So, this was a busy weekend! We are 5 days from D-Day --> Departure Day!!! I can't believe I'm in the home stretch!
Anyway, Friday was lots of fun because I got to spend lots of time with some of my friends from small group with whom I rarely get to spend time outside of actual small group meetings. But the coolest thing about Friday happened in the morning while I was at Firestone getting my car fixed. I have built a rapport with the store and services managers, Carson and Mike (both Christians), at this particular Firestone, because they were my mechanics at a different store for several years. Therefore, because they are good and they ensure that I am treated well, I followed them to their current store. In doing so, I have had numerous opportunities to chat with the "receptionist" there. Her name is Barbara, and she is just a really neat lady! We have enjoyed chatting while I wait for maintenance or repairs to be completed. Prior to my Christmas short-term trip to Cofradia, I had shared about the trip with Barbara and Mike on several occasions, so that when I returned I took my pictures for them to see all that went on. Barbara wasn't working the first time I took the photo album, and the couple times I was up there after that, I forgot to take them with. Until Friday. I thought that would be my last visit before leaving for Mexico for three months, so I made sure to take my pictures. While talking Barbara through them, I was able to share some of the stories of how the Lord brought folks to Himself while we were there. One of those stories was about a vendor woman that my friend Elena and I met while shopping. The result was that by the dinner time she had come to know Christ, and the vehicle that Elena used to share the gospel with her was the Bridge Illustration. When I mentioned this, Barbara nodded to indicate she was following me, but didn't really have a look of understanding on her face. So, I asked her if she knew what that was or had ever heard it used. She responded in the negative, so I went on to explain to her the Bridge Illustration and then continued on with the story. It was the most naturally flowing conversation ever! But I realized later that I SHARED A MINI GOSPEL PRESENTATION WITH BARBARA!!!! Of course the time and place were not appropriate to follow through to invitation or anything like that. But I have to go back this week to get some last minute stuff done on my car, and I'm planning to find a tract with the Bridge Illustration and all the verses involved so that I can leave that with her before I go to Mexico!!! Please pray for Barbara's heart, that the Lord would be softening it and nurturing those seeds that have already been planted so that she will be receptive to Him when He knocks and invites her to let Him in--whenever that may be. Pray for her husband and 1-year-old daughter as well that the Lord would be working in them, preserving their hearts, and preparing them for relationships with Him as well!!
Anyway, that was really exciting because I've never done something like that before! And what amazed me was how easily the illustration came in words and how naturally it fit into the conversation. There was nothing awkward about it at all! Praise the Lord for how He works...how amazing that the Christmas Mexico experience and the impending Mexico internship are meeting already to influence people here for the Kingdom! Halleluiah!
Anyway, Saturday was spent moving most of my stuff to my grandmother's basement. My room at the Dahl's is SO EMPTY. I'm using their trundle bed and I have no furniture except a chair and ottoman that came with the room and some rubbermaid 20 gallon totes that will soon be filled with clothes for storage. The next couple of days will be filled with "practice" packing and real packing for Mexico, as well as packing up what's left of what's staying, moving it to my grandmother's basement to join the rest of my stuff, and visiting around Central Virginia (Stafford, Fred, Richmond, Chesterfield) to see folks before I leave.
Saturday night was a fun time with friends as they all got together at my friend Beth's house for a little farewell-Amber-wants-to-see-you-all party. It was small, but oh so much fun! Then yesterday was my last day at church until before flying out, so at the end of the service they prayed for me and my time in Mexico, and when the service was over I got lots of hugs and individual prayers and well-wishes. It was very special. I shall miss that body of believers oh so desperately, but I am excited for the day when I will see them again in June. I'm really glad I fly back on a Saturday because that means I don't have to wait a week after returning before I can see them all again!
This too will be a busy week of preparation and good-byes. Today is the first of my last three days of work, and the week also holds my last small group for three months, as well as final coffee dates and some time with my family. In the meantime I'll be packing and reading and studying Spanish and much much more! So, please continue to pray for endurance and commitment from me, because I get tired sometimes and just want to veg, but now is not the time.
5 days and counting!!!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Links
Hey everyone!
I have added some links to my page that you may want to check out. One is my MySpace page (for those of you who use MySpace). Then there are two related to my presence in Mexico: one is the main website for Alternative Missions, and the other is a blog maintained by Steve Silberman, one of the missionaries on staff in Cofradia. He and his wife are currently in the states awaiting the birth of their second child, but you can read through some of his past postings to see what has been going on down there. The other is a link for Compassion International. If you have never sponsored a child through Compassion or any other similar organization, I encourage you to pray and consider doing so. It is a wonderful opportunity and such a blessing, not only to the child you sponsor AND hi/her family, but also to you as the sponsor!
Anyway, enjoy!
