Heidi DePuy

Hit the ground running...

2009-01-17T15:51:00.003-05:00

Well what a week!

Our first week back at language was both hard and wonderful! Joe and I both enjoy our classes but felt a little overwhelmed at first with the homework :-) But God knows and they are wonderful! I started out the week with singing commitments and Joe with Sound commitments. Then on Thursday I helped a few of the lady teachers practice their typical Costa Rican dance for the New student Fiesta on Friday by running the sound. And the next thing I knew they had roped me into dancing with them. Oh yes... you heard me...LOL ! I was able to learn a few typically steps and surprised Joe by coming with the ladies... I even pulled him into it too! LOL
Joe and I were able to observe a traditional praying to Baby Jesus last night that the family in front of us invited to. We were both blessed but grieved at the same time as many of the prayers were to Mary. Lord help us be a light! :-)

Back to the Grind Stone... and Scripture coming Alive!

2009-01-10T11:14:00.002-05:00

Well here we are again. Another Trimester awaits us beginning on Monday. This will be our last trimester here in Costa Rica... our last trimester of learning the Spanish Language. Although it comes as a relief some what. I am nervous, I am scared cause after this comes speaking & living the Latin way without excuses! Oh Lord give me You!
I am so amazed when I see scripture come alive... and why should I be! But I so am..... every time! We read over and over again how God will provide for us and that we do not need to worry about tomorrow and what we will wear and what we will EAT! How true is this! Yesterday as we tried to get life into order and didn't have any food in the house for any meal. We were greeted by our Costa Rican neighbor with tamales for breakfast! How wonderful! Then we headed to see some other Costa Rican friends and without expecting it we recieved dinner! I just can't get over how AMAZING GOD is and how He even thinks of the little things!

PRAISE HIM!

Weekend Fun...

2008-11-05T21:49:00.002-05:00

Joe and I were able to enjoy this last weekend with a couple of missionary kids.... how much fun we had! :-) A missionary couple here was able to go to a marriage conference while we watched their girls! We were able to attend a Harvest party and then spend the next day making crafts and taking them to McDonalds! I don't think i have ever done so many crafts in my life! LOL :-) But we praise God for the great time that He blessed us with this weekend!

Reminders....

2008-10-16T17:26:00.002-04:00

It is wonderful when God sends those lovely reminders to you that it is not about you! :-) It is not about you at all! It is about Him and what He wants..... He wants more kids!
Today Joe and I were able to get a reminder why God wants to send willing ones to other countries. Today in Chapel a group of very young kids came to lead us into worship from the poorest area of the city - La Carpio. I broke as I heard the glorious story of God in their lives and how they are now being used to further God's message and love!
Tuesday I was able to go to La Carpio again to teach english.... instead i played with the kids.... coloring, running, hugging, and just loving! Hopefully next week I can post pictures!

God is doing something...

2008-10-09T16:18:00.003-04:00

It's funny when life seems to get harder and harder that I think... oh it is just cause God is doing something, He has everything under control. So does that mean that when everything is good He is taking a nap? I don't think so.
So Costa Rica is going well. Language study gets harder and harder as we press on but we make it. Christmas is coming soon and for some reason that is all I can think about lately. Oh well...

2nd Trimester....

2008-09-13T23:04:00.003-04:00

So far so good.... Things are going quite well this second trimester of learning the Spanish Language! I am enjoying my Teachers and my classmates!

Today was a great day of making jewelry! I made my own earrings today.... it was great!

So Much...

2008-08-16T13:43:00.006-04:00

Much has happened in the last couple of weeks.... Lots of fun!

We are done with our first semester! Yeay.... We never thought it was going to go by so fast :-)!
God has been so good allowing opportunities in our lives to practice the Spanish language and to learn it.
I was approached by the director of classes to let me know that are going to move me up to a higher class next semester. At first I was a little nervous because I am so behind... but the Lord graciouslly provided a tutor.... so I will be caught up!
Joe and I have been able to be used in and experience many things these last couple of weeks.
We were able to attend our first Costa Rican Birthday party... may I say wow.... along with a few pics...

We then had the opportunity to go to an English Language class to present activities in English, Develope new relationships, and share the Gospel... it was great! Many were saved but one man was searching... and Joe was able to share with him!

Then we were able to take some youth kids to the amusement park! It was great! I got sooo sick... the rides were crazy!

Joe and I were also able to be a apart of a Costa Rican weddding! It was so beautiful! And I was able to sing at the Language School graduation! Today Joe was able to play ball with a bunch of guys and share the Gospel with a Tico! It was wonderful!.... he is really searching... and Joe is hoping to start a Bible Study with him! Our God is good....

Guanacaste Weekend...

2008-07-29T00:19:00.003-04:00

This weekend was a long weekend... yeay! Friday was Guanacaste Day here in Costa Rica. We did have classes but then enjoyed a program enlightening us all on the culture of this day. This was the day the Costa Ricans defeated the Nicaraguans. So there was song and dance...

Friday evening Joe and I were able to spend some time playing games with friends... it was refreshing!
Saturday we headed to a birthday party. The family that use to live in front of us, invited us to go with them to their grandaughters birthday party. It was a great time engaging in coversation and learning about a latin birthday party... they go all out!
Sunday was a great time at church... uplifting the members of the church and meeting a new couple that is visiting from the states for a few weeks. Sun. night we were able to spend more time with them along with a couple from the church.
Today was a day off... oh how sweet. Joe and I were able to spend some needed time together... and now tomorrow school begins again!

Thanks for your prayers!

Mix-Match Day at School...

2008-07-19T15:50:00.003-04:00

This past Friday was Mix-Match day at School. It was great! All of us looked so hilarious! I didn't have much to work with so I layered cloths with different colors and put on TONS of jewelry! Joe turned his cloths inside out and turned around!

IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.... Here are some pics

Las Palmas...

2008-07-14T18:58:00.003-04:00

Friday was a great day at school. We were all able to enjoy culture day that the teachers put on!
The rest of the weekend Joe and I had a great time, enjoying the beach! We were able to see monkeys and snorkel!
It is amazing to view God's creation and enjoy it for even just a little while... here are some pics...

What a Great Weekend!

2008-07-07T10:50:00.002-04:00

Well first of all let me tell you what a blessing it was to have the 4th of July off at school. It was a nice breather! That night Joe and I got to spend some great time with friends.... eating traditional 4th of July food and playing games. BUT the best part is that a homeless man came to the gate and Joe was able to share the Gospel with him. Hopefully the words will penetrate his drunkenness!

Saturday, Joe and I got to help out a youth group from the States with a family fun day in a poorer town! I passed out invitations to a movie that we were showing that night and an invitation to church the next day. I was able to talk in Spanish the whole time and show the love of Christ! While I passed out invitations and helped face paint children's faces... Joe walked with a group around the town passing out invites and sharing the Gospel! Later that day... Joe and another ABWE missionary were able to share the Gospel with 3 other men! 2 were far gone and drunk, but one of the men really stayed to listen. He understood everything Joe was saying and knew that he would have to change his lifestyle to believe in Christ! He is really struggling with an addiction to cocaine, and is unwilling to give up his life style... but yet wants so bad to be free of it! Please pray for Mauricio that his conviction and pain would be so strong that he would cry out for the LORD! We showed the movie Facing the Giants at night in the main square of town, and it not only touched those standing around... but also the church members! It was great. Throughout the day I was so amazed to see the Costa Rican church members really take charge in sharing the Gospel and bringing people in! The Costa Rican youth group even learned the Mime that the "gringo" youth were sharing with the town! They learned it in 3 hours!

Then Sunday in church... we had already begun our service and began to get discouraged as no one from yesterday's event was showing.... when half way through Sunday school... a family of 5 walked in the doors... 2 gentlemen walked in the doors... and a cousin of one of the members that they haven't seen in 30 years walked in the door! It was AMAZING! Then as the service began to start a lady with 3 children also walked in the door... I cried as I realized it was one of the ladies that I handed an invitation to the day before! All of them stayed through the whole thing and now they have meetings with church members and missionaries to hear more about the word of God! One family is even going to come to the Bible study that we are having on Wednesdays! PRAISE THE LORD! The Costa Rican teens then acted out the mime they had learned in 3 hours.... It was amazing to see them learn it and take control of it as their own!

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!! ALL THE TIME!!!!

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T23:16:00.002-04:00

This weekend is turning out to be such a fun weekend. Yesterday, I was able to go to the store and the mall to eat and watch a movie with just another girl and not Joe!
Although I love my husband it is good to get away and try to communicate and tackle things on my own, in this new culture and language!
It went well... we had a great time and did pretty well!
Today we were able to Celebrate the 4th with a group of friends. It was wonderful! We had a barbecue and played lots and lots of Dutch Blitz!

What a wonderful 4th! Hope you had a good one!

