Yummy No Bake Cookies

1 Stick of Butter
1/4 Cup of Evap Milk
2 Tbsp Cocoa
1/2 C. peanut Butter
2 1/2 C. Oats
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 C. Sugar

Cocoa and Evap milk mix
Melt Butter in it
Heat for a minute + (Stir continually)
Add sugar and heat til sugar dissolves
Add vanilla
Add peanut butter and take off heat
Add oats

LKL - Christian Singer Jennifer Knapp Comes Out - Pt. 1/4

Panama 2010

(February 19-27,2010)
I cannot believe how much time has passed since the Panama Missions trip. It seems like yesterday I was packing and unpacking my suitcase a gazillion times trying to make sure I had everything I needed and then wondering if I had packed over my weight limit.

When I first got back from Panama, so many people came up to me asking me how my trip was. Did I have fun? Every time I hesitated to answer, no matter how many times I had been asked before. I always asked myself, “How do I tell them, fun is not the term I would use, but it was still the most incredible experience of a lifetime.” The last impression I wanted to give my people back at home was that this was some vacation with a group of friends.

Some have heard me mention Panama was not my first missions trip. I had the privilege of going to Argentina, South America 10 years ago. So, Panama was not really a HUGE cultural shock for me. More of a huge reminder to that wake up call I received 10 years ago. However in Argentina, I came back to a hotel with a shower each evening. Not to mention, running water everyday! I am embarrassed to admit, that after going to Argentina, and experiencing such a life changing ordeal… being compelled to change my life and not take for granted the things that I have and still do…I did slowly forget and fall back into my surreal mind set of how I live my life. Panama was a firm refreshment and brought my mind back to reality again.


The first few days of our trip was somewhat special for me. I got to experience something I least would have expected. Especially on this missions trip. Thanksgiving was when I told my kids that I wanted to go to Panama. They wanted to know why I wanted to go. So I told them about the Guaymi Indians. Their little minds were learning about the pilgrims and indians at school....so they were THRILLED their mother was going to meet and help the pilgrims, HA! Around Christmas time, it was final that I was going to Panama. I was super excited and sharing with my mother’s side of the family my plans. My grandma Stimach, to my surprise shared with me that I had a third cousin who was a missionary in Panama. I knew right away she was talking about Ms. Judy because I had met her at the last 3 family reunions we had in Estes Park and South Dakota. But I didn’t know what type of missionary or where…..I guess I just don’t automatically connect Christian with missionary. A lot of good people do amazing work that don’t know the Lord. Anyhow, I immediately connected with Judy on facebook in pure excitement, to tell her I was coming to Panama and I wanted to know more about where she was at. She did live in Panama City and not too far from where our group would be staying at Ancon Hill. So we made plans to meet Saturday the 20th for a mini family reunion. Wahoo! What is even more crazy, is that Judy has been a long time friend of Pastor Kirk and Yvonne Jones. (Who are long time friends of Pastor Roy) I mean, seriously what are the chances of this. Well, it gets even crazier. Judy’s brother Bob, who would also be my third cousin, is the pastor of Crossroads Bible Church…the church where we went Sunday the day before we left for San Felix. Both Judy and Bob are the niece and nephew of my precious Great Grandma Schneider. Bob’s son, Steve gave the message Sunday morning. That would make him my fourth cousin, I believe. And of course his young kids would be my fifth cousin relatives. I have decided to just call Judy “Aunt Judy” …because as you can see, it just gets so complicated explaining our family tree. She’s ok with that. I think, lol. Who gets to meet that many generations of family. Maybe I am crazy, but I found it awesome!!! I was more blessed by the fact that I got to share it with my group of friends from church. This was an incredible way to spend my 28th birthday!


