Updates!

 Hey everyone - if anyone still comes to check the blog!  I know I haven't updated in a while, I have been doing newsletters!  If you are interested in receiving them please send me a message and I can add you to the list!  

lots of love, 

kayla

July

So the power has gone out… again.  This has been a daily occurrence for the past while; the internet has been spotty not loading quickly or sometimes at all; so much of my life, particularly this past year and a half, revolves around having electricity.  For work, communication, free time, for tea (how I love my electric kettle *swoon).  Often, when the power goes out i find myself constantly checking to see if it has come back (sometimes it’s a few minutes and other times hours), flicking the light switches to check, regretting not boiling the kettle, feeling the need to check the fridge – but knowing I need to keep it shut to preserve the temperature, wondering how long I will be disconnected, focused on the waiting.  Waiting for it to come back. 

One day, I decided I didn’t need to sit around waiting for electricity, I could do other things, better things!  Like clean the house (that one is usually a hard sell), garden, read a book, or use it as an excuse to go for a walk.  Utilize this gift of disconnect vs. obsess about all the things i was “missing.”  Often I will find myself feeling guilty or discouraged, that I’m not doing enough,  beating myself up about not being ‘busy enough’ equating that to validity – how productive have I been?  How can I measure my worth?  Why do I feel so unmotivated, but at the same time want to do so many things,  but not knowing where to start or allowing discouragement to come in and remind me of all my short comings and lack.  Feeling so fickle and inadequate, comparative and nitpicky, striving for perfection while knowing that it is impossible…  then wondering why I am so tired!

This season has had so many ups and downs, in some ways it’s like my regular life, metaphorically, has gone out – like my electricity.  My schedules, routines, coping mechanisms, hobbies… just about everything has been affected and it’s hard.  It’s hard, and exhausting, confusing, and for my little social butterfly heart, lonely.  And yet, I know the power will come back on.

“Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest. Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
preparing the way for his steps.” - Psalm 85: 12-13

PRAISE/ PRAYER

• 
  My friend, Mrs. H had a brain aneurism and is currently in the hospital, I have known her almost my whole life, if God chooses to take her home, please pray for comfort for those of us still here who will miss her dearly.
  
  
• My new volunteers are here, they are just finishing up language study and next month will be starting in their project.  They had a healthy baby girl in April (one month after arriving here!).   It has been a very busy 4 months – especially since it was only confirmed they were coming 3 days before their arrival!  The learning curve has been steep, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow.  Please keep the family in prayer as they navigate their new schedules, project, family and social life.  For protection, grace, and abundant blessing.

  

  The family with the pastor of their project
  

  
  
  
  
  
• One of my Costa Rican friends has foot surgery on July 15, pray that they are able to remove all problematic tissue and he is able to make a full recovery.
  
  
• I am learning about trust in this season, and would appreciate prayer for comfort, wisdom and safety.  I am happy to report that I have been sleeping a bit better than the previous months, which is wonderful – may the restful sleep continue!
  
  
• I've run into some friends from my dance class (which I haven't been able to attend since pre-pandemic).  I also ran into a friend who I haven't seen in TEN years!! Last time I saw her she was single and moved to Argentina, well now as it turns out she lives 4 blocks away from me with her 2 daughters (one of whom is needing medical attention for a developmental issue).

"God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.  They’re created new every morning.  

How great your faithfulness!  I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over)....

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times." 

- Lamentations 3:22-27 (MSG)

Where's the Zeal?

The other day I sat down at my table and, like I do before just about every update, I pulled out a blank sheet of paper and started going through my calendar and journal to see what happened since I last wrote; what stands out?  Writing down the highlights and lowlights and then taking some time to pray about what to share.  This time the list was kind of dull, I thought “do people really want to hear about all the meetings, conferences, trainings, meetings, retreats, meetings, administrative responsibilities and dare I mention *smirk*… the meetings that I’ve participated in, led, and helped develop?”  Perhaps…but I don’t want to tell you about them!  Heehee!  Instead, I decided that with all the stresses, fear, negativity and just disappointments  I would take the time to make a list of things I love, a gratitude list, if you will – one thing for everyday until Christmas!   Initially, my intention was to share it with you, but as I wrote and wrote… and wrote and wrote, I looked back and thought that while I’m very happy to share with anyone and everyone things that I am grateful for it could be nice to give you the chance to make your own list – instead of reading mine.  What are you grateful for?  What are 3 good things that have happened this past week?  What is worth celebrating? 

