What I’ve learned from my first 11 days as an intern at Capitol Hill Baptist Church

Quick facts about my internship so far:

• 11 days as an intern at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC).
• 6 days until I see my son.
• 11 days without an apartment.
• 2 Lord’s days at CHBC.
• 6 membership classes attended.
• 1 membership interview for my wife and I as individuals
• 1 members’ meeting regarding the budget
• 1 discussion so far with the interns and Mark Dever regarding ecclesiology
• 5 books read (3 were before the internship began, but were required)
• 2 booklets read
• 10 papers written
• 6-7 hours of sleep per night

What I’m learning so far in my internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church:

1. Pray short, often, and straight to the point.
2. Communicate with the members as much as possible within practical reason.
3. Worship God while you read and write
4. Think through the service, songs, message, and review all of it after it occurs to affirm what is good and make improvements where necessary or helpful
5. Invite critique and encouragement
6. Love and serve the brothers and sisters in the church
7. Care about surrounding churches
8. Keep your ministry in your church in the context of the gospel spreading around the world and your region
9. Take risks with budget plans and dream big for the kingdom of Christ
10. Eschatology does not have to be a divisive issue among church membership
11. It is a blessing when members take church membership and church ministry seriously
12. I need to structure my time better at CFBC and work in the office more, perhaps moving my study there
13. Pastors must exercise patience and a heart of humility and service towards the members in the members’ meetings
14. The church covenant is a good and useful thing to recite often with the congregation
15. Pray for other churches and ministries around the world
16. Be intentional and deliberate about everything the church does
17. Have an evening service if possible and make it different from the morning service in focus
18. Encourage members that their main ministry in the church is attendance and building relationships with different members in the church

There is more to come and more I’ve learned, but I have to get back to working on my next two papers.

"I'm just too far, from where you are, and I want to go home..." Michael Buble

My cousin and sister left us comments about Elijah missing us. I read them and cried so much. It was embarrassing because I was taking care of Drew (the baby of the couple we are staying with), and Becca and her friend Joylane walked in as I was already done crying but I think my eyes were watery. I was still sad and wanting to cry but I wanted to play it off but just ended up telling them of the two comments, not intending to cry, but just ended up crying in front of them. I felt sad but also like a nerd.

Here are the two comments we got...

From Faye:

Your welcome i know it must be hard for you guys but know he misses you both a lot. the other day we outside and i was pushing him in his red wagon and we were about to go into the house cuz i was getting tired he's heavy ahheh..but as i was pulling him up he said, "Peepai down, down..." so i put him back down and he saw a white car driving by he kept on pointing down down to follow the yellow car as he yelled "Abba Abba" like telling the to wait for him. He thought it was kuya pj so he tried to get the cars attention. it made me really sad because he was yelling Abba Abba and waving his hands, he said Abba softly as the car drove away like he was thinking my Abba forgot about me he got a little sad but i told him don't worry he would see you guys soon. he loves you guys and misses you very much. thank you for your encouragement love you and miss you much!
*P_phunk.

From Jennifer (my sister):

Man you shut up with your song...it makes me more sad...you freak! And then i read Faye's comment to you and my eyes started tearing up...you change that song to a happy song...like Nacho!! haha j/k. Well since she told you a story about Elijah im gonna tell you one that is also sad, not to make you more sad, but because i've been wanting to tell you...im not sure if i told you this, but you will hear it again...on Friday when i picked him up we were at Thai Village, Me, Elijah, mom and Angie...were sitting there and im feeding him and he didnt want to eat anymore so were just talking about nonsense and Elijah was just looking around and he saw a man walk in back of him and he watched him until he walked out and Elijah said, "Abba, Abba" and every time he said it his voice would get lower...soon he started whispering "Abba" and he looked down when he walked out and he made his crying face...when he frowns...and he just put his head down and his eyes got really watery like he wanted to cry...it broke my heart, even now as im typing this...i tryed my best to get his mind off of "Abba" and i tryed to feed him more but he didnt want it...so he wanted "up, up" and then he was better! But just know that he does miss you guys and realizes that you guys are not around. He loves you guys and misses both of you!

Dude i told Rachel S...from work...this story and her eyes got really watery, she even had to wipe her tears before they came running down.

