"O come, let us adore Him!"

Wow it's been over a month since I've posted anything! My apologies. The holidays aren't any less busy here in The Valley that's for sure. The past two months being engaged has flown by. Not only am I (we, but really just me) long distance wedding planning, I decided now was a good time to have two weeks of guests, take a big test (that I PASSED!!!) give finals, prepare for a recital, and move apartments ALL while enjoying the holiday season!?!? But you know what? I have! Somehow the busyness hasn't been so busy. I'm tired and complain, but isn't that what the holidays are all about? Being tired and complaining? (The answer is no by the way.) En serio though, it has been quite wonderful. We've had visits from friends and family, some experiencing Mexico for the first or coming back for their second visit. We've had many large gatherings for Thanksgiving (both sides of the border) , and the iron bowl of course. We've enjoyed Valley Festivities, lights, parades, mariachi, and food, and are now preparing a trip to Alabama for Christmas. Whew. I'm tired from just writing that. (There's the complaining again) Why do we complain? It's like when we don't know what to say we just throw in a "man I'm just so tired." Or "gosh this season is always so busy." It is! But it's also a time to fellowship, build relationships, meet knew people, make new traditions, and celebrate the birth of Christ! I've been reading an advent devotional by #shereadstruth and she had done an amazing job day by day. In the festivities and added busyness, I've been able to stay focused and excited! Not for Santa and cookies and lights, but for Jesus! A verse featured on today's devotion was John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" He took it away guys! Something to celebrate? I think so! Celebrate in the busyness, rejoice with friends and family, focus your day on the coming of Christ, when you're tired, change that tiredness to thankfulness and joy! You can check out that devotion here at shereadstruth.com . We're on day 14 but it's not too late to join in!

Thanks again to Kerrie Williams (kerriewilliams.com) for taking these gorgeous photos! 

Parents and friends from Gadsden visited the canal the week before Thanksgiving. 

First Baptist McAllen prepared an amazing Thanksgiving meal for the people! 

Celebrated a family's one year anniversary in their home! 

Made a trip to the market for our first-timer. 

Celebrated Thanksgiving with my Mexico family this year. Love them! 

Saw the sights in Reynosa thanks to some amazing friends of ours!

Somehow moved apartments successfully and managed to decorate a little! 

McAllen posada and Christmas parade! 

And the Hidalgo Festival of Lights! 

I hope you all have an amazing Christmas Season with family and friends! Never forget the reason for the season, though. Feliz Cumpleaños Jesus Cristo!

Remember to check out shereadstruth.com! 

Save the Date: 04/25/2015

Our Story...

As many of you know, Jonah and I met two summers ago while on a mission trip to Mexico. It was my third summer and his first, but let me back up a little....

A few months before Jonah and I met, I was at my last straw with relationships. After being disrespected, cheated on, pressured, lied to... and not the mention, I CHOSE to be with these people. I let these boys hurt me. I liked them, loved them even. I cheated myself, lied to myself, disrespected myself, but more importantly I was disrespecting my Lord and Savior. I was looking for love and fulfillment from everyone BUT God. One half of me wanted to be a missionary and serve the Lord, and the other half was obsessed with finding the "perfect guy." I was done. done. and done. with that lifestyle. I knew that if I was going to be obedient that I had to stop focusing on relationships that were hurting me and holding me back, and start focusing on how I could better seek a relationship with God. I promised him that I wouldn't date anyone unless he was put in front of my face and said that he wanted to move to Mexico with me and be a missionary. (fat chance right? wrong.) Fast forward to July 2012... 

I went to Mexico for the third summer with Christ Central, Lifepoint, and Bayview. The project I worked on for the week was digging in some super hard rocky caliche to level the land and prepare for a house to be built in the coming weeks. This is where Jonah and I met: I was doing hard, dirty work, no make up, sweaty, bossy, and many other unattractive things so I thought. I didn't have gloves and Jonah lent me his, making that the first time he did something to take care of me. Now, there are too many to count! We spent the week talking, serving, sharing, etc. I was glad to have made such a good friend. I admired his love for the children and sensitivity to poverty. We worked alongside each other all week and I had no idea he would be my future husband. 

Jonah meeting William for the first time!

Obviously before the lending of the gloves ;)

When we got home, we both had a rough patch and turned to each other for guidance. I always trusted him and felt safe sharing but didn't know why. Not focusing too much on relationships, I didn't think much of it. He invited me to a few things at his church and to a small group with a lot of the people I met in Mexico who I now consider family! After a while of having a great friendship, Jonah asked me out to dinner to get to know me better: Mexican food and a walk in the park :) A boy had never asked me out on a date before. I had been on dates, yes, but someone saying, "I would like to take you to dinner and get to know you better," never. He pursued me in the most respectful way possible, something I had never felt before. I was still a little weary because of my vow to not date anymore, but this was different. I knew it. That night, Jonah told me he wanted to move to Mexico when he graduated. (Ok God, here is a boy, you put right in front of me, saying he wants to move to Mexico, I'm listening.) 

