Unexpected God Moments = A New Friendship and a Small Road Trip!

This morning before I went to church I swung into Starbucks for a 1/2 Cinnamon Dulce, 1/2 White Mocha Latte, and found a seat at a table to do a little bit of a bible study, and a flight look up for my mission trip coming in September (I hope to purchase my ticket no later than Wednesday - More to come at the end of this blog). I'm minding my own business when this Chinese woman asks if she could sit with me. I say "Sure" and move my things out of the way for her to sit. But it's not like all the tables were full, only one other person was sitting down. 

I start up the chat and ask her if she's a student here at Miami, she said she was. So I ask her major and she said that it's the English language and a minor in the German language. She proceeds to tell me that she's actually getting ready to go home on the 3rd, and then asks me a simple question. "Do you think I could ride my bike to the Ohio River, or maybe take a bus there? I get a big smile on my face, with a little chuckle in my belly and tell her that she may be riding her bike for a long time because she isn't able to go on the highway and that it's about 30-35 miles one way. As well, that there was no busing to Downtown Cincy from Oxford. 

We started talking a little more. I told her that I would take her to the Ohio River after church, and then invited her to come with me. She at first told me that she's been to the two Korean churches there in Oxford, and expressed that she didn't really care for the services. I told her that I didn't go there, that I went to the Oxford Vineyard. I said come and meet my friends, then we'll grab some lunch, and head Downtown.

She loved my church!! She really enjoyed the music and talking with John my pastor. She felt really welcomed (not like she wasn't but she had set her mind based on past experiences that there would be so much structure that we would just be "going through the motions").  Towards the end of the service today Andre broke us up into groups so we could pray together about our "mystical" name in God our father. Like He gave to Simon and Abraham in the bible. I LOVED her word for John and the who Oxford Vineyard experience she had this morning. She called him the Green Banana!! She referred to him & our church as a new good experience for her. She expressed that she liked how she was greeted by members of the church, she was very touched by the worship music, and she liked how the message was delivered (plane jane, easy to apply to everyday life and not over her head). 

This is Bird, her Chinese name is Lai Yin Zhi (yeah I didn't get it either ;o} but it was a lot of fun trying!!)

After church we headed for Downtown.... ROAD TRIP!!!! She was a truly amazing woman to get to know!!!! I love those God moments that you so totally don't expect!!! Today was truly a so very much so marvelous day!!

When we got to Colerain Ave we went to Panera Bread. Her first experience!! She got the alfredo pasta with the rice and chicken soup and she really liked it. On our way down I-275 to 74 then hitting I-75 we ran into a little traffic (on a Sunday I know weird right, especially on 275?) because, my guess, the big boys were still playing in the road on 74 towards Indianapolis. Any who - My car hasn't been doing well just idling while running lately (I'm contacting Monroe Tire's Corp about this too). So I'm just praying to find a break in the middle of the highway so that I might flip a "U" turn and just head down I-75... didn't happen so I prayed I wouldn't over heat. I didn't!!! God's so awesome!! We get down there and park in the Great American Ball Park's garage, so we just had to walk across the street to the little park/walk way by the Ohio River. She enjoyed it, the weather was perfect for a day like today, but she admitted that she must have gotten her "Rivers" mixed up because she had something else in mind. LoL So we walked around for a bit, sat on the swing for a bit and talked. We talked about God, why I have so much faith, my walk with God and trials. Then we talked about guys (come on we're women... it was bound to happen), our families. She told me how China has a 1 child restriction on families that live there, but she has an older brother who is 9 years older. Confused I asked how her family was able to do this. She told me that they were originally from Japan, and they had moved to China. 

