Wow, does anyone else think that the last five weeks went by wayyyyyy to fast. While they were happening, they felt normal, but now they just feel like a dream and in less than 24 hours, I will be back in the States and back to "normal" life.
I have learned so much from this trip that I can't even explain enough if I had all the time in the world. I feel, also, that there are still things that God will teach me from the trip, but maybe days/weeks/months/years later. One of the biggest things I learned from the trip I even just finally realized it three days ago up at the beach. What is that, you ask?
I realized that God wants me to spend more alone time with him. It took me until about 3 days before the end of the trip to figure it out. The whole trip, I just felt like a lot of times I felt like spending time alone. I didn't like it. I am a people person and usually like being around lots of people especially on trips like this. so, when I had the desire to spend time alone, I ignored it and was a little scared that I wanted to be that way and figured that I should just spend time with as much people as possible. But then, like I have already told you, I finally realized that God was telling me to spend time with him one on one. Even in such a great christian environment and real body of Christ, I still found myself doing.. and doing.. and doing... and not just resting in the Lord and letting him speak to me in silence/through his word, or different ways.
Oh, I learned how to use my obsession with photography in a different way to glorify God. Every night, I put on a worship song on my computer and let my screen saver of pictures from the trip play through. I let the pictures that come up guide my prayer. And I am trusting that if a picture comes up, then I need to know about that and pray for that person/situation/etc. how sweet it is to realize gifts you have and then to realize even more ways to glorify God with them.
So the retreat was hands down a blast. I did get very sun burnt, however, which is not nice. I guess I couldn't have really prevented it. I mean, for you motherly types out there, I put sunscreen on (spf 55) twice in the morining and once again later, but I was playing in the water for a good 4 hours before re-applying again. Anyway, it will be obvious for the next day or two that I was at the beach.
As part of the end of project debriefing, we shared with the whole group what God has been teaching us here and then people went around and said nice things about you. It was so uplifting and some people said somethings about me and how I ministered or served them and I had no idea that it had made that kind of an impact, so remember how you are percieved (but don't be in fear in it, only look to please God, but just realize that people do percieve what you do and you can either lead them to God, or you can turn them away, it's your choice.) Then we layed hands on those that shared for that specific meeting and prayed for them. There was something so powerful in it. I felt like the early church in acts when they retreated and layed hands on each other and prayed for each other.
That has been what this trip has taught me. I have seen what the early church was like, what it means to be a movement instead of a ministry (I would love to share this sometime when it is not 2 AM and we leave at 7 AM to go to the airport), and what a true body of believers and christ followers should look like. I will never forget this summer and a lot of it is due to you guys, the people who care about me and who I love very much. Your encouragement and support has been a huge part of the trips success.
So, I will still be finishing that coffee blog ~ the process from the coffee bean, then the plant, then to the cup. So.. look forward to that : ) Also, I might put a couple more pictures up, but otherwise. See you guys soon.
Please ask me about the trip. We can sit down some time and chat if you would like, just ask me and we'll find a time. Also, if it ends up being possible, I want to give another concert, but this time not asking for support just sharing my summer with you and letting you see what God did through 20 students and staff in a country that is hungry for the living, breathing word of God.
Love and hugs,
Jodi Marie
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Relfecting on Sweet Times
Oh wow, so much to actually write and so little time/room to write it
Surprisingly, I am going to keep this post fairly short and leave the rest up to possibly the imagination and creative minds. Well, this past weekend was quite possibly the most refreshing and amazing of the whole trip. So, one thing was that I was able to go to the ocean. I don't get to go to the ocean very often so this was very exciting. Just putting yourself in the way of the waves, one can feel the complete power of God. Your mind starts to race at all the incredible vastness of our creator and how he didn't just create a world where we can get by, but he created a world that enchants us and captures our hearts (or at least mine)
Well, I met up with another friend from Moscow High School who was an exchange student from, if you can believe it Costa Rica, opened up her house and her life with me. It was purely by God's grace that I even was able to get a hold of her. Several attempts through emails came back void. I asked my mom to possibly find any more information on her that she could. She found her parents names Eduardo Arroyo and Iris Araya. Well, the only way to find them was in a gigantic phone book which encompasses all of Costa Rica. However, I finally found Arraya de Arroyo Iris in Nicoya. Well, I called her up in Spanish and simply asked if Yacsiry (my friend was her daughter) She then invited me there for the weekend. And the rest is history. She took me all around her town and I got to be artistic and take pictures. One place was Iglesia Vieja or literally translated Old Church. I just got to see a slower like in Guanacaste (that is the province I was in)
The weekend was so refreshing because I was in a small town again. We didn't have to lock the car door or clutch or belongings as if anyone around us would attempt to steal our stuff or hurt us in some way. It gave me faith in people again. It's not that everyone in San Jose is horrible, but it is a big city so there are more such dangers. Well, Saturday lasted 23 1/2 hours since my bus left at 5:30 in the morning and sunday afternoon came all too soon and I was back at the hostel yet again.
Quite possibly the best conversation of the trip was with a two girls Tatiana and Gladys. Gladys was always very shy throughout the conversation about the gospel, but I could tell that she wanted it none the less. Her friend Tatiana said that this is what she needed to here (the message of the gospel and of salvation through Jesus Christ) She said that everything happens for a reason and that we were here talking to her because she needs to accept Christ and because God wants her to change. Talk about saying exactly how we feel. She, however, felt like she needs to know a little more about Christ before she can accept him which makes me sad, but she was the most excited about bible studies and getting to know Jesus because she acknoledges that she needs him and that is what she wants. It will only be a matter of time for the salvation of her soul! How exciting.
The girl, Genina that we have been meeting with sent us this email and I wanted you to be able to read it. She wrote in both english and spanish. This will give you the chance to see the change in the people's hearts that is happening through our group and through your help and support (I can never offer enough thanks for this):
Dios pone personas en nuestro camino para que no olvidemos que no
estamos solas y que él nos ama, gracias por ser el medio que Dios para
decirme que me ama y que debo seguir adelante.
God put some people i our way to show us how much He love us and we
dons´t forget that we aren´t alone. thank you to be the way God told
me he loves me and i most go ahead.
Today, we went to a daycare to paint the place and play with kids. It was so much fun. Some of the kids don't get hugs from their family that often. Don't worry, I made sure that they got plenty. They all love cameras. They simply can't stop taking them and so as a result, I have many. Also as a result, I had to put my camera away part way through because there is really no way to regulate how to let them use it. Simply there are ten kids grabbing at the camera and you have to express that they be careful and take turns all in Spanish. It was definelty a reminder for teaching some day.