We continued to see each other at small group and go on dates. He was so patient with me wanting to take things slow. He never pushed, pressured, made me feel bad or anything for not wanting to be his girlfriend quite yet. Then he went to Mexico in November for his second trip and came back with some surprises! A few things from the kids, and this beautiful ring on the right with two simple words. I promise. That day we made a promise to each other that we wouldn't give up, we would seek the Lord's plan for our lives and follow him where he lead us. After that, we finally made it officially official with a beautiful formal with my AOII sisters. We really believed this was the real deal, but we kept that to ourselves for a while. 

Left: engagement ring. Right: Promise ring.

First formal with AOII.

The next two years were spent laughing, crying, adventuring, finishing school, dating, falling in love, making more trips to Mexico, and we slowly began to share future plans with friends and family!

Trip to the Zoo 2012

Stone Mountain 2013

Destin 2013

Mexico 2013

Mexico 2013 

 Last August, we got to send dear friends and fellow missionaries off to Texas. Watching them follow their calling was so encouraging for us to do the same the next year. We kept saying, this will be us next summer, ready? And we were, we were SO ready. In fact, Kerrie just wrote a blog post that would go perfectly right here. >"Who is called to be a Missionary?"  In short, if you're a believer, the answer is you."< While we are missionaries in the RGV/Mexico Border, YOU, my brothers and sisters in Christ, are also called to be a missionary right where you are! Or, maybe God is pushing you do relocate, either way, we are all called to be missionaries. Great timing, Kerrie ;)

Kerrie and Wades, send off party! 

The next year we made plans, actual plans to move! So surreal. We graduated, spoke at churches, raised money, apartment hunted, and here we are now!

After four months of living in Texas, Jonah Proposed! We're getting married! Last Saturday, he planned a birthday party for himself in Mexico and we made spaghetti for the colonia. With everyone there, we sang happy birthday. Jonah had disappeared behind me when I noticed the kids telling me to look! He was down on one knee. I couldn't help but tear up, and of course I said yes! It was perfect! A huge thank you to everyone who made it special, and to Kerrie for taking these wonderful pictures! 

It has been and continues to be an amazing journey. I can't wait to see where God takes us, whether we are forever here on the border, or relocated somewhere else. I am so thankful that God saved me from myself to show me there there was something better, and I'm not talking about Jonah. God. God was the something better. Jonah and I are a young, engaged couple and God has provided EVERYthing we need including amazing relationships. I know he will continue to provide for the rest of our lives together. Most importantly, God gave me a great partner. We both have a lot to learn, but I couldn't ask for a better person to learn with or a better place to do it! I love you, Jonah! 4/25/2015.

WE are Wonderfully Made!

These are two pictures I took recently, one with make up and hair fixed, and one without and hair thrown up. I am proud to say that I have come to a point where I am comfortable with both. Maybe not everyday, but most days. That is a start! Consistently battling with weight loss, make up was at least something I could use to enhance myself, but why couldn't I just love both! 

Something the people have shown me here is love, and not the fake kind of love on the surface,  but real deep love! I struggle with self image and have ups and downs with myself. But, if we believe that everything the Lord made is beautiful and perfect, why should we think any less of ourselves? Recently, two of the women in the colonia, both in the same day in fact, told me how beautiful I was. I said, well I actually fixed my hair today! I laughed, but they both had the same reaction. "Emily, even with your hair up and no make up you are beautiful! You're always beautiful!" (In Spanish of course) Usually when people say things like this I think "Oh they have to say that, they're just being nice." But these women were sincere and spoke out of love. I love that the women are so supportive. We talk about weight loss, and eating healthy and how hard it is sometimes. We help build each other up and keep each other accountable! God wanted me to hear those words that day to remind me that he made me and saw that I was good! Women and Men, walk around today with your head held high, whether you are at the beginning of weight loss, or just gained it all back. Whether you think you are too skinny, or too wrinkly, too tall, or too big boned, YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made by our perfect Lord! WE are wonderfully made! And WE are beautiful! 

I'll close with the complete 139th Psalm:

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:1-24 ESV)

Feliz Cumple Dulce!

Yesterday Wade, Jonah and I celebrated Dulce's 6th birthday! Wade brought a perfect princess castle Piñata for her and some pizza for all the kids that came down the the house. Of course the boys (and Gabi) added in some arm wrestling to the fun and the kids scrambled to get candy from the piñata. It was a great day in the Colonia even with a monsoon at the end of the party. I love the time we get to spend with the kids, investing in their lives. We haven't gotten to as much lately, but when we do I certainly cherish ever second! 

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!