Isn't it ironic how when a believer in Jesus finally makes that decision to follow and serve Him that same time an attack of the enemy comes along, tries to plants seeds of doubt, cause pain and ultimately a scarred or severed relationship with Him?
Jasna, a woman who has been in our church for a long time and has participated with the women's group finally made the commitment to lead one of the nights of the women's Bible study. She mentioned she was nervous; not ready to speak in front of the group and even less lead it. But God gave her the power to say she'd give it a shot. She has a heart for the Lord and is ready to take a step of faith and get past the nervousness to share with the other women. Amazing, right?What a big step toward maturity in the faith!
But then the devil came along and tried to mess things up. Jasna and her two kids got hit by car today! I know, crazy. Her kids got little bumps, and Jasna may have a fractured wrist, but all in all, the Lord kept them safe.
Why does that always happen? When we are comfortable, not making much of a difference for the kingdom, he just leaves us alone. But when we start acting on our faith, making progress in our walk with God and start serving Him, the devil comes to wreak havoc. I'm not sure if Jasna will teach the class tomorrow. We'll have to wait and see. Pray she does! And that she doesn't get disheartened.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Monday, March 03, 2014
first day of school
Today was our first official day of homeschool! The kids were so excited! Even though Milan is only in preschool and isn't required to do anything except play, he joined us for the majority of our activities.I didn't do quite all I had expected and time went by way faster than what I thought it would, but overall I'm happy with our first day. We all woke up a little late and didn't get breakfast til 9am and school started til 9:30. My goal is to get us started at 8:30 or 9 so we can get in the 3 hours before lunch and be finished for the day.
3 hours a day doesn't seem like a lot but when lessons range from 20-30 minutes each, it's surprising how much materials you can cover. My homeschooling style is still developing, but as I read and research and gather lessons plans, books, online materials, worksheets, etc. I realize that my style is eclectic. I have Montessori hands on materials and love child-led learning. I am always attentive to what they talk about, what questions they ask and then I guide them into discovering more about those things. When one starts asking questions about animals that live in holes, we get a chance to read books about rabbits, foxes, moles, etc, watch documentaries and educational videos from national geographic, we talk about them, draw pictures or sing songs about them. All these kinds of things help cement learning. and it's fun. We've gotten to learn so much about science this way, and just this summer they have learned about nocturnal animals, herbivores, carnivors, hibernation, colonies of ants and so many other things.
They also love math. I think most kids learn a distaste for math by seeing their parents or peers dislike it. But when they can see that math is interesting, they just want to learn it all on their own. I have a list of numbers on the wall and every time Milan (when he was still only 3 year old) walked past, he would count. Now I hear him counting everything and sorting things into groups and patterns by number or color, biggest smallest. Isabella loves numbers too and is already able to figure out word problems with addition and division. She is a problem solver and really is growing in her critical thinking skills.
But I'm not all Montessori either... I don't let them lead the way all the time. I plan to give them a routine, which I think give kids security in knowing what comes next. I also will challenge them to do the things they may not want to do that day. It is not child-led in those moments, but some day in the future when they are at a job where they just dont feel like going to work or don't want to do something their boss tells them to do, they will have the skills to submit in the correct moments to challenge themselves and do their best even when they don't like it.
There are some pieces of Charlotte Mason that I really like, too. The writing and literature. Other parts of my homeschooling style are classical, using workbooks and worksheets with quizes and tests. But on the opposite of this scale is the unschooling part of me. I know Isa will learn through the daily activities of life. Homemaking, cooking, cleaning, learning to take care of our garden or pets, visiting elderly, learning to talk to different people, at the store or a restaurant, or feeling confident to talk to a police officer or talk on the telephone. These types of social skills are not taught in schools. Children who sit all day with 40 other children their own age do not get as many opportunities to interact with older and younger people. In fact, the older kids are "too cool", it's not okay for interacction. And the younger kids are "babies", and also not cool to interact with them. Adults are "boring" and elderly are "scary and wrinkly". I'm glad my children have the opportunity to make relationships with all types of people. I would even say they are MORE socialized that schooled children.
