JUNE 19, 2011
Submitted by: Candace
Reporting straight from the mission field (a.k.a. the Internet cafe) is your very own Candace Hodge. For those of you who did not know…I´m still alive and kicking and having a great time here in Tepic, Mexico.
I remember a few mission trips back when a very wise friend of mine was giving me advice because I was nervous about going to Mexico. She said, “Don´t worry about anything because God will give you what you need when you need it.” Of course, at that time, it did not make me feel any better because, well, that’s just the way I am. But a few years later, I know what that means. I would like to share a couple of excerpts from my mission journal this year:
Monday June 13, 2011: Well, as I sit here and write tonight, all I can think about is how much I have planned and how much God has changed my plans. I’m listening to a Jesus Culture song that says that “all things work together for my good.” I’m going to Mexico by MYSELF on Wednesday. No translator. All alone. I’m nervous, anxious, and excited all at once. My stomach has been in knots all day. My mind has been occupied with thinking of how to say things in Spanish. Tomorrow, I will meet with Alma for a last minute cram Spanish lesson. I plan on writing down things I may think I will need to say. I hope Pastor José and Olga have grace on me and my terrible Spanish. I am still in shock that God would send me alone. I’m really not sure what to think. I am praying that God will give me the miraculous gift of Spanish because I am going to need it!
Now, I hope you could picture me saying that to you and looking all crazy and terrified. Let me share with you another piece of my journal only two days later:
Wednesday June 15, 2011: But the best part of today was that God answered one of my prayers already! A person down here will be with me all week to translate for me! I had no idea the person was going to be here! God blew me away so much that I started crying! Now I can communicate and get stuff done! Thank you, Lord, for always providing!
That’s right, folks. I stressed myself out, and the whole time God had me covered. I know that God always provides for His people…Just as He did when the Israelites were being held captive in Egypt. But, if you remember, God provided for them over and over again and still they grumbled to God and Moses when they made it to the Red Sea, saying that Moses had brought them there to die. God made a way and parted the Red Sea…and for me, that is exactly what happened with me. This trip was my Red Sea. And God parted that sea and made a way. I hope this brings encouragement to you.
So as I finish this “blog,” I leave you with one very important piece of information………now pay close attention……..I don’t want you to miss out on this……..
They serve Chinese Food made by Mexicans in Mexico.
Seriously.
Ya’ll come back now, ya hear!