Fun In The Sun...

2008-06-16T00:14:00.002-04:00

So this past weekend... I went on a ladies retreat with the language school! It was so great.
Such a refreshing time... and yes.... I AM BAKED....
here is a pic of a friend of mine & I enjoying a Pina Colada.... YES WITHOUT ALCOHOL!

A Wedding...

2008-06-08T22:32:00.003-04:00

How wonderful it has been to spend time with family! And to see my only sister-in-law get married! She was
beautiful...So now... one more day and we are back in beautiful Costa Rica! Anticipating coming back home for Christmas.... :-)

Baking....

2008-06-01T21:27:00.004-04:00

So last night was so great baking Choc Chip cookies with our Tico mom's grand daughters... Diana (small) and Daniella (taller). We had a great time making a mess! :-) Here is some photos...

But then our Tico mom came over to get the girls... and told us that her and her husband are moving! They can't afford this house that they have been in for over 21 years! So they are moving in the next couple of days! Yeah... fast! It is hard because Joe and I have grown to love this family and now we have to do it all over again with another family!

So pray.....

A 5 Year Anniversary to Remember...

2008-05-26T00:48:00.005-04:00

It was wonderful... Joe got us the Master Suite in a gorgeous hotel here in San Jose, Costa Rica. He was able to get a great deal with through one of the missionaries here.

Friday night we arrived. Put our suitcase into this gorgeous suite...

And then headed to dinner... it was a wonderful night with a beautiful view! ...

Family Fun Day...

2008-05-10T23:08:00.006-04:00

Yes... today was great. Joe and I were able to go to the newest Church Plant here in Costa Rica for their Family Fun Day! While the parents had seminar's dealing with finance, their marriage, and their roles. Joe & I with 2 other missionaries ladies "took on the kids", it was a great time! First we had the painting section... they painted their house or one they would like to have one day.... they were interesting!

Then we brought them all together and sang some songs... and memorized a verse, Monica (missionary) taught. They had tons of fun acting out the movements to the songs!

Next was pool time... yeah that was fun.

Then the day ended with more crafts, reviewing the Bible lesson and verse... and watching Veggie Tales.... IN SPANISH. Oh and don't forget the "mini" zip line that the kids had to go on like every 2 seconds :-) Yes it was great fun... At a BEAUTIFUL place....

More New Experiences...

2008-05-03T18:54:00.006-04:00

Well Today was a good day. It started off by me getting out of bed at 7am.... yes 7am. It has been over a week now and my body has still not gotten use to this 2 hour change. But it did give me lots of time to do my devos, finish a load of laundry with my 20 step process, and get myself ready by 9 am to leave for the Farmer's Market.

Joe and I met up with some new friends and began our 8 block walk to the Market. It was great walking and getting to know these fellow students. When we arrived at the market I was impressed with how great a place it was. It had a park for the kids to play, a basketball court, soccer fields, and a fairly long spread of all the fruit and vegetables you and think of! Here's some pics...

I had a great time... In the sun. yeah, in the sun. Many times during this week and a half I forget that I am about 8 Degrees Latitude from the EQUATOR! So yes everyone.... I forgot to put sunblock on. AND because I had my purse wrapped around my shoulder, I now have a nice white strip among very red skin! Oh my. Well at least I got to enjoy some VERY fresh pineapple... I think it is becoming my favorite.

Joe and I came home after to see if we could get another load of laundry done before the rain came! The rainy season has begun and at about 1pm no later then 3pm the rain begins! And it is crazy! So we got it done just in time! After we decided to go to the small mall around here. And we ate at the most authentic Mexican restaurant that I have had so far! It was very good :-) And of course.... we couldn't go home without stopping at Hipermas first :-)

Holy Cow...

2008-05-01T20:19:00.005-04:00

Yes I said Cows. Joe and I were able to go downtown San Jose today with our Tico mom. We had a great time looking at the sites and admiring the painted COWS! Apparently this year San Jose, Costa Rica decided to try something new in the downtown! They had a Cow Parade. Different painters came in with plain ceramic cows and painted each one to their liking. Unfortunately I couldn’t get pictures of all of them but here are some that I got…

We had such a great time with our Tico mom and her son. We spoke in Spanish and laughed hysterically at my blunders…. for example we stopped at Burger King for lunch and Joe asked what I wanted in Spanish. Well seeing that there were no salads on the menu… really, I decided that I would go with just one cheese burger and a bottle of water. Well, speaking to Joe back in Spanish because my Tico mom was standing there it went a little something like this: Yo quiero un quesohamburguesa y un bosque de agua. Which literally mean I want a cheeseburger and a forest of water. Yeah you read it right… FOREST of water. So I should have said un botella de agua, which mean a BOTTLE of water. My Tico mom lost it when I said forest and I was SOOOO thankful that I messed up with Joe before I went to order! But the hilarious thing is when I ordered the bottle of water and the lady behind the cash register gave it to me the company that bottled the water was called Rain Forest. So I looked at my Tico mom and said see, I got my forest of water. She lost it again….

Laundry... A 20 Step Process!!!!!!!

2008-04-29T14:45:00.004-04:00

Step 1: Plug in Orange cord in outlet inside of house

Step 2: Plug in Grey cord in outlet in outside patio outlet

Step 3: Turn Cycle Selector Dial to Wash/Rinse

Step 4: Slide Wash Selector button to Wash

Step 5: Turn Wash Selector dial to desired wash cycle

Step 6: Attach hose to sink

Step 7: Turn on sink

Step 8: Let water fill up in washer chamber, Put in cloths, and detergent.

Step 9: Turn Wash Timer Dial to desired wash time: in Minutes

Step 10: When finished Turn Cycle Selector Dial to Drain. Watch water drain out of chamber and leave

suds behind. J

Step 11: Turn Cycle Selector Dial back to Wash/Rinse and turn on sink faucet.

Step 12: Let water fill up in chamber and turn wash timer to desired number of minutes to “spin” rinse.

Step 13: Turn Cycle Sector Dial to Drain and let all water drain out.

Step 14: Slide Wash Selector button to Spin

Step 15: Turn Wash Timer Dial to desired number of minutes to “spin”. Which is just a heavy back and

forth motion.

Step 16: Take personals out of wash chamber and put in dryer chamber to the right.

Step 17: Turn Spin Dry Timer to desired time to ONLY spin with no heat until they are not soaking wet.

Step 18: Remove personals from dryer and place on drying rack inside house to finish drying.

Step 19: Ring out excess water from each piece of remaining clothing from washing camber.

Step 20: Hang up these clothes on the clothes line.

Only Two...

2008-04-26T10:41:00.002-04:00

So here we are in Costa Rica this is our second full day and we have had two visitors! Yes that is right ONLY two.... Two cockroaches that is. I am in shock and awe of how good my God is. Cause I didn't freak out as bad as I thought I was going to.
The first one was on our curtain above my head that my new wonderful friend Heather pointed out to me. I walked quickly forward THEN turned around to look. And it really wasn't that big. Maybe an inch and a half or two. :-) So Joe comes walking out of the bedroom with our little vacuum and sucks the thing up. The lady that we were renting from was in our home with her granddaughter talking with us. And as soon as Joe sucked the thing up she yells and claps her hands... Superman, Superman, Superman! It was so funny.
Then second one decided that it wanted to sit in the living room with Joe and I and watch TV! Of course "superman" did it again and squashed the thing!
So we have been told that they don't come around much... so we will see

Other then that, we have had a good time. It has been a little hard to adjust for me because of missing all of my wonderful friends and family. But God is good! We went shopping yesterday to a place called Hipermas! It was WALMART in disguise. :-) I was so happy. Walmart actually owns the store so it looked just like it! I could find LOTS there.
So today we continue to set up our home and maybe go to a birthday party! :-)
More to come...

9 More Hours...

2008-04-23T22:10:00.002-04:00

9 hours until mine and Joe's plane leaves this Syracuse ground, lands in JFK airport, and then leaves this beautiful country for 6 weeks.

It has been a exciting and sad adventure.... now we will see how great this adventure in Costa Rica goes.....

More updates later... Please PRAY that all flights and transition that goes well!

LOVE YOU ALL!

A Big Day...

2008-04-12T09:21:00.001-04:00

Today is the day that our whole church has been waiting for...

Today is a party day. Our church is going to have a great big fiesta to celebrate what God has done through pre-field...

More updates later...

22 days...

2008-04-02T10:30:00.009-04:00

That is all Joe and I have left is 22 days. 22 days until we take that very early flight to Costa Rica. Our "home away from home". Or at least it will be for a year...

Here's some pics of the home we will be living in...

Front of "our" home

Kitchen

Living Room

Master Bedroom 1

Master Bedroom 2

Resurrection Day... 2008

2008-03-25T22:15:00.009-04:00

What a wonderful day this day was with my family. I am beginning to cherish these days more and more with my family knowing that there will only be a few. Of course the highlight of the day was watching the first niece/Daughter/ Grandbaby of the family.

