May 13, 2016
Next Steps: Faith and Obedience
Three months have passed since this out-of-this-world engagement story, and Jovanni and I are still over the moon for each other, while beginning to plan more of the practical details about what a life together will look like.
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| Getting prayed for by our church after announcing our engagement :) |
Meanwhile, I am in the throes of the last month of school, and Jovanni is balancing several responsibilities with a start up business in the area.
To answer your questions, here’s a quick Q and A:
Q: When is the wedding?
We are planning to work on wedding details (like finding the dress!), and celebrate with an “I do BBQ” with my Chico church family. The wedding will be in Panama City, Panama in December; it will be a small outdoor wedding so we’re praying it doesn’t rain!
Q: What are your plans for next year?
Pray for us for wisdom and provision for next year! We plan to remain in Panama after we're married. More updates to come!
Q: Any highlights at Crossroads or in your lives these past few months?
Yes--so much has been happening to praise God for!
-I started sponsoring the Debate Team at Crossroads, and we attended our first competition in April. It was fascinating to sit in the debates and listen in as students shared on topics like the Syrian Refugee Crisis, the post 9/11 world, and creating an economically independent Africa. The students shone in their knowledge of the topics and their ability to collaborate with other country representatives to find solutions. One of our delegates got honorable mention!
-The same week as the two-day debate competition, I took half my 8th grade class to a Technology Showcase hosted by another international school in Panama. Their presentations were impressive, on topics like iMovie tips and tricks, coding, and how to make a hologram. They did a phenomenal job, and I was so proud of their hard work and professionalism!
One of their booths was even featured on the international school website:
-I’ve been co-leading a study called Area 51, led by the Crossfire youth pastor, during chapel time this semester. It’s been incredible, because it was all about how we’re “aliens” and foreigners in this world as God’s children. The study was surprising to me, because it was actually all boys and one girl (not pictured). And we had the most fascinating discussions! Jorge, the youth leader, challenged the students the first day to express what doubts they had about God: “I believe in God but….” (“What about the dinosaurs? Why did God create Satan? Why did God put the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden in the first place?”) Each session, we explored these and other deep themes that the students were curious about and found answers rooted in Scripture. Our discussions were so intense and profound that we always found ourselves short on time.
It was such a privilege to see these young men speaking out about the truths of God and having the freedom to ask their burning questions. I’m so grateful to Jorge for letting me co-lead this study with him and how he's had these young leaders on his heart; he was even able to address difficult topics like sexual purity and pornography and the importance of surrendering our thoughts and bodies to Christ. Continue to pray for these young men that these truths would take root in their hearts and that Christ would be first and foremost in their lives. That they will be the generation that stands up for what is true and right and be men of integrity and example.
-Jovanni and I volunteer regularly with Pursuit student ministries at Panama International Church. It’s a really tight-knit small group averaging 7-10 students a week, so that’s an incredible privilege to really get to know each student well. Our meetings are bilingual, and Jovanni and I will usually switch off leading the game or giving the message. We both really enjoy youth ministry and serving together, and it’s exciting to see how our strengths complement each other within the context of ministry. We love partnering with our close friends and youth leaders, Eduardo and Clarice, and worship leader friend, Juandi, to foster a loving community for the students.
Keep praying for what this next year holds and all the exciting things God will do as He prepares Jovanni and me to serve Him together!
Pray that we may remained focused on what is most important.
