Old Mother Michelle in Mx
went to the cupboard
to fetch her poor kids a bone
When she got there
her cupboard was bare
and so her poor kids had tomato soup
Which they didn't like one bit, but ate cause that's all we had.
So on the way to bible study at some fellow missionaries house I was thinking different things I could throw together to call "meals" but I sure wish I had some chicken.
Isn't our God good?
Doesn't he just know the wishes in our heart and every now and again surprise us with that, and so much more?
So, after bible study tonight, the missionary hostess and I were talking. I asked her about some instant oatmeal that she had offered me last week and I forgot - and then she asked me "Would you like some meat?"
Uh, YES!
What kind?
Er, some chicken would be nice . . .
Then she proceeded to give me TWO grocery bags of meat.
Y'all, I have chicken.
And I have a frozen leg of lamb in my freezer!
God is good! And sometimes spoils rotten his kids.!
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008
En Espíritu y en Verdad
Have you heard worship songs in Spanish like this?:
It's a fine song, and I know it in English, but I haven't sung this in Mexico ever.
Well, from Lei's question in my comments, I realized two things - some of you really don't know how we worship here - passionately -
It's a fine song, and I know it in English, but I haven't sung this in Mexico ever.
Well, from Lei's question in my comments, I realized two things - some of you really don't know how we worship here - passionately -
and often a song is originally an English song, but I only know it in Spanish. This is a song we often sign/sing on a Sunday. If this song is in English someone is going to have to tell me, because I only know it in Spanish.
Cuan hermoso How lovely
eres jesus are you Jesus
es tu poder is your power
fue tu cruz was your cross
La que me salvó, that which saved me me rescató; rescued me un momento ahí one moment there nos dio libertad gave us freedom (or "set us free").
cuan glorioso eres jesus how glorious you are Jesus
son tus palabras are your words
es tu amor is your love
con una corona de espinas with a crown of thorns
te hicistes you became
rey por siempre king for ever
con una corona de espinas with a crown of thorns
te hicistes you became
rey por siempre king forever
te doy gloria we give you gloria glory
te doy gloria we give you glory
Friday, October 31, 2008
None but Jesus - in Spanish
This is a direct request by Lei, a new blogger, who asked me if I knew this song . . .well, once I found it and heard it I see that YES we sign/sing this song often at our church in Ensenada! Here are the lyrics in Spanish. The song is by Hillsongs and they have it in English too, if your curious.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
On Fridays
Every Friday morning we gather to dissect and interpret the worship songs for Sunday.
Many years ago, when I graduated from college and then packed up and went to volunteer at Rancho Sordo Mudo I didn't know any sign. This was in 1997. I just went willing. They had so little staff at that time that they were grateful for any help they could get. I took one summer community ed class and learned the ABC's. That was it, from there it was the learning from the School of Sink o' Swim.
And if I could, I would love to study-you know - get certified - but I'm on a different path now, so we meet with our deaf pastor Carlos and go through how to sign the songs for clarity, so that the deaf congregation can understand and appreciate the worship.
It's a wonderful practice of thinking outside the box and after each session I am usually strangely stimulated and exhausted at the same time. My mantra is "think beyond the words" . . . meaning, meaning, meaning, . . .
For example:
We have come to a consensus that when the song speaks of not turning back, or falling away we will use a sign that means "united" linking your thumb and pointer fingers together then breaking them away while shaking our head "no". . .
There is a whole song that speaks of hearing the rain and the sounds of nature - so we switch it to seeing the rain and the like.
Yeah, so when I'm posting all these videos of people signing songs, it's typically not a word for word translation. I'm constantly learning. I love it, and I hungrily watch and pick up stuff all the time.
One more interesting aspect is that you can do a song well yet differently - for example this song "The End of the Beginning" was signed by this fellow and this couple. Both songs are done well, and are clear, pure preference would say that one is done better than the other.
Oh, and you do need to know your audience when thinking through these translations. Thinking about if they understand the symbolism involved when speaking about the Holy Spirit in terms of "rain", "fire", or when speaking of "the price that was paid", and "Your reign in me" . . . yup.
So, there you go.
