Back to School

When I was younger I can remember feeling the sense of hopelessness as the month of August came to an end meaning that September was soon to come. And we all know what happens in September in North America. Back to school. In Guatemala I feel as if it is even a little worse as the "Back to School" hype happens right at the beginning of January. As a type of popular-culture thermometer, I felt the intensity of this change walking into WalMart. It is no lie that HOURS after Christmas had passed, the Walmart employees had successfully dismantled the entire atmosphere responsible for the dreams of dancing sugar plums, and in its place constructed a "back to school" bazaar. But thankfully, something beyond the constructs of consumerism made this January a little different for me.

Over the past few months, God has been opening different doors for the youth here at Casa Bernabe, specifically in the area of education. I can recall talking with some of these youth through the years as they longed to connect with people beyond the confines of these walls and have the chance to study outside of the orphanage. Well, starting in January we took a giant step of faith and enrolled 14 of our youth in Verbo School No.1 (www.colegioverbo.edu.gt) on a half scholarship generously given by the acclaimed school. A half scholarship. The financial commitment of sending our youth to this school has been significant, yet we continue to trust that God will provide for every aspect of this journey He has called us to walk . Personally, I have felt so convicted and convinced about this decision that I was willing to literally place all of my personal finances on the line (correction: as of October 21st, they became OUR finances. Love you sweety!) with the unwavering belief that this is what God has in store for our kids. So we did it. We enrolled the kids. We bought the uniforms. We paid for the books. We prepped the kids. And now in front of me, I can see the pictures of these 14 kids: all of whom were one day rescued from some of the worst situations and sent by a judge to Casa Bernabe. I look at them and can't believe that God was so rich in mercy to have purposefully rescued each of these lives, to have taken care of them for years and now to have sent them to an amazing school where the only verb I could use to explain their current state is....to THRIVE. They are thriving. The homework is plenty and the challenges both socially and academically are great, but God has given these 14 youth the will, strength and courage to stand up, recognize who they are and choose to thrive in spite of their pasts. Talking with one of the boys this weekend about the social scene, he told me he had initially felt embarrassed to let his class mates know that he came from an orphanage. But he then told me that he has come to embrace these things and has made lots of friends and freely tells them where he comes from and that he doesn't have parents. That is the kind of courage that inspires me. I believe that this is what has made this year so different. Sure, I still don't find much encouragement going to Walmart (we are now on to Valentine's Day....) but it has been the wildest ride seeing our youth rise up to such an incredible challenge and learn to rise above. They have come to trust God on a deeper level. We all have; and we are thriving because of it.


dsm.

My Good Shepherd

View of Guatemala and its Volcanos

        I wanted to share a verse that I read today found in Genesis 49:15. This scripture is a blessing Jacob speaks over his son Joseph. He says, "May God, the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life...bless [you]." At the time of this verse, Jacob is on his deathbed and he is blessing the sons of Joseph. Looking back on Jacob's life we see that he went through many seasons of good and bad times. Yet, through it all, he got to know God as his Shepherd.

        This past week I had the blessing to visit my family and friends in New Orleans. It had been about two months since I had not seen them, so it was nice. As much as I enjoyed my time at home, however, I came to realize how my husband and my new family here at Casa Bernabé have become such a great part of my life. I am so happy here now and count it a privilege to be part of this company of people so special to God's heart. 

         Going home always brings up so many memories of past seasons in my life. I remember so many beautiful times with my family, unforgetable moments with my close friends, as well as precious times in ministry with the youth group and the worship team. My heart is full of so much gratitude and joy when I remember those times. And now, I see how God continues to order my steps in the present season of my life. 

        First, I am the wife of an amazing man of God who fears God, loves His Word, loves people, has a heart full of compassion, is extremely intelligent and very handsome! (Looking back at our story I see how it was my heavenly Father who perfectly united us.) Secondly, I look around at the people I am surrounded by and I once again thank God to be part of a community who desire to serve God by serving others. I am privileged to serve side by side my friends; together to establish God's kingdom on earth. Lastly, I see the ministry I am a part of and I see how God is fulfilling my dreams. I have always wanted to serve in a ministry, to work with children, to teach and be part of a worship team. God has granted me this and so much more!

        My prayer today:  Truly, Jesus, you have been my good shepherd. Through my past seasons whether good or bad times, You have seen me through. I think about my future and my heart rests in the fact that you will lead me well. I say yes to Your ways that are so much better than mine. You have proved to be good time and time again. Help me in those moments of testing and trials to trust you. I hold on to your hand, my beautiful Shepherd!

Wanted to put this picture because I just love this man so much!

The Greatest of these is Love

       

        This past Sunday I had the blessing to hear my Dad preach at our church. He shared on Matthew 22:37: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." In verse 36 a Pharisee, who was a lawyer, asked Jesus, "What is the greatest commandment in the law?" He wanted Jesus to tell him what the best way we can obey God.  

        Some may think the greatest thing we can do on earth is make sure we obey the 10 commandments or work hard in our jobs, or to love others. These are all good things, but according to Jesus the greatest thing we can do in His eyes is love Him.

        More than doing things for God, more than even serving others, God's greatest pleasure is when we serve HIS heart; when we minister HIS heart. Our Heavenly Father desires relationship. He desires an ongoing dialogue of love between Himself and His creation. Jesus is looking for a bride who seeks Him just because she loves to be with Him; just because she loves His presence. He delights to see our face and to hear our voice (Song of Songs 2:14). For our God, the best thing we can do is to love with all that we are: all of our emotions, our mind, and with all our resouces and abilities.

        The first century church of Ephesus (Revelation 2) was a church known for its works, their labor, their patience and the unwillingness to tolerate evil in their midst. Yet, Jesus held one thing against them: they had abandoned their first love. The fervent and passionate love they onced had for Jesus had weakened. 

        It is so easy to let our love grow cold. At times we get distracted with entertainment or aquiring material possessions, or even serving people. In God's eyes these are secondary things. God's desire is that our hearts would be an open channel of receiving His love and of us to give our love to Him.

So, with that said, I ask you now: what is the best way you can obey God? What is the best way you can please Him? May it be our dream and heart's desire to live a life loving God with every part of who we are.

-ASM