Almanor

What a weekend! I just spent the weekend at a cabin in the woods of Almanor. I saw more wildlife than I've seen in the last year! Not to mention more pine trees than I knew existed. It was a good time of relaxing for me, while Karla rode in the Century Ride and my dad went fishing. Today we were driving around trying to find a good hole to fish in when I thought to myself and out loud how awesome it would be to see a bear. Well, God likes to remind us how much he loves us and delights in the little pleasures, that we saw one! It was a small cinnamon colored bear and we watched as it tried, and then successfully, crossed the river. We then got back in the car as it headed straight for us, but as the car began to move, got scared and ran away. God is so good in reminding me of his love as I spend time with my family.

Well, it's been almost week now that I have been in the states and suprisingly it's becoming more normal by the day. A few things I've noticed right away.
1. There is always some message from somewhere that lets you know there's something wrong with you. Maybe it's just been so long since I've been here, but one thing I know for sure, the biggest thing wrong with you in the DR is that your clothes aren't clean. It's amazing at how the media is directed at how much we need _____________ to be normal (not even good, but to be normal!). It's been a struggle since I've been back to remember that I'm a beautiful creation of God and that what's inside matters more than what's outside. I rarely struggle with that in the DR.
2. People here are just more busy. NOT necessarily more productive, but more busy. I suddenly need an agenda to keep track of all my appointments and engagements. In the DR, you aim for getting two things done in a day. I suddenly have nothing to do and yet the day has flown by and I feel exhausted at all the busyness. I defiantly ask God to help me enjoy and be thankful for each moment.
3. It's HOTTTTT! I mean it's hot in the DR, but not like this. I think I melted today!

If you get a chance to read the book Outcry in the Barrio by Freddie & Ninfa Garcia (it's in English), it's an awesome story about how God is big enough to rescue everyone. They are a couple on the street, addicted to many things. They are rescued by the saving power of Jesus Christ. It's an inspirational book and a great read (written in first person).

It's been encouraging as I meet with supporters and God continues to be faithful in providing for next year's finances. I am about 1/2 way to raising all the monthly support I need. Keep praying - it works!

Reality Shock

Well everyone, I'm here in Chico, CA finally. I haven't even hit culture shock yet because I am in reality shock. It is amaizing how in the blink of an eye I went from living in a third world country to being here. I was so overwhelmed in the airport. I was hungry but I couldn't chose (there are only like 20 resturants), so I just didn't eat anything. (Don't worry I held out for In-N-Out Burger!). I would love to see any of you who acctually read this Blog. Email me arat316@yahoo.com Otherwise I am sure I'll see you at some point. Please pray for my ajustment to being here, as well as my fundraising efforts.

Good thing I know God is always with me! This last week has been a very busy, but fun one. Yesterday we had Field Day and then at night we had the 8th grade party at my house. Sorry, no pictures because my camera battery died once again and the fourth charger I bought also broke. However, last night one of my students, Michelle Bordas, fell and broke her arm at the party. They were playing with a glow in the dark ball and to avoid falling on a little brother that was there, she fell on her wrist on the tile. She is okay and God is always taking care of us. I thought this can't really be, she must of just sprained it. But God has a reason and a purpose in all of this. Please pray for her rapid recovery as in one month, she has to take the national exam to pass 8th grade and she can't write (it was her right arm). See you all in a few days!

Long weekend...

On Thursday night my boyfriend, Braulio, was hit by a car on his motorcycle. We took him to Santiago, the nearest city where it was determined that he need to have surgery on his arm and leg. They operated Friday afternoon and put a metal bar and two screws in his leg and a metal plate with six screws in his wrist, as well as a big screw that holds the two wrist bones together. He was back at home by Saturday evening. He is doing much better now. He is resting at home. With the type of surgery he had he should be able to walk with in the month. He works for Chad Wallace (the founder of Doulos) and will be going back to work on Monday, but in the office.

Please pray for his recovery, as well that God will provide the funds to pay for all the bills. By the grace of God, insurance paid for the surgery and hospital stay, but all the materials have to be paid for. We know that God will provide because we have seen his hand over this entire situation from the moment it happened. God is good!