Downtown!

Lillian and I took a walk to the Centro.

Plaza de Armas

Our really amazing lunch!

Agua de Coco!

Pretty Handwriting

I learned a very helpful phrase yesterday :)

If your friend asks what you think of a guy/girl, and you want to say that they are a nice person, but maybe not that good looking, you can say "Tiene bonita letra," which means he/she has pretty handwriting.

Movie Recommendation: Under the Same Moon

Feliz Cumple, Lily!

Sunday was an exciting day!!! My friend Lillian celebrated her 30th birthday AND got baptized all on the same day. Afterwards we went to her family's house to celebrate!!!

Jaime, Lillian, Mario, and Melissa

Mi Ranchito

Lillian and her new friend Christina.

Patrick and Lisa....Lisa was the first one of us to brave the horse ride.

Luis and his little puppy....they both had scratches on their noses.

Jose and Antonio added their special, super secret ingredient to the asado.

Jim had quite an audience as he shared pictures.

Antonio used to be the McTighe's gardener. His family (meaning his immediate family, cousins, sisters, aunts, nieces, nephews, etc) were so kind to us!

The Mexican people are so beautiful and hospitable! Saturday we were invited out to a Rancho where the McTighe's gardener lives. What we thought would be a morning event ended up being a whole day event that included eating TWICE, riding horses, playing with kids, telling stories, and just spending time together. The McTighe's really have a gift of ministering to people just by being with them, where they are!

NOT a coincidence

Last Monday I went for a run in Parque Morales, right near the McTighe's house. During my cool down walk, a lady coming towards me stopped and said, "Hola.........Miss Jackson?" WHAT! It was the mom of two of my former students!!!! She was in San Luis visiting her family.

We talked a little and then she asked me if I knew anywhere that she could go to church while she was in town, so I invited her to a Bible study that I knew of.

Wednesday, the day of the Bible study was amazing!!!! We all (8 or so of us) ended up being there four hours just sharing stories of God's faithfulness. This lady (from the park) told how she had prayed, on the way to San Luis, for God to provide an opportunity to go to church in Mexico. It also turns out she has been attending Grace Covenant Church (where the McTighe's go when they are in the States and my old church) for the past month and a half! AND, she shared about how God used her sons and SouthLake school to show Himself to her. WOW!!!!

Feliz Cumple

Friday, June 20 was my 28th birthday.....I can't believe it! My friend Lillian organized a fun night out of Salsa dancing at a place called the Gallinero. Notice there are no pictures of the actual dancing because that would mean that I could actually DANCE! Ha! Lillian, Karla and Rudy left us in the dust with their rug-cutting skills.

Huapangueros

Last Sunday I went to eat some tacos with the Mazariegos family whom I met 8 years ago on my first trip to San Luis. There were some guys playing music in the corner of the restaurant. John Maz said that if you told them your name and gave them some money they would make up a song about you....so he did.....and they did!

Read about Huapango (english/spanish)

You might be NACO if....

....you ask for a to go box at a restaurant!

I went to an Italian Restaurant with my friends Karla and Quique last night. My ravioli was so amazing that when I didn't finish it all I was forced to ask for a go box....oops! This is a no no if you want to be a FRESA and not a NACO.

perfume a tus pies

Cuando pienso en tu amor
y en tu fidelidad
No puedo hacer más
Que postrarme y adorar
Cuando pienso en cómo he sido
y hasta donde me has traído
Me asombro de Ti

Y no me quiero conformar,
He probado y quiero más

Yo quiero enamorarme más de Ti,
Enséñame a amarte y a vivir
Conforme a tu Justicia y tu verdad,
Con mi vida quiero adorar

Con todo lo que tengo y lo que soy,
todo lo que he sido te lo doy
Que mi vida sea para ti
Como un perfume a tus pies

Cuando pienso en tu cruz
y en todo lo que has dado
Tu sangre por mi, por llevar mi pecado

Cuando pienso en tu mano,
Que hasta aquí hemos llegado
Por tu fidelidad

Palacio

One time a friend of mine told me that Mexicans are "La gente mas cálida en el mundo"- The warmest people in the world. It is so true!!!! Everyone I have met has invited me to hang out with them--it has been so much fun making new friends!

Sunday evening, my friend Karla took me to "La Luna," a cafe set on the top of a building that overlooks the Plaza San Francisco.

Later, her friend Lorena took us to see where she works- the only Hotel Museum in all of Latin America. It was beautiful. Each room is different and is named after a famous historical person. The whole building is filled with certified antique furniture.....I was almost afraid to touch anything :) You can take a virtual tour at PALACIO SAN AGUSTIN - ENJOY!

