The Next Thing...

2017 has been quite a year so far. I never expected to be stretched so much, yet also feel like I’m right on track. The twists and turns, the questions, confusion and reshaping of my mind to focus on what is good has been quite a journey. What I know for certain is that God is for me. 

Just a few months ago in my quite time I called out to God and shared with Him my struggles. I told Him that I was frustrated in my waiting and that I was unsure of what was next. He told me “go”. At the time Luminous, my home church in San Antonio, TX, was promoting the Ten Days Missions trip to Baja, MX. And I knew that the “go” meant “go to Baja”. So I attended the informational meeting still unsure about my desire to go, but knew that God was directing me there.

Signing up for the task presented it’s own challenges and even now I’m not sure as to how I will make it there. I have a due date of June 12^th to raise $1274 + airfare. The trip is scheduled for June 28^th – July 3^rd.

If God is for me, then what can stand against me?

I'm extending an invitation for you to play a part in what is God is doing and will be doing for His people. Some will go and some will send. I'll go. Will you consider sending? Would you consider partnering with me, either financially or through prayer, so that as the body of Christ we may reach the nations?

If you'd like to play a part, you can give online by clicking here.

Thank you so much for your help and prayers through the process. My prayer is that God would richly bless the people of Baja, change my life, and expand his Kingdom through this experience. I’m thankful that you too will be a part of the experience.

July 1

As I type, my arms are shaking. Not only because it was arm day today at the gym, but because of the reality that in 17 days (not counting today) I will begin my first experience as a short-term missionary and the excitement is overwhelming.

This past month alone` has been a difficult one. The school year ended, I bombed the GRE, had an interview (and got the job), started the job (did I mention how challenging it is?), felt heavy hearted during the 6 month reminder that my dad is not here, I visited my hometown and have been so busy all around. My summer went from pool time to no time in the blink of an eye. And July is here.

July 18th we leave. Teams have been set, plane tickets bought, and hearts are being prepared.

I would not be anticipating this date if it hadn't been for you. You are the real MVP. So thank you. Thank you again for sending me to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to love on some kids and share the love of God. I'm not 100% sure of what to expect while I'm there, but I open to anything.

Therefore GO

I am soo willing! And I'm almost there!! 

It feels as though the next 3 months (actually less than 3 months) will fly by and we will land in the Dominican Republic with one goal… reach the nations with the Gospel. 

All funds are due by June 1st. I am ALMOST THERE!! It has been overwhelmingly amazing to see God open doors and provide for this trip waaaay before it even happens. So thank you. Thank all of you who have allowed yourselves to be used by God in investing in this trip. It is more than just a plane ticket. It is more than hotel costs and street skits. It is literally reaching the nations. I can practically already see the glow on the faces of the children and adults who will connect with their Father over the span of that week. I can only imagine the generations that will be impacted afterwards. We have to be willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus and allow Him to do the heart changing. It's such an exciting feeling. Send me.

Still "almost there" requires a little more. I need your help. If you feel led to send me through financial donations, thank you. If you feel led to pray for me and my team as we prepare to be the light, thank you. Either way you'll want to be a part of this. 

If you would like to donate financially you may do so by visiting LuminousChurch.org and click on the give tab. My name can be found on the drop down menu (1N1D-Amanda Rocha). The link to the giving page is here:

https://luminouschurch.ccbchurch.com/trx_submit.php?type=public_gift

I appreciate you and thank you for believing with me and the work that God is doing. 

God Bless.

I Need YOU

In almost 4 months, the One Nation One Day campaign will break ground that will shake the entire nation of the Dominican Republic. It is my hope to not only be there as a witness of God's amazing love, but to have made an impact on the community in which they too can participate in and witness the same love.

I can't do this alone. I need you.

