Blog or not to Blog

It has been some time since I have last blogged, almost a year to be frank. It is not because I have nothing to say, but I forget to say it on my blog. I am determined to be more faithful to blog.

Jordan (my dog) and I have arrived in Costa Rica and despite a long journey we are doing well. I was in my first meeting today that I actually understood what was being said. My Spanish is not fluent, but it is progressing and I was surprised at how much I have retained, especially since I was in the U.S. for almost a month. I am extremely tired though and have a lot of unpacking to do tonight to start to get settled, but happy to be home.

I plan to bring my Pam (from The Office) bobble head with me to work tomorrow, as well as some Napolean Dynamite post-its. What would an office be without ND post-its?

Well, I'll be back, I promise. Mel

Yeah I am leaving.

Pending some homework on my part and working out my budget, I will be leaving for Costa Rica soon. It has been a tough year and a half. So many things have happened, some surprising, some sad. Through it all, the Lord has been there holding me up. Language school starts at the end of April and that is my goal for leaving. I am only going for 1 year as of right now, but I hope to raise more support so I can continue on as planned for two years. Continue to keep me in your prayers.

Going to Costa Rica

As much as I would love to be going permenantly, I am going for about 9 days. Hopefully this will give me the opportunity to really get to know the people I will be working with and also to get some tools to help with support raising. Please pray for a safe and productive trip. Mel

Still Grieving

I just wanted to say thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray for me. I have been having terrible nightmares and am struggling with how to grieve. I have had very close family members die and have been able to grieve, but this is significantly different. Thank you to all of you who have called or emailed. I am just not ready to really talk to anyone yet so please don't take it personal.

I am getting more responses to my need for monthly support, but am still about $1200 shy of what I need. Remember no amount is too LITTLE or too GREAT. I would love any references of people you know. I know this is blunt, but remember this that to serve God takes sacrifice, not just missionaries, but those who remain behind to pray and pay. Please look at your budget and pray about what is necessary or frivolous or perhaps just a little indulgent. God will lead your hearts.

I can't leave until my support is completely in, so please don't delay if you plan to support me. Grateful with all my heart and chomping at the bit to go, Melissa

Prayer Request

Hello Everyone, I wish this blog was to tell everything is going good, but I had some news that broke my heart. My biological father Bob Schiesler passed away. This was hard enough news to hear, but my family chose to keep it from me for 4 months. My father and I were not as close as I would have liked, it happens when your parents don't stay together. I did try to keep up some contact with him and the rest of my family. Why they did this hurtful thing to me, I may not understand, but I ask that you would pray for understanding, peace and eventually forgiveness. For those of you who have been praying for me Thank you and I will answer your calls, it is just really hard to talk about right now. I have amazing family (love you guys) and friends who have surrounded me with love and support. If anything comes of this heartbreak, I know that there are people out there who love me more than I knew before. Sorry if my grammer is bad, I just can't think clearly. Love you all, Mel

Still working on support!

Things are picking up, but I can't wait to get to Costa Rica. God is really teaching me patience. I have been able to spend some quality time with family and friends, but the desire to leave is stronger each day. Thank you for all your prayers continue to pray for me and if there are any opportunities to share with anyone you know please let me know. Melissa