Homeschooling gives me the chance to let my kids experience what they are learning. We learn about shapes by encountering shapes in our every day lives, we learn about nature by going out and touching it. Learn about number by counting how many tomatoes are on the bush.We learn geography when we get out a map to see the places we've been and will be going this year. We talk about history when we learn what the Bible says about the beginning of man, or when we want to know why some cultures dress, talk or do the things they do. When we talk about why they eat different foods than we do, instead of just talking about it, we get to visit places, museums, and cook and eat those foods to make it an entire experience.
More than anything, I think the importance of early education lies in character formation, developing a sense of the world around them, and encountering a love to learn. As they grow they will be able to teach themselves because they will know how to learn. And above all else is to teach an awareness of God who is all around us, that they will discover His interaction in their lives, and recognize His love for them and their own need for Him.
It is a lofty goal to homeschool but just as lofty to be a mom. I want to join in my children's learning. I hope to model the way, by showing them patience, love and respect and expect the same in return. The goal is not for them to be little adults, but rather to have an amazing childhood that lasts as long as possible. While growing up will happen naturally, so will all the other developmental aspects of learning. Having fun, loving live. Loving each other. That's what I want this year to be.
3 hours a day doesn't seem like a lot but when lessons range from 20-30 minutes each, it's surprising how much materials you can cover. My homeschooling style is still developing, but as I read and research and gather lessons plans, books, online materials, worksheets, etc. I realize that my style is eclectic. I have Montessori hands on materials and love child-led learning. I am always attentive to what they talk about, what questions they ask and then I guide them into discovering more about those things. When one starts asking questions about animals that live in holes, we get a chance to read books about rabbits, foxes, moles, etc, watch documentaries and educational videos from national geographic, we talk about them, draw pictures or sing songs about them. All these kinds of things help cement learning. and it's fun. We've gotten to learn so much about science this way, and just this summer they have learned about nocturnal animals, herbivores, carnivors, hibernation, colonies of ants and so many other things.
They also love math. I think most kids learn a distaste for math by seeing their parents or peers dislike it. But when they can see that math is interesting, they just want to learn it all on their own. I have a list of numbers on the wall and every time Milan (when he was still only 3 year old) walked past, he would count. Now I hear him counting everything and sorting things into groups and patterns by number or color, biggest smallest. Isabella loves numbers too and is already able to figure out word problems with addition and division. She is a problem solver and really is growing in her critical thinking skills.
But I'm not all Montessori either... I don't let them lead the way all the time. I plan to give them a routine, which I think give kids security in knowing what comes next. I also will challenge them to do the things they may not want to do that day. It is not child-led in those moments, but some day in the future when they are at a job where they just dont feel like going to work or don't want to do something their boss tells them to do, they will have the skills to submit in the correct moments to challenge themselves and do their best even when they don't like it.
There are some pieces of Charlotte Mason that I really like, too. The writing and literature. Other parts of my homeschooling style are classical, using workbooks and worksheets with quizes and tests. But on the opposite of this scale is the unschooling part of me. I know Isa will learn through the daily activities of life. Homemaking, cooking, cleaning, learning to take care of our garden or pets, visiting elderly, learning to talk to different people, at the store or a restaurant, or feeling confident to talk to a police officer or talk on the telephone. These types of social skills are not taught in schools. Children who sit all day with 40 other children their own age do not get as many opportunities to interact with older and younger people. In fact, the older kids are "too cool", it's not okay for interacction. And the younger kids are "babies", and also not cool to interact with them. Adults are "boring" and elderly are "scary and wrinkly". I'm glad my children have the opportunity to make relationships with all types of people. I would even say they are MORE socialized that schooled children.
Homeschooling gives me the chance to let my kids experience what they are learning. We learn about shapes by encountering shapes in our every day lives, we learn about nature by going out and touching it. Learn about number by counting how many tomatoes are on the bush.We learn geography when we get out a map to see the places we've been and will be going this year. We talk about history when we learn what the Bible says about the beginning of man, or when we want to know why some cultures dress, talk or do the things they do. When we talk about why they eat different foods than we do, instead of just talking about it, we get to visit places, museums, and cook and eat those foods to make it an entire experience.
More than anything, I think the importance of early education lies in character formation, developing a sense of the world around them, and encountering a love to learn. As they grow they will be able to teach themselves because they will know how to learn. And above all else is to teach an awareness of God who is all around us, that they will discover His interaction in their lives, and recognize His love for them and their own need for Him.
