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!