Rice and Beans of Life: 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