Hello everyone! Just a quick update on what I have been up to. Last Friday we went to a girls softball game and sold snow cones to raise money to go to a youth conference. After that we had youth group and looked at John 17 and talked about setting ourselves apart from the crowd. When youth group was over we practiced the dramas that we were going to perform at the youth conference.

On Saturday we went to a youth conference. There were about 60 people there. A few people including Sarah Coult gave a message. Hers was about following God’s call without questioning because if we question we might miss his call and not have a second chance. During the conference we performed our drama it went really well and everyone seemed to like it. This drama was about choosing Jesus and not listening to the lies of the Devil. At the end of the conference we were prayed over. I was so humbled because I just kept thinking that I was a sinner and God picks me up and loves me just the same.

On Sunday we went to a church in a small village. It was a lot more informal than any of the churches I have been to in the states. But the message was still given the same way. After that we went into Guasave, ate lunch and looked around at some of the shops.

Evie, Keala and I have decided to join the girls softball team to try and develop better relationships with the girls here. Most of the girls play or watch softball. Because practices and games are happening every weekday, we feel the only way to make these relationships is to become more involved. Please pray for the girls hearts to be opened and them to be willing to listen to what we are trying to share with them. Also pray that they will have the desire to go to youth group. We are thinking about changing youth group to Saturday hoping that more girls will come since there is no softball. I am excited to see God work during this new endeavor.

Thank you for everyone’s prayers!

Hailey

Since I have been here a little over a week I figured I would share what is going on down here. Every morning we have a Bible study I think it is a really good way to start my day. Each day someone else picks a part of the bible that has been on their heart and shares about it. Everyday we generally have some sort of outreach. During this past week I was able to meet new people from the neighboring villages. We had a bible study on Tuesday for the adults and kids and tought some kids about the tower of Babel. Wednesday Doug, Keala and I went to visit a few people. It was amazing to see how happy the people were even though they barely had anything. They even gave us shrimp and fish, which we used to make Ceviche. I love the food here! On Thursday we went into the town of Boca Del Rio, which is less than 5 minutes away, and had a women's bible study. The women just finished a book about being godly wives. Friday was youth group again and we were taught that we are called to follow God even if it isnt our will. On Saturday there was a wedding for two people that the Coult's know. It was very similar to an American wedding. Both the bride and groom were christians so it was very Christ centered and I thought that was very cool. I would say the thing that was the most different from American weddings was the fact that people didnt dance afterwards, even though there was music. On Sunday we went to church. Doug preached because the head pastor had gotten sick. The service was in a super small town and only 4 of the villagers came. There is always someone to help around here and always a guest or two here.

This week I think we will start trying to get girls motivated to become a part of a small group. I am excited to see what God has in store for me here. I think I fit in pretty well and can't wait for my spanish to get even better so I can grow closer to people.

Thank You for all your love and prayers,

Hailey Holden

I made it to Playa Las Glorias. I am sharing a room with the other short term missionary Keala. There are 9 people living in the house. Locals are visiting the house all the time, so there is never a dull moment here. The weather in Las Glorias is alright I am not used to the humidity yet, and am sweaty all the time. Overall I am very happy here and know this is where I am supposed to be.

I am so blessed to be taken in by the Coult family. There are 6 Coults living in Las Glorias. Doug and Rebecca the parents. Sarah, who is 21 and getting married in February and loves to sing and play guitar. Jessee, an 18 year old, who disciples some young men and plays on a baseball team. Andrew a 16 year old, who is always in his shop working on motorcycles and loves to chat with the teen boys. And Evie a 15 year old, who loves to draw. Every person in the family truly has a heart for God and I am excited to work beside them.

Friday night was youth group night, which was a lot of fun. First we played volleyball and talked and then started group. The group is led by Joaquin. He is very passionate about Christ and a great teacher. The lesson was on the holy spirit and we read from John 16. Keala and I were told by Joaquin that we were an answer to prayer. They had needed young lady leaders because not very many girls come to youth group, so they are hoping us being there will bring more girls. After Joaquin told us we were an answer to prayer I am certain that this is where I am supposed to be. I knew it was before Joaquin said that but it solidified my convictions.

Many of the teens want to learn English and teach me Spanish. I have a feeling my Spanish will improve quickly if I keep socializing with them. I really enjoy teaching and learning it definitely allows me to grow relationships.

I have already experienced new things. Sarah taught me how to clean calamari to eat. I got ink all over me, but it was fun working with Sarah and Jeremias, a young man living with the Coults who is doing discipleship with Doug and Jessee. I also went to the beach that is a few minutes away from the house and played in the water. I am sure there will be many interesting stories to come.

God has definitely been a part of this trip. I thank him for his protective hand on this adventure to Las Glorias. I pray that God uses me as an example to other girls here. Please pray for my safety and for God to use me as an instrument for his work.

Thank you for all the support and prayers,

Hailey

My adventure has begun. Everyone said it would be an adventure and they were definitely right. I have never flown anywhere but to San Diego so this is the longest flight! I thought everything would go smoothly once I got to the airport, I was wrong. The plane I was supposed to take me to Vegas was cancelled because of mechanical issues so I ended up waiting a few extra hours to take a flight to LAX and wait for a few hours to get a flight to Tucson. The flight to LA was full and there was no room to bring my carry on so they took it and it was supposed to be in Tucson when I got there. I arrived in Tucson in one piece but my "carry on" bag had been lost in the vortex of Southwest baggage. I still havent heard where it is so hopefully it comes today. Luckly i got my bag with my necessities in it so im not too worried.

I am very excited to get to Mexico and anticipating the journey.  We are headed out of Tucson on Wednesday and off to Mexico.  I have never been away from my family for this long. I know God will give me the strength to endure this journey and I will be adopted into the Coult family. I am pretty excited to learn Spanish and meet new people. I have so much to say and am not really sure how to organize my thoughts. I’m pretty excited about this blog being able to keep in touch with so many people that are supporting me. My sister Kelsey is in a young life group at Boise State college and asked the whole group to pray for me! I can’t believe that people I have never met are here supporting me. Thank you for the prayers and love! I will make sure to keep you up to date when I have wifi.

One large step

Well here I am less than a week away from my adventure to Mexico.  I'm not going to lie I am nervous to leave my friends and family, but I know that I will be adopted into the Coult family and become friends with many new people. I am confident that this chapter of my life will teach me new lessons and life skills that I will use for the rest of my life. I pray that God opens my heart to know his will, as I am forced out of my comfort zone.

Thank you for everyone who is supporting me through my new journey,
Hailey