Charlotte Airport

We're at the beginning stages of our journey! We went to the Greensboro airport at 5:20 for a flight and now we are sitting at the Charlotte Airport. We are having the best time!

Highlights of the morning:

Bud has an awsome first flight ever!
Starbucks is in the Charlotte airport
I am will the best people in the world!

10 Days...

It's becoming more and more real as we are about to start out on our journey. Right now, some of our people are India. We've been able to see pictures and hear about the stories of what's going on there. We know that they are changing lives over there and showing God's love for all of those people, especially those children. Seeing all of those pictures stirred something in my Spirit for what I'm about to be able to do. Although we are not going to be in India, we are still going to make a strong impact on the city of Quito.

Some people have been asking how they can pray for us. A team member of ours has given us a countdown for each day on what to pray for. What better way then to pray in agreement with one another. So here it is, thank you for your prayers and support in advance:

Oh The Places We'll Go... In Ecuador:

23: Pray for Unity as a team, as well as the whole missions team for Ecuador.



22: Pray for favor in the eyes of each other, Government Officials, The Ecuadorian People, and most importantly... GOD!!!




21: Pray for protection against: Discouragement, Fear, Bitterness, Anger, Jealousy, Pride, Spiritual Warfare, Physical harms



20: Pray for open doors.



19: Pray for physical, mental, and spiritual strength before, during and after the trip.



18: Pray to set the captives free in Ecuador. To break chains, bondage, strong holds, and demonic possessions.



17: Pray against the spirit of unbelief and for Faith to arise in each of us. If we can't believe, God can't effectively use us, if at all. Hebrews 11:6 says, "... without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."



16: Pray that we would pursue and follow God with reckless abandon. We're not going to be able to do what's familiar to us, we're going to be pushed out side of our box.



15: Pray specifically for each member of our team.



14: Pray that we would be spirit lead, fed, and bred.



13: Pray that we would be able to separate the light from the darkness in the hearts of the people.



12: Pray that God's will would be accomplished here and in Ecuador.



11: Take time to pray for yourself. Pray things that would lift you up: Encouragement, Confidence, Boldness, Love, Etc...



10: Pray for healing. Whether it be mental, spiritual, or physical for people in Ecuador, Boone, and even yourself.



9: Pray out the fruits of the spirit.



8: Pray for the Men going on this trip.



7: Pray for the Women going on this trip.



6: Pray that cycles will be broken. That the people have the power to break it and sustain their new lives in Christ.



5: Pray for ridiculous salvations of the Ecuadorian People.



4: Pray that we could speak (pray) with authority, boldness, and clarity as Christ gives the strength to. Speak Life Words!



3: Pray "Loaves and Fishes"  Whenever we might have lack in something, we should pray that God would multiply what we do have like he did the loaves and fishes.



2: Pray for leaders.



1: PRAY FOR ALL OF THESE THINGS AGAIN!!!!

20 Days

We're down to 20 days already. Can you believe it? In just 20 days we will be heading out to Ecuador. I can't even begin to explain to you how awesome my team is. We have connected in more ways then 1 and it's all coming together for this trip. We have a list of prayers that we are praying each day, we are practicing each of our skits, we are encouraging, uplifting and praying together and for one another. I can't help but feel a stirring in my Spirit when I think about this trip. Gahlee, I just know how blessed I am going to be while I'm down there. More importantly, how blessed the people down there are going to be. I'm definitely thankful for those of you that are supporting and have been supportive of me. It's been an awesome journey so far, and we haven't even gone yet. I'm going to try to keep everything updated with pictures and videos as best I can!

As for school- Now that I've had full week of summer, I need to figure out when to go back to my classroom. I want to paint it number 1. I'm thinking lavender and light blue. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to let me know! I'm already starting to think of things that I want to change for next year; in my classroom and for myself. I need to get in there and start organizing, planning, etc....but I think I'll wait till I come back from Ecuador :)

I'm Almost There!

Well, the Lord has definitely shown himself faithful. In just a couple of weeks I have gone from needing about $1200 to just $564.89. That's incredible! I'm a little over the deadline but if you are still willing to donate, please consider it. I would love to get this number down as low as possible, of course, and I'm almost there! Our trip is just a short 27 days away. Our team has been practicing the different dramas that we are going to perform on the streets of Ecuador, we've been building each other up through our words and our prayers...I am so excited to see what this trip is going to bring!

