9.25.2010

going solo

Tonight Mike and I led our first Portuguese Bible Study without help from our language teacher! Mike has taught on other nights but the normal leader was out of town tonight and he asked us to fill in for him. After Jackson led a time of worship, I told the Bible Story and Mike then led the discussion. Jackson made music sheets for everyone and was really well prepared so he seems to have found his niche.

It was an amazing night!!
We (all 5 of us) are completely aware of our inabilities and yet we are in awe of how God takes our limitations and uses them for good! At times we feel as if we don't know where the words are coming from yet God continues to speak through what feels like craziness in our heads! It was such an exciting night to see the possibilities of what is to come in our time here in RP! I can't even explain the joy I have in my heart knowing that God WOULD CHOOSE to use our lives, inadequacies and all!!

9.12.2010

my my my

What is the hardest thing about learning a new language?

Glad you asked!!! ha

It has to be understanding JOKES or when someone is being sarcastic!

They're only stating a short phrase that seems simple enough and you understand the words their saying but you have to ask them to explain 3 or 4 times so that you "very seriously" will get this important information that they are sharing. It's really uncomfortable cause you're trying to answer or respond to them but there is no answer. YOU'RE JUST SUPPOSED TO LAUGH but unfortunately you don't know that.

I always feel my forehead furrow and try so hard. Eventually they move on and shrug it off as if to give up and this is when I realize I missed the fact that they were only kidding. UGH!!

I really hate not understanding the jokes too. There is nothing worse than being in a room full of people and while everyone is listening to someone talk, the whole room bursts out in laughter. OF COURSE YOU LAUGH TOO because to not laugh would seem rude. But then some nice soul asks if you understood and you confess, "NO!" It is awful...sorta like being in middle school again and you feel clueless about everything.

Last night, the conversation at our Bible Study was moving really fast and I just could not keep up. I didn't know if I should have a serious face to go with what they were saying or a smile pasted on my completely clueless face. I had to go with the head nod but I'm not sure how long that will work.

Pray all these little things don't put me (MISS RED PETAL) in the nut house.

9.01.2010

the good kind of tears

Today has been such a blessing.
In the mail today I received a very special package that touched my heart.
You see...I have 4 of the most amazing friends in the world and they know me better than anyone! Dana B. encourages me to always go the extra mile and gives the best HUGS. Amy makes me laugh so hard I hurt and being with her just makes me happy! Melissa pushes me to have a deeper relationship with the Lord and adheres us all together. Dana F. takes care of the needs of everyone and never breaks a promise.

I wasn't sure I'd make it living on a different continent than them but I found out quickly that because of my time with them, I'm a better friend to people here. From them, I learned to be more vulnerable and real which makes it much easier to share the love of Christ.

My house smells of Praline and we'll be having our favorite chicken casserole tonight with the mushroom soup girls! Thanks for all the work you did putting this package together.
I love you!