Journal Entries 2-3

So yeah, God, I asked for it and now you're giving it to me. Sacrifice. It's about 12AM and I just found out I have 4 hours to sleep, on the bus ride, to Urdaneta City, when it will be time for us to get up. So when we arrive at our hotel, we'll have time to put our stuff down, "freshen up", and go eat breakfast. Ok, I can do this. Sacrifice for Jesus, right? Got some sleep on the bus so that is good. Bus driver drove kind of crazy--I wasn't use to that so this is new...however, I am starting to feel a little more energized. Thanks God. I need all the energy You will supply for my day.

...unpacked, "freshened up", and ready for breakfast. I'm feeling pretty good at this point and am anticipating what this will be like. Have I mentioned that I'm really not sure how this is all going to go down? You're in control God. You've called me here and I pray you use me.

Today was the first day of our adventure. God supplied all the energy I needed and I praise Him for that! It was a tough day as I didn't really know what I was doing, but God has been faithful. My first Gospel presentation at an elementary school--it was ok. Let's just say I'm glad God uses anything for His good. It's kind of difficult to get use to having a translator repeat everything you say. I also need to remember to just break it down phrase by phrase or sentence by sentence. Not really sure about this but I know things will get better and God will use me. I'm clinging to that. I got to preach twice today. I would have liked more "practice" but it will come. The day was a little slow but not a bad first day. We took one of my teammates back to the hotel because she wasn't feeling well. Ate at McDonalds for lunch and then hit the road again. However, we had a little bit of jeep trouble but nothing that set us back for hours. Just kind of a slow day. I love the people here! Thank you Father for giving me a heart for these people. They're so beautiful and friendly. I love that You have created them this way. I'm feeling a little tired now that I have been sitting still...It's about 4pm and I am going to take a nap until dinner.

A few hours later...
I just slept through dinner! Got to love jet lag. It's about 9:30pm and I'm debating on whether or not to eat something or go back to bed. I'm still really tired...ok, going to bed now :)

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Day 4, I think

I feel great this morning! I got 10 hours of sleep since I slept through dinner and went back to bed after realizing I slept through dinner. My alarm clock went off at 4:20AM and I actually feel pretty good! Thanks Lord, for the much needed rest. I just knew today was going to be great and it was! Lord, you have definitely blessed me today. I was with a great group and we got to 14 schools today! We ended up dropping people off with pastors to hit more schools. I liked this a lot. I ended up getting to preach 5 times today and I am already feeling more comfortable with preaching. Thank you Lord, for giving me courage and boldness to preach the Gospel. Thank You that You have not given me a spirit of timidity, but of power and love. These people need Jesus. They need to hear the Good News and I thank You that You have chosen me today to tell them. "I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge." 2 Corinthians 11:6
Lord, I have the knowledge. I know You personally and I know the Gospel. Help me to take it wherever you lead me. God, allow me to continue to be used by You where You see fit. Thank you for the opportunities you have given me today. Your children truly are beautiful.

Dinner was at 6pm promptly and I just made a fool out of myself. Singing songs. One of my favorite things to do with my closest friends, in my car alone, and for worship. Not to perform for all to hear just because someone told me to. Jingle Bells. Really? Oh me, it's so messed up. Pizza Hut for dinner, was pretty good. Mr. Tebow spoke about why the Gospel really is good news. I'm challenged as I ponder on the Gospel in general. Thanks Lord, it's been food to my soul. It's about 8pm and I'm going to bed. I love it!