Here a few Family Pictures of our lovely day...

Extended Guevara Family
Top: Sam, Peanut, Joe, R Jay, Rachel, Dad, Gina
Bottom: Heidi, Heather, Annabelle, Mom

Mom & Dad

Heather, R Jay, Annabelle Dowling

Annabelle Dowling

Joe & Heidi DePuy

The Range of Emotions...

2008-03-12T13:59:00.002-04:00

The one thing I Love and Hate about being a woman!

I love to be able to express how I really feel to someone in a time of love, Joy, and excitement....

BUT

I hate the fact that when life is changing so fast emotions seem to fly all over the place never knowing where they will land and what it will affect. I am so so so so so HAPPY that the wonderful Lord God created me and knows every move, thought, and word that is going to happen before it does! I'm happy because He knows how I operate and what buttons to press so that I don't die! Because if it was up to me... I probably never would have made it out of the womb :-)

So can you tell that leaving this country is getting closer and closer... yeah. Joe and I are beginning to find a place to call home in Costa Rica for a year... the homes are SO different... lots of adapting... BUT they are beautiful, WARM, and exciting....

I NEVER THOUGHT...

2008-03-10T10:03:00.002-04:00

We would actually make it! But the Lord has been so good and we have! Joe and I have officially reached 100% of our support.
We got the clearance from our agency, we were excepted by the language school, and we have a couple finding a house/Apt. for us down there as we speak.
WOW... that is all I can say now a days through the tears. But good tears, great tears, tears of joy. Ok, Ok and sadness too. It is hard to say goodbye to the people you love.. not knowing when you will see them again.
But then excitement takes over.... Joy takes over. Excitement of a new adventure, a new country, new culture, and wonderful people. And Joy in knowing you are going to do what God called you to do and He is smiling...

Here we go....

Packing...

2008-02-21T10:14:00.002-05:00

I didn't realize that when you begin packing there are so many steps....

There is the pre pre pre packing. Then the pre pre packing. Then the pre packing. Then the packing 1, packing 2, and packing 3 stages.......

AHHHH!

And I thought this was not going to be a big deal... right :-)

I need a manual... :-)

Closer and Closer...

2008-02-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

It is really getting close to leaving time now.

Joe and I are just waiting to hear from a church in NJ if their vote goes through positive... and if it does...

WE WILL BE AT 100%! It has been 2 and a half years but it feels like 2 weeks have gone by. As I have been telling everyone I see here lately... if you see me crying... I'm fine... I'm just dealing.

We leave in only 2 months... not very long. Costa Rica here we come :-)

The Fun Begins...

2008-01-31T13:22:00.000-05:00

NC was a great time. Joe, Heather, Annabelle, and I had a wonderful time visiting Family.... We miss them!

But as soon as Joe and I got back to Syracuse we hit the ground running. I can tell these next few months are going to be very very busy and one of the emotional ones I am going to have....

Our prayer is that we leaving for Language School to Costa Rica at the end of April. That is not far away... and the excitement and tears have already started!

Not to mention we still have churches to visit. It is incredible exciting, and I can not imagine doing ANYTHING else....

But Lord give me strength!

The Start of Our Year...

2008-01-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

Well, the first couple weeks of our year started out nice and slow. But that didn't last long... Last weekend we went to SNOW CAMP with the Beacon youth group! It was a blast.

Then one day later we headed to NC to surprise my siblings and parents for a visit with Joe, me, my sister Heather, and baby Annabelle!

So here we are now in NC enjoying family, and having to say goodbye tomorrow to head out and visit 2 churches in one Sunday! :-)

A New Year...

2008-01-08T13:42:00.000-05:00

With new adventures!

And The Fun Continues...

2007-12-29T11:21:00.000-05:00

Opening Gifts with Dowling Family...

R Jay

Heather

Joe

Baby Annabelle

Christmas 2007...

2007-12-26T11:44:00.001-05:00

Was a WONDERFUL time with family!

DePuy Family

DePuy Family Tree!

Our Home This Christmas...

2007-12-20T11:31:00.000-05:00

I began to realize that each of Mine and Joe's Christmas' will all be different. So as I attempt to remember most of them, here are a few pictures of what our home looks like this Christmas! :-)

Candle Decor in Guest Room

Living Room

Living Room

Our Beautiful Nativity Set on top of Bookcase

Our Coffee Table Centerpiece

Our Stockings

Our Cute Little Christmas Tree on top of Ledge

God is good....

2007-12-19T09:46:00.001-05:00

Pray Pray Pray... IS all I can say.

By the middle of January Joe and I could be at 93% if this is what the Lord wants!

That would mean only 7% to go....

How Awesome!

The Peace Beyond Understanding...

2007-12-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

Finally was the word I thought about a week ago when I realized that I would have a couple weeks to be home and spend time with family, making cookies, attending our home church, and going to our Bible studies.

Yes Finally was the word until the week started. Mon - Fri. Bad news came out of no where. God let some amazing blows happen to great people. From taking a loved one from taking a needed job.
BUT HE knows what HE is doing.

Praise the Lord for a faith that we can put into someone who has a plan....

Hopefully we will never forget that...

Oh and I started my natural diet... Apparently I'm detoxing now :-)

THANKSGIVING...

2007-11-23T16:43:00.000-05:00

With my family in North Carolina. We had a wonderful. I was able to spend one on one time with each of my siblings. It really was a great time.... now in a week I get to spend time with my other sibling and my wonderful niece....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

THEY are so cute...

2007-11-15T15:40:00.000-05:00

I love my sister and my niece. Annabelle has gotten so big and I miss her so much!
Can't wait to see them soon....

Tomorrow Joe and I get to go home... yeay! for 2 days and then go and visit my family in NC... We are excited!

God is Awesome...

2007-11-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

and field prep is great...

We are being spoiled....

he he he

But home is calling my name and I can't wait to get back to it :-)

What An Amazing God...

2007-10-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

I am doing lots better now, that I have had time to process. Life seems just a little bit to crazy at them moment. Joe and I have been going with only about having a week and a half at the most to be at home since the end of August and it seems to continue.
I fully thought that Joe and I would not make the field-prep seminar in November giving me a couple months to breath, but the Lord has done AMAZING things!
At the end of Sept. coming home from Mexico Joe and I had only 60%, and needed 25% more to attend the nov. field-prep. The deadline (at least we thought) was Oct. 26th. With only having a month to raise 25% it seemed as through it was not going to happen. But in 2 weeks we jumped up to 75% and then found out that the deadline was actually Oct. 19th. We had lost a week. With still having 10% to go I was sure that we were not going to make it. And in one week, even up to the cut off day we went up to 83.2% and was allowed to go to field-prep and the next day recieved info that we are now at 85.2%. So we are over the requirement for field-prep and heading there this Nov. There is no denying that God has a part in this and wants us to go in November, so I am put at ease for now, knowing that this is the path that HE wants me to take! :-)

What an AMAZING GOD we serve...

Please Pray...

2007-10-19T09:35:00.000-04:00

My heart is very heavy today. I am fighting lots of different emotions about a possible up coming field-prep...

I really do not want to go this time

New date...

2007-10-09T16:26:00.001-04:00

Apparently the cut off date for our seminar now is Oct 19th.... AHHHH we onlly have 10 more days!

PLEASE PRAY! :-)

God's Amazing Works...

2007-10-09T14:33:00.001-04:00

Its amazing how wonderful God works. Joe and I need 85% of our support in order to attend a mandatory field-prep seminar. We need to attend this seminar before going to the field with 100%. The next available seminar is this coming November. But we need to have 85% by Oct 26th. So when we got back from Mexico City, we only had about 63%. I had absolutely NO hope that we would gain 22% more in just 25days. But in only 2 weeks our percentage has reached 77% Only 8% more to go! That's only 410 dollars a month. God is so AMAZING and can do ANYTHING even if you only have 25 days! Hopefully we will reach the next 8% in 17 days!

PRAISE THE LORD!

Were Back!

