Friday, May 13, 2016

He Hears You

"When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!"

Lauren Daigle has quickly become one of my favorite Christian artists ever since I went to Outcry Tour last year in D.C. I love whenever her songs come on the radio when I'm driving (which is pretty much all the time). This song plays often, but it caught my attention the other day. When I found out the trip to Zimbabwe was cancelled, I argued with God. I didn't understand why it happened after He had called me to go. He gave me a verse (which you can read about in my last post), and now He has given me a song.

There are so many things we wish for in life. We ask God to move mountains, part waters, and answer our cries. It's important to know that God hears. When he doesn't move the mountains, part the waters, or answer right away, that doesn't mean He's not listening. He knows the desires of our hearts. He knows every thought and every feeling. After all, He created us. 

He created us uniquely and perfectly for a purpose. So that mountain you're asking Him to move, He might not move it because there's a forest fire on the other side. He might not part the waters you want Him to because of sharp rocks on the ocean floor. He might not give an answer right when you demand one because you don't need an answer in that moment - you just need to trust Him. 

"I will trust in You"

Honestly, it took me a few days to get to this point. I trust God with my whole heart, and I know that his plans are far greater than mine could ever be. But when an opportunity for me to use my gifts and passions was ripped out from under me, I felt lost. Through angry prayers, an overwhelming amount emotion, and lots of tears, I found peace. 

Arguably the most important thing I learned from this whole experience is that God hears me. Our Father hears our cries, our frustrations, and our desires. But in the midst of our struggles and questions, don't forget that He also hears our thanks. 

Thank you God for entrusting me with this life. Thank you for giving me a passion to reach children, to teach them about You. Thank you for my family and friends who encourage, love, and build me up. Thank you for giving me a heart for the world, the desire to see all that You have created. Thank you for paying to price for my sins, thank you for loving me so much that You would send Your son. 

My prayer for you is that when you have mountains and waters in front of you and are crying out to God, that you would trust in Him and know that He hears you. Rest in His perfect love. 

Much love + blessings, 

xoxo Becky

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

I Don't Understand, But That's Okay

"'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 a hope and a future.'"

Jeremiah 29:11

God is so good, and knows exactly what you need to hear in a specific season or situation. Last week, I received a call that I was not expecting and hoped would never come. My long awaited trip to Zimbabwe has been cancelled. I was overwhelmed, heart broken, and full of questions. Some of those questions I may never have the answer to. 

My biggest question was "why?". Why would God give me this incredible opportunity to do what I love and what He created me to do, and then it be taken away? Why did I come so close to my fundraising goal just to have it yanked out from under me? Why did this happen so close to the trip dates? I was obedient in following your call, so why did this happen? Needless to say, I was a little angry with God. There are still many things I don't understand about what happened. I may never understand it fully. But then God gave me a verse. 

Jeremiah 29:11. 

"Plans to prosper you, not to harm you."

"Plans to give you a hope and a future."

God's plans for my life are far greater than any I could come up with on my own. They are for good, not for bad. They aren't to cause pain or harm. They are so I can have a prosperous life, using my gifts to serve his Kingdom. While I am disappointed and saddened by what has happened, I know that my desire to go to Zimbabwe can't match up with what God has in store for me. I am SO excited to see what He has for me next, and it can only be bigger and better than Zimbabwe. 

I want to thank everyone who has contributed towards the trip. While I will not be using the funds, they will be distributed to other individuals who are following God's call in the missions field. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to talk to you more, and answer any questions I can. 

Thank you so, so much. You have all been a huge blessing to me, and in turn we are able to bless many others. 

Much love, 

xoxo Becky

Monday, March 14, 2016

|| B R A V E ||

"You make me brave"

This lyric has played in my head and been engraved on my heart since last year. God does indeed make me brave. He gives me the courage to jump into new things and fearlessly follow his calling. He is calling me out beyond the shore once more. Africa. 