Celebrating?! Kayla aren’t you aware we’re in a pandemic, we’re locked up, our hands are tied, people keep telling us what we can and cannot do… this is a nightmare and not worthy of celebration!!

Yes,  we are in a less than ideal time.  Yes, there are plenty of reasons to have a case of the sads, the grumpies, the bitters… but also, through these things reasons for joy, hope and community have emerged!  Now this is by no means a shame on you for having some rough times, mental health is important and I too go through the different stages of grief on quite a regular basis.  I have beat myself up for feeling sad and bored while people have literally lost all their belongings in hurricanes, have lost loved ones, don’t have a safe place to go, are displaced, don’t know where their next meal is going to come from.  Even thinking about it now, my heart breaks.  I wish I could fix everything, help everyone and basically make everything better…but spoiler alert… I can’t.  I’m not God and this isn’t heaven.  Things will never be perfect here.

People will fail.
There will be injustice.

However, does that mean we throw in the towel and call it quits?! …. Yes!?…..kidding!  NO!! Of course not!!

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer!” - Romans 12:10-15

It is easy to feel kicked around, beat up, exhausted and discouraged - especially this year!  Certain coping techniques and outlets for stress and frustrations aren’t available, so how am I supposed to be joyful, keep my fervour and not lose my zeal? 

By loving on others!  How could you honour someone else today? 

I have reflected on the difference a year can make,  365 days ago, I was in a very different place – physically.  However, emotionally, spiritually I can see how what I experienced and foundations that were laid  have helped me during this time.  Hindsight is 2020 and I already know that when we look back we will see the blessings that have been poured out in this mind boggling, heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster of a year! 

On that note, here are 3 good things that have happened this last week:

1. I now have a bike!  It belongs to the agency but I’m the caretaker and sole rider at the moment!
2. I got to spend like 2 hours talking to my grandparents the other night, and grandpa’s hearing aids were working perfectly!  I didn’t even have to raise my voice for him to hear me once! (Usually, I have to yell into the phone for him to hear me)
3. My mum’s Annual Baking Fundraiser has started!!! It’s always really encouraging for me to see all the response and support.  It makes me feel so loved and excited about what God is doing, how He works and just generally I’m happy people get to enjoy the delicious goodies made with love.  The first year my mum started it, she didn’t mention anything about it until she called me to tell me she was putting  a little something extra into my account!  Now many of you know, I absolutely adore (good) surprises!  The downside with loving them so much, is that I’m constantly thinking about them, aware of surprise opportunities/possibilities!  This makes pulling one over on me very difficult!  However, she got me good, it was a 2 x 1 surprise; I was completely blindsided (in the best way! – made me cry, I felt so loved!)  AND I got a little extra boost in the funding department!   If you are interested in checking out the order form click the link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/203869554553757 check out our Facebook group where there are some pictures and info on how it all works!

Prayer:

• Central America and parts of South America were hit by 2 hurricanes last month.  People who have already lost family members, community, and supplies were further displaced.  The damage is gut wrenching!
• For deep rest,  I have been struggling with sleeping well.
• We have a family coming out on Stride, Lord willing, mid February.  I would appreciate prayer for wisdom so I can do all the prep work.  The family is coming with 2 small children and one in the oven!  So it will be exciting and definitely something new for me, the learning curve will be steep I’m sure!  I am excited and a tiny bit nervous.
• Discernment would be great as I look into moving my blog to a more updated platform.  The factors are different now, and change is almost always hard.  Pray for strength, haha, nd decisivness.  It seems silly to ask for prayer about this, but I sensed I should so there it is :) 

How are you?

What a concept eh?  How many times have you heard some form of “how are you?”  It’s usually how we greet one another… for me it can carry the stigma of ‘do they really want to know or are they just being polite?’ Do I give the easy concise response or attempt to share…

“I’m bad… but good… but not great… but actually I’m generally happy… actually ask me again in 15 minutes and lets see where I’m at then!”  Some days it can feel like a teeter totter, ups and downs and occasionally you find the ‘sweet spot’ of being perfectly balanced in the middle.

