It hit me this morning. I'm going to Guatemala in 2 weeks! I am so excited about this opportunity, but as I began my to-do list this morning, I realized I'd better get on the ball!

I want to stay in contact with friends and family while I am away, so please, check this blog for updates. I do not have regular internet access right now, so my posts may be few before I actually begin classes at the school, which has WiFi.

Let me back up just a bit for those who have not heard. Here is an email I sent out which explains "Tina's Trip."



"Dear Family and Friends,

Exciting things are happening in my life, and I want to share them with you! As many of you know, I was preparing to embark on a yearlong mission trip called The World Race. I had my support letters ready to go, but every day I put off mailing them because there was a hesitation and lack of peace in my heart.

One day, in the week of July 14th, I was praying and really asking God to give me direction. He brought to my mind a Spanish language school in Guatemala that I had researched a year or so ago. I have always wanted to be bilingual. I took classes in both high school and college. I have been surrounded by Spanish-speaking roommates, students, and coworkers for years.

Not quite understanding how learning Spanish fit into my plans, I called Bob. This is where the story becomes interesting. Bob Robinson is the Single Parent Pastor at Irving Bible Church. We met in early July to talk about how I could be involved in the launch of Parenting Alone, a non-profit organization that will minister to single parent families in crisis outside the church.

During our meeting, my heart began to race. Let me share with you my life mission statement that I wrote a few years ago: "God’s purpose for my life is to embrace, nurture, and inspire hurting individuals by encouraging them so that they will experience abundant life." As a child I experienced the loss of a parent, and it is my desire to now come alongside hurting people, specifically children, to share God’s love, joy, and hope.

Fast forward to the day I called Bob about language school. I simply asked if it made any sense to him. His response, "The biggest prayer and burden of my heart this week has been that we will not be able to effectively minister to our Spanish-speaking clients at the Parenting Alone Center."

So…now I am preparing to spend 3 or 4 months at Christian Language Academy in Antigua, Guatemala. I leave the last week of August. I will take classes 6 hours a day and live with a Guatemalan family. I am ready and so excited about this adventure!

Many of you wanted to contribute to send me on the World Race. If you would still like to help financially, just let me know, and I will give you those details.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you through pictures and stories, eventually some in Spanish. Email me any time. You are special to me, and I am grateful for your friendship, encouragement, and prayers.

Love,
Tina"



These past 2 weeks have been wonderful. God has shown me time and time again how He is directing my steps and taking care of me. I will share a few ways with you.

1. Last night friends from my Sunday school class at Irving Bible Church attended my going away party. It was a special time where I was able to share about my trip with the group and also talk with friends individually. I am honored to have such incredible people in my life. One friend encouraged me to be flexible, and another challenged me to ask God daily to reveal Himself and then see how the day unfolds. I will keep these and other words of advice close to heart. Also, at the party was a chocolate fountain. What could possibly be better than that?

2. God provided me with 2 part-time jobs this month. I have been working at the Language Assessment Center for Plano ISD and also for TexasStar Solutions, the family sign company. I have had a great time working with 10 of my family members.

3. My parents, sister, and nephew moved to DFW from Tennessee recently. I am so grateful for the time I have been able to spend with them.

4. I am thankful for the home I am living in. My friend's parents are so kind in letting me stay in their side apartment now and also for a little while when I return. It is cozy and spacious and more than I could have ever asked for.

5. The Parenting Alone ministry is going to launch November 15th! It is exciting to be a part of this team.

6. I found out that my cousin, who now lives in Nevada, went to language school in Antigua. We talked this week, and he shared with me his enthusiasm and helpful hints.

So, tonight is my family going away party. I'll write about that next time. All my relatives have been so supportive. They have known for years about my desire to travel.

Here is my flight information:

American Airlines, Thursday, August 28, 6pm-8:10pm

Support:

If you would like to help financially, I would truly appreciate it. I have reached about 40% of my goal, which is $7,000. Tuition, room, and board is $275 a week. I will attend classes for 16 weeks. The other money covers my plane ticket, transportation in Antigua, and other misc. items and services. You may write a check out to me and mail to my sister's address. Email me at tinasharee@hotmail.com for that.

I ask for your prayers as the time draws closer. Here are some specific requests:

1. safe travel
2. health and energy
3. friends and family members and I as we are apart
4. opportunities to share my faith in Jesus Christ
5. great relationship with host family
6. all financial needs to be met
7. the right teacher

Thank you. I love you all. Check in here from time to time. You will want to see pictures of beautiful Antigua.

Sincerely,
Tina