It is with great excitement that I extend my arms and ask for your help. Along with a passionate team of fellow missionaries, we will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for a life-altering, short-term trip with Mission.Me. We will be leaving on July 18th for a 9 day trip focused on gospel outreach - specifically in the outreach of shoe distribution in impoverished regions. We will have the opportunity to reach out into the community sharing the Gospel with children while speaking life and hope into them. I have a passion for children, and to have this opportunity to share God's love makes my heart skip a beat. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

I do believe this is the next step in my calling to the nations of the world. In preparation for departure, I am seeking support, both financially and in prayer, and I need you.

I need to raise $2850 total to make my trip possible. By April 1st I need to have raised $1000 of the total to begin purchasing flights for the trip with my team. Will you consider a gift of $100, $50 or $25 or more to make my dream a reality? I believe in a BIG God who WILL provide, and this is your opportunity to take part in what God is doing.

Would you be a part of this campaign by helping send me to the DR?

I sincerely appreciate your prayerful consideration in helping make this trip possible either through financial support or prayer. Either way I could not do this without you. 

If you would like to help send me to the DR through a financial donation you may do so by either check (make check out to Luminous Church) or visit LuminousChurch.org and click on the give tab. My name can be found on the drop down menu. The link to the giving page is here:

https://luminouschurch.ccbchurch.com/trx_submit.php?type=public_gift

Also be sure to visit https://missions.me/campaigns/1nation1day2015. There you can watch videos about my trip, and get more information.

Mail all checks to:

Luminous Church

Attention: Amanda Rocha

P.O. Box 781809

San Antonio, TX 78278

I sure do appreciate you. Thank you for taking the time to read what God is definitely preparing me for in reaching the nations. 

Blessings, 

Amanda

A Call to the Dominican Republic

For those of you who followed me in my journey throughout Central America, post college, the adventure continues. This time, to the Caribbean… specifically the Dominican Republic. Just as I left Honduras in 2013, One Nation One Day was about to plant seeds of the Gospel throughout the nation of Honduras. At the time, I had the privilege to discuss the anticipation of God moving within the country with my students. This time, I have the opportunity to participate in planting more seeds with One Nation One Day in hopes of bringing a nation, the Dominican Republic, to the throne of Glory.

Of course I can't do this without you. This life-altering, short-term missions trip will take place this summer, July 2015, with a team of passionate missionaries. Medicine, education, and of course spreading the Word of God is our mission. The government and local leaders of the Dominican Republic are open and ready for our team.  This unforgettable experience will require much preparation. I am seeking support, both financially and in prayer. I need to raise a total of $2850 to make my trip possible. Would you consider a gift of $100, $50, or $25 or more to make my dream a reality?

I know that God has been moving in my life personally and want others to know the same love and hear the Good News! This trip will give me the opportunity to reach a nation, one person at a time, by sharing the message of His love. What a responsibility, but also what a privilege! Would you be a part of this by helping send me to the Dominican Republic?

If you have any questions about the short-term mission trip, please feel free to contact me. I thank you so much for your faithful prayers and financial support. If you feel led to give, visit LuminousChurch.org and click on the give tab. My name (Amanda Rocha) can be found on the drop down menu. The link to the giving page is here:

https://luminouschurch.ccbchurch.com/trx_submit.php?type=public_gift 

Also be sure to visit https://missions.me/campaigns/1nation1day2015. There you can watch videos about my trip, and get more information.

I sincerely appreciate your prayerful consideration in helping make this trip possible.

Blessings, 

Amanda 

 

P.S.

If you don't know me personally, you can leave a comment below with your name and email and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Comments have to be pre-approved before they are posted for the world to see, so any personal information will NOT be posted. That can make it an easy way for us to contact with each other. Once again, thank you for helping send me to the Dominican Republic.

Goodbye 2014

So much happened in 2014.

Dad - May 2011

Looking back, I am in awe. Sitting here, my heart is overwhelmed with the clear reality that God is with me. This year I took a leap of faith and moved to a city that I never before saw myself living in, the culture infused San Antonio, TX. I left being at my mom's house for 8 months (the longest I'd been there since high school). I was reconnected into public schools here in the states, and I started a routine of living here again. Making connections, building relationships, more Jesus. Thankfully, I had the summer off, as most teachers do, and I was able to chaperone some kids to a kids camp, and travel a little. And then he got sick again.

