oh...the cold

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Hope the season is treating you well and you're experiencing the bliss of this special time. I just love Christmas, the hustle and bustle, warm cozy, eggnog, hot chocolate (coffee for me), family, old friends and everything else. I'm in love!!

This past Sunday, the message was about the influences that we're under constantly, the continual attack of what advertisement is going to gnaw away at our conscience to do what they want us to do. I was thinking, being grateful for some of the influences that don't make an impact when we're in Belize. The "keeping up with the Jones" mentality isn't as rich in Belize but some others are around us in abundance. The other part of the message, combating these influences is the question, "Are you grateful?" Am I grateful for what I have, the talents I possess, the people around me, the situation I'm in, how God has equipped me to handle it?

As I look upon this season, I keep asking myself- am I grateful? As we live in this season, trying to keep it before us all year round, am I grateful for the King being born? Am I grateful for the people that surround me?

Hope this challenges you as much as it has for me!!

love to you all!!

Its now almost 3 weeks post DTS and life is so much different. I'm finally uploading pictures so you too can be impressed by this wonderful group of young people. We've had lots of things happen over these past weeks but this special day of graduation is not forgotten...it could be due to the amazing African clothes that were displayed by Dupe, Lili and Santi (our director). Or it could be the stories of the students and how they shared what God had done in their lives over these past 5 months...most assuredly I can see the hand of God in each of their lives. As we shared that night about each student, how we have seen them defy the odds and overcome their fears, my heart was so proud. I have seen the significance why God had brought them here in this time. I can see God's love abundantly when I look at their lives and their faithfulness to Him in these months.

Here are a couple thoughts from the students...

"I think what I've taken from DTS that has helped me now is that life is a choice... The end result greatly depends on what we choose to do. Camela has greatly instilled in me to be responsible even when I don't feel like it...LOL.
But my relationship with God has come to such a level that I can't give it up. People can live on a high coming off a personal time with God. But shortly after or sometimes even rite before they stumble and fall far and hard. Get to know God and the purpose He has for your life and falling will become harder and harder!!" (Florence, Canada/Belize).

"Also DTS helped me to see my purpose and destiny more clearer, Also on out reach I learnt many ways how I can reach out to people right in the environment where they are cause 99 percent of unbelievers wont go into a church and listen to a message so when you go out and reach them its shows the Love and care and they are drawn to it. Yeah DTS was awesome for me !!" (Daniel, Belize).