(Judy and I at the Panama Canal)


As for the rest of the week…it was my first camping experience. So I got a small wake up call with how much I should appreciate a warm shower, running water, and most of all a flushing toilet. Going without is what I needed and think we all need from time to time. I just don’t appreciate what I have until it is taken away. And to be honest…even in Panama, I didn’t go without as much as I could have. I still had shoes on my feet and an air mattress to sleep on. I say this with amazement...but I watched a mother lay her baby in the midst of the rocks next to the river while she bathed and did her laundry. It looked so uncomfortable, but that baby was completely out! Everywhere you walked, there were kids sprawled out on the gravely ground napping. Lol! And I complain about my bed being uncomforable, Lol!


(It was hard complaining about my feet hurting...I had shoes)



(I couldn't quite get myself to bathe in that river...So, Lucy kept me busy)



San Felix

When we finally reached San Felix, approaching that crazy steep hill, this camp was flooded with Guaymi everywhere. Their eyes were glued to our vehicles, glaring at us
through the windows. As if we were the most amazing creatures they ever set their eyes on. Their faces were firmly solace and didn’t change expression much….but if you looked at them and smiled refusing to change your expression, eventually they would crack a smile….and it was a glorious smile at that. If there is anything I will remember on this trip…it is their smiles. While driving back to our camp site, getting my first visual of my future home for the next 5 days … the overwhelming thought hit me. “What in the world am I doing here?” Look at all of these people. Look at all of these kids and babies. I don’t think it was the atmosphere that gave me all of these emotions. Like I said….I have been around this type of atmosphere before….but I have never been surrounded by "so many" people. The thoughts about giving to the poor….feeding the hungry….not turning the other way from them….how in the world am I to give to all of these people. I have 300$ in my pocket and some Oreo cookies. How do I give to a few and look at the rest watching me give, with not enough to give to them. I have to admit, I questioned God’s calling me to Panama at that moment. I don’t know how to help all these people here. I can feed a few of these hungry bellies in front of me, but they will be hungry again later after I leave. The group can give them the appropriate shelter to whoever we can….but what good is food and shelter to those who go away without knowing Jesus. While thinking of all of this I remembered the story in the book of Acts. The lame beggar at the city gates. Peter approaches him, and the beggar asks for money. Peter had no money to give and his response is something I held onto during this whole missions trip. Peter said “Silver and gold I have not, but what I do have, I give you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, RISE UP AND WALK.” My anxiety about not being able to fulfill this mission came to an ease, and I knew God equipped me and the entire group to feed these people not only physical food for nourishment…but give them the bread and water of life. I had a huge and mighty God to share with these people. That was the mission God sent me on. I was here to love them …and that took no effort at all.


(I couldn't resist grabbing me one of those babies)



(Corina stole my heart right away. We couldn't speak to each other, so we just gave a lot of hugs and cuddled)


Another defining moment came for me during worship services. Oh man, guys….you do not know church until you worship with the Guaymi‘s. They make us look boring when it comes to being excited to worship. WOW! I had no idea what the words were that they were worshiping to. The music was a little different than what I would call “my taste” …BUT IT WAS FUN!!!! For the first time ever, I realized I didn’t need words to worship or be ministered to by the Holy Spirit. The scripture verse in the Bible that talks about how when we cannot find the words to pray, the Holy spirit prays on our behalf….I didn’t know the words or have my preferred style music to worship with these people. But the Holy Spirit ministered to me thru His spirit and worshipped on my behalf. I can tell you that was an experience I do not want to let go of! An incredible feeling to know the Holy Spirit is my ever present helper and companion. Worshipping on my behalf when the world’s language barriers and distractions take my mind else where and bring doubt .


(I think these girls were enjoying themselves. They probably danced 45 minutes straight!)


It was hard for me, watching the Guaymi’s admire us as much as they did. I still don’t understand what it is they see. Here they live in the conditions they do, completely grateful and content. Living on faith and trusting God for their next meal. They contain more faith than I ever have in my entire life wrapped up. I admire them more than anything. If there was anything I wanted to leave behind in Panama, it was letting those I met get a glimpse of their worth and value in God’s eyes. They are truly amazing people.