I wanted to share a couple of videos of what our dramas somewhat look like. These are just ones that I got off of Youtube from Missions Me. They are definitely powerful! Be sure to check them out.

 

Everything

 

Freedom

I still have a little ways to go to raise money for Ecuador. The early deadline was May 1. Now I have an extension to June 1st with an extra $200 added. I still have about $1300 to raise. I've sent out my letters and now I have to  have faith. If you'd like to receive a letter please let me know. If you would just like to donate you can do so by clicking this paypal button:

By donating here your donation will not be tax deductible. If you would like for it to be tax deductible you can send a check to:

Cornerstone Summit

869 Hwy. 105 Ext.

Suite 3

Boone, NC 28607

You can check out the trip here:

http://www.missions.me/12quito.html

It's almost been a whole week since my 23rd birthday and I can't even express how much love I felt from everyone! I was showered with hugs and "Happy Birthdays" and cards and gifts and just...LOVE. I woke up to a decorated table with a card, balloons, a gift, coffee...I came to school with kids who were more excited about my birthday then I am. They were ready for hugs and gift giving and celebrating. Teachers were coming in and telling me happy birthday...I was receiving cards in the mail. Oh my gosh how powerful LOVE can be. There is a great comfort in feeling love. I never knew I could feel so much love not only from just people, but from my kids.

The tears start to fall when I think about how much I love my students and how much they have loved me. They were my first class, ever. I'll never have another first class ever again. I even saw some of them when they were in the 3rd grade and they are growing up so fast! I don't want to let go of them! As happy, cranky, mean, nice, emotional...etc, I can be.. they have loved me through it no matter what. They know me like a book. Even so much that there have been days that they have said, "Ms. Trimble, have you not had your coffee this morning?" As mad as that probably made me in the moment, I can't help but smile about it now. I'm not quite sure how I'll be able to let these little ones go. They have made me so PROUD in so many ways. I can't wait to watch them excel towards greatness.

My first year of teaching is almost over and I am still very thankful!

Insert Hashtag "Thankful" Here

This may seem like it is out of the "season" of thankfulness or it may seem cliche to some, but how can you always wait till November just to say what you're thankful for? If you have the ability to even think a thought, you should be thankful.

Tonight on my way home, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. There are SO many things to be thankful for in my life. It made me reconsider dwelling on the things that used to seem to big in my life. God has BLESSED me in ways that I couldn't even imagine. He has this unique plan that He's set in place for me causes me to prosper. I'm so incredibly thankful, it brings me to tears. I could be in so many other places and have so many other issues, but I don't! I'm right here, right now, and I AM BLESSED!

This Wednesday, I celebrate 23 years of life...with many more years to come. In my..almost..23 years, I have had so many things, ugly and nice, that have come my way. But I'm still here. I'm still standing. I have so much to be thankful for! I'm thankful for the things of the past, the present, and even the things of the future that I haven't even experienced yet. I wish you could see the excitement that I have right now as I even type these words! Oh my goodness...I am so stinkin' THANKFUL!

I am thankful for- in no order:

My life.

My working body.

My heart that is filled with so many doors.

My jobs.

My car.

My Pastor.

Cornerstone Summit.

My Friends.

My Family.

Insurance.

My house.

My clothes.

My oh so comfy bed.

My phone.

Love.

People.

Children.

Food.

Coffee.

Bestest of Friends.

My thoughts.

My prayers.

Hugs.

My Mac.

My hair- yes, I went there.

Laughter.

Smiles.

Zinc, my turtle.

Tears.

The list could go on forever. But, most importantly.

I'm thankful for a God that loves me unconditionally, that loves me before, during and after my mistakes, that has so intricately designed me for a way and a purpose.

I am thankful.

Last Week

This week seems to be one of the busiest weeks I've had.

