Why Blog?

Vacation sunshine ... 

Exactly why do I blog? That's a good question ... Most prominently, it satisfies my incessant desire to stay connected.  It's a safe outlet for me to share my heart knowing I don't have to see most of you the next day ... ummm wait, that is not exactly true this week! My hope is to inspire hope in loved ones from afar as you read my ramblings.  As I find freedom in this outlet of creative expression, perhaps you feel 'connected' too. Of course there is this thing called prayer.  Like all good missionaries, we share prayer requests so our mighty warriors can go to battle, standing in the gap for our family.  It works! And finally ...as with any well polished, dedicated scrap-booker, I blog so that my children, future daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and those not yet born will be inspired by the journey of life Father has lead us on. I used to love when my grandparents told their stories of life as they knew it from the previous century. In the absurdity of my pride, perhaps someday "Life on the Mountain" will be equated to our family's love for watching "Little House on the Prairie" : )

As I read from Psalm 102, He prompted my spirit with these sentiments ... vs. 18-22 "Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord ... So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the Lord.!" ... What story are you writing for future generations? Don't be shy, we all have a story to tell ... What hope do you have to share?

Today I can hardly contain my joy as I share this story ... again! Summer of 2016 we were speaking at churches to gain financial and prayer support for life in CR.  We were disappointed to hear this particular church we were speaking at was not going to give any financial support. We came away from that time wondering and asking "Why God, why did you lead us there with nothing to show for it?" Quite honestly, it felt like a waste our resources, energy and time. You know, that ugly self righteous mindset just marched right over anything the Holy Spirit had to say to us!  Fast forward 15 months ... The start of Vida220 2017 and who should we meet?  A beautiful young woman of God who just happened to hear about VidaNet and it's Vida220 program on July 31, 2016 when we came to speak at her church ... You know, that church where we felt was a waste of our time? And now ... fast forward to August 2018. she has graduated the program and is returning as a leader because Father has called her "Chosen, beautiful, loved, treasured, His princess" ... She has a story to share because of God's grace and our obedience.

Your Story ... His glory ... Future generations

Life on the Mountain
Our week started with a few relaxing days at a vacation resort with the students and staff of VidaNet ... a well deserved time for these amazing students! We returned to our cold mountain top and right back into work ... banquet plans to finalize, re-entry, graduation plans, room prep for families joining our celebration.  Graduation was a beautiful time of celebrating their stories over the last 10 months.  Saturday was a day to be at home, so thankful for 5 mighty men to help me clean, do laundry, prepare supper for 20+ people!  Today is Monday.  We are excited to welcome my parents as Daryl and I prepare to leave on Wednesday for 12 days in the States ... What are you blogging today?

Praises
17 students graduated and taking Father's love to their nation
Grandparents willing to travel to CR and take care of our boys
Grandparents, family and friends waiting to hug us in the states
Our neighbors went to church on their own when we were away, HUGE praise!
Beautiful relaxing vacation with our VidaNet family
Martha's hope in her desperate life situation

Prayers
Safe travel
Healing for Micah and Jedidiah
Successful banquets, unity in our leadership team
Strength, peace and fortitude as our students return to "their worlds"
Open hearts for Daryl and I as we have alone travel time!
Sweet connections with friends and family even though the time will be short
Healing for Angelica's mom, that the tumor would be benign

We're going on vacation!!!

Night out ... with kids!

Mama's day celebration at school
CR Mother's day, August 15th

They got the memo, grey pants, grey shoes and VidaNet shirt!

 

This box is big enough for 2 or 3 breakfasts for this crew ...
Thanks Shilling and Zuercher families

Ferry ride to our vacation destination

Micah and Declan sharing snacks on the Ferry ride ... 

Mount House School celebration for Fathers

17 Mighty warriors ... off to make an impact on their world!

Scarred for Life

Celebrating CR Mother's Day

It was a simple question. One in my field of expertise that came with an easy answer. My assessment felt natural, non-invasive and this vocabulary from my second language flowed easily as if it were my mother tongue. Our interaction began with familiarity as I gathered the necessary information, oggled and googled over the precious wee one accompanying her, and began my simple physical assessment.

The question: 

"Why do I have pain, a burning pain, on this side of my C-Section scar?" 

The ache this question left in the core of my being brought a surprising flood of emotion. As I shared my advice and walked out of the room, feelings of lament that have been hidden in my depths began to surface ... I left the best job in the world. It began like an old film reel ... The first birth I witnessed, the last God ordained birth I labored with. The affirmation from my L/D instructor that this is what I was created for. Flashes of the Ones I "caught", the Ones I missed, the Ones I handed over to Jesus.  Scenes from the multitude of tears we shared ... tears of exhaustion, joy, apprehension, unconditional love, pain, sorrow, nervous energy, death. Then, the mix of emotion as I 'viewed' the 4 births and 2 deaths of our 6 Mighty men.  And finally, Father gently cupping my face and letting me cry as I said goodbye to labor and delivery. 

Life will always carry with it those circumstances that evoke strong emotions and memories. I don't think I will ever look at a pregnant lady without wanting to know her story.  There will always be a longing to share those breathless moments awaiting a newborn's first cry.  However, my role as an L/D nurse has changed. I've been given me the privilege to share life with the women of El Nido and all that grace the path to Casa VidaNet. I currently hashtag (hashtag - rolling my eyes) myself as a Wife, Mom, Nurse, Hospitality Coordinator, Counselor, Missionary and Lover of Jesus. All encompassing ... I'm a "Bringer of Life".  As said Bringer of life, what I've been challenged with is simply this ... What is my response if someone "interrupts" my concentration?  Are my meditations pleasing to Him if that one more person needs one more thing taxing my last ounce of patience? When my path is graced with a lost and wandering soul, what is my response? Do these circumstances evoke those same strong emotions that make me long to know their story and wait with breathless anticipation as they take their first breath as a new born follower of Jesus? 

Scarred for, Passionate about, Bringer of ... LIFE

Life on the Mountain

It's time to catch our breath ... a little.  Leadership retreat, reviewing our vision and dreaming for more. Praying and sending off our students on an L10 experience ... then rejoicing with them as they shared their stories of God's provision and favor.  Walking through the ups, downs, joys, trials and life with El Nido.  Taxes are ready??!!!! Family evenings at home, Futbol, Field trips, school activities including the CR Mother's day celebration and the gift of sleeping in on a rainy Saturday morning ... Finding life in CR.  

Praises

Safety for students on L10

Healing from all the colds, virus and 'stuff'

Date night to share our hearts ... reevaluating how we listen and react

A new phone

Remembering the precious life of our son, Elijah Zachary ... 8/11/11

Prayers

Vida220 Graduation, Friday 8/17 ... Pray for them as they go out from Casa VidaNet

Clarity and direction for their futures

Martha, as life is desperately hard these days

Healing for Gloria's foot

Safety for our travel to VidaNet Growth banquets in PA and OH

Pray for Mom and Dad Diener as they stay with our mighty men in CR so we can attend these banquets

Raising up another Mighty man ...
Micah hangin' with Declan while we had meetings all day!

Cotton Candy!!!
Treats from a local church celebration.

This boy and his hair ... and NO, you can't dye it black!

  

Can I shave like Micah? ... of course, in 10 years!

Rainy Saturday morning ... playing house

Ready for adventure and
to experience the hand of God's provision!

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You! Psalm 63:3