March 18th 2024

It was really nice getting together with Becky as she showed me the beautiful Artwork and then we went to a nice restaurant where R2i had the opportunity to be interviewed by her. 

Thank you Becky for this wonderful opportunity!

The staff were so friendly, the food was amazing!! They also interacted with R2i and that was pretty fun 

If you want to see the video you will have to watch it on Tik Tok @christinacarey985 

Our Word of Life Church Family in Texas 

Lunch get togethers after church and many of the women came together and had special meal see you later send off for Mrs. Maria and I. Everything was beautiful, we had so much fun enjoying each other's company. 
The food was amazing as always 🥰 

Thankful for these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who welcomed me. Many beautiful memories made and I can't wait to visit. 

1/22/2024

I miss my MCat so very much and their is a beautiful history when it comes to elephants that we now have our own elephant 🐘 we can keep track of. 
I never thought I would be without my fur baby but since traveling so much I can't bring him with me and honestly wish I could however many times it's difficult to do that. 
Im so thankful for the opportunity during my travels I get to love on other fur babies ❤️ they are all so adorable. Their personalities are all different but one thing is for sure they do cuddle, a couple of them not lol but does love attention. Their is one that is extremely hyper and she loves loves a lot of attention lol 

I know one day I will be able to have my own fur baby again but until then I will love everyone else's sweet fur babies. 
they definitely bring so much joy 

1/19/2024

Sorry but not sorry about alllllll these photos of these precious sweet girls being able to FaceTime Aisla and Shiloh and watching them interact is such a blessing. 
I remember the moments my soul and I would talk about the time these two would get to meet each other on FaceTime. Then when I moved to Florida it happened these two girls sat in our meetings and they played, laughed and showed toys to each other. Here we are two years later and they are making faces more laughing and having complete conversation. These moments are rare with Aisla so when we get to see her we take a ton of photos. 
These two girls and Ari ( she isn't in the picture) they all are pretty amazing kids. I can't wait to capture more photos of everyone else but for now just please join me in praying for ALL God's precious children he has a plan for each of them. 
I can't forget Aisla got new dinosaurs specifically made for her ❤️🤗 and she absolutely loves them 

1/4/2024

Staying consistent in being connected with those that we have been in classes and serving and helping one another grow with knowledge, wisdom and encouragement in a Godly manner. 
I love that tho we live miles apart and really no matter where we are I know we are blessed to connect through FaceTime. 
I love my sister in Christ Priscilla and love working together. 
3Dinfluence and The Edge ❤️ enjoying the meeting times for sure 🥰 Love you sis 

12/31/2023

Growth within me and around me on many levels can be painful, difficult yet exciting and rewarding. 
It is one year since God directed me here to Texas, I can't believe it actually has gone by quickly tho I never expected to stay this long nor come here when I did, But God he listens to our prayers and actually this time he was answering someone else's prayers and our connection has been beautiful. 
I didn't know why I was coming here until I followed each step the Lord shared with me to do, then he revealed the next. This journey is to be completely relying on our Heavenly Father even when we cannot see ahead even without the complete understanding or financial support and not knowing anyone but my cousin and her little but mighty family.

God has done some incredible things in one year and I thank him every day for using me as a vessel. 
Through this past year I found a Texas home church, started helping teach Art in many forms to about 700 students but God showed up because the Gospel was shared with the students and kids wanted prayer and some led prayer and the kids brought it up and they displayed it in their artwork. I have been able to mentor not just children but women who are walking in their gifting, women that need support for various reasons, I was able to take and teach classes in other churches and Cities, I was able to serve the homeless by helping cook meals to go, I was able to public speak and do interview, traveled to Mexico and stayed and learned about the community helped students with English as they helped with Spanish and I was able to do a prayer walk through a park in Mexico, I can say I walked to the United States and honestly I had many thoughts. When I got here I was on chapter 5 of my book I had been writing and now on chapter 21, I decided to take more classes and received my CPR, AED and First Aid certification. Refining 2 Ignite was birthed and I began blogging and learning to create, edit videos God lead me to talk about. 
I have had to say no, I have put God first even though people may not understand the mission God has me on. There is so much more he has done honestly just like the many other opportunities of doors that opened and continue to open is truly remarkable and such a wonderful blessing. I thank you each of you for continuing to pray, reaching out, and words of encouragement and every part of support. I love you all so very much and Hugs!! 

