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