We spoke about cooking, and she insisted that I come to China and when I did to contact her and I could come over to her home and she would cook for me. Fantastic!!! Love this woman!!!! We walked around the block just to further check things out. I honestly thought that there would be more to see, but there actually just a block of bars and restaurants right there next to the ball park. Not having cash on me for parking (don't know what I was thinking) we set out to look for an ATM. Funny moment: There is this restaurant that started with "ATM" so thinking they had one inside, we went in and asked. The waiter who approached us said that it would be just an moment and we will be helped. I just said to him, "I'm just looking for the ATM." He kindly replied that there wasn't one, and I said it says there is on their sign. Walking out of the doors and looking up.... that was just part of the place's name!!! HA HA HA HA He said that there was one in the building on the other side of the block. Walking over there we found that the doors were locked :o(, but then again it's Sunday. Luckily, the garage took credit cards ($5's to park down there).

We headed back to Oxford. And talked most the way, about music, our passions, family, cooking (some more of it), and the fact that I need to visit her in China :o) When I dropped her off at her dorm she said that she knows we'll see each other again, myself going there to China, and herself coming back to Ohio. 

Prophetic?  I think so!! I truly honestly seriously enjoyed myself today!! I can't remember another time when I have had such entirely unexpected fun!! I love God!!!

UPDATE ON: Mazatlán, Mexico

I have $400's for my $600 air fare ticket!!! Whaooooo!!! $200 more is all I need to get my air fare!! Then I'll be working on my room and board costs of $675 and it will be paid for!!! I'm looking at booking my flight no later than Wednesday!!! I'm so uberly excited!!!! (If you can't tell by all the "!!!'s")

Left arm fallen off yet?

So, my good 'ol left arm.... My half human half bionic arm....

Caused me so much drama and goodness PAIN for something like 3 weeks!!! Pain that would seriously stop me in my foot steps, take the breath right out of me, and pretty much lay me flat out in a total complete trance of pain.  After playing phone tag with University of Cincinnati Hospital for 2 of the 3 weeks, I finally received paper work in the mail requesting proof of insurance or even income before they would even schedule an appointment to see me. Note: this is the hospital that installed the hardware that my body currently has in it, and yet they have NO record of ever putting it in my body? Odd? 

Well Sunday July 14th one of my student's from my classroom at work invited me to attend his church with him and his mom, needless to say I went. Arm still hurting just as bad, and still stoping me in my steps when it would elevate (as it did should I use my left arm in any manner). I tried as much as I could not to use it.... but yet driving my car was still a challenge for me, but I managed to do it with little pain. 

After church with my student and lunch, on my way back to Oxford I swung into the Home Depot to see about getting some of their freight boxes for my classroom project, "Box City." I stopped at the customer service desk and talked to a guy name Todd. Just matter of fact asking him when they got truck, and if they could save me about 16 large boxes off of it. He told me that they usually immediately crush them for recycling. Stooped, I simply ask if they could just save me 16.... thinking it wouldn't be that hard. He then asked me "How many boxes are you needing?" Just telling him 16 when I asked him if they could save a few for me, I replied quietly "only 16." He asked me to follow him to a flat that was stacked about 3 feet high with brand new boxes. He asked me to wait a minute so he could go get a flat bed to stack 16 boxes on. He gave me 17 brand new packing boxes right then and there, they cost about $3.50 a piece. As well he helped me get all 17 in my little tiny Sunfire. Let's just say that I couldn't see out of my rear view mirror and my passenger side mirror for the entire rest of the weekend. 

On my way back into Oxford, to the home I'm staying at (until the end of this week), I pass buy my dear friends from church Jeff and Becky Maglich and see that their front door is opened. Ecstatic that I just got all of these brand new boxes for my kids at work, I wanted to share the news. Home Depot has been FABULOUS to The Goddard School of Fairfield!!! They've given us everything for our Goddard Garden (the raised bed, the 20 bags of soil to fill it, seeds and plants of fruit and veggies, as well as shovels, rakes, and paint stirs to label the growing plants with) but they just pretty much helped me out with our Box City art project, that will allow the older kids to play with the younger toddlers (this way diversifying their learning experiences for both/all age groups) buy supplying us with the most expensive/biggest part of this project!!!

