:)

Today's culture tells us that we need the new this or the new that to be happy. But I can tell you and show you that that is not true.

Meet Cesar. At the time that this picture was taken he was sleeping in a bath tub every night. He didn't have a bed yet he was so happy. He always has the biggest smile on his face, I have never seen him without it. He doesn't need a bed to be happy.

These kids play soccer on ash and dirt fields almost every day. They love soccer and they always have smiles on their faces while playing. They don't need a regulation size turf field to be happy playing a game they love.

Meet Elsa. She is the most adorable, love-able, and happy little girl! She usually wears the same clothes every day but she is still happy. She doesn't need designer clothes or even new clothes to be happy.

These are one of her few pairs of shoes. She doesn't need designer shoes or shoes to match every outfit to be happy.

Meet her family, the Lopez family. They just got a new stove that wont flood their kitchen with smoke every time they cook and that uses less wood. They are so happy to have received it. They were even happy before they received it. They don't need a new Kenmore stove to be happy.

This kid is making a kite out of plastic bags. He was so excited to show it to me. He doesn't need a crazy expensive elaborate kite to be happy.

Meet Pastor Efrium and his daughter Renita. They don't have much but they give a lot. Their house is always open and every time we visit them or they visit us they have gifts for us. They are so happy and generous.

Now meet me, Katey. I am learning how to be happy without all the things the world tells me that I need to be happy. And there are so many people around me that show me that I don't need things to be happy.

You know what all these people have in common...they love the Lord. He gives them happiness in all their situations and no matter how much or how little they own. And through the Lord these people have learned to not care about their things on earth.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. -Matthew 6:19-20

We need to learn to stop listening to the world and start listening to God. We don't need the newest, coolest things to be happy; all we need is God! So where is your happiness? Is it in the things you have on earth or is it in God?

-Katey :)

Shiloh Team

Last week we had a team visiting from Shiloh Baptist Church in Alabama. It was a great week. Here are some pictures from the week...

We did electrical work and painted a room in a ladies house that a lot of people in the community use.

We built a bathroom.

The middle picture is of Juana with her new bathroom. She was so happy.

And the last picture is the men with the family and their new bathroom.

We helped with a dental clinic.

We did VBS where they taught the kids about God's love, strength and more.

We painted, cleaned, and added new bunk beds to a house.

And they did more.

But even when we werent working they were playing with the kids and talking to them about Jesus. The kids loved everyone :)

We played soccer with the kids with both a real ball and a coconut.

Josh taught the kids to say "Get 'er done." hahaha

The kids loved to play with Scott's hair.

D told a little girl about Jesus and his love for her.

The kids were so sad to see the team leave and so were we. I hope they come back for another trip!

It was a GREAT week! God's love was shining through this whole team all week.

Was God's love shining through you this week?

-Katey :)

Some of these pictures were taken by Amanda House. She is an amazing photographer who took so many beautiful pictures from this week. And the kids loved to look at the pictures she took. (See picture above). Thank you Amanda for the pics.

Doulos (Intermissions 2011)

Last weekend I got to go to the beautiful Lake Atilan for a missionary conference. During the weekend the youth studied Romans 1. I learned the word δοῦλος or doulos. Its Greek and it means bond servant. I want to be a doulos for Christ just like Paul. I want to be completely sold out for the Lord and live every moment of my life for him!

And other than listening to the awesome talks we did some other fun stuff...We got to stay at a gorgeous hotel! Play fun games like the one above where Clay had to be Krister's arms and feed him. And a version of Dogeball with only one ball which provided GREAT pictures!
We also got to meet and hang out with awesome people!

It was an amazing weekend and I am already excited for next year. And I am excited to live my life as a doulos for Christ just like Paul!

Paul, a doulos of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— Romans 1:1

Are you living your life as a doulos for Christ?
-Katey :)