http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org Abbey Shoemaker - Isaiah 6:8 en-us Thu, 7 Aug 2008 15:48:25 GMT 30 http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-endand-the-beginning http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-endand-the-beginning Most of the goodbyes are over and our team is now at South Padre Island in Texas for the weekend doing debrief.  It is difficult watching this year come to a close, but I am so excited to see what's next.  This year has been challenging, frustrating, stretching, and rewarding.  God has done so much and for me being able to experience what He's doing in Matamoros has been an honor and a privilege.  In some ways this is the end - it's the end of the FYM program and it's the end Fri, 9 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-past-two-months http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-past-two-months (Written April 27, 2008) I think the only thing harder than staying in Mexico is going to be leaving Mexico.  It was honestly so hard to be here - good, but hard.  I can remember back to the first semester when I longed for "home" and friends.  God taught me where my true home is and that He is here - I learned that He is more than enough.  Then I think back to February when the chance to leave was glaring in my face.  So much of me wanted to walk away.  God again Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=reflections http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=reflections Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me. -Psalm 66:16-   I have been able to spend some time this week reflecting on the past eight months I have spent in Mexico.  As I look back at my journal and as I remember emotions and events from this year, I am so amazed.  God has worked and He has moved.  He has changed me.  He has changed our team.  He has changed people in Matamoros.  The first few months I was here, I hone Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=almost-over http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=almost-over I have to start off by saying that I can't believe my time in Mexico is almost up.  May 15th is coming quickly and as excited as I am to see family and friends, I know it will be incredibly hard to leave.  God has done some amazing things this year, and even though it's been challenging I really believe everything was worth it.  If I could go back and change things, I can honestly say I wouldn't even want to.  The disappointments and the struggles made all the good times even Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=moses http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=moses This week was spent working with high school students from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia.  They came to Matamoros for their Spring Break and have been such a blessing to me.  Even though it has been incredibly hot and exhausting, I have learned so much this week.  To be honest, I felt a little bit like Moses.  People were asking things of me and I wasn't sure if I was equipped or qualified to do those tasks.  Because of the large number of students, t Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=people-vs-projects http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=people-vs-projects This past week we have been at The Gateway preparing for a group of 300 middle and high school students from Georgia that will be arriving on Sunday.  Next week we will be serving as staff for their trip.  I'm not sure of all of the types of ministry that this project will involve, but I do know that 19 houses will be built around Matamoros, and there will be VBS for the children around the colonias where construction is taking place.  This morning in Leadership Training, the poin Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=burdens http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=burdens Since Harvard was closed this week for Easter Break, I had the opportunity to visit two other internships some of my teammates participate in.  On Wednesday, I went to the prison (I've visited a few times in the past) and it was a neat experience as always.  On Friday, I went to the hospital for the first time.  Even though girls from the team explained to me what it would be like, nothing could completely prepare me for the things I saw.  If you want sheets or blankets for y Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=amazing-love http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=amazing-love Your love is deeper than any ocean Higher than the heavens Reaches beyond the stars in the sky Jesus, Your love has no bounds Jesus, Your love has no bounds Your love is deep, Your love is wide Your love is great, Your love is high Your love is all we ever need Your love is all we ever need -Phil Wickham, "Jesus Lord of Heaven"   I have been reminded of God's amazing love lately.  This week we are staying at The Gateway (AIM's base in Mexico) and we are working with a youth Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-night-jesus-cried http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-night-jesus-cried This past Sunday we visited a church near our house called Iglesia Bautista Libertad (Freedom Baptist Church).  You may remember that Libertad was the name of the colonia where we used to live.  I was reminded again that "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17).  The Spirit of the Lord was definitely in this church, and I really enjoyed it.  People were excited to worship and praise God.  It's so encouraging to worship a God who is so beyo Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=mission-statement http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=mission-statement I have spent a considerable amount of time during the past week contemplating purpose.  As a believer, what is my purpose?  How does my mission look?  After thinking of several selfish or self-centered, self-exalting "mission statements", I realized that my purpose is simply to follow Jesus with my whole heart - to care about what He cares about and to despise the things He can't stand, to love people, to serve, and to point to Him in everything.  