While there we are talking about everything, Jeff is amazed at "how much favor I have" in my job. I could list everything but I'm not going too... that's for him to do not me. We talked about Mazatlán and the prospects that are being offered with this amazing opportunity and how everything is looking for and with that. I then expressed concern about my arm and not being able to do ANYTHING because of the pain.  We prayed over everything, my classroom at work and the wonderful things happening there, Mazatlán and everything that has to do with that (support through prayers and financial means, getting there in September, next summer's possible internship, etc), and my good 'ol left arm.

Since that moment of prayer.... MY ARM HAS NOT HURT AT ALL!!! I can do anything/everything with it!!!! It's been that way for a little over a week now (9 days), not that I'm expecting it to start hurting again. But I'm elated that it's not hurting!!!! God you so totally rock dude!!!! 

@1:15 AM

My heart is aflutter.... My mind is set
His Plans have been written

Here I sit in my Spanish professor's home, house/puppy dog sitting while she and her fam is away on vaca. My mind should be at rest and my body sound asleep, because normally by now I'd be lost in dream world. I thought I be well on my way by now, at least I've felt that way since my foot has met the thresh hold of the house. And when I "went" to bed at 9:30 PM I was one food in the bed, and one still in my clothes from the day. 

But my guess, there are things running though my mind, and on my heart. So here I am, one could say "unloading." I would say that I'm writing my thoughts and prayers. 

Back in July 2006, I was hired as a graphic designer/cartographer (one that draws maps) for a company, Mass Marketing, in Fairfield, Ohio. My first job as a graphic design job since graduating from The School of Advertising Art in May of 2005. During my two years at this job, I grew SOOO much. Not just as a graphic designer, but as a Christian. 

In June 2007 I did my first mission trip out of the United States (not just out of the state) to Casa Bernabe Orphanage in Guatemala City, Guatemala, C.A. Since this was my first experience, and first sight of what it means to without - I honestly was out of my element and was just going through the motions, and the doing while I was here. I didn't make those lasting, heart to heart, connections with not only the children but with the culture of Guatemala. I worked hard at the many tasks that were being done on the grounds of the orphanage. I did play with the kids, and talk with the house parents, but what I think let get in my way of truly embracing the heart of the culture and the people; most of all the children, was myself.  

When I went again the following summer in 2008, I made sure that I wasn't about the "doing" and that I was more about the "being" and firmly, whole heartedly laying myself out to love on the children and take on more responsibility when caring for one of the homes (I believe they have 7-9 homes with different age groups on the campus) and children. I was "doing" but while I was in the mist of the "doing" I was as well "being"... Being available to love, to serve in what ever capacity needed, to open my heart and take my shield down from what ever fear held me back before. 

When I did this I believe I got the true meaning of what it means to serve. Reckless abandon comes to mind, meaning "without care or regard for consequences," as well as Crazy Love or "Overwhelmed by a Relentless God." And you could say that I've been "bitten" (no not in the vampire "Twilight" way), but in the way that my heart yearns to keep on serving those I can and where I am able too. To be honest with myself, with those that I serve and whom I love with all my heart; it would have happened if the company hadn't of sponsored part of my 2007 and 2008 trips, but as well, and I believe most importantly, if I hadn't have been let go by this company two days before I was to leave for my 2008 trip. I am almost positive that if I was still employed here I would have missed out on my true calling, and perfect opportunity to hear boldly from God what my real purpose is. I would have missed out of going back to college, having to start 100% over in my studies (no I'm not complaining), I would have missed out on making the professional connections not only with my professors, but with faulty of schools where I've had practicum work to do for different courses, having my current job at The Goddard School, even being where I am mentally and spiritually today. As well, I'm sure, many many many more reasons to list here but it's going on 2 AM so I'm afraid I can't list all now... :o/ 

No offense to Mass Marketing and the contact and the connections I've made there, but thank you for letting me go when you did. It allowed me to grow more than I could have seen then. Not only did I learn SO MUCH within the two days before I left, but it left me (this is good I promise) without a job when I returned home and on a "job hunt" again. Which solely lead me to work as an E.S.E.A. Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Substitute in not just one school district but in 4 different school districts. This ultimately is what helped me make up my mind to go back to school to obtain my licensure in Special Education. 

As it says in Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."  He knew my heart's inner most desire way before I even knew what my heart was saying. I guess that's why I changed my major 3 different times in one year to end up back with my first declared major, Special Education? 

My prayer for this up coming mission (in September) is that the Lord will may straight the path so that I may raise the funds to be apart of the team that is going down to Mazatlán, Mexico to work with the children with special needs of this home/orphanage and Back2Back Ministries, as well that I can apply for the 1-2 month internship next summer and pay for the funds for it as well. 

B2B: Mazatlán, Mexico: UPDATE

Here is an update for the Back2Back opportunity. But first a little bit of the things that I've been dealing with for over a week.

Those who know I have hardware in my body from a car accident that I was in 15 years ago this October. Well about a week and a have ago, may be a little longer, I started experiencing A LOT of pain in my upper left arm. So much pain that at 2 AM, Friday, July 5th it woke me up from a DEAD sleep. And it had me really concerned because earlier that week, Tuesday morning I woke up with so much chest pain... actually throughout my entire chest cavity. I ate 4 Tums within 30 minutes with no relief. Then I found some anti-gas gel caps and took them. I didn't get any relief for about an hour to an hour and a half later. I posted the fact that this woke me up on Facebook, and my aunt kinda sorta went off on me for the fact that my family has a bad history with heart troubles and I should have gone to the ER. I knew it was gas.... I digress.... So when I woke up Friday morning, I had NO chest pain, just my entire left arm KILLED me. I couldn't grip anything, lift anything, get dressed, do my hair, anything. In fact the entire week last week and the ending of the previous week my left arm had been bothering me. Just Friday morning at 2 AM.... Was the last of dealing with the pain. So I got up, I managed to take a bath, and get dressed for the day; know that an ER visit could take hours.

I left my house by 3 AM for McCullough-Hide Memorial Hospital in Oxford. When I get there I was literally the only one in the ER. So I was seen right away. They immediately ran an EKG on me (my guess is because I'm a 31 year old female who's left arm was hurting extremely bad), it came back normal. Then the doctor wanted about 8-9 pictures of my left arm's hardware (the rod and 9 screws that's in it). When the pictures came back the doctor said that it's just a tissue/muscle stress. Then I thought to myself, this isn't the only time it's hurt. I've had these pains before within the past year, just not nearly as bad as this morning. He ordered some anti-inflammatory pills, a shot of Toradol, put me on the muscle relaxer Flexeril, and put me on a no lifting restriction for Friday. For the entire weekend I took the muscle relaxer all weekend, so I was in pretty much sleep mode Saturday and Sunday.

When I went back to work Monday I was still in a lot of pain, and was unable to take the muscle relaxer because I was working with kids, and driving to and from work. So I was just taking Alive, that had little affect on the pain, but tolerable. Through this week the arm pain is still there, it still hurts to get dressed, wash my hands, lift anything over 10 lbs.

So my thoughts about it.... One of the screws moved (I think you can actually feel something right below the scar on my arm, but that's just me) and it's time to come out. I've called University Hospital NUMEROUS times this week, with only one call made to me and it wasn't a return call. It was the financial aid office calling me because they want to know if I have insurance... when they are the ones who put the hardware in... before they see me. I had to have my PCP send a referral over, or go to the ER (and I don't need another huge bill.... I can only imagine what the the one from Friday morning's visit will look like).

One of my student's has humbled me beyond what I could ever ask for. Her mom (my boss) sorta pulled me aside yesterday to tell me that her daughter had prayed for me that night. She said that her little girl had said, "Dear God, please make Ms Fontaine's arm feel better. It's hurting her really bad." I love her!!!! She's the sweetest!! And has been an REALLY big help in the room, especially when it comes to cleaning!!! I couldn't ask for a better student, and friend!! My heart feels so extremely blessed!!!

_________________________________________________

Okay, no on to the Mazatlán, Mexico trip. Well, my time to go is not going to be this month. I don't have the funds to go. But don't worry I called Chelsie today before I got to work to let her know, and we talked about the trip in September (21-27). I spoke with her about how flights were cheaper if I flew out on the morning of the 28th by a couple hundred dollars, she said that if it was possible for the staff down in the home to accommodate this time that it would maybe cost an extra $50's. I told her that's better than the couple hundred for the flight out the 27th.  

As well, we spoke about maybe meeting or connecting with the group that is heading down in September (21-27th) so we won't be total strangers when we actually get down there. She informed me that a man in her office is actually heading up the trip. She informed me that she will look into the questions and concerns that I has expressed to her in my conversation. 

I sent two emails out to my two listed professors for my fall courses asking them if it would be a problem if I missed the that week of classes. I'm planning on getting my TELLs (Teaching English Language Learners) Certification this semester, so I was kinda praying that she would be happy about this opportunity for me. Today when I got back to my SPN Prof's house (I'm house sitting and puppy dog sitting while her and her family are on summer vaca) I was happy to see that I got answers to my email's. 

From my TELLs professor:

"I would not have any problem with you working in Mexico for the week of September 21-27. In EDT 221, on Monday the 23rd we will be presenting individual and group projects: you will have to sign up for an individual project and you will present it the following week. In EDT 323 you will have to take a quiz and make up the activities that we will do in class, but that should not be a problem.

As far as I am concerned, it is a go, and I commend you (and envy you) for going helping in orphanage in Mexico. May be you can even work some of you project for 221 there?

Take care, and please let me know as soon as you know yourself whether you will be going during that week or not. In the meantime, do enjoy your summer :) and I am looking forward to meeting you this fall."

and from my MUS 185 professor:

"I apologize for taking a couple of days to reply to you.  We are on vacation with limited computer access ( and I am not yet "over summer by now!"). She quoted me because I told both prof's that I'm ready to get back to my classes/courses. 

Your request really hits home with me.  My daughter and her family are staff members for B2B in Monterrey.  Their best friends, Gabo and Kelly, are the directors in Mazatlan, so I know exactly who you would be working with !  Let me clarify your request - you would be gone from class just from September 21-27, correct ?  If so, I think we can work with that.  If it is more than that one week, it would be a problem.  

I love these God "coincidences," don't you?  Clarify how many classes you would miss and we will continue the discussion when I next get to a computer."

So what now? Work on getting my money together for the September trip!!! I'm going to start saving some of my biweekly pay, and reach out to family, friends, and business friends. 

I actually am doing a catalog show through MaryKay, I just have to remember to get the catalog's from the office at work (because my friend dropped them off the other day for me). She said that she would give me 25% of the sales if it's $500's or less, and 35% if it's more than $500's. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help!! If you love/like MaryKay or need refills please see me?  Every little bit will help!!!!

As well, I need all the prayer support you all can give me!!!! 

Much LOVE to you all!!!

Flights, dates, times, and to where? MAZATLAN, MEXICO!!!

¡Hola! ¿Cómo hacen ustedes todos esta hermosa de domingo? 
(Translation: Hello! How are you all doing this beautiful Sunday?)

So less than 24 hours to go before my "set" deadline to have everything in order... actually set. Not to be freaking out or anything.... but I have a few friends say that they will help me on my quest to Mazatlán, Mexico. I'm still walking in faith that the Lord will provide a way, path, and the means of travel for this mission He's placed me on. I'm not.... er.... correction I'm going to try not to let things get too me still not knowing which what is what, or how things are going to come about.

I figure this blog post can inform my prayer worrier friends and family about some of the specifics. So you know what to pray for, how to pray, and what is still yet needed (which where I sit now.... EVERYTHING - talk about walking by faith, right?). Let's start by showing  ya'll where Mazatlán  Mexico actually is. It's on the West cost, Northwest of Mexico City on the Pacific Ocean. 

