Welp, I got home around 4pm today. I still have to unpack and it's a little weird staying at home when I've been on my own for about a full year.
There have been many memories made this summer. I've done so many outdoorsy things and have been able to meet incredible people. I've gone hiking and rafting, tubing and fishing. I loved this summer. While there were some bad things that happened, things that frustrated me to no end, God was faithful and didn't give me more than I could handle.
Throughout the summer I suffered body pains almost every day. Some joint or muscle would hurt me and I knew it was just the devil trying to get me down. I still have pains in my shoulder and thighs so pray for me. I'm going to relax and wind down a bit before I have to return to Nashville in three weeks. I ask you pray for healing so I'm not in pain as we travel and I move in.
God has used this summer to teach me to trust and lean on Him. I've learned to have a soft heart for others and realize there are people right in front of me, who I pass daily, who are hurting and just want someone to let them know they care. I want to be a light wherever I go and meet as many people as I can. I've learned I can make someone's day by just giving them a smile and friendly greeting. Enough with being a closet Christian. It's time to show Jesus did a change in my life.
Sure I'll screw up, say the wrong things, do the wrong things but I learn better by trying then being so afraid to screw up I never move. No, I want to move and see and do. I want to see the world and experience everything God wants me to experience. This summer has made me stronger and more reliable on God than ever.
I'm ready to see my Jersey friends adn family. I'm ready to wind down and share all my experiences with them.
I thank you all for taking the time to faithfully read my blog. I love ya'll for the constant encouragement and prayers. I pray God will bless you for that. Thank you all so much for your love and support. I couldn't have done this without you.
If you want to read a continual story of my journey through life, read my personal blog www.inmymind08.blogspot.com.
For the final time...
Ciao!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
On the Road Again
The missionaries said their goodbyes this morning. It was difficult to say goodbye to some because of the strong bond we've been able to create these short 11 weeks. I will miss them terribly through the school year. I just want them to know how much I absolutely love them.
Now that my summer work is done allow me to tell you, faithful readers, about the progress we had in each of the kids who came to kid's club. There were all Taira's and my babies and we loved them unconditionally but there were a few who stuck out to me.
Dustyn: FIRST APPEARANCE:He was one of those kids who thought it was too cool to participate in anything. He came every day but he would just sit in a corner with his arms crossed. Taira and I saw the potential in him and I said we just needed to love on him and show him Jesus is cool. He went to church but how much he actually listened was questionable. AFTER: He opened up tremendously over the weeks. As we showed him how cool we were because Jesus was #1 in our lives, he began to think Jesus was cool, too. He shared his ideas during the lessons and was a peacemaker amongst the older boys. He would hug Taira and me once in a while and then when it was the last few days, he made it a point to hug us before we left. He turned out to be such a sweet kid. All he needed was a little bit of compassion.
Taris: FIRST APPEARANCE: She was shy and didn't smile much. The first time she came to Kid's Club she didn't say much. We tried to get her to crack a smile but that just wasn't working. I saw a hurt soul and it was my job to do some healing. Taira and I reached out to her and made her feel welcome. The first time we presented the steps of salvation she accepted Jesus into her heart. We rejoiced at this and a few tears were shed.
AFTER: Taris had quickly become the "mom" of the kids. She would always help us split kids up who were fighting or reinforce what we said to the youngers if they didn't listen. She came to me and gave me the biggest hugs I have ever received. She turned out to be such a sweetheart. Oh, and she wore a smile at least twenty times a day whenever I saw her.
Cody: FIRST APPEARANCE: He was just like Dustyn when he first came to Kid's Club. Cody would wear the same dull expression and would have his arms crossed. He refused to participate and would even back talk. I worried every time he came because I thought "Great. What shannanigans is he gonna pull today?" Though my thoughts were continually like this, I tried to show him Jesus. It was hard at first because I had to go away from the kids who were behaved and loved me already and go to the one who didn't love me. I had to take that step. Dealing with Cody was such a lesson in trusting God.
AFTER: He became a very respectful young man! He faithfully came and even when he left for a while, he would come back in time for lunch. If he missed the lesson, Taira would have a way of tying it in with their conversations. He loved us and we loved him. I rejoiced every time I saw him because I knew it was just another opportunity to plant a seed in his life. He stopped coming the last three weeks. What he was doing, I don't know. All I do know is that while he was at Kid's Club we made it a loving, safe environment where he could learn about Jesus. I pray those seeds we planted won't fall to the wayside. I pray we'll see a harvest and be able to rejoice.
Katie: FIRST APPEARANCE: As soon as I saw her I wanted to show her Jesus' love. She looked so sad and again, another shy girl. I began talking with her and she shared wit me some of her problems and difficulties she was having in her life.