La Luna

I love Coffee....but this is actually chocolate italiano (italian hot chocolate).

This is one of the 22 rooms at Palacio San Augsutin. Each one is unique.

Lorena, Rodrigo and I look down the Spiral Staircase.


Karla, Lorena, and I.

Sometimes...

"Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop figuring out precisely how we feel, stop deciding exactly what we want, and just see what happens."

I just read this quote somewhere and it seems like I may need to adopt it for my time here. I came to San Luis with ideas of what I was going to DO....it seems that God, so far, is having other plans...BEING and LEARNING.

Yesterday in the morning, Lisa and I went for a hour long walk and just talked about life and about what God is doing here in San Luis. Listening to Lisa and hearing about the work here was so encouraging.

Later, while Lisa and I were enjoying some huevos made by their cook, Naty, Lillian, a friend of Lisa's came over. She is 29 and teaches English and recently has come to know the Lord. We were immediate friends and spent the day together here with Lisa, talking and just enjoying being together. We talked for almost 2 hours after breakfast and then had a sweet time of prayer together.

I am challenged by Lillian and her desire and hunger for the Lord, and I am very happy to have a friend here!!! Last night we hung out with her cousins after her English class.

This morning, Lisa, Lillian, and I went to an Assemblies of God church that is preparing for their VBS that will take place in July. This church loves the Lord and has such a heart for evangelism. They have divided San Luis into 9 zones and have a great program planned for the kids. At the end of VBS, children and parents from the 9 zones will come to a big celebration at the church.

Today they were preparing for day 1....we learned songs with movements and the lessons for the day: Honesty! These ladies were so well organized! God is really using them to reach their community for Christ.

back where I belong :)

I arrived safely in San Luis Potosi around 10:30 last night. Jim and Lisa McTighe were at SLP`s very small airport (only 2 gates) to greet me and take me to their house in Bellas Lomas. There was a surprise waiting for me...kitties...lots of kitties :)

I am excited to be here and spend time with them, get away from life as usual, and see what God has in store!!!!

More to come...

Patrick McTighe hangs out with monster, my new favorite kitty!

Choreography at Kusi

a what?

There was a shiny, rather large, black widow making its home in the outer frame of the door to my apartment this morning. After swatting her halfway across the barn (with a broom), I put in her in a tupperware container to remind her, and all other spidery villains who attempt to invade my apartment, that their death is imminent.

philoMORTdeARANEA!

Is it ok to combine Greek and Latin? :)

favorite peruvian moments

The boys worked so hard! Daniel and Erik had a competition to see who could break the rock the quickest....I am just glad that we did have to bring out the O2!

The children at the school in Cusi did a traditional dance to celebrate our visit. After a demonstration, they asked us to join in! Bailamos!

Girasoles: These young men are part of the program that helps abandoned children. They live at Cusi with a sweet couple who have devoted their lives to taking care of the 27 boys who have now become a part of their family. They sang (loudly) for us!

Hanging out with my students at Llanganuco.

I got to pet a LLAMA!!!

One of the dune buggies got stuck in the sand. We sat and watched the boys pull it out :)

Emptying my shoe after dune buggies and sandboarding.

Mr. Horton had me stay to help translate when he and his daughter met Allison, a little girl they sponsor through Compassion. It was very neat to see the program at work! Allison was very inquisitive and bright.

I caught this guard texting on his cell phone when he should have been guarding the presidential palace. I shall add the video later.

Preparing our students to be involved in ministry is always my favorite part!! Here, Brandy is helping the kids with their Lion mask. She was also involved with writing one of our Bible story skits.

Just say ADOBE!

The students learned how to make bricks from mud and straw yesterday! Click here

Beautiful Kids, Beautiful View

Our first day of VBS was so good! Praise God!
CLICK HERE for our Blog and Pictures

student blogs

The students have been blogging! Check out what they have to say at http://slcamissions.blogspot.com/

bus rides and pictures

We made it to the mountains safely!! It was a looooong ride...our driver was quite slow and cautious (a good thing!) and later our bus broke down (slipping gear box).....8 hours turned into 10 hours. Everyone was VERY happy to arrive at the Hostal Oasis around 8pm last night. Sra. Dora had warm zapallo soup, mashed potatoes and some kind of steak waiting for us.

After dinner Ryan and Rachel led worship, and Daniel led devotions, reminding us about the difference between work and service. Today, we are ready for Vacation Bible School and some construction!

6 hours into our trip, we reached 16,000 feet and this beautiful view.
Madeline shows pictures to one of the boys at CENTRO GIRASOLES in Lima.
Church of San Franciso, in Lima.
Everyone enjoyed the doves flying in their faces at San Francisco.
Tara, Charli, and Ryan watch on at Kawai.