Wow, I guess I lied I did write a lot on this post. Well, I hope you can forgive me. I guess it's just the way that I am. Time for bed now... my friend's are sooo sweet. They tried to forbid me from using my computer so that I would get more sleep. I love the love they have for me. Someday, I will learn this lesson, but not yet. : * )
With all the love of Christ and your sister in Him,
Jodi Marie
Surprisingly, I am going to keep this post fairly short and leave the rest up to possibly the imagination and creative minds. Well, this past weekend was quite possibly the most refreshing and amazing of the whole trip. So, one thing was that I was able to go to the ocean. I don't get to go to the ocean very often so this was very exciting. Just putting yourself in the way of the waves, one can feel the complete power of God. Your mind starts to race at all the incredible vastness of our creator and how he didn't just create a world where we can get by, but he created a world that enchants us and captures our hearts (or at least mine)
Well, I met up with another friend from Moscow High School who was an exchange student from, if you can believe it Costa Rica, opened up her house and her life with me. It was purely by God's grace that I even was able to get a hold of her. Several attempts through emails came back void. I asked my mom to possibly find any more information on her that she could. She found her parents names Eduardo Arroyo and Iris Araya. Well, the only way to find them was in a gigantic phone book which encompasses all of Costa Rica. However, I finally found Arraya de Arroyo Iris in Nicoya. Well, I called her up in Spanish and simply asked if Yacsiry (my friend was her daughter) She then invited me there for the weekend. And the rest is history. She took me all around her town and I got to be artistic and take pictures. One place was Iglesia Vieja or literally translated Old Church. I just got to see a slower like in Guanacaste (that is the province I was in)
The weekend was so refreshing because I was in a small town again. We didn't have to lock the car door or clutch or belongings as if anyone around us would attempt to steal our stuff or hurt us in some way. It gave me faith in people again. It's not that everyone in San Jose is horrible, but it is a big city so there are more such dangers. Well, Saturday lasted 23 1/2 hours since my bus left at 5:30 in the morning and sunday afternoon came all too soon and I was back at the hostel yet again.
Quite possibly the best conversation of the trip was with a two girls Tatiana and Gladys. Gladys was always very shy throughout the conversation about the gospel, but I could tell that she wanted it none the less. Her friend Tatiana said that this is what she needed to here (the message of the gospel and of salvation through Jesus Christ) She said that everything happens for a reason and that we were here talking to her because she needs to accept Christ and because God wants her to change. Talk about saying exactly how we feel. She, however, felt like she needs to know a little more about Christ before she can accept him which makes me sad, but she was the most excited about bible studies and getting to know Jesus because she acknoledges that she needs him and that is what she wants. It will only be a matter of time for the salvation of her soul! How exciting.
The girl, Genina that we have been meeting with sent us this email and I wanted you to be able to read it. She wrote in both english and spanish. This will give you the chance to see the change in the people's hearts that is happening through our group and through your help and support (I can never offer enough thanks for this):
Dios pone personas en nuestro camino para que no olvidemos que no
estamos solas y que él nos ama, gracias por ser el medio que Dios para
decirme que me ama y que debo seguir adelante.
God put some people i our way to show us how much He love us and we
dons´t forget that we aren´t alone. thank you to be the way God told
me he loves me and i most go ahead.
Today, we went to a daycare to paint the place and play with kids. It was so much fun. Some of the kids don't get hugs from their family that often. Don't worry, I made sure that they got plenty. They all love cameras. They simply can't stop taking them and so as a result, I have many. Also as a result, I had to put my camera away part way through because there is really no way to regulate how to let them use it. Simply there are ten kids grabbing at the camera and you have to express that they be careful and take turns all in Spanish. It was definelty a reminder for teaching some day.Wow, I guess I lied I did write a lot on this post. Well, I hope you can forgive me. I guess it's just the way that I am. Time for bed now... my friend's are sooo sweet. They tried to forbid me from using my computer so that I would get more sleep. I love the love they have for me. Someday, I will learn this lesson, but not yet. : * )
With all the love of Christ and your sister in Him,
Jodi Marie
Monday, July 9, 2007
Second to last week on campus
Lisa and I got to meet this past week with two really sweet girls that we have met with before and just to really love on them.
Genina is so sweet. Her heart is teachable and really yearning for fellowship. I think I have mentioned her before. I also wanted to share a picture of you so that you can see the sweet woman that God is changing and forming possibly through Lisa and I.
On Friday, we got to spend time with Melissa. She is a christian that is also soooo hungry for fellowship. She has really connected with a lot of our group already, I believe. I asked her if she ever really has gotten to share her faith. She said that she shares with her friends, but she is scared because she doesn't want to lose her friends and they already know what she believes and so then it is hard to break into that relationship that is already formed with something so intimate as Christ, but she is excited to do so.
Friday was the last offical day of classes on campus. This does mean that less and less students will be on campus next week, so everything we do, really makes a difference. This coming week is the time to pour into more and more students who don't know Christ, but it is really the time to challenge the students we have already met and poured into to take maybe another step in where they are in their walk with Christ.
Maybe they are Lost and we need to encourage them to accept Christ.
Maybe have accepted Christ but they need to become Learners of God's word (so encourage them to study on their own, with friends, with the crusade bible studies)
Maybe they have been learning for a while now (and while we are always learning) they are ready to share their faith with others and be Laborers for Christ
Maybe they have shared their faith with others and, now they really need to become leaders (so maybe we need to challenge them to take a leadership role in Crusade or maybe another ministry they are involved in)
Lost
Learners
Laborers
Leaders
We are also learning that we need to find "FAT" ticos. Ones who are:
Faithful
Available
Teachable
Things can happen if these qualities are not always there, but their walk with Christ and their relationship will grow in intimacy and maturaty possibly more, stronger, and faster if these are qualities that they have.
Hmm... am I learning a lot... you betcha. Claro que sí. Por su puesto.
Until next time,
Jodi Marie
Genina is so sweet. Her heart is teachable and really yearning for fellowship. I think I have mentioned her before. I also wanted to share a picture of you so that you can see the sweet woman that God is changing and forming possibly through Lisa and I.