It is a lofty goal to homeschool but just as lofty to be a mom. I want to join in my children's learning. I hope to model the way, by showing them patience, love and respect and expect the same in return. The goal is not for them to be little adults, but rather to have an amazing childhood that lasts as long as possible. While growing up will happen naturally, so will all the other developmental aspects of learning. Having fun, loving live. Loving each other. That's what I want this year to be.
Friday, February 28, 2014
the real me: the truth about frienship
It's been really hard to make friends here. Honestly, it's been hard for me to make friends at all the last 10 years. Since I left the US, it's been a time of highs and lows, times when I've really felt the need for friendship and other times where I didn't feel that need. I've mourned the loss of friendships. Before I left the US I had some really "close" friends. At least that's what I thought. My heart has been heavy so many times, just wishing my friendships with those people could go back to what they once were. But then I realize 10 years have passed and I just may never regain them as friends. There are a small handful of people who have stuck with me through thick and thin, who have loved me despite all the things that are wrong, selfish, or misguided about me. Others have judged. Some stuck it though. I love those ones. But I can't just sit down with them over coffee and chat. I'm still thousands of miles away. My kids take up most of my time (which I wouldn't change), but it doesn't give me a quiet space condusive of having a meaningful Skype conversation either.
And although I love my husband for being so amazingly understanding, he's still a man and I still need a friend that is not him. We've been in Chile for almost a year and a half and it's been soooo hard to make friends. People don't just open their lives to a new person every day. They have lived their entire lives here in Chile without me and frankly don't need to add another person into their circle. ouch. But it's true. I understand people. And sometimes I feel the same way. I dont need to add more people into my circle. But that's just it, i DO need to add.. maybe for my kids sake, my sanity's sake, my marriage's sake. I need conversation with someone who is not on the other side of the computer screen and who I can share life's trial and struggles with.
But what I don't want are handouts. I don't want pity, nor superficial junk. I want real conversation about real topics that affect our lives. And in English would be preferred. Ok, I'll give up the English. Any language that I can understand is ok.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
merry Christmas
Dear friends and loved ones,
It has been quite a year for us! From getting settled into our new home in Chile, Isabella turned 5 in January, she started (and finished) kindergarten; Milan turned 3 in January and is growing into an amazing little person who lights up our lives each day; to the birth of Mateo in February, and dealing with several months of bronchitis and pneumonia, from which we are very thankful that God has healed him of and now he is very healthy! To celebrating 8 years of marriage, and to us searching the ways God wants to use us in ministry here in Chile. We had a rough start with dealing with the illness in my (Tracie's) eyes and the sadness of having to leave our home in Peru, but with happiness in our hearts we see the church in Cusco grow and see how God's hand has been present in our lives throughout.
A new chapter begins as we have been selected by the elders of our local church to take over as the new pastors. What came as an unexpected turn of events, we accept this new role with utmost gratitude and humility, knowing that God has wonderful things in store for our church, "Libertad" (which is the name of the community where it is located and also means "freedom" in Spanish). We are blessed to serve among some of the most amazing people and followers of Jesus. This new role is not a paid position and will begin in January of 2014. It Ricky will continue serving with Ambassadors in Sport. We ask that you pray for us continually. We thank God for you each time we remember you in our conversations and prayers. We hope to see you face to face in 2014.
With joy in celebrating the birth of our Savior and King, Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
midnight musings
I can't believe we've been in our new house for a year already! Yesterday I posted photos of our street and I'd like to get some better pics so you can see our home and where we are living here in Chile! This year has been crazy in so many ways.
I feel like questions for God keep getting raised and some answers seem to come slowly. But God is not slack and His timing is perfect. That said, I am still waiting diligently for answers. Why this, why that. I feel like a three year old, like Milan, who asks me why questions all day long. Since we left Cusco due to the corneal erosions, cornea hypoxy and the discomfort, the pain... it was such a relief physically to leave. But emotionally it's been hard. I do love Chile though and I'm getting used to being here. I still feel like I need to find my niche, my place, as a person, a believer, a missionary.