2007-10-04T14:22:00.000-04:00

Yes that is right I am finally home. Only to leave again in the next week and go go go. Yesterday was a hard day for me. I lost it and was ready to quit everything. It was just one of those girls moments... ya know. I finally got to see my darling niece. She is so beautiful and Heather is an AMAZING mom. Well this weekend starts the Beacon Missions conference and I have a children's lesson to put together soooooo.... hopefully more to come :-)

Wedneday, Sept 27th 2007

2007-09-27T13:38:00.000-04:00

Well, so much for my tummy getting better! I missed most of our morning sessions because I was in our room either laying down or mostly in the bathroom! I eventually was able to get out of the room and come to the end of the sessions. What a yucky morning. But it did feel good enough that I as able to eat lunch. And we ate it near the pool it was so cool! Then Joe and I went back to our room and got ready to go swim in the pool! So I decided to take a pepcid AC to see if it would work. And surprisingly for a long time it worked, it wasn't aching any more! But then during our evening session I had to literally run to the bathroom because I thought that I was going to yack! But surprisingly I sat and sat and sat in the bathroom and nothing! And then it went away so Joe and I headed to dinner and as we sat down with 4 other missionaries all of a sudden the nausea started again, and this time it was bad! And the hard thing was is now i'm with other people so I couldn't just get up and leave! So I began eating a roil and thought if I head to the bathroom and throw this up then that's it. I quit! No more food or swimming or fun. But praise the Lord the food seemed to be what I needed! I felt great with food now in my tummy. There was a couple times in the night that I woke up with much nausea but hopefully it will get better & better.

Tuesday, Sept 26th 2007

2007-09-27T13:20:00.000-04:00

Tummy ache, Tummy ache, Tummy ache... Ahhhh! It won't stop! Praise the Lord that I am still able to go to the sessions and eat meals. It begins to feel better so I think it is going away and then... boom! It comes on strong! But the sessions are wonderful and I am learning so much! After our morning sessions all the ladies had lunch together and had a devotion from JoBeth Loftis. During our time together our regional directors wife got up and began sharing how she wants to get close to us and develop a good relationship. So she had us all share struggles or challenges we are going through we were only supposed to take 15-20mins but ended up being an hour and a half. Of Course :-) There were many needed tears and it was refreshing! Joe and I went to the beach again and as he slept on the shore , I went into the Ocean and let myself be guided by the wonderful waves. IT helped my stomach calm for a little while. We had another session at night and it was such a blessing to hear another great message! After we went to another great restaurant and have a Mediterranean meal. It was absolutely beautiful and my stomach felt great! It started to ache a little as I went to be. But not to bad!

Joe and I on the beach...

Monday, Sept 25th 2007

2007-09-27T13:03:00.001-04:00

Well unfortunately my stomach ache did not go away. I was able to sleep well but when I woke up in the morning... ugh! It ached and ached! I really didn't want to eat anything, but I did have yogurt and beans and it seemed to help. Joe and I were able to go on the beach today! It was so much fun. We stood on the beach trying to find good shells and we kept getting knocked over by the waves! Oh it was so funny to watch. We were out there with Antonio & Diana and at one point I was trying to help Diana get up and the waves kept pushing me down and pushed me right on top of Diana. We lost it and could not stop laughing about it for the rest of the day! For lunch we are at the Restaurant that over looked the beach. It was beautiful! Then for this night we headed to the theater room and watched the Mexican show! It was so incredible watching them dance, sing, and play instruments! Besides the tummy ache... what a great day!

Here are some pics of the show...

Sunday, Sept. 23 2007

2007-09-25T10:48:00.001-04:00

The first day of our conference was a wonderful start. We had a wonderful time of Praise & worship to begin our morning! Each day we are here one couple/single from the Mexico City team has a theme for that day. Today’s day was one of our singles, Darlene. She is hilarious. She gave everyone a cute native Mexican box with lots of candy! Her theme was taking care of your heart. She had a small piece of paper with a heart on it, and she hid it in the lobby of our hotel and whoever found it got a big prize! We had a devotion form Dr. Drullinger. He is a great speaker. He currently teaches at Carville University but will soon stop working there because he is on his way to South Africa as an ABWE missionary! All day we had wonderful sessions from sharing the Gospel to learning about Roman Catholicism. They are all great! lunch was great too, a huge buffet of everything you can imagine! After lunch we had another session and then to the hot tube we went! it was so nice to relax…until I got a stomach ache and it lasted all the rest of the night. Joe went with the Navarretes to dinner and I went to the room to relax and sleep! But it wasn’t so relaxing as the pain kept getting worse and worse. Hopefully it will be gone by tomorrow!

Another pic...

Saturday, Sept. 22 2007

2007-09-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

Our flight went very well. We went with Aero Mexico and we very much enjoy this airline. The flight was only an hour and 20 mins, but still not only did we get a drink but we got breakfast! We had fresh fruit, a chocolate muffin and coffee! The view was also amazing! We got to see the two highest volcanoes in Mexico City. They had snow on them and were absolutely beautiful. The gulf of Mexico is huge! I didn’t realize how big it is! We landed in Cancun and it was raining. We were sad when we stepped off the plane but when we got to the resort we were amazed. It was so cool when we got into the entrance of the resort, we were asked to leave our bags in the van and they would talk them out and take them to our room for us! Then we were immediately greeted, by an employee that gave us all of our information, along with another employee serving us a drink right away! Although it rained all day we were able to walk around the resort and enjoy its beauty! I have never seen an ocean so blue. The waves are strong and beautifully white. I was so excited to see a massage area until I found out that it costs $45 for 30mins and $70 for 1 hour… oye vay! Joe and I were able to help greet Missionaries coming in and tour them around! It was so much fun, I felt like an official tour guide! After touring we were able to walk on the beach and visit the pools! Then we grabbed the Navarrete family and headed to one of the best dinners I have ever had! We had to wear pants and no T-shirts or shorts were allowed, or they would not let you in! It was beautiful. Lanterns on the tables and silver plates! It was Italian night… my favorite. And I ordered something like Manicotti. It was absolutely gorgeous and then I got dessert and coffee, and it was so hard no to eat the dessert because it was like a piece of art! More tomorrow!

Pics of Cancun...

Friday, Sept 21st 2007

2007-09-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

Another early morning started today’s day. We got up around 7am to go over to the Missionaries home, the Allens. To meet with our Regional Director. It was a wonderful time of expressing concerns and talking about what we will be doing when we get to Mexico City. It was a really good time of fellowship! Praise the Lord for them. Then we were able to go down town and look at the 2nd largest Catholic church. La Basilica is what they call it. We were able to go inside and get a tour from Antonio about the church and how it began with one man who came to the priest showing him the flowers the virgin mary gave to him and when he dropped them from his cloak there was her face in his cloack so the priest let him start the huge catholic church in that area. From there we were able to go to the Market. There was such beautiful things there at the market. Beautiful pottery, and jewlrey, and etc. I wanted to buy all of it. Then we were able to go the the House of Tiles it is a restaurant that apparently Denzel Wahington ate at in Man of Fire. The food was so great! Then we got to see the town square of Mexico City! IT was so beautiful. The lights from independence day there was red, green and white colors everywhere! It was a great day!

Thursday, Sept. 20th 2007

2007-09-20T23:37:00.000-04:00

Today began with sleep, yes sleep! Joe and I were able to sleep in and it felt so good! We checked the phone when we woke and it was 9:00am, so we quickly got up thinking that our host family would think we are lazy. We got into the shower and got all ready. I went down stairs to find no one there and realized that none of them were up yet. So I made coffee and did my devotions. They didn’t wake up until 10:30am! I could have been in bed so much longer. Then we were able to go to the Tiangis Market. It was incredible. It was an open market that sold EVERYTHING. Fresh fruit, fish, Animals and their parts that I don’t really want to know about. Clothes, home things. My sister would love it, because it was like a HUGE garage sale! Here is a photo of some of the “interesting” food that we saw there.

Then we headed to the Allens house and was able to chill for a little bit, eat a wonderful chicken salad and potato soup, and then had our team meeting. Today was nice compared to the other days of go go go. And then I was able to walk to a tiny corner store with Joe and TJ and look at all the little small stores around. It was great!

Tomorrow we get to go DOWNTOWN!

Wednesday, Sept. 19th 2007

2007-09-20T11:06:00.000-04:00

Joe and I went to a prayer meeting this morning. It took everything in me not to fall asleep while we were praying. The missionaries here say it takes 2 – 3 days to hit a wall of major tiredness. I guess it took me 5. Yeay me! From there we went to a very nice restaurant. I am continually being surprised about how nice this City is. I had what is called a Huchara solo. It is a thick corn tortilla open faced with beans and cheese in a green salsa sauce! Then I was able to go to Costco! It was just like a Sam’s club, but the Target type brand. It was wonderful to walk through and see the similarities and differences. From there we went to one of the poorest spots in the city to see a kids club that Darlene is working at. Dirt roads and concrete ugly gray brick walls were everywhere. Where the church was there was mold growing in the outside of the walls, but it was hard to see it through the people’s smiles! What a wonderful work! This past Sunday they had 45 people come to Sunday service! Praise the Lord! Joe and I sent with the Allens to pick up there children from school. They go to a MK Christian school in Mexico City! Yes, I was so excited to go and get a tour. I was very impressed and it was quite large for what you can get in Mexico City… mmm we will see. Being so tired it was hard to get going the rest of the day. But it was exciting, we ate at a Popeyes fast food, which Joe LOVED because of there moist chicken. All I can say is … yuck. J From there I was able to go to a Walmart. Again, I was so amazed at how I felt like I was in the States, but at the same time there were definitely differences. Then we went to Waldo’s which is just like the Dollar store in the States, it was great! FINALLY, I was able to go home and eat my wonderful Dark Chocolate which I Have been craving since we left! :-)

Fifth Day in Mexico City...

