Update on ME

So I have yet to post this year about my weight loss journey and I think it is about time I do. I have been a weight watcher now since 6-2012 and am officially down 15 lbs with this program. I am completely shocked at how easy it is for me and yet how many times I would rather have a cookie than be thin. lol When I started my Journey 2 years ago I was newly diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and still very angry about the “cards I was dealt.” I struggled with my meds and my weight and was in a pretty dark place. I started the Medifast diet at my heaviest 232lbs- size 20/22 and lost 30 lbs and then nothing for months and I gave up. I started working out and lost nothing for months. When I started weight watchers I had only put back on 4lbs of the weight but I was as discouraged as I had ever been. Then a crazy thing happened a year ago. My mom and I started a Zumba class that would change the course of my life. My mom fell in love with the church we were working out in and gave her life to Christ and was baptized. Through all of this I was struggling with my own faith and was not living a life anyone would be proud of. After watching my mom change in front of my eyes My heart started to change and I recommitted myself to God and began to walk with Him instead of running from Him. At 206lbs and a size 18/20 I started weight watchers and am thrilled at my progress. I am not down to a 14/16 and feel amazing. I wont lie and say that I have had all successes because believe me there have been several times I have given up for one reason or another. My health is so much better than it ever has been! I am not done yet my goal is to hit a BMI that is “Normal” I am shocked at what a year will do for you! I am Happier and Healthier than I have ever been. My life is full of joy and understanding and a lot more patience. I am excited for where God is leading me. I am taking on my weight loss more seriously, I have started teaching Sunday school and I am hoping to take my first mission trip in the summer. My entire life has made a 180 in just a year and I am so blessed to be here now looking back at the hard times and how sad I was and knowing it was all worth it.

Today is exciting and nerve racking! I am filling out my application packet today for my first mission! As I going through all these pages I am reminded of all the negative things people have said to me about going on a mission. The one that hurts my heart the most is about my medical issues. I have RA. And the comment was with your RA what good can you bring a mission. As I fill out the medical question fears bubble up inside of me. What if they don’t let me go… What if there really isn't anything I can bring to help…What if what if what if. I am viewing this as a test of my faith. I should be confident that God will put me where I belong. He will provide and need to be strong, have faith, and be patient. Giving up control is really not my strong suit but God is working on my heart everyday. I know that He would not have put this on my heart and head a few months ago if it was not what He wanted me to do. Dear Lord I want to thank You for everything You have given me. I want to thank You for my servant's heart and thank You for showing me a path to use it to glorify You. I pray for continued strength as I am faced with all the negativeness of the world. Thank You for making me stronger. Amen ***PS-- A very special thank you for my first donation You know who you are and love you for your kindness***

 

Mission Details

A Little about the Group who is bringing us to Guatemala I will be going for 10 days with La Mision July 13-22, 2013. La Mision was born in March 2009. While the organization has recently been created, the heart of La Mision has been operating for many years. God has put it in our hearts to expand the ministry beyond clinics. We are seeking God and believing that He will do far more than we could ever imagine or dream. He has been faithful thus far, and we trust He will continue as we seek to serve Him in all we do. In 2005, Palencia School closed due to lack of funding. While on a medical trip, two doctors from Wenatchee, WA started dreaming and asking questions about reopening Palencia school. In 2006 Instituto Evangelico America Latina, under the administration of Clinicas America Latina re-opened Palencia School with only two pre-school grades and 13 children (8 in Pre-kindergarten and 5 in Kindergarten). At the same time Palencia School started working with the Palencia Sponsorship Program and a small group of people from Wenatchee gladly helped in this project. Ever since then, Palencia School has been opening a new class each year. People from Washington, Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas joined in and are supporting the Palencia Sponsorship Program. Palencia School became a part of Ministry of Fundacion La Mision in 2009 and, through this project, education has been provided for over eighty (80) children. In 2012, we have one hundred seventy five (175) children and we have opened the 6th grade. None of these children would be able to get this kind of education, secular or Christian, anywhere else in town. We pray God allows us to continue serving these children.

 

My 1st Mission

This is my first mission trip and I couldn't be more excited and terrified to go. It is Ten days in Guatemala in July 2013. This is a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and serve God. I am relying on faith and the love of my family and friend to help me get there. I am not in a place where I can pay for this on my own but I know if this is where God wants me to go He will make a way. The money will pay for building supplies, logging, airfare and food. I am not sure I will have the PTO to be paid while I am on this trip but I know God will show me the way.

Dear God, Thank you for this opportunity and for the love and support of my friends and family. I pray you will find a way for me to go. Please bless all the people who give and all those who can’t but wish they could. Lord, I cannot wait to see what this journey will bring to my life and lives of those we help. I love You. Amen