Wrappin' Up..

Over the past couple of months I've been meeting with a great friend and discipler, Kate. She is a missionary from Australia who has shown me so many things. The love of Christ, the love of a family, the welcoming arms of someone who cares... Well this week she had me answer some questions (not all of them are here) to debrief on my time in Bolivia as I prepare to head home. Wow, this was awesome to go through & see my answers intertwine and clarify my own thoughts on paper. Thought I'd share some. Thanks Kate!!!


What is something God has show you about Himself in Bolivia?
The love of Christ? His faithfulness? The mercy of God? His holiness? All things I've learned about since coming here but ultimately... My heavenly Father's desire to BE WITH ME! His passion and jealousy to be my one and only, to be my breath & life, to be everything that holds me together. In spite and BECAUSE of my failures He longs to be in a beautiful, intimate relationship with me. Literally Christ wants me to be in love with Him. And He uses all things to to love on me, make me fall in love with Him, or bring me back into being in love with Him, my first love! Deuteronomy 4:24

How do you not want to be the same as you were before you came to Bolivia?I don't want my love for others to be the same. I want to see EVERYONE (Christians & Non-Christians) like I see people here. With open eyes of love and grace. Not seeing economic status, skin color, clothes types, dirty or clean bodies..Knowing that everyone has a story but that Christ's love trumps ALL.  Unlike before I want stereotypes and reputations to be lost in the love and mercy only God can show.
I want to walk in love! Romans 12:9-10

In what ways could you describe this moment in your life as a gift (about to leave one world but not yet back in the other)?
It's hard to look at such a difficult time as a gift but when put in that light; this time is allowing me to evaluate the things and people of true importance. Whether it's what and who has impacted & changed my life here or whether it's the things I long for, the places I miss, or the arms I want so badly to be in state-side. I don't think I'll ever decide which life or home or experience I love more, impacted me more, or I miss more. But if it were not for this tear in my heart and moment in my life, I may have never recognized the importance and blessing of what God has truly given to me in this life...

What is THE thing God has done in you in your time in Bolivia?
B r o k e n  M e  D o w n   Psalm 51:17

What has been the best thing about your time in Bolivia?
My viewpoint change. Towards the world, the Christians  brothers, the lost, the hurting, the hurters, the mess-ups, the strugglers, US. Oh & the people I've met here :) Ups & downs!

What are you looking forward to the most about being back in the US?
Just simply being with my family. Not so much the culture, my friends, the activities, the food, the country itself... Simply the presence of true, untaintable LOVE of my family.

the bittersweet countdown.

23 days until I'm state side. Holy cow.
So I'm just stopping in to give anyone who still actually reads this bog..an update!
My last few weeks here will be filled with the children, the streets of Cochabamba which have become so dear to me, spending as much time with familiar faces, traveling a bit, and just soaking in a place I call home; Bolivia.

The bittersweet countdown has begun. The days I have left and the days until I'm home. I don't think I'll ever be able to put into words this clash of emotions. I guess I'm just going to live one day at a time. Trusting that God knows best, that He brought me here, He's bringing me home, and He will be with me every step of the way. Wherever I go.
Daily trust is now my focus...


Dear Lord,Thank you for bringing me to where I am today. Thank you for the experiences you have put in my life and every little detail that has led me to now. Give me the strength for tomorrow and take the worry from my heart. Teach me to trust in you every second, every step, every day. 

Faithfulness towards the Israelites!

So I've been addicted to the Old Testament for a while now. Recently I started taking a class that covers the whole Bible, as ONE book...starting with the Old Testament. The story of the children of Israel will never cease to amaze me. Especially when I realize that it is the perfect example of ME (all of us humans in general).
The story of God's faithfulness and blessings towards continually broken, sinful, and unfaithful people is so beautiful. The story of the Israelites is so emotional; heartbreaking, anger-stiring, encouraging, redeeming.
I have learned so much about myself by studying these people and learned so much about my relationship with Christ. The Savior.

I've learned that God is a jealous God. That He longs to be with the Israelites (Me). Him & them (I). Nothing else. No distractions. Though the Israelites (I) constantly get distracted, turn their backs on God, disregard His warnings & love, and completely mess up God never stops wanting to be intimately with them (Me)!!! How amazing to be so wanted and loved.

I've learned that the Israelites (I) are completely failed people. That is what makes the beauty of their relationship with God shine. God chose them (Me). Yucky, disgusting them (Me).

I've learned that God truly does want the best for the Israelites (Me). He wants to bless them (Me) and bring them (Me) back into a perfect relationship with Him. God is constantly reaching out for them (Me) regardless of their (My) lack of pursuit, their (My) lack of faithfulness HE IS FAITHFUL. His promises of blessing never, never fail.

I've learned that the Israelites (I) were never fulfilled in chasing after other things. The pursuit of false idols, the cry for a King, trust in a human leaders. They are never satisfied and are always left wanting more. As I am. Until they (I) have Jesus, who completes that desire in their (My) heart.

I've learned that two things are consistent in the story of the Israelites (Shelby); They (I) are constantly unfaithful and God is constantly faithful. They (I) are loved by a God and called to serve a God that will never cease to be faithful to them despite their (My) consistency to be unfaithful to Him.

I've learned that only in the Israelites' (My) weakest time can they find legitimate communion with God. Time and time again God must break down His people (Me) in order for them to understand His love towards them (Me). Because they (I) are so human and full of themselves (Myself) their eyes are blinded, distracted, and focused on themselves (Myself). God brings them (Me) to the end of themselves (myself) to show How dependable HE IS!


I challenge everyone to look into the stories of the children of Israel! They put your perspective of God in a whole new light and also your perspective of your walk with Him as well! :).