Praise God for Brandie who encouraged me to rush home to see my dad who now was struggling with a collapsed lung, phenomena, and something else that I can't seem to remember. During my visit, my dad and I talked about Jesus. How did we know we were saved? What would heaven be like? Would we be accepted there? I asked him for forgiveness for the things I held against him. I asked him if there was anything he wanted to forgive me for, and then the conversation moved to the topic of grudges. I wanted him to make sure that he didn't hold any grudges with anyone. He said, "I have nothing against anyone. Not you or your bothers, not your mother, not my parents or my siblings". I told him that was great! The doctors said he had gradually been getting better. A nurse was assigned to him when he was released. I went back to my new home before then to begin the new school year. I was hopeful and at peace with the conversation, but still wanted more for him. I wanted him to want to get better - something beyond my control.

Me and Dad at my graduation. May 2011

The fall semester was no easy task. The new dynamics of parents and students, my new role, helping with a church plant and trying to stay organized. Not to mention the heartache, confusion, moments of frustration, and still I was being stretched and molded. Yes, I had those moments of excitement (kayaking and paddle boarding in the ocean!), and the anticipation of new beginnings (my birthday!), but my heart was waiting for something bigger to happen. I went home for Thanksgiving via the train - an awesome experience. I saw my dad again. This time in a hospice house which was the result of a serious fall that he had experienced in October. He wasn't doing well. He didn't respond. I visited him twice with my brothers, we prayed together, I whispered things in his ear and gave him a kiss on the cheek and went back home to finish off the semester. And then it happened.

Wednesday, December 10th. I was at school. It was late. We had a guest speaker. My heart felt like it collapsed when my brother told me, "He just passed. We're waiting for the nurse to call it". That night my heart skipped several beats, I knew it. The pressure was too much at times. Sleep was difficult, but praise God for friends and a warm home to rest in. Thanks Deborah for opening your home to me. Thanks for the homemade chicken noodle soup, and the fire in the fireplace, and a bed to attempt to sleep in. Thank you for helping me make arrangements to go home - thank you to everyone involved. Thanks God for a church that helped me make a way to go home quick.

So I went home. Came back and went back home. Everything done in God's perfect timing.

To say the least, 2014 was full of transitions and preparation for what's to come. God is moving, there's no doubt about that. 2015 will be the first of many years - the beginning of a new chapter. I am nervous, but a wise woman told me this yesterday… "Being nervous is a good thing. That means that you realize that you can't do it without God". May God be ever so close to my family this year, may He reveal himself to us in new ways that just blow us away.

Things will never be the same, but memories last forever. 

Love you dad.

Arsenio Rocha
Feb. 22, 1950 - Dec. 10, 2014

One Year Mark

This June, yes the one that is just now slipping away, marks the one year mark since coming back to Texas. I can truly say that so much can happen in a year. God has done some amazing things over the past 12 months and I'm soo thankful for His faithfulness and constant provision.

A little recap.

I spent the first 8 months back in El Paso, my hometown, loving on family and getting over the crazy paranoia that came with reverse culture shock. During that time I dealt with moments of limited patience, transition difficulties, and unease in making the next big decision. I'm thankful for my mother, who allowed me to live at home and sleep in half of the day (on most days). She even connected me with a charter school that I later worked for, and has always been a constant support. When I look at the time I spent at home, it was pretty much one month for ever year that I was away, and it was just the right amount of time.

During this time I also got to travel. A lot. More so than I had imagined doing when I returned, but I couldn't stay in one place for very long. I went back and forth multiple times from El Paso to Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, Ruidoso, Santa Fe, Alberquerque, and even Phoenix/Mesa. Oh, and how could I forget… Honduras during my birthday month! Needless to say, I was always on the go. It wasn't without prayer that God would really place a location on my heart in which to invest in next. San Antonio, TX.

