Happy Happy Joy

I just wanted to share a little bit of my happy!

Life has been amazingly crazy lately! I love every minute even in the tears and the hard times because I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has placed me here and that I am doing his work. Not just in Mexico, but on the Texas side as well. I love the RGV (Rio Grande Valley). I love the culture and the bright colors. I love that they sell corn in a cup, hot Cheetos, and tacos at football games. It's a whole different world down here, and I'm ok with it!

While Jonah and I haven't had time to make many new friends here, we have met some amazing people at Logos Community Church and hope to build community eventually. What we have had time to do is become a family with our fellow missionaries. Whether we work for the same ministry or not, we all work for the same God and are able to pull our resources to help each other help others. We're so different and come form different parts of the US and Mexico, but God brings us together. I'm so thankful for my Mexico Fam. Here's some of them!

I'm looking forward to a fun weekend in Mexico and a great week at school next week! 

As always, thanks for reading and praying with me!

Solo Mis Palabras

I haven't blogged in a while. Usually when I blog It's because something great or exciting happened and I have a ton of cute pictures to accompany whatever story I wanted to share with everyone. Today, I just want to be real. No cute font or pictures, just me saying whats been on my heart. Ministry is hard. Recently, I read the article "10 Things Missionaries Won't Tell You." I didn't want to repost it because I didn't agree with everything, but the main topics were pretty accurate and I wanted to reword them a little and share some of my own thoughts.

1. I don't have the time or energy to write but I do it for you. 

I'm writing now because I haven't in a while, not because I'm bored and have nothing to do. I actually really need to eat some lunch and head to Mexico to make deliveries and check on America. I write because I know I need to. I do enjoy keeping everyone updated, don't get me wrong, but it it's never because I have time. (I actually did have to leave and finish this post on Sunday) 

2. Facebook likes don't fix any thing, your prayers and support do. 

Yes, some people have really responded, helped, and prayed when we've needed funding for something. TBH (to be honest) the ALS challenge was wonderful, but it also showed how many people have the ability to give and just don't. I guess it's because it isn't trending on social media or doesn't come with a cool challenge, but the needs are real and they never stop. 

3. I ask for money because I have to. 

I hate asking for money, I really do. Which is why I try not to often. We're asked for help every time we are in Mexico. All of the things are important: education, food, medicine, doctors appointments, etc. If at all possible that day, I say yes. Money is not mine, it's God's and when his people need help, I feel called to help.

4. You'll never know about my worst days because I don't want to admit that some days are hard.

This one is pretty on point. I very rarely post about the hard days, because I don't want people to see me struggling. I want people to think I am constantly joyful in doing the Lord's work. Honestly? I've been struggling with anxiety about, well, everything. Sometimes I'm not a joyful giver, I don't go into Mexico with an open heart, and sometimes I don't want the kids to come play because I'm exhausted. So far, I haven't let people see that. I still post cute pictures with kids and find something positive to say.

5. I need a vacation, but wouldn't tell you if I took one.

This one is kind of general about missionaries and covers a lot of things. We're funded by people or churches, and for me, I try to make sure everything I spend money on is for ministry or my needs. I try to be careful what I post in fear that people will think I am spending their money on something for myself. I know it happens because I did it before I was in a missionaries shoes.

6. Helping lead groups is a lot of work.

I love groups. I do I do. Know that a lot is done behind the scenes to make sure groups have a smooth trip. They're only here for a week after-all, and I wouldn't want them to see the flaws or the struggles that week. I want them to leave filled with the Spirit and wanting to come back. I want them to have fun!

7. "Going Home" doesn't really feel like going home, and it's stressful to find time to see everyone.

Looking ahead to my trip home next month and for Christmas, I am excited to see everyone, but also worried about having time to see everyone. It won't be a vacation because I know I will jam pack my schedule with lunch dates, etc. People will say welcome home! Isn't it good to be home? It isn't completely home anymore though. My heart is where the Lord has placed it.

8. It's Easy for God to take a back seat in my life.

I feel like people assume that we always put God first, never forget our Bible study, and have been able to strengthen relationships with The Lord, because we are consistently serving. It is easy though, to get so busy serving that we forget to strengthen our personal relationship with God. I am struggling  with this now as we speak and need to focus on daily time in the word.