12/25/2023

Many years have come and gone so quickly, throughout this holiday season I can't help but have other emotions attached to my the joy I also feel as we celebrate the birth of our savior. 
I know without him in my life I would be nothing and there is no life if he isn't in it. 
Christmas is one of my favorites!! However this year it hits a little different, my heart aches to be with my children and cooking dinner and breakfast for each of them with everything they love, our Christmas decorating and movie nights with special outing, laughter, jokes and fun filled game nights the hugs and special moments of discussions. I miss all my kids and my grandbaby so very much, this Christmas was difficult for me. I will say God is sooo very gracious and absolutely loving, he opened up a door to do something I enjoy doing and haven't done in years, singing in the choir in my home church in Texas and this was another beautiful thing he did was surround me with very loving individuals. 
It was a blessing to share a devotional the last week of choir practice and that was a devotion I was led to write and share, I felt as if tho I may have been missing my kids and was hurting I was able to lean more into him knowing he is my everything. 
Missionary life isn't always easy especially during holidays when it comes to being away from home and everything I'm used to doing however I know doing the work I am guided to do is completely worth it. 
I'm so thankful for the support I receive from my children and they understand the importance of the mission. 

11/30/2023

Word Of Life Church 

Christmas celebrations and preparations are underway here and at this time the choir is practicing for Christmas Eve. 

It's been many years since I have been in a choir but I love music and praising/ worshiping him through music 🎼 and in other ways too! 

This girl loves her beats and a notebook and pen just let me sit in nature ❤️🎼🦋🤗🙏 as I sing, write, pray, and worship God. ❤️ 

it's nice to be back in choir again 🤗

11/28/2023

11/25/2023

Creating pieces of writing and art for the upcoming event. 
This piece is a little about seasons we walk through. 
The other art pieces that were made 

a cross bookmark with a type of cord tied tightly attached. This resembles holding on to the hem of his garment no matter what we face and have faith in him that he has us. 
The written piece was placed on wood, painted with a butterfly 🦋 with glitter for that reminder through him growth is possible and he can shine through us and fly beautifully like the butterfly.

The Rocks 🪨 Jesus is our rock, he is our firm foundation, these rocks were painted and decorated with copper wire with bling and a cross. Jesus gets all the Glory, more of him and less of ourselves, let his light shine.

Roses Ice Globes these were absolutely gorgeous and exciting to create. The rose being emerst in water and then frozen had such a different look from just seeing a long stem rose, this effect reminded me of being made new, getting baptized and getting a new look. The beauty from being refined being reborn, the beauty from ashes that can only happen through Christ. 

As each piece represents seasons of life all I could do was pray for God to share how he wanted everything even a scroll that contained A love letter from God ❤️ 

This was special and so beautiful. 

11/8/2023

I recall about a year ago I was woken by a powerful dream, this wasn't just a dream, God was speaking to me. He was preparing me for a huge transition and the way he did I woke up in tears. After this specific dream things were making more sense as to previous experiences from months to weeks leading to that night. 
I knew things were shifting even more after that but am I completely prepared for the next chapter he had? 
In my moment of silence and knowing to focus on only our Heavenly Father, allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way my Faith and Trust in him is huge and he is powerful. What he has waiting for me God has already either prepared me for is as well as I'm just the vessel so abiding in him he's already got it covered he will give me everything I need for the next chapter. 
The previous months to weeks before this night he shared the beauty of not just rainbows but the pouring of rain, the oil poured out, the winds moving so beautifully along with the sun shining so brightly 😭🙏❤️ in some moments this happened all at the same time after I prayed and even asked God for these specific moments and other times I didn't ask he shared them.

God speaks to us all the time, it's important to be intentional about our relationship with him. No other truth and love but his. Jesus is the only way ❤️🙏

The dream tho was

God said GO! Be a Light 💡 in Dark Places

                        🌬️💨💨 🧍🏻‍♀️

I choose not to describe the dream, just know there is something powerful when he speaks but I felt every part of the emoji pictures I have shared to my core and as I write this I can visualize and still feel this very moment. 