On Friday, we got to spend time with Melissa. She is a christian that is also soooo hungry for fellowship. She has really connected with a lot of our group already, I believe. I asked her if she ever really has gotten to share her faith. She said that she shares with her friends, but she is scared because she doesn't want to lose her friends and they already know what she believes and so then it is hard to break into that relationship that is already formed with something so intimate as Christ, but she is excited to do so.
Friday was the last offical day of classes on campus. This does mean that less and less students will be on campus next week, so everything we do, really makes a difference. This coming week is the time to pour into more and more students who don't know Christ, but it is really the time to challenge the students we have already met and poured into to take maybe another step in where they are in their walk with Christ.
Maybe they are Lost and we need to encourage them to accept Christ.
Maybe have accepted Christ but they need to become Learners of God's word (so encourage them to study on their own, with friends, with the crusade bible studies)
Maybe they have been learning for a while now (and while we are always learning) they are ready to share their faith with others and be Laborers for Christ
Maybe they have shared their faith with others and, now they really need to become leaders (so maybe we need to challenge them to take a leadership role in Crusade or maybe another ministry they are involved in)
Lost
Learners
Laborers
Leaders
We are also learning that we need to find "FAT" ticos. Ones who are:
Faithful
Available
Teachable
Things can happen if these qualities are not always there, but their walk with Christ and their relationship will grow in intimacy and maturaty possibly more, stronger, and faster if these are qualities that they have.
Hmm... am I learning a lot... you betcha. Claro que sí. Por su puesto.
Until next time,
Jodi Marie
Fourth of July in a country that counts it as just another day.
Oh wow, what a fun day.
Well, we were on campus for fourth of July which is always fun to be on campus in the first place. During the first week of our project, during a card game of spoons boys versus girls, we placed high stakes that whoever lost would cook the other gender dinner one of the nights. Well, the girls actually lost, but as a great testimony to how cool our guys on project are, the guys agreed to make dinner for the ladies anyway (because it was really close)
We had so much food that I didn't know what to do. The guys were very creative with the food as well which surprised me.
A lot of our Tico friends who are either involved with Campus Crusade already or friends of people who are came to our barbeque and party that we had at the hostel.
It was a sweet time of fellowship, including swing dancing, and pool, and...
FIREWORKS!!!
The fun part, if you can imagine being in a different country for such an occasion, was that the town didn't know what to think of our fireworks. One of the guys that works at the hostel searched all day and found some great fireworks for the occasion.
So, after a round of the star-spangled banner around an array of food, we headed to a hostel nearby to light them off.
The town, however, like I said, was not ready for them and many neighbors called with noise complaints of gun shots. So our policeman friends showed up to make sure everything was okay. Thankfully, we had just lit the last round when they came, but it was definetely still a fourth of July to remember.
My stomach, however, had been acting weird all day and, actually for a couple of days after, so I had to call it an early night, but no worries, it was still so fun and memorable.
God Bless America!!!
Jodi Marie
Well, we were on campus for fourth of July which is always fun to be on campus in the first place. During the first week of our project, during a card game of spoons boys versus girls, we placed high stakes that whoever lost would cook the other gender dinner one of the nights. Well, the girls actually lost, but as a great testimony to how cool our guys on project are, the guys agreed to make dinner for the ladies anyway (because it was really close)
We had so much food that I didn't know what to do. The guys were very creative with the food as well which surprised me.
A lot of our Tico friends who are either involved with Campus Crusade already or friends of people who are came to our barbeque and party that we had at the hostel.
It was a sweet time of fellowship, including swing dancing, and pool, and...
FIREWORKS!!!
The fun part, if you can imagine being in a different country for such an occasion, was that the town didn't know what to think of our fireworks. One of the guys that works at the hostel searched all day and found some great fireworks for the occasion.
So, after a round of the star-spangled banner around an array of food, we headed to a hostel nearby to light them off.
The town, however, like I said, was not ready for them and many neighbors called with noise complaints of gun shots. So our policeman friends showed up to make sure everything was okay. Thankfully, we had just lit the last round when they came, but it was definetely still a fourth of July to remember.My stomach, however, had been acting weird all day and, actually for a couple of days after, so I had to call it an early night, but no worries, it was still so fun and memorable.
God Bless America!!!
Jodi Marie
Monday, July 2, 2007
God is good.
Ah, what a relaxing weekend it was. But, I also have to update on how things were before the weekend...
Wednesday night was quite a blast. As is customary, wednesday night is men's and women's times. Again, I don't know what the men do. We did attempt a practical joke on them during their time as our duty as women. We took all the boards out from under the guy's mattresses and put the mattresses back as if they weren't there. Later, some of the girl's also sprayed smelly girl stuff all over the guys things. For our women's time, we went to the rollerskating rink nearby. The first obstacle
to this fun night was making our way across traffic as 11 women to the rink itself. We chose to take the route that would put us near the most cars. Quite fun running across the street screaming thankful to get across. Anyway, roller skating was a sweet way to work our some energy and just be like little girls again.
Thursday night, my friend Lisa Fisher and I, the one I mentioned before, went to our friend Esteban's house. Esteban was the one that I met in March who's birthday was our first day on campus and we just bumped into him that day (divine appointment). I haven't been able to have a lot of spiritual conversations with him or share the gospel again (we shared it with him in March), but we learned that he has a lot of christians in his life. One of his good friends is an on fire tico named Fabricio who I also met in March who is already involved strongly in a Christian youth ministry who wants to pour into Esteban who is agnostic. Also, Esteban's mom and brother go to the Church near San Jose where my friend Lisa excepted Christ. 
We see him all the time on campus, but he is always out of breath and seemingly late for something else to do. Well, his dad works with a computer chip company, but in his free time not only does amazing photography, but also is a gourmet chef. His dad cooked pasta for us that took about 2 hours to make so you know it's good. Mom and Cara, you would have been proud of me, I tried this appetizer that was bread with mushroom topping and I actually kind of liked it. By the end of the night, we were all so tired and everything was funny. In the cab ride back to the hostel, Mr Big's "Next to be with you," played and our driver cranked the sound and we sang our hearts out. What a great memory.
