Internationalmatt's Blog

2010 A Year of Pleasant Unexpected Changes- My Trip to Mexico Led to A Big Change

Last year at this time if you had talked with me, I would have told you I thought I would be going to Brazil and Romania in June. My Romania plans fell through early in 2010, but Brazil seemed like a sure thing even up to April. I had spent time with the college group at my church and wanted to go with them to Brazil to pass on some experience while in the field. Then my friend Pastor Brian Abbott asked me what would be more strategic for my work here, go to Brazil or go to Mexico. I prayed about it and realized it would be better for my work here in Lincoln if I went to Mexico, so I went with the youth group from my church.

Enseñada México photo taken from top of a hill where the church is

If I only thought about my time in Enseñada and my work there it would not make much sense that I went. I was a late addition to the team and did not have much in the way of a role to play. I did speak in a prison chapel twice and helped to take food to some street people, but it was not nearly as productive as my trips to Romania. However, it was a very significant trip to go on since it led to some big changes for me here in Lincoln and hopefully for future work in Enseñada.

The mountain camp grounds where I stayed

I had a mountaintop experience both literally and figuratively while I was in Enseñada. We stayed at a camp run by Azusa Pacific University which is on a mountain. One morning I spent some time praying while I was alone. Fortunately no one came in the room where I was praying the whole time I was praying. It was an appointment with God for me. For a few years I had had the desire to study a language to become fluent in a language and have more than a hobby of asking people how to say things. While I was praying, the schedule of Spanish classes at the college where I teach popped into my mind. In the midst of physical pain from a bad tooth and bronchitis, God showed me what He wanted me to do. He wanted me to study Español.

mi español libro- my Spanish book

I came back knowing that I could only take Español at a certain time and place. When I went to register, I found I could still get in the class. My first class began in July. It is a bit embarrassing that my worst test grade from both quarters was on my first test which was for the easiest chapter. I managed to get an A from my first quarter of Spanish and registered for my second quarter. I managed to get an A from my second quarter as well. I wanted to take the next course, but it is only offered one time a day and there are two locations in Lincoln. I was thrilled that the time and place for Second Year Accelerated is offered at the only time I can take it and is at the only location that I can take it, so next week I will begin Second Year Accelerated Spanish.

Studying Español has opened new doors of opportunity for me in my work and ministry. I recently visited a Spanish speaking church and understood most of what the Pastor said during his message. I have begun to teach one person on line who lives in Enseñada and hope to add others. I have been using Español to help my Hispanic friends that I tutor in English. I have made new friendships in Lincoln with people who speak Español. I am working on future possibilities for ministry in Español. At the age of 52 a new horizon has been opened for me which only goes to prove we are never too old to begin a new adventure

December 29, 2010 - Posted by internationalmatt | Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Hispanic friends, Mexico, Travel experiences