Ah the joy of having feelings! Am I right?

When I sat down to figure out what to share in this update three words came to mind: 

- Faithfulness

- Social

- Opportunities

“...then Jacob awoke from his sleep & said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it.” - Genesis 28:16

This passage has been on my heart for a few weeks now and the other day I went in and read the whole chapter and was like “oh wait, that’s not originally the vibe I presumed’  I thought it was going to be something romanticized about how much God loves us and how He’s always around *cue cheesy Christian music, add a glossy soft light shining down from heaven.  Then, today I was processing it again and realized that this chapter relates to the words that came to mind when I pondered on what to write for this month’s update!

Faithfulness – For those of you not familiar with bible stuff, Jacob is kind of a deviant – actually lets just call it what it is he’s a sneaky sneak who is, on the whole, not a super great guy – he stole from his brother, tricked his dad, has mommy issues and honestly probably didn’t even have a great beard (his brother Esau was the hairy one, Jacob was like your dainty, soft hands, not the one you want helping you carry the couch – to go in for a second Friends reference he was the Chandler when they had to carry Ross’ new couch).  AND YET, even though Jacob deserves literally nothing God still is going to give Jacob the land he was promised, he’s still going to be with him… he’s STILL going to use Jacob’s family line to bless the entire world! What?!? God are you serious?? This guy?? And yet God says “all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.  What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” (v14-15).  Jacob deserves nothing, he’s broken quite a few commandments, who knows if he’s even repented yet and still God isn’t throwing him back…He remains faithful, even when Jacob isn’t.

Social – What a weird word to have come at you right? Wrong!  One of the things that I have found to be both refreshing and stressful is the amount of alone time with Kayla this pandemic has cultivated.  She’s great don’t get me wrong, but also… she’s not that great haha! I am quite a social lady and the lack of physical visiting has definitely brought on a variety of emotions.  Yet, in all of it i have God reminding me that He’s around and that He will not leave, no matter how many times I fail on the simplest of things. “I am with you” (v15).  Even though I don’t get to be as social as I would like, I am not alone.

Opportunities – There are so many great opportunities that have been coming out of this season, I have been able to continue to learn how to rest, reconnect with people (local and abroad).  I have been able to work through times of anxiety, panic and stress, learning to literally ask myself “okay, where is God in this?” confront my fears and practice giving them to God then trusting He will take care of it - easier said than done, but poco a poco :)  Aside from my personal spiritual journey I have been invited into the journies of many others,  with the restrictions and lock downs, not being able to go out I have gotten to know my neighbours on a deeper level,  I am taking advantage of a ton of online courses and resources and putting a lot of the new knowledge straight to use!

 

So I'm reading through these passages, making connections, judging Jacob…because obviously I would never behave so heinously, until it dawns on me… “hmm…I think…I am…Jacob…... Kaycob!"  What a disappointing and sobering punch to the gut; I've lied, I've sneaked, I can’t grow a sweet beard…

How embarrassing!   

So, what’s the take away, what can you add to your bank of knowledge and reflect on when times are tougher?  Well, we are deeply loved by God, we don’t deserve it!  Yet, He loves and wants us, He is faithful.  He wants to spend time and be social with us and He is constantly giving us opportunities to participate in what He’s doing.  If you beleive and trust those things, what would it look like in your day to day?

 

Praise:

• opportunities for training and study.
• I’m very grateful for good friends and easy conversation

Prayer:

• One  of the pastors that I work with (Pastor M) just let me know that his whole family has been experiencing Covid symptoms, thankfully the family seems to be doing well and now he is the only one with heavier symptoms – pray for healing for him and his family, and continued support.  He runs a church in a low income area and since the pandemic started has been organizes and giving out food to families in need.
• Thank you for your prayers, I pray that this week your hearts with find rest and you will be able to find joy in your day to day. 