This is on campus
As far as campus last week, Thursday was incredibly inspiring. We met a girl who grew up catholic, but doesn't practice anymore. From what we learned from her, she is a believer and has accepted Christ before but is really hungry for friends who are also Christian's and for sweet Christian Fellowship. She is excited about Cruzada Estudiantil (Campus Crusade) Her name is Genina. Today actually, Lisa and I had lunch with her at a Mexican restaurante and I told her how she actually inspired me. She was surprised and asked why. I told her it is because she lives in this moment for Christ and wants to have a life Now with Him in it and doesn't only look towards the future and Heaven. She just gave me a sweet perspective. Jessica didn't end up making it to our meeting Yesterday, but hopefully we will meet up again. I can't believe we only have 2 weeks left here. I know it will be fast. I really want to find the right time to share the gospel with my friend from high school, Memo that some of you know, but there just hasn't been the right time.
Memo
Please pray that God will let me know when to do so and the courage to accept his reaction. We have had some spiritual conversations with him, but they have not gotten very far. It has taught me that it is much easier to introduce the gospel to a complete stranger because you are not as vulnerable and you won't lose anything valuable to you. On the other hand, though, if you care enough about the person, you will at least want to let them know about a life-giving message such as the gospel. Memo's sister Dianna is really curious about why we're here and if nothing else, when we are fully able to share with her, maybe she will share with Memo some day. Who knows.
Sarah (she's discipling me here), Diana, and me
Friday night was the 5 hour drive to Monte Verde. It is a cloud forest. We stayed at a hotel with consistently warm showers, very nice addition, and a cozy atmosphere in the mountains complete with a jacuzzi. The drive was incredible long (five hours) okay, i know that's not forever long, but when the roads are filled with potholes and not paved for part of the way, it can seem like a long time. We made the trip fun, however by singing worship songs in the bus and old songs like Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Disney songs. What good times.
The night we arrived, I had an incredible experience with God. I just felt like spending some time alone after being around people every day all the time (even though I love the all) So, I sat at the top of the stairs leading to the jacuzzi looking out over the expanse of the sky and just spent some time letting God woo my heart. 
lightning
One of the students we talked to on campus had been sent an email of a picture of a galaxy that looked like "the eye of God" and I was thinking about that and saw in the sky a similar view. What a blessing. I didn't have my camera on me at the time (I know, amazing) but I grabbed it later and captured the moon/sky/and lightning that God displayed for me.
The next day was incredible. We went on a canopy zip-lining tour through the rain forrest. All the guides were so fun to talk to. Cara and Matthew, you know how much fun it is. 
I learned my lesson, however, of not putting my hand in front of the pulley when the first zip line my finger got cut-up in the pulley. Later, I made friends with one of the guides because of it though because as a guide, he even put his hand in front and had a bandage on his finger too.
The next day, Sunday we went horseback riding in the mountains. We got to run the horses a couple of times which just made me smile and laugh at how sweet of an experience it was. My horses name was Eagle, but in Spanish, Aguilar. Later that day, I went on a coffee tour through the Don Juan coffee plantation and got to see the process of coffee from the seed to the roasting process and taste the coffee (which was probably my favorite part) I am making a separete blog of the process and will post the link soon. One of the best parts of the weekend was getting to know the people on the team and just chilling. Two of my friends and I played my Spanish monopoly that I bought late into the night and then just talked and laughed. You should all know that these are two of my favorite things.
Right now, we are on our way to a mexican restaurant for Lisa. Ah, how fun. There have been three birthdays already on project and I believe three more (so many birthdays in so little time)
Well, I will be updating as much as possible, so keep on checking the site whenever you get the chance.
I love you guys!
Jodi Marie
Wednesday night was quite a blast. As is customary, wednesday night is men's and women's times. Again, I don't know what the men do. We did attempt a practical joke on them during their time as our duty as women. We took all the boards out from under the guy's mattresses and put the mattresses back as if they weren't there. Later, some of the girl's also sprayed smelly girl stuff all over the guys things. For our women's time, we went to the rollerskating rink nearby. The first obstacle
to this fun night was making our way across traffic as 11 women to the rink itself. We chose to take the route that would put us near the most cars. Quite fun running across the street screaming thankful to get across. Anyway, roller skating was a sweet way to work our some energy and just be like little girls again.
Thursday night, my friend Lisa Fisher and I, the one I mentioned before, went to our friend Esteban's house. Esteban was the one that I met in March who's birthday was our first day on campus and we just bumped into him that day (divine appointment). I haven't been able to have a lot of spiritual conversations with him or share the gospel again (we shared it with him in March), but we learned that he has a lot of christians in his life. One of his good friends is an on fire tico named Fabricio who I also met in March who is already involved strongly in a Christian youth ministry who wants to pour into Esteban who is agnostic. Also, Esteban's mom and brother go to the Church near San Jose where my friend Lisa excepted Christ. 
We see him all the time on campus, but he is always out of breath and seemingly late for something else to do. Well, his dad works with a computer chip company, but in his free time not only does amazing photography, but also is a gourmet chef. His dad cooked pasta for us that took about 2 hours to make so you know it's good. Mom and Cara, you would have been proud of me, I tried this appetizer that was bread with mushroom topping and I actually kind of liked it. By the end of the night, we were all so tired and everything was funny. In the cab ride back to the hostel, Mr Big's "Next to be with you," played and our driver cranked the sound and we sang our hearts out. What a great memory.
This is on campus
As far as campus last week, Thursday was incredibly inspiring. We met a girl who grew up catholic, but doesn't practice anymore. From what we learned from her, she is a believer and has accepted Christ before but is really hungry for friends who are also Christian's and for sweet Christian Fellowship. She is excited about Cruzada Estudiantil (Campus Crusade) Her name is Genina. Today actually, Lisa and I had lunch with her at a Mexican restaurante and I told her how she actually inspired me. She was surprised and asked why. I told her it is because she lives in this moment for Christ and wants to have a life Now with Him in it and doesn't only look towards the future and Heaven. She just gave me a sweet perspective. Jessica didn't end up making it to our meeting Yesterday, but hopefully we will meet up again. I can't believe we only have 2 weeks left here. I know it will be fast. I really want to find the right time to share the gospel with my friend from high school, Memo that some of you know, but there just hasn't been the right time.
Memo Please pray that God will let me know when to do so and the courage to accept his reaction. We have had some spiritual conversations with him, but they have not gotten very far. It has taught me that it is much easier to introduce the gospel to a complete stranger because you are not as vulnerable and you won't lose anything valuable to you. On the other hand, though, if you care enough about the person, you will at least want to let them know about a life-giving message such as the gospel. Memo's sister Dianna is really curious about why we're here and if nothing else, when we are fully able to share with her, maybe she will share with Memo some day. Who knows.