AFTER: Katie is a wonderful girl. She's funny and just your typical teenage girl. She was very clingy and wouldn't let me or Taira out of her sight. If she was leaving the house for a minute or so she would tell us. (Her house was right next to Kid's Club). She brought her brother, James, and we worked with him. Together, they became loving kids and we loved having them come to learn about Jesus every day.
I didn't talk about all the kids (there were close to 30 of them!) but in their own special way they changed during the summer. They became mature, respectful, loving. Sure they would have their fights with each other and it would seem to the untrained eye that they were a bunch of hooligans. However, when you got to know them and spent some time with them, they were such gifted kids! Each one had their quirks and it was so great to see them slowly develop into them as the summer wore on. I was blessed to work with such angels. I will miss them dearly and love them unconditionally from here on out. No matter how old they get, they'll be my kids.
Ciao!
Now that my summer work is done allow me to tell you, faithful readers, about the progress we had in each of the kids who came to kid's club. There were all Taira's and my babies and we loved them unconditionally but there were a few who stuck out to me.
Dustyn: FIRST APPEARANCE:He was one of those kids who thought it was too cool to participate in anything. He came every day but he would just sit in a corner with his arms crossed. Taira and I saw the potential in him and I said we just needed to love on him and show him Jesus is cool. He went to church but how much he actually listened was questionable. AFTER: He opened up tremendously over the weeks. As we showed him how cool we were because Jesus was #1 in our lives, he began to think Jesus was cool, too. He shared his ideas during the lessons and was a peacemaker amongst the older boys. He would hug Taira and me once in a while and then when it was the last few days, he made it a point to hug us before we left. He turned out to be such a sweet kid. All he needed was a little bit of compassion.
Taris: FIRST APPEARANCE: She was shy and didn't smile much. The first time she came to Kid's Club she didn't say much. We tried to get her to crack a smile but that just wasn't working. I saw a hurt soul and it was my job to do some healing. Taira and I reached out to her and made her feel welcome. The first time we presented the steps of salvation she accepted Jesus into her heart. We rejoiced at this and a few tears were shed.
AFTER: Taris had quickly become the "mom" of the kids. She would always help us split kids up who were fighting or reinforce what we said to the youngers if they didn't listen. She came to me and gave me the biggest hugs I have ever received. She turned out to be such a sweetheart. Oh, and she wore a smile at least twenty times a day whenever I saw her.
Cody: FIRST APPEARANCE: He was just like Dustyn when he first came to Kid's Club. Cody would wear the same dull expression and would have his arms crossed. He refused to participate and would even back talk. I worried every time he came because I thought "Great. What shannanigans is he gonna pull today?" Though my thoughts were continually like this, I tried to show him Jesus. It was hard at first because I had to go away from the kids who were behaved and loved me already and go to the one who didn't love me. I had to take that step. Dealing with Cody was such a lesson in trusting God.
AFTER: He became a very respectful young man! He faithfully came and even when he left for a while, he would come back in time for lunch. If he missed the lesson, Taira would have a way of tying it in with their conversations. He loved us and we loved him. I rejoiced every time I saw him because I knew it was just another opportunity to plant a seed in his life. He stopped coming the last three weeks. What he was doing, I don't know. All I do know is that while he was at Kid's Club we made it a loving, safe environment where he could learn about Jesus. I pray those seeds we planted won't fall to the wayside. I pray we'll see a harvest and be able to rejoice.
Katie: FIRST APPEARANCE: As soon as I saw her I wanted to show her Jesus' love. She looked so sad and again, another shy girl. I began talking with her and she shared wit me some of her problems and difficulties she was having in her life.
AFTER: Katie is a wonderful girl. She's funny and just your typical teenage girl. She was very clingy and wouldn't let me or Taira out of her sight. If she was leaving the house for a minute or so she would tell us. (Her house was right next to Kid's Club). She brought her brother, James, and we worked with him. Together, they became loving kids and we loved having them come to learn about Jesus every day.
I didn't talk about all the kids (there were close to 30 of them!) but in their own special way they changed during the summer. They became mature, respectful, loving. Sure they would have their fights with each other and it would seem to the untrained eye that they were a bunch of hooligans. However, when you got to know them and spent some time with them, they were such gifted kids! Each one had their quirks and it was so great to see them slowly develop into them as the summer wore on. I was blessed to work with such angels. I will miss them dearly and love them unconditionally from here on out. No matter how old they get, they'll be my kids.
Ciao!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Home Stretch
Today was the last official work day for the summer missionaries.
Packing and exit interviews are to be completed. Keys are to be returned, apartments cleaned (YIKES!) and many "au revoir"s are to be said.
Tears shed? Quite possibly.
I've been so blessed to have come here for two months and work alongside fellow Christians. I've been challenged, weakened but never completely torn down. I've been strengthened and felt empowered and sometimes I questioned if God was truly with me when I couldn't feel Him. I now know that feeling God isn't believing. Believing is when we truly trust in His power and His presence when we can't feel Him right beside us.
