I read a blog the other day and wanted to share it with you friends, mainly because of how it is exactly what I had wanted to write about this week but thought this would be sufficient! :)

“True Love Waits.” Waits.
What’s it “waiting” for, anyway?
*****
There are a lot of girls out there who don’t know who God is anymore – the God of their youth group years just isn’t working out. Back then, that God said to wait for sex until they are married, until He brings the right man along for a husband. They signed a card and put it on the altar and pledged to wait.
And wait they did.
*****
And waited and waited and waited.
Some of them have prayed their whole lives for a husband, and he hasn’t shown up. They’ve heard the advice to “be the woman God made you to be, focus on that, and then the husband will come.” They’ve read “Lady in Waiting,” gotten super involved in church and honed their domestic skills.
And still they wait.
More than a decade ago, a youth leader handed them a photocopied poem in Sunday School written to them from “God” that said, “The reason you don’t have anyone yet is because you’re not fully satisfied in Me. You have to be satisfied with Me and then when you least expect it, I’ll bring you the person I meant for you.”
And the girls see it posted on their bulletin boards from time to time.
“You’re right, God,” they say. “We’re not satisfied in you yet. We will put you first and then you can bring us a husband in your timing.”
But many of them – if they’re honest – will tell you that time has passed, and it’s wrecking their view of God.
If this is who God’s supposed to be, then He’s tragically late.
So some decide to chuck “Lady in Waiting” out the window … and possibly their virginity with it. Church goes next. God might go next, too. If He doesn’t answer these prayers after they’ve held up their end of the bargain, why would He answer any others?
Whether it was the fault of the leaders, the fault of us girls, or both, a tragedy happened back then.
A lot of girls were sold on a deal and not on a Savior.
*****.
When Jesus was here on the earth, the crowds would follow Him because they saw He gave good things. But that’s not what He wanted. He wanted their hearts for Himself. So He would turn to them and say things like, “If you don’t love Me so much that every other relationship in your life looks like hate by comparison, you can’t follow Me.” (Matthew 10:34-39, paraphrase)
Christ is the source of everything we need and the giver of all good gifts … but in telling people about Him, it’s possible we’ve sold them on a solution for life’s problems and not life itself.
What if we as girls had learned early on that having Him was everything, not a means to the life we think He would want us to have.
If we had learned we don’t abstain from sex because we’re “waiting.” We abstain because we love Him.
If I’d had on my bulletin board, “Fall in love with Jesus.” That’s it. Bottom line. That’s everything you need to know, to work toward, to put your hope in.
If I’d learned who He is, what He wants, how to give Him everything, not “wait” so that one day I could give my everything to someone else.
If I’d learned that it’s not bad to pray for a husband, but that my greater prayer should be for Him to spend my life as He chooses for His glory.
If we as believers make that our message, things could be drastically different for a lot of girls wondering why the God they think they learned to follow doesn’t compute. It doesn’t necessarily stop the desire for a husband or end all feelings of loneliness, but it does show a God who provides, loves and gives infinite purpose even to our singleness rather than a God who categorically denies some who pray for husbands while seemingly giving freely to others.
It shows that while marriage is good, He is the greater goal.
*****
I lived like I was waiting for something.
I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here.
I already have Him … and He is everything."

“Follow Christ for His own sake, if you follow Him at all.” – J.C. Ryle

I read this recently and it was as if the writer had stepped inside my heart, seen the thoughts in my mind and written it all out for me. I look at the purity ring on my finger for 12 years now, and see it as a continual reminder of my fathers love to me...as it always brings back memories on a special night when I went with the only man in life...to pick out a beautiful ring, and with it feeling so loved, cherished and protected. Rather, It was some other points she had made that spoke to my heart because... I also have recently been pondering a lot about why I have done the things I have done, motives, whom have I been trying to please ( myself, The Lord or the future husband) and what is my true purpose for being on this earth. I've had to analyze why I have for SO long summed up the Lord's will for my future with definite words like, " When, Will." Its as if I have been deciding for my Soverign God what I believe His best Will for me would be. I refuse not to look at my life and choose to not see His blessings and obvious protection. Christ owes me nothing and I am saddened when I think of all the ways I have approached Him...with the air of feeling like i've earned anything.
 I am choosing to live walking in the path that my God has graciously seen fit to place me on, and to obstain from sin because of Him, not because I am trying to obtain a state of godliness for the purpose of catching a great guy, but in striving to honor a Good God.

Yes though Even even here people have continued to be "Surprised" at my singlness and have felt compelled to remind me " He is surely coming or I really don't see you being single."

