When Missionaries Lose Their Adventurous Spirit

As a young teenage girl, I approached going on missions trips as an adventure! It was what I was called to do. From the time I was 10 years old I felt called to take the name of Jesus to other children who didn't know Him.

Finally, I would be going to the uttermost parts of the earth! Mexico, Guatemala, and Paraguay were my destinations at the age of 15, 16 and 20. Oh! the thrill of the unknown and the joy of speaking Spanish to those who did not know Jesus.

Fast forward almost 20 years, three sons and 14 years on the mission field of Spain. I was settled! In love with the city of Gijon and it's people. We had friends, a ministry, and a close knit family.

God has now called us back to to the United States. We have been living stateside for almost two years. Getting settled and trying to make the best of it.  This is a whole new adventure. I find myself struggling to think of ever moving again. To even allow myself the thought of launching out into new ministries. Where has my adventurous spirit gone?

I'm a teacher missionary. It's a calling. As our pastor said tonight,

"If you are called to be in the ministry, don't stoop to be a prime minister!"

This resonated in my heart. I can not settle. I must keep serving no matter where I am planted. Yes, even if we are called to leave our comfort zone again and again.

We were commissioned and sent. We came home, but we are still called and set apart. I will go and serve wherever He sends us on our next adventure home or abroad.

"Here am I Lord, send me."

~ Dani

Please consider helping us get our belongings back from Spain. Click HERE

The Next Phase

Contreras School 2009 - 5th grade and 3rd grade

Even though, we gave away almost all the boys' homeschool materials to missionaries, there were still many books, photo albums, clothes and personal items that we stored away in a storage unit when we packed up our apartment. Danielle is still teaching phonics, and doing reading help at school, and Joseph is preaching and teaching as well, so there is not a day that goes by that we don't pray to get our study materials, and books. 

Fellow missionaries, the Grants, living in Asturias, have been so gracious to help disperse our furniture and electronics to others in need. Now comes the difficult task of separating and deciding what is personal and what we don't actually need anymore. 

We have found two companies who will ship based on volume, shipping door to door. We need to measure the volume and then get an exact quote. We received one quote for ten boxes at $1,600, but it looks like we still have more than 10 boxes.

 Of course, our treasure is stored up in Heaven and not here on Earth. These are just things, however, it is hard to not be concerned we won't ever see our precious memories again. 

Please pray for this next phase of our ministry. 

Would you consider giving to this project? Click here to give. 

More Than Words

Ruta del Alba, Asturias, Spain

A pool of thoughts held 

and ready to pour out

as a waterfall 

flowing stronger 

than before.

But words are lost, 

stolen by originality

a time so dear 

expressed only in eternity.

Wandering minds 

touched, 

brought closer today.

cherished moments

are loved 

more than words can say. 

(dedicated to the new missionaries in Spain who will be carrying on the good fight. )

Tell It!

Tender quiet heart

with passion for the King,

Windows of souls

to Him you bring. 

Filled broken vessels

burdens to share, 

White caped waves 

have not a care. 

Throne of grace

pardon so dear,

Fierce whispering winds

tell it, no fear! 

(both poems written by Danielle Contreras,1995)

Happy Easter from Gijón!

A quick video we made for one of our home churches but,
 we want to send the greeting out to you all as well! 

~ Dani

Valor!

Chocolate Valor! (with a Spanish accent)

One of the many products known to Spain, is it´s chocolate. Maybe you only know of Belgium chocolate, but I tell you that Valor chocolate is just as good, if not better. 

I will miss it! 

Especially the Cacao Puro and the sugar free line. It is cheaper than any of the sugar free chocolates in the States and much more available. 

Many of you may not know yet, but we are taking an extended leave from Gijón, Spain. We missionaries call it a furlough. We are already starting the packing process. Sigh.... 

@ Daily Peace

God is dealing with us in a special situation right now. It is a place in our lives we have never been. We are needing to trust Him more than ever before. We need to trust, even though we don´t see the future clearly.

Not truly trusting and resting in God each and everyday can take away our peace. One of the fruit of the Spirit that we should all seek is peace.

What kind of fruit do you like?

 Happy 2014!

What a kick off I had with 50 plus stitches in my legs. Everything went really well, and my guys couldn't have spoiled me more. They took such good care of me. Joseph cooking and doing dishes, the boys cleaning and doing laundry, I hardly had to do anything but rest. It was the perfect time to have the varicose vein surgery, really. With our English classes suspended for the holidays, we had a week of rest and recuperation. Thank you for praying for us during this time.

Now to the fruit. 

Good-bye Mr. Sanchis

Yes, it has come time to part with an old friend. He has been part of our family since our family began. In fact, he was my husband's first love. (just kidding, a little musicians joke)  Really, though, this incredibly beautiful hand-crafted Ricardo Sanchis Spanish Guitar, accompanied us in all of our journeys, has been part of our ministry, and has served us well.