God has taught me to look inside people and try to figure out why they act or say the things they do. He's given me doors of opportunity to hear people's stories and share with them the love of Jesus. While I haven't been perfect, I have learned to curb my tongue (for the most part) and try not to let my passionate spirit get the best of me.
I've learned to trust Jesus with every aspect of my life. It's so hard because I want to do things in a rush and I'm still learning it all goes His speed, in His time. I've learned, mostly, that when I do things my way, I screw up. When I do things His way, I succeed. It's a continuing battle for me to pull on my reins of impatience and let Him work the way He wants. But God is faithful and I praise Him for it.
I've spent these two months with some of the best people I've encountered in my 19 years of life. They're hilarious, care deeply about others, and know when to have a good time and when to be serious. There have been frustrations, there have been rifts, but in the end I would say that I'm blessed to know them and to have worked with them for a short season.
The next post I'll concentrate on Kid's Club and the progress we saw in our kids :)
Tomorrow I begin packing and cleaning and turning in my keys. My parents come into Jeff City Saturday afternoon. There will be two more posts and then I will retire from using this blog. If after these posts you're interested in my daily life, you can go to my regularly used blog, www.inmymind08.blogspot.com where you'll find links to my college newspaper articles, as well as my life's struggles, fears, successes and hopes.
To bed I go...
Ciao!
Packing and exit interviews are to be completed. Keys are to be returned, apartments cleaned (YIKES!) and many "au revoir"s are to be said.
Tears shed? Quite possibly.
I've been so blessed to have come here for two months and work alongside fellow Christians. I've been challenged, weakened but never completely torn down. I've been strengthened and felt empowered and sometimes I questioned if God was truly with me when I couldn't feel Him. I now know that feeling God isn't believing. Believing is when we truly trust in His power and His presence when we can't feel Him right beside us.
God has taught me to look inside people and try to figure out why they act or say the things they do. He's given me doors of opportunity to hear people's stories and share with them the love of Jesus. While I haven't been perfect, I have learned to curb my tongue (for the most part) and try not to let my passionate spirit get the best of me.
I've learned to trust Jesus with every aspect of my life. It's so hard because I want to do things in a rush and I'm still learning it all goes His speed, in His time. I've learned, mostly, that when I do things my way, I screw up. When I do things His way, I succeed. It's a continuing battle for me to pull on my reins of impatience and let Him work the way He wants. But God is faithful and I praise Him for it.
I've spent these two months with some of the best people I've encountered in my 19 years of life. They're hilarious, care deeply about others, and know when to have a good time and when to be serious. There have been frustrations, there have been rifts, but in the end I would say that I'm blessed to know them and to have worked with them for a short season.
The next post I'll concentrate on Kid's Club and the progress we saw in our kids :)
Tomorrow I begin packing and cleaning and turning in my keys. My parents come into Jeff City Saturday afternoon. There will be two more posts and then I will retire from using this blog. If after these posts you're interested in my daily life, you can go to my regularly used blog, www.inmymind08.blogspot.com where you'll find links to my college newspaper articles, as well as my life's struggles, fears, successes and hopes.
To bed I go...
Ciao!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Still Learning
Oakland Baptist Church is our host for our final week of being AO summer missionaries. It's nestled in Grainger County so it's a pretty ride every morning and evening. The church is phenomenal! Their cooking is genuine and so full of love. It doesn't hurt that it's amazingly tasty!With Kid's Club finished you would think we're in the clearing. The BAT girls could do some sorting, cleaning, and basically keep to themselves until the end of the week. Not so, says the Lord. Every day in that ministry center, we get people who would love to open up to someone. All they need are listening ears and the right questions asked.
For instance, a woman came into the center today and she was just shopping. I was pulling empty hangers, doing a basically normal job. She comes into my aisle and I asked her how she was and she said she was good. The conversation ended. "Okay," I thought, "This is awkward. We're both in the aisle and we aren't talking. Let's get her talking!" So I asked how her day was going. She goes on to tell me she just found out today that her boyfriend of three weeks was using her to cheat on his girlfriend. She said "He made me feel so small." She barely put a space between her thumb and index finger to show how 'small' she felt.
I began to encourage her and continually said she deserved way better than that. She said her husband cheated on her as well. She then divorced him. My heart ached for her because you could see that she just wanted to be loved. We talked about God for a little bit and then I was called to do something. After she was finished getting her items checked out she said, "It was nice talking to you." I agreed. Looking back, I wish I said more about God's love than what I did. Don't you hate that? Everything you would've said comes to you after that moment. That's when I have to trust God, I suppose, and let His Holy Spirit work in her.
I then had a young mother come in with her four month old baby girl. There was a pull on my spirit to help her and watch her baby as she shopped. The mom walked away to shop before I could stop her. When I saw her trying to balance clothes and her baby, I walked to her and said I could watch her daughter. She gave me a grateful smile and handed the adorable girl to me. Betsy, Taira, and I played pass the baby and the girl had a good time. She was trying to nod off to sleep but she wanted to stay awake. I suppose she thought she would be missing something if she went to sleep!