9. It's hard to trust people.

When in Mexico, like I said the needs are constantly coming. Sometimes, I don't know if the things are legitimate. It's hard to trust some people, if they are going to spend the money I give them on medicine or alcohol. I wish I could trust everyone no questions asked, but every time I pray and listen to God for guidance and hope that I understand what to do.

10. Sometimes I'm lonely.

Luckily, I am surrounded by an amazing team of brothers and sisters in Christ and a boyfriend who loves me and encourages me. I do miss my family and friends and have already missed out on some things by not being in Alabama, and sometimes I am lonely. Thank goodness for technology on the hard days.

This post seems like I'm being a super "Debbie Downer." I'm not asking for pity, or anything like that. I just want you to know that sometimes it's hard. Sometimes I'm exhausted. And Sometimes I have anxiety through the busyness of ministry. All in all, God has been faithful through every single day. He reveals himself to me everyday in the little things and the big things. When I'm down or anxious He calms my soul and sends those little blessings I talked about in earlier posts. My students are a blessing. The kids' smiles brighten my day. My Mexico family is here to talk about the days when we aren't feeling up to it. God is Good. All the Time. All the Time. God is Good. No matter what the day brings, I wouldn't trade serving my God for any other job in the world!

I read this post over and over to decide whether or not to share it. I want to be real. Those of you that keep up with me and say you are praying.
You can pray for these things:
less anxiety, joyful giving, time to rest, and for me to seek the Lord Daily!

Thank you to those who have partnered with me this year, I hope to get a newsletter out in the mail to everyone who sponsored me, keep a look out for it this month!

little tasks=large blessings

Jonah and I were invited to a VBS or EBDV (escuela biblica de vacaciones) this week. Some of the kids weren't allowed to walk alone down the road, or were nervous to go unless we went with them, so of course we pilled in as many as we could! 

When we got there with a car full of little ones from our colonia, we asked if there was anything we could do to help. Little did we know the help would be rolling newspaper for one of the crafts. Have you ever rolled newspaper into tiny tubes for three hours? Me either. We were disappointed that we wouldn't be with the kids, but happy to help, we got our supplies and sat in one of the pews to begin working. Little did we know how rewarding the day would be! 

While working, we witnessed many blessings happening all around us and in return were blessed by observing the different groups of children as they learned and played. 

Every once in a while, one of our kids would run over to us to show us their work, they would come over to tell us how pretty our newspaper was, or simply glance our direction just to see us sitting there. Doing this little task meant so much to the kids because we were THERE for them. Our presence really does make a difference, even when we think we aren't doing anything that great. 

A few minutes into the day, William was brought to us out of the Kinder room crying. He wanted to be with us, so we let him sit in the pews and help. 

He was very serious about his work! 

After we made a sufficient amount we took the papers to this table, where they were meticulously crafting these beautiful baskets (I think they are for tortillas) out of the paper we had been rolling. 

Here are some of the finished products. They're beautiful! SO worth the newspaper stained and gluey fingers.

This finished product was just one of the many blessings received that day. 

We also witnessed:

Women emerging as leaders in the Church and Community.

Pre-teens learning about how much God loves them.

Babies learning that Jesus is the Strongest Super Hero of them all!

Little ones playing!

The future of Mexico learning to trust God, raising their hands in praise!

And the grandest blessing of them all: these six children accepting Christ as their Savior.  

Our work may seem less than grandiose at times, but to these children, simply our presence makes an impact on their lives. They see that we love them so much that we want to sit in a pew and roll paper for three hours just to be with  them at EBDV.

 Have you ever done something that seemed so small, but it ended up meaning a lot to someone else while blessing you immensely in return? Let's do more of the little things. Little things turn into bigger things, and large blessings! Take time to spend with our young people in your community. No matter how little the task, you will make their day! 

Karina, Cinthia, Yaeli, Alma: Young Girls with BIG Dreams!

The post below was written about 10 days ago from the organization I work with in Mexico. Awesome thing about it? The school these girls want to go to is the one I will begin teaching at this Fall! So far we have received $500/$2,000.

Please consider giving towards the furthering of these girls' education!

The girls' school is the Regional Bible Institute in Texas. 

These girls have the opportunity to receive a bilingual, Christian Education (Legally) in the US! 

Help us get their student visas!

