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

9 Months!!!!

Today marks 9 months that I have been living in Guatemala.  I cannot believe how fast time flies!  It seems like just yesterday I was saying goodbye to my friends and family.  I remember being in the car when I first arrived, while my roommate drove me places thinking..."I'm never going to learn how to get around...every street curves and goes around in a circle!!!" But alas, I realized I wasn't as directionally challenged as I though I was (although I have gotten "turned around" a few times!).


This past week, I met with the Area Directors for Central America.  They asked me about my experience here and how things were going.  As I was talking to them, I realized truly how blessed and favored I am.  I'd even call it a little spoiled!!!!  Let me share with you some of the things I am so thankful for during my season here....


I have to start with being super duper thankful for the Musacchio family.  I have had the rare privallage of being a Missionary Associate (MA) and working under a family that truly is like family to me.  My time of working with them has been such a God thing.  I really believe that God used them so greatly in moving me not only to Guatemala but into this season of my life.  They took me under their wing and I am treated no differently than if I were family.  There have been so many ways they have blessed my life and looked out for me! This blog would be extremly long if I went into all the ways they have helped me!!

The Musacchio family

Since the Musacchio's are leaving Guatemala (but not missions!), I have the privallage of working with another family now.  The Ramos'.  They are AG Missionaries who have been on the field for 10 years now.  I met them shortly after I arrived.  They have welcomed me into their home (every Sunday night to watch Celebrity Apprentice!!!) and into their lives.  I can see how God ordained the relationship I have with them long before it was decided I would work with them.  God has given me favor with them and they too have blessed my life.  I am super thankful for them!

Victoria and I with the Ramos'

My roommate Victoria- I tell you, I am so glad she was here when I got here!!  She showed me the ropes (and still is), introduced me to people, and did everything she could to ensure a smooth transition.  I am so thankful that she is not only my roommate but also my friend.


Safety-As many of you know, Guatemala is a pretty crime infested country.  I have to thank God every day for His protection and His covering (thank you all for the prayers).  There have been times where I have clearly seen how God protected me in a situation, but I know that there are so many other times, when I don't see whats going on, but God is protecting me.


Favor-Not only has God granted me favor with the Musacchio's and the Ramos', but also with my car dealer/mechanic.My car was purchased from a dealer owned my a former member of Vida Church (the church plant John helped start).  When I purchased it, he said that if I ever had any problems to bring it in.  In the past 2 months I have had to take the car in twice for different reasons (one big, one small).  Both times, they only charged me parts and not labor.  That was a huge blessing to me as we all know that most of the time, labor is the bigger cost.  The family that owns the dealer drove me to run my errands while the car was in the shop and continues to make themselves available if I need something, whether its car related or not.  I truly believe that that is God's favor in my life.


God'sTiming-This has been a season of transition for many of the people around me, including myself.  But in every change, I can see God's hand and His divine timing.  Sometimes we don't understand why God does or allows certain things when He does, but I have learned and truly seen His sovereignty these past nine monts.  Truly, He makes everything beautiful in His time!  I am so thankful that He knows the right time for things and doesn't leave it all up to us!!! 



Bible Study-Back in September (I think) we started a bible study group with some of the women from our field.  We started with 5 and ended up with 4 as one of our sisters left back to the States to itinerate.  This was one of my favorite times of the week.  Tuesday mornings we would meet at someones house, have breakfast, talk about our week, and delve into a Beth Moore bible study.  It has been such a blessing for me to be part of this group of women.  Every woman in this group is in a totally different stage of their life.  I learned so much not only from the Word of God but also from these women.  They blessed me more than they will know!


Skype-Seriously, I don't know how missionaries got along without this amazing invention for so many years!  It may sound silly, but its been a blessing to have.  I have been able to keep in touch with family and friends.  Believe me, being able to call home has comforted my heart many times!!!


I am thankful for so much more daily!  I am especially thankful for all of you that support me financially and through prayer.  I am thankful for the FB messages and emails.  You all truly have no idea what they mean to me.


There are quite a few changes coming up and I will be informing you all of those changes (all good), but in the meantime, please continue to pray for me.  Love you all very much!!!


Pa lante y pal cielo!
Cece

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

Are We Abiding or Simply Coming?