First Days in Peru

Here are some pictures from our first few days in PERU! http://slcamissions.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow

We leave tomorrow! Please pray for safe travel and check back for updates around Wednesday :)

they say you never forget....

A friend of mine recently gave me a bike, and today was its first time out since changing owners. I was a little hesitant at first....... maybe even a little scared. Images of a run in with a prickly bush rushed back to me from childhood. As I navigated the trails near the barn the wind in my face, along with the scent of spring time, the cricket chirps, and the dogs running at my side soon made it all worth it. The bike and I will have another date as soon as possible!

Peru Itinerary

Sunday, May 18: Leave SLCA (CLT-ATL-LIM); arrive around 10pm. Drive to Scripture Union's Camp at KAWAI (near Mala) to sleep

Monday, May 19: Drive south to ICA to ride Dune Buggies and Sand Board at HUACACHINA

Tuesday, May 20: Tour of LIMA, the capital, and shopping. Spend time with children at CENTRO GIRASOLES.

Wednesday, May 21: 10 hour bus ride to CARAZ

Thursday, May 22: Work and VBS

Friday, May 23: Work and VBS

Saturday, May 24: Morning- Yungay market and guinea pigs for breakfast? Travel to HUASCARAN National Park. Afternoon- YUNGAY cemetery tour

Sunday, May 25: Return to Lima, night flight home

Monday, May 26: Arrival in CLT

boston marathon women's finish

peru....coming soon!

In exactly one month we will be leaving with SLCA's senior class to head to Peru! I can't believe how quickly the school year has come and gone.

This year we will be focusing on Joshua 1:9 for our theme for vacation Bible school and talking about Daniel and the lions' den and David and Goliath.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

louiecris

Louie the cat's new look
Created by manager Bryan W. Cook
(http://bryancookart.wordpress.com/)

Summer 2007

why did the turkey cross the road?

Traffic got a little backed up
today on Gilead Rd.

SLP, here I come!

It is official! I just bought my tickets to go to San Luis Potosi, Mexico for the month of June! I will be with Jim and Lisa McTighe, working with and training national believers for an outreach similar to a Sidewalk Sunday School or Backyard Bible Club!

http://www.servantslove.org/
http://themctighes.blogspot.com/

A picture of what OUR Father has done...

Riley's Big Day

Riley is having a special visit to the vet today.

He has had a rough week.....on Wendesday, he had his first bath after coming home caked in mud. He was probably in a fight. The vet called him a thug.

To Riley!

Spring SPRAIN (not break)

Sad! Saturday some friends and I went to play ultimate frisbee at Freedom Park....after about 10 minutes of the "Clemson team" beating us non Clemsonites, I jumped up to catch the frisbee and landed on my left foot, rolling my ankle and dashing my hopes of running in the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston.

I would like to jokingly echo the cry of the Prince, who after falling while fleeing Queen Orual in Til We Have Faces, said "curse the gods who made man's ankle.

Once again I will repeat, "SAD!"

Monterrey 2008

Here is a video I made for my Spanish class after
our trip to Monterrey. Enjoy! Some of the pictures
are sort of random....that was the teacher part of
me thinking of things we had been learning in class :)

Love that smell!

This morning I woke up to the smell of PUMPKIN MUFFINS at my friend Melissa's house. You should try them:)

1 can of Libby Pumpkin
1 box of Spice Cake mix

Stir, put in a muffin tin. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon and sugar. Bake on 375 til done. Voila! Eat and be happy!

spring training

Today we had a meeting to discuss Spring training for next year's cross country team.....over 40 students showed up! I am so excited!

Here is a great quote from Eric Liddell (well, from the movie "Chariots of Fire"), winner of the 400 meters at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1924 and Christian Missionary to China.

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

lessons from my cat

Everyday when I arrive home from school, Riley greets me at the door with his friendly, "mrow." As I put my things down, he prances around my feet and continues his, "mrow, mrow," but now, it is not so much friendly as it is a little demanding.

I sit down to read my mail, and he decides it would be fun to put his claws in my pants....."RILEY!!!" I fuss at him and walk over to pour some food in his bowl....surely, he is just hungry, now he will leave me alone!

He eats a few bites, but as I walk away, he follows me, still prancing around my feet, sometimes almost tripping me.

"Riley! I gave you food! What's the problem?"

Finally, I pick him up and pet him for a few minutes. He purrs contentedly. When I put him down he goes and eats his food and plays for a while.

He didn't want food....he wanted me...If only I would come more often to my Father's presence desiring Him, and not just the things I want or need!