Sarah (she's discipling me here), Diana, and me
Friday night was the 5 hour drive to Monte Verde. It is a cloud forest. We stayed at a hotel with consistently warm showers, very nice addition, and a cozy atmosphere in the mountains complete with a jacuzzi. The drive was incredible long (five hours) okay, i know that's not forever long, but when the roads are filled with potholes and not paved for part of the way, it can seem like a long time. We made the trip fun, however by singing worship songs in the bus and old songs like Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Disney songs. What good times.
The night we arrived, I had an incredible experience with God. I just felt like spending some time alone after being around people every day all the time (even though I love the all) So, I sat at the top of the stairs leading to the jacuzzi looking out over the expanse of the sky and just spent some time letting God woo my heart. 
lightning One of the students we talked to on campus had been sent an email of a picture of a galaxy that looked like "the eye of God" and I was thinking about that and saw in the sky a similar view. What a blessing. I didn't have my camera on me at the time (I know, amazing) but I grabbed it later and captured the moon/sky/and lightning that God displayed for me.
The next day was incredible. We went on a canopy zip-lining tour through the rain forrest. All the guides were so fun to talk to. Cara and Matthew, you know how much fun it is. 
I learned my lesson, however, of not putting my hand in front of the pulley when the first zip line my finger got cut-up in the pulley. Later, I made friends with one of the guides because of it though because as a guide, he even put his hand in front and had a bandage on his finger too.
The next day, Sunday we went horseback riding in the mountains. We got to run the horses a couple of times which just made me smile and laugh at how sweet of an experience it was. My horses name was Eagle, but in Spanish, Aguilar. Later that day, I went on a coffee tour through the Don Juan coffee plantation and got to see the process of coffee from the seed to the roasting process and taste the coffee (which was probably my favorite part) I am making a separete blog of the process and will post the link soon. One of the best parts of the weekend was getting to know the people on the team and just chilling. Two of my friends and I played my Spanish monopoly that I bought late into the night and then just talked and laughed. You should all know that these are two of my favorite things.Right now, we are on our way to a mexican restaurant for Lisa. Ah, how fun. There have been three birthdays already on project and I believe three more (so many birthdays in so little time)
Well, I will be updating as much as possible, so keep on checking the site whenever you get the chance.I love you guys!
Jodi Marie
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Mid-Project Retreat
I will write more later when I return to San Jose. This weekend, we are retreating in MonteVerde. Look it up if you like. It is literally translated as Green Mountain. It is beautiful. Today we're going on the canopy tour (sixteen ziplines and a tarzan swing) and tomorrow is horse back riding. It has been fun to relax. Well, I will write more later. God is good.
love,
Jodi Marie
love,
Jodi Marie
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
So much to see...so much to do.. so much...
Wow, well, I believe the title of this post pretty much sums it up. There are so many fun things going on, but also there is a lot of time to just chill, hang out, and meet people. There have been so many great chances to share the gospel, as well as chances to meet up with students again. This has been neat because growing in Christ and becoming more like our creator doesn't happen alone and doesn't happen in a little time. Yes, once we recieve Christ, we recieve salvation, but to have a life that it intimate and fulfilling, and full of purpose, this takes time lots of growth.
getting to lead worship at church
Speaking of growth, at church on Sunday, Nathan Cooley, one of the project leaders whom some of you know gave the talk. He gave his talk on suffering. Fun topic, eh? So much of what he had to say was good, and true, and awesome. But, yeah, it's a hard topic to talk about. But, without suffering, you wouldn't appreciate the good times. One thing that he talked about was the precious moments "cartoons" and figurines. He actually called them "crap" but only with the context of the verse that says
"Take up your cross daily and follow me" - Matthew 10:37
He mentioned how the precious moments show this verse as a tiny, cute little girl carrying a tiny little cross and her back and how really, taking up your cross daily is taking on the same as what Jesus did when he died on the cross. That really, that was so much more pain and suffering than we will ever experience. Inspired by Nathan, the next day, I bought a precious moments bible. ha ha. It is in Spanish and English however and has already come in handy for sure.
Friday night, we had our first Crusade party. I was a little bummed at first because none of the people that I talked to on campus were able to come (mostly because of final exams and study sessions for them were happeing, those tests... sheesh)
But a lot of people came, the food was good (blackberries the size of strawberries) and people were really excited about meeting everyone dancing salsa together, and hearing Alan;'s (A tico's) testimony (in two languages) We still have two more parties so I have faith God with bring the right people to come.
Well, something new that happened, it I got to raft through the RAIN FORREST. When they say rain forest, they mean RAIN forrest. It was raining for a couple chunks of time on the rafting trip and how beautiful it was. Que lindo! The rain was pouring and it was soooo warm and I looked up and saw God's creation and the green lush landscape and couldn't help but praise God for the scenery he puts in front of us. It was pretty funny though cause I felt at times like I was rafting the Snake River again and then I looked up and was put into place pretty fast. I didn't fall out, thankfully, but at one point, four of our team from one boat fell out and it was a moment to realize how fragile life is. Oh, what an experience and we got to go through it as a team. One of the best parts of the trip was when we stopped on shore and hiked into a waterfall with a pool of water underneath it. I got to stand in a waterfall. God is good. (I learned waterfal in Spanish is catarata) 
On the way home, we saw a sloth!!! I know that doesn't seem too exciting because they totally don't move so it shouldn't be hard to spot them, but it was actually a rare occurence we are told.
Sunday was just very relaxed, which, after Saturday's excursion, was very much needed. We had church complete with one of the girls birthdays.
Let me tell you, if you have never tried to bake a cake in a foriegn country, it is surprisingly very complicated. Since we are not like the rest of the world and don't use the metric system, we ended up putting the cake in the oven at the equivalence of about 700 degrees farenheit. To our surprise, our confetti cake with rainbow chip icing turned out great anyway. We watched the USA/Mexico soccer game at the hostel complete with chicken nachos that afternoon and then I did some shopping with Memo and went to a great restaurant that was just like applebee's but cheaper because it's Costa Rica. My coffee was poured in this sweet thing that has a sock with the coffee grounds and then you pour the hot water over the grounds into the cup underneath. It was sooooo good.