I LOVE YOU BOTH AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH!! =)

Missing My Baby

My cute little son,
How I miss you so! I can't wait until you'll be here in my arms. Lord willing, we will be reunited with you on Jan.19th. I know it was a sacrifice to leave you in Cali for 2-3 weeks but the ride would have been harsh for you and we need time to get a little home ready for you. Daddy and I long to be with you. We both get sad at certain times. Mommy cries when she starts missing you. But we know this time apart is for His Kingdom and benefits all of us, including you. We still miss you and it hurts to think of you not being near but God is faithful and He knows what is best for all of us (you, me, abba, and Pan Dulce/Key). Can't wait to see you my little man. God bless you and enjoy your time with the family.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy/Abba

Happy Lord's Day - our first in D.C.

It was our first Sunday at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. We met a whole lot of nice people. We were fortunate to have lunch with new friends.

On Friday night and Saturday morning we had to undergo, a total of 6 hours of "membership matters" classes. They take membership here very serious, which they should. Once you finish the classes you then have an interview with one of the pastors. I believe one of the questions they ask is to give the gospel in 60 seconds. After we interview they then bring it to the church at an all and only, member meeting, and vote us in. Pretty intense but exciting. The membership classes were helpful and in depth in some ways. We went through why join a church, church history, why they are Southern Baptist, etc. It was very good and edifying. So now we need to schedule our interview....scary.

Last night Beka (an associate pastor's wife) had two lady friends over for dinner and I hung out with them and watched a movie and talked. It was fun. They asked me how PJ and I got together, they enjoyed the humor in our love story.
Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence praying right before Mark preached.


We ate at the Cafe 8 after the morning worship gathering.

Ross and Ian. Ross is an intern at CHBC with PJ. He knows Yek from Minnesota...small world!
Patrick is another intern this session. Next to him is Mo.

Our Cross Country Trip

Our cross country trip was fast and sanctifying. We went through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, then to D.C in four days! We really didn't see much, we just zoomed by everything because PJ needed to be there by Jan. 3rd.

The first night we stayed in New Mexico, PJ didn't sleep much because he was worried about the car with all the stuff. I also had a hard time of sleeping, but slept more than PJ.

The second night we stayed in Arkansas, we were tired, and I had to pee so we just stopped at the first motel. This place was a little scary after we thought about it. Our car was the only one in the parking lot and the city was deserted (I take it because it was New Years). Thank God he got us through the nigh safely.

The third night we stayed in Tennessee at a much better hotel and actually got rest! The other two nights weren't as restful.

We wanted an actual dinner, considering we literally ate and ran, so we went to good''ole Macaroni Grill.

Knoxville Tennessee. Going through Tennessee made me want to be a country singer!

It's insane how marriage really is sanctifying. I saw so much of my sin come out during the tough times. A lot of my irritability came out during this trip. I've asked the Lord for forgiveness and my husband. I thank God that he reminds me of my sinfulness and reminds me of the cross and how I desperately need Jesus everyday.

SURPRISE!

On Thursday I was surprised with a little cute baby shower. I really had no idea. I have to admit I was a bit sad about not being able to throw or have a baby shower for Pan Dulce (name is still being debated) but this definitely made a difference. Thanks ladies.

Taylor and Elijah wanting to be near the dog. Awh, Elijah will miss his friend.
All the yummy food, bad though, but I'm prego.

Sabrina saying "I'll get you Tibayan!!!"
All the ladies and kids that made me feel special before my adventure to D.C. Yay! THANK YOU.

Christmas time

This year Christmas was at my sister Brenda's home. It was a great time of eating (we had posole and tamales...yummy!) and talking about each families year of review.

During the families review, PJ and I talked about our plans for D.C. and church planting. My pops gave their year review and mama answered some questions regarding her trial with cancer, she started crying when she spoke of it. I think all the sisters got teary. I'm so proud of her testimony with cancer, she encourages me to trust God more.

Valerie put together a hard game of Christmas jeopardy. I think our team won (Bob and I), thanks to Bob :)

Mama opening her gift from all of us--her long awaited camera. She was so excited and began taking pictures immediately.

Our gift to Kenedy. Brenda wanted us to get Kenedy a children's Bible so she can read to her, apparently Kenedy likes to be read to. I love this children's Bible, it has made me cry several times.
Auntie Amy loving on Kenedy. She is a good auntie :)
Our very own Alex Trebek.
Matt and Sam...cute kiddies.


My belly looks big!
My little monita (little doll).Grandpa and Lijah having fun.