Barn "Tails"

Last night I was unloading of my car when I heard something moving around outside the barn. My imagination went wild with possibilities.....coyotes, narfs from "Lady in the Water," armed bandits.....adrenaline kicked in....I prepared to make a mad dash....I waited another second to see if I heard the noise again....I did....frozen, I waited until it came around the corner....whew! Luckily it was only a friendly goat. She came and poked her head in my apartment....perhaps she was just looking for something to eat.

snow day

It snowed less than half an inch last night so school was canceled today. Ahhh....I love snow days!
picture from www.charlotte.com

bad kitty!

The other night I was grading some papers when I heard something that suspiciously sounded like a cat in a trashcan. I got up and walked over to find Riley, with his hiney sticking up in the air and his nose in the garbage. As I prepared myself to scold him, he popped his head up......except, I couldn't actually see his head because it was stuck in a sour cream container. I had to laugh! I will save the scolding for the next time and perhaps learn to take out the trash a little sooner.

Christmas Concert: Tonight at 7pm

Hi everyone! This is going to be an amazing concert! Come and bring a friend! 7pm at Uptown Church
( 926 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204)
Love,
trish

sweet community

Psalm 133
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Unity is so sweet and refreshing! Whenever I leave my weekly Bible Study, made up of several gals from school, I desire God more....I desire to know Him and to be in His presence. Being with them renews my heart as each of them share what God is teaching them and how He is showing them more of His character.

Our Christian walk is most fully lived out in community.....God Himself is community: Father, Son, and Spirit. But, how often I reject that community in an effort to figure it all out on my own. Looking back, though, I realize that the times when I have followed God most closely and lived out his requirements more carefully have come when I was willing to throw myself into community and allow myself to know and be known, to serve and to be served, to love and to be loved.

Caedmon's Call: Carry Your Love
We are called out; we are ransomed
We are not of the world were in
we are chosen; we are blessed
to bring light to the lives of men
so father sow your seed
give us life in community
wake us from our sleep
this is your time; this is your place
and we are vessels for breaking

(CHORUS)
under your grace we are lef by your spirt
you have redeemed us by the blood of your son
send down your word we are eager to hear it
ready our hearts to carry your love

you are sunlight you are morning
your the hope of a brand new day
your are comfort; you are blessing
and you wipe all our tears away
so change us from within
render miracles from our sin
remind us once again
this is your time;this is your place
we are vessels for breaking

ode to padme

one day
she went away
without a coat
without a note
into the cold
she was quite bold
to leave from home
now free to roam
i miss her purr
and her soft fur
kitty cat!
please come back
unless, of course,
you're some dog's snack...

i love my job

The past two days have been a reminder of why I enjoy teaching! The assignment: you and your partner are forming a travel agency. Research a Central American country, prepare an itinerary, do a commercial (memorized and in Spanish), make some authentic food, and convince us why we should use your agency. The results: Some AMAZING projects and great food! Good job everyone! I am so proud :)Catherine and Samantha conviced us to come to Panama!
Kate, Elizabeth, and Becky made some awesome dip....and even though Mexico isn't technically part of Central America, our happy bellies didn't mind :)
Sarah and Kierra went all out! Definitely gets my vote for most enthusiastic.
Yum, Audrey.....what is that delectable dish?

just wait...

by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate...
and the Master so gently said,"Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!"
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I relate
hangs in the balance and you tell me to Wait?"
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign.
Or even a 'no,' to which I'll resign.

You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
as my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine...
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
you'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
when darkness and silence are all you can see.

You'd never experience the fullness of love
when the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
the faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

You'd never know should your pain quickly flee,
what it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
but oh, the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you.

So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
that the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still "WAIT"

Finish Strong

Saturday, September 29
5K time 27:29
Improvement from last race: 1: 35
Excitement Level: 10 out of 10!


I am really enjoying running lately....I am not sure why! Perhaps it is the challenge of pushing yourself beyond where you thought you could go.

I am enjoying seeing our cross country kids run and get faster and do more than they thought they could do. There have been times I almost cried to see them push themselves and finish strong.

Maybe it is because running gives such a great picture of our walk with Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Psalm 119:32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Lord, give us hearts that run after you! Help us to finish strong and make it to our goal: home, with you, forever.

out of the silent planet

"Yes," said Oyarsa, "but one thing we left behind us...:fear. And with fear, murder, and rebellion. The weakest of my people do not fear death. It is the Bent One, the lord of your world, who wastes your lives and befouls them with flying from what you know will overtake you in the end. If you were subjects of Maleldil (God) you would have peace."
Out of the Silent Planet, 139
C.S. Lewis