I think that's the best way to show people you care. In the ministry center, I feel like the entire summer we've tried to show the clients that their kids are our kids, too. We try to show them love and courtesy by playing with their kids and keeping them occupied and out of their mothers' hair as they shop. It doesn't hurt that we get to have a wonderful, fun time with the kids in the process! But to see the relief on the parents' faces when we offer to watch their kids is so rewarding and you feel as if you've done something right.
We had an older gentleman come into the store around 11:50am. We're closed for lunch from 12-12:30. Destry, one of our volunteers, told him we would be closing in ten minutes. The man said he walked to AO. He said this as he used his inhaler. My heart went out to him and I told Destry I would stay at the counter as the man shopped. The man began to tell me of his medical problems. He's on oxygen, has a pacemaker, asthma, and a bunch of other problems. He was so pitiful I couldn't not let him stay when everyone was gone and let him get what he needed.
Taira and Pete helped him carry his stuff home. I asked Taira how his house was and she said it was in pretty bad shape. There were oxygen tanks everywhere and the mattress of his bed was very thin. She said it was a sad sight and said she wished someone could go and just clean his house for him. He's medically disabled and we would love to get him some help. However, Angie knows him and has seen him countless of times so I suppose they know his situation a little better than we do.
It's those sorts of people we have to look after. My eyes are always freshly open to people's needs and conditions. Sometimes it's easy to forget to look past the smiles on people's faces and just assume everything is fine. We as Christians need to realize those around us may be hurting. Actually, most of the time they are and they are in need of a kind word and listening ear. The Lord has been good to me by continually keeping my eyes open to other's inside emotions. He's always showing me different needs. It's wonderful and I pray that continues.
Ciao!
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Bond of the Body---Week 10
This was a week of lasts: Last groups and last Kid's Club session for the summer.
The BAT girls (that's Betsy, myself and Taira) were given the lovely news that we would be going to a work site for the week--plus working Kid's Club and on Monday night working the ministry center. All was not lost, however. We were blessed with an awesome group hailing from Memphis. Most of them were youth ranging from 12-18. Their leader, Elias Garcia, was so awesome! So down to earth and interested in every aspect of our lives. It was great just to open up to him and tell him my story.
His group had pretty much everything planned and our kids had a great time participating. They made a lot of new friends with our group and became very comfortable around them.
After Kid's Club, for Monday and Tuesday, we went to the new property that will be used for the new Samaritan House. Basically, Jean-Anne wanted us to clear away the trees and brush from the place where the future pavilion will stand. We got that done in four hours, two hours a day. Our group worked so hard! I loved working alongside them because their willingness to work was astounding and wonderfully refreshing. I was pleasantly shocked to see the work ethic of these young people. I, being a young adult myself, was proud see not all of our generation is lost. There are still parents doing their jobs and raising God-fearing young men and women. I love it!
Wednesday and Thursday went very smoothly. Because the work site was pretty much done, after Kid's Club on Wednesday the group went back to the MC to do some sorting and cleaning. It was a fun time and we got to know each other a bit better, too.
Thursday was our last day with our kids. I didn't cry over leaving. Jesus gave me a peace in my spirit. It was a conformation that I did what I was called to do for the summer. I came to be a witness and teach the kids about Jesus, the one who loves them beyond what they can even imagine. I came to love them and treat them like my own kids. God showed me the progress that happened over the eight or so weeks we were with the kids. The progress came rushing back to my brain and I stood in awe at how great God truly is.
We had a mega water war, which everyone absolutely loved. Taira and I had bought cups so the kids could fill them instead of the tubs they were accustomed to having. The cups worked way better. Everyone got extremely soaked and by the end of the day, all anyone wanted to do was collapse in a heap and go to sleep! Oh, that was a fun day =)
Taira and I allowed the group to go back to the dorm since they obviously deserved it for being so wonderful. That night, after work (we stopped around 8:30pm), BAT went to a birthday party they were throwing for Mrs. Betty. We played spoons and oh, was that hilarious! I love those types of games when everyone gets rowdy and obnoxiously loud. It's so much fun!! Betsy and I stayed until about 11:30pm when we all decided it was time to go to bed. Taira left around 9:30pm...
This morning our fabulous team left. Not until I received a little something from one of the girls. I read what she wrote to me and as we were pulling out of the church, I began to cry.
She spoke of how I made an impact on her life...
To be honest, this entire summer I've been questioning why exactly am I here. I knew God had something big for me but I didn't know exactly what He was concocting. I still don't fully know the reason why He wanted me to come here. But, a little piece of the puzzle has been uncovered. Throughout the summer, I had questions. You can read my last post or so and see the struggle I was facing. Needless to say, those questions are put to rest and I'm soaking in the peace that is Jesus Christ.