I now have the opportunity to cross another ocean and make my way to Zimbabwe from July 7-19. I have been invited to travel with Global Passion Ministries and work the the Graham family who run an orphanage and aim to reach the forgotten and abandoned children of Zimbabwe.


Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa and borders South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, and Zambia. Because it is located below the equator, seasons are reversed. Summer is from October to April and winter is from May to September.


One of the largest international issues in Zimbabwe is human trafficking, and the government is making no effort to stop the exploitation. They are also currently facing one of the biggest AIDS epidemics in the world, and they have a higher number of orphans in proportion to its population compared to the rest of the world.


Throughout my time in Africa, I will be helping teach children in the local school about Jesus, give any support needed in the orphanage, and love on some awesome kids. God is going to do amazing things in Zimbabwe, and I can’t wait to see them happen. I would love for you to partner with me and help change the lives of children in Africa.


The first way you can partner with me is in prayer. Pray for safety, strength, courage, and for lives to be changer. The next way you can partner with me is financially. I need to raise $2,900, and there are a few ways to do help. You can follow the first link below to make an online contribution, or follow the second link to purchase a t-shirt designed by myself where all the proceeds go towards my journey.


Much love + blessings,

Becky

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Unplug and Appreciate

Well, I've officially been home for 3 days. Transitioning back into regular life has been both easy and a little strange. Maybe it's because I seem to have no problem transitioning from one environment to another, or maybe it's because this is home. But after 2 months of living in Honduras, coming home gave me a bit of culture shock.
                                         
Whenever you're getting ready for a trip overseas, people aways talk about culture shock. Seeing a different culture and environment can be overwhelming. It's hard for me to describe, but I think Merriam Webster does a good job. "A feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to". Different countries and areas have such different customs and ways than we are used to. 

Coming home from a country where I was surrounded by abandonment, poverty, and frustration made me realize the value of things here. When we get comfortable, we can take things for granted and not understand just how blessed we are to live in a country where we can buy anything we could ever want, and in bulk none the less.

In a world of internet, smartphones, the latest and greatest, and an attitude of more-more-more, it can be hard to imagine surviving without these things. But for me, coming home to this environment, it makes me want to go back. I want to go back to a place where people talk to each other, say 'good morning' instead of pushing past you, where kids play outside, and where it's not a big deal when the power or internet go out. We are consumed by such trivial things. We need to be consumed with love and laugher and Jesus instead of phones and games and ourselves. 

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

So let's power down and take a minute to appreciate the blessings of God, and to be grateful for each and every thing we have in life. Even our breaths are a gift. Let's not take them for granted, but instead use them for the glory of God and to do the works He has created us for. 

I could go on and on, but I'll leave it here. Praying for my life to be all God has wanted it to be, and praying for yours to be the same. 

Much love + blessings, 

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Love + Laughter

Yesterday marked the halfway point in this incredible journey. It's hard to believe that my time here is already half over. People talk about how when they go on mission trips, how their life is forever changed and how amazing it was. I'm not denying that any of this is true, because my life IS forever changed and it has been SO amazing working with Legacy of Hope Foundation and House of Hope. But I think the reason it's so hard to believe is that it seems normal. This has become normal life for me. Waking up, eating breakfast with 10 kids, feeding babies, lots of love and laughter, the peace of nap time, more laughing, more feeding, changing diapers, swings and slides, playhouses, hectic dinners, and quiet evenings. And on the days of teaching preschool; coffee, 6 crazy kids coloring and writing, practicing their numbers and shapes, alphabet songs, playtime, laughter and joy. I know it's going to seem too quiet when I get home. Kids are my joy, they are my heart. 

It's been so amazing seeing them grow from last year. Kaleb was just an itty bitty little guy, and now he is so playful and fun. Not to mention how he likes to chew on EVERYTHING. Literally everything. Isabella was a cute little baby, and now she is a beautiful toddler with such a joyful spirit. Anthony is even more fun than he was a year ago, and Brenda has grown into such an amazing little helper. I have loved getting to know them again, and have loved meeting the new babies. Lili is too cute for words, and Alejandro loves to sit up and see the world! Daniela is such a little princess, and I am so proud of how far she has come in the short time she has been here. 


