraging words that I've received on this issue have been from my pastor's wife at Straightway Vineyard. She reminded me that ultimately if this is where God is calling me that it is what is going to be best for my mom. I constantly have to remind myself of this. Trusting God with the bigger picture even though I can't see it is hard some days more than others. This whole situation just really has made me realize my need for Him.
This theme of season came to me as I am going through a season of friends at the moment. I was so blessed to have meet the Paidipamula family right after ending Milwaukee Summer Project last summer when I needed fellowship the most. Sunder and Joanna have been so influential in my walk with the Lord. It was from them that I learned what it really looks like to trust God. It was because of them that I ended up applying for Uruguay Summer Project. They will be leaving to India April 10 to follow the Lord's calling on their lives and to serve Him there. Currently, they are praying for God to provide abundantly so that they can purchase a land to build their home on a solid foundation. If you would like to read more about this, please click here - Paidipamula House Update
 |
| Joanna (on the left), Anaya (in the middle), Sunder (on the right) |
This includes:
- Getting to know my fellow teammates and staff
- Informational meetings about our specific ministry location
- Training on developing a team of ministry partners
The 3 weeks ahead will be hard emotionally. Also, I must confess that I have fears going into this Project. People think that it is within my comfort zone to go to Uruguay because I speak Spanish. The truth is I fear falling in love with this beautiful country. Part of me is scared of what God may call me to do after this summer. Specifically, after I graduate Marquette whether it is going into the workforce, interning with CRU with Here's Life Inner City in Milwaukee (urban ministry) or STINTing in Uruguay. I know that God in His perfect timing will reveal His plan and what it is that I am suppose to do. It's hard not to think about it though when everyone and by everyone I mean everyone asks you what are you planning on doing after you graduate. Part of me wants to be like I'll let you know when I have an answer.
I just want to say gracias (thank you) for all your prayers, encouragement, support, and love! I will be updating this as much as I can when I am in Uruguay. I am hoping for at least once a week. Expect an update after Kingdom Called!
Prayer requests:
1. For me - Trusting that God will provide and for peace about the future as well as being willing to be vulnerable with other CRU women about what is really going on in my heart
2. For my mom - For her depression and that she would see her need for God and for healing
3. For safe travels to Kingdom Called
4. For God to continue moving in the hearts of men to apply to Uruguay. On Wednesday, three more men were accepted! It is so cool to see God answer our prayers! As of right now, 9 women (including myself) and 4 men will be going to Uruguay this summer with our Summer Project Directors Karen and TJ and Sara will be staffing our Project.