Wow, this week on campus, and ESPECIALLY today has been incredible. Monday, we were all still really exhausted from the weekend and didn't make it onto campus very much, but did get there. We mostly were able to connect with each other on the team that day. And I was able to buy my new bible!!! Monday night, last night was well needed. The staff team, Carlos and Tatiana had everyone at their house for dinner. Traditional chicken and rice, beans, and dulce de leche. mmm..mmm.. If you thing about it, you can pray for them.
This is Carlos and Tatianna what an amazing team and married couple
They leave Wednesday for Korea for CM 2007. Check it out at www.CM2007.net People involved in Crusade ministries from literally all over the world are meeting up for a conference together to talk about how to reach the whole world for Christ. How amazing. They won't be back until after we leave so I am very sad, but I know they are doing great things.
Oh, when we finally did get onto campus Monday, we are simply hanging out, and out onto the courtyard came my friend, Julio. He doesn't actually have email and this is the third time I have run into him including when we met. It was such a divine appointment every time because he just happened to show up there. He believes that God is real and that He made the earth, but he doesn't believe that God does anything with the world now, but anytime I talk with him, he seems very hungry for truth. I asked him if he makes things (he's a chemistry major) He said, yes. I also asked him if the things he makes have a purpose and a plan. He said yes. And I explained how I feel that that is what God is all about. He created us and we are beautiful to Him and he wants to be a part of our life. The conversation ended as he had to get to class with him asking why I am here sharing this with him and why I feel so strongly about sharing it. I am excited that this would be a great opportunity to share my testimony. Sadly, we were supposed to casually meet up today and he didn't show, but I just trust that God has a time for us to see each other again.
Today, I shared with Lisa, as usual. We were meeting up with our friend Jessica who is totally searching for the Lord. She has the most teachable heart I have ever seen. Her eyes light up with passion for the world of the Lord. This is the third time we have met with her. The first day, she told us that she grew up in the evangelical church and beleived she had accepted Christ, but the more we talked to her, she shared that this faith was her family's and her parents, and maybe not her own. Today, she told us that she feels like she has a relationship with God, but that it is a broken relationship because she is always doing things that He doesn't like. This was toward the end of an incredible 1 1/2 conversation about God's love and she also had to get to class. When we asked if she yet wanted to meet again, she was sooo excited and said, yes, yes yes I do. As in preparation for meeting with her again this coming Monday, Lisa and I read through Hosea which describes Israel as a whore to God. That God longs to be with His people and they constantly run after other idols and things. Hosea's wife is like this also, but both Hosea and God love their beloved wifes despite this. We hope when we meet again we can share God's incredible heart for his people that:
"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8
Wow, there are many more stories of how God is working through His people's hearts on campus, but not enough time for everything, but we will share stories when I return. After sharing life maps (testimonies) in small groups for dinner tonight, we went and played ultimate frisbee on campus. Only to then get kicked off campus by the police with the lights going on their car because we can't play there after dark, and even then, aparently need permission to play on the field. Sad day, but at least I got some exercise in, right, Cara? I'm trying.
Well, this is pretty long and I am back in the habit of staying up until 1 AM again and I must head for bed as another day on campus sharing approaches. Thank you for your continued prayer support and your interest in my life and those who I am with and those who I am serving through Christ.
What an amazing country!
With all the love of Christ,
Jodi Marie
getting to lead worship at church
Speaking of growth, at church on Sunday, Nathan Cooley, one of the project leaders whom some of you know gave the talk. He gave his talk on suffering. Fun topic, eh? So much of what he had to say was good, and true, and awesome. But, yeah, it's a hard topic to talk about. But, without suffering, you wouldn't appreciate the good times. One thing that he talked about was the precious moments "cartoons" and figurines. He actually called them "crap" but only with the context of the verse that says
"Take up your cross daily and follow me" - Matthew 10:37
He mentioned how the precious moments show this verse as a tiny, cute little girl carrying a tiny little cross and her back and how really, taking up your cross daily is taking on the same as what Jesus did when he died on the cross. That really, that was so much more pain and suffering than we will ever experience. Inspired by Nathan, the next day, I bought a precious moments bible. ha ha. It is in Spanish and English however and has already come in handy for sure.
Friday night, we had our first Crusade party. I was a little bummed at first because none of the people that I talked to on campus were able to come (mostly because of final exams and study sessions for them were happeing, those tests... sheesh)
But a lot of people came, the food was good (blackberries the size of strawberries) and people were really excited about meeting everyone dancing salsa together, and hearing Alan;'s (A tico's) testimony (in two languages) We still have two more parties so I have faith God with bring the right people to come.
Well, something new that happened, it I got to raft through the RAIN FORREST. When they say rain forest, they mean RAIN forrest. It was raining for a couple chunks of time on the rafting trip and how beautiful it was. Que lindo! The rain was pouring and it was soooo warm and I looked up and saw God's creation and the green lush landscape and couldn't help but praise God for the scenery he puts in front of us. It was pretty funny though cause I felt at times like I was rafting the Snake River again and then I looked up and was put into place pretty fast. I didn't fall out, thankfully, but at one point, four of our team from one boat fell out and it was a moment to realize how fragile life is. Oh, what an experience and we got to go through it as a team. One of the best parts of the trip was when we stopped on shore and hiked into a waterfall with a pool of water underneath it. I got to stand in a waterfall. God is good. (I learned waterfal in Spanish is catarata) 
On the way home, we saw a sloth!!! I know that doesn't seem too exciting because they totally don't move so it shouldn't be hard to spot them, but it was actually a rare occurence we are told.
Sunday was just very relaxed, which, after Saturday's excursion, was very much needed. We had church complete with one of the girls birthdays.
Let me tell you, if you have never tried to bake a cake in a foriegn country, it is surprisingly very complicated. Since we are not like the rest of the world and don't use the metric system, we ended up putting the cake in the oven at the equivalence of about 700 degrees farenheit. To our surprise, our confetti cake with rainbow chip icing turned out great anyway. We watched the USA/Mexico soccer game at the hostel complete with chicken nachos that afternoon and then I did some shopping with Memo and went to a great restaurant that was just like applebee's but cheaper because it's Costa Rica. My coffee was poured in this sweet thing that has a sock with the coffee grounds and then you pour the hot water over the grounds into the cup underneath. It was sooooo good.
Wow, this week on campus, and ESPECIALLY today has been incredible. Monday, we were all still really exhausted from the weekend and didn't make it onto campus very much, but did get there. We mostly were able to connect with each other on the team that day. And I was able to buy my new bible!!! Monday night, last night was well needed. The staff team, Carlos and Tatiana had everyone at their house for dinner. Traditional chicken and rice, beans, and dulce de leche. mmm..mmm.. If you thing about it, you can pray for them.