2007-09-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, Sept. 18^th 2007

Today began with a Bible study that Antonio led at the first church they planted. Most of it was Women, which is typical in the Mexican culture. After Bible study the church put on lunch for us, which again was wonderful. The funny this about lunch was that when we were in Bible study for some reason I was craving Lasagna, and wouldn’t you know that for lunch part of it was Lasagna. We enjoyed fellowship and then, headed back to the Navarretes home. Diana and Antonio needed to go to a funeral, so there kids, TJ & Alyssa and Joe and I stayed home for a while and then we all headed to a Mexican market with our Administrators. I got to take a “Mexican bus” for the first time. I was nervous but it really was a great adventure, although it did seem like chickens packed into a truck…he he. Walking through the market was very interesting, there were whole chickens being cut up along with many other animals. But they did have wonderful looking fruit! We then were able to go to the other teammate’s house, the Allen’s, and had pizza! But get this… they don’t put pepperoni on pizza! Then Ron Allen took us to … SAM’S CLUB. That’s right they have Sam’s club and it only took 15 minutes to get there. I was expecting to see a major difference but it looks just like home! I was so excited. We then headed back to the Allen’s home and celebrate Darlene’s birthday, one of the single ladies on our team. It was very exciting to see her so happy and us laughing all together. Tomorrow… brings lots more fun!

Monday, Sept. 17, 2007

2007-09-17T23:05:00.000-04:00

Today Joe and I got to sleep in a little. It was very nice, since we have been going since we got here. We were able to enjoy a nice breakfast while we did our devotions, waiting for Diana and Antonio to get home. Once they got home, we all packed into the car and headed to McDonalds, yes that’s right McDonalds. We all ate there and then Joe, Antonio, and TJ (Navarretes son) went to the church to walk around the area and have a prayer time for the church. Diana, myself, and Alyssa (Navarretes daughter) talked for a while and then walked around the area looking at different Mexican stores. I was surprised how similar it is to the United States but different at the same time. From there I had my first Taxi ride in Mexico City. I was nervous hoping that taking a Taxi was ok, but Diana assured me that it is good and normal. From there I went with our administrators, Bethany, and the singles director, Carol to the English class Bethany taught. It was a wonderful time, the students had to interview us in English and then we sat in front of them and they asked us questions like a panel. There was 5 of us, and I felt so special as most of them always wanted to ask ME a question! It was such a great time. We shared snack with them, and then got to chat. From there we headed to the Allen’s home for dinner, and the single girls started scaring me with all the rodent stories about Mexico… yey fun. Then our whole entire Mexico City team called into our prayer call with Joe and I and they all got to pray with us! Finally as we were heading home, the Navarretes received a call that someone in the church here in Mexico had died. So we headed home fast and Antonio, Diana, and Alyssa changed and went right over to the wife’s home, ready to attend a funeral at 10pm! Ministry is tough… but wonderful!

Sunday, Sept. 16th 2007

2007-09-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

Today is the day that went to see the ministries that we will possibly be doing someday. We headed to the church to begin prayer time at 10am. Antonio took prayer requests and the new prayed. Next followed announcements and Joe introducing us. He told the church where we are from and that we are planning on coming to Mexico to minister and that we have no children. Well, one child spoke up and tell everyone on know in the church that “we are planning on it”. We all lost it, because Joe and I had not even met this child yet. Then Antonio preached and I could understand most of it! I was very excited. We stayed at the church for a while and met people and talked. I have gotten to make friends with a girl named Barbie. From there we went back to the Navarretes house where we are staying, and had a wonderful chicken meal with our administrators, Bethany, and the Navarretes. I was able to help her decorate the dining room for the dinner; this is typical to decorate a lot when you have company over. After eating we went to a large mountain where they built a HUGE mall on top of it and got to see the whole city from the mall. It was AMAZING! It was really nice to see the city all lit up at night. It is such a big city. From there we headed back to the Navarretes house where I was able to stay up talking with Diana about ministry. It was wonderful!

Saturday, Sept. 15th 2007

2007-09-17T22:59:00.000-04:00

What a Wonderful night’s sleep! Today is the day Mexico celebrates their independence. We enjoyed most of the morning talking with the Navarretes and eating pancakes! I received a call at about 10:30am saying that my sister was being driven to the hospital to have here baby! We waited and waited for our luggage but it did not come before we had to leave for the church Independence Day service. So Diana Navarrete stayed home for us and waited for the luggage to arrive, while we headed out to the future church we will be ministering in. We arrived at the church and just as I expected the area was poor. Their church building was 3 very small rooms together and a very small side yard, in which we played volleyball with the Mexican people. We ate authentic Mexican food with them & colored the Mexican flag. Joe then shared his testimony in Spanish and we set off fireworks! Joe was able to make a small friend named, Santiago. He is an adorable little boy. From there I was able to go to a fellow teammates home to call my mother. Heather had Annabelle Rose Dowling at 4:02pm weighing 6lbs and 13oz. She is 19 inches long! I’m an Aunt! At this time it was about 10:20pm and we were heading out…AGAIN! J We headed to the town square for the annual... grita. This is when the whole town gets together at 11pm and shouts…VIVE MEXICO 3 times. We watched as hundreds just in one of the many tiny towns in Mexico City shouted VIVE MEXICO and fireworks then followed! By the time we got home it was after midnight and I was exhausted! Bed never felt so good. J

A Word from Mexico City...

2007-09-17T22:57:00.000-04:00

Friday, Sept. 14^th 2007

Well, Joe and I got to the airport from Joe’s Dad! We arrived at 5:50am all ready and excited! For your first flight, getting our tickets, going through customs, and getting on the plane was a breeze! Praise the Lord! We arrived in Philadelphia without any difficulties. Our second flight, we assumed would board shortly after we got off our first plane, unfortunately it took of 1 hour later than it was supposed to. So, because our flight came in so late we almost missed our flight to Mexico City! But as I write we are in the air headed to Mexico City! Praise the Lord! Our airline… Aero Mexico is amazing! We were able to watch a movie and they gave us a complementary meal! Sandwich, salad, cake, & coffee! The flight was so relaxing. We arrived into Mexico City on time and tired. As we waited, and waited for our baggage to come… surprise, surprise… it was not there. Joe went and spoke to the baggage claim personal, they gave us a number to call later that night to see if our luggage came and they would then send it to the house we were staying at. Seeing our regional director and our team leader at the airport was so encouraging! We had to leave quickly because it could take up to 3 hours to get to the place we were staying! The Lord knew we were coming, because it only took us an hour and a half! Phone calls were made home, houses we looked at and we headed to our host family’s house… the Navarrettes. Which hopefully we will be working with someday! I was amazed at how nice the homes that our teammates lived in! The phone call was attempted to the airline but the number was not in service…shocking! Mr. Navarrete, Antonio was finally able to get through and, praise the Lord our luggage was at the airport. They said that they would bring it he next day! Finally we were able to head to bed.

Traveling...

2007-08-30T13:27:00.000-04:00

If there is any word that would best fit this summer into the fall for Joe and I... it would be TRAVEL! Yes, that is what we have been doing for it seems like ever. I had 4 days last week to get some things organized... yeah that seemed futile. But honestly some things got done. We left friday the 24th and got back Monday the 27th. Gone again... But PRAISE THE LORD. Before we left Joe and I found out that a church that we visited in North Carolina took us on! Yay! And the church we visited on Sunday in VA, told us that it is not a matter of IF they support us, but HOW MUCH they support us! Praise to the one and only Holy GOD! From whom ALL blessings flow!
So begins a "break" here at home, praying that I will be here for my niece's birth! Then we head off to Mexico on Sept 14th until we return on Sept 29th!

Awaiting Her...

2007-08-21T14:59:00.001-04:00

Ok, seriously any day now would be great! :-) My family and I are awaiting "their" & our very first.. Niece/Grandaughter in our extended Guevara family. How wonderful this process has been and how exciting it has been to watch sister go through this process. She is an amazing woman and she will be an amazing MOTHER! I mean of course... because "our" mother is amazing, she has had a GREAT example!

We are holding our breaths...

For Some Reason...

2007-08-16T10:35:00.000-04:00

For some reason, I am so annoyed today. At EVERYTHING. I have no idea why but every word, every suggestion, every accusation is killing me today! AHHHHHH
But other than that things are going well. I am finally seeming to get things done but not so much organized yet. Hopefully soon...

