One Year ago...

One year ago....I was planning and praying for the biggest adventure of my life!
I never imagined that just one short year later my family would be preparing and praying for the biggest blessing of our lives!

         I say blessing, because a child is not an adventure, we are not just trying this out....this is for real and this is for keeps!

As I was preparing for all the expenses and things that needed to be set in place...
I never imagined that my family would spend the year fundraising and doing paperwork!

As I was praying that God would let me impact just one person while I was there....
I never imagined that I would be able to be part of changing a very special girls life in a very real way!

As I found myself being spun around by one of the most amazing little girls I had ever seen....
I never imagined that I would see my family laugh and cry over the little girl that has changed their lives without even meeting her!

I never imagined how one simple prayer saying..."I will go" would have such a profound impact on my life and my family.

A year later I hear my family saying "here we are" and friends and family surrounding us saying, "we will".

Somewhere over the ocean a little girl celebrated her 9th birthday....still never knowing what its like to have a family.....here I'm crying for this little girl....and all the while God is preparing a way for this little girl.

Everything can change in a year....last year we were a complete family and this year we are missing a vital part of our family, grieving the loss of not having her with us, knowing her sorrow of still being familyless.

It makes me wonder where I will be a year from now! Probably somewhere I could never imagine! But thankful I just have to say, "Here am I, send me".

The race is still being run...

You may remember the race up the mountain that Natasha and I did in Ecuador. I have continued to receive updates and pray for this ministry to girls that have been trafficked. Here is an article that has been written about them and the climb. 

Fighting human trafficking in Ecuador

15 OCT, 2013 | ECUADOR

OM International

“Do you see that volcano up there?” Boris Salinas points to a snowy mountain top overseeing Ecuador’s capital Quito. “It might be the target for a second Freedom Climb in Ecuador.”

Boris, a young Colombian married to Ecuadorian Fernanda, doesn’t stop talking about his plans and dreams to awaken the people of Ecuador for a revolution against human trafficking. Boris himself experienced what the intervention of God through people in someone’s life can do. After having lived on the streets for three years as a teenager, his life changed radically when an American Christian couple in Quito adopted him.

Click on the title to read the whole article. Its so amazing to see Gods love for them poured out through these people.

To read my original blog post on the climb click here. 

Here is their recent newsletter if you would like to learn more about this ministry.

Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Be part of Dunamis: As you know, we are in our search for churches, organizations, universities or schools where we can show our ministry, and explain more about sex trafficking, domestic abuse, labor trafficking and rape. We want people to start worrying about these issues and show what this ministry has done over the last 4 years. We also want to show them some of the work the girls have done in our workshops and invite them to visit our ministry and our country. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We want to let you know that we're saving money so we can buy a car for our ministry. Up to now we've saved an amount of 3000 $. We thank everyone who has helped us raise that amount of money so we can accomplish our goal. Now we need your help one more time! We need 4000 $so we can complete the amount required to buy our car. This car will help us as a tool for our ministry.  ZOE'S FIRST DAY  Great blessing! We want to thank you all for your support. Our daughter Zoe has started her first year, kindergarten; it's name is PLAY HOUSE and Zoe its thrill and excited! She wakes up everyday and ask us when is she going back to her school. She is very playful, has a lot of friends and has showed us some of the work she's done over the week. We are very happy to share these news with you guys, since you've been here since day one. OCTOBER!!! Here are some new of this month. Dear friend, We send you lots of love from Ecuador, and we want to thank you all for your everyday support. For us it's a great blessing being able to let everyone know what God has done with us and what He keeps up doing with our ministry. Love, Boris, Fernanda and Zoe.   NEWS, NEWS, NEWS!!!  Be a part of!! We get our sewing on! New Girls We need your help!  Zoe's first day! The sewing workshop We are starting a new project of home made articles exclusively for this New Years Eve. The girls are enjoying so much this workshop, they put to test their skills and creativity. We are looking for people who are interested in helping our ministry so we are able to buy a sewing machine. The total amount we need to raise is 600 $ or if you own a sewing machine and you're not using it anymore, you could get in touch with us, we'll give it a good use to that machine! If you want to participate in this project by praying, donating money or just being part of this idea, send us an e-mail, write us a letter or search for our address to send any donation. The girls and our ministry will be thankful. PRAY FOR: - So we can continue our project, finding a new sewing machine and help the girls develop new skills. - Our economic support, we have 35% of it complete, we search for new and interested people to help us as a family. - Pray for the new girls that are coming, so that God would allow us to show His love to them and that they get to know Him. - Pray for the finances of the foundation to be covered completely, so we can reach and help more girls. NEW GIRLS!!! This month we'll be expecting 8 new girls who have been victims of traffic labor by being sent to other countries to do forced labor, also we're receiving girls who have been victims of sex traffic on our frontiers. Their board of directors are very interested in them, so they are able to find new tools that will help them in their lives. For us this is a great opportunity to share God's Gospel with them because they've never heard of the love of God. PRAY FOR US! PRAY FOR: - More volunteers, committed and enlightened to help the girls. - Pray so more groups, churches and universities open their doors so we can introduce our ministry and, at the same time, sell some jewelry the girls have done. This is their only support while they're on the ministry. - Pray for our family, so we can stand still and firm. Believing in all the promises God has made to us.

follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 Dunamis Foundation, All rights reserved. If you don't want to continue receiving this email, please click on unsubscribe. Our mailing address is: Dunamis Foundation Extreme Response Int. Casilla 17-17-1227 Quito South America Ecuador

this faith thing....

I can be one of those easy going, spontaneous and go with it kinda people but some things really bring it out in me...and I usually don't even realize when its happening!

I have this problem.....

I don't like to put my foot in the water unless I know whats underneath....

I don't like to start something unless I know exactly how it will get finished....

I don't like to go somewhere unless I know how long I will be gone....

I don't like to get into the vehicle unless I know where it is going...

I need to know who, what, when, where, and why....

I guess I can describe it in a lot of different ways, but quite honestly its a lack of trust in God.

I find myself struggling with this a lot lately and you would think that after all the mountains I have seen God move, the miracles I have seen happen, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is completely and totally dependable, He has got this thing, He has got me, and I know He is going to take care of it!

Sure there is still some pretty big mountains to climb...but look at the ones behind me.....

So why do I try so hard to make sure things are going smoothly and worry when I don't have control? Why do I doubt? Why do I have to get my feathers ruffled? Honestly, why do I waste my time?

I have to say God has given me more faith in the past year than I have ever had before, but my life in the past year has required more faith than ever and that road is not over yet! Quite honestly I hope it is never over, I never want to stop needing and trusting God more and more. When I start to think I'm in over my head and start praying, God I just can't do this anymore! Its as if He asks me, Do you want the easy way out? NO! Honestly I don't! I want to do this! I want to be stretched and grown and changed! Hallelujah, from Glory to Glory, He's changing me, His likeness and image to perfect in me! I'm the love of God shown to the world.

No, God, don't stop, don't give me the easy way out! I want the hard way, the way that requires more faith, the scary way, the way where I don't know how it ends, the way where I don't know how its going to happen, and the way that I have to choose daily to trust You! The way that requires more tears, more love and more surrender! The way that when I look back, all I can see is what you have done! The way where I have to continually stop and say, All Glory to God! Look what He has done! He is my God! My Saviour! and my Loving Heavenly Father!

God right now, I trust you, I chose to trust you, because I know who You are! I know what you have done! And I know I have no reason to doubt or fear.

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship of His son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

The will of God will not take me where the grace of God cannot keep me.

But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice, let them ever shout for joy because Thou defendest them, let them also that love thy name be joyful in Thee. For Thou Lord wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt Thou comfort them as with a shield. Psalms 5:11 & 12

Everything that I think may go over my head, is already under His feet! :)

For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be removed; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

Someday when I see Jesus face to face I don't want Him to show me my life as it could have been as a faithful, trusting, surrendered servant, I want to bow at His feet and hear, "Well done". So I will keep going, because I'm so thankful He chose me to walk this path, and I know He has a lot more in store!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Ephesians 3:5 & 6

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

Colorado

A couple weeks ago I was able to go and visit my sister, brother in law and nephew in Colorado! I have not seen them for a year, and this time we were celebrating my adorable and sweet little nephews 1st birthday!