However, as far as seeing the harvest of my labor, that was still in question. I wanted to see it and I wanted to know that I was getting through to someone. Every week a new group would come in and they would encourage but I just didn't feel like I got any one's attention. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not vying for attention. I know my reward is in heaven. I rejoice in that fact. While, I don't depend on human acclamation, it is nice once in a while to know that the work God put me on earth to do is not being done in vain.
This letter I read today answered my questions. She said I made an impact on her life. That is such a humbling and awesome thing to read! I was excited because 1) God answered my prayer in the simplest form...in writing. 2) I now feel as though my time spent here has not been in vain and that everything has come full circle. 3) As I leave Jeff City and travel back to Jersey and then back to Nashville to continue my college career, I'll strive to be more of a better role model for those who've gotten a chance to come to know me.
The weeks for summer groups have come to an end. This week it's all about cleaning and reorganizing. I make my way back to good ol' Jersey on Saturday.
Tomorrow, however, a little fun is to be had. We're going rafting and then on Sunday we're going to the Dixie Stampede. Should be a hoot n' a holler.
Ciao!
The BAT girls (that's Betsy, myself and Taira) were given the lovely news that we would be going to a work site for the week--plus working Kid's Club and on Monday night working the ministry center. All was not lost, however. We were blessed with an awesome group hailing from Memphis. Most of them were youth ranging from 12-18. Their leader, Elias Garcia, was so awesome! So down to earth and interested in every aspect of our lives. It was great just to open up to him and tell him my story.
His group had pretty much everything planned and our kids had a great time participating. They made a lot of new friends with our group and became very comfortable around them.
After Kid's Club, for Monday and Tuesday, we went to the new property that will be used for the new Samaritan House. Basically, Jean-Anne wanted us to clear away the trees and brush from the place where the future pavilion will stand. We got that done in four hours, two hours a day. Our group worked so hard! I loved working alongside them because their willingness to work was astounding and wonderfully refreshing. I was pleasantly shocked to see the work ethic of these young people. I, being a young adult myself, was proud see not all of our generation is lost. There are still parents doing their jobs and raising God-fearing young men and women. I love it!
Wednesday and Thursday went very smoothly. Because the work site was pretty much done, after Kid's Club on Wednesday the group went back to the MC to do some sorting and cleaning. It was a fun time and we got to know each other a bit better, too.
Thursday was our last day with our kids. I didn't cry over leaving. Jesus gave me a peace in my spirit. It was a conformation that I did what I was called to do for the summer. I came to be a witness and teach the kids about Jesus, the one who loves them beyond what they can even imagine. I came to love them and treat them like my own kids. God showed me the progress that happened over the eight or so weeks we were with the kids. The progress came rushing back to my brain and I stood in awe at how great God truly is.
We had a mega water war, which everyone absolutely loved. Taira and I had bought cups so the kids could fill them instead of the tubs they were accustomed to having. The cups worked way better. Everyone got extremely soaked and by the end of the day, all anyone wanted to do was collapse in a heap and go to sleep! Oh, that was a fun day =)
Taira and I allowed the group to go back to the dorm since they obviously deserved it for being so wonderful. That night, after work (we stopped around 8:30pm), BAT went to a birthday party they were throwing for Mrs. Betty. We played spoons and oh, was that hilarious! I love those types of games when everyone gets rowdy and obnoxiously loud. It's so much fun!! Betsy and I stayed until about 11:30pm when we all decided it was time to go to bed. Taira left around 9:30pm...
This morning our fabulous team left. Not until I received a little something from one of the girls. I read what she wrote to me and as we were pulling out of the church, I began to cry.
She spoke of how I made an impact on her life...
To be honest, this entire summer I've been questioning why exactly am I here. I knew God had something big for me but I didn't know exactly what He was concocting. I still don't fully know the reason why He wanted me to come here. But, a little piece of the puzzle has been uncovered. Throughout the summer, I had questions. You can read my last post or so and see the struggle I was facing. Needless to say, those questions are put to rest and I'm soaking in the peace that is Jesus Christ.
However, as far as seeing the harvest of my labor, that was still in question. I wanted to see it and I wanted to know that I was getting through to someone. Every week a new group would come in and they would encourage but I just didn't feel like I got any one's attention. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not vying for attention. I know my reward is in heaven. I rejoice in that fact. While, I don't depend on human acclamation, it is nice once in a while to know that the work God put me on earth to do is not being done in vain.
This letter I read today answered my questions. She said I made an impact on her life. That is such a humbling and awesome thing to read! I was excited because 1) God answered my prayer in the simplest form...in writing. 2) I now feel as though my time spent here has not been in vain and that everything has come full circle. 3) As I leave Jeff City and travel back to Jersey and then back to Nashville to continue my college career, I'll strive to be more of a better role model for those who've gotten a chance to come to know me.
