AM I ?

So upon my arrival in Costa Rica, my thoughts have been wandering A LOT! It seems that even after only one short week, Satan is already throwing punches at me. And if it’s ok, I am going to be really transparent for a moment. The past few days I have found myself questioning why I am even here!? Crazy, I know! I mean really Leah?! After all of the hard work, fund raising, months of waiting, praying, and pleading for this moment, am I really questioning it? Yep. That’s right. Questions of "what have I gotten myself into? And "when do I get to go home?" ALREADY!  Other questions like "Am I qualified"?, "Am I really here"?, "Am I going to make it", "Am I ready for this"? A lot of "AM I's", if I do say so myself. So with that being said, tonight during prayer and through all of the "AM I's", I saw something really neat and I would like to share it with you.

"AM I?" If you think about it, almost every sentence that starts with these two small words is a question. Now just for fun I looked up the word "question" in the dictionary. It can be defined in a few different ways, but one definition really stuck out to me. A "question" is simply defined as uncertainty or doubt. Now since "AM I" usually starts off a question, I think we can agree that these "AM I" questions promote a certain level of doubt and uncertainty. And just like any question, they also need an answer. Even something simple like, "AM I driving, or are you?". Even here, the person driving needs an answer for something they are unsure about. Now, if you are still with me, this is when it gets interesting. Simply take these two words and swap them....... You get "I AM". Pretty amazing! And yes I am pretty and amazing. hahaha just kidding. Not talking about me here! It's pretty amazing that with one little swap, what seemed so unsure becomes crystal clear. The same two words, but "I AM" screams boldness and authority. It's knowing that you know! "I AM" leaves no room for uncertainty or doubt!

Now for my favorite part. As I was speaking to the Lord in "AM I"s, I was simply reminded of the great "I AM"! Jesus Christ. All throughout the Bible He is referred to as the great "I AM". In the Old Testament in Exodus 3:14 we are introduced to the "I AM” when it is referenced as the name of God the Father. Then in the New Testament, the Name Above All Names, JESUS is referred to as the "I AM"

Particularly In John, Jesus says:

I AM the bread of life (6:35, 48). I AM the light of the world (8:58). I AM the door (10:7, 9). I AM the good shepherd (10: 11, 14). I AM the resurrection and the life (11:25). I AM the way, the truth, and the life (14:6). I AM the true vine (15:1, 5). 

And then one of my favorite scriptures! In Luke 9:20, Jesus says, "Who do you say that I-AM?' I just love the word of God so much because it has all of the answers we need. I sometimes get irritated when people answer a question with a question. You know what I'm talking about. haha I just want the direct answer. But this particular question answered every question I had. Jesus isn’t asking the question with doubt because He knows exactly who He is. He is asking it so that we may know who He is! Every uncertainty and doubt disappeared when I had this little reminder of who Jesus is! He is the great "I AM". Satan has no place in my thoughts! I know that I am a servant of the great "I AM". I know that with His help I am going to make it! I am ready for this! And most importantly, I know who He is to me and who I am because of Him. 

I Love You Too Much!

I'M HERE!!!! Costa Rrrrrrrrica!! A little emphasis on the "R's" because I need to learn to roll them. haha. This past Wednesday after only a 3-hour flight and a scary experience with customs I arrived safely to Costa Rica to begin Language School. I am really excited for the next 8 months because I believe God is going to do so much in my life in preparation for Ecuador! The first day here I had to complete an entrance exam to see what level of Spanish I will be placed in. Classes range from intermediate or beginner to advanced. They include, grammar, preaching, literature, conversation, & more! Let's just say, I am going to LEARN A LOT! 

Some people may be curious why I am in language school especially with the last name Diaz and also my Cubana background. Well numero uno, It is a requirement from the Assemblies of God. Numero dos, learning  is a GREAT thing! There are so many benefits from being here. Not only am I learning the language, I am learning it the proper way. I am also learning about the different different Latin cultures and what missions is all about. This entire experience has changed my life and it has only just begun! I have truly realized that people sacrifice so much for the Gospel. Living in another country is not glamorous. Yes, there are the perks of the delicious food and beautiful things to see, but beyond that leaving the comforts of home are never easy.  I don't have enough experience to tell you what I don't know yet. But, I can tell you that there are truly amazing people doing so much, for so little, and I am humbled to be around them! I am so amazed that I am here. I keep telling people to pinch me. haha. There were so many times that it seemed impossible to raise a budget, but with God ALL things are possible! 

