Retreat

These are the women in my small group at the Women's Retreat.

We were asked to pick some things that represent God's glory for us. For me it is the mountains. There is something so magestic and strong about the mountains; and here they are always intense green and full of life. They take on an even bigger picture of God's glory for me to think about how many people live up in those mountains and survive (life is extremely hard in the DR mountains). The other thing that expresses God's glory for me is the rain. For all the reasons one could think of.


This weekend was the women's retreat. It was such a good time of rest and relaxation. The theme of the weekend was God's glory; giving God glory. What does it mean to glorify God? and How can we do that? It was a weekend full of grace for me. I have recently felt much like a failure, much like someone who can't meet any of God's standards for me or my life. I feel like whatever God wants me to do, I am doing the opposite. So to have our Heavenly Father meet me in the midst of that and remind me that it doesn't matter what state of sin I am in, to always give him thanks and glory. Because ultimately giving God glory has nothing to do with me. It's not about me, about how much I am or am not living up to any standards or the things I am doing. It's all about Him receiving the glory for the amazing things he does in me and my life. Praise the Lord!

Well, life takes over and once again I haven't updated my blog in a long time. Life here is usual as always, well as it's usually unpredictable.
~ It's still raining (very unheard of this time of year)
~ We're in the end of the equivalent of the World Sieres here (Go Licey!)

~ My house has been invaded with mice - yes mice (We've killed over 20 and found
babies! Welcome to living in the country side)

~ School is crazy as ever (starting our Spring Expedition)
~ Lots of friends making big life decisions about leaving or staying.

Last night was Joey and Roy's birthdays so we went bowling in Santiago. I haven't been bowling in a long time. Braulio had never bowled before in his life and he kicked every one's butt. I am amazed at how many strikes he got! We had a lot of fun.

Surprise

SURPRISE!

For those of you who did not get the chance to see me, I surprised my family and friends for Christmas. It was so much fun.

I told my family that from now on we should have Christmas in the DR, because it was SOOO cold!
Check out the pics @ www.flickr.com/photos/arat316

On a sad note, last Sunday my house was broken into and they stole my computer. I am very thankful that they didn't get some other important documents, money, etc and very thankful that I was not home when it happened. Please pray for peace as I feel very threatened and that I would claim God's promises of protection.