NTM

Entering Ohio from West Virginia, a sign reads, “Welcome to Ohio…so much to discover!” True, true…for me it’s things like the hilly scenery, the Amstutz pantry, my uncle’s wood shop, Lehman’s Hardware and most of all a significant amount of my family and friends who make their home there. Dalton, Ohio always felt like home in the US upon arrival from Venezuela! The last week of April, I was privileged to make a trip north to this area of Ohio. Five of my Mom’s six siblings were able to make it out for a few days…only the doctor in AZ and his family couldn’t make it on short notice this time. My aunt arranged a time one evening for me to share among family and friends. What a loving and faithful group of people! One lady afterwards told me that she saves all my prayer letters and prays for 2 of my requests each day – the first thought that came to my mind was how blessed I truly am!

Now back in North Carolina, I do continue to work at Starbucks however my hours this past month have been slim. I am thankful for the job, for the free coffee and for the few opportunities I’ve had to share the Lord there. Usually I work during very busy hours and I often feel like it’s hard to get to know the people or have valuable conversations with them. Pray that I would be used however the Lord sees fit to use me there!
I also continue to attend La Iglesia Bautista Betel where there are approximately 25-30 attendees. They meet at the English Bethel Baptist church and although they meet separately, they do consider themselves together one church. One of the deacons (pictured below) from the English speaking church oversees the Spanish group…he attends their service and although he doesn’t speak Spanish, the Hispanics love him and he has been instrumental in making them feel like they are a vital part of Bethel Baptist. I am thankful for a church where I can be used and also encouraged and blessed all at the same time. Considering the fact that I’m looking at the mission field in the near future and need supportive individuals and churches, I really need wisdom and discernment in partnership development here in North Carolina. It’s challenging, especially as I haven’t lived in the area for very long.
Another not so welcoming part of life these past 6 weeks or so has been numerous visits to the mechanic! Several times were due to a muffler issue, which in order to pass my car inspection had to be fixed. Then there was the orange check light issue where the problem couldn’t be determined. After having the speed sensor changed 3 times, the real problem appears to have been the transmission. After much thought, prayer, advice, I decided to have the transmission changed, opting out of purchasing a different car. It’s so hard, you hope your car will continue to run but you can’t tell it’s future, especially when it’s already been out and about 235,000 miles. Thankfully, the car in the picture is not my car, but it does make my car problems seem lighter!
A verse that I’ve been thinking about is Psalm 90: 12 “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” I do have the tendency to focus on temporary things….temporary things that might even be good. As long as Satan is successful in allowing us to dwell only on the here and now, he is happy. The verse is so true -I think one is very wise who understands his life is only but a breath in the overall scheme of things and lives like such. So my challenge and focus should be…how can I glorify the Lord best in the small life-span that I have? One thing I know for sure –time spent in the word, and in getting to know the Lord better…I do not regret!