The weeks for summer groups have come to an end. This week it's all about cleaning and reorganizing. I make my way back to good ol' Jersey on Saturday.
Tomorrow, however, a little fun is to be had. We're going rafting and then on Sunday we're going to the Dixie Stampede. Should be a hoot n' a holler.
Ciao!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Week 9---Peace, Fog, and A Too Soon Departure
Welp, faithful readers, I've finished my ninth week here at AO. It's so unbelievable to think in two weeks I'm moving out of the apartment and going home for three weeks then going back to Nashville, Belmont, friends, and pursuing what God has for me.
Here's a little catch-up on this week::
Taira and I had three people volunteer for Kid's Club. I was a little worried that it wouldn't go as smoothly as we'd like. Boy, was I wrong! This week was the best week as far as dealing with the kids and such. Every week there are those moments you want to pull your hair out because the kids won't listen and you feel you sound like a broken record, repeating the same things four or five times. This week, however, there was hardly any fights to break up. The three ladies who went with us, a middle-aged woman and two young teenagers, jumped right in and started helping out and bonding with the kids. They even had crafts that turned out to be a big hit with the kids! They were worried the kids wouldn't like the crafts and wouldn't participate, but they did and they loved them! I love how we expect the kids to respond and then they do a whole 180 and blow our minds. haha
Some pictures will be up soon so you can see the week we had.
Tomorrow Will, our missionary from Maryland, is going home. We are all very sad to see him leave. His dad is home from Iraq and Will hasn't seen him for about six months. I'm happy he'll be able to go home and spend some time with his family, but I'm also sad to see him go. He's such a great guy with a lot of energy. He makes us all laugh so easily. We'll miss him greatly. We love ya, Will!!
Now to explain the fog. Recently, as I've been reading the Bible, some questions have come up in my mind that scare me a little but also make me wonder. I'm reading Acts and I'm reading about how the disciples went out into the world and preached the Gospel. For some odd reason doubts have been coming up in my mind....no not doubts. That's not the right word. Wonderments cross my mind like "What if this isn't real?" or "What if I get to heaven and I'm dead wrong about everything?" or "Am I really doing the right thing?" or "Am I really forgiven when I sin?" These questions, especially the last one, is preposterous. My song for the week has definitely been "East to West" by Casting Crowns. It describes me like right on point. Also, Jeremy Camp's "I Still Believe" has been running through my mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qPceadBMU
I believe Jesus is alive. I do believe Jesus has forgiven me. I know Jesus is my Savior and has my back. It's just hard right now to believe I'm truly forgiven. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Paul got it on point! Every time I do something wrong, I pray and ask God to forgive me. No sooner than I pray that prayer then I'm back doing what I was doing and I'm like "wait a minute. What the crap are you doing?!" I just feel like He's gonna get sick and tired of me screwing up and erase my name...That is such a big fear of mine, one I'm ashamed of having but sort of good to have because it keeps me on my toes.
As far as doing the right thing. How do we ever know we're on the right path? How do we ever know what we're doing is exactly what God wants us to do? As far as AO is concerned, yea I knew I was supposed to be here. I wouldn't have had such a great time if I wasn't. But, spiritually, I feel as though I'm not on track and that scares me. Here I am, trying to minister to kids and those around me when I myself feel as though I'm just stuck in sin. I know when we accept Jesus we're instantly a new creation, in the world not of it.
Some of the fog has lifted and it's died away. It's left me. But, some of it is still there. Please pray for me. I rarely ask for personal prayer but this time, I really need ya'll's support. I don't need questions. I need answers. I need reassurance from the Lord that what I'm doing and what I believe is legit, is hardcore. My fear is that I believe but as soon as I'm tested, I'll fall away and I don't want that. I want to serve Jesus and be with Him for eternity. I don't want to gain the world and lose my soul, as TobyMac says so correctly. So, please, if I pass your mind, throw up a prayer to Jesus for me. I'm praying and asking for clarity. It's just a matter of seeing what He does.
Then on the other hand I'm just wondering if I'm feeling like this because, since I've been on this battlefield in Jeff. City, I'm wondering if I just need to get away, sit in my room, my cat next to me, and think back on the summer. I need a winding down of my spirit. I need to rest in the Lord. Maybe that's it and maybe that's why I feel as though I have uncertainties about my faith. I'm uncertain as to what to do with all that has happened...
Either way, pray for me.
A bunch of us are going hiking tomorrow: Ramsay Cascades, an 8 mile hike. I'm so stoked!
Ciao!
Here's a little catch-up on this week::
Taira and I had three people volunteer for Kid's Club. I was a little worried that it wouldn't go as smoothly as we'd like. Boy, was I wrong! This week was the best week as far as dealing with the kids and such. Every week there are those moments you want to pull your hair out because the kids won't listen and you feel you sound like a broken record, repeating the same things four or five times. This week, however, there was hardly any fights to break up. The three ladies who went with us, a middle-aged woman and two young teenagers, jumped right in and started helping out and bonding with the kids. They even had crafts that turned out to be a big hit with the kids! They were worried the kids wouldn't like the crafts and wouldn't participate, but they did and they loved them! I love how we expect the kids to respond and then they do a whole 180 and blow our minds. haha
Some pictures will be up soon so you can see the week we had.
Tomorrow Will, our missionary from Maryland, is going home. We are all very sad to see him leave. His dad is home from Iraq and Will hasn't seen him for about six months. I'm happy he'll be able to go home and spend some time with his family, but I'm also sad to see him go. He's such a great guy with a lot of energy. He makes us all laugh so easily. We'll miss him greatly. We love ya, Will!!
Now to explain the fog. Recently, as I've been reading the Bible, some questions have come up in my mind that scare me a little but also make me wonder. I'm reading Acts and I'm reading about how the disciples went out into the world and preached the Gospel. For some odd reason doubts have been coming up in my mind....no not doubts. That's not the right word. Wonderments cross my mind like "What if this isn't real?" or "What if I get to heaven and I'm dead wrong about everything?" or "Am I really doing the right thing?" or "Am I really forgiven when I sin?" These questions, especially the last one, is preposterous. My song for the week has definitely been "East to West" by Casting Crowns. It describes me like right on point. Also, Jeremy Camp's "I Still Believe" has been running through my mind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qPceadBMU
I believe Jesus is alive. I do believe Jesus has forgiven me. I know Jesus is my Savior and has my back. It's just hard right now to believe I'm truly forgiven. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Paul got it on point! Every time I do something wrong, I pray and ask God to forgive me. No sooner than I pray that prayer then I'm back doing what I was doing and I'm like "wait a minute. What the crap are you doing?!" I just feel like He's gonna get sick and tired of me screwing up and erase my name...That is such a big fear of mine, one I'm ashamed of having but sort of good to have because it keeps me on my toes.
As far as doing the right thing. How do we ever know we're on the right path? How do we ever know what we're doing is exactly what God wants us to do? As far as AO is concerned, yea I knew I was supposed to be here. I wouldn't have had such a great time if I wasn't. But, spiritually, I feel as though I'm not on track and that scares me. Here I am, trying to minister to kids and those around me when I myself feel as though I'm just stuck in sin. I know when we accept Jesus we're instantly a new creation, in the world not of it.
Some of the fog has lifted and it's died away. It's left me. But, some of it is still there. Please pray for me. I rarely ask for personal prayer but this time, I really need ya'll's support. I don't need questions. I need answers. I need reassurance from the Lord that what I'm doing and what I believe is legit, is hardcore. My fear is that I believe but as soon as I'm tested, I'll fall away and I don't want that. I want to serve Jesus and be with Him for eternity. I don't want to gain the world and lose my soul, as TobyMac says so correctly. So, please, if I pass your mind, throw up a prayer to Jesus for me. I'm praying and asking for clarity. It's just a matter of seeing what He does.
Then on the other hand I'm just wondering if I'm feeling like this because, since I've been on this battlefield in Jeff. City, I'm wondering if I just need to get away, sit in my room, my cat next to me, and think back on the summer. I need a winding down of my spirit. I need to rest in the Lord. Maybe that's it and maybe that's why I feel as though I have uncertainties about my faith. I'm uncertain as to what to do with all that has happened...
Either way, pray for me.
A bunch of us are going hiking tomorrow: Ramsay Cascades, an 8 mile hike. I'm so stoked!
Ciao!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Love Knows No Bounds---Week 8
Shout Out to Michelle: You're AWESOME!!! ♥
This week First Presbyterian Chuch in Jeff City opened its doors to us for the week. They had some good food!
Monday rolled around and after this weekend, my thoughts were still on our 14 year old and I wondered if he'd come back. A deep peace set in my heart and I resolved to go with teh flow. Whatever God was going to do, He would do and all I had to concern myself with was following Him.
Taira was worried and planned on going to our boy's house to talk to him. I urged her to be patient and if he didn't come back today, we would go and talk to him. Needless to say we didn't have to do that because he came back! I was watching the youngers as they were on the playground. One of the girls pointed behind me and said, "He's back."
I turned around and saw him. My heart began praising God. I turned to the girl as she was about to tell me a story about her weekend and motioned for her to wait a minute, that I would be back. The boy stood a way off, having me walk to him.
We said hey to each other and shook hands. Joy was written all over my face to see him, but also apologies had to be made. I told him I was sorry that I spent so much time talking to the girls last week, instead of trying to get him calmed down.
He asked if he could come back.
"My mom didn't want me to come but I begged her so she let me," he said.
I told him we were very happy to have him back. I was stunned by what he said though. You never know if what you're doing is making an impact on someone. And then something like that happens and it just energizes you to do better.