I have added some links to my page that you may want to check out. One is my MySpace page (for those of you who use MySpace). Then there are two related to my presence in Mexico: one is the main website for Alternative Missions, and the other is a blog maintained by Steve Silberman, one of the missionaries on staff in Cofradia. He and his wife are currently in the states awaiting the birth of their second child, but you can read through some of his past postings to see what has been going on down there. The other is a link for Compassion International. If you have never sponsored a child through Compassion or any other similar organization, I encourage you to pray and consider doing so. It is a wonderful opportunity and such a blessing, not only to the child you sponsor AND hi/her family, but also to you as the sponsor!
Anyway, enjoy!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Snail Mail
So, I have discovered my mailing address in Mexico for all of you who would like to send me hand-written letters or packages of any kind! Here it is!
Amber Crafton
Apartado 19
Tuxpan, Nayarit 63201
Mexico
So, mail away!!
Amber Crafton
Apartado 19
Tuxpan, Nayarit 63201
Mexico
So, mail away!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
And the Journey Begins...
So, here we go! Welcome to my Mexico Adventure blog! I'm headed to Mexico in just under three weeks, and I'll be there for three months! Here's the background story...
I went to Cofradia in the state of Nayarit in Mexico over Christmas 2005 with a team from my church for a short-term missions trip. We went in cooperation with an organization called Alternative Missions to their base in Cofradia where they have 4-5 full-time missionary families. It was a wonderful, obviously life-changing experience! As a short-term team we hosted several Christmas-themed vacation Bible school events (leading up to Christmas) for the surrounding towns and even for a Cora Indian village in the mountains, a traditional American Christmas feast (for the missionaries) on Christmas Eve, a marriage and family conference for the local churches (the day after Christmas), and a concert given by a wonderful Christian classical guitarist who joined us (he and his son) from Spain. Our team was made up primarily of whole families, so all 15 or so kids (most under the age of 16) had their own ministry outreaches too! They took skateboards and a ramp and attracted youth wherever we were with that and other sports/gaming opportunities. They did clowning, drama, dance, and even fingernail painting (the idea of one of our 7-year-olds!). It was a really neat experience, and the Lord moved mightily not just in Mexico, but even more so in US! And well, for me, that meant drawing me back to Mexico--something I never EVER thought about prior to two months ago!
It was a very soft but strongly poignant moment when I realized that I was right where I was supposed to be. I was making my home-made spiced whipped cream in a kitchen on the base for the Christmas Eve feast. I was there all by myself, and it was of course a beautiful warm, sunny day (temps in the 90s Fahrenheit). I looked up and out the window over the sink and just had a flash moment where I knew that everything was perfectly right just then. I was exactly where I was supposed to be and it was exactly where I wanted to stay. My heart has been so restless the last few years searching for the "IT" that I knew deep down inside the Lord had in store for me but not knowing what the "IT" was nor how to find it nor how to even begin to figure that out. He told me five years ago to "GO!", but never said where or when, and the restlessness to finally go has only grown over those five years--kind of like the wheels of a race car spinning before the driver lets off the brakes. But in that moment in that kitchen making whipped cream, that restlessness disappeared and I was filled with a sense of peace, almost as though the search were over, and I'd finally found "IT". I'm still not really sure what "IT" really looks like or all that it entails, but I finally get a chance to stop staring at a far-distant horizon and actually jump over to the other side and start exploring!!! So, my hand is on the plow and there's no looking back now!
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and energy. From exploring a possible interest in going back to exploring the option of an internship to getting one approved to realizing that I was actually returning to all the work that required...well, it's just been non-stop. Support letters are out (yes, I have to raise support--missionary work, even for interns, is faith-based!), and I'm slowly chipping away at the reading list I have to accomplish either before I leave or shortly after I arrive. All my worksheets and ministry planning/goals are filled out, and now I'm just reading and waiting to see how the Lord provides financially. It's a whole new world of faith for me. The Lord is definitely kicking everything up a notch into high-gear. No more complacent, comfortable Christianity. It's time for challenge and growth and rubber-meets-the -road walking. Not just moseying walking either--we're talking heavy duty hikin' with the boots, the pack, the trail mix and water bottles, and NO MAP. We're bushwackin' this one! Not easy but oh so good.
So, please be keeping me in your prayers. Prayers for a deep and rich time of preparation in the weeks remaining before I leave, both spiritually and practically. And prayers for provision. There are lots of things that need to get taken care of from storing all my stuff for three months to finding rides to and from airports (ok, that one is taken care of), to finding a place to live when I return (no rush on that one yet). The biggest need right now is financial provision. So, please pray for that. I know that my God--my Father, really--owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He has riches in glory that are incomprehensible, and he delights to provide for my needs and even to go beyond those needs at times. I am believing God is who He says He is--Jehovah Jireh--God the Provider. I have no need to worry. Please believe that with me in prayer for strength of faith in me and abundant provision in the needs--that means 100% of my budget BEFORE I leave!! Oh yah..it's bold, but He did say to come with confidence and boldness before the throne of grace and to pray in faith believing!