Putting on our Full Armor Of God on and be Battle Ready at All times ❤️🙏 

10/18-10-21 in Mexico 🇲🇽 

10-21-10-25 Lerado Texas USA 🇺🇸 

I have been extremely excited to share the opportunity I had to make a visit to Mexico ❤️🥰 I was visiting a ministry that I am hoping to internship with. I got to check out the school house where Bible classes, English, and other classes are held and I was able to meet some of the children and actually help teach them English. We played games laughed and shared the gospel. 
I had a nice tour of the new property that is being developed, this property will have the main house plus a home that will house the children that can no longer be at the orphanage due to their age ( they usually end up on the streets) this will be a safe place for them and they will have an opportunity to learn. 
I also was taken through the mountains to Monterrey and it was so beautiful 😍 we stopped in little towns that reminded me of my Welita's home a one room home. 
I wanted to experience walking across the border for so many reasons but what stuck out is how many sacrificed their life in previous generations so we can have what we see and do today. It started somewhere, plus I love our people our village and honestly they work extremely hard. 
I learned so much on this mission opportunity and met so many amazing people and this is the first time coming to Mexico without my grandma but she was definitely in my heart ❤️ 

more to come 🤗

10/12/2023

It seriously is always refreshing to see and hear from these amazing women ❤️ 

No matter how far away we live from each other we are intentional about growing together.

Just a few of Aisla's Village as she would say. 🥰

Love our Village in this photo ( the whole village is not in this photo) Pray for Our Village 🤗🙏✝️

10/6/2023

Patience 

This is something I personally can strive to improve in. I can't count the many times I became exhausted and there were some moments I wanted to give up however I didn't. Was it difficult? Yes, so much so I went down on my knees my face and cry out to my Heavenly Father. 
I know he gets in the room with me or whatever I was at. Many times through tears, my beats as I worshipped and prayed especially in those moments when I didn't know if I would make it out of the room (not by my own actions)

BUT GOD ❤️ 

Walking through the fire ever since a child I needed to be still many times and never knowing the outcome or seeing what will happen the next min, I had to and continue to trust God with every step. Every time I felt drained he gave me living water, breathed life in my soul. The more I walk in him the more changed within myself and what is around me, he has been preparing me for his plan, his promises but I needed to walk through what others put on me though what they did was not right, it's not their responsibility to heal me that healing happens with Jesus and I and it takes time and I would need to be patient with myself just like he is with me. If I were to rush then I will miss important things he is trying to teach me. 
I know what I am meant to do and I am pushing through. I want everything he has for me his promises, he has been giving me back and then some of what the enemy tried to take away from me. 
Praising him in every moment❤️ 

This photo I took in my room as the sunrise shined so brightly in the blinds of my window. As I went to capture this it was like a rainbow shining so big in my window. 🌈🥰 His presence is the most beautiful and the sweetest ways he reminds me he keeps his promise.🤗🙏✝️🌹

Have Patience ☺️

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
— ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬-‭7‬‬

9/20/2023

A Full Day of Prayer 🙏 

8/6/2023

Testimony Interview (The Edge Urban Church)

This was so humbling to have the opportunity to share parts of my testimony. 

Vulnerability can be difficult sometimes tho through it, we are letting go of some of the parts of ourselves that are weighing us down. 

God works through his children and in the last five years I seen him working through many different people and him working in the details. 

Being a mom of four and a Welita to a vibrant little girl, working one full time job and a part time job, doing my best to be a wife that my former spouse needed and trying to keep our family together as I prayed at the feet of my former while sleeping. I cried many tears as gripping the hem of Jesus garment, I prayed and shared my heart at the well in my mama's garden. I worshiped through my favorite beats and dancing in the kitchen praising God through the most difficult times of my life, standing off the coast of the Atlantic on Amelia Island saying to God I will do as you say but in the end all of this needs to Glorify you, I raised my hands reaching towards the sky as the beats of Even Louder kept rolling through my mind so as the sun was rising I went louder with my everything tears, heartache and not knowing what was ahead of me but all I know is I could trust my Lord and Savior through it all. 