Finally realizing that as a Sat, 8 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=purpose http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=purpose This past week as we settled into our new house and got back into our regular schedule, we spent some time reflecting on the changes that have taken place and the fresh start we can have because of that.  We were encouraged to sit down and write a mission statement or some of our goals for the next few months - or maybe longer.  I've really enjoyed contemplating my mission and purpose - not just until May, but for my life.  I've spent some time the past few days working on writing Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=castle-of-the-king http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=castle-of-the-king Wow!  What a crazy few days our team has had.  Five teammates left Saturday morning as they felt the Lord calling them home.  I'm so proud of them for following God's voice in their lives, even though many of them were uncertain what they would do when they got home.  Friday night was our last night as a whole group, and so we decided to celebrate the time we've spent together and praise God for what He's done in our lives. Friday we went back to the neighborhoods we visit a Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=no-options http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=no-options The past two weeks have been some of the most difficult, emotional, challenging weeks of my life.  Not many times have I felt this disappointed, alone, misunderstood, or dry.  After everything that happened with Bob, it's really hard to trust.  I'm hurt, angry, and frustrated.  And now it's decision time.  Some people have chosen to go home at the end of the week.  I support them because I know their hearts and I know they are actively seeking the Lord's will for th Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=tough-times http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=tough-times I'm writing this blog from South Padre Island, Texas.  Although the beach is a beautiful place, some unfortunate events led to our team being moved here Monday afternoon, but we are planning to return to Mexico sometime Friday.  Our leader Bob made some poor decisions which led to a "moral failure" and he has therefore been removed from leadership.  AIM is investigating more into the situation, but at this point we needed to be away from Matamoros for a few days.  Where we wi Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=fasting http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=fasting This past week in class we discussed fasting, but it was more of an applied class because we actually spent Tuesday-Friday doing a fast.  We didn't fast from every meal every day, but we did miss lots of meals and the meals we did eat were smaller portions.  Although it was very hard (especially Friday where the only meal we had was breakfast until the fast was broken with a huge breakfast Saturday morning), God taught me a lot during the week.  One big thing I learned is that it' Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=im-going-to-harvard http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=im-going-to-harvard Okay - so it's not the Harvard you're thinking, but I'll be interning at a bilingual school called Harvard this semester.  The school goes from preschool through ninth grade, and all of the teachers speak Spanish as well as English as a second language.  Teaching English is incorporated throughout the day, and as the grade level increases, so does the use of English in the classroom.  My responsibilities vary, but so far I have graded papers, helped first graders with English work Tue, 5 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=back-in-mexico http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=back-in-mexico I made it back to Mexico and it feels good to be here and to be reunited with our group.  I spent most of yesterday unpacking and catching up with everyone.  This afternoon I will be visiting our neighborhood and I'm very excited to visit our friends and see how they are doing.  Pray that God would help me in my Spanish - I've been out of practice for a while.  Please continue praying for me as I am readjusting to life in Mexico.  I am excited about this semester and am Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=good-to-go http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=good-to-go It's been a crazy few weeks, but after a slight change in plans, I think everything is good to go.  For those of you who don't know, I'm still in Columbia.  Some things came up that needed to be taken care of before my return to Mexico, but I am going back on Monday.  I'm so excited to get back to Matamoros and see the team.  Everyone seems to be doing well, and I can't wait to see them.  It has been difficult being at home knowing that the rest of my team is back in Mex Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-other-side http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=the-other-side             Many people in Matamoros refer to the United States as "The Other Side" (El Otro Lado).   I can't stand it!  I remember hearing that for the first time, just thinking it was this particular person's way of phrasing things.  Later I realized that this is the common way to refer to the U.S.  It makes me sad that America is talked about with a sense of mystery, like it is some sort of Promised Land.  It Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=recent-thoughts http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=recent-thoughts This is something I've never done before, so please bear with me.  I would like to share from my journal some things I've written recently.  These are just my thoughts, struggles, etc., and I hope that as I share what I am learning and going through God receives glory because He is worthy.   "Even if there were no heaven and no hell, would you still follow Jesus?  