The Cartwright House: A Meaningful Experience

When we allow God the privilege of shaping our lives, we discover new depths of purpose and meaning. What a joyful thought to realize you are a chosen vessel for God-perfectly suited for His use.

Joni Eareckson Tada.

On Sunday, we were able to go to a church about 1 1/2 hours away from San Jose to a town called Turrialba. To date, it was the most beautiful drive I have been on. The view was spectacular. My favorite part was the coffee fields springled with tall Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. These trees are beautiful. I am going to do my best to take a picture, to share with you. The trunks are smooth, and when the bark peels off it gives the trunk a striped rainbow appearance.

When we came out of the mountains, we watched the Volcanoe Turrialba, sprew a steady stream of steam and ash.

We were prepared to give a short testimony or greeting. The other students attending the summer intensive group also came along, as well as one of the missionaries training here. During the first service the other students gave their testimony, and one classmate sang a song she had learned in Spanish, How Great Thou Art.

Before the service started, I ran into Don (the director of the Language school)outside, and told him how very nervous I was. He told me, I didn't have to go, if I felt I couldn't.
The majority of me wanted to say, "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, I'll meet you in the van at noon".

But I couldn't. I knew my girls were watching me. And how could I tell them to be brave, sacrifice their summer, live a fearless life, and not do a simple task.

So, I said thank you, but I will try.

The first service went really well. The missionary gave his first Spanish sermon, and the others gave their testimony, and it was good.

After the first service, Maggi became very emotional.
I wasn't really unsure of what was happening.

Maggi said, "I really feel like I want to do something important. Can I say something with you. I want to help you mommy".

As I sit here now, tears are streaming down my face.

Because I was watching my sweet Maggi listen to the Lord.
He was gentling asking her to follow Him, and placed something on her heart, and she said yes. I don't think she could put into words what she was feeling. She was just answering His call.

So she decided she was going to go up there on stage, and speak to audience of 250 people in Spanish.

So we asked Emma if she wanted to go, and she said "No Way". So we didn't force the issue. We just asked if she would go up with us.

So our part of the service came.

I gave my greeting.
and then handed the microphone over to Maggi.

Maggi said, "Hello my name is Maggi, Jesus loves you".

She was giving the microphone over to her dad, and Emma grabbed it from her.
And said, "Hello my name is Emma, The Lord is my shepard I shall not want."
(in perfect Spanish).

UNREHEARSED AND BEAUTIFUL.

Dave went on to preach his heart out in 3 minutes.

And it was over.

But it was a sweet beginning.

Maggi learned to step out in faith, and amazed us all.
Emma just leaves us speachless.

I can't that say that people were saved, or healed, or that they even understood what we said. But none of that matters.

Our family is being prepared.
And stretched.
And answering a call, one small step and word at a time.