(The Guaymi do not have mirrors and rarely see a glimpse of themselves. Our group set up a spot and took family photos for a few days. I can't tell you how many pictures we took. This young man is seeing his photo and a glimpse of himself for the first time in awhile...or maybe even ever.)


(The girls get a glimpse of their reflection as well)




After a couple nights of bagging beans and corn, we had a food distribution. I cannot remember the number of families we distributed to, but I know it was over 1,000. They distributed clothes and shoes as well. The line went back...and I mean WAY back to the river.




Our group took a 2 hour drive from San Felix to visit a school that was being built in Soloy. Pastor Juilo and Kirk are pictured here explaining how God has used this ministry to further God's kingdom.



(We had the privilidge of praying for the school director/teachers of Soloy. These people dedicate their lives to the Indians educating them and sharing the love of God with them.)


I wish everyone had the chance to go on a missions trip to a different culture. Our minds just cannot grasp it through television. Seeing it, smelling it, and touching a different part of life is just the only way it can sink down deep. I know it sounds clique’ hearing every missionary say “it will change your life”. I will still stress that statement….because it is true. I hope the pictures I posted gave you somewhat of glimpse and touched your heart in some way. It won’t move you like it did me, it just can’t….Not without you being there. But, I want you to come close to feeling what our group did.


Saying goodbye to Corina. She liked my diamond cross necklace...so I gave it to her to remember all our time together and hugs.

A Mean Streak

It seems like every time when I hit that pit...after I feel like I have had "A REVELATION" ...You somehow bring things across my path. I know it has to be You, because our very conversations that we have, the things I battle with spiritually that only You and I know about...are all of sudden being brought to my attention thru someone speaking your word or just using small incidents that show me You really do listen. It makes me embarrassed to think about the things I question You on...Time and time again, there are days I feel like You are too busy to deal with me and my insecurities. But, then days like today...can feel You next to me. What is the purpose of this? Why one minute I stand on a mountain peak, and the next I know, I have hit a mudslide only to find myself barely able to stand on my 2 feet. When we meet Lord, You and I have a lot to talk about! I feel CLUELESS on my life at times.

I have been studying the book of Esther the past 2 weeks. I have studied it before, but not this in depth. It is so obvious your hand was upon her. I really pray that You bless Beth Moore for her ministry to women. God You have used her to truly reach women in ways I cannot even find words to explain. I don't think I am in this study by mere chance. In the evenings I feel like I just do not have the energy to go...and I am always finding the excuse to not go. I have so much to do at home, or I don't like the kids being up so late. I don't feel comfortable with women I don't know, or I just don't think anyone can relate with me. But I have gone, not knowing what to expect. Why would I second guess what to expect with You.

Last week in this study we talked about who Mordecai and Hadassah also known as Esther were. I didn't realize Mordecai being a Jew was so vital to knowing the history of where this man came from. Coming from pretty much a well off family I believe to being exiled to nothing. Being a lonely man to all of a sudden a father to a cousin. And Esther~ A woman who was an orphan. Lost her parents at such an early age. To not have either of her parents. It's one thing to lose one, but both. They both had a history. Esther had no experience whatsoever in royalty. Yet she was forced into the kings search for a new wife. God didn't use someone to change a time in history with a "impressive back ground".

Last night in the study Beth discussed how "It is tough being a woman in a mean world". I think any woman knows that girls can flat out be mean. She revealed how meanness has a history and just doesn't "Pop up"

Now, she went super in depth with Haman who was King Xerxes "right hand man". So in depth that I have to go back and look it over again because I am completely lost. It talks about Haman and where he came from. I can't remember if she said it was a long the line of Saul and his disobedience to follow God's instructions. I don't know. I was seriously lost in all that. The main point she was making is that Haman had a history of anger passed down thru generations to him. Anyhow, Haman had a lot of power. Haman was driven. He was driven by wealth, ego, and rage. He was enraged at Mordecai because of his refusal to bow down to Him because he only showed that reverence to the living God. This made Haman livid! She made a point about how nothing is meaner than a coward because they pick on the elderly, weak, children, and all the defenceless. Haman had this power over Mordecai because he had no "royal power". Haman like all of us at times, was "mean" because he was "threatened" by Mordecai. When we are threatened, we often times become enraged and mean.