Would you follow Him for the life, joy, and fulfillment He gives you right now?" -Tony Campolo   I was Sun, 6 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=almost-ready http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=almost-ready I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think I'm ready to go back to Mexico!  No, I wouldn't want to leave tomorrow, but I know that when the time comes in about ten days I'll be ready.  That really excites me, because I know that God is the One who is changing my heart and how I feel.  I never thought I'd be anxious to get back down to Matamoros and be with the kids at Esther's again or be visiting friends we've made around the colonia.  I never thought I'd miss washin Sat, 5 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=mi-universo http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=mi-universo A song that is really important to me right now is called "Mi Universo".  I have been listening to it recently and the words are incredibly powerful.  I am posting the lyrics below, and since the words are in Spanish, I will translate it at the bottom.  This song is basically my prayer for me, my family, and my friends - that Jesus would be our universe; that everything we do, say, or think would be filled with Him.  I don't want Jesus to be a part of my life; my prayer is th Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=in-columbia-but-not-at-home http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=in-columbia-but-not-at-home I'm writing this blog from Columbia, South Carolina!  I feel like that's kind of exciting.  As I think about the past three months, I don't really know what to say.  Sometimes it felt like I had been in Mexico my entire life, but now that I'm home it feels like it flew by.  Where do I begin?  Mexico wasn't what I expected - I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.  My mental image of where we would be living and what we would be doing looked a little di Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=shooting-stars http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=shooting-stars I saw a shooting star for the first time in my life last night.  Alex and I were sitting outside talking, and I looked over and saw it.  It was so cool.  For me, it's sometimes easy to get caught up in the beauty of creation instead of becoming captivated by the Creator.  I can look out and see amazing things, but I forget that I know who created it all.  He knows and loves me deeply and passionately.  He is all-powerful and mighty.  He holds all the stars in p Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=a-better-country http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=a-better-country Hebrews 11:13-16 And they admitted they were aliens and strangers on earth.  People who say such things show they are looking for a country of their own.  If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return.  Instead, they were looking for a better country - a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.  As the time to go home for Christmas break draws near, Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=little-by-little http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=little-by-little       Poco a poco.  Little by little.  That phrase has become my theme for this experience.  Everything takes time and is a process.  Little by little things happen.  Little by little things change.  When I struggle with Spanish, I remember "poco a poco".  It's a process.  I don't become fluent overnight.  Lately I have been frustrated because I feel inadequate with the language.  For the most part I can communicate, but Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=suficiente http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=suficiente                 This past week one of our leaders challenged us with this question:  is God sufficient; is He enough for you?  Immediately I would respond "yes", or at least I would assume that to be the correct, Biblical answer.  We discussed it and decided the answer should be no - God isn't enough.  He never should be enough.  He should be and is MORE than enough; He is MORE than sufficient.&nb Tue, 6 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=home-sweet-home http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=home-sweet-home The weather here got chilly this past week which has been a nice break from the heat.  Things have been good, but I have been missing home and friends more than usual.  I definitely think the "honeymoon stage" is over and this is becoming real life.  I don't know why I ever expected this to be easy, but it's not.  I'm enjoying my time here, but some days my heart longs for belonging.  I yearn for home and a sense of acceptance, familiarity, and comfort.  I want to f Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=good-times http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=good-times This week has been really busy.  I have enjoyed my time at Esther's.  On Wednesday I spent most of the time talking with a girl named Cinthia.  She is ten years old and is new at the home.  She told me that she still doesn't have any friends there.  We talked for a while and drew pictures together.  Because she is a little older, I have an easier time understanding and communicating with her.  Some of the younger kids are more difficult to understand, especiall Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=rainy-days http://abigailshoemaker.myadventures.org/?filename=rainy-days There has been a lot of rain this week, so the streets in our colonia are pretty much flooded.  Somehow the people here still manage to get around.  We walk down the street struggling to stay clean and on our feet in rain boots, while the locals walk around in high heels or white tennis shoes without a problem.  It's crazy! I'm still in the process of adjusting to everything - life here, my "new language", and my new family/friends.  The people and the culture are amazing.&n Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT