Love, Laughter, and the English Language

Last Friday, the girls home we teach English at, recieved 2 new girls.  They are sisters and were brought straight from the courthouse to the home.  As a matter of fact, I went to the courthouse with the directors of the home to pick them up.  When we arrived to the courthouse, the girls were hysterical.  I don't blame them.  They had just seen their father taken to jail and were being taken away from their mother.  They were being taken to an unfamiliar home to an unfamiliar family. I would be hysterical too. As they climbed into the backseat, the youngest (12) was crying and saying "I don't want to go, I have my own home". 
When we arrived at the house, a beautiful thing happened.  All of the girls ran to the door to greet the 2 sisters.  They welcomed them with such love and had no reservations to invite them into their family.  My heart was so full.  These girls had never met the sisters nor were they even expecting them until 30 minutes before they came (literally).  They demonstrated the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.  I was moved because I thought...you know these girls know what it is like to be on the other side and now God has restored them so that they can bring comfort to the new girls.  It was such a beautiful picture of God's love.  Although the sisters were still traumatized, by the time we left, they had calmed down and Carol (the director) had put them at ease.

Today (Tuesday) we returned to teach English.  Because the sisters have missed the first 4 classes, I started working with them seperatly.  This morning I began with the alphabet.  I was so impressed because they were learning to say and identify the letters rather quickly.  When we got to the letter "L" however, it was a different story.  I will never take for granted the fact that I grew up knowing 2 languages.  I literally spent about 10 minutes having them repeat the letter "L" to me.  For the life of them, they could not pronounce it. They said "ar", "ela", "al", and of course many times they just repeated it back to me in Spanish.  What was so amazing to me though was that they did not get frustrated and angry, they just kept trying.  And we laughed so much!!!  One would mispronounce it and we would just laugh and laugh and then try again. 



Learning the letter "L"


I was so blessed to see these girls, who 4 days ago were so devastated, laughing and being so carefree.  It really blessed my heart to see them at peace.  It is a peace that only God can give after such traumatic events.  They may not even realize it, but God is moving in their lives,  The fact that they were put into a christian home were God's love is reflected is proof of that.  I am so excited to see what God will continue to do in their lives.  Their laughter today was proof that God is at work.

"weeping may last for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5

I know that the Lord has alot of healing and restoring to do in their lives, but I am so thankful that their season of rejoicing is beginning!

Pa Lante y Pal Cielo!

Cece

Have you ever felt let down by God?????

Recently, I had a big let down from God.  At least thats what I was feeling...let down.  I started to get excited about something that often times seemed so far away.  Anyhow, my excitement only lasted a day!  The next day I got a big fat "back off girl....I'm still in control of this......let me stay in control of this and it will be great!" from God.  Literally, I got an email from a friend who doesn't usually email me, asking me to read something she wrote and to give her my opinion on it.  Pretty much, it was a letter from God to me! I couldn't ignore it either seeing as though that morning in my bible study, we talked about their being no coincidences in God! Has that every happened to you?  You think your going in the right direction...your heart is pure, your motives are right, and then...BAM....the Lord says halt!  This is what my conversation with God goes like.....

"What? Really God?  You can't let me have this one thing?  Seriously God, it doesn't cost you anything to give me this"

"No but it will cost you"

"Argh!!  I don't like it when you are sooooo right and I am soooo wrong....but Lord thank you.." (break out in praise and worship)

I know it sounds psycho....but thats usually how it goes.  Often times I start out frustrated with God and try to figure Him and His reasonings out, and end up praising God and thanking Him that He has me figured out and really truly does want and have what is best for me.