I cannot help but be convicted, Father. I feel like I am meaner than I have ever realized. I hear so many people talk about "how sweet I am" They do not know me like You. Unfortunately there are those who have seen this mean streak and certain people who can bring out this mean streak that no one else can. Those who we are mean to, there is ALWAYS a threat behind it! What am I threatened by, Lord. What is it? Beth made a statement of "insecurity is at the heart of every rivalry." Was this a comment that was meant for me? It keeps spinning thru my head. I am not ignorant to the fact I am probably the most insecure person out there. I am always comparing myself to others. Realizing I don't quite measure up to them. Why am I threatened by those who are smarter than me? I don't quite catch on as quick as others and it honestly makes me feel stupid. The fact that I am unable to remember anything at times and forget so often it is embarrassing. I am not as patient, at times easily angered....and then there are those I know that are the complete opposite. I start wishing I were like them. You know, the more "spiritual people" Or when I feel like I am beginning to catch on to a talent,and someone pops along and is far more talented than I...so I go searching for a new talent because I am not good at it like they are. Why do I do that? Why do feel insecure and threatened by those I don't quite measure up to. 2Cor. 10:12 is the scripture verse used. You tell us NOT to measure ourselves to others. So, how do I stop? How do you just toss those insecurities?

I have felt so threatened by women for a long time. I know You know. I talk like you don't know any of this. I cannot remember why Beth mentioned this next quote....but I wrote it down on my notes, because it was one of those quotes that convicted me. But she mentioned that "We will never have the perfect friend. We will never have that perfect Sunday School teacher, or whoever it is that you tend to run to" Our basic instinct is to find those who feed into our emotions and eventually you smother them and I am sure that I have been one to do that. I don't know why but I need You to tell me how I am supposed to respond to this comment. I feel like there is something You are trying to get thru to me...but it is just not clicking.

The last thing Beth said was, We all have a mean streak. We have those moments where we are mean, but go back and apologize sorry and not quite sure why would ever say something or do something like that. I have no idea what came over me. Please forgive me. But a mean girl never takes responsibility. I want to take responsibility. But it's hard.

I need to be open to all of this God. I want You to show me and I want to grow. But during the growing pains it hurts so bad. So much easier to just be mean. So where do I go from here? How do I identify these threats and remove them? How can I be threatened? If You are for me, Who can be against me? If I am not measuring up to others, help me to realize You love me just the way that I am but don't want to leave me where I am. You are all I need and live for. Not to impress others with speech and talents. Not to rely on others to nurture me in my valleys but to call out Your name.

Ugh....I have rambled. I don't want to be mean. I don't want to be the influence that Haman was. I want to leave my Haman to You. Not to be overcome by my Haman but overcome my Haman. Not to bow down to Haman, but to love and forgive until Haman's heart sears.

Yours,
Me

Women of influence and aroma

Of course when I post this I am struggling with picking up past offense. Sometimes I feel like I shouldnt speak.


Thoughts from Charlotte's Sermon

I talked earlier about my trip to Springfield a couple of weeks ago. I won't be able to give you the FULL extent of what Charlotte Gambil preached but the notes I took I think will give the most valuble points.

I must say the most convicting topics that Charlotte discussed was "Women of Influence and Aroma" . She used the story of John the baptist and the mother and daughter wanting his beheading. Mark 6:17-28. Herod feard John because he knew John was a righteous and holy man. The daughter of Herod came into the banquet dancing and Herod was "impressed". So he vowed to her that he would give her anything she asked for. So she ran to her mother asking what she should ask for. The mother replied "The head of john the baptist" The mother of this daughter had a deep hatred for John. It was a bitterness that saught his death. This story talks about the influence and aroma that these 2 women had on Herod. Would the daughter have asked for John to be beheaded if the mother had not influenced her? In my opinion I don't think so. But that is merely my opinion. Why would she have gone to her mother for advice? Mother's tend to have that sort of influence on their children. Leaders, Friends, or just my average aquaintances I influence. Well, even a complete stranger can be influenced by me. Makes me think of my slight tendancy of road rage. Ok, maybe it is major. The point is....we all have an aroma and have the choice to make it sweet or make it sour and stinky. Charolotte also made the suggestion that whether I have a good aroma or bad aroma it spreads to everyone I come into contact with. "AT ALL TIMES" My aroma influences others around me. So what aroma are you? A sweet aroma? Loving, kind, patient, outgoing, giving, long suffering...ect. Or are you stinky? Bitter, angry, resentful, selfish, gossipy, slanderous, always talking about others short comings? Are you grumping and constantly complaining about the situations you face? Wallowing in it. I need to be focusing on the words of Paul to be content in every situation I face. I need to get rid of the attitude of "I will not be happy until I "have the head of John the baptist". I will not be happy until they pay for what they did. Charolotte also refered to our reaction to offenses, and hurt feelings. How we have the choice to keep our aroma's sweet and not allow others to influence us and spread their aroma to ourselves. If we start feeding that offense, hurt and all those emotions it becomes somewhat like a baby to us. It becomes attached to us and we feed it and nuture it. It begins to grow. It becomes a part of us like a child. And when we drop that offense...it is like dropping our "baby". And our natural tendancy is to rush to it and pick it back up again. My mother and mother in law and father in law and even my friends are constantly encouraging me and telling me what a great mother I am. And how proud they are of me. It just touches my heart because after God, and my husband, they are my main priority. Are you ready for this? This was the MOST POWERFUL statement Charlotte made......When you raise and nurture this baby....(Offense, hatred, resentment)...Satan, like my parents and friends, puts his arm around you and thanks you for raising this baby so well. And then, gives you another baby to raise. I think I will end at that thought.

I am not a great speaker, nor am I good with words. But I have enough wisdom, to take this sermon and learn from it and apply it to my life. However it doesn't mean I will tackle it right away or not struggle for the rest of my life, lol... I need to be spreading the aroma that Christ had. I hope this encourages you the way it did me