"I'm not doing anything…" a small persistent voice continues …"I must do, and therefore be…”

 

 ^“But the Lord said to her, ”My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 – Luke 10:41-42

For those of you unfamiliar with Bible stuff basically what happened is there were 2 sisters, Mary and Martha, who had invited Jesus and his entourage to their house.  Martha was frantically racing around worrying about all the preparations; her sister Mary was supposed to be helping her but instead had escaped to go and listen to Jesus’ talk (teach).  Martha was understandably upset – imagine having 15 or so dinner guests (one being The MESSIAH- literal saviour of the world!) and you’re responsible for feeding them! So Martha went to Jesus and complained about Mary’s lack of help and the above was Jesus’ response to her.  (If you want to read the whole story, click here)

We are in a time where it is very easy to get caught Martha-ing, trying to get everything done (or even panicking because we’re not doing enough!), to fill our time, to be ‘productive’ and sadly we can overlook the opportunity we have been given

to sit.

To breathe.

To simply be present. 

Sitting at Jesus feet doesn’t look like filling your schedule full of online sermons, bible studies, meetings, devotionals, etc…  It’s giving yourself space and the freedom to listen, to release your tight grip on wanting to control and know and plan and look like you’re being productive.  Mary wasn’t worried about the kitchen; she was solely focused on Who was right in front of her.

What are your kitchen preparations?

What is causing you anxiety? What are you striving for?  What are you trying to do, when you simply need to take a page out of Mary’s book and be present with Jesus?  What would that look like for you?

----------------------------

I can’t believe I haven’t updated in almost a year!? Where does the time go?! If you asked last year Kayla how she thought the next year was going to play out I can assure you she had no idea what was in store!  She didn’t know of the challenges she would soon face, the crippling fear, that feeling of having the rug pulled out from underneath you…

These past 11 months have known brokenness, loss, fear, sadness, frustration; I have felt misunderstood, criminalized, betrayed…simply put, I have hurt, deeply.  And yet! Through all of it there has been joy, not the superficial smile on your face no tears kind of joy but rather real joy, the joy that comes from knowing who the God I serve is, knowing that He will work things out for good, knowing that no matter what happens He won’t leave me, He sees me and knows my needs, He loves me!

I have had to learn to let go, to really release the desire to control, to know what’s going to happen next, and instead, like Peter walking on the water keep my eyes focused on Jesus and keep moving forward, towards Him.  Scary, but also invigorating!

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of it. -Mark Twain.

We are allowed to feel fear, but we are not to let it control us.  Death has been defeated, Jesus has conquered, and we can trust Him!

Praise:

-          While there were many roller coasters, I had an amazing time at home in Canada.  I was able to reconnect with so many friends and family.  It was really encouraging

Prayer:

-          Like the rest of the world Costa Rica has also been affected by the pandemic and are currently preparing for an increase of cases as many foreigners have breached the border and entered.  It is said that many were carrying the virus.

-          I was recently given the opportunity to do a Global Sofa with Latin Link and share a little bit of my experience so far:

-          For continued protection and blessing – emotional, spiritual, and physical

-          If you need to talk, or just someone to listen please feel free to contact me, I would love to pray with you and hopefully bring some encouragement.

In You.

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust…. “

That is the first verse in Psalm 25, it sounds  nice and spiritual, perhaps simple and easy, yet when it comes down to it - when it’s gut check time, something,  I think, we all struggle with on some level.   As a general blanket for everything we can say “Yes, I trust the Lord”  but what about when we get into the nitty gritty…

In you, Lord my God,  I put my trust …to take care of my family, even though my husband and the father of our young children has just passed away…

In you, Lord my God,  I put my trust to in this uncertainty of my husband cheating on me and asking for a divorce…

In you, Lord my God,  I put my trust to guide me to pick the right path for my future…

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust when my passport and all my documents, cards, and cash gets stolen before trying to board a flight to Costa Rica…

In you, Lord my God,  I put my trust even though my father has just passed away and I’m not sure he knew you…

In you, Lord my God,  I put my trust in the processes that seems to be never ending…To keep me safe and provide for me… To keep my family healthy and taken care of… To save my friends and family who don’t know you… In the uncertainty… In the vulnerability? 