That's my Friday. How was yours?
Many years ago, when I graduated from college and then packed up and went to volunteer at Rancho Sordo Mudo I didn't know any sign. This was in 1997. I just went willing. They had so little staff at that time that they were grateful for any help they could get. I took one summer community ed class and learned the ABC's. That was it, from there it was the learning from the School of Sink o' Swim.
And if I could, I would love to study-you know - get certified - but I'm on a different path now, so we meet with our deaf pastor Carlos and go through how to sign the songs for clarity, so that the deaf congregation can understand and appreciate the worship.
It's a wonderful practice of thinking outside the box and after each session I am usually strangely stimulated and exhausted at the same time. My mantra is "think beyond the words" . . . meaning, meaning, meaning, . . .
For example:
We have come to a consensus that when the song speaks of not turning back, or falling away we will use a sign that means "united" linking your thumb and pointer fingers together then breaking them away while shaking our head "no". . .
There is a whole song that speaks of hearing the rain and the sounds of nature - so we switch it to seeing the rain and the like.
Yeah, so when I'm posting all these videos of people signing songs, it's typically not a word for word translation. I'm constantly learning. I love it, and I hungrily watch and pick up stuff all the time.
One more interesting aspect is that you can do a song well yet differently - for example this song "The End of the Beginning" was signed by this fellow and this couple. Both songs are done well, and are clear, pure preference would say that one is done better than the other.
Oh, and you do need to know your audience when thinking through these translations. Thinking about if they understand the symbolism involved when speaking about the Holy Spirit in terms of "rain", "fire", or when speaking of "the price that was paid", and "Your reign in me" . . . yup.
So, there you go.
That's my Friday. How was yours?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Heaven, I'm in heaven . . .
*ring*
"You! Go get your teeth brushed, and
*ring!*
You! no, no more chocolate milk . . ."
*ring*!
"Hello? Bueno?" This is how I typically answer the phone here in our home.
"Hello, Michelle? This is Karen." she's a fellow missionary from a different ministry here in Ensenada. She and her husband were directors of an orphanage as of late, but just recently were following God into new areas.
I just loaded up my two kids with Karen and her youngest two (she is a mother to 5) and she is taking them to a Carl's Jr (yes, in Mexico) with a massive play place. That was at 12:30 and she is bringing them back at 5pm.
So here I sit, just me and the baby. Baby is happy chowing down on cheerios and graham crackers. I'm having some flavorful Spanish rice and re fried beans topped with queso fresco and a glass of ice tea . . . I'm out of tortillas.
*shrug* Ni modo
Aaahhhhhh
Oh, and she dropped off dinner for me and the family, too!
Talk about blessing your socks off!
Speaking of blessing your socks off, I got to tell you about Heather's blessing!
Who is probably going about 21 different directions at once about now . . . !
If you don't know her (you really should) she is moving to Japan very soon with her family. She saw that in this interview I mentioned that I needed a lap top and so she offered me a Vaio computer that is very compact, albeit not a laptop, but smaller, newer, faster then the one I was using.
On Tuesday we were able to use this newer computer to do our deaf women's bible study via web cam! And I am having all sorts of fun downloading itunes and the such. Can you believe that my other computer didn't have room to allow me to do that?!?!?!? I am so tickled, just bursting with gratitude - so Heather, if you do stop by to give a read:
THANK YOU!!!! and mucho hugs your way, OK?
"You! Go get your teeth brushed, and
*ring!*
You! no, no more chocolate milk . . ."
*ring*!
"Hello? Bueno?" This is how I typically answer the phone here in our home.
"Hello, Michelle? This is Karen." she's a fellow missionary from a different ministry here in Ensenada. She and her husband were directors of an orphanage as of late, but just recently were following God into new areas.
I just loaded up my two kids with Karen and her youngest two (she is a mother to 5) and she is taking them to a Carl's Jr (yes, in Mexico) with a massive play place. That was at 12:30 and she is bringing them back at 5pm.
So here I sit, just me and the baby. Baby is happy chowing down on cheerios and graham crackers. I'm having some flavorful Spanish rice and re fried beans topped with queso fresco and a glass of ice tea . . . I'm out of tortillas.