Finally...

2007-08-13T15:26:00.001-04:00

A moment for an unfortunately brief update :-) . Well, Now I am back home beginning to "organize". From North Carolina Joe and I went to Reynosa Mexico on a short- term missions trip, and of course it was amazing... God is sooooo good! For the full detail and pics go to saintswithamission.com
From there we headed home at 1:00am on a Monday morning and I immediately jumped into teaching VBS at our church all week. The next week brought a little "catch-up" and then my family headed up here for a family reunion and my sister's baby shower. The week after came the DePuy Family Vacation week in the Adirondacks. We came back Saturday unpacked, woke up Sunday went to church came back home packed up some stuff and headed 2 hours south to a church that we presented at. We were home about 11:45pm last night, and now begins..... "organizing". Besides our weekends being full for the rest of this month... HOPEFULLY we will be able to catch up and get going! More to come...

Continued Vacation?.....

2007-07-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe not so much a vacation. But Joe and I are having a great time with Family.... Here is some pool and zoo photos from the 4th of July....

Marker Fun...

2007-06-28T22:19:00.000-04:00

This explains it all...

Fun Times...

2007-06-24T22:42:00.001-04:00

Wow what a blast.... I have been strawberry picking, shopping, buying things for baby, taking new walks, entertaining guests, swimming, learning tennis, watching new movies, and getting a painful sunburn. In just about 6 days.... with still 15 more days to go... What will we do! :-)

I have "arrived"...

2007-06-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, maybe not "arrived" but close. I am done with school. It is a bitter sweet moment. I will miss school, but I am happy to be moving on. Joe and I are in North Carolina right now beginning to sort things out, while spending time with family,and visiting lots of churches. Hopefully my updates will be steady now. Have a good one everyone! :-)

Here I go again...

2007-04-24T11:09:00.000-04:00

not posting for so long. I get so frusterated when I can't get to writing. Anyhoo. Joe and I are wonderful! We just recently got back from VA where we visited 2 churches, and we are confident that they will support us, as long as they are able! Praise the Lord!!! It was nice to see my Family also! We got to surprise them while we were in VA, it was a wonderful time! Joe is back at the grind stone at church, calling Pastors and such, and I am back at school, busy as ever!

Hopefully will post again soon! :-)

Busy Weekend...

2007-03-26T12:56:00.000-04:00

Wow, this weekend seemed crazy. Friday night Joe and I attend Seussical the Musical at the school I am working at, it was wonderful. The students are amazing!!! Then Sat. we ran arrands, celebrated a birthday, and practiced teaching Sunday School. Sunday, we taught Sun. School with a skit, then grabbed lunch, headed home where I made a dish for our Marriage Supper of the Lamb Banquet that we had at church, changed, then headed to church early so that I could practice my song that I sang that night and help finish decorating. We closed our eyes at about 11:30 last night. Only to be up this morning at 7:30 to head to School and start working. uhhhh,
I need a vacation ;-)

An Aunt....

2007-03-22T18:22:00.000-04:00

For some reason... it seems more weird to be to become an Aunt then possibly to become a Mom. Why, you ask..... I have NO IDEA! My Neice/Nephew, has a very strong heartbeat.. Praise the Lord. I was able to go with my sister to her appointment, and was able to hear the precious ones heartbeat.... It was truely amazing!

Our schedule is filling up more. We will be able to head to NC for part of the summer. Oh how nice that Carolina sun will feel. Not to mention time with MY family :-)

Getting Back to "normal"...

2007-03-16T14:08:00.000-04:00

Well, I am happy to say that things went "fairly" well with Joe's Grandfathers funeral. It was very hard to see if family with such grief. Especially those who do know "know" the Lord. But I am so proud of Joe's Dad, he was able to stand in front of everyone at the funeral and literally give the Gospel message. It was amazing. I just hope and pray it really sticks with some people there.

Joe is doing alright now, he had a moment to grieve when we came home Wednesday night. I think he really needed it.

Otherwise, we are trying to get back into the swing of things, me working at the school, and Joe continuing to call Pastor's... so far so good!

Prayer Needed...

2007-03-13T23:36:00.000-04:00

Ok, tomorrow at 11:30am is the funeral for Joe's grandpa. His dad is speaking a very convicting message, please pray that the Holy Spirit uses Joe's dad to touch people's hearts, and for Joe's dad's nerves. And for his whole family.... thanks all :-)

Ok....

2007-03-12T15:17:00.001-04:00

Alright, for real now! Why does this lady even have a blog if she does not use it!?! :-) So, many things to say that I just don't remember. So let me just begin with the recent.

Today Joe and I were able to enjoy the Baltimore Harbor. We are at a missions confrence near Baltimore Maryland, and it is so much fun to visit with the people and see the sites. Unfortunately, out time will be shortened by leaving tomorrow morning instead of Thursday morning. On our way here on Sat. we got news that Joe's grandfather passed away at 6:30am. This is somewhat hard to take with his family because, we are unsure if he is a believer. We pray to God he is but only God knows. So Tues. morning we are leaving this fun filled city to head to Buffalo NY for calling hours and a funeral service.

I am still working at Faith Heritage School planning their events. There is much of me that can not wait until the end of June when I will be done. So that I can focus more on pre-field and church activities!

Joe and I are at aout 62% of our support, hopefull that will rise soon so that we can make the November field prep seminar and be on our way in January of 2008.

With the Lord's guiding I will be an AUNT this coming Sept or so. Yes, very very excited about that. I think I might just have to spoil it rotten to keep my wonderful sister on her toes! :-)

Well, I will really try harder to make a hugh effort to keep the updates coming! Blessings to all!

My lack of time...

2007-01-02T10:35:00.000-05:00

WOW! I can not believe that it has been almost 3 months since my last post. I have just been so busy planning events here at Faith Heritage School. And getting ready and getting through the holiday season. It was a wonderful season, I got to see my family October, November, and December. What a blessing! Many memories were made that will never be forgotten. But for now I will begin a fresh with my posts. "hopefully" :-) Today is just getting back into the swing of things. :-)

My lack of posts....

2006-10-19T08:32:00.000-04:00

Things I Hate....

Not having time to post anything... EVER!
Rescheduling a Doctors appointment that is much needed
Not getting pregnant....

Yeah I better stop now or I could go on FOREVER! God is good no matter what. I love Him! :-)

But on the up side. Nothing really is new. I'm still working at Faith Heritage School, planning group get together's at church, teaching Sun School at church, and teaching Sun night olympians at church, planning and going to youth events, at the same time as planning and attending pre-field visits. Yeah it's crazy. But praise the Lord, He is teaching me to let things go. I have let go planning the Ladies Ensemble at church and soon hopefully, letting go teaching and planning Sun School and stick to Sun night Olympians only :-)
And I am really excited about the Holidays..... OF COURSE :-)

:-)

2006-09-23T22:54:00.000-04:00

Is it healthy to be working so hard.... I am alive really.... Hopefully will post soon ;-)

Such a Busy Time of Year.....

2006-09-11T19:47:00.000-04:00

Wow it has almost been like a month since I have written. Where does the time go? I never knew life could get so packed. But I am enjoying so much. :-) I am currently working at the High School I graduated from. It is GREAT! Busy but great. I love the fall season and the smell of "school". Yeah so I was the geek who loved when school started but never told anyone, valuing my life ;-) Also, I am teaching a Sunday School class at church , and teaching Olympians at church. When Joe and I are not on the road somewhere visiting a church! I love serving the Lord, He is such an awesome GOD!!!! :-)

Football Season Begins....

2006-08-20T22:50:00.000-04:00

That's right..... it's football time. Well at least for my husband. I am at 10:45pm on a Sunday night..... STILL..... waiting at church for Joe to be done with this "Fantasy Football Draft". I am so excited for him... hanging with the guys, talking about the "real important stuff" ;-) Even though I feel like I just need to passout on my bed for like 10 years! :-)

This weekend was so bitter sweet. The trial with my sister took us (family) all for a spin, but spending the few moments serving her like I could was such a blessing, and so refreshing. Thanks Heather ;-) I LOVE YOU!!!!!

And on the last note.... what it is about the cool breeze that signals the fall season, the excitement of school events, and the buying of notebooks/pencils/folders/binders etc..... that gives me such a thrill? I have to say...... I CANT WAIT!!!! :-)

Until next time :-)

"God made me do it"..

2006-08-01T14:08:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is right..... God has made me "slow down" a bit. So that I might update this blog.. :-)
FINALLY! I have been going, going, going. With a week meeting in PA and then VBS at Beacon the next week, and through it all trying to move into our apartment.... that's right I said our apartment.. :-) It has been nice to set up home. It's like a breath of fresh air with lots of work involved. So then this week my old job called me back in desperation needing part-time "help" for this week. So being stuck at a computer I am "forced" to update my blog... hehe :-) Life seems just so busy lately, I can't imagine doing this with kids. I'm sure I would have to slow down and give up a handful of stuff... which would so totally be worth it :-) Well hopefully from now on I can immerse myself back into the blog world... :-)

Been A While....

