So... I'm committed to learning Spanish. Here's why.

This past summer I decided I wanted to learn how to fish. So one day after I had finished all my duties in the kitchen and around camp, I went for a walk to the beach. There I found a fishing pole just lying on the ground.... taking it as a sign it was time to learn; I picked it up and started fidgeting with it. About twenty minutes later I had finally figured out how the one thing fits into the other; and how the spinny thingy goes and when to push the button thingy while casting the hook thingy into the water (you get my drift... i had no idea what i was doing... haha).  Anyways; I found bait some fishers had left behind and went at it. I cast my line into the water and began to wait.  Nothing... I pulled my line back, put more bait on the hook, and tossed it back out... and then it happened... I CAUGHT A FISH! It was at this point that I remembered that I had  NO IDEA what to do next.... there was no one else around and I was standing here with this poor fish gasping for air. I had gone fishing not realizing that I might actually catch a fish. OK, NOW- FAST FORWARD TO YESTERDAY (If you want to read the full story on the fish, you should check out the blog 'Gone Fishin')

So as most know; I live in a little cottage that is so small it has no hook-up for washer/dryer... and while it's a pain; I really don't mind at all. I spent an entire night perusing the laundromats of Winchester in search of one that didn't seem too shady, and offered reasonably priced machines. One of these places in particular stood out... it's a well-lit, large place that just seemed to be calling my name. The first time I used the place; there was a handful of people; but the entire time I was there I kept thinking, 'You know... this could be a really great outreach kind of place'. And that was the extent of that thought. 

This past week some of my amazing friends offered me the use of their machines so I could wash the *several* weeks that had accumulated... and while the offer was tempting; I turned them down. Why? Because I want to be intentional in all of my actions; and I just felt this pull to the laundromat because I knew it would be a great way to reach the lost of my community. 

So yesterday I packed everything up and hit the laundromat ready to roll... and you know what happened? APPARENTLY EVERY TOM, DICK, and HARRY does his laundry on a Sunday afternoon... the place was PACKED! I couldn't believe how many people were there doing their laundry! So many giggling children running around and their stressed out mothers trying to catch them... it was a bustling, bustling place.... and what did I do? 

I froze.

And in that moment; I was back at the beach; holding that fishing pole as a hooked fish dangled off the pole. I didn't know what to do next...

Because even though I had all intentions of being intentional... I didn't think that there would be a need for me to actually be intentional. I didn't think there would actually be people there that needed Jesus. And I definitely didn't think that there would be SO MANY OF THEM. 

Driving away with a sense of disappointment at my lack of doing anything; I felt the Lord tugging on my heart comforting me while casting a very clear vision.

This was kind of how the conversation went...

'Kristina. These are my people, and they need Me. You are going to pour your heart into the people of your community; and this is where it will start.'

'um... ok God... but yea... I don't speak Spanish... I'm serbian, remember?'

'Kristina. I know exactly what you are. I created you, remember? And I know what you can do; and I know what I can do through you; if you allow me to.'

'well...um... ok... I get what you're saying; but I'm busy... between work and church....'

'Kristina. These are my people, and I am their God. They need me. You are going to pour your heart into the people of your community; and this is where it will start.'

'Alright God. Let's do this.'

And so my friends; 

thus begins my newest journey..... on the road to become trilingual-- for the joy of the Lord... and the sake of the Gospel. 

'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'

And I said, 'Here I am. Send me!'

Isaiah 6:8