Realizations that have made me have some real heart to hearts with my Savior have been coming to the surface recently when hearing those sweet comments...and for that I am thankful. I have had to evaluate why in my own mind I have convinced myself that ..."Yes! Of course He is coming!" Ive come to realize that it is just a natural expectancy that tends to add natural pressures that create un bibilcal expectation. When it is seen as marriage being the ultimate gift of God or achievement as a woman, its shaken me up to meet so many God honoring, and God fearing women who prayed for a husband, but had the Lords loving answere be "No." Were they less favored? Less loved by the Lord? Not walking with Him enough?

I feel so passionately about wanting to change my own mindset and am thankful for this time here and for the Lord revealing these expectations and wrong motives of obtaining from Sin and seeking to do the right thing. I had placed on Him in reguards to what I thought I needed to be truly happy expectations that were centered on Me, and not Christ.
 I heard a quoet that says

" Single and lonely is better than married and miserable. Don't date to fill insecurities, date to find a spouse on the same mission as you."

Well the state of being miserable begins when you are single, it is the absence of taking the trials and cares of life to Christ and harboring them all on your own. It is the not choosing to praise but choosing to pout. These habits that make for a miserable marriage are habits Im choosing to face in my own attitude NOW ( its no fun!!). While in the meantime, I am rejoiceing as well as humbledin this new understanding of...I am not waiting for anything, for I have been given it all already. Life eternal, forgiveness, redemption, and adeventures I never dreamed Christ my true Love would take me through...step by step, hand in hand with  His ever Faithful ever Patient self.

September in Chile.

At church they made me stand at the front of the stage and chant Vi VI VI Le Le Le Viva Chile!! They seemed to get a real kick out of it!

This is me after they dragged me to the center of the Circle.....What have I gotten myself into?! haha!

How Do I even begin to explain an experience that is completely different than any other I have ever had, I find it to be difficult to say the least. How do I describe the sites and smells enough to give a mental picture of the images that now graced my memory and filled up my heart, enough for you grasp just a little of what September will always remind me of. Some of the thoughts that have gone through my mind as I sat amongst my church family in the circle of chairs on the church yard for 3 hours of singing, dancing and games, or in a stadium of thousands of chilean flags being waved as the anthem is being sung, thoughts like " Soak this all in Candace" "Remember this one Candace" or "I am so undeserving of this opportunity." I just feel truly enriched at being given a chance to open my eyes and experience the pride and customs of this such a vastly different country and people. It has broadened my awe of my Heavenly Father who loves all of these people too, these amazingly beautiful, amazingly different people.  As I see the differences in the cultures from the food ( Bread, Sausage, Empanadas ( which is bread with meat or cheese, onions, egg, ect on the inside) and Coke a Cola) the bright costumes with the puffy skirts and sombreros, beautiful ponchos and boots with the biggest spurs i've ever seen, down to the spanish guitars and very lively rythems. September is the Month of celebration for Chile's Independence, and by month...I mean, quite litterely...month. You could start feeling the excitement the first week of September. Their Patriotism is something more passionate and exciting than ive ever experienced but imagine it is what our grandparents remember our Country being like when they think of their youth. You know back when people would buy war bonds in support of the military, speak loyally about our country, and have leaders that respected our national anthem as its being sung. I feel that I've been able to step back in time to that time period in America, by being here in Chile during their Month of Independence. Completely Loyalty and Pride.

Just to give you an idea.... It is MANDATORY that every household or building hang a Chilean Flag
In most of the schools ( Our English One included) the students begin at Pre-K to learn the different historic and native dances of their country. In total Our students performed 8. They represent all the regions, the North the South and the Middle ( Santiago). They have totally different costumes, the music sounds different, but they have the one thing in common, they represent the history and people of Chile. Every dance performed whether at the school performance or at the stadium, is recieved with cheering, whistles and loud singing.
One thing I have heard over and over again is "Vi Vi Vi Le Le Le Viva Chile!!" And ill never forget feeling the bleachers rumble with the strength and the force of all those voices united singing to their country.
Many of the schools have the entire week of the 18th off, and many Jobs got a couple days off as well. I have enjoyed the time spent with friends I have made here, and felt the excitement personally right along with them, a sense of Pride in what a great country Chile has to my ignorant surprise turned out to be.

Oh just random dancing that you see as you walk through the streets.

This was inside a Mall...

The day of our Schools Chilean Fiesta!

Our outfits Represent the North of Chile! This is my little Ming-Zhe who did SO WELL in the dance!

My sweet little ones. Cutest thing I heard this past week was while teaching them about Jonah. On monday I asked them who had heard of Jonah, and what I heard was " I have ms Candace!! ( His eyes grow huge as he inhales and exhales deeply) God put him in a fish!!" Haha...I made sure and told them that God had not put anyone in a fish since!

Singing one of the Chilean Anthems!

