These kids.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Kids…they've never really been "my thing." It takes a lot of extra energy and patience from me to work with them.  I feel awkward around them and sometimes I just don't feel like I can relate to a 9 year-old, you know?



But these kids? These kids make me want children(most days). They make me excited about hanging out with them. They are cute, sweet, and respectful. They have patience with me when I'm stumbling over my Spanish. And even though I am way older than them, they always want me to play with them. And even though I'm still somewhat awkward around them they still call out my name like I'm they're best friend.
So when Mitch and I heard that these kids had no teachers even though school was supposed to have started already and the government didn't care enough to send anyone in, we decided to become their teachers. While I hate math and have trouble getting myself to read, I'm going to do my best to teach these kids the basics of math + reading. And while we already go into their village twice a week to teach Bible stories, we're going to teach them the Bible in the school (take that U.S. government!). Because these kids are worth it. These kids deserve love, attention, and the right to learn. These kids have stolen my heart.

Green juice.

Friday, January 17, 2014

I want to start a series on here about food. I think it would be fun to share some of the recipes I've come up with while being somewhat limited in food items. I love searching Pinterest for different recipes, but often times there are certain ingredients I just can't find in Guatemala. So I'll be sharing my creations as well as some typical Guatemalan food!



Juicing. It's like the thing right now and admittedly I've jumped on the bandwagon. However, I am not replacing the juice for a meal, nor am I trying to lose weight from it. For me, it's just a way of getting in some extra fruits and veggies. When I first bought my juicer I really didn't know what I was doing. But I ended up creating something really yummy.

I don't know about you, but most store bought green juices are gross to me. They either taste like grass or they taste way too much like a green apple and I do not care for those (red delicious all the way!).

So here's what I came up with for a green juice that does not taste like grass or a green apple!

2 Red apples
1 Orange
Celery
Cucumber
Lime

After juicing the apples and orange I used a handful of celery and cucumber, really just until it helped fill up my cup. And I squeezed in some lime juice for a little extra zing. I really enjoyed this juice and will definitely make it again. I don't like cucumber or celery unless they are covered in dressing or cream cheese so this was a good way to sneak them in.

*Tip: make sure to drink the juice on an empty stomach or it could cause digestive problems. I had the worst heartburn after drinking it all because I enjoyed it while eating lunch.

Hope you enjoy and happy juicing!


Christmas, New Year's, and Now

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

It was such a blessing to spend Christmas at home. While we were looking forward to experiencing a Guatemalan Christmas and New Year's, there's nothing like being with family for the Holiday's. Our 90 day tourist visa expired so we had to leave the country and it worked out that we could go home for visa renewal.




We spent our Christmas in Pensacola and our New Year's in Houston. This was the first New Year's that I fell asleep before midnight. Oops. But it was so fun being with family. 

So what are we up to now? We've picked up right where we left off. And we're starting a new Bible study in a village called the 46.  Now we have 2 villages that we are actively working in and teaching the Bible. The problem is that no one has a Bible! We want to get Bible's in everyone's hand. 
We will be raising money so that we can buy Bible's for all the villagers…and there's a lot of them! We need your help! If you are interested in helping just click here.

Please pray for our Bible studies in both Agua Zarca and the 46. Also pray that we can get our temporary residency and/or a religious visa in a timely manner so we don't have to leave the country again in 90 days. 

-Amanda

Goals and Grace

Saturday, January 4, 2014


After a several weeks of not blogging and a 2 week mini-vacay in the states, we're back in Guatemala and back to blogging. I hope everyone reading this had a fabulous Christmas and a Happy New Year! We sure did, but I'll post about our trip later.

I wanted to dedicate a whole post to goals, specifically 2014 goals. I know there are some people who have nothing to do with new years goals and other who completely embrace it. I used to fall some where in the middle. I was indifferent,  and often made goals but never pushed myself to complete them. This year, however, I am completely motivated to make new goals and see them through till the end. 

I saw a quote the other day on facebook that said, " I used to see the New Year as a chance to reset, but truthfully God gives us the chance to reset all the time! #Grace"

While I completely agree, I can't help but feeling like the new year is a fresh start. And it certainitly is a perfect time to look forward and set new goals. I also believe that there is a lot more to attaining goals than just listing them. What's your plan of action? How are you going to reach this goal? Those are questions I asked myself as I thought about what I wanted to accomplish. And then I came up with a strategy to get me there. So, since we're talking goals here are mine:

1. Push myself artistically. 
I have always been drawn to art in some form or fashion. Ever since that 10th grade art class I knew it would always be a part of my life (I almost pursued being an art history teacher). And then a camera fell in my hands and I fell in love with it. This year, I want to be a better photographer. I want to challenge myself and grow as an artist. But how?
- take photos everyday (even if it's only for 5 min)
-practice, practice, practice on different subjects/different settings
-draw more. In college I wanted to take a photography class and the only way I could was if I took drawing 1&2. Unfortunately I only made it through drawing 1 due to lack of electives, but I learned that drawing is fun and I can sometimes be really good at it. It's also therapeutic and helps when I'm in a creative rut.



2. Get fit. 
This is such a cliché new years goal, but I'm going for it! I've been on this get-fit-kick since mid November and I'm sticking with it. Mitch is even jumping on it too. This is not a lose weight kind of goal, but a get strong kind of goal! 
-Eat more protein and less sugar. 
-Strength train 5 times a week. 
-Don't put it off until tomorrow!


3. Love more. 
This is one is for both Mitch and I. I think this is going to be the hardest of them all. Why? Because by human nature we're selfish creatures and loving others is a selfless act. 
-Be more mindful of other needs. I live in a country of great need, both spiritually and physically. And while my "job/title" is missionary, I'm not always motivated by love. I've learned that sometimes, people just want you to be their friend. And a friend loves. 
-More alone time with Jesus. I talk with Him throughout my whole day, but there is nothing like intimate time in the Word. I think to love others more, we must first love God. Only He can change a selfish heart into a loving one.


I'm keeping it simple with 3 goals. I'm not going to stress over them or beat myself up for not perfectly perfecting them. Because sometimes on a random Tuesday in September, we have a bad day. And sometimes we reach December and realize we botched it. But that's where grace comes in and like the quote above states, Jesus always gives us a chance to reset. That's grace and that's what will keep me going through 2014. 

What are your goals for the New Year? 


A beautiful adventure. All rights reserved. © Adorable Design.