"Yet I still belong to you,You hold my right hand."
Psalm 73:23
April in Mexico flew by so quickly. The days were filled with good byes, new friends and growing closer to God.
At the beginning of April I had my last English classes and kid's club in the park. They were all sad to see my go. I had such a great time teaching them and learning how to be an
English teacher.
Another opportunity I had while in Mexico was singing on the praise band at church. My last Sunday there was very special. We sang, had cake together and several people shared praises to God for my time there. I even took the first bite of cake!!
The second week of April we (Nevin family and I) headed to Guadalajara for a FIM retreat. Several other FIM families were there. We had a great week meeting and sharing ministry together. The director of out mission and his wife can down to Mexico and spent the week with us too. It was a blessed week. (below is a picture of the ladies)
The following week I had the opportunity to visit two of the families that I had just met from FIM in Mexico and see their places of ministry. First I headed to Aguascalientes to visit the Walker family. Julie works with kids doing clubs, camps and homework help classes all week. I saw her in action at bible club and helped her with a camp for the girls. We had a great time swimming, bon-fire, hiking and I shared my testimony with them.
After my time there I headed to Puerto Vallarta to visit the Arellanes. They work in a church planting teaching discipleship and also do an AWANA club on Saturday afternoons. While I was there I saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time!
My last few days in Puerto Vallarta four of us FIM ladies attended the Thrive retreat at the Westin resort. It was a very special time. We were encouraged by God's word and other ladies there. My small group was one of many highlights for me. The volunteers prayed for us every chance they got. Left the time together feeling very blessed and refreshed.
The 28th I said good bye for now to Mexico and the Nevin family. It was bittersweet to leave them and this special place. God is at work and I pray the very best for them and their ministry. Thank you Nevin family for allowing me to serve with you these four months.
Monday April 30 I was back in Chicago and reapplied for the visa to Venezuela. Felt very encouraged and at peace after leaving the office. God is good and I can see Him answering prayers. A little over a week after applying I received an email that I didn't want but can only trust is God's will and plan for my life. The visa was denied again and this time I have to wait 3 months before reapplying. So again the waiting and praying continues.
It has been discussed and prayed over, at the end of June I will head to Puerto Vallarta and work with the Arellanes family. For 3-6 months I will work along side them in many areas continuing to focus on kids and youth. Looking forward to this new opportunity. God is at work.
Dad came and got me in Chicago and we were able to see a Cubs game against the Colorado Rockies. It was a great father daughter trip!
Now that I am back in Iowa I have been able to visit some of my prayer warriors! The 5th grade at Joshua Christian Academy and the bible study at Prairie Hills.
May is full steam ahead too! Visiting and catching up with many here in the Iowa area. Hope to see many of you in the days ahead. Thank you so much for your prays, I can feel them, God has given me a peace that can only come from Him.
Blessings!
Alicia
awhitmore@fim.org
Fellowship International Mission
555 S 24th St.
Allentown, PA 18104