Pre-k was combined with Kindergarten!! Ahh there they go!! :)

I had a mom pull me aside after the performance and tell me " I really appreciate that you have really wanted to be a part of this culture while you are here and experience and enjoy the different customs." I think that was said because I walked around for hours searching for one of the costumes to wear...and ended up buying an entire outfit for less than 20$! It was a great find! And I wouldn't of wanted it any other way. Just liked I wear Red White and Blue on the forth, here they dress up, so it was a given!

The second day of celebration we went to the "Park" which ended up being a lot like a State Fair!! And we went with the family who has become my second family here in Chile. They are so dear to my heart and it warmed my heart to hear cody say as we are waving the Chile flag and (trying) to dance the Cueca " Im glad God had you come here so that I could meet you." He got saved coming to church with us a couple months ago and continues to come to a bible study here at the Hagertys with Seba ( the brother on the right) .

The only had about 2 rides for adults and it didn't look impressive...but IT WAS!!! Mostly because there was no safety belt and the entire time it is spinning around you are not only feeling the lunch you just ate, but you are seeing your life flash before your eyes!!

Ready for the Horse Show to begin!!

Coffee anyone?!?!

This particular Group represented the Native Indians of Chile. They were encredible.

This was when everyone crowded the floor and began to chant Viva Chile and dance the Cueca!! I think I had goosebumps for about 30 minutes straight!

Friends for Life

Awesome Firework show!!

The whole gang!

This was what they rescued the cole miners with! Very neat to be able to see this!

Dinner and A Show!

I had never seen horses do what they were able to do at this show. Here he is dancing with the lady!!

More dancing with the horses!

I (almost) learned how to do the native dance of Santiago...the Cueca, because I quickly realized it is very respectful to the people to try and take part in it, even if you are litterely tripping over your feet! After being forced to do it in front of my entire church haha, I had numerous people approach me, slap my back and tell me how happy they were I had tried!

After the Big Horse show they opened up the entire stadium to Cueca dancing and lit up the dirt ground with lights and struck up the band. It was amazing how quickly that floor about the size of  a football field filled up with teenagers on up to white haired couples ready dance the historical and patriotic dance of Chile.

Today I've been invited with some  missionaries to a cookout ( which is a cool similarity to the States during July) and I am looking forward to the fellowship.

As I was writing this blog I was again struck with an overwhelming sense of Gratitude to not only the Lord but to the ones who are supporting me to be here. Thank you for your friendships, your prayers, and your support along the way that have led me up to this point. The Lord knows His plans for me, and they continue to humble me, break me, build me back up, and change me. To God be the glory, and to Him I commit this beautiful country and pray for a revival to take place. The Catholic Church was present also at the Horse show as a statue of "The Virgin" was walked out on a wooden plank as a very somber song bellowed out of the speakers...of which I only picked up "Maria" numerous times. It was walked by 5 men to the middle of the stadium and then taken to sit at the head of the stadium throughout the whole show. It was so heartbreaking yet also predictable. These people need the truth, they need hope, and they need Jesus Christ. Please pray with me for the Pastor's and the church's here who are trying to be a light amongst people who much, truly believe they already are Christians! 

Guess who came to CHILE?!?!?! MOM AND DAD!!! Man, what a blessin it was to be able to spend a couple days with them in the city that I have called home for the last 7 months.



How I admire him more after being on the field for this time, and just soaked up every single minute with him. I will always ...always ...thank the Lord for the daddy He chose to give me.





I was glad my parents got to meet one of the kindest faces at SCA every day. He is one of our security guards and He always gives me a big hug to start my morning, tells me how happy he is I came to Chile, and asks me to never leave. He is a daily answer to many people's prayers in offering unconditional support and encouragement!

Surprise TIA CANDACE!!!! My old Pre-k class who are now Kindergarteners with their teachers ( my close friends Sonya and Priscila) and my current class with my assistant Liz threw me a surprise party when I came by on Friday to show my parents the classroom!! :)



I never imagined the Lord would bless me with the 2 friends here who I know without a doubt will remain friends throughout time.

One of my Kindergarten girls who daily comes to my room to give me a hug, a hand picked flower, or to tell me how bad ( or good) the other kids are being for Ms. Sonya!

They made me the sweetest card that they were very proud of!





I along with a Missionary couple who are like grandparents to me here in Chile took my parents up to a very beautiful and popular overlook of the city. The drive up was a new experience for me also that I really enjoyed, I wasn't quit as sweaty as when I have hiked up it in the past!

My parents were SUCH GOOD SPORTS. THey really did amaze me with their desire to try whatever I put in front of they faces. In this case, it is a drink that is very popular here, made with Sugar, Water, A dried Peach, and Barley. My dad really liked the barley at the bottom just like me! THe dried peach however we gave to Mr. Cross who was clawing for it from the beginning!