Never before had I even imagined living in San Antonio, but I felt it deep within my heart that SA was the place where God wanted me to go next. So I took a leap of faith, turned in my two-weeks notice, got a Craig's list roommate and dove right in. I was believing to receive a job pretty quickly, but not just any kind of job - one where my experience and passion would come alive.

Without fail, and within one month exactly, He provided. I now have a job, friends, church, and a whole new family away from home here in San Antonio. I recently moved into my official apartment with an old friend from my university days and I get to enjoy my summer off!

God, however, continues to amaze me with countless blessings (even the ones in disguise). I look forward to seeing BIG things happen throughout the rest of this year - I feel something BIG coming. :)

Thank you all for your prayers, connections, and for keeping up with how God is moving in my life.

So thankful for these peeps! Lovin' the diversity!

Heaven's Windows

It's been said before, and I will say it again... it's been a rough start getting back into the swing of things here. After a recent talk with Julie, through the magic world of Skype, I am beginning to regain my hope. Over the past couple of days there has been a theme in conversations all around me. The theme being that of the importance of prayer. I understand the importance, but my practice has been blurred and it's time to get back on track. 

     Today I checked in on a devotional that I casually turn to and it was a good reminder of God's consistency, my inconsistency, and God's determination to win back my heart so that He can give me what He has been storing up. So now it is up to me to prove that I am ready (or getting there). It's my turn to bring my consistency because God is waiting. Patiently waiting for the moment in which Heaven's windows can burst open.

Prove me now (Malachi 3:10).

What is God saying here but this: "My child, I still have windows in Heaven. They are yet in service. The bolts slide as easily as of old. The hinges have not grown rusty. I would rather fling them open, and pour forth, than keep them shut, and hold back. I opened them for Moses, and the sea parted. I opened them for Joshua, and Jordan rolled back. I opened them for Gideon, and hosts fled. I will open them for you--if you will only let Me.

On this side of the windows, Heaven is the same rich storehouse as of old. The fountains and streams still overflow. The treasure rooms are still bursting with gifts. The lack is not on my side. It is on yours. I am waiting. Prove Me now. Fulfill the conditions, on your part. Bring in the tithes. Give Me a chance.
--Selected

From: Streams in the Desert july 27, 2013

Streams in the Desert Devotional

Reality Sets In

It's starting to feel real. But there are still times when I think about where I just came from and it feels as if it was all just a dream. Like as if living in Honduras for two years all happened in a weekend. Now I'm starting life over back in Texas and for one thing it's not easy. Life in Honduras was so simple and I want to continue that here. But how? When everyone around you is in such a rush to get somewhere or to get the next best thing, how can you disregard all of that and take it easy. I've found myself grinding my teeth way too often.
     Coming back I had somewhat of a plan. Now that plan has transformed and my ultimate goal of heading back to Austin seems to have been put off in the distance - a three year distance. Not my ideal dream, but I guess God just doesn't want me there - or at least not yet.
     So here's my plan (in a nutshell and not written in pen). I'm pitching a tent (not literally) in my hometown for a year to complete some psychology classes (hopefully get a teaching job in the meantime). Then, this time next year, head over to Santa Fe, NM where I will begin my Masters degree in Art Therapy and Counseling.
     I always think back to the time when John asked my what I want to do with my life. All I could think of is... help kids not feel hurt. Of course I like art too (or I wouldn't be an art teacher), so if I can pull both of those together then why not? Hence Art Therapy. Fast forward two years of grad school and I will make my way back to the hill country that I love... Austin. Unless God decides otherwise - anything is possible.
     Who knows how crazy the next three years will be. Or what kinds of curveballs will get thrown my way. I can only prepare so much, ya know?