These past few months I’ve watched friends grieve loved ones, struggle to make decisions, been hurt on such a deep personal level, deal with loss and crisis.  There’s confusion, sadness, frustration, fear, and yet in the midst of it all – if we go back to Psalm 25,  there’s verse 3:  “No one who hopes in You [God] will ever be put to shame…” 

It may not always be easy, but I’ve seen His faithfulness, not just in my own life but in each of the above examples I’ve seen the Lord comfort, guide, bring joy, healing, and clarity.  To love on each and every one of my friends in their struggle.  1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The One who has called you is faithful…”  He is trustworthy and He never abandons us, even though we may feel lonely, confused or like no one understands what we’re going through.  He does and He will not let those who love and trust in Him be put to shame!

Can I get an amen?!


The month of May!  Some would say May is the best month!  Those people would be correct!  This year May brought me not one but TWO visits from some dear friends, it was so nice to see each of them and get out of the city to enjoy the beauty that is Costa Rica!  AND of course what is May without celebrating my birthday!

June, while lovely, still cannot be trumped by May *swoon.  June started off a bit rocky with me getting food poisoning and being pretty sick for about a week.  A little mandatory bed rest, was actually kind of nice, to be honest.  Then we had a past Strider, Jana, come out and visit – it was so nice to see her and reconnect

Now, we are into July and my 2019 Step team has just arrived on Tuesday morning.  They’re super delightful and I’m really looking forward to getting to know them better and seeing what God does in each of their lives while here and in the future!  Here’s the link their updates (there should be about 1 a week): https://www.latinlink.org.uk/blog/report-1-05072019







Prayer/Praise

1. Step team – for their health and safety, morale (they’ve only got ice cold water for showering), and that they would experience God in new ways, be encouraged, challenged and see growth!
2. CANADA!!! – That’s right Canada, I’m coming for you!  I’m looking forward to renewal and refreshment!  

It's Gonna be May!

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

 and you will find rest for your souls” 

Hello hello my friends, no I have not forgotten about you! I have just been all over the place.  The verse above is Matthew 11:28-29 and really resonated with me this morning as I sat down to fill you in on all my comings and goings from the past few months.  Sometimes, life can feel so overwhelming there are so many things to get done, so much busyness, things grabbing for your attention, stress, wanting to be that person who can help everyone but knowing and having to accept your limits, comparison,  realizing that community is positive and wonderful but also comes hand in hand with conflict and frustration, dealing with the reality that many things are out of your control – you can fill out the right forms, communicate clearly, hand things in on time but at the end of the day you just have to wait and pray…

It’s easy to feel beat up, discouraged, not good enough especially if you forget to keep yourself yoked (aka connected) to the Lord.  God uses the Bible to literally tell you “Come to me.”  The Message (a translation of the Bible that uses a more contemporary language) says:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

I don’t know about you, but when I read that first opening I was like “Tired? Yes… Worn out? Yes… Religion? YES!!!” An escape with the Lord and real rest sounds pretty appealing at the moment!  So maybe you’re asking, “great where do I find the Lord and get me some rest?!”  Well, the easiest place is none other than the Bible! Taking some time to go through the Bible and apply what you’re reading; to recognize that your worth doesn’t come from what social media or others say, but rather, recognizing that you are  “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14)  God made you special!  There is purpose for you!  You were meant for something meaningful! Huzzah!! You’re on the road to rest!

These past few months I have been to camps, conferences, meetings, evaluations, traveling…

…visiting host families and mentors,  becoming part of the mobilization team leadership for the Missions Cooperation in Costa Rica (CMC)…

…Assisting a young family dealing with the husband/father’s aggressive cancer, more meetings!  Hosting visitors, keeping up to date with my striders, prepping for the Step teams and new Striders!   

Being in a wedding party, tending the garden, getting myself a flight to Canada! Not to mention English classes, translating for a visiting team from Canada, doing some conflict resolution… ooh! Dare I go on?!?

It’s no wonder I’ve been feeling a little tired…all the more reason to celebrate that my friend is coming on Saturday to take me to the beach for 5 days!!!  She surprised me last week! As someone who struggles to vacation this couldn’t have come at a better time!

PRAYER & PRAISE! 

