Another Goodbye.....

They say that one of the hardest things about being a missionary is all the goodbye's....

The goodbye's to your family
The goodbye's to your friends back home
The goodbye's to your friends that leave the field
The goodbye's to the people you serve when you are the one leaving the field...
The goodbye's to the wonderful people you meet on teams...you minister together in a super intense way with them, and witness God rocking their world...and then at the end of the week...another goodbye....

Yesterday, there was yet another goodbye.....

There are 2 little girls, Vilma and Erika, who were living at the girls home where I teach English. They are 7 and 4. Yesterday was their last day at the home. They are being transferred to another home that is more age appropriate for them.

They came to the home a few months ago as an emergency situation. The court called the directors of the home and asked if they could take them in. The girls were living with relatives because they were in an abusive home, but the relatives were not taking good care of the girls either. When I first met them, a day after they arrived at the home, they were super shy. The skin on their feet was burnt from the sun, their hair was matted, and they didn't speak Spanish. They only spoke Quiche, which is one of the native Mayan languages in Guatemala, and they sat in a corner. Fast forward a few months later; they are chatty Cathy’s speaking in Spanish, affectionate, super cheerful, and praises to God are being sung from their lips. I cannot tell you how much I love these girls. From the moment I met them, I wanted to adopt them and bring them home with me. Seriously, I did. Unfortunately, that is not an option for me at this time, for many reasons!!!



The court system found a home that is more age appropriate for them, as Mi Especial Tesoro is a home for adolescent girls. I know that in one sense, it is better for them because the new home has resources specifically for children their age. However, I can't help to think....."What will become of their life?” I don't know if the new home is a christian home. I can only trust that the seeds that were planted in these few months are rooted deep in their hearts and will continue to grow. I am believing that He who began the good work in their lives is faithful to complete it.



I think saying bye to Vilma and Erika was the hardest goodbye yet. I've only been a missionary for a year and I have had enough goodbyes! But at 4 and 7, I think they have had to say more than their shares of goodbyes as well.

Until next time friends,
Pa' Lante y Pal' Cielo!
Cece

Be a part of what God is doing in Guatemala!

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,


Greetings from Guatemala! I pray this email finds you well.

God has been doing some amazing things here in Guatemala! For those that haven't seen my blog update, here is a brief summary of all that has been going on.

This summer I had the opportunity to work with 4 teams from around the USA and one team from Jamaica!. We ministered in various parts of the country through school and street evangelism, medical clinics, and construction projects. What a privilege to serve God's kingdom! The Word of God was heard by thousands of youth and children. Hundreds upon hundreds of people came to know Jesus as their personal Savior. The message of hope and love was spread throughout the country. Even as I am writing this, I am praising God for all He did this summer!

Kingdom work doesn't end when teams leave though! Currently, I am involved with 3 different ministries. I work with the local church and their women's ministry. This past weekend we had an event and saw many women set free by the Truth of His Word (for more about that, see my blog!). We have several outreaches planned for the next month and are working on some other events as well. I know that God is raising up women in Guatemala to be His hands and feet extended. This week I started the second "term" of English classes in the girls home. God has been doing an incredible work of restoration and healing in the lives of these young women, and God has allowed me the privilege to be a part of their lives. This summer the Lord placed in my heart a desire to begin a small bible study group with 3 college age girls in my home. I am excited to see what God is going to do in all our lives as we journey together through the Word of God.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve God in this beautiful country. I have witnessed his faithfulness and goodness time and time again. I am so thankful to all the people that have supported me both financially and through prayer and encouragement throughout this last year.

A few weeks ago, I read this quote: In a spiritual sense, missionaries are sent by God. In a practical sense, they are sent by laypersons with a vision for missions. We have God, missionaries and laypersons. Remove any one of these three factors and effective missions work will no longer exist. — Jerry Burgess

This statement could not be any more true!! Missionaries cannot do the work of the Lord without you!!

Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, my financial support has dropped significantly in the last few months. I am asking that you would consider how you could be a part of what God is doing in Guatemala. I know not everyone can come here and minister (although I'd LOVE to have you come!!!!), but you are able to play a significant role in what the Lord is doing here. Here is how;

Pray: Sow seeds of prayer into Guatemala...Please pray for: me and the ministries God has placed before me and the people of Guatemala-that they would have open hearts

Give: It is only because of my supporters that I am able to be here and commit my time fully to the service of God. Would you prayfully consider being a monthly supporter or giving a one time gift? I have attached the necessary forms that you can print out and mail.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Again, I am eternally thankful for all the support I have received thus far. God has blessed me incredibly thus far and I am confident that He will continue to provide.

The words of the apostle Paul ring true from my heart....

"I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..."
Phil. 1: 3-5

Pa Lante y Pal' Cielo! (onward and upward!)
Cicely

Support:
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


If you would like to become a monthly contributor please email me for furthur information
For automatic credit card withdrawal you can print off and fill out the form with my account number (2949329) on the website below… then send it to the AGWM address posted above.
http://ag.org/contributorservices_PDF/CRCDAUTH.pdf

Food, Friends, and FREEDOM!!!

This past weekend, the Womens Ministry at Iglesia Vida hosted an event for the women of the church as well as their (women) friends and family.  The theme of the night was "You Have Made Me Free" and indeed the Lord set women free.  We had a lovely traditional dinner together and enjoyed some wonderful fellowship. It was great getting to know some of the women and hearing their stories.  Afterward, we worshiped together and even before the sermon and the alter call, started proclaiming freedom in Christ.  At the end several women responded to the alter call.  All of them desiring to be set free in some area in their lives.  It was so incredible to pray Gods truth and His promises over these women and see Gods peace settling over them.  It was an incredible time of blessing. 

Pastor Sarai bringing the message of hope and freedom

Yummy tradional Guatemalan food

Leadership Team....all wearing traditional Guatemalan blouses

I just added this pic because I LOVE this little boy!!!

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free inded" John 8:36

Pa Lante y Pal' Cielo!

Cece

Shortcuts, Roadblocks, and Detours

A few days ago I had to drive into Guatemala City.  I needed to get to the immigration office to renew my visa.  I live in San Cristobal, which I consider to be a "suburb" of Guatemala City.  It's not a very big town. In fact, there is only one main boulevard.  There are 3 ways out of San Cristobal, but only 2 that take you directly into the City. 

Usually I take the Blvd. and go east (sort of...no road here is straight...but the general direction was east).  As I was leaving San Cristobal and coming into the City, I noticed that the traffic was way backed up. Not wanting to wait (I wanted to get to the immigration office before lunch time), I turned around, and took the other way because I thought "surely, that will be quicker".  As I was approaching the City, I realized, one of the main roads had been blocked (protesters) and they were having people detour.  Essentially, they were sending people back, to go the way I was originally going through!  Except, in Guatemala, it's not as simple as  going up one block and turning around on the other and going back. Nope, I had to literally go around the mountain!  Seriously, at this point, I had absolutly no clue where I was headed.  I was following the flow of traffic but even then, I was not certain where I was going to end up.  Thank God I had filled up my tank of gas the day before because I was driving for a long time!  As I was driving I kept thinking "surely this is not quicker than if I would have just waited!" At the end of the detour (mind you, there are no signs, no cones, no one directing you...they just tell you to take this road....and it's a long, windy one!), I ended up on a road that I was very familair with (thank God!)  Traffic was flowing ok.  What I realized was, if I had waited for a few minutes in that original traffic jam, I would have made it to this road where the cars were actually moving at a relatively decent pace, and would have been where I needed to be already.  Instead, becuase I was impatient, I took my "shortcut", and although I got to where I needed to be, it took me way longer than it should have.......