Whatever the case may be I am reminded that God has started a good work in me and that He will bring it to completion. He knows my desires and has my future planned out and I can only trust that He knows best and will walk me through every storm and every sunny day.

But no worries Honduras... I will be back. Maybe even sooner than latter. Te amo.

For now this is home.

The Last Week and the First Week

The last week has come and gone and so has the first week back in Texas. It definitely hasn't been a sweet walk down memory lane, it's been a struggle. It's a very difficult transition and still it hasn't sunk in that I am not returning to Honduras. But God is faithful, and I need to hold onto that.

In the past two weeks I've experienced my first real Honduras soccer game VS Jamaica, cleaned out my classroom, emptied my apartment, packed my two suitcases and carry-on, hung out with my nephew,  visited with family, bought a car, exchanged money, applied for a million jobs, and enjoyed some time at a water park. The weeks have been packed and my energy is on low, but the show must go on!

Here's the last of the photo documentary.

Countdown: 3 Days left: The mural.

Countdown: 2 Days left: Lauren.

Countdown: 1 Day Left: My classroom.

Take off: Jenna sitting with me at the airport. Thanks girl!

The Moments are Fleeting, but His Grace is Sufficient

Lately days have been jam packed with things to do, places to go, people to see. The end is near and we are all feeling it. Actually we're feeling all kinds of things, but my next blog post can tell you all about that. As for now, here's a photo update on the past few days of the photography documentary.

Countdown:12 Days left: The view from my front door. 

Countdown: 11 Days left: Ana's artwork. This girl is so creative, I love it!

Countdown: 9 Days left: My two morning visitors.

Countdown: 10 Days left: Finding little drawings all over the room.

Countdown: 8 Days left: My work schedule. 

Countdown: 7 Days left: A neighborhood soccer field.

Countdown: 6 Days left: My bed that's kept me comfy for 2 years.

Countdown: 5 Days left: This staff.

Countdown: 4 Days left: This girl. Julie. My roommate.  :(

Three more days till take off and I feel like I can barely breath. My reminder is this:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 

2 Corinthians 12:9

Even though I may feel weak and unsure of what is to come, His grace is sufficient and I can rest in that. This next journey is going to be huge and not easy, but definitely worth it.

2 Weeks Left

Today we celebrated the senior class of 2013 at their baccalaureate. I went with a bad attitude and a headache, but overall it was a beautiful ceremony. This group of kids will be missed, and yet they have so much ahead of them that it's exciting to send them off. I guess as a teacher it comes to a point of a love/hate relationship. You love to have them, but hate to let go. Granted, I only ever really taught a handful of these seniors, I feel that way with this year's 8th grade class. I am going to miss them and all of their big personalities. 

     2 Weeks. One week left of classes and the other to wrap up the classroom and check out. I have no idea how I've made it here. Looking back to the beginning of this adventure still leaves me speechless. Honduras. Of all places God sent me to Honduras and completely changed my heart. I love this place and will miss it dearly. 
     The time has come where there are a lot of "lasts" and although I don't want to say it out loud every time, my heart knows it and it aches. 


So let the countdown continue. Let the transition take it's course. And let God take control. 

Day 30

Day 29: Popcorn Observations

Day 28: Lazy day, room cleaning, rugby in the afternoon.

 

Day 27: Mango season.

Day 26: Amazing students like this one.

Day 25: Trips down the mountain for reading + coffee.

Day 24: School Transportation... Love/Hate relationship.

Day 23: More coffee. Espresso. Yum.

Day 22: Worship Fridays

Day 21: The beautiful flowers here. 

Day 20: The randomness.

Day 19: All of my creative students. So much talent!

Day 18: The messy stuff that art teachers deal with.

Day 17: All of my discarded library book collection.

Day 16: This Girl. My one and only Canadian... Lauren.

Day 15: This guy. Diego and his musical talent.

Day 14: Rainy season.

Day 13: These girls. Jenna and Leslie... always laughter with these two int he mix.

two more weeks... only two more. sigh.