• After 7 years of pain with a glomus tumour (not dangerous, just painful) in my thumb I was blessed by a kind member of my LAM family donating Photo Light Therapy to me so that, Lord willing, I will no longer have to deal with the piercing pain and distracting discomfort!  I started my first session yesterday!  Please pray for complete and speedy healing,

• For safety during my impromptu minibreak next week, may it be a time filled with joy, real rest, refreshing!

• For the many refugees who are without homes and food, particularly those coming to Costa Rica from Nicaragua and Venezuela.  May the Lord show me how to get Latin Link Costa Rica involved!

• Continued safety and growth for our Striders as they continue to learn how to navigate being in a different culture and all that that entails.  May they continue to search for God in all circumstances and be open to what God is trying to teach them!

Thank you again for being so wonderful! I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to support and connect with me!  If you are in the lower mainland I will be there, Lord willing!!!  So if you’d like to hang out, introduce me to your pastor, have me speak at an event or really anything else  let me know and we can put something in the books!   May the Lord bless you and keep you safe!  I’m really looking forward to seeing many of you in a few months time!

Big hugs!

Here I am vs. There You Are

Today, I was reading a book and it was talking about leadership and integrity and the idea of here I am vs. there you are; how many leaders walk into a room and are looking to be seen, noticed, to be appreciated (here I am!) – all natural desires but yet the Bible teaches us that Jesus came to serve, not to be served and how as leaders we should be focusing on others – how can I help you? What is the best for everyone?  Putting others above yourself…
I can remember a time quite a few years ago, I was working in a community  and one of the leaders came to me and said there was a small group coming to visit/serve us for the day and what were some activities they could help me with.  I thought about it and said “to be honest, right now the biggest blessing would be for them to help pick up all the garbage around the yard” it wasn’t a glamorous job, but it was genuinely one of the most pressing things needing to be done.  To my surprise I was briskly told that that was not an option and how could I even suggest that so and so pick up garbage!  Apparently, they were big donors and very important people – even the notion was preposterous to this leader.  I don’t remember what they ended up doing but I do remember feeling discouraged and confused… “weren’t they coming because they wanted to serve?”
It made me think about  ministry life and whether or not I fall into the here I am category, I thought about a conversation I had just yesterday where someone was telling me about a leader and their attitude – it’s something people really do notice, once you look past the ‘glamour’ of the spotlight.  Reality is, I think, we can all fall into the here I am category, it’s natural.  It’s not about judging others but rather being aware that we are human and sometimes we suck...but doesn’t that make the whole notion of grace and forgiveness that much more impressibe and valuable?!  I mean we screw up all…the…time!  Well, at least I do!  Yet, Mr. God still loves us, still hangs around to cheer us on and pick us back up… pretty exciting no?!

2018 wrapped up pretty nicely for me and 2019 has been off to a delightful start!  Back in November I finished up the Perspectives course (I passed! Woohoo!) it was a great experience and I had a wonderful time learning and making new friends.

My brother and future sister-in-law came the day after my last class and toured me aaaall around Costa Rica!  It was so much fun!  I love them so very much, it was a great way to unwind after a stressful semester!  I could go on and on spamming you with pictures but I will spare you! (mostly because my phone/computer and the internet are being difficult)

I spent Christmas and New Years here with one of my Tico families, which is always a good time!

January has been great so far!  A week ago, I went and picked up our latest Strider from Switzerland – haha well I didn’t pick her up from Switzerland, just the airport!  She’s here!  She’s absolutely delightful …may I present to you *cue drum roll* Zoe!!! 
Please keep her in your prayers as she picks up some more Spanish and settles into her new position in a local elementary/high school where she will be working with children with disabilities!

This past weekend I represented Latin Link at a youth conference called CIMA and it was super successful and a great testament to what a dork I am, can you even believe that I was discouraged at the beginning, feeling like people wouldn’t want to talk to me or care about the cool stuff God does through Latin Link?!  So ridiculous!  He proved me very wrong!  I literally had someone come racing up to the table and tell me she had been waiting for me to show up all week (the conference had started on Monday and I was doing the booth on Saturday) because it was exactly what she’d been looking for!  She told me part of her testimony and I told her all about what we do…*swoon* it was so amazing – I tear up basically every time I think about it, because it’s just like .. how amazing is God?!