And is about 8 and a half hours Southwest from Monterrey, Mexico

In the upper right corner of this picture is SanAntonio, TX.

Now some of the actual numbers. For 7 days of serving (not including flight costs) it is $675. This covers everything from food, housing, to projects.

I've been looking into flights since I got home from church today. WOW!!!! CVG is EXPENSIVE to fly out of!!!! I'm just going to say that one of the flights that I can even begin to look at has an 8 hour travel time and it's $987's starting out. I looked into other closer airports: Dayton, OH and Indianapolis, IN. The fares seem more reasonable (but that's just my opinion). 

Flying out of Dayton International Airport:
      US Airways Flight 424/2896 - Leaves at 6:45 AM and arrives in Mazatlán, MX at 12:10 PM and has one stop in Dallas, TX (Connection time of 2 hrs and 40 min) - total travel time of 7 hours and 25 minutes

Flying home
       US Airways Flight 2896/1658 Leaves at 12:50 PM and arrives in Dayton at 11:10 PM. There is a connection time but I didn't list it.

                Flight Break down Costs:
                    $625 - Fare
                 + $140 - Taxes + Airline fees
     Equals = $765

Flying out of Indianapolis, IN Airport (IND):  
         American Airlines Flight 579/2896 - Leaves at 7:25 AM and arrives in Mazatlán, MX at 12:10 PM and has one stop in Dallas, TX (Connection time of 2 hours) - Total travel time of 6 hours and 45 minutes **There are only  3 seats left available on this flight**

Flying home
         American Airlines Flight 2896/1798 Leaves at 12:50 PM and arrives in Indianapolis, IN at 11:10 PM. With a connection time of 3 hours and 35 minutes in Dallas, TX. 

                   Flight Break down Costs:
                      $488 - Fare
                      $140 - Taxes + Airline fees
        Equals = $628

As well, when I was at WalMart in Oxford today getting lunch things for work this next week I stopped the manager to see if they would be willing to donate art Supplies because when I get down there and if able I would love to do little art projects with them, if given the time. This includes painting (w/acrylics or watercolors), drawing/coloring, and many other artistic things that one can do with some supplies if given them. 

I'm still planning as if I am going. I'm just waiting on the Lord to move everything to give me the green light. I would LOVE to purchase my airline ticket tomorrow, but as it sits right now I'm not sure if I can do that? Prayer Worriers PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRAY for me in this circumstance. 

Adiós y gracias!

Decisions.... Opportunities..... Wonders of the Lord

I feel extremely overwhelmed at the current moment! But really the word "overwhelmed" is pretty much an understatement. I feel pulled, and from where I am... sit... view things... it's not bad.... it's really good. The bad part of if is timing, and the lack of funds. The lack of funds has me upset really. The desire is HUGE!!!!! But reality pretty much squashes my desire. :o(  Don't read this as me putting my AMAZING Abba in " "'s or in ( )'s, because I am not by any means. As well, I know that God is pretty infamous about working in unrealistic ways and making everything happen... in His time. God has done it before, 2x's before actually!!! Both of my trips to Guatemala were fully funded, passport included!!!

Towards the end of last month I just felt completely racked with thoughts of "what's next" for me. I know for a fact that sometime between August 27th (next month) and two years from that point in time I'll be coming into a little over $4,000's. I have given it some serious consideration about what I want to do with it... Take a really lavish vacation... that would unfortunately be by myself (just calling it as I see it right now), or put it to more practical use; go on a internship/mission trip. Out of the two I'm seriously decided on the mission trip. It just seems like a better choice for myself, and it so totally fits my style. I don't want to go on a lavish vacation and have NO ONE to experience it with.... boring!!!! I'm about community, fellowship, and service to others, and sharing in the moments of life with others, I always have been.

On Wednesday, June26th in the last hour of the day I emailed my friend who works down in Monterey, Mexico with Back2Back Ministries this message.

• 
  
• 

  11:25pm
  

  Fontaine Selby
  

  
  

  Hola Hope!!!
  

