Right before leaving Costa Rica. . . I had an amazing time of prayer and fellowship with some special friends, and I praise God who has known all that I needed. It was very important and special to me.
I long for more time in his presence and have been finding myself diving into His Word hungry for more of His understanding and him in my life.
Being home for the holidays is great because I have stayed up late and slept until 10 every day since I've gotten here. It could potentially be a very stressful holiday with an aunt in the hospital, and a very complicated start to Christmas. We have floated from Christmas eve to the 26th to who knows? for when we will celebrate with the extended family. Thanks to God, I have learned how to be flexible and am also familiar with how things work.
We have figured out as of today, the 23rd, that we will have the extended family Christmas TOMORROW and at MY HOUSE. so . . .
as you can imagine, I have been busy cleaning and getting things ready. My parents are gone to finish their last minute purchases, which is kinda nice 'cause it gives me a chance to just pray and clean and not be distracted.
It was great to see church people on Sunday and catch up a bit with a couple of good friends, and I also got to make "arroz con pollo" for my family. They loved it! They liked it so much that I have offered to make it for our extended family Christmas party tomorrow, and my sisters get in tomorrow as well which I am very excited about!
My best friend Naomi came over and chilled with me on Sunday and we are planning to get together with a bunch of our girlfriends before I leave on January 3rd to come back home to Costa Rica.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and may God's presence surround you and protect you.
Te quiero mucho. Que el Senor les proteja y cuide con todo lo que hagan en este tiempo. Disfruten tiempo con su familias y nos vemos!
Love
me
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Opportunity
Today I had the opportunity to share my faith with the sister of my landlord. She is standing in his place while he is in Argentina, and we went together to the bank. Afterwards, she treated me to coffee and we talked quite a while.
She was very sweet and motherly. She reminded me not to go out on my own and she also went to the grocery store with me, and kindly assisted me in everything. How difficult however for her to hear the gospel. I am hoping for the opportunity to get to know her better, and I pray that God opens her eyes about works. You see, when someone thinks their salvation depends on how hard they try to live correctly, they are sadly mistaken. We cannot live perfect, which is the requirement of God. Although it is wonderful to do our best and strive to make a difference in our world, without Jesus' sacrifice we would still be condemned.
How beautiful however the promise that Jesus brought. For he has promised that there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who BELIEVE IN CHRiST. The reason is because He took the penalty of all the sins of the world upon his shoulders! What great love!
This lady talked about being religious, and just being who you are. She seemed very taken with the idea that is very common these days. This is the idea that if you are religious that is wonderful and if you are not religious that is fine too. She would call me "religious." However, I am not sure that it is an advantage to be considered religious, because misguided religion leads you more into slavery, rather than the freedom that God intended for His children.
I am grateful for the possibilities God has brought to me through his mighty power. How beautiful that we can chose to serve him.
What a beautiful and dear lady. May God by His power and great love reach her heart.
Love you all!
Joanna Joy Finkenbinder :)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December in Costa Rica
A Costa Rican Christmas
Warm and windy
Streets buzzing with traffic
Coffee, milk and tea
Gallo pinto and Tamales
Long sleeves ward off
Chilly winds, and sunshine
Keeps away colds
Bright colors everywhere
Parties (too many)
New Years plans
Friends and family
Spreading love and cheer
The penniless lady
Her beautiful smile
Receives an inheritance
More rich than mine
A gem and a crown
Will be placed on her brow
She spreads wealth with me
As we eat together
Christmas cheer
Is not dead nor gone
In Costa Rica
We sing Christ's song
My time in December this year is only the first 19 days and I have been busy helping with camp registrations, phone calls and christmas newsletters, as well as different parties that signify very much networking.
About that penniless lady. Her name is Zoila and I love her so much. I have enjoyed getting to know her as I pass by San Pedro and stop and talk with her. She sits there on the side of the sidewalk asking for money. Pray for her. She needs a miracle. I want her to be especially blessed this Christmas. She has especially blessed me.
Well, better get back to that calling now actually. One job down. . . one more to go.
Take care everyone. I'll be sure to get back to you in a few. I have more to share!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Re: Honor the Family Name
Hey all.
I can't believe how fast this year has been flying. It is already December 1st! I have been here for almost 1 yr now and I can hardly believe all that I have learned.
Being a missionary is a constant learning process. Right now I am thinking about finishing 12 credits that I need to make my teaching English official. 12 credits later I can have my certificate. I see a great need with these precious children in this area. This week I believe we are having a Christmas party for them. I am very excited! The plan is to have the whole class in English, which will be a great challenge for these students. We will teach them how to make candy cane reindeer but they must follow our instructions in English. and we have a movie planned.