SO it is September which in Chile is their month of celebrating Independence much like our month of July....only must more celebrated. They litterely started putting out flags on porches, street lights, street signs, car windows, the first day of Septemeber...and the celebrating will continue the ENTIRE month. Talk about patriotism. This lady was earning some extra cash by dressing as both male and female as performing both parts...of the Cueca dance. The native chilean patriotic dance! It was genius!! You better believe she got a tip from our van!!

My pastor and His wife. They have become like my second family here in Chile. As Pastor told me soon after joining their congregation " I am your father here in Chile, it is my job to protect you and be here for you." And he and his wife have kept their word to me. He started the church around 7 years ago and they have a wonderful, thriving, very faithful church body. I just love them all so much.

Two of my dear friends who also sing in the group of a couple young people in the church with me!

I was excited for my parents to attend the Evangalistic outreach that took place the second evening they were in town. I knew they were in for a real treat....and praise the Lord over 17 people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior!!!

The sign Language Ministry performed a song and they always do such a beautiful song. I knew my mom would appreciate it as she has a heart for signing.

How special it was to look out in the crowd to my parents smiling proud faces, it definitely gave me the courage that I needed to step on the stage knowing I would be singing 2 songs in complete Spanish! A memory I will never forget, singing amongst brothers and sisters in Christ, in a foreign language, looking out at my parents faces. God is good...is what was on my mind the entire evening.

So one thing they were not ready for , yet handled so well...was the wild animals ...everywhere. This however was the Church cat...who faithful attends each service, and we are convinced she is Baptist. Who knew my cat hating father would be the person the cat chose to cozy up to! :)

The beautiful decorations my mother used an ENTIRE suitcase to pack and bring...for the sole purpose of making me feel like i was right back at home, as a decorated table was always something i woke up to growing up. I know, I am truly blessed with my parents, I don't take it for granted!

The Hagerty's opened up their home which has always become my home to my parents. A highlight for me was having both sets of parents in the same home..laughing, sharing stories, eating Coca Cola chocolate cake, and just being encouraged together!

Dad preparing for the 2 services at 2 different church's that He would be preaching! Bless his heart..I booked him! And if I hadn't said No to a few other church's...he would of preached more than twice!!

My dear friends came over one night with their mother for a birthday party..and true friends will leave  we had a blast. I was glad my parents got to meet them! Cody ( on the left) bought me a beautiful wooden plaque that says " Many people will go in and out of your life. But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."

Heres the group! My parents got to witness us all together! One big family.



THis day was my favorite. Starting with my father and mother getting to come to my home away from home, Iglesia Bautista Misionera.

Prepping backstage the pastor said with a smile on his face to my father " The desk might look different than yours...but on it sits the same Bible...and that is what is important."

The amazing, interpretur! Haha this picture just says it all! My dad preached a convicting message on our Rights. How Jesus gave gave up His rights...and we should do.

They got to meet my little shadow Sunday mornings. I pray for her salvation as she grows...and I am happy to know my parents now have a face when they to pray for her.

So my mother overheard Pastor talking about loving Waffles....and had the great idea to buy him a waffle maker,!! Their faces say it all. :) They deserve far more than a waffle maker...but for starters...I think my  mom had a great idea!

Pastor and Tia Naldy bought me a Chile Apron and as I put it on Pastor said " This is NOT a subliminal message!" haha... hmmmmm what do yall think?! :)

An Apron from Chile was actually one of the things on my list I wanted to get, so I am thrilled...whether I actually cook or not!

The beautiful, delicious meal the Pastor's wife cooked for my birthday lunch....I was so happy my parents were eating an authentic Chilean meal!!



Two of the Godliest men I know! My father and my spiritual father!

The Birthday Bunch!



So it is tradition in Chile for the person to take the first BITE out of the birthday cake, and it is not uncommon for their head to be smashed IN the cake. Thankfully they only stuck to half of the tradition with that one :) It was a beautiful cake.

I requested a time of worship since that is what I normally do when I am with my church family...never knowing it would turn into almost 3 hours of worship sitting round the table, under a clear blue sky, surronded by friends and family.

And I got to hear daddy play the keyboard!! Which he got some good practice in also....with not having the foot pedal! I got him to sing the song He wrote to mom before they were married...because I KNEW they would that one...and they did! :)

It was simply a wonderful time.

If you had of asked me on my 24th birthday where I thought I would be in a year...I couldn't of even thought up the adventures filled with friendships, lessons, and ministry that God would have for me. Looking back on this past year I can only say...To God be all the Glory, for great things HE and HE alone has done for me, and in my life.

"If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare composed poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, Here lived a great street sweeper, who did his job well." Martin Luther King