I thoroughly enjoyed my week of vacation (from everything but school) but I also enjoyed being able to spend so much time with a little one again....I really miss spending everyday with children!

My sissy!

We were able to go into the mountains for a day, I had such a great time spending time with dear friends that I rarely get to see and spend time with!

I really enjoyed being surrounded by mountains again...Lukey and I enjoyed the fresh air!

He even helped out a little with painting his new room!

Yes, he is completely adorable!

It was such a wonderful week! I spent lots of time with my sister and nephew, friends I have made through them and rekindle friendships with very dear friends!

Unfortunately because I did not get any sleep the night before either of my flights I slept the whole time on the plane....bummer since I really enjoy it! But an excited moment to realize the next time I'm on a plane, Lord willing it will be to go back to Ecuador for my little sister!!

WHY?

Why did I go to Ecuador?

Recently being asked this question, it has been on my mind....

Why? Why did I go anyway? Why is my heart still there? Why do I want to go back?

For the children?

I loved the children, children are such a precious, priceless gift from God! I want each child to know he is, and be treated as such.

For God?

He gave His all for me...should I do any less for Him?

For me?

I want to be different, I want to be more and more like Christ, I want my priorities to keep changing, I want to be less selfish, I want to see God work and move, I want to draw closer to Him and so much more!!

Well, when I first felt God laying the calling on my heart, I had no idea I would go to Ecuador or an orphanage....So I guess my first desire was to do it for Christ, and to be obedient.....then along the way, I started realizing how it would change me, and how much I needed to be changed.....then I wanted to go for the children, to love them and meet any needs I could.

So I guess the truth is, I didn't start out doing it for the children...that was just an added blessing! Me? well that was just a given! God was bound to need to change me along the way.....and God, well, if He can use me.... I can only be grateful! I'm so thankful He chose me. The children, well my heart can't forget them....its as if they are part of me......

So what did I get? An absolutely life changing adventure, the largest faith growing test, and an undeniable belief in the power of Christ and the cross!

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,

are changed into the same image from glory to glory,

even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Thank You

One of those nights...well this summer has had some of the most stressful weeks of my life, and with school, a new job, and continued fundraising and adopting.....It's not over yet! But it just continually proves to me that His grace is sufficient and man plans BUT GOD, directs his steps. I know these two concepts yet they never cease to amaze me! Even six months ago, I never would have imagined the ways that God would provide or where He would have me be today, but by the grace of God...here I am!

So as I collapsed into bed exhausted, suddenly my mind went reeling and sleep escaped me! I struggled and tossed and turned...then I gave up and started reading Courageous Faith, a book that I have to read for school, but that was no accident! God knew exactly what I would need...I read a couple of pages and ended with my arms reaching out to my Saviour, dropping all my burdens and cares and receiving the sweet peace that can only come from Him! This song came to mind....

I'm so thankful for a God who cares, a God who loves, and a God who is here. I'm so thankful He carries my burdens and struggles that would pull me under, He never leaves me or forsakes me. Truly what else can I say but thank you?

Free Indeed

You can hear something a million times but sometimes they just come out and smack you across the face! If you are in my church for any length of time you will probably hear my pastor say..."Was it comfortable for Christ at the cross? Should it be comfortable for us to follow and serve Him?" Well thats right a couple of weeks ago it just smacked me across the face and continues to smack me everytime I ponder it...

And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the name of the twelve apostles are these; The first Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Phillip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles  and into any city for the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received  freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And it the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but it it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils  and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brothers shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: be he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel  till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, not the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub  how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them nor therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness  that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, Him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, Him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son for daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth Him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous mans reward. And whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:1-42

Can you tell that I love Scripture? Well I guess I just need frequent reminding! God will take care of me! Whom shall I fear? Then why do I expect my life to be easier than Christs?

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Here am I Lord, send me...an empty vessel....but so often filled with myself, I need to continually be emptied so that You can use me....So fill me again, Lord, fill me again.....