Now for numero tres! Spanish is my first language. I feel like not knowing it completely is like missing part of who I am. When I left on Wednesday, my sweet nana brought me to the airport. She grew up in Cuba and barely knows English. She is one of the most incredible women I know. She is 86 years old and works harder than anyone I know. She does her very best to communicate with me in English. I on the other hand could try a little harder to communicate in Spanish. When I had to say goodbye my nana was in tears. Through her tears and broken English she said the sweetest words...... "I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH" hahaha. I wish you could hear her say that. It is so funny because it's almost like she is saying I should love you a little less. However, I know exactly what she means. She means that she loves me sooooooo much and she tries so hard to say it in a way that I can understand!  So all in all, it is my desire to know this language because I LOVE GOD TOO MUCH, I love my family TOO much, I love people TOO much, and I love what God has called me to do TOO much! I am going to do my best so that others can understand what it is they need to hear.

Great things are happening! Please keep me in your prayers! I already miss home and your beautiful faces of course! I will keep you updated when classes starts on Monday and once I get involved with ministry in Costa Rica. Also, please remember Ecuador as you pray! My heart is there waiting for me to arrive once I finish school! Thank you!!!


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Here are some pics of the last few days…. Enjoy!

Me and My Nana

My Apartment

My First Costa Rican Meal

For less than $5 you can go to the zoo.

The Monos!

Its sooooo green here!

Food is EXPENSIVE! So now I shop at the local Market!

Costa Rican Coffee Pot!

So Happy to be Here

The Time has Come!

In just two weeks, on August 31st, I will land in Costa Rica to begin language school! My plane ticket has been purchased and I have received final clearance from AGWM. I can't thank you enough. Please be praying for safe travel and that everything goes smoothly. Also pray that I can fit all my shoes in one bag. Just kidding. Haha. Pray for wise packing instead.  I am so excited and I can't believe this day is here. God is so faithful and I am so ready to begin His work in Ecuador. I will send updates once I arrive. Until then please join my mailing list by clicking the tab above. You may also still support me while I am in Ecuador by making a donation or giving monthly. To do so click the tabs above. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Numb...

Do you ever just feel numb? No emotions... You can't cry, you laugh, but you aren't really laughing? Maybe its just me, but the last few weeks have been so intense and so busy that I sat down today and realized that I don't really feel anything. A little transparent, yeah maybe. Especially after seeing a tornado rip through my town and devastate homes, you think I would be overwhelmed with emotion. Now don't get me wrong it broke my heart, but sometimes you can just feel numb.  I know that many Christians probably experience moments like this. It's moments like these that remind me of Martha, the one lady in the Bible I often find myself relating to the most. She was so busy making everything pretty for Jesus, working so hard preparing for Him hat she forgot the one thing that her sister Mary understood. That regardless of what is going on in life, nothing is better than sitting at the feet of Jesus. Four weeks after the tornado and I am just now taking the time to reflect on what Jesus has done. On just how incredible it has been to see this city come together and to see lives restored and to see families turn their heart to God. I just want to kick myself sometimes for constantly acting like Martha when I know that everything I could ever need or want can only be found in His presence. How is it that we can be so consumed in preparing for something that we forget what we are preparing for in the first place. I remember being a teenager in love. I would spend hours getting ready picking out that perfect outfit, or hours with the person just talking on the phone. I would even get up early if it meant just another moment with that special someone. So when it comes to my first love, why is this a challenge? I found myself repenting because on top of being busy with working I have also been so busy preparing for Ecuador that I almost forgot why I am going. Thankfully I serve a God who pursues me and as long as I seek Him He will constantly keep me where I need to be. There has been so much uncertainty and destruction in this world in just the last few weeks that so many have forgotten or don't even have a clue that there is a real hell and enemy of our soul fighting against the plan of God. People are busy, fear has overtaken so many with the tornadoes, with the end of the world nonsense, hope has been lost and so much more. I am sick and tired of watching Satan win again and again. Its time to leave our Martha Mentalities. God showed me something so cool about this story that I have read a million times. Martha was preparing but Mary was fighting. Instead of preparing its time we realize the battle has already begun and that the answer is Jesus. We can't work without purpose and we certainly cant fight without God's help...... A little reminder.

An update from Cuenca...