It Starts With Me

For the past several weeks, I have had a few things on my heart but not sure how to express it. I always hesitate on sharing sometimes, because I don't want to offend people, or get useless debates going that only hurt people instead of encouraging. Does that make sense? But at the same time, I don't want to offend God and have Him say "Why didn't you share that with others" or have that one person it makes sense to, and answers a question they had, or makes them feel that there is someone else out there feeling the same way they do. In that case, I am going to share in hope that there is possibly someone out there other than me, that understands where i am coming from. And anyone and everyone that knows me personally...I mean really truly knows me, knows where my heart is in sharing this.
I don't know if anyone else is aware of the spirtual warfare the church is facing. Division in the body of Christ. Offenses, hurt, anger, resentment, gossip, slandering, negative motives...the list can go on. I am not just speaking of the church I attend, but the church body in whole.
As a follower of Christ, what is our main objective? Some may jump to "Live like a Christian"! Yes, we most defintely should live like a Christian, and that is the sign that we truly know Christ. By following His commands. But how many of us live out EVERY command Christ gave? (1John 1:10, 2:4-6) How amazing it would be if we could. But living like a Christian is not our main objective. Furthering the kingdom of God is a Christian's main object. So how do we do that? (Matthew 28:19) Preaching the gospel of Christ. Yes! Loving others, reaching out to the lost, giving ourselves to others. All this is so true. But in order for this to be effective and possible, what has to happen first? What happens when we draw in the lost. We reach out to the woman who has been selling herself to make ends meet, in order to raise her 4 kids she has at home. Or the rebellious teenager who is going down a path that leads to death or the person who at one time was a part of a church but went astray. The teen who has abusive parents....What happens when we draw them in and they see all these "church people" slandering, arguing, hating, gossiping, pointing fingers at each other, causing useless debates, stirring up division and arguments. Why would they even want to be a part of that?
I am in no way writing this to point out any individual but MYSELF! So, those of you who may be thinking "aw man is she talking about me"....NO! Although, I would ask you, to reflect for a moment and see if there is anything you might be doing to hinder growth. I have noticed, if I am not open to teaching or being held accountable, I become arrogant. That is the last thing I want. The best thing any Christian can have, is a "teachable" spirit. I am yet to be able to put down that guard I hold so tightly to when someone points out that "thing" I did that contradicts my (our) faith. It STINGS! (Proverbs 27:5-6) An open rebuke is better than hidden love, wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. What better way to show me you love me, than to love me enough to show me where I am messing up. There is a way to hold each other accountable in love, and it not be a judgemental attack. But oh how I can sometimes get defensive and take it so. Am I rambling? I feel like I am. This stuff is just weighing on me and if I don't let it loose, it will keep growing.
My main point here...is I am seriously concerned with the damage the church body is causing to further the kingdom. I have been convicted about constantly referring to those "hypocritical christian's" in the church. Which there are and I hate the sin NOT THEM! It is painful to see people puff themselves up about being a Christian (Believing in Jesus and God), giving to the poor, going to Church, but have no intention of following all of His commandments if it means they have to give up the things they find fun or not harmful to them instead of thinking of those they are causing to stumble. I mean come on, its their fault if it offends them, right? Their problem, not mine! Not so much (1 Corinthians 8:9). Pastor Roy made a comment awhile back ago telling me that I can speak truth, but if it causes someone to stumble, the very word of God can be used sinfully. Talk about a blow to my face, but in a good way. I don't think we should talk about the hypocrites in the church We should talk to them. Stop ranting about "Those Supposed Christians" What makes us different than the hypocrite if we are slandering them for being a hypocrite which at times I myself am guilty of contradicting what Christ taught me. Am I making sense? We should go to those people, but remember at the same time, we have been a hypocrite too. But I have to make sure I am holding myself accountable and open to that "open rebuke".(Romans 2:1) So don't go in a condeming way. Go with a humble, meek, loving, compassionate way. THIS IS POSSIBLE. God knows your intentions and where your heart is when holding someone accountable. (1Corinthians 4:5) Remember that! I know there are appropriate times when God tells us to steer clear of those who continue to live in sin and have no desire to follow Gods commands (but say they are Christian) But even with them....STOP PUBLIC SLANDER it damages the body and our witness. STOP STOP STOP! I have noticed to be effective you should be open about your own struggles and showing others that you run short with God as well. Nobody likes feeling they can't be as spiritual as some. I find that a ploy of Satan, to cause us to stumble and fall, because we will never be those "true christians". Ok, my main point "Be compassionate! Stop the public slandering. It damages our witness. Stop judging the hypocrites. Remember that NONE of us live up to all the commandments our Savior showed us and taught us. I may struggle with forgiveness, but does that mean I shouldn't continue to strive and tell others this is the way. Of course not. Living like a "Christian" is a life long learning process. I have to be careful not to look at the "hypocritical" Chritians judgemental....because God will judge me to that very same standard. This thought scares me.
The body has to be unified. We have to have nothing but compassion, self sacrifical love, patients, holding no record of wrong, no irritablity, smypathetic suffering. Love, never loses hope...so don't lose hope with those who struggle in the body. If you don't have love...your profession to be "Christian" means nothing. They are just meaningless words. Our greatest passion in life should be seeing those who come to know the Lord. Everything else comes after. A Unified body will succeed and produce MUCH fruit in this area. Love each other guys. I know this so hard at times. Don't feel condemned when you find this hard. Its ok.
BE UNIFIED! So He can be Glorified, thru us. God has so much planned for us. I have the power thru Christ to build the church. It starts with me individually! I can make a MASSIVE CHANGE and increase the kingdom.

