I’ve been in Mexico for almost 6 days now.
I don’t know if I’m coming back, guys. They’ve got sunshine, mountains, and gorgeous sunsets to boot. What more do I need?

In reality, I will return to my beloved Arizona in about a month, so in the mean time, I plan to write up weekly updates to share my perspective and heart on this trip. When I was in China, I wrote weekly blog posts, and I felt more creative, alive, and close to God. So why not share that juicy goodness if I have the chance? And ask for prayer while I’m at it!

We’ve been doing orientation at this retreat center called Agora outside of Querétaro proper. It has been a little secluded from the hustle and bustle of Mexican daily life, but even still, I’ve already had chances to practice my Spanish. A lifetime of trying and 8 years of study is really paying off. And I couldn’t be happier.

As I’ve been walking around the retreat grounds and interacting with the Scripture we are going through, I’ve been getting all existential. It’s hard not to in this gorgeous weather. I’ve been thinking about God’s call on my life and all the things he’s been teaching me in this season.

One major theme coming up is the question: what are you waiting for to take the next risk? For example, I have longed to pour out my love and lay down my life for a significant other for as long as I can remember. But how do I live that out as a single lady? I don’t think God calls us to wait when it comes to loving others sacrificially. So I’m going to use this trip as a great practice round for loving my teammates and the people we meet in a deeper way. And that’s risky, right? What if they don’t love me back? What if it’s exhausting? Both of those are likely outcomes at some point or another.  But God is still asking me to take the risk. He took the risk on us because of his great love for us. I want to know his love more! I’ll let you know how it goes!

What about you? What risk are you waiting to take? What’s holding you up? Is it fear? Is it waiting for a precursor event to release you? Well guess what, baby? Jesus set you free to GO FOR IT! Stop waiting. Take the risk! God wants to show you things and grow you in ways you’ve never seen before! He’s got the good deep soul stuff for you! Dive into risk with me! Lay down your idols of security and trust our big good God!

In the morning, we head to host families for a week. Pray for me and Carolyn and they family we stay with. We want to bring God’s Kingdom inside! Pray for my body. It is trying to revolt. But prayer warriors will not allow it, right? I’ve been having digestive issues for months now, so pray it ceases. And on Monday, we start teaching our English classes. This is a great place for us to create relationships with students who have never been friends with a Christian before. We are in an area in Mexico in which less than 3% of the population are Jesus followers. I’m told it’s the lowest in Latin America.  Pray that God would draw the students to him. We do classes in the mornings and events on MWF nights.

My last prayer request is that you would pray that even though I took the risk in leaving home for the summer, that God would still send partners to invest in the ministry at UA. I’m so excited for the Fall, and I’m trying to be full time by August!

Here’s the link to give:
https://donate.intervarsity.org/donate#16484

Until next week! xoxo
Me drinking a yummy mango juice earlier today: