Feliz Navidad

Here is my Christmas Newsletter.  :-)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ^{Colossians 3:15}   I am indeed thankful for the peace and grace of Christ this year.   As I reflect on the year it has been a Full year and I see how the peace of Christ has directed my paths, decisions and relationships.   Another great year with my first graders filled with lots of laughter, learning and special connections through brokenness.  A set of twins in my class lost a brother and formed a special bond with an empathetic teacher (me).  What a joy it is to see the redemptive work of God through such difficult times in our lives.  There is no doubt in my mind that He is in control and allowed our paths to intersect.

The Summer was filled with energy, engaging conversations about the gospel and excitement as I had the privilege of working with Nicaraguan and North American Youth.  It was so refreshing to meet so many Nicaraguan youth who are passionate about sharing the transforming work God has done in their lives with everyone they encounter.   These youth come from every background imaginable, drugs, gangs, abusive families, abandoned, living on the street and even Christian homes.  Through meeting these guys I have been challenged to live unashamedly for God and not be so fearful when sharing the gospel with my peers.

After the Summer I headed to the States where I have had revitalizing visits with my family.   I am so thankful for the opportunity to live a little life with them after so many years away.   Some highlights include tearing down an old barn with my Dad and Marilyn, running a 5K with my sister Bethany,  popcorn and late night laughter with my sisters, shopping with my Mom and library visits with my 3 yr old nephew Corbin.   With a heart of thanksgiving I cherish all of these special memories.   Thank you to all those who encouraged, prayed and have supported me financially in the decision to take a 6 month furlough.

 

The future in Nicaragua is looking bright.   God is at work and I am praying faithfully for guidance in the areas I am to be involved in when I return in the Spring.   Please join me in praying for God to make straight the path that I am to take as He prepares my heart for a new season of service and learning in Nicaragua.

This Christmas I feel like an outsider looking in since it is my first in the US in 4 years.  Consumerism, decorations, shopping, parties, parades, gifts, the birth of Jesus, carols, baking, and shepherds Oh my! I am challenged to focus on the true reason that we celebrate this season.   It is the time we recognize Christ the King coming in human likeness to fulfill our greatest need, the need for a Savior.   Can my life shine the light of Christ  my Savior to everyone I encounter during this busy time and all year through without being diluted by the priorities our culture?   This is something I have been chewing on …no new answer here but to let His Spirit lead me in a way of gratitude and thanksgiving everywhere I go all year long.   Colossians 3:16-17 highlights this idea well for me. “¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  May you be challenged to live your life out loud with a song of thanksgiving in your heart this coming year.

Merry Christmas to you all and may the Peace of Christ dwell in you richly.   

Blessings,

Carey

Carylla

Christ Alive in Us

The Christmas season is upon us and everywhere we go there are people hustling and bustling about.  This is my first Christmas in the USA in 4 years and there is undoubtedly a focus on consumerism like I've never seen before.   Sadly I see a shift from this season being about serving, loving and blessing others to a focus on getting everything on my shopping list as quickly as possible, DO-ing as many "holiday" parties, parades and activities as possible.

As I feel like an outsider looking in this year I am challenged to remember the purpose and true reason that we celebrate this season.   It is the time we recognize Christ the King coming in human likeness to fulfill our greatest need, the need for a Savior.   Because He has come and redeemed us, He has given us His Holy Spirit to live and dwell in us. What does that look like this Christmas?

Can my life shine the light of Christ to everyone I encounter during this busy time of year?   How can I share the love, joy and reason for which I sing and live with everyone I encounter at work, in line at the store, Christmas parties, driving on the road, ordering a coffee, even at church?   These are questions I've been contemplating and while I don't have any great answers except to let His Spirit lead me in a way of gratitude and thanksgiving I wanted to share them with you.   The passage in Colossians 3:15-17 highlights this idea well for me.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

How can I let my daily interactions with people express the message of Christ and a heart of gratitude?

There is a new (to me) song that I recently learned and it beautifully describes what the Lord has done for us and my longing for Christ to be Alive in Me this Christmas and every day of the year.