Well, isn't that like our life sometimes?  Sometimes we are on track to go somewhere in our life, and we wait on God.  And although we don't realize it, He has us on the road that will take us to our destination.  We grow impatient and get tired of waiting.  We decide we are going to speed things up a little. After all, I know where I'm supposed to be, what I'm supposed to be doing, etc....so why do I need to wait on God.  He seems to be taking forever.  And so we go on our way, and we do things our way instead of waiting on God.  I know I've done that before....please make a sister feel a litlte better and tell me I'm not the only one! :) Much like my "road trip" we encounter "road blcoks" that God did not intend  for us to encounter.  The "shortcut" is not always shorter.  We get lost for a little while because we have gone off track and taken the "detour".  But you know what I am thankful for?  I'm thankful that God, in His abundant grace, leads us back to the road we were suppossed to be on, and once we are back on that road, we realize, "yea, this may take longer than I think it should take, but this way is so much smoother"

I am often tempted to take the shortcut or rush things along.  Especially when I feel like God is not answering me in a timely fashion.  But God, in His gentleness reminds me that "his ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts higher than my thoughts".  Just because I think something should go a certain way, or happen at a certain time, doesn't mean that's the best way.  Trusting God and having complete and total faith in God is not easy, but it is something that is utterly neccesary in this walk. 

So next time you are tempted to take the shortcut, just think of me, driving around (again...literally) the mountain with my windows up (because I didn't know where I was and if I was safe or not), a little freaked out, and wasting precious time! And remember that "He works all things together for the good of those who love Him" (even traffic jams can be for our good!!)

Pa' Lante y Pal Cielo!!!

Cece

"He has made everything beautiful in His time"

12 Things

I have been here 12 months......soooooooo....here are 12 things I've learned since I have been here:
1. God is faithful!  (I knew that before.....but I know it now at a whole new level!!!)

2.  If you ever get caught by a rip tide.....swim parallel to the shore, not toward the shore!

3. My puerto rican spanish words, don't always mean the same thing in Guatemalan spanish.

4. It doesn't matter how many good works you do, if you're not spending time with God, it means nothing.

5. Guatemalans clap on the off beat.  It drives me a little insane.  I'm still not used to it!

6. When you ask for directions from Guatemalans....a common answer "la carretera te lleva"....that means "the road will take you there"  Often times, it doesn't!

7.  On any given day, it could take you 2 hours to get somewhere that is 15 minutes away, because of mudslides, protests, or just crazy traffic!!  Chicago traffic has NOTHING on Guatemala traffic!

8. Guatemala has many beautiful places that no one knows about.

9. I have learned how to bargain like it's nobody's business.

10. Missionaries are super normal (at least most of them...and maybe not super normal...but pretty normal!)

11. My cute Honda CRV is NOT a 4 wheel drive vehicle

12.  Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.  That truth has been such a reality in my life this past year......and I am so grateful for that His plans are better than mine!

Truthfully,  God has taught me so many beautiful things.  I have learned so much about ministry, missions, myself, and Him! This has been an incredible year!  Perhaps some day we can sit and have a cup of coffee and I can tell you all the wonderful things God has shown me!

Love you all!!!

Cece

It's Been A Year!

So I have been here an entire year! I can't even believe it.  Here is a video update to let you all know what has been going on the last few months.  It's been a great year!!!!!  Much Love!  xoxoxoxoxo

Support:

Currently, I am about 30% short of my monthly budget....Please pray about how you can partner with me financially either through a one time donation or by becoming a monthly donor. Thank you!

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

If you would like to become a monthly contributor please email me for furthur information
For automatic credit card withdrawal you can print off and fill out the form with my account number (2949329) on the website below… then send it to the AGWM address posted above.
http://ag.org/contributorservices_PDF/CRCDAUTH.pdf

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

Thank You for an Awesome Year!!

Hey Everyone! Here is a slideshow that highlights some of my time here in Guatemala!  Thank you for making this year possible!  God Bless!

Cece