I never imagined myself ever being apart or letting go of the man I wanted to share the rest of my life with, and I loved with my whole entire being but God is so good at having truth being revealed and during the process much of my past trauma that surfaced I never knew was there God was showing me things about myself and around me, he was giving me everything I needed for healing and giving me strength daily to prepare me for moving forward for the future he has for me. Divorce wasn't easy especially when we still lived in the same house and still trying to support how ever way I could even through what my kids and I were dealing with everyday and I will say it wasn't pretty and to be honest it's still not when it comes to this. I am thankful tho that God has placed me where I am today.

The healing process of going deeper into the word, working on myself and saying No to many things including during arguments before classes, having a team of trustworthy mentors that continuously build me up and just listen and do life with, even today. I'm in a much better place, and continue to learn on God. 

My heart hurt so much when it was time to get in the car and leave my kids, let go of the work I enjoyed, my dog, my whole entire family and I am no longer in a marriage with manipulation, lies, emotional and mental abuse, and more. I'm now free from that, tho I miss my adult children they have been extremely supportive and so understanding with the path I am on now and so positive and so loving. It's difficult leaving them when I see them but the calling I have been given is very important and that is my focus. 

My sweet Aisla my granddaughter and sharing with her about Jesus and the importance of prayer and interceding on the behalf of others with prayer.Aisla asking much deeper questions as dads go out and share Jesus what happens to the moms and kids? Who protects the village when uncle Steven goes out and all of the dads go? And then we pray and God protects our village and moms and kids and the dads and uncle Steven. As a Welita watching her grow in some of her gifting and how God is working in her life, I just thank God because he has great plans for this sweet girl. I pray that she will know God's voice just as she recognizes the voice of one of her favorite's, and I pray she knows she is loved by our father in heaven more than anyone could love her. 

Going through everything and an amazing team, deep in prayer along with the work put in daily for the healing process through intense classes I have been able to walk in my God given purpose, the work wasn't easy and every step was difficult but necessary and so thankful to those who walked with me even if it was a hug, unknown prayer that were said, taking time to just listen to my long conversations and just letting me know I'm family and loved. 

I'm excited for what is ahead as I'm preparing for the next part of the journey. 

Word of Life Fellowship Church

The Power of Prayer 🙏 ❤️ 

Capturing the children lay hands on their bible school teachers as they pray over them is such a beautiful blessing. 
Our Heavenly Father hears every prayer, even if our language are just tears.

God knows he sees each of us. 

Always be in Prayer 🙏 God is Faithful ♥️

This is a Confrence everyone should experience! It's important to take time out investing in ourselves, this is a great opportunity for learning, growing and meeting new people. 
Registration is now open, go scan the QR code

You can also check out

WWW.HPECONFERENCE.COM

7/5/2023

We Outside Tour 

Amazing things happen when we Focus be Intentional Always PRAY 🙏, put God FIRST and let him Lead the way. 
God places Vision, Purpose and Dreams to be used to glorify him and him alone, we just need to be obedient and have faith and trust in him with everything. 
Meet my spiritual brother Kevi and his beautiful wife Thimna (sis)and their son King 👑Beautiful Family 

This was such a fun night seeing everybody come together, praying sharing testimony sharing their gifts to glorify God as a FAMILY 

Go check out

Kevi Morse on Spotify 

Cvltivatecvlture.com   Clothing Brand 

Kevion Kevi Morse to follow on Facebook and see where he is headed next! 

This was an amazing fun night!! 

Homebase ❤️

Dreams do come true, the visions, dreams and goals were written down in homebase office in the basement of our church ❤️ in this very room.

This team coming together again has been absolutely incredible, we love being back in the office together supporting each other, refreshing and continuous building. 

The huge part of our team is bringing in the children to teach them when possible and they are a huge part and they do learn. 🥰

8/2/2023

Detroit Michigan

Kingdom Community Church Thank you for having us apart of the family, we enjoyed our time. 