I've started a new job for a couple of weeks now at a great restaurant, I'm preparing my kids for EOG's which start next week (oh my goodness) and at the same time raising money for our Ecuador trip. God has giving me so many different opportunities...a new job, a job and a missions trip that WILL be provided for. I decided that I wanted to do something this summer. So I thought, why not pick up an extra job and start paying things off! I've got an awesome schedule to work with so I will still be able to enjoy the summer without any school. I'm starting to get anxious about the end of the year though. And not so much because I'm not necessarily guaranteed a job and not about EOG's, but I just know that I will definitely miss every single one of my kids! They are my first class ever and I will never forget each little piece of their personality that they walked into the 4th grade with. i need to figure out what to do with Zinc the turtle. I would give her to a student for the summer..but I just might miss her too much.

For an update on my trip: 

This is our last week of raising funds for our early submissions. As of right now, I have $1,615 to raise by this Friday, May 4th. I may not see it yet but I just know that the Lord is going to be faithful during this time. 

He is well aware of the things that I need to go on this trip and He supplies all of my needs. I'm start to prepare myself now for this trip to come. It is exactly 2 months from today. I've really been trying to prepare my heart for people. Not just the people of Ecuador but for all people. We're called to show the love of Christ to everyone, not just the people that we are friends with or the people that we are comfortable with. How can I truly love the people of Ecuador and not love the people around me or the people that I will be traveling with. I've really had to break down some walls that lined my heart and hindered me from even truly receiving the love of Christ. There were so many things in my life that I allowed to to seep deep within and affect me, even without really knowing it. When my Pastor or a speaker would hit on those things, even something as simple as "there are hurts in this world of betrayal and abandonment" I would instantly feel a weight on my heart. It was like a knife being jabbed into an open wound. It's been such a process for me to move past these things and accept the overwhelming love that Christ has for me, in EVERYTHING. Not just the things that I may see, but in truly everything. I want to share that same love. You can pray with me about God not just healing my heart, but truly softening it for His people. His heart breaks for His people and I want to be sensitive and aware of that. I'm praying for an overall sensitivity to everything, especially when it come to my trip. I want to be led for the things I need to prepare for, the things that are happening now in Ecuador and when I get there and the things that are to come afterwards.

Break my heart, O Lord, for what breaks Yours.

Letters Are Out, My Faith is Strong and God is Good

Well guys, I've sent out my letters to the addresses that I have. I can't tell you or thank you enough for how much support that I have received from everyone, financially and prayerfully. I just KNOW that God is going to come through. I never know how to explain my faith and trust in God. But, the best way to put it, is just that I know. I know that I have a relationship with a mighty God that is capable of the unbelievable, impossible and indescribable. I have access to all of that. I know that he will not only provide for me on this trip but he will provide in all things. 

"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished out ancestors, set them above the crowd."

Hebrews 11: 1-2 The Message

Don't forget, if you would like to make a donation to support me on this trip, you can do so here (this would not be tax deductible):

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can send a check to:

Cornerstone Summit

869 Hwy. 105 Ext. Suite 3

Boone, NC 28607

Faith

Faith.

How far will you allow your faith to take you?

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

My faith has taken me from the simple things in life, to the things that I had no idea how they would work out. I believe that faith and trust are two things that correlate with one another, but can't function without one another. How can you have the faith in someone or something and not trust the thing that you have the faith for. When I have faith in God for something, I trust that He will provide for me. It might not always be the way that I want it, but I trust and have the faith that everything is going to work out the way that He knows I need. Why would I try to steer everything in my life from the present when He can see past my future!

I have the faith {and trust} that I will be taken care of in all capacities. I am blessed beyond measure and God continues to bless me more and more each day. 

My faith will take me out of the lowest valley and send me soaring across the high mountain.

My faith is in Him.

In regards to my trip to Ecuador, I have put 100% trust and faith into what this trip is becoming, going to do and moving towards. This week I am sending out my support letters, with the faith that God will not only provide, but He will also bless me beyond all measures. I have the faith that God is going to work on my heart before, during and after this trip so that I can see and experience the things that He wants for me to learn. I can't wait for this trip, but what's even better is the preparation that I am having now to get me to the trip.

I've startED a little countdown until the trip, it's definitely become more of a reality. 

If you would like to donate to this trip, you can donate here using Paypal. However, donating here on Paypal would mean that it won't be tax deductible.