This is Carlos and Tatianna what an amazing team and married couple
They leave Wednesday for Korea for CM 2007. Check it out at www.CM2007.net People involved in Crusade ministries from literally all over the world are meeting up for a conference together to talk about how to reach the whole world for Christ. How amazing. They won't be back until after we leave so I am very sad, but I know they are doing great things.
Oh, when we finally did get onto campus Monday, we are simply hanging out, and out onto the courtyard came my friend, Julio. He doesn't actually have email and this is the third time I have run into him including when we met. It was such a divine appointment every time because he just happened to show up there. He believes that God is real and that He made the earth, but he doesn't believe that God does anything with the world now, but anytime I talk with him, he seems very hungry for truth. I asked him if he makes things (he's a chemistry major) He said, yes. I also asked him if the things he makes have a purpose and a plan. He said yes. And I explained how I feel that that is what God is all about. He created us and we are beautiful to Him and he wants to be a part of our life. The conversation ended as he had to get to class with him asking why I am here sharing this with him and why I feel so strongly about sharing it. I am excited that this would be a great opportunity to share my testimony. Sadly, we were supposed to casually meet up today and he didn't show, but I just trust that God has a time for us to see each other again.
Today, I shared with Lisa, as usual. We were meeting up with our friend Jessica who is totally searching for the Lord. She has the most teachable heart I have ever seen. Her eyes light up with passion for the world of the Lord. This is the third time we have met with her. The first day, she told us that she grew up in the evangelical church and beleived she had accepted Christ, but the more we talked to her, she shared that this faith was her family's and her parents, and maybe not her own. Today, she told us that she feels like she has a relationship with God, but that it is a broken relationship because she is always doing things that He doesn't like. This was toward the end of an incredible 1 1/2 conversation about God's love and she also had to get to class. When we asked if she yet wanted to meet again, she was sooo excited and said, yes, yes yes I do. As in preparation for meeting with her again this coming Monday, Lisa and I read through Hosea which describes Israel as a whore to God. That God longs to be with His people and they constantly run after other idols and things. Hosea's wife is like this also, but both Hosea and God love their beloved wifes despite this. We hope when we meet again we can share God's incredible heart for his people that:
"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8
Wow, there are many more stories of how God is working through His people's hearts on campus, but not enough time for everything, but we will share stories when I return. After sharing life maps (testimonies) in small groups for dinner tonight, we went and played ultimate frisbee on campus. Only to then get kicked off campus by the police with the lights going on their car because we can't play there after dark, and even then, aparently need permission to play on the field. Sad day, but at least I got some exercise in, right, Cara? I'm trying.
Well, this is pretty long and I am back in the habit of staying up until 1 AM again and I must head for bed as another day on campus sharing approaches. Thank you for your continued prayer support and your interest in my life and those who I am with and those who I am serving through Christ.
What an amazing country!
With all the love of Christ,
Jodi Marie
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Hola Amigos y Familia
Tal vez, voy a escribir toda en Spanish. Maybe in spanglish. Okay, english. Hell all. How are you? For me, I have been speaking a lot of Spanish lately. It is so much fun, but also, my head hurts because of it. Well, I almost have a full week on campus and to date and almost to the hour, I have been here for a week, but it seems like so much longer. I know that when the trip is over it will feel like nothing. Conversations on campus have been so much fun. I can't believe that I get to hang out on campus all day long without having to go to class or do homework and things. It is work though.
Today, when I got home, I laid down on the bed and realized just how exhasted I was. You know how when you are so busy, you don't have time to realize that you are tired
and then when you finally realize it, you have no idea how you have been doing all that you have been doing. It is a good tired though. We are introducing people to Christ every day and also we meet a christian or two who we are able to encourage to share their faith and their hearts with. I have been leading worship with the worship team. It is awesome to bring people and myself to a place where we are not focused on ourselves, but on our Lord Jesus. oh, and I am getting better (if not almost all the way better) how do i know this? I am back to staying up until 1 in the morning and such. This means I will be my normal "normal" self any day now. So... what does a typical day look like?
Everyday starts at 9 AM where the whole project meets, talks about the day before and focuses on the reason we are here. Each day is a little different. Mon, Wed, and Fri we do worshi through music. Tuesday we focus on the heart. This week we looked at Ephesians 2 and thought of what things we are saved from in this life because of Christ. Yes, we are saved from going to hell, but in this life we are saved from so many other things. Today, thursday, we do a devotional. Today we looked at boldness and what the bible says about it. Then we are on campus for five hours sharing our faith, eating ice cream, getting caught in the pouring rain. Ooo, yesterday we crammed 7 people into my friend Memo's little Geo metro!
It was quite the sight. Tuesdays and Thursdays are free nights. Sometimes we go to Spoon for dinner, or the mall, or last night, the bagelmen's restaurant. Wednesday nights are men's and womens time. Mondays and Wednesday night are group dinner's where we share our testimonies (called "life maps"). So by the end, we will have heard everyone's. It is awesome to see how God captured everyone's heart. and how he got everyone here. 
I have been sharing on campus with a girl named Lisa Fisher (yes, she must be realated to me in some way) She is from Wisconsin and has the coolest accent, just like I always have heard. Everyone in our group is incredible. Last night was women's and men's time. The women went to the mall to a place called Spoons where we all got desserts and sweet things. What a great time for woman! I got white chocolate cheesecake. 
I am growing so much and learing how to share my faith and that I can share Jesus by telling people about what he did and what he said, but that I can share Jesus with people by the way I live. The people around me are such a good example. What a great way to grow together. Thank you everyone for writing back. I love to here from you. There is even more going on, but I have to save some stories for when I get back. Ooo, yesterday, I learned how to make fresh guacamole and the costa rican black beans. This means cooking back home. I love everyone and am praying for you as well. Love in Christ,
Jodi Marie
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A day on campus and a free weekend
Well, I have been here for three or four days now. Honestly it is hard to figure out how long we have been here because everything is so different from "normal" that it feels like we have been here for a long time. So many things happen each day. On Friday, our first day here, we went to an Italian restaurant (I thought of you Cara and got pizza) It was delicious. At almost every restaurant here you can get fresh fruit drinks. There, I got a papaya, pineapple, and watermelon (fruit punch) drink. I believe I have had a fresh fruit drink every day. The food here is my favorite. I could eat rice and beans and chicken every day and I just might. 