Tisa and I had an amazing opportunity having a meal together, teaching 3DInfluence, acting out scenarios, sharing the gospel and praying as a family. 
We learned so much from each other. 
Such a blessing 

8/1/2023

National Night Out in Grand Rapids Michigan 

Being here for this night to serve the neighborhood I grew up in was so extraordinary special. Why you ask? Well this was one of the main events my mom always helped plan and she always made it a point to include myself, and the family to volunteer in this event. It felt nice to be back in the community to help. 
I also had the opportunity to talk with police officers and some shared a little about my mom as they shared how thankful they are for all my mom did for the Department with meals, that event was always a huge success we all loved and participated in, so to talk with them was pretty awesome.

I loved doing this with my soul sister and my Tio, we did face painting and tattoos, it was a great event. 

I can't say enough about these two that have been in my life for a while. I am beyond Blessed and so Thankful to call Tisa my soul sister, mentor, pastor, friend and literally is a Beast at everything she does, this woman of God goes above and beyond. Tisa is a huge huge part of where I am today. 
PE is a father figure, a mentor, Pastor, and from the moment I walked in the doorways of the church years ago he said this will always be HOME and I can't even explain how genuine it was because I walk in every time I return Home I understand what he was saying, he is also a huge reason why I'm here today. 
I was so excited on this day when my soul sister shared with me where we were going. This is something special to me, I absolutely love them!!

Mentors are important, if you don't have one it's really something to consider. I have many mentors they all play a part of different things of my life, to help me grow. I'm just so thankful!! 

7/31/2023

There is something so special when coming home to my Edge Family my home base. I love them in such a huge way. 

7/28/2023

This was a long time coming. I'm so excited to see my soul sister and niece. I love these two so much 

We got working on the classroom for the after school program that is held during the school year. 

7/27/2023

It was really nice to see family and friends come together to welcome me home. ❤️

We ate, played all kinds of different games and enjoyed music, we learned how to juggle and so many other things. 
This was a beautiful day and so loving. I thank everyone who was able to attend and those who reached out. I love you guys so much ❤️ 

such a beautiful blessing 

7/27/2023

God is so good all the time, he is in all the details and I stand in awe at everything but most of all just his presence in everything brings so much joy.

Today we served meals for 264 people and I had an opportunity to bits of my story and my love of going out and being a missionary. I'm hoping to come back one more time before I head back to TX. Everyone here has been super welcoming and wonderful, so thankful I was given this opportunity. 
Thank you 

7/25/2023

Here is an amazing opportunity, check it out!! 

7/23/2023

One of my favorite parts of visiting home, is coming to my Tia's house and playing in the garden with her. This brings back many childhood memories of working in the fields with my grandparents and helping my grandmother Mimi managing the field. My Welita traveled a lot and they taught us gardening skills. 
My Tia Maria she teaches me something new every time I come here and the garden is one special place  for us and honestly I personally enjoy taking with God in these settings ( one of many ) this dish was delicious and fresh from the garden and eggs from her chickens ❤️🥰 

Thank you Tia Maria ❤️

Learning new skills 

Meet my Miguel my uncle's best friend but honestly they both are very much have always been like brothers to me. 
Miguel knows how much I love music and always have, he gave me the opportunity to sit with him as he shared some of his knowledge he is an amazing DJ, I got to help a little bit. I was looking forward for this because I do love learning new things. 

7/21/2023

I woke up to my sweet nephew/cousin looking at me then said "What's Up tia?" Lol " I have missed you so much!" he proceeded to give me a hug. We then went outside.

I am getting some family time and it's nice to be able to see and chat with everyone and of course hug everybody like a million times lol 

7/20/2023 

It was a pleasure to serve with a great team.

Today 237 meals were made and served to the local residents in the community. I loved having this opportunity and can't wait to join them again. 
Thank you Pastor Moses and all these wonderful people that welcomed me and I loved meeting and talking with each of you. 

7/19/2023

Another experience with my travel buddy, my cousin Tabitha ❤️ We both are heading to our home town Grand Rapids Michigan!! 
We are so EXCITED and Exhausted but the scenery from the window seat is incredible.