*shrug* Ni modo
Aaahhhhhh
Oh, and she dropped off dinner for me and the family, too!
Talk about blessing your socks off!
Speaking of blessing your socks off, I got to tell you about Heather's blessing!
Who is probably going about 21 different directions at once about now . . . !
If you don't know her (you really should) she is moving to Japan very soon with her family. She saw that in this interview I mentioned that I needed a lap top and so she offered me a Vaio computer that is very compact, albeit not a laptop, but smaller, newer, faster then the one I was using.
On Tuesday we were able to use this newer computer to do our deaf women's bible study via web cam! And I am having all sorts of fun downloading itunes and the such. Can you believe that my other computer didn't have room to allow me to do that?!?!?!? I am so tickled, just bursting with gratitude - so Heather, if you do stop by to give a read:
THANK YOU!!!! and mucho hugs your way, OK?
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Now that I can breath again . .
Sorry for the last odd post . . . but I've been battling with the desire to connect to webby friends and still keep pace with life. That was my 'sum up' of the day.
I won't bore you with the details, there were too many, I'll only say that I didn't get enough coffee AT ALL, and that should explain most any odd post.
It's May and that is our newsletter month so I will be trying to sum up and share all that has been going on for the last 3 months.
Its really cool keeping in touch with our friends and family. Even so, when I write our newsletter I feel like I did in collage when having to write a term paper.
I won't bore you with the details, there were too many, I'll only say that I didn't get enough coffee AT ALL, and that should explain most any odd post.
It's May and that is our newsletter month so I will be trying to sum up and share all that has been going on for the last 3 months.
Its really cool keeping in touch with our friends and family. Even so, when I write our newsletter I feel like I did in collage when having to write a term paper.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
God fills in the gaps
Often - and I do mean often - I feel like I am barely getting by.
You know, that you are doing so many things that you are doing little well.
Well, every since my friend Virginia passed away, my efforts towards the deaf women's retreat have been half hearted.
She was my co-conspirator - ya know?
Enough people wanted the women's deaf retreat to happen that I quite literally trudged on. This time planning with a co-missionary interpreter, Yesenia. She also is a mother to three young boys. So between that mother and this one, I'd say our planning and organization could best be described as "winged".
But you know, God filled in every gap where we missed it . . . . the speaker, Yamile Grey, was a deaf, on-fire, spirited Colombian who really really had a heart for these ladies.
We had 7 women come - so including us (Yamile, Yesenia and myself) we were 11. That is Grrreat, really!
The place right on the ocean was beautiful, and God really anointed the classes.
It was thrown together, but came out beautifully.
One special note, back when Virginia and I were first planning this we had said that if we could get a church to sponsor it we'd like to surprise all the ladies to a fancy dinner since our theme was "Come dine with Me."
After she passed away I was able to get that sponsoring so then my next task was to find a restaurant to take them to. I was blessed to be able to work a deal with what in downtown Ensenada is considered one of the more fancy-er places to eat "El Rey Sol". French/Mexican cuisine and french decor - The women LOVED IT! They said they felt like queens!
They kept taking pictures of the entrees as they came in.
I took a moment and pointed out that this is exactly what Virginia had hoped for them. And although we wish she where here with us, we knew she was at a banquet much finer than this . . .
Yesenia said "Thanks for making us cry, Michelle"
It was a blessed time.
Now for pictures!
There is one picture thrown in here of a close up of me - very non-flattering - it is a shot of an allergic reaction I had to who-knows-what that made my eyes swell up. The picture is actually of me doing better, but you can still see the puffiness . . .
And the baby is mine. The only guy allowed on this trip because he's still nursing.
You know, that you are doing so many things that you are doing little well.
Well, every since my friend Virginia passed away, my efforts towards the deaf women's retreat have been half hearted.
She was my co-conspirator - ya know?
Enough people wanted the women's deaf retreat to happen that I quite literally trudged on. This time planning with a co-missionary interpreter, Yesenia. She also is a mother to three young boys. So between that mother and this one, I'd say our planning and organization could best be described as "winged".