2006-07-12T10:10:00.000-04:00

It has been so long since I have last updated. So many things that have happened. Churches have been visited, time with family has been spent, and "wars" have been raging. But through it all God has been so good and faithful.

My "little" sister is pregnant.... YEAY sister. She is due Feb. 20th. We are praying that everything goes well with her pregnancy. This has been long awaited for her, and I am so excited for her.... she is gleaming. :-)

Hopefully soon Joe and I will be making a "change" in our lives. This has not been easy at all since it has all started but hopefully it will be over soon.... more to come.

Such a short post for so much time... hopefully soon more will come. :-)

It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction,

and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing.

- 2 Samuel 16:12

Each day we learn from yesterday

Of God’s great love and care;

And every burden we must face

He’ll surely help us bear.

- D. De Haan

It takes the storm to prove the real shelter.

Donkey Mentality...

2006-06-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

A minister referred to Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and asked: "What if the donkey on which Jesus was riding had thought all the cheering was for him? What if that small animal had believed that the hosannas and the branches were in his honor?"

The minister then pointed to himself and said: "I'm a donkey. The longer I'm here the more you’ll come to realize that. I am only a Christ-bearer and not the object of praise."

In recording Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Matthew referred to the prophecy of Zechariah: "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey'" (Matthew 21:5; see Zechariah 9:9).

On Palm Sunday, the donkey was merely a Christ-bearer, bringing the Son of God into the city where He would give His life for the sins of the world.

If we could develop a healthy "donkey mentality," what an asset that would be as we travel the road of life. Instead of wondering what people think of us, our concern would be, "Can they see Christ Jesus, the King?" Rather than seeking credit for service rendered, we would be content to lift up the Lord.

- David C. McCasland

O what can I give to the Master,

The One who from sin set me free?

I’ll give Him a lifetime of service

To thank Him for dying for me.

- K. De Haan

A Christian’s life is a window through which others can see Jesus.

I think this says it all......

God's Grace....

2006-06-06T11:09:00.000-04:00

A sinus infection.... yup that is what I have. But I have so much unspeakable joy. You would ask, why Heidi why so much joy when you feel as though you are going to die :-)
Well let me tell you...
We have no insurance, so as you can image going to the Doctor's was not on the top of my list. So I prayed, and prayed, and prayed. And lo and behold He did it again, showed me what His grace is all about. The Dr. only charged me the minimum amount, gave me samples, and wrote a perscription that only costed 18 dollars. I'm still smiling about it. He is such a great God.

The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will
He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
- Psalm 84:11

When all my labors and trials are o'er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me. - Gabriel

God gives grace for this life and glory in the life to come.

One of the Most...

2006-06-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

annoying things is entering into your first day of no more work, and being horribly sick. My sister can attest to that.

Oh yes, today is my first day "off"! Well, off from secular work that is, and I have a sinus infection.. yippie :-) I was so excited to go to bed last night realizing all of the things I could do today, and because of my "sickness" I got 3 hours of sleep! I think it is just God's reminder that nothing is easy, that is why we lean on Him. Praise the Lord, though, that I am still at church today and plan on getting some things done :-) I love the Lord. He is so good!

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord....The Lord God is my strength. - Habakkuk 3:18-19

Why must I bear this pain? I cannot tell;

I only know my Lord does all things well.

And so I trust in God, my all in all,

For He will bring me through, whate’er befall. - Smith

God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness.

A Little More Time...

2006-05-24T08:47:00.000-04:00

I have found some time to catch up.... "some time" I use that word loosely :-) Our "Vacation" was wonderful. We went to Lancaster PA and spent a good couple of days without "distractions". We went to a production that Sight and Sound puts on called The Pslams of David. It was like a 2 hour worship session that we ALL were a part of. How blessed I hope my Lord was. After that a Seminar followed given by Linda Dillow. It was a great time. Then we headed back home into the buisiness of life once again :-) It is fun!

TODAY IS OUR ANNIVERSARY! It has been a wonderful and growing 3 years of marriage and 6 years together. To God be the glory!!!

More to come as always... Have a great day everyone!

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord....The Lord God is my strength. - Habakkuk 3:18-19

The Wish of More Time...

2006-05-18T16:48:00.000-04:00

Oh how, I wish I had more time to write about life. Our "vacation" was wonderful, and so was the seminar..... more to come....

So Busy....

2006-05-09T09:06:00.000-04:00

I have to admit. I love being busy. But I do hate when there is not enough time for family and friends. But I feel wanted, and fullfilled when I am busy. :-) This month brings work to an end and a load of ministry :-) Yeay!

But I am so excited and passionate about learning the word of God after this weekend. I attended a two day seminar on precept Bible studies. Learning how to do an Inductive Bible study..... WOW. It was so amazing to see what you find in scripture when this method is applied... very exciting!!

This week brings work (training my replacement), Bible study, A ladies event meeting, laundry, and packing for.... VACATION!

Which by the way.... my replacement.... is someone from my church. I want to cry everytime I think about my prayer being answered. My desire was for someone to continue the witness that I pray I have been leaving, and praise the Lord, a great woman of God from my church got my job :-)

Anyhow.... more to write later :-)

1-10...

2006-05-03T08:55:00.000-04:00

Well, since everybody else is doing it..... I like to follow I guess ;-)

1... Day until I get my stiches out from getting my wisdom teeth out. Finally!

2... The beautiful number of my family.... Mr. & Mrs. DePuy :-)

3... More weeks until my 3 year anniversary! To God be the glory!

4... More weeks from today until my last day of work! Well, in the workforce that is :-)

5... Months until (we are praying) Joe and I can be at 85% of our support, to attend out field-prep seminar.

6... The age Isaac with be this year. Joe's youngest brother. :-)

7... God's perfect number.

8... Months until Joe and I are hoping to go to Language School! In Costa Rica :-)

9... Days until Joe and I go on vacation! yeay :-) Were going to see a Sight & Sound Production... they are amazing!

10... Churches that Joe and I have visited, since the year started! 2 have committed to monthly support.

That was fun! Have a great day everybody :-)

The Lopsided Chipmunk...

2006-05-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

Reffering to me of course. Thursday I got my right wisdom teeth "pulled" out. Yes it was hilarious as my hunny, laughed when gingerale dripped down my chin and I couldn't feel a thing!
Praise the Lord, everything went well, and Friday night I headed to Auburn with Joe to finish their mission's conference until Sunday afternoon. Yes, I too was shocked that I was eating "normal" food Friday night! And managed to attend a meeting Friday night, Sat morning, Sat night, and Sunday morning singing in the worship service. Then Sunday night to my home church for olympians. And now back to work Monday morning... Wow that was a lot to write!

GOD is so good!! More to come.....

Be True To Your Word....

2006-04-26T10:56:00.000-04:00

More and more I am finding that your foundation is all that you have.... Letting your yes be yes and your no be no, is so crucial in today's age. Expecially when you are sharing the True Word of God....

It's important that Christians act and speak so that the Savior is glorified. When you give your word, keep it. If you make a commitment, honor it. If you take on an obligation, fulfill it. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:37, "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes.'"

Our honesty and reliability should be so evident that we can be trusted for any contract we make. What better testimony could be said of a believer than this: "He gave his word; that's good enough for me." And if non-Christians can trust us in business matters, they are more likely to believe us when we speak about the gospel.

Uphold me in the common strife;

Give me the grace to work and plan;

And in the marketplace of life,

O keep me, Lord, an honest man.

- Bayliss

Never give your word unless you intend to keep it.

No Time or Time Wasted....

2006-04-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

As life progresses, and I am getting older. It seems that more and more responsibilities are coming my way. I am still swaying back and forth contemplating if I am enjoying this or not. There is no time sometimes for the simple things in life, or maybe because the small times are wasted. My soul has been in it's refinement stage these last couple of weeks, and I fear that it will still continue refining this coming week. I am excited though when I see, and know that the outcome is beyond my wildest dreams..... I long to be in the glory of my Lord :-)

On the life note.... This past week was fun spending time with family in North Carolina. Going to the Zoo, and best of all shopping :-) But the most exciting thing of all was bringing my "mysterious guest". My sister, Heather came with me to visit our family. It was priceless, to see the shock and joy on everyone's face, when they realized she came too! I can't wait to do it again* :-)

This week brings busyness once again. Work began again this morning, and a missions conference will fill up the rest of the time. Exciting but a struggle while working full time. But Praise the Lord, this too shall pass. My last day will be May 31st :-)

More to come.... Hopefully later.....