My American life officially goes on hold in just a few short weeks. I move all my stuff out of the house where I live on February 25. My last day of work is March 1 (can I get a HALLELUIAH?!), and my flight departs BWI airport at 7 am on Saturday, March 4. I should be in Cofradia by dinner time-ish. I'll be there for three months and will land back at BWI at 7 am on June 3--just 12 hours before Becky's wedding--my dear friend and fellow Lily. That is as much as I know. Everything else will be answered and experienced as it comes. In the meantime, I'll be keeping a journal here of all the goings-on during my time in Mexico. Ministry/activity updates, pictures, thoughts, etc.
So, here we go!! Welcome to the adventure. I have a feeling it's going to be BIG!
I went to Cofradia in the state of Nayarit in Mexico over Christmas 2005 with a team from my church for a short-term missions trip. We went in cooperation with an organization called Alternative Missions to their base in Cofradia where they have 4-5 full-time missionary families. It was a wonderful, obviously life-changing experience! As a short-term team we hosted several Christmas-themed vacation Bible school events (leading up to Christmas) for the surrounding towns and even for a Cora Indian village in the mountains, a traditional American Christmas feast (for the missionaries) on Christmas Eve, a marriage and family conference for the local churches (the day after Christmas), and a concert given by a wonderful Christian classical guitarist who joined us (he and his son) from Spain. Our team was made up primarily of whole families, so all 15 or so kids (most under the age of 16) had their own ministry outreaches too! They took skateboards and a ramp and attracted youth wherever we were with that and other sports/gaming opportunities. They did clowning, drama, dance, and even fingernail painting (the idea of one of our 7-year-olds!). It was a really neat experience, and the Lord moved mightily not just in Mexico, but even more so in US! And well, for me, that meant drawing me back to Mexico--something I never EVER thought about prior to two months ago!
It was a very soft but strongly poignant moment when I realized that I was right where I was supposed to be. I was making my home-made spiced whipped cream in a kitchen on the base for the Christmas Eve feast. I was there all by myself, and it was of course a beautiful warm, sunny day (temps in the 90s Fahrenheit). I looked up and out the window over the sink and just had a flash moment where I knew that everything was perfectly right just then. I was exactly where I was supposed to be and it was exactly where I wanted to stay. My heart has been so restless the last few years searching for the "IT" that I knew deep down inside the Lord had in store for me but not knowing what the "IT" was nor how to find it nor how to even begin to figure that out. He told me five years ago to "GO!", but never said where or when, and the restlessness to finally go has only grown over those five years--kind of like the wheels of a race car spinning before the driver lets off the brakes. But in that moment in that kitchen making whipped cream, that restlessness disappeared and I was filled with a sense of peace, almost as though the search were over, and I'd finally found "IT". I'm still not really sure what "IT" really looks like or all that it entails, but I finally get a chance to stop staring at a far-distant horizon and actually jump over to the other side and start exploring!!! So, my hand is on the plow and there's no looking back now!
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and energy. From exploring a possible interest in going back to exploring the option of an internship to getting one approved to realizing that I was actually returning to all the work that required...well, it's just been non-stop. Support letters are out (yes, I have to raise support--missionary work, even for interns, is faith-based!), and I'm slowly chipping away at the reading list I have to accomplish either before I leave or shortly after I arrive. All my worksheets and ministry planning/goals are filled out, and now I'm just reading and waiting to see how the Lord provides financially. It's a whole new world of faith for me. The Lord is definitely kicking everything up a notch into high-gear. No more complacent, comfortable Christianity. It's time for challenge and growth and rubber-meets-the -road walking. Not just moseying walking either--we're talking heavy duty hikin' with the boots, the pack, the trail mix and water bottles, and NO MAP. We're bushwackin' this one! Not easy but oh so good.
So, please be keeping me in your prayers. Prayers for a deep and rich time of preparation in the weeks remaining before I leave, both spiritually and practically. And prayers for provision. There are lots of things that need to get taken care of from storing all my stuff for three months to finding rides to and from airports (ok, that one is taken care of), to finding a place to live when I return (no rush on that one yet). The biggest need right now is financial provision. So, please pray for that. I know that my God--my Father, really--owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He has riches in glory that are incomprehensible, and he delights to provide for my needs and even to go beyond those needs at times. I am believing God is who He says He is--Jehovah Jireh--God the Provider. I have no need to worry. Please believe that with me in prayer for strength of faith in me and abundant provision in the needs--that means 100% of my budget BEFORE I leave!! Oh yah..it's bold, but He did say to come with confidence and boldness before the throne of grace and to pray in faith believing!
My American life officially goes on hold in just a few short weeks. I move all my stuff out of the house where I live on February 25. My last day of work is March 1 (can I get a HALLELUIAH?!), and my flight departs BWI airport at 7 am on Saturday, March 4. I should be in Cofradia by dinner time-ish. I'll be there for three months and will land back at BWI at 7 am on June 3--just 12 hours before Becky's wedding--my dear friend and fellow Lily. That is as much as I know. Everything else will be answered and experienced as it comes. In the meantime, I'll be keeping a journal here of all the goings-on during my time in Mexico. Ministry/activity updates, pictures, thoughts, etc.
So, here we go!! Welcome to the adventure. I have a feeling it's going to be BIG!
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