I received the following e-mail from the missionaries I will be working with in Cuenca, Ecuador... my home away from home! I thought some of you may like to read some of the great things happening there! I am so privileged to have the opportunity to work with Bill & Connie McDonald! They have done so much with what God has given them and  have dreams for so much more! Please remember to pray for them as you read this. Also, as of now my last day at Griffin First will be July 7th. I still need $643 dollars in monthly commitments to guarantee that I will leave in August. That may not sound like much, but that could be 60 people giving $10 and my people list is running short. haha If you would be interested in giving monthly , please click here! As always Thank You!! I could not do any of this without you!

The e-mail:
The first 3 months of 2011 have been incredibly productive.

In March, our medical clinic produced over 1,400 visits and 252 decisions for Christ, and also the inauguration of the permanent clinic facility UnsionMed. Honestly, I would have never believed that God would put into our hands  such tools as Medical Clinics and Television Stations!  Truly, ¨He does exceedingly more than we can ask or think.¨ Un Buen Consejo, our counseling  and follow-up ministry has reported a total of 8,012 calls and 2,650 decisions for Christ in this first quarter!  Miraculous!

In addition to the UnsiónMed Medical Clinic, we have started a new church to help disciple the new believers, within the first three months, our weekly attendance has grown to 300.   One of these news converts is Alejo and his entire family.  Far from the Lord and any faith, Alejo made a solid decision for Christ.   His wife tells me that Alejo was the guy that was NEVER going to go to church.  And now, 3 months into his new life in Christ he is a most faithful believer with his entire family joining him in his decision.  They are just ecstatic about the change they all have experienced.

With the Lord's help and provision we plan to launch Unsión TV in the 2 largest cities in Ecuador, Quito and Guayaquil through a national cable service.  I would covet your prayers as we attempt to raise the $27,000 needed for the initial investment and one year of service. You can tell by the two miraculous stories above that God is working mightily in this window of opportunity.  We are so grateful for all God has allowed us to do together to impact lives.  However, God has put before us yet another opportunity to impact more people.  Together, I am confident we can do this.

I Love, I Love Your Presence....

Wow..... This song just about says everything that I have been feeling lately! I can't stop listening to it! There is no sweeter place than the presence of Jesus! After a very long amazing Easter Sunday.....4 services later....It is still so satisfying to sit in His sweet presence! I am so thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father, the blood of His son, and the beautiful reward of getting to do exactly what I was created to do.... To love Him and be by loved by Him, and from that love, tell everyone I know!!! Happy Easter Everyone!! 

The Commitment- More than just a form...

I wanted to write a little note just to explain this..... The lovely commitment form. In order for me to leave for Ecuador, I need a certain amount of these completed that equal $2,416. I am about 60% there. This form is a faith promise.. By signing it you are committing to helping me reach the people of Ecuador as God enables you to.

A year ago I made a commitment to do my very best to see the dream that God has placed in my heart come true, but reality is I can't do it without this little form!! haha.

I thought a blog entry was appropriate because some of you have given to me monthly and have not had the opportunity to complete this form. Thank you so much!!!!! However if you would like to continue to help me please click here to fill out this form online so that I can receive final clearance. If you are giving through a church I still have to have this lovely form. You can download it to print it and fax it in (include your church name), or click here to complete an online version and continue giving through your church as you have been doing. Completing the form does not require a payment, it just shows that you are making a future commitment to support me monthly.

The second reason for this lovely blog is to ask for your  help! If you would like to consider helping me in Ecuador whether it be $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, $50, $100 ( you get it, haha) a month! I would be forever grateful and your giving would reach so much farther than this little form!! You can give online  or through your church!  Either way this must be complete! I can also e-mail it to you or you can download it  here to fax it in.

Once you have signed up you will receive giving credit either from your home church and/or from the AG in Springfield.  If you give through your church the statement from the AG in Springfield will not show an actual dollar amount unless you have given money through their website or to them directly. They will just have a record of your commitment form, your home church can provide an actually listing of your donations. Any direct donations to their website will be processed and a statement will be sent out. All donations are tax-deductible.

Also as of now! I plan to leave in August! I know what you are thinking! Leave already!! Trust me!! I can't wait! I want to leave! I am sooooo close!I have seen God bless me so much in the last 6 months! I trust in His perfect timing and I am committed to seeing His dream come true! Also please sign up for my mailing list!! Once I hire a personal secretary you will receive a monthly newsletter by e-mail. haha just kidding! However that would nice! Thank you soooo much!  And of course I could not do any of this without your love, support, and prayers!