Alive in Us by Hillsong United

Great is Your love
Let the whole earth sing
Let the whole earth sing
You reached for us
From on heaven's throne
When we had no hope

You are the way
There is no other
You are the way
There is no other

You rose from death to victory
You reign in life
Oh majesty
Your name be high and lifted up
Jesus, Jesus alive in us

You outshine the sun
You are glorious
You are glorious
Lord over all
You have made us new
We owe it all to You

In everything
Be exalted
In everything
Be exalted

Gracias A Dios

I know that Thanksgiving has now come and gone but I think that we have reasons to be thankful each and every day.   Here are a few things I am thankful for!!!

Thanksgiving this year involved all the yummy goodies we traditionally think of when we think of Thanksgiving supper.   This year I was able to spend it with two great families that once upon a time lived in Nicaragua.  It was like spending the holiday with family.   Anyone who knows me knows that I love spending time with kids and that is precisely what I got to do over the long weekend.   Thanks Vern and Kelly and Nathan and Amber for sharing your kiddos and stories with me this Thanksgiving. 

 Here is John, Kelly (mom) and Kyler Kivett!!   They love reading books and decorating the Christmas tree.

Many of you know Nathan and Amber's adoption story.  Praise the Lord Joseph and Tito are adopted, home in North Carolina and adjusting very well to life in the US.   These guys loved playing kick ball and visiting the zoo.

 Next you might question my sanity but I am thankful for rainy days and flat tires.  Yes you did read that correctly.    I was delivering some meals to the elderly in a nearby neighborhood yesterday while it was raining outside.   As I was getting one of the meals out of the back seat I heard what sounded like air coming out of my rear tire.   Sure enough it was and I could see right where the hole was because of the bubbles it was making with the rain water.   Now considering that fact that I don't live in Nicaragua where there is tire shop on almost every corner I got a little nervious so I prayed and asked God to show me a place nearby to get the tire fixed.   I pulled out on the main road and went not even a quarter mile and here it was.

It looked almost like in Nicaragua.   Tires out on the street side and two very nice Latino men eager to help a poor lady with a hole in her tire.   The guys were great, fast and very friendly.    Yes, yes we did talk in Spanish the whole time.  :-)   It was great!  

I truly have so much to be thankful for in my life.   God has blessed us richly with his beauty throughout creation, His presence and His Word.  

Laughter and Friendship Run Deep

Friendship is something that we all long for in this life. There are many types of friends that walk in and out of our lives through its various stages. Some friends are near and dear to us in ways that words cannot express. Time passes between conversations, letters and phone calls but the moment you pick up again its as if no time has passed at all. The depth of love, life and honesty shared is something that I cherish deeply. Other friends are a special part of our life for a season and then our lives carry on through different journys.
As I am currently in a time of life transition between life and ministry in Nicaragua and a time of rest and furlough in the United States I've found myself looking for depth in new friendships. In the midst of meeting so many new people I have had the privilege of being able to visit some good life-long friends.

College roommate dinner with Tami, Julie, Jill and Sara

 

An old school used to live and work in Nicaragua but now we live in New Mexico Reunion with Joy and Morgan.

The night was filled with tears from so much laughter.

New Friends are a blessing too.  I met some other gals who were returning from missions around the globe and we shared a special time of debriefing in Monument, Colorado with Missionary Training Institute .   Here is an early morning sunrise at Garden of the Gods park with Colleen, Katie and Autumn.

Camping is something that I love do do and have not really been able to go much since moving to Nicaragua.  Thanks to Mary Ezzell I've met some great new camping buddies.   I've been twice now as we camped in 32 degree weather.   It was well worth the cold as we woke up to the sights and sounds of God's great creation.

Fall is in the Air

Just a few weeks ago I witnessed one of the tell tale signs that Summer is on its way out and Fall is on the way.   The first snowfall on Pikes Peak is always a beautiful sight.   I haven't seen it in many years but I always remember it as being a beautiful sight to behold. 

Then just a few days later I was driving by a beautiful park early in the morning and saw the beauty of God's creation displayed in a array of yellows, oranges, blues, purples and reds.