If you would like to send a tax deductible donation for my trip, you can send a check payable to Cornerstone Summit at:

869 Hwy. 105 ext.

Suite 3

Boone, NC 28607

People Watching

Right now, my kids are with all of my wonderful chaperones touring the history museum in downtown Raleigh. I decided to sit down and take a rest from everythin in a corner. If you know me..I can people watch for days. As I sit here...I'm watching all the different kinds of kids that come in here. They have some parents, some teachers and some volunteers. But despite their title, they are looking up to these adults. No matter what the adults are saying to them...yelling at them for or even smiling at them..they listen. I'm reminded of many things when I see this. 1) I'm reminded of the passion that's been planted in my heart for leading children. There's a spark that comes over me when I see these faces looking towards their leaders. 2) I'm reminded of how essential it is to be a role model. We always have eyes on us that are watching everything we do. The actions we make, the words we say and the love we show 3) I'm reminded of God's heart for me. He is the one that I look up to. I am the same as these children I watch. I look up to my leaders for all things. And no matter how many mistakes I make...he still has passion for me and the things he trying to teach me. My God is not only my Father but he is my guide and my teacher. Thats all I have time for. Its time to go find the children that I love.

In His Presence

Lastnight, we had an awesome time at church. I can't help but try to tell everyone about it. 

First of all, I am definitely privileged to be under the headship of my Pastor. He has challenged me in so many ways. He has helped develop me, shape me and help me grow into the person that I am today. Yesterday was his birthday and he definitely deserved to be honored. 

Lastnight in the middle of service, a young man stood up and raised his hand. When Pastor asked him what he could do for him, he said he wanted to be saved. I can't even put into the words the way that this impacted me. A man that didn't know everyone around him, that didn't know the majority of the congregation...surrendered his life to Christ. Despite of what people were going to say, despite of what he looked like, he was an example of what it meant to give EVERYTHING up for a life for Christ. I was moved by the hunger that this man had to know Christ.

I never knew when it happened, but somewhere along the way I lost sight of what it meant to truly accept the love that my Father has for me. I have a Father that really loves me. Despite what I've done and through everything, He still loves me the same, if not more. I've gone through many things in my life, I've made bad decisions in my life, but I am STILL loved. He has a love for us that is far greater then any man can give to us. 

I was overwhelmed. I never knew that I had any type of lack in my life when it came to know that the Lord loved me. I don't know why I didn't see it. I don't know why I felt like I hadn't had it before. 

It overwhelmed me.

I've been overtaken. I have been invaded. I have been overwhlemed.

I am loved by the Father, and there is no greater love.

We Are A Catalyst For The Encounter

I'm officially going to Quito, Ecuador this summer for missions! We are going to take God's love to the streets of Quito. This is something that definitely takes me out of my comfort zones and I can't help but be excited about it! I know that God is going to develop me in so many ways that I don't even see yet. I'm excited to take on this challenge!

More About This Adventure?

This trip is this summer, July 1st-8th, There are over 2,000,00 people in just the city of Quito. We are going to be able to influence and take over the city of Quito with God's heart and will. We will be able to bring good news to the people, witness lives be changed and build relationships with people that we have never even met before. 

http://www.missions.me/12quito.html

How Can You Help?

If  you chose to support my adventure I will be able to take this trip and join others across the world in spreading God's love to people that might not even be are aware of who he is. I will be able to share the love and grace that I've been shown.

The financial goal of going to Ecuador is $1995. 

I'm believing that God will provide at least 15 people with $100 donations. If you have not been called to that amount, I pray that you carefully consider how you can contribute to this trip.

If you would like to donate, you can send a check payable to Cornerstone Summit at 869 Highway 105 Ext Suite 3, Boone, NC 28607. Please include a separate piece of paper or post-it with my name on it, not on the memo line. 

Not only financially am I asking for support but please consider supporting me prayerfully. Prayer is also imperative for this trip. While this trip may seem far away, I am asking that the Lord really prepare my heart for the things that I see, hear and do. That His will would be done and not my own desires. I want to go into Ecuador strategically fulfilling the purpose that is being lead out for me.

