Nicaragua

I can't believe that in 5 months I will be in Nicaragua! Am I scared out of my mind? Yes, but lately I have been feeling more at peace about everything. The power is prayer is AMAZING. This time right now seems weird because all my friends are moving to college soon. I just have to remind myself/pray that God has placed me on a different path.  I have heard the song "Trust and Obey" a lot at church the past couple of weeks. I feel that this song is God speaking to me reminding me to trust and obey HIS will for my life and not mine. He is going to use this four months to do immeasurably more than all I could EVER ask or imagine. I'm excited to see what he has in store!

As far as planning goes, I have sent my support letters out and will be purchasing my plane ticket soon (they are pretty cheap right now). I know that God will provide the money, but the amount I need to raise seems scary. AND, with God ANYTHING is possible. 

A lot of people have asked: "What are you doing until you leave?" The answer to that question is: continuing to work at the doctor's office scanning records and doing whatever they need me to. I am also babysitting 2 kids about 20 hours a week. I am so excited to start working with them! I'm so thankful for the passion that God has placed in my heart to work with kids. 

I have also had a lot of people ask, "What are you doing when you get back?" Lets just say: I don't know what the future holds, but I know WHO holds the future. I know that in HIS time he will reveal the next step to me. To be honest, I haven't really thought about it yet because I know God WILL provide. 

Thank You for all the prayers and support this far! It means a lot to me. 

Go out and be a blessing!!

Love, 

Mallory

Prayer

I've heard this before and I love it.
God's 3 answers to your prayers:
1. Yes.
2. Not Yet.
3. I have something better in mind.

This is hard to keep in mind when we want a prayer answered right away. I love the thought when the answer is that he has something better in mind.  ^"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" Ephesians 3:20-21. I have been blown away at what God is doing in my life lately. When Rachel told me she was going to Nicaragua for 4 months I said I will never go there or anywhere for that long because I couldn't do it. Never say never..because I'm going! God has quite the sense of humor. God is always at work doing amazing things in our lives. We just need to take a break from our schedules and listen to what God is saying to us.

Orientation

Today I start Orientation to prepare for going to Nicaragua. Yes-I don't leave until January, but they only have this orientation once a year. I'm a little nervous for the orientation, but it will be really nice to meet people that are doing the same thing as me. I know that we are all in the same boat, which is nice. I'm excited to meet new people today.
It is seeming more real all the time that I'm actually going. It's very exciting yet scary all at the same time. I know this is where God is leading me, and that needs to be my comfort. NO listening to satan (which is WAY easier said than done). I can't wait to see what God has in store for me there.

Forgiveness

It's so hard to forgive someone that's done something so harsh to you. It's especially hard when they don't think they've done anything to hurt you. God calls us to forgive others because he has forgiven us. He died on the cross for OUR sins so that we could have eternal life. The question is, what if someone has done something to you that has deeply hurt you but they don't realize it. Do you still go to that person and tell them you forgive them when they don't even think they've done anything wrong?

God's Leading

Through prayers and other situations, I have made a decision to go to Nicaragua next year to work in a school. This is, assuming that everything with fundraising and CRWM works out. I feel that God is leading me there, so I can't freak out about the money aspect of it. God is IN CONTROL..not me. I am beyond excited to see how God is going to use me there. Not going to lie, I'm scared to go there because it's an unfamilar place that I know not much about, but I am also excited to see what it has in store. This is an opportunity that it going to make me grow a lot. Satan hates the fact that I'm going there and wants me to doubt that it's where I'm supposed to be. I know though, that God is BIGGER!! When doubt comes, the most important thing is to look to God for peace in the decision I've made. This is way out of my comfort zone but when you go of it, you aren't living in your own little "secure" world and it's where you tend to grow the most.

I know this post is all over the place, but basically, I'm beyond excited for this opportunity to spend five months there and to see what God has in store. God's got everything under control and once again-HE is in control NOT me.

God Bless!

Grace

God's grace is such an awesome thing. It covers every part of us no matter the situation. I never really thought about the lyrics of the song "How He Loves" by David Crowder Band until it  was brought to my attention. There is a line that goes, "If grace is an ocean we're all sinking" It's so true!! We are drowning in grace because it covers us no matter the situation. What a great God we serve! It's awesome to see how he works.

Nicaragua

I have so many mixed emotions. I got accepted to go to Nicaragua and work in a school there. I'm praying for guidance from God to lead me where he wants me. I don't want to get wrapped up in my plans because HIS plan is perfect. The thought of being away for 5 months is scary, but then I have the comfort of God being right there with me. He will never leave me. With God-I CAN do it. I will be making a decision if I'm going or not soon. Praying praying praying!!!