  So I've been tossing things around in my head for the past two weeks.... & the things tossing in my mind is mission work. Next summer I'd love to volunteer my time (about a month... maybe longer?) to one of two ministries; Casa Bernabe Orphanage in Guatemala or with you in Monterey, helping to teach kids. More specifically in Art Education. Its a little Weird to have this prompting.... Never had it or one before? And it being so specific, as it is? I know where to start... Before The Lord and seeking His guidance. But I guess my question to you... Do you guys even allow that for the 10+ ages? If so, how can I start the ball rolling (so to speak)? I know the supplies aren't cheap, especially if I can do what is love to do/share with the youth if given that chance. However, I know I have some money coming towards me within the next year (maybe sooner) or so & I could get things donated (or $$ to purchase it where ever God sends me). Can you help me search through this? I'm confused and yet really extremely excited.

Really pretty much an unprompted message to her. My thoughts were still pretty scattered, and nothing yet clear in my mind. Hope responded to my message:

• 
  
• 

  1:10pm
  

  Hope Maglich Garcia
  

  
  

  Hey Fontaine!
  I love what God is doing in your heart. We do offer internships during the summer months down here in B2B. It is the kind of thing where you would come and help us with the visiting missions teams that come down during the months of June and July. I can't guarantee that you would only do art ed stuff, but I'm sure you could incorporate it in with other activities. To intern with B2B you have to first come on a mission trip to visit us. So that would be the first step for you. If you are interested in this you can contact Chelsie Puterbaugh in our b2b home office. She could help hook you up with a mission team for a trip down. Her e-mail is: cputerbaugh@back2back.org

Now I have a starting point, a place to make actual concrete thoughts and form a real plan and purpose!!  So I sent an email to Chelsie soon after I got the contact from Hope. At the time that I sent her the email she was actually in Mexico at B2B, so I got an "I'm out of the office" response. In my email to her about myself, my work down in Guatemala, my endeavors now-in my studies at Miami for Special Education, where I work and the ages I work with, and so on.

I received an email back from Chelsie today:

Hi Fontaine!

Thank you for your email and sharing a bit about yourself.  

Just a little fact - in Mazatlan, MX we serve with a children's home where all of the children have special needs - either physically, mentally, or both.  

Check out our website to see pictures:  https://www.facebook.com/b2bmazatlan?fref=ts

It is a very special site and home.  I wanted to throw that out there because you said that you are a special education major :)

Thankfully, we have trips year round!  So, I would look into taking a trip with us some time this fall.  Applications are due by the end of October and we make decisions by the end of November into December.  

Chris Ramos is the man that you will receive your application from: cramos@back2back.org.

Could you come on a trip even this summer? Any dates in July available? Our last week is July 27 - August 2nd. 

Would that work? 

Let me know! 

Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you :)

Chelsie

So what now? I haven't got a clue!!!! I'm to house sit for my SPN professor June 8th or 9th through I think the 28th or 29th (I'm not 100% sure when it stops?). When I read her message about having a children's home with children having special needs my heart about leaped out of my chest!!!! Then reality smacking me in the face!!! Then I heard a still small voice in my heart and my head, "Don't put me in a box Fontaine." Then my head started thinking about numbers, cost of getting down there, cost of room and board, cost of hours lost at work (I'm not full time, I have not holiday pay or PTO), finding coverage at work for a week.... and the list goes on......

I would LOVE to full take this opportunity that is infront of me at the moment. And plan for this short term mission trip to go and love on these kids, and serve them when and where they need it. But from where I sit right now... I haven't got a penny to even put this into any kind of action. The flights alone starts at $723 from Cincinnati and $673 from Dayton. I don't even have a clue how much room and board is on the campus there?

Oh Heavenly Abba PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE provide me some clarity, guidance, and direction. If I am to go July 27th through August 2nd make my path straight infront of me. Provide me with the confidence that this is what I am to do, and to provide me with the funds and the coverage at work so it leaves no one lacking need for anything.

I could cry I'm so happy to have this technically offered, but scared that it may not happen?