P.S.
I have so much more to say but I am afraid I have written too much. I spent last weekend in Springfield, Mo at a conference at James River Assembly. There was a speaker Charlotte Gambil. She shared words that feed into this topic that really made me realize the fallen part of my walk with Christ. I am going to write about this in a different blog. I hope you read it because if you are like me....it will increase your faith, help you to grow, and let go of a lot of hurt you have been clinging to for so long. I think the body is suffering because we hold so much hurt and offense.

Panama 2010

So I have been thinking back to the year of 2000 when I took my first mission trip to Argentina. It was the experience of a lifetime that I could never forget. The people I met were so sweet and sincere....and probably the greatest group of people I have ever met. I had always seen the commercials "help the poor" with the video and pictures of the small kids who were hungry, and the tin shack homes with a mother and father and their 8 or 9 kids living in them....but can I just say that it is not the same seeing it in person. Watching a family still thank God, even though they are praying for their next meal which may not even come for another couple of days. For my age it was a huge eye opener to experience this. I grew a love for these people that I never knew I could have. When I got home I was ready to sign up for the next trip.

It's been 9 years and MANY things have changed. I am married to an awesome husband. I have 3 amazing children. My oldest 2 are in school now. All these changes have happened in my life....but I still have the same passion I had 9 years ago... A passion for missions and bringing those with so little, a hope and a path to riches beyond silver and gold. I don't have money to give these people...like everyone else my husband and I work hard to support our family. But the story in Acts about the lame man comes to mind....When Peter walked up to the gates and the begger plead for money to survive. Peter compassionately took this man by the hand and replied "Silver and gold I have not, but what I do have I give you in the name of the Lord, rise up and walk" I know I can be used to help people like this lame man. I can give money to help a few poor people out...but I have something MUCH greater to give them. Someone who is in a situation that seems hopeless. Someone who has a hard time seeing beyond their hungry bellies, their health condition, or living circumstances. I want to show these people the love of Christ and reveal to them no matter what their life on Earth may be like...they can have all the riches and glory in a God that is mighty and saves. Show them that their are people in this world that God has sent to love them!

One thing I might add, from my learning experience in Argentina. These people were poor beyond poor. They lived in little communites that were practically garbage dumps. The group of people I traveled with were assigned to one area and I nearly choked when we drove by. I remember seeing these people rummaging through all this garbage that filled the entire community streets, yards....I can't describe this picture to you but it is so vivid in my head as if it were yesterday. Cows, dogs, chickens, pigs....they walked thru all this garbage, which I am sure they relieved themselves in. There was a dead mule and other deceased animals lying in these piles that they rummaged thru salvaging whatever they could for eating or for other living necessities.

There were some people that believed in God and had faith beyond what I had. They were more concerned about serving me than me who purposely made a trip out to serve them and bring them good news. One night, I was so cold when we went to someones home for a visit. One of the ladies took off her red sweater and gave it to me. When it was time to go, I tried to give it back to her and she absolutely refused to accept it back. It was most likely the only sweater she had and she gave it to me. She never once complained or thought about the fact the next night she may be cold and without a sweater....but she wanted to serve me. I hear so many complain about having no money or being able to live the way they want to live with the materials they want. I have witnessed on hand people who live in shacks with dirt floors, eat from a garbage dump praying for their next meal. And here I am wanting more, when they are just wanting a decent meal and good health for their family. It just opened my eyes and showed me I took for granted my own toothbrush and that I was one spoiled little girl.

The church is taking another trip to Panama February 2010. Rusty and I have talked a numerous amount of times the past 3 years the church has taken this trip. This year I just cannot ignore it anymore. God willing~ if it's in His will...I am going. I have heard people tell me how hot, and dirty, and flat out hard this trip will be. I might not be able to handle the week with out bathing, and sleeping in a tent in the hot and humid weather. I won't lie, I got to sleep in a bed and a decent hotel in Argentina. But I in no way expected it to be some vacation nor do I expect it to be that way in Panama. I honestly have no idea what to expect. I don't know what it is like there, or what people face. But I do expect great things from God and believe many will hear His voice and let Him in!

If it ever crosses your mind, pray about this. For all those who are going and all those who will come to know Him.