Thank You, Silent Servant! =)

Today I received an email from one of my old students. It's always great to hear from past students and be encouraged by them. I had this one particular student in my class for 2 years in a row (4th and 5th grade). She loves the Lord and is a wonderful young lady. I was so blessed by her email, especially this portion of it:

"I have earned some money that I want to donate to you.
Could you send me the information my mom will need to know
so we can send that to you. I earned this money by being a
silent servant in our home and to my family and friends. I
worked all summer for it. I hope you can use it. "

What a blessing to know that a young 11 year old worked so hard all summer serving others and earning money just so that she could give it away to me! I'm so touched and blessed by her! I praise God for using these acts of kindness and service to bless others and to bless me.

To the Silent Servant,

If you are reading this blog, know that I am SO BLESSED by your servant's heart. I know that God loves you So much and is SO pleased by your willingness to serve others. I saw that while you were in my class for 2 years, and I'm sure that Mrs. Apolinar sees your caring heart as well. Please tell your family that I said hello! I can't wait to see you all when I come home! =) Thanks again! May God continue to bless you!!!!

For God's glory,

Miss Villarin

Fair Trade!

Fairtrade is the way to go! Last week I went to the "Biggest Fondue Party in the World" and learned a lot about the chocolate, coffee, tea, and sugar industry. One thing we can do to help the workers earn a fair wage is to purchase items that are Fairtrade. You can tell because you should see this symbol above. It's one simple thing we can do to promote justice around the world. FAIR TRADE!!!!

Maddie, This One's For YOU!!!

Before I joined YWAM, I taught at Chino Hills Christian School. For the past few years, I had the privilege of teaching a rambunctious and amazing group of 4th and 5th graders. They are now big, bad 6th graders and I know that God has exciting and wonderful plans for their lives. There is one particular student who loves the Lord, loves her family, and has wished for me to give the school a shout out. Maddie, not only am I giving a shout out to CHCS, but this entire blog is dedicated to YOU! =) So sit back and enjoy!

Dear Maddie,

You've been a wonderful student and I've been blessed to know the entire Apolinar family; You guys are WONDERFUL! =) You have an amazing love and devotion to the Lord and I know that He loves you so much! You have a great heart for others and your kind and caring spirit encourages others. I was very blessed to receive the letters from the class, and I was very blessed and encouraged to read all of them. It's great to know that so many people are praying for me and the team out here in Belfast. Yay! Have a wonderful time in the 6th grade and give your mom a BIG hug for me! May you continue to enjoy God and love Him with all your heart! I hope you enjoy the pictures and the memories behind these pictures. =)

I love you and miss you, Maddie! =)

For God's glory,

Miss Villarin
Proverbs 3:5-6

Dating my Best Friend

I had yet another date with Jesus last Saturday. We went to the Belfast Castle and, though it was smaller than what I imagined, I still had a wonderful time. I encourage you to go on a date with your Best Friend, too! =) Dates with Jesus definitely make me smile! I'm so excited for tomorrow's date! hurray!

New Life...

New Life Flats, that is! That is where my home away from home is right now. A flat is basically the UK word for an apartment. Let me give you a tour of my humble abode! ...


Here is our lovely "living room," which we share with our neighbor who lives in the flat across from us. The TV doesn't work and the extra bed just chills there all the time....lovely, isn't it?


Here is my side of the room. Yes, I sleep in a bunkbed; I haven't slept in one since my college days..oh the memories...


I don't have a closet, so I use the top bunk as my "walk-up" closet. I try to keep my clothes neat and organized as much as I can.


Here are my scarves. It's so cold here that I wear one almost every day.


This is my "wall." This wall is filled with pictures and letters from my family and friends from back home and from here in Belfast. I love walking passed this wall every time I leave my room because I'm reminded of God's goodness in my life. My new life at the New Life Flats makes me smile! =)