House of Hope is so full of love and joy. Kids may cry, throw tantrums, and give you a run for your money. But underneath all of the crazy and frustration are genuine hearts and joyful spirits. I have learned so much from these kids. It's okay to make a mess when you're having fun, they're are no rules for how to play, your imagination can take you anywhere, and sometimes falling in the dirt can be the funniest thing in the world. Don't be afraid to try new things, search for bugs, and be yourself. We can forget the simplest lessons in life, and it can take a child to remind you. 

I can't wait to see what the next 3 1/2 weeks will bring, and I can't wait to bring all I've learned back home. I am honored and blessed to have this opportunity to do what I love, where I love, with people I love. Wishing you all happiness and joy, and the courage to try new things and be who God made you to be. 

Much love + blessings, 


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Photos Speak

I am SO excited and blessed to be in Honduras, and for 7 weeks! I am surrounded by cuteness, cuddles, smiles, and fun. And I wanted to share it with you! A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, here's a load of adorable faces and forever laughing spirits!


Isabella is a TOTAL baby model. All I did was call her name and she struck this pose! 



Christian - He may throw some serious fits, but how can you not love this little guy! He is such a joy!


Oh Brenda, Brendita, Dita! You are so full of sweetness! Always wanting to help and constantly bringing me my water bottle, baby bottles, and trash. 


More Isabella! Look at that laugh! And she just adores Tia Samantha - forever loving both of these girls! 


Kaleb - you have come so far! I remember meeting you last year, you were so tiny! Love your carefree spirit and peacefulness. 


Alejandro is SO fun. He loves to sit up and see the world - and also get hugged by Isabella. And look at her little tongue! LOVE <3 


NEVER getting tired of this view out of the balcony. Even a forest fire can't take away the beauty of God's creation! 



I caught a gecko! He may be small (okay, REALLY small), but he is so cute!


"Look, I cleanin I cleanin!" -Anthony

A little ball of fun and energy who loves to collect beetles. 


What's a pulperia you ask? Well, the best way to describe it is a small convenience store. Sodas and snacks galore! (And it's also next door - yay!)



Bienvenidos a Casita Spangler!


Much love + blessings,


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Preescolar

Hoy fue el primer día de clases que tenía que enseñar.

Today was the first day of school that I had to teach.

Yesterday I unpacked a bunch of school supplies that were donated by a class from last semester. I was, and still am, overjoyed at their generosity without any prompting. They came to me and asked what they could do and they exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. I am so excited to get to use them as I teach through the end of the school year.

Preschool is what I do. I teach, I lead, I prep, and I love every minute of it. I have to say that it was everything and nothing that I expected. It was exhausting and rewarding at the same time.



Prepping may be one of the best parts. I love going through books and finding lessons and ideas. I love brainstorming and envisioning how it will all come together in the classroom. I love everything about it, even writing lesson plans. I especially loved prepping last night; finding all sorts of resources and ideas.


One of my greatest joys is seeing kids sitting around a table learning. Whether it's coloring or doing a worksheet, it makes my heart happy. It's so rewarding, but today was also exhausting. This is a bilingual preschool, and I am teaching the English portion with only 2 kids knowing any English. I may be difficult or stressful at times, but the result is so rewarding. 

One of the little girls, Britney, has trouble with new people and people she doesn't know. I was anticipating her to give me the most trouble. But she listened and did her best to understand. I was, and am, so proud of her. She is such a great helper and has already shown a lot of progress with her English. These little moments throughout the day are what I do this for. I love seeing progress and the looks on the kids' faces when they understand something knew. 

I am so blessed that God has given me this desire and gift. Nothing makes me happier, and I can't wait to see what happens through the next 4 weeks. I'm excited that I get to teach and experience new things, and to experience a (sort of) new place. 

Thank you all for your prayers and support as I embark on this incredible journey. 

Much love + blessings,