I love you all and I can't wait to be able to continue to update you before, through and after this wonderful adventure!

My Story. My Testimony.

I haven't shared this with too many people, but with this timing in my life, I can't keep it in any longer.

Throughout my life, I struggled with what's called Ovarian Cysts. With the help of different medicines, I never really had much trouble with them until about a year and a half ago. In the Summer/Fall of 2010 I began to have lots of troubles. I was told my cysts were "spreading" and there began to be growths throughout my stomach region. While that was scary, I didn't want to think much about it. I was not only scared but I was angry. I was told that because of the scar tissue left by rupturing cysts that it could eventually lead me to being infertile. I was told that I might have to have surgery. Why am I going through this God? Why have I been so active and healthy my whole life and then this is thrown my way?

In October 2010 I was attending in a conference in Toledo and I was beginning to have a pain in my stomach. I didn't think much of it until a day or so after. We were in a church service and my pain began to be so severe. I called over one of my friends and told her I had to leave, I have to go to the hospital. I crouched down outside on the sidewalk in so much pain. I was rushed to the hospital where not only sit we sit for a little while, but I was given a pain killer shot which did not help. I laid on that bed just so angry with God asking Him why he was putting me through this. After a series of tests, I was told that I had a cyst the size of a grapefruit. A grapefruit. HUGE. They told me that there was not much they could do other then pain medication and that I would need to see my doctor as soon as I went home. Great. This is just one more thing that I need right? Could I possibly go through anymore?

I went home more discouraged then ever. In my own hopes, I thought that this would all just go away, not get worse. I went home the next week anticipating a doctors appointment only to hear more bad news. What now Lord? Do I have to go through surgery? Am I ever going to be able to have kids? What more do you want from me? 

The night that I went home before my doctors appointment, our church had a prayer service. An awesome woman of God who disciples me called me that night and told me that they were praying for me and they lifted up this doctors appointment know that God had a plan for it. As encouraging as that was to hear, I still had my doubts. Lord, I know you have a plan for me and all, but can't it be something else? Can't you right a whole new chapter in my life that doesn't involved pain and doubt and loneliness and suffering?

I went to the doctors appointment the next morning, way less confident then I have ever been. I didn't know what to feel. After a series of tests, my doctor just looked at me. He had this confused, yet happy look in his eyes. Oh no, it's worse then I thought...come on, go ahead and tell me the bad news. He said, "Martha, I don't know how to tell you this or explain this to you." Okay, what is it now?  He began to explain to me how there wasn't a sign of a single thing. No cyst, no scar tissue, no growths. Nothing. NOTHING. No really, you read that right...nothing! WHAT?!?!

Lord. You are faithful. You are so incredibly might. Why did I ever doubt you? Our God is so much greater then we could ever imagine. I hate that it took me to get to the lowest point in order to see how faithful and how loving my Father really is. He had a plan for me all long. If I would have just given it to Him, I would have began to see the plan that he laid out before me. But, maybe that was His plan all along? Either way, I am so incredibly thankful for who He is. Despite my results, He is STILL and ALWAYS will be my loving Father. 

Two verses that has always been close to my heart are:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4

Walking Through Life

We as women take on a lot of responsibilities. We have so many pressures from this world alone along with pressures from other people.  BUT we can’t let that get in the way of WHO and WHAT we’re called to be and do. Our sweet God has so intricately formed, shaped and developed us to be unique. The world can’t fathom that; it doesn’t get it. We as daughters in Christ understand that. We have access to things greater than we could ever imagine.

 “…he made known to us the mystery of His will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ."

We discover who we are.

 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; THEN we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; THEN I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 

God knows who we are and we have the access, the ability; we can obtain the wisdom and knowledge to know the same thing! We go through different things that we may not understand, that may hurt us and may try to break us. We might consider it a hardship we might consider it an attack. Whatever the name of it is, we have been made to not only overcome, but to flourish because of it

. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. LET perseverance finish it’s work so that you may be MATURE and COMPLETE, not lacking anything.”

 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Ahhh! Isn't it so refreshing to know that we have a God that has paved the way for us and is protecting us on this journey that we call life?! We have everything at the tips of our fingers! I can't help but just rest in that.