This morning when I got up the thermometer ready 36 degrees F.     Chilly!!!!  Now the leaves are turning and falling to the ground as the trees prepare for Winter.

Isn't it amazing to think about the ways in which God prepares us for different seasons of our lives just as he does the trees.

10 Things that let you know your NOT in Nicaragua

Ok so I've been back in the States for three weeks now and here are just a few of my observations so far. :-)  Enjoy!

10 Things that let you know you are NOT in Nicaragua

1. You're in a public place and someone sneezes and you automatically say, "salud"  which is followed by strange looks from those around you.
2. Upon entering the bank there are no armed guards with AK47's to greet you with a smile and check your purse for contraband.
3. It is NOT ok for you to honk your horn unless absolutely necessary.  (only a few slips so far)
4. You do not eat dinner until 8pm because it is still light outside.   Weird
5. There have been no beans and rice served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Oh my gallopinto (rice and beans dish) how I miss you.
6. Everywhere you go there are people on bikes with HELMETS.
7. You mistake the barking dog down in the valley for a howler monkey.
8. As you pull up to the gas pump there is not a friendly attendant greeting you and asking how much gas you want to put in your car. 
9. Pedestrians DO have the right of way.
10. You turn on the water faucet and no water comes out.  Oh wait that is like Nicaragua.  The water well at my parents house ran dry.   What a nice taste of home!

We each take a different path each day as we go to work, home, church etc.   What things do you come across as you walk down those paths?   Do you find yourself in a great conversation with a perfect stranger or lending a helping hand to a friend or family member?   As I have walked many different paths these past few months I have been thinking about the uniqueness of each one and the special glimpses of God's sovereignty that I have seen along the path.

This Summer I have had the privilege of working with many different people from all walks of life. While working with teams I have the unique opportunity to meet and get to know lots of people as I translate and work side by side with them. Each one of these people has come down a different path in life and has come to know the Lord in different ways. As our paths cross with others there are so many neat opportunities to hear and learn from each other.

Here are some of the paths that I've crossed recently.

I had a quick week break in the middle of the Summer and was able to go down to visit my dear friends the Fuentes. They were my former directors with Christ for the City here in Nicaragua. Last year they moved back to Costa Rica for furlough in preparation for heading out to another part of the world. It was a joyous time of late nights and lots of delicious coffee. We went up to the family farm in Turrialba. What an amazing time it was to spend the afternoon with Alcides' mom and hear her heart for her family but also for her community. The house was a flurry of activity as the afternoon passed on. The sound of loud cheers and a soccer announcer brought everyone to Grandma's house to watch the game. I smiled to myself as I looked on and saw aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends gathered around a very small television watching and sharing opinions, laughter and of course coffee over a soccer game. This is what family time should be like every day. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the family for a day. What sweet memories fill my heart.

The labrynth is an amazing place at the Vida Joven (Young Life) camp. It is essentially a maze that is made out of pine bushes. It runs in a circle and weaves you in and out eventually leading you to the center where there is a wooden cross.  The walk through the maze could be seen as a conversation with the Lord. Beginning with a time of confession and emptying of oneself and then as you progress through the Labrynth you were making room in your heart, life and mind for God to come in and fill you up. Essentially an emptying of oneself in order to be filled up again with God's presence. The imagery that is portrayed through this physical act of walking through the Labrynth and ending up at the foot of the cross is powerful.

The work crews that I was on this Summer were great for conversation and getting to know you time as we passed 50lb buckets of rock to cover a trail in the mountains of Matagalpa. As we passed each bucket of rock we laughed as we shared stories of our camp experiences and shared our hopes for the future campers that will walk this mountain trail.

This is the finished trail!! Whew that was a lot of work. :-)

Many of my friends are married and are now moving in the stage of having friends.    My dear friends Luke and Ellen just had their first baby in July.   God was so gracious in allowing me to be in Managua when he was born so I could see them and rejoice in their new little bundle of joy.  David Luke Rosenberger.   He is a cutie!!

Now this is the path to my parents home in Colorado. Yeah! I've made it. I'm looking forward to many great conversations, hugs and fun times shared during these next few months.