I will be staying for a short time, I will be doing different things though out the community and be with family during my stay and I can't wait to be in my home church very soon!!! 
Continued prayers as travel continues, thank you 🙏 ❤️

07/08/2023

Word of Life Woman's Bible Study

This morning Meghan was celebrated with an amazing group of loving women that absolutely love her and her family. Stories were shared, prayers and prayers that were answered and how God is moving. 
God has some amazing plans for her, we all are excited for this opportunity of GROWTH. 
God is moving in such a mighty way and we Thank him for every part of the journey. 
All GLORY to God ❤️🙏✝️

Be INTENTIONAL 

We spend much time in local coffee, smoothie shops to work on ministry and going through the website. 
Everywhere we go there is ALWAYS ministry to be done, God's love to be shared a word that the Holy Spirit is guiding you to share.

I sat down and I seen this young man and immediately heard " go share these words with him" honestly I didn't go right away, I kept working but you know the feeling when you are being disobedient and not doing what is asked, yup! I felt that and I don't like that feeling and I said ok father God, I will go. 
I shared with him how God has purpose for his life and he is created for amazing things and Jesus loves him. I will be praying for you and no matter what God has a plan for you!

We never know who needs what we are directed to share, I didn't ask any questions I just smiled then went back to work. That young man had a huge smile 

Remember God sees Us through everything, thankful for every opportunity to share Jesus everywhere 

Jesus Loves each of us ❤️ 

21 June 2023

Happy 1st Day of Summer! It sure is hot here in Texas. The thermometer is telling us it's 101 degrees F, but with the humidity, it feels like 111. We figured it was a good day to cool off in the nice air-conditioned Walmart in Cibolo, and we are so glad we did. Walmart is hosting the Children's Miracle Network fundraiser, and we got to participate: Ice cold water all around, popcorn with self-serve toppings, and chilled sour pickles. We taught the server the fine art of making sweet and sour pickles with pickle juice and cherry Kool-Aid powder. We paired it with a cherry Coke. What fun! If you are in the area, please, stop by the Cibolo Walmart and support the Children's Miracle Network!

18 June 2023

I was blessed to receive photos of my Word of Life Family in Texas and My Edge Family in Grand Rapids Michigan and then I have My Journey Church Family in Fernandina Beach Florida. 
I give ALL Glory to God for every single step, for every person and the lessons and the love and continued leadership, guidance through those you placed in my life. I'm amazed as to see everything God has done since the moment God asked me if I wanted his BEST for my LIFE? Of course I do father God (2006) God gave me steps, and some I had to really pay attention focus and NOT listen to those who said I was crazy BUT The Holy Spirit led the way every step and trust me it took complete Obedience to Faith. Trust God Completely in Everything it's worth it. My life has changed in an amazing way and continues to do so. 

16 June 2023

Happy Birthday to me! Of Course, I've been celebrating my birthday all month, but today is the actual day. I got a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers, a delicious cake, and my very own elephant! Elephants are known for their great strength, yet they are gentle giants who are wise, intelligent, and very loyal. Luckily for my elephant, he gets to stay in Africa at an elephant preserve, but I get to see where he roams. Being able to track an elephant is amazing, and by "adopting" this elephant, we are helping Edison and his entire family on the preserve live in a safe and protected area. My love for Elephants go much deeper and it began with my pregnancy with my first child and it carried on into my first granddaughter. I already love sweet Edison, please welcome him and his family in our family. 

7 June 2023

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter Kerrissa, and Happy Birthday to my web designer Meghan! After we visited the sunflower patch, one of my sons called to let me know my mom's roses in Michigan are in bloom.

3 June 2023

Jenna Maria's dance recital was amazing!  

1 June 2023
Eating, playing, updating, ministering, and networking...just another Thursday in the life of a missionary. It was exciting to meet Steph, I'm sure we could have talked all day. We shared testimonies and education, and our love for Jesus and sharing the gospel with others. Steph was amazing! We also met a young man and we shared excitement of travel and we did a FaceTime call to Puerta Rico with family.  I love being able to just GO anywhere and share and pray with others no matter where we are. Everyday when I leave the house I'm intentional of who The Holy Spirit leads to speak with that day, we have to remember we are a vessel and we are not promised another day, the one person we smile at, take time to talk to or just listen to or acknowledge they exist could be more of a blessing then we think. We give the Lord all the Glory for allowing us to be a vessel and pray we continue to be used to bring him Glory. 

