You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope....

^1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

 ³"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

 ⁴"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

 ⁵"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

 ⁶"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

 ⁷"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

 ⁸"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

 ⁹"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

 ¹⁰"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

 ^11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Message)

Youth Retreat at San Carlos Island

Our first weekend back in VZ, we had the priviledge of helping with our church’s youth retreat in Venezuela. We are so thankful to God for this church, the pastor (Click here to read an earlier post about Pastor Jose.), and his family. David and I both met this pastor in the summer of 2007 when I went to Venezuela for a mission trip and our team from NC worked with his church! And many of the youth we met that same summer, when they were kids! Last year when we left for Peru, the youth group was very small, maybe 5 total. And for the retreat, there were 28 people, and not everyone came! So it is so exciting to see how God is moving and growing and working in the hearts of the youth. It has also been a blessing to continue working with the people I met during one of my first trips to Venezuela. 

In order to get to the island, we took a 30 minute trip by "lancha" aka motorboat. Really beautiful landscape!

During the weekend, David and I taught about a few different topics, including the morning devotionals. We were so encouraged by the youth and their eagerness to learn. We also had lots of time to worship and study the Word.

One of the youth planned games as well! She did a great job planning beach games that reinforced the verses learned during the sessions!

And one last group photo!! We are so thankful for this church and this youth. Even though our first priority in ministry is working with the Yukpas, we are thankful to have such a supportive "home church" in Maracaibo (David's hometown).

Back in Venezuela (in a little more detail)

Yes, the title is correct…we are back in VZ! Our flights went well, and we were impressed by the individual screens to watch a movie or TV show of our choice.

When we arrived in the Maracaibo airport, we were so glad to see family and friends waiting for us, especially since our flight was delayed two hours! David’s parents, Kathleen and Hebert, Pastor Jose and his wife, and another member of Pastor’s Jose’s church were there waiting for us. Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture in the airport but you can imagine a lot of hugs as we were welcomed back!

The next morning we had a typical Venezuelan breakfast, arepas of course. I’ve already said that I talk about food a lot, but if you’ve ever been away from your home country for awhile, you know that when you go back, you want some food. So I had to capture that moment for David, who enjoyed his breakfast for sure. 

Other big news on the Venezuelan front….we have a new pet! David’s Dad found this little kitten alone along the road, and David brought her in to show me, and I just had to keep her. Her name is Sneaky and her favorite things are climbing on top of and inside suitcases, chasing pencils across the floor, pretending to be a lioness, and snuggling. 

24

I didn’t plan too much for my birthday this year since it was the day before we came back to Venezuela, and we had lots of last minute errands and packing to do. And birthdays are bittersweet because I miss my family and friends most on those days. But despite a busy schedule and homesickness, I am very thankful to David and friends in Peru who surprised me with a delicious cake (chocolate cake with mocha icing….see 
pictures below) and other gifts!

Disclaimer: No, David and I are not growing white beards. I got my face shoved into the cake after blowing out the candle (common tradition in South America), and then I shared some icing with David. 

After spending time with friends, we went to Papa John’s, (my favorite in Peru!). On the way, we saw a large hamster in the street (interesting Peruvian way to promote a political candidate), and to top the night off, David got me another chocolate cake! I thank God for those I celebrated with in Peru and for family and friends around the world who sent birthday love via the internet. And I am looking forward to all that my 24^th year has in store!

In Venezuela!

Hello friends! We have arrived in Venezuela and are in an internet cyber so I just thought I´d say we are here, alive and well, and I´ve got lots of posts and pictures coming soon! So check back again within a week or two :)

Love, Sarah