But you know, God filled in every gap where we missed it . . . . the speaker, Yamile Grey, was a deaf, on-fire, spirited Colombian who really really had a heart for these ladies.
We had 7 women come - so including us (Yamile, Yesenia and myself) we were 11. That is Grrreat, really!
The place right on the ocean was beautiful, and God really anointed the classes.
It was thrown together, but came out beautifully.
One special note, back when Virginia and I were first planning this we had said that if we could get a church to sponsor it we'd like to surprise all the ladies to a fancy dinner since our theme was "Come dine with Me."
After she passed away I was able to get that sponsoring so then my next task was to find a restaurant to take them to. I was blessed to be able to work a deal with what in downtown Ensenada is considered one of the more fancy-er places to eat "El Rey Sol". French/Mexican cuisine and french decor - The women LOVED IT! They said they felt like queens!
They kept taking pictures of the entrees as they came in.
I took a moment and pointed out that this is exactly what Virginia had hoped for them. And although we wish she where here with us, we knew she was at a banquet much finer than this . . .
Yesenia said "Thanks for making us cry, Michelle"
It was a blessed time.
Now for pictures!
There is one picture thrown in here of a close up of me - very non-flattering - it is a shot of an allergic reaction I had to who-knows-what that made my eyes swell up. The picture is actually of me doing better, but you can still see the puffiness . . .
And the baby is mine. The only guy allowed on this trip because he's still nursing.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Virginia
Update on my dear friend Virginia.
She got a feeding tub put in her nose today.
She's not out of the woods yet.
And I am working on the deaf women's retreat. I should be working with her and every moment, every decision that I'm making, and all the planning makes me miss her more.
She would be so glad to hear how well things are falling into place.
We have a guest speaker coming. Her name is Yamile Grey.
There is a good possibility that we will be having the retreat here!
Now to raise funds for a surprise for the ladies at the end of it, and air fare for our guest speaker. . .
Virginia needs to be a part of this.
Keep praying!
Monday, December 31, 2007
The visit with Virginia.
It really hurt to visit with Virginia. She is such a friend to me, and seeing her in the hospital bed, drooling from the side of her mouth, unresponsive . . . . I miss her, and I miss her comments, her company, her opinions.
Visiting hours yesterday were from 4pm to 6pm.
Previously, after church yesterday I invited Carlos and Virginia's kids over to play with us so the plan was for me to meet Carlos at the hospital at 4pm with the kids, and I'd be able to go visit Virginia.
There were 14 people (mostly deaf) who were waiting to visit Virginia.
They only let one person go at a time. We had to wear a mask. The place smelled of sicknesses, and her room was all colorless white and beige. She is alone in the room with it's too bright white lights, and it feels cold. The too-worn-thin hospital gown was slipping off one shoulder, and her lips had sores on them. Her hair needed washing and her hands smelled sweaty.
I only had moments, but after touching and rubbing her feet through the very thin sheet that half covered her, I took her hand and tried to sign into her hand.
They say that sometimes people in comas still hear what's going on. Well . . then, couldn't she be able to feel and understand that I'm trying to communicate with her???
Her eyes would open and close slowly but they looked around blindly.
I want to go back on a day when so many are not waiting for me to get their turn to see her. I want to go and wash the sweat from her hands and cover them in fragrant lotion. I want to spritz her with some sweet smelling body spray like the kind I know she loves. And perhaps bring a scented candle, not to light, I doubt they'd allow that, but let her room be fragrant.
I want to try to sign into her hand some more, even if it is to pour out my heart to her. I know she will be so upset to not know that our mutual friends Mario and Rita are expecting again! This will be their third baby . . . Virginia must know!
I want my friend back.
Visiting hours yesterday were from 4pm to 6pm.
Previously, after church yesterday I invited Carlos and Virginia's kids over to play with us so the plan was for me to meet Carlos at the hospital at 4pm with the kids, and I'd be able to go visit Virginia.
There were 14 people (mostly deaf) who were waiting to visit Virginia.
They only let one person go at a time. We had to wear a mask. The place smelled of sicknesses, and her room was all colorless white and beige. She is alone in the room with it's too bright white lights, and it feels cold. The too-worn-thin hospital gown was slipping off one shoulder, and her lips had sores on them. Her hair needed washing and her hands smelled sweaty.
