My life has been such an adventure as of yet.  God has let me experience birth, death, joy and sorrow.

I had such a great opportunity to work in the field I love for almost 6 years.  Everyday at camp was amazing because I got to see the lives of youth transformed and not only did I get to see it, I was able to take a big part in their transformation.

After nearly 6 years, God called me to something bigger, something that would transform MY life.  God was calling me to The World Race.  The World Race was much more than a year of doing ministry and loving others, it was a year of God loving me and showing me who He sees me as.

After the race, I had the privilege to attend Project SearchLight (a program set up by AIM for post-racers to figure out their Kingdom Dream and chase it… now they have an apprenticeship to help all AIM participants do the same).  At PSL, I learned what God was calling me to and got pumped about taking the steps to reach my dream.  I soon applied for college and financial aid and was in search of a job to help pay for tuition, transportation and books. 

After nearly four months of looking, I found a job at the local movie theater.  Earlier in the week, AIM asked me if I would be willing to lead a team on a Real Life trip this summer.  With the new job I was unsure but I prayed for God to give me clarification about what He wanted me to do.  God posed me with the question, “Do you trust that I will provide for school?”  And after a year of seeing God’s continual provision in my life (financial support for the race) I knew that I could trust Him with anything.

God provided the finances and before I knew it, I was on my way to Bolivia.  God gave me the opportunity to walk in the authority He has given me and on top of that, He gave me the most amazing group of women to work alongside.  The women of my team were strong, godly women who also walk in authority and it was great for me to witness God work through these women.

Now that I am home and stepping into the next chapter, I am asking for your prayers.  Classes start in a little over 2 weeks and I have yet to apply for classes, get a job or even send in my transcripts.  Please pray that God provides (which I know He will because He promised).  Pray that I am able to find a job ASAP so I can get my transcripts, books, transportation and any other fees I have.

Thank you and God bless.

            On one of our first days in Cochabamba, we were told that an American team from a church in Georgia would join us.  We were filled with excitement and questions.  Would we get along with this team?  How old is this group?  What will we be doing for the week?  Who is this infamous Richard that people keep on talking about?

            The day of their arrival seemed to go on forever.  They were supposed to arrive around lunchtime on Monday.  We were then told that because of circumstances, they would not arrive until about 9 pm.  9pm came and passed as we paced back and forth and kept on hearing the sound of what we thought was a car pulling up in our driveway.  At about 10pm, the team had showed up.

            The next morning, I met Richard.  The first words out of his mouth was that my team would have to have breakfast ready each morning by 6:30 am.  Not being a morning person, I was not excited about this.  Getting to know the team from Georgia was fun, as well as meeting the children from an orphanage in the mountains.  But because of my first impression of Richard, the day was a bit difficult to face, especially knowing that we would be under his leadership for another 5 days.  That night, our team cried then prayed that God would soften Richard’s heart and for God to clear our perception of him.

            The next morning, Richard had changed.  It was an answer to prayer and it was a blessing.  Hearing his passion for the nations and his constant checking in to see how my team was doing mentally and physically.

            The week was full of many blessings for me personally because we had the opportunity to work with children a lot!  We did everything, from baby washing to going to orphanages to doing a fun VBS type program for neighborhood kids.  God expanded my heart for children this week by 200%.  I fell in love with Christina from Casa De Amnistad (a school for children who’s parents are in prison and they sadly are living in the prison with them), Jessica, Anna (both from the all girls orphanage) and many other children.  But there were two girls that just broke my heart (I am crying now as I reflect).        These girls from the all girl orphanage had attached themselves to Bill and his wife Diane.  When I came to take a photo of Bill, Diane and these two angels, I heard them call Bill and Diane their mom and dad.  It hit me then that these girls didn’t have parents and just wanted someone to love them, hold them and make them feel worthy enough. 

            I asked these girls their names.  These beautiful angels were named Luz Maria and Delia.  This made me break down because my Mom’s name was Maria De La Luz but her family called her Luz Maria.  I also want to name one of my daughters after my Mom but with a bit of a twist.  The name I plan to one-day use is Delia Luz.

            I also want to tell you about how the team from Georgia was a blessing to our team.  There was Bill and Diane who were like parents.  Diane had that gentle and quiet spirit about her and was nurturing.  Bill and I shared some deep spiritual conversations.  God has birthed a heart in Joe that he showered on our team.  Ted and Christina were that couple that stands strong even through difficulties because their marriage is founded on God,  Ken’s heart is visible; he loved all those who surrounded him and his humor (along with Bill’s) reminded me of my dad.  Wendy embodied a woman of great strength; being separated from her husband and children for a week showed her commitment to her Father.  Emily, Sam and Shane are the people of 1 Timothy 4:12.  Seeing their passion for Christ was a blessing to me.