I have started reading the devotional "Abide in Christ" by Andrew Murphy.  I'm only 2 days in but it is really challenging me.  Andrew asks are we satisfied with simply coming to God, allowing Him to forgive our sins  grant us salvation, and answer our petitions, or are we abiding in Him. There is nothing wrong with that really, but God wants more from us and for us.
To abide means "remain; continue; stay"

I think many times we wake up in the morning, have our prayer times and devotions, and then go about our day.  Thats great, we should have that time with God every day, but we are suppossed to abide in God.  We are to stay with Him, continue our day with Him, and remain near to Him.  I know thats not always easy when there are a million things on our "to do" list.  But I think, "wow, how different would my life be if every moment of the day I was abiding in Him?....if I made a continuous conscience effort to to remain in Him?"
I am not there yet, but that is where I strive to be.  In a place where I am walking in His prescence every moment,where I am always mindful of the fact that He is right next to me.

God doesn't want us to just come to Him, He wants us to abide in Him.  John 15:4 says that when we abide in Him, we bear fruit.  God wants us to experience His pleasures and delight in His goodness. Andrew Murray said "Who would, after seeking the King's palace, be content to stand at the door, when he is invited in to dwell in the King's presence, and share with Him in all the glory of His royal life?"  The King of Kings has invited us to dwell in His presence and share in His glory!!!!  Thats pretty amazing!  Lets RSVP to that invitation with a big fat YES!  I don't want to stand at the door of the palace, I want to live in the palace with my Father the King.  Let us not simply come to Jesus, let us abide in Him and experience the fullness of who He is.

Shoes, Evangelism, Shoes, Translating, Shoes, and a little R&R

February was a BUSY month! Nevertheless it was very exciting!!





kids at the school singing along

 Along with the usual teaching English at My Special Treasure (the girls home we work at) and working with Outlanders (the MK youth group), we had the privallage of working with a team. John and Liz Ramos are AG (Assemblies of God) missionaries here that are building a Bible School for the National Church in a village right outside the city of Quetaltenango. They had a team come from New York and S. Carolina for a week.
Half of their team was construction and the other half was evangelism. Victoria (my roommate) and I worked with the evangelism team as translators. We had such an amazing time. We left on a Thursday afternoon and traveled up to Quetzaltenango, which is the second largest city in Guatemala. We spent the week ministering at schhols as well as doing open air evangelism in the village where the school is being built. It was incredible to see children, teens, and even teachers give their life to the Lord. God is moving and making himself known all throughout this beautiful country. The presence of the Lord was certainly felt while the teams were ministering.  I was so blessed to see hope in the faces of children and teens who, before hearing about Jesus, were in what seemed to them as hopeless situations. I got to pray with some of the girls at the schools and encourage them in our Lord. Not only did I encourage them, but I was refreshed as well.  

praying for students at a high school

translating at a church service



Before the team arrived, they raised over $6000 to buy shoes for the children in the village and the kids in some of the poorer schools. Prior to the teams arrival John Ramos went to a local shoe store and told them he wanted to purchase 400+ shoes. The store said they would go out to the village and the schools and measure each child so they would have the proper size shoe! That was a huge blessing to all of us because it helped keep things controlled and organized when we handed them out. We scheduled 2 days to hand out the shoes. The children, as well as their parents, were so blessed by this act of kindness from the team. Many of the kids came with shoes that had holes and rips in them and to be able to recieve a brand new pair of quality shoes was a huge blessing. In 2 days we gave out more than 400 shoes!

Team with the shoes

We were with the team for a full week before they had to head back to Guatemala City.  Since Victoria and I had a retreat to attend on Friday in yet another part of the country, we decided to hang back instead of making the 4 hour drive back.  On Thursday, we stayed with some friends in Quetzaltenango who are also missionaries and got to hear about the amazing things God is doing in their ministry.

After a full week, on Friday we headed out to Panahachel, a little town right on Lake Atitlan.  Once a year, there is a retreat held for all the missionaries in Guatemala.  It is interdenominational and a time of refreshing.  Needless to say, Victoria and I were looking forward to it!  We had a wonderful time of rest and relaxation, while meeting new friends, and were refreshed by the Spirit of God!

This month, I began Berian Bible School online so please pray for me!!  I am enjoying it and am looking forward to digging deeper into God's word!

Once again, thank you all for your prayers and support!  They are GREATLY appreciated.

Pa Lante y Pal Cielo!
Cece

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