Adventures.

I have a lot to say but so little time. This past week was wonderful, filled with adventures and fun times with the kids. I’m a little more adjusted and I’m able to communicate a lot better than my first day here. I’m making progress and my Spanish is only going to get even better, which is very exciting for me! These kids are amazing. I know I say that like all the time but it’s so true. If only you could spend even only one day with them, you would see how great and loving they are. This week God has given me several scriptures, which apply to me in many ways and it’s amazing. God has showed me so much, and I know that I’m only going to get more out of this experience. Being here has opened my heart up to a whole different kind of love, it’s a little hard to explain though. I have gained so much confidence being here too! Which is a big step for me. Saturday we had one of the girls fall and break her arm. (Jazmin, age 6) She’s doing a whole lot better, which makes me super excited. This girl is so sweet, she’s so loving. The first night was a rough one for her. She is in the house with Rhonda and I because she’s not really supposed to move her arm at all. In 10 days they are going to take her back to the doctor to determine if she will need a operation. We’re praying not, it’s super expensive and they don’t really have the finances to do it. We’re praying against the operation. Plus it would mean a longer recovery time for Jazmin, which wouldn’t go very well for her. But she’s in the house with us, and she’s in the room right next to mine. The first night I tried my best to keep a ear open to her calling me, which if I didn’t hear Rhonda did, so it worked out fine. I woke up the next morning to her calling me. I thought something was wrong but it turns out she was just asking me if she could go to the bathroom. I laughed it was so cute. She then called me again and asked me for water. She’s so cute! She’ll probably be in the house for a while. Please keep her in your prayers, she’s on medicine constantly because of the pain, it’s a really bad break.

Sunday I went to church. Since Jazmin broke her arm Rhonda stayed home with her. So I went Jorge and Rosa (the directors). Jorge speaks a little English and Rosa doesn’t speak any. I was a little nervous about going with them without my trusty translator (Rhonda) but I told them Saturday night I wanted to go and I really wanted to. I took the adventure and went with them. The church is great! It’s a Spanish speaking church but they have words for the worship on the screen so I’m about to (try) sing along and then they have parts of the message on the screen so I’m able to write it down and translate it later. Jorge said he was very surprised that I was taking notes, and he told his son and Rhonda about it. I was a little embarrassed but I get embarrassed easily. After church we met up with Cristian, Michel, and Louisa for lunch, a Ruby Tuesday, which is an American restaurant. It was good. Again I don’t speak much Spanish and Jorge and Michel speak a little, so it was interesting. They asked questions, I answered. I can’t believe how calm I was, being with people I didn’t really know and had met only a week before. It is totally God. I feel so comfortable around them, and it’s amazing. I belong, that’s how I feel. It’s nice. These people are amazing. I remember at lunch Jorge asked me, first in Spanish then English, why I didn’t talk more. He likes to test me to see how much I know and to help teach me more words in Spanish. I just told him I liked to watch and listen. We shared many laughs together, and really it will only get better the longer I stay. I’ll tell you already I’m going to miss these people. But that’s later on this is now. Going off with them was not something I would have done in the States. Rhonda says I’ll be doing a lot of things here that I wouldn’t ever imagine doing over in the States. And It’s true. I see a lot of things here that no one would ever see in the States. The differences are great.

I’m living one day at a time, trying to give these children all the love they deserve and glorify God. My goal right now: Do what God tells me whole heartedly, with everything in me. My life a little summed up right now is: Growing, Learning, changing, maturing, and gaining the confidence I should have had a long time ago. It feels great! I really feel like I belong. (:
There are a lot of stories to tell but not enough time. I know I can write a lot. I’m sorry. I hope you enjoy. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. They mean so much to me. If God places it upon your heart to help me with financial support, you may send it to the address listed below. Thank you so much. Until next time.

Nicole Marcantel
1509 Burton
Orange, TX 77630.