After lunch, we hung out around the hostel and then went onto campus. We did a prayer walk with partners and prayed for the campus to recieve the gospel and for great change on the campus. We also were told to initiate a spiritual conversation even if we didn't get to share the gospel or not. Brad and I talked to a sweet girl who played the french horn (which is why we talked to her, brad plays the french horn) She played us a Mozart concerto right there. She grew up in the evangelical church, but doesn't consider herself to be very religious. It was fun to interact with her. Oh, did I say, this was all in spanish. Poor Brad doesn't speak any so I had to translate and various times I tried to speak to him in Spanish and then I was wondering why he didn't understand me. We are going to meet with her again. She is actually from Mexico and Guadalajara specifically which I have been to and I absolutely love Mexico. She was so excited to talk to us and meet again I hope it works out.
We totally got caught in the rain and looked just like Americans because we paraded into the mall soaking wet. What an adventure.
Yesterday was a free day where we were split into our three groups within our group that has different tasks. I'm part of the worship team, go figure. So I get to sing and praise God with the team here which is exciting. We explored the downtown parts of San Jose and went to the central market with lots of food and lots of things to buy. We had a scavanger hunt to find the most interesting thing under five dollars. Our group wanted to buy a bunny, but didn't think our leaders would like that. We ended up taking pictures of the market and then making a photo collage (WE WON!!!) It was great bonding experience and we now call ourselves team churro because we love the churros with the carmel inside them. Last night we led everyone in a time of worship that was well needed. It helped us focus off of ourselves and onto the Lord our savior.
This morning was church, but our leaders Nathan and Kristen thought church was an hour later than it really was so we were late. It still was great to have church with each other and the ticos. We read through John 8 where the pharisees want to stone the woman who commits adultery and Jesus says that whoever is without sin can cast the first stone. none of them do stone her and when they all leave jesus says that neither does he want to stone her and that he forgives her. It reminded me that sometimes I can judge people and say that I am better and then Jesus comes along and I realize my need for forgiveness. Again, so much has happened already. Today is father's day here as well. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all who are fathers. You are my heros.
I went with a Tico friend, Memo to his fathers house for a party with all his relatives. My friend Sarah came with me. Memo went to Moscow High School on exchange from Costa Rica my senior year so it was nice to connect with him again. Please pray for him because he has not recieved the gospel before and I am nervous on sharing with him, but I know that I need to in some way. It was neat, however to see his family and friends. On the way in his geo metro, we got caught in what I would call a monsoon. The rain was craziness.
I am so grateful for this experience here and grateful for such a blessed support team back home. you are all blessed. Love,
Jodi Marie
After lunch, we hung out around the hostel and then went onto campus. We did a prayer walk with partners and prayed for the campus to recieve the gospel and for great change on the campus. We also were told to initiate a spiritual conversation even if we didn't get to share the gospel or not. Brad and I talked to a sweet girl who played the french horn (which is why we talked to her, brad plays the french horn) She played us a Mozart concerto right there. She grew up in the evangelical church, but doesn't consider herself to be very religious. It was fun to interact with her. Oh, did I say, this was all in spanish. Poor Brad doesn't speak any so I had to translate and various times I tried to speak to him in Spanish and then I was wondering why he didn't understand me. We are going to meet with her again. She is actually from Mexico and Guadalajara specifically which I have been to and I absolutely love Mexico. She was so excited to talk to us and meet again I hope it works out.
We totally got caught in the rain and looked just like Americans because we paraded into the mall soaking wet. What an adventure.
Yesterday was a free day where we were split into our three groups within our group that has different tasks. I'm part of the worship team, go figure. So I get to sing and praise God with the team here which is exciting. We explored the downtown parts of San Jose and went to the central market with lots of food and lots of things to buy. We had a scavanger hunt to find the most interesting thing under five dollars. Our group wanted to buy a bunny, but didn't think our leaders would like that. We ended up taking pictures of the market and then making a photo collage (WE WON!!!) It was great bonding experience and we now call ourselves team churro because we love the churros with the carmel inside them. Last night we led everyone in a time of worship that was well needed. It helped us focus off of ourselves and onto the Lord our savior.
This morning was church, but our leaders Nathan and Kristen thought church was an hour later than it really was so we were late. It still was great to have church with each other and the ticos. We read through John 8 where the pharisees want to stone the woman who commits adultery and Jesus says that whoever is without sin can cast the first stone. none of them do stone her and when they all leave jesus says that neither does he want to stone her and that he forgives her. It reminded me that sometimes I can judge people and say that I am better and then Jesus comes along and I realize my need for forgiveness. Again, so much has happened already. Today is father's day here as well. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all who are fathers. You are my heros.
I went with a Tico friend, Memo to his fathers house for a party with all his relatives. My friend Sarah came with me. Memo went to Moscow High School on exchange from Costa Rica my senior year so it was nice to connect with him again. Please pray for him because he has not recieved the gospel before and I am nervous on sharing with him, but I know that I need to in some way. It was neat, however to see his family and friends. On the way in his geo metro, we got caught in what I would call a monsoon. The rain was craziness.
I am so grateful for this experience here and grateful for such a blessed support team back home. you are all blessed. Love,
Jodi Marie
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Hey all
So you know, coast rich is a direct translation of Costa Rica. It is almost 1 AM here so I should be getting to sleep soon, but had to let you know I made it. My cold is getting worse, but that means that it will get over faster (there I go with positive thinking again) Well, it has been fun to get to meet everyone and I consider the plane ride one of the best EVER. I met two people who also had never known each other before. One was a native of Costa Rica (They're called ticos) and the other was an African American from Maryland who was 16. They are both christians and on fire for the Lord and reaching the lost. It was amazing to meet believers and be totally encouraged. From the moment I sat down to the moment I stood up, we talked and shared our lives and stories. It was amazing. A total blessing. We had three random strangers drawn together for 5 hours on a plane and we had one with white skin, one with brown, and one with black. It was definetely a sweet time. ONe of the many verses we discussed was from Ecclesiastes that says there is a season and a time and a purpose for everything and I do believe it was so with the wonderful meeting. Thanks to all who have written back. Please don't feel obligated to write back or to even read these emails. I will always welcome any love and prayers and an update on home. Love you all and thank you,
Jodi Marie
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