Every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor,

it is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

If you want to leave footprints in the sands of time, wear work shoes.

The Glorious Sunset...

2006-04-11T10:36:00.000-04:00

I read the daily bread today and it talked about "The Glorious Sunset". The time when life continues and suddenly you find yourself to be at an old age. They described it as this...

At evening time it shall happen that it will be light.

- Zechariah 14:7

You cannot escape the advancing years. Youth stays long enough only to strengthen our shoulders for the burdens ahead. Life leads inevitably to the evening time. But the best things are the oldest things-things that have endured and stood the test of time. God Himself—though not bound by time-is called the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9).

I was so encouraged as I read this. Although I know that Joe and I have much to go through, I am excited about taking each day knowing that Old age is not something to be feared. I have been reminded of this very thing over the past couple of days.

Joe and I since Friday evening have been attending a mission's conference in Scipio NY. It is a small community church with many "young at heart" in attendance. We have been able to spend a lot of time with them for dinners and such, and I am so blessed by their wisdom and knowledge. I just wish I had days to talk with them about their experiences and faith.

Praise the Lord for each stage of life!!!!

So I journey with rejoicing

Toward the city of God's light,

While each day my joy is deeper,

And the pathway grows more bright. - Hoffman

The Epidemic...

2006-04-06T08:56:00.000-04:00

I love learning things about people, wether you know them or not. So, realizing this has now become an epidemic, I have decided to "join the bandwagon"....

- I hate my new hair cut. I feel like a little girl

- I'm excited that I have collectivly lost also 15 pounds and still working on it.

- Hopefully I will go to part-time at my job starting in May and then end totally on May 31st. I am very excited about this

- I am becoming a crazy neat person, which my husband is absolutely loving of course.

- I am craving to light candles, but have no home to do so

- I get to see my family in 12 days! In which I am very excited but said that my sister can not come with me, since I am not so much a momma's girl.

- I am obsessed with Suduko, I can't help it the numbers have to go somewhere :-)

- I love bible study so much that I go to two of them a week, and am study proverbs with a great lady in our church on top of that.. hehe

- Joe and I are finally going to get a REAL car soon. This will be our 10th car since 2000. Yeah enough said :-)

- I love my sister very much and glad reading hers prompted me to do this... :-)

"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" - Hebrews 10:24

Always Awake...

2006-04-05T08:47:00.000-04:00

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone,

O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

- Psalm 4:8

A mother and her 4-year-old daughter were preparing for bed. The child was afraid of the dark. When the lights were turned off, the girl noticed the moon shining through the window. "Mommy," she asked, "is that God's light up there?" "Yes, it is," came the reply. Soon another question: "Will He put it out and go to sleep too?" "Oh no, He never goes to sleep." After a few silent moments, the little girl said, "As long as God is awake, I'm not scared." Realizing that the Lord would be watching over her, the reassured child soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

In His care confiding

I will sweetly sleep,

For the Lord my Savior

Will in safety keep. - Psalter

If you have trouble getting to sleep, try resting in the Lord.

The Struggles that Refine....

2006-03-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Well, what do I say, I am surprised, not at all.....

Joe and I headed to Michigan on Thursday very excited for a long road trip and much talking. But as we reach half way into Canada. Our peace was broken by "that noise again". Before we left we had our car fixed because it was running really rough, and of course that didn't fix it. Being in Canada we were kind of trapped, so across the border we pushed the car to drive another 2 hours before being looked at. Praise the Lord that we were able to have it looked at right away and headed to our hotel. What a blessing in disguises it was that Joe and I spent a night in a very nice hotel! But came the next day driving to our destination another 40 minutes away and the "problem" came back. So finding another "car doctor" they did what they could but told us that this was ONLY and temporary fix to get us across Canada and back to Syracuse. But Praise the Lord we made it home safely Saturday night and we were able to go to our home church on Sunday. Where we spent ALL day at church preparing for a get together on Wednesday.

Oh so much to go through, so much stress, and so much blessings. But I am very thankful for my struggles. As pastor preached Sunday morning.....

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. "

- 2 Corinthians 1 :3-7

May I be refined

Beautiful.....

2006-03-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

Oh yes everyone, that is right. They are my sisters!!! :-) I love them very much......

:-)

Divine Interruptions...

2006-03-21T08:57:00.001-05:00

A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. - Luke 10:33

God's will comes to us in strange ways, often in the form of interruptions. Just when we think our duties are done for the day and we've settled in for a quiet evening at home, someone calls on the telephone or shows up on our doorstep asking for our time. "Are you busy?" they ask.
The best thing to do is to stop looking at these intrusions as interruptions. Instead, we should take them as opportunities that God is sending us to serve those in need—to listen well, to show love, to help them on their journey toward intimacy with God.

One early Christian writer, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, said, "Love is the duty of the present moment." No matter what else we may have planned, love is our duty.
"Who is my neighbor?" I ask. Jesus answers, "The person in need I'm sending your way."

- David Roper

Lord, if I'm feeling rushed today,I

need your eyes to help me see

That when an interruption comes

It is an opportunity. - Sper

An interruption may be a divine appointment.

Staying in the Sunshine...

2006-03-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

I admit, I miss the sunshine. I am teased by the shortness of sun and the forth coming of the cold and snow. Why do I live here? Is what I often hear myself saying. But reading a miscellaneous daily bread today I realized that I can always be in the sunshine.....

In his book The Best Is Yet To Be, Henry Durbanville told the story of a little girl in London who won a prize at a flower show. Her entry was grown in an old cracked teapot and had been placed in the attic window of a rundown tenement house. When someone asked how she managed to raise such a lovely flower in such an unlikely environment, she said she moved it around so it would always be in the sunlight

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9).

We abide in Christ's love when we show love to others. Jesus made this clear when He said, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love . . . . This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (vv.10,12-13).

We feel the warmth of Christ's love when we obey His commandment to love and serve others. That's the way to stay in the sunshine.

-Richard De Haan

Our love for God is seen in our love for others.

God is in Control....

2006-03-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a weekend. Joe and I were able to spend time with good friends that we haven't seen in a while. They have a "soon to be" 2 year old, 1 year old, and another baby on the way. It was so refreshing to play with their girls. At first going there I thought, oh no, what if I get really discouraged, after 3 years of marriage not having any children. But no way, I had a great time and learned more and more that God is in Control, and He has a perfect time or way for whatever is to come.

I just have to praise the Lord, because so many BAD things are happening lately and I am becoming more and more joyful as they happen. I am just so amazed at this. Usually I freak out, break down crying, and have a hissy fit. But not this time, I kinda like it :-) PRAISE THE LORD!!!

"..who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer."

- 2 Corinthians 1:4-6

A Roller Coster of Thoughts.....

2006-03-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

*I know to some, this may sound a little weird :-) but I can see myself growing, growing in my fruit. For example, dummy me, forgot that 24 (my alltime, most favorite show, thanks to my sister) started at 8pm and was a 2 hour special. Now back in the day ;-) I would have freaked out. Cause come on now, I missed my most favorite show, but tonight as I sighed, I immediatly moved on and now wait until next Monday when I can be entranced once again.
So again I state, that may have sounded wierd, but I am really excited that God comes first!!!

*So, in normal life..... :-) I am still working full time, which is hard for me for many reasons. But God knows the timing that we will head to Mexico and I just need to wait. Only 4 little letters that are just so big :-)

*I am so hyper but it is late I must go to bed..... more to come!!!

The Refining of My Soul....

2006-03-02T08:42:00.000-05:00

I hate the days that everything in the world goes wrong, just so that we can be tested. I mean I thought sitting in a hard metal/wooden chair to take a multiple choice test that I didn't study for was hard. Yeah, I see it differently now. I would much rather take multiple choice tests that the ones life gives us.

BUT...

The blessings and rewards that flow when you know that you have obeyed, is one of the most amazing moments ever! :-)

Yeah so I had a hard day yesterday, but to GOD be the glory......

"We all, ... beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image" - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Difficulties of life are to make us better... not bitter

Memories of the Past....

2006-02-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

My weekend was amazing. Joe and I had a mission's conference to go to in Binghamton. It was great to relive my memories of the past. Spending most of the day with old friends began stirring up feelings that I had been longing for. We got to visit our "youth group" at Grace on Wednesday and Just as I expected I got to hear the wonderful screams of Betsy welcoming me "home". It was amazing to see the youth painting the youth center. It looks awesome!!! Then for the rest of our days, we headed back and for from the cafe to our missions conference. We stay we the Bleuer's and we are totally and completely blessed. They are the most amazing couple. And I was even able to spend a night with "the girls" I LOVE THEM!!!! Thank you God for the great Memories of the Past.

"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of themAnd a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not endThough it's hard to let you goIn the Father's hands I knowThat a lifetime's not too long... to live as friends."