29 May 2023

Happy Birthday to my Precious Prayer Warrior Aisla! Welita loves you, Baby Girl!

27 May 2023
I've always wanted to experience an African Safari, and today I had the opportunity! No, I did not journey to Africa over the weekend, but I did visit the hundreds of animals roaming on over 450 acres of Texas Hill Country ranchland at the Natural Bridge Caverns Wildlife Ranch.  It's called "African Safari, Texas Style," and it was incredible.

25 May 2023

It's the last day of the 2022-2023 school year which means my time at Salinas Elementary School has come to an end. I can guarantee one thing: The memories I have of my time here will live in my heart forever. I cherish the people I met, the conversations we had, and the lessons we learned together.

17 May 2023

3 May 2023

Though Doby would have preferred we stay in Doby's World all evening, we ventured out to Starbucks to try to get some work done. God had better plans, and we got to meet and share conversation with two sweet ladies before we got down to business. 

27 April 2023

The overwhelming majority of the class today voted to create Mario video game characters for our dedicated "gaming" art display. 

20 April 2023

Happy Fiesta! King Antonio came to visit the school, and we made flower crowns...and a big mess with confetti eggs and glitter!

13 April 2023

Nibbles, one of the class pets, was out and about this morning, so I decided we needed some bonding time. She's such a cutie! The classroom teacher uses classroom pets as a fun and engaging way to teach vocabulary and concepts of habitats, animal behaviors and structures, and adaptations, but the pets also serve as therapy animals for kids who miss their own pets (like I miss my MCat) or have no pets of their own, kids who need a furry hug, and reluctant learners who may be intimidated by science books but come alive when getting the chance to bond with a real-life animal.

11 April 2023

We're putting the finishing touches on the community art gallery boards, and we are beginning to work on the library display board. If you've ever wanted the chance to engage in a community art project, now is your time! We would love for you to draw, paint, or sculpt your own flower to add to the board! Mail the flower you create to Christina Noemi c/o Salinas Elementary School, 10560 Old Cimarron Trail, Universal City, TX, 78148, and we will display it on the community art gallery boards to show the kids that the community cares about this project and wants to be included in the great things happening at this school. Please, mail your flower creation to us by Monday, 24 April.

4 April 2023

We are getting an early start on our community art gallery boards today!

1 April 2023

The dance competition is going strong, and these young ladies are shining on the stage, but there has been an event that we need to cover with special prayer: The girls' dance teacher had a seizure in the lobby as she was going to the auditorium to watch her team. She fell, hit her head, and was rushed to the hospital where she was admitted to the ICU. The last report we heard was that she is suffering from the head trauma and she has lost the ability to speak and remember anything that happened. Please, pray for this dance teacher, her family, her girls, and her medical team. We know all things are possible with God, and we are praying for healing and restoration.

31 March 2023

Happy Dance Day! Today, we are in Bastrop, TX where I am doing hair and makeup for a competitive dancer and praying over her and her dance team as they get ready to go onstage.

22 March 2023

The students took turns sharing ideas about being teachable and kind.

21 March 2023

Today, we made awesome origami tulips to use as fashion accessories for our cutouts of people in our skatepark. The students did an amazing job helping one another and working as a team to complete the project.

20 March 2023

The students are eager to get back to creating and building after Spring Break last week. Today we worked on our skateboard park and discussed plans for our library.

9 March 2023

Biggest. Canvas. Ever.  Well, perhaps not EVER, but the biggest canvas we've ever had is painted and ready to become a skate park where a few hundred students will leave their mark. Over the past week, we've been studying force and motion and teaching kids to draw themselves (and their pets) as skate boarders. Tomorrow, all the skate boarding minis will slide, fly, and jump onto the extra-large canvas.  Along with them, students' handprints, bold word graffiti art, creative shoes, and a big origami fence will go up.  It's gonna be incredible!

7 March 2023

We are here in Texas working with over 600 students a week on a community art exhibit. Not only are we helping students in grades kindergarten through five hone their artistic skills, but we are inspiring them to dream big and pursue their goals.