So the questions I have for God. If He allowed my illness to happen and we left Cusco, then why are we losing financial support left and right? Churches are dropping our support, individuals are going through financial hardships themselves, others drop without notifying. I feel like in our newsletters I dont have anything to say except, we need support!!! I really dislike fundraising. Ironically, we've been told that we're pretty darn good at it. I don't feel like that now. God prepared us and given us exactly what we needed during that last season in our lives, in Cusco. And now, I feel another chapter is opening. The pages are being written, but I don't know the end of the chapter, and I wish I did.
For me, it's hard to let go while at the same time I yearn for the future. I trust God with our foster children, the church in Cusco. I know that He loves them and is caring for them spiritually. I can let go. And as for the future, I want to see our ministry flourish but I know it's not going to be the same ministry as in Peru. I also yearn for a simpler way of life. I love simplicity and the joy of family and the love that we share.
I want to be a peacemaker. To live my life humbly and simply. To enjoy what God has blessed us with. To support and minister to Ricky, my kids, and others who I call friends.
We don't need the support of others to continue doing God's will. Regardless of what monetary means we have, our life and calling are sure. Whether we are in a ministry spotlight or serving day by day in the quietness of our lives, I know we desire to be pleasing to the One who matters.
With open hands I hold our ministry, life, marriage, children, and all that we love. The beauty of life is that it is so fragile and the essence of ministry is that is is an outpouring of life. What a sweet fragrance God's creation is to the Creator when creation completes it purpose of being what it was created for, nothing more and nothing less. The tree glorifies God as it sways in the wind, the lizard as it warms itself on a rock, and mankind as it cares for all that it was given charge of, with humility, love and peace. If it is so simple as that, what is the ultimate purpose of man? And if it is to glorify God, then why does man's mind complicates things so much, to an intense web of lies, desires, goals, stress... and ultimately captivity. I do not want to be captive of anything other that the heart of my Maker and of my husband and children.
....the end
I feel like questions for God keep getting raised and some answers seem to come slowly. But God is not slack and His timing is perfect. That said, I am still waiting diligently for answers. Why this, why that. I feel like a three year old, like Milan, who asks me why questions all day long. Since we left Cusco due to the corneal erosions, cornea hypoxy and the discomfort, the pain... it was such a relief physically to leave. But emotionally it's been hard. I do love Chile though and I'm getting used to being here. I still feel like I need to find my niche, my place, as a person, a believer, a missionary.
So the questions I have for God. If He allowed my illness to happen and we left Cusco, then why are we losing financial support left and right? Churches are dropping our support, individuals are going through financial hardships themselves, others drop without notifying. I feel like in our newsletters I dont have anything to say except, we need support!!! I really dislike fundraising. Ironically, we've been told that we're pretty darn good at it. I don't feel like that now. God prepared us and given us exactly what we needed during that last season in our lives, in Cusco. And now, I feel another chapter is opening. The pages are being written, but I don't know the end of the chapter, and I wish I did.
For me, it's hard to let go while at the same time I yearn for the future. I trust God with our foster children, the church in Cusco. I know that He loves them and is caring for them spiritually. I can let go. And as for the future, I want to see our ministry flourish but I know it's not going to be the same ministry as in Peru. I also yearn for a simpler way of life. I love simplicity and the joy of family and the love that we share.
I want to be a peacemaker. To live my life humbly and simply. To enjoy what God has blessed us with. To support and minister to Ricky, my kids, and others who I call friends.
We don't need the support of others to continue doing God's will. Regardless of what monetary means we have, our life and calling are sure. Whether we are in a ministry spotlight or serving day by day in the quietness of our lives, I know we desire to be pleasing to the One who matters.
With open hands I hold our ministry, life, marriage, children, and all that we love. The beauty of life is that it is so fragile and the essence of ministry is that is is an outpouring of life. What a sweet fragrance God's creation is to the Creator when creation completes it purpose of being what it was created for, nothing more and nothing less. The tree glorifies God as it sways in the wind, the lizard as it warms itself on a rock, and mankind as it cares for all that it was given charge of, with humility, love and peace. If it is so simple as that, what is the ultimate purpose of man? And if it is to glorify God, then why does man's mind complicates things so much, to an intense web of lies, desires, goals, stress... and ultimately captivity. I do not want to be captive of anything other that the heart of my Maker and of my husband and children.
....the end
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