Below: Karina, Cinthia, Yaeli, and Alma!

And, yes they are all as beautiful as their names!

There are two ways to give:

1. paypal: send to emilymichele2819@gmail.com

OR for tax write-offs, you can donate through the 

2. International Association of Missions (IAM) 

Click on the link above and follow the instructions under DONATE ONLINE. 

It is important that you put ROY AND REBECCA BUSBY: GIRLS' SCHOOL in the DESCRIPTION of your donation or else it will not go towards this purpose.

Also, while you may receive a tax write off, if you donate through the IAM, 6% will be deducted for the IAM organization as a whole. 

Please keep that in mind if you give this way. 

        

Remember that any amount helps. 

Whether its $1, $10, $100, or $500, everything adds up. 

Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity and please share with your family, friends, and churches! If they don't know, they can't give! 

Now: Ready, Set, Give, Share, Pray!

"...for beauty is God's handwriting..."

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament."

                                                                                              – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I know some of you are wondering how I'm doing, am I ok, am I homesick? I'll get to that but first this... 

For the past four years when talking about my love for Mexico, 
I have gotten many different responses:

I admire what you are doing. (I couldn't without God)

I'll be praying for you. (Thank you)

It's so great that you know what God wants you to do! (I'm still listening to him!)

How exciting! (It is!)

Don't you know what's going on down there? (yes)

How are you going to live? You don't have a job. (God will provide)

You know not to drink the water, right? (my favorite question)

I don't understand. (It's hard to sometimes)

But sometimes, people just ask, why?

Because: I have never seen beauty anywhere else like I do here. 

Emerson said, "...beauty is God's handwriting..." I love this quote so much. Why else would I think Mexico was so beautiful? The beauty is in the smiles, in cactuses, in the sky, in abrazos and besitos (XOXOs). 

Beauty is where God is, where He has written it. (so, everywhere) 

I think beauty sticks out to me in Mexico because its surroundings are so ugly in the world's eyes. Shacks, mud, dirty animals, rotten teeth, the cartel, crime, unsafe water, the list goes on...

Amidst all those truths, emerges this BEAUTY!

We've had graduations, parties, dancing, eating (like a lot of eating), and of course laughter! 

Wherever you are, look for the beauty. Don't miss an opportunity to be filled with joy! It's everywhere!

PS: If you're wondering how I'm doing, I'm doing great! While I do miss you all dearly, I'm not homesick, because this place has been my home ever since I came four years ago. It feels good to be home. God has given me so much reassurance these past few weeks. Come visit to see the beauty for yourselves!

CCC México Misión 2014

He said to them, "Go into all the world 

and preach the gospel to all creation."

Mark 16:15 

I posted a picture yesterday and part of the caption was: "my heart is so full." How could it not be? Last week I saw a group of newcomers in México break so many barriers. The place where we built wasn't "convenient". It was quite a trek to the family and they were a family who had often been looked over. They weren't used to that many people coming to their home and the kids were weary of us at first. Christ Central Church helped the uncertain feel comfortable, made new relationships with people I had never met, provided a home to a family who otherwise couldn't have afforded it, and completely blazed through language barriers with their love for Christ. I am still blown away at this group from my hometown. For four years I have been going home to talk about Mexico after the trips saying "You just have to go and see it for yourself. I can talk and show pictures, but there's nothing like going." So they finally went with open hearts and open minds, embraced people I call family, and left with full hearts (full minds too). I think I can safely say Christ Central left pieces of their hearts in Mexico with their new friends and family in Christ. I saw God move to direct people to Christ and I saw him move in us- molding us into a beautiful people for his glory! 

This group not only built a house, but they made disciples! 

I love this picture so much! 

Andrew and America! 

Because of this relationship made- Gabi's school is covered next year! 

Reaching out to this shy little one. 

I think Cleary's heart is still with these two. 

Thanks CCC for the backpacks! 

This mischievous one: love her! 

Making bracelets with the boys! 

Claire back for her second trip! 

I love these two sisters! 

Painting trim for the new house. 

Laying hands on this home for safety and well being. 

New beds that just came in yesterday! 

This family will no longer sleep on old beds or get wet when it rains. Three of them are being sponsored next year for school, and two accepted Christ. Praise God for that! Join me in praying for continual relationships and thank you Christ Central for helping us reach this family!