It is a great challenge to teach these kids the basics of English because many of the previous programs just had them memorize words, but if they tried to put it in context or heard it in a different context, they would not recognize it.
We just finished a the Central America Field Fellowship meeting in El Salvador this past week. It was incredible to be with other missionaries and hear their stories from all over Central America. I was encouraged to learn more about King's Castle ministries in El Salvador, different MAPS building ministries in both Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador, many great missionaries and kids... and to pull an "allnighter" hahaha with the youth. Well we tried but the parents didn't let us hang out later than 2 am. so ... oh well... I prefered that anyway. shh.... don't tell them that.
We also had a water baptism and 10 missionary kids and youth got baptized, praise God!
It has been so encouraging to hear the Lord speak to me. Many times, I have felt that I should be doing more, and discouraged because I think I am not reaching my full potential. But then I am amazed as God shows me that I am doing what He wants me to do right now, and that I am exactly where I am needed.
I will do all with a cheerful heart. I am so blessed to be able to serve under Jon and Jen Dahlager. I watch them in all they do, and I have learned so much from them. They are humble, faithful, hard workers, and great examples of purity and love. I love seeing their interaction with the youth and pastor's kids. It has brought great connections getting to known the pastor's kids through them as well, as many of their PKs are 15 to 25 yrs old.
I met some incredible people at MFCA. These are people that I hope to work with for many years to come, who I felt were like family. They are very special.
I also have found great truth in the verse that "a good name is more to be desired than great riches..." My name Finkenbinder, has opened doors and caused recognition that I do not deserve, but receive because of the honor bestowed on my great uncle Paul. He has paved a road for me that I want to honor. I hope to do that name pride.
This thought causes me to think of our God. We all are adopted into his family, and receive honor, not because we are worthy of it, but simply because we bear his name. What a privilege, but also what an important task!
I want to live to make his name be lifted high, and I do not want to bring him any dishonor.
I want to be a daughter that causes others to be reminded of how great our God is. Don't you?
Well. I love you all :) Peace out!
Blessings!
I can't believe how fast this year has been flying. It is already December 1st! I have been here for almost 1 yr now and I can hardly believe all that I have learned.
Being a missionary is a constant learning process. Right now I am thinking about finishing 12 credits that I need to make my teaching English official. 12 credits later I can have my certificate. I see a great need with these precious children in this area. This week I believe we are having a Christmas party for them. I am very excited! The plan is to have the whole class in English, which will be a great challenge for these students. We will teach them how to make candy cane reindeer but they must follow our instructions in English. and we have a movie planned.
It is a great challenge to teach these kids the basics of English because many of the previous programs just had them memorize words, but if they tried to put it in context or heard it in a different context, they would not recognize it.
We just finished a the Central America Field Fellowship meeting in El Salvador this past week. It was incredible to be with other missionaries and hear their stories from all over Central America. I was encouraged to learn more about King's Castle ministries in El Salvador, different MAPS building ministries in both Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador, many great missionaries and kids... and to pull an "allnighter" hahaha with the youth. Well we tried but the parents didn't let us hang out later than 2 am. so ... oh well... I prefered that anyway. shh.... don't tell them that.
We also had a water baptism and 10 missionary kids and youth got baptized, praise God!
It has been so encouraging to hear the Lord speak to me. Many times, I have felt that I should be doing more, and discouraged because I think I am not reaching my full potential. But then I am amazed as God shows me that I am doing what He wants me to do right now, and that I am exactly where I am needed.
I will do all with a cheerful heart. I am so blessed to be able to serve under Jon and Jen Dahlager. I watch them in all they do, and I have learned so much from them. They are humble, faithful, hard workers, and great examples of purity and love. I love seeing their interaction with the youth and pastor's kids. It has brought great connections getting to known the pastor's kids through them as well, as many of their PKs are 15 to 25 yrs old.
I met some incredible people at MFCA. These are people that I hope to work with for many years to come, who I felt were like family. They are very special.
I also have found great truth in the verse that "a good name is more to be desired than great riches..." My name Finkenbinder, has opened doors and caused recognition that I do not deserve, but receive because of the honor bestowed on my great uncle Paul. He has paved a road for me that I want to honor. I hope to do that name pride.
This thought causes me to think of our God. We all are adopted into his family, and receive honor, not because we are worthy of it, but simply because we bear his name. What a privilege, but also what an important task!
I want to live to make his name be lifted high, and I do not want to bring him any dishonor.
I want to be a daughter that causes others to be reminded of how great our God is. Don't you?
Well. I love you all :) Peace out!
Blessings!
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