What’s next you ask!
Well, next week I will be helping in the kitchen for the youth camp at church, then starting in February Zoe will move into her host family home, we’ve got the annual Latin Link Central America South (haha yes! It’s a mouthful!) conference, THEN I’ll spend the following weekend serving in the young adult camp for church (games team).  Aside from all those fun things, I also have my wonderful administrative duties, discipling, we’ve got TWO Step teams coming this year, plus I’ve got some Stride profiles to find opportunities for, plus I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of English students I have piling up...but all of that is nothing compared to the very exciting event and creator of joy within the Chandler family that is, the wedding of my baby brother later this year!!!!

2019 is shaping up to be an excellent year!  As always, I’m super grateful and blessed by each and every one of you who support me whether by faithfully praying, keeping in contact, financially supporting me, and all of the other ways you make me feel loved and cared for.  I am truly blessed!

Big hug!

PS.  It looks like the blog doesn't automatically send out updates anymore, so if you would like to be notified please send me a quick email or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see when new stuff is posted :)

I bring you good news of Great Joy!

That’s how the Gospel starts!  So why can’t it be the start of my blog right?  If it’s good enough for Jesus it’s good enough for…well.. it’s probably too good for me, Jesus is perfect and way more awesome than I!  But Jesus lives in me and he loves me (and you!) and because of Him I too have great joy and good news!  On with the show!
So the other day I got a message from someone saying that they check the blog weekly only to be disappointed that I haven’t uploaded anything!  I was so embarrassed, it has been something on my To-Do list that just keeps getting put off..that ends TODAY! 
In the past few months I have been all over the place: visiting potential project sites, setting up for my new Striders (one came last month and another is coming, Lord willing, in January!) , I started the Perspectives course a few months ago so there’s been lots and lots of studying!  I’ve been up to Canada and back! There have been baby showers, babies, weddings, engagements, a few funerals,   MY BIRTHDAY!  Sooo much English (there has been a large request for clases con Kayla)!  God is really allowing me to work in a lot of different areas in a variety of ways!

^{(my birthday pizza, some prayer at my info night – I'm in the middle there somewhere, Perspectives course group shot)}

^{(Some of my family, representing Ticolandia, working hard, prepping for Ariana!)}

^{(family and friends in the Mother land)}

^{(part of the Latin Link CR team, CARPIO, send off for one of the girls from the Costa Rican church)}

 PRAISE/ PRAYER

• 
• Our lovely Swiss strider (Ariana, pictured right) arrived last month!  She’s been here in San Jose studying Spanish; this weekend I will be moving her up to her project site (about 3-4 hours away).
• Costa Rica could use some serious prayer, we’re over a month into the national strike over the fiscal plan – it has included marches, road blocks and a lot of misinformation has been given, sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe.
• I have quite a few new English students (one of whom asked to learn more about the Bible so we take an extra 30-60 minutes after her class to read and learn about God) which for me has been really interesting to see the Gospel through the eyes of someone with no prior experience/knowledge.  She asks a lot of great questions – which are usually super profound and thought provoking – it’s a lot of fun.  You can pray that God would really open her eyes and allow her to fully see all that God is doing in her life, that she would develop a genuine and deep relationship with God and continue to flourish.
• My friend Ron, went home to be with the Lord.  It’s bitter sweet, because while I know he is in heaven, living it up I still miss him down here.  He was always so kind and supportive; he was usually the first person to comment on any updates/ pictures to tell me what a great job I was doing and how proud he was, he was so encouraging and made me feel like I could do no wrong!  I’m very lucky to have had a friend like him!  Please pray for his family and friends during this difficult time, that the Lord would fill them with joy and comfort in knowing that he really is in a better place.   In memory of Ron, why not tell someone how special you think they are today!

On that note I bid you adieu but not before telling you that I appreciate each and every one of you!  I would not be able to do what God allows me to do here without the loving support and care of those of you out there who keep me well covered in prayer.  I’m so grateful for the friendships, encouragement and privilege I have to be cared for so deeply!