I am half way there I have $6000 raised so far just another $6000 to go!! Thank you all for your support! God has been teaching me a lot as I prepare for Guatemala mostly faith and trust in him that he has it all under control and I am just along for the ride of my life. He is also teaching me to take one day at a time not to be exited for what tomorrow  has for me be what today holds. I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes by David Wilkerson (when God calls us to any specific work, He has already made provision for every thing we need to accomplish it with freshness and cheer!) As I excitedly await my upcoming adventure I am so encouraged by all the support you all have given me and I know this is what God wants me to do. I wanted to share with you an amazing story form Faith In Action (the ministry I will be serving with). Here is the link to the video they put together.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYKt5IJERFM&feature=share&list=LLYM78dSlDLNfry6Jt3xcCyQ

Thank you all for your prayers and support so far. I have a date for when I am leaving now, June 8th. I just bought my plane ticket the other day!!! Things have been pretty busy around my house. We got are first two foster kids 3 weeks ago, ages 1 and 3 months. So with fighting colds and getting use to each other, we have are hands full. With the little ones around time is flying by for me so the wait till I get to go has been easier. I have been starting to get prepared and gathering the stuff I need for my trip as it is approaching pretty fast (4 more months)!!! I wanted to share a few pics with you all from the last two summers I have gone, so you will have a little glimpse into where I will be going.

Ladies seling their goods in the park

Playing spoons with the dorm students

The high school dorm in Zapaca that I will be staying at in the rainy season 

Mrs. Bean telling us stories 

The base in the Rio Dulce

Street Market in the Rio Dulce

Mountain drive to a village

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope that God is bringing about as many magnificent things in your life as He is in mine. As some for you know I have had the opportunity to serve on two short term mission trips to Guatemala with my youth group.  I now have an opportunity to serve as an Intern to Faith In Action in Guatemala for one year.  I am very excited about this opportunity; I have prayed about going for the last two years. Now that I am graduating from High School this summer I get to go! I have a passion and love for these people and have seen God do some amazing work through his people in Guatemala.

Faith In Action is a Christian organization designed to target isolated, remote people who have become lost and stagnant within the developing country of Guatemala. They primarily focus on mountainous highlands and the swampy waterways of Rio Dulce in Guatemala, Central America.

Most of the people they are reaching are plagued with witchcraft, illiteracy, severe health issues, and very poor living conditions. To these people, for the most part, the only Gospel they will ever read is the works of Christian hands and lives. Saving lives and relieving their incredible pain and suffering with medical help so touches them that they open their hearts to the leaders and mission teams who help support Faith In Action Ministries. God gently begins to break down all of the walls Satan has put up with fear and superstition as they realize God so cares for them that He sent his ambassadors to help them.

I will be helping with various short term mission teams that come to Guatemala, serving on a few different mission bases doing various construction projects, helping in their schools and churches, and ministering to the people. In the rainy season I will be serving in the high school in Zacapa.

I will be leaving in June of 2013 and will be staying for one year. The full amount I need to rise is $12,000. I plan to raise part of the money through babysitting, although any contributions are appreciated.  If contributing please make your check out to Frontline Kids with Amanda Culver Guatemala in the memo of the check (all checks are tax deductible) and mail in provided envelope to; Amanda Culver.

I would like to ask for your prayers for my upcoming trip I ask that you will pray for my safety, that I will be able to learn Spanish quickly.

If you would like to learn more about Faith In Action, please visit www.fiaministries.com.

I have started a blog at www.guatamanda.blogspot.com to keep you updated.

With Love,

Amanda Culver