Rice and Beans of Life: She Asked, He Said Yes

Happy Mama's day

It's not what you think ... It is about Relationship, fellowship, a sense of belonging and purpose ... It's kinda of something we all long for, right? We all want to belong, somewhere. We've prayed, asked you all to pray and we've expected Father's perfect connections for our boys, a place for them to belong. Most recently, I've had this longing for a youth group for Micah. A place where he can connect, laugh and be silly, a place to call his own. Family 24x7 is a gift but come on, ya' all know teens need teen time! There's been English youth group connections and English is his preference, however he knows Spanish is imperative for language, culture and blooming where God has planted us ... can we find a balance God? We pursued some, he pursued others and still others pursued him. Opportunities came and went, some near but most far away. Still, nothing seemed to settle in our hearts and feel right until ... Kara.

Redemption. God is a lover of Redemption. He desires to redeem all the bad, sad, horrific and detestable things that happen in our lives. I believe He is good and truly desires good to come of all things. Even when babies die, innocence is robbed, when greed takes without thought to the other, when death comes giving no regard to more life yet to be lived, when despair is common place and hope a rarity ... God desires good. When all hope was lost, God purposed Redemption.

When Kara and 2/3 of the El Salvador team returned to Casa VidaNet unexpectedly there were tears, anger, questions, frustration and lots of asking, "why God?" What good could possibly come from this team's separation? With their return to CR, God opened doors for them to work with a local church. And ... its newly developing youth group. Can I just say, this was done in such God fashion! What a perfect opportunity, Micah knows this team, they speak English and Spanish, it's close to home and ... Kara invited. Sometimes missionaries need the invitation! Redemption ... God's purpose if for good to come out of despair. Although healing is a journey this team must walk, to bare witness this sweet morsel of redemption is such a gift!

Kara asked ... Micah said yes ... Good rising from the rubble

Life on the Mountain

The stomach bug lives in CR too! Unfortunately we all had our turn ... This week felt full of fellowship, lots of interaction with people and not a lot of alone time. This can be very life-giving, however in combination with our bodies fighting off the aforementioned virus, we felt drained most of the week ... A day off school provided time to work on Science Fair recycling projects ... yesterday we attended a life-giving Marriage retreat while the boys were entertained by Declan (Thanks Liz and Manu) : ) ... And, the week ended (or started) with Futbol, pizza and chicken!

Praises

Healing

Byron, patiently teaching Jedidiah

Celebrating Mom and the gift of our mothers

Youth group connections

Hugs from Jessica and family

Safe return home for Delynn, Gloria and Vinny

English library ... can we ever just get there and back without any issues?

Prayers

Health

Omar and Anna ... she was a church grandma to the boys ... she's dying from cervical cancer

Ability to listen in Spanish, English and to each other's heart