I only had moments, but after touching and rubbing her feet through the very thin sheet that half covered her, I took her hand and tried to sign into her hand.
They say that sometimes people in comas still hear what's going on. Well . . then, couldn't she be able to feel and understand that I'm trying to communicate with her???
Her eyes would open and close slowly but they looked around blindly.
I want to go back on a day when so many are not waiting for me to get their turn to see her. I want to go and wash the sweat from her hands and cover them in fragrant lotion. I want to spritz her with some sweet smelling body spray like the kind I know she loves. And perhaps bring a scented candle, not to light, I doubt they'd allow that, but let her room be fragrant.
I want to try to sign into her hand some more, even if it is to pour out my heart to her. I know she will be so upset to not know that our mutual friends Mario and Rita are expecting again! This will be their third baby . . . Virginia must know!
I want my friend back.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Urgent prayer requset for Virginia
This is an urgent prayer request that is being posted by a friend of Michelle (via my computer since hers is still not working).
A dear friend of ours, Virginia Suarez (deaf pastors' wife) had been sick for a few days and on Sunday morning she passed out and has only woken up once since. She is still in a coma at this time. The Doctors say that she is dehydrated and that her sodium and potasium levels are very low. They had originally diagnosed her with diabetes but they just rediagnosed her with menengitis. As you can imagine this has really shaken up their family. Her husband's mother is visiting for the holidays and is able to be the mediator at the hospital and make sure she is getting the best care. She will be having a neurologist come and check Virginia in the morning and if she is not getting proper care she will be asking for her to get a transfer to a better hospital.
We covet your prayers for her.
1.For her to wake from coma and for the doctors to effectivly treat the correct problem.
2. That she would be getting the best possible care.
3. For the family, her husband Carlos and the two kids. For their peace and comfort during this time.
4. For their financial situation. They do not have any insurance and do not have the resources to handle a situation like this.
Thank you so very much!
Sorry I could not get the links to work properly, but you can find more information about the Suarez family and their picture on Michelle's ministry blog. http://www.bajacompassion.blogspot.com/
A dear friend of ours, Virginia Suarez (deaf pastors' wife) had been sick for a few days and on Sunday morning she passed out and has only woken up once since. She is still in a coma at this time. The Doctors say that she is dehydrated and that her sodium and potasium levels are very low. They had originally diagnosed her with diabetes but they just rediagnosed her with menengitis. As you can imagine this has really shaken up their family. Her husband's mother is visiting for the holidays and is able to be the mediator at the hospital and make sure she is getting the best care. She will be having a neurologist come and check Virginia in the morning and if she is not getting proper care she will be asking for her to get a transfer to a better hospital.
We covet your prayers for her.
1.For her to wake from coma and for the doctors to effectivly treat the correct problem.
2. That she would be getting the best possible care.
3. For the family, her husband Carlos and the two kids. For their peace and comfort during this time.
4. For their financial situation. They do not have any insurance and do not have the resources to handle a situation like this.
Thank you so very much!
Sorry I could not get the links to work properly, but you can find more information about the Suarez family and their picture on Michelle's ministry blog. http://www.bajacompassion.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 08, 2007
It is finnished!
I am finally done typing our ministry newsletter! Woo Hoo!!!
It should have been done in September . . . but you know, I was kinda busy . .
Our ministry newsletter is posted in two parts over on our ministry blog . . .
Baja Compassion Ministries
It should have been done in September . . . but you know, I was kinda busy . .
Our ministry newsletter is posted in two parts over on our ministry blog . . .
Baja Compassion Ministries
Sunday, September 09, 2007
!!!!
See what has me shaking my head in disbelief over at Deaf World Missions.
"People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world do we waste our lives as missionaries? They forget they too are expending their lives and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have lived." Nate Saint, martyr
(found this quote at The Blakes in Thailand)
"People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world do we waste our lives as missionaries? They forget they too are expending their lives and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have lived." Nate Saint, martyr
(found this quote at The Blakes in Thailand)
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