I'm going to be honest though.  I was disappointed, discouraged, and dare I say....angry for longer than a minute. But one thing I have learned is that if I don't go to God and His word RIGHT AWAY...those feelings will begin to take root in my heart quickly and then create a distance between me and God.  The other day when I was feeling all those things, I got on my knees right away.  Yes I cried and whined and complained....but I did it to God, and because I spoke to Him about how I felt, He spoke back to me.  He comforted me with His peace, He spoke scripture into my heart to remind me of His loving kindness.  Friends, it is ok to feel disappointed, discouraged and even upset and angry at the way God chooses to do something (or not do something) in our lives.  However, its not ok to keep it from God.  Yes, the Lord knows our hearts and our feelings but He wants us to talk to Him.  You know why?  So He could talk back to us.  If we don't talk to God, we can't hear from God.  The bible says to "cast all your cares on Him because He cares".  I can't emphasize how true that is.  God wants us to bring EVERYTHING to Him. And when we do, He shows us how much He really cares.

Here are some verses that the Lord remind me of......hide these promises in your heart. They will bring you much comfort in your time of need.

Hebrews 13:5-6

For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Genesis 16:13
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Matthew 6:13
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteouness and all these things shall be added unto you

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart

And lastly...Psalm 103:1-5...I LOVE these verses and try to carry them with me all the time.....They are on my mirror so I am reminded every day of who God has been and is to me
Praise the Lord, O my soul
all my inmost being praise His holy name
Praise the Lord, O my soul
And forget not all His benefits
Who forgives your sins and heals all your diseases
Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love an compassion
Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewd like the eagles

Pa Lante Y Pal Cielo....
Cece

Beloved Friends and Family!!


I pray all is well!! I realize its been a while since the last update and I apologize for that. However, I hope to make it up to you in this postl! :)

My deepest sympathies to all of you in the midwest suffering from the blizzards and cold!! My heart does go out to you!!! I am so thankful the Lord brought me to the 'Land of Eternal Spring" during these turbulent times.

Over the holidays, I had the oppurtunity to go home for 2 and half weeks. I went to all my favorite restaurants, made several Target runs, rode the EL, but most importantly, I was able to spend time with my family and friends. The Lord gave me a time of rest and refreshment and I am very grateful for that.

My parents

My sisters, nephews, and I

Me and the Best Friend!

Since I have been back, things have been busy. We are continuing with the youth group for the MK's and God has really been moving. Students have been hungry for the word and we recieve many comments from parents saying that the youth are going home talking about what they learned and how they can apply it. To God be the Glory!! The students are growing. Since coming back from Christmas break we have had 35-40 youth every week. Although many of the kids are involved in multiple extra curricular activities and have a lot of homework, they are making time to come hear the Word of God! My friends, that is a victory! God is moving and we (our team) feel so privallaged and blessed to be a part of it,


In mid January, Victoria and I began teaching English at Mi Especial Tesoro (My Special Treasure), the girls home we have been working with. I was nervous at first because it was something I have never done before and I'm not a teacher by trade. However, God is so faithful and He always equips us with what we need. The bible says that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness...I believe that He gives us everything we need for the life and work He has called us to as well. I am a testimony of that for sure!!! ;)

The classes have gone well so far. Of course there are challanges as the girls are at different learning levels, but even then the Lord has helped us work with those issues. But what has been so amazing is that these classes have given us the oppurtunity to know the girls better. We hear their stories, pray with them, and try to walk this life with them. Each of these girls has an amazing story of Gods grace and redeeming love. I will be posting one or two of their testimonies monthly on my blog so you can get to know these young women who are truly trophies of Gods grace. Truly it has been a privallage to serve them. God has also allowed us to minister to the directors of the home as they sometimes grow tired and weary. We get to pray with them and encourage and see God answer prayers. At the same time, we always leave encouraged ourselves. Its a joy and honor to be there.

We have a few things coming up in the next few months......so I'll continue to keep you updated.

Thank you all so much for your love and support. I am constantly thanking God for you!!

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care!

Pa Lante Y Pal Cielo....

Cece


Support:

If you would like to make a donation in my name, you can send a check with Acct. # 2949329 written in the memo and send the check to
Assemblies of God World Missions
1445 North Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO 65802-1894

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Contact Me!!!
Here is my contact information
Email: cro1780@gmail
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726036343
Skype Name: Cicely Rosario
Home Address:
9A Calle A 8-59 Casa 14 Condominio Las Mercedes
Zona 8 de Mixco, CD San Cristobal
Guatemala, C.A







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