This week as a whole was awesome. We had such a great group from Powhatan, Virginia. A few teachers and people who just wanted to work and work came to us. There were a few tears shed when they left. I tried to keep myself from crying but during share time Friday morning, a guy from one of our Tenn. groups said:
"These kids are role models and leaders. If my kids could grow up to be like them, I would be very proud."
And that's when tears welled up. That's such a huge responsibility! I've never been called a role-model before and that just urges me to be as good a Christian as I possibly can. It's so weird. We missionaries are just college students doing what God called us to do for the summer. I personally don't think it's a big deal because I'm just doing what He wants me to do. But then people from the outside see what we're doing and they're blown away! I don't know whether to be proud or be totally embarrassed that someone is complimenting me for something God has done. I suppose I can be proud in Jesus Christ, boasting of what He's able to do if only we give ourselves wholly as living sacrifices.
Today I welcomed the weekend with open arms! Michelle, Nichole, Ayla and I went to Knoxville to visit the Sun Sphere. It's so cool! We then went to be legit outdoor shoppers and hit up Mast General Store, Bass Pro (for starbucks haha) and Life According to Jake. I know pretty much exactly what I want for Christmas this year! Toms, Chacos, some Life is Good apparel, and rent money!
Tomorrow we are going to New Market Baptist Church. Another week, another church. I'm excited, though, to see just how God rounds out the summer. There are only two weeks left for Kid's Club. I'd love to see huge changes in those kids' lives. Slowly but surely, only by the grace and awesomeness of God are we able to see this harvest. Our prayer is that as we sow seeds, the seeds will fall on good soil so that God can cultivate it and show these kids just how magnificent He can be. Pray for them and pray for Taira and me as we enter our second to final week of reaching the kids. There have been so many success stories that, like I said before, I will tell you all about once my first AO summer is over. Pray for more of these changes and more hearts come to know Christ as their one and only Savior.
Ciao!
This week First Presbyterian Chuch in Jeff City opened its doors to us for the week. They had some good food!
Monday rolled around and after this weekend, my thoughts were still on our 14 year old and I wondered if he'd come back. A deep peace set in my heart and I resolved to go with teh flow. Whatever God was going to do, He would do and all I had to concern myself with was following Him.
Taira was worried and planned on going to our boy's house to talk to him. I urged her to be patient and if he didn't come back today, we would go and talk to him. Needless to say we didn't have to do that because he came back! I was watching the youngers as they were on the playground. One of the girls pointed behind me and said, "He's back."
I turned around and saw him. My heart began praising God. I turned to the girl as she was about to tell me a story about her weekend and motioned for her to wait a minute, that I would be back. The boy stood a way off, having me walk to him.
We said hey to each other and shook hands. Joy was written all over my face to see him, but also apologies had to be made. I told him I was sorry that I spent so much time talking to the girls last week, instead of trying to get him calmed down.
He asked if he could come back.
"My mom didn't want me to come but I begged her so she let me," he said.
I told him we were very happy to have him back. I was stunned by what he said though. You never know if what you're doing is making an impact on someone. And then something like that happens and it just energizes you to do better.
This week as a whole was awesome. We had such a great group from Powhatan, Virginia. A few teachers and people who just wanted to work and work came to us. There were a few tears shed when they left. I tried to keep myself from crying but during share time Friday morning, a guy from one of our Tenn. groups said:
"These kids are role models and leaders. If my kids could grow up to be like them, I would be very proud."
And that's when tears welled up. That's such a huge responsibility! I've never been called a role-model before and that just urges me to be as good a Christian as I possibly can. It's so weird. We missionaries are just college students doing what God called us to do for the summer. I personally don't think it's a big deal because I'm just doing what He wants me to do. But then people from the outside see what we're doing and they're blown away! I don't know whether to be proud or be totally embarrassed that someone is complimenting me for something God has done. I suppose I can be proud in Jesus Christ, boasting of what He's able to do if only we give ourselves wholly as living sacrifices.
Today I welcomed the weekend with open arms! Michelle, Nichole, Ayla and I went to Knoxville to visit the Sun Sphere. It's so cool! We then went to be legit outdoor shoppers and hit up Mast General Store, Bass Pro (for starbucks haha) and Life According to Jake. I know pretty much exactly what I want for Christmas this year! Toms, Chacos, some Life is Good apparel, and rent money!
Tomorrow we are going to New Market Baptist Church. Another week, another church. I'm excited, though, to see just how God rounds out the summer. There are only two weeks left for Kid's Club. I'd love to see huge changes in those kids' lives. Slowly but surely, only by the grace and awesomeness of God are we able to see this harvest. Our prayer is that as we sow seeds, the seeds will fall on good soil so that God can cultivate it and show these kids just how magnificent He can be. Pray for them and pray for Taira and me as we enter our second to final week of reaching the kids. There have been so many success stories that, like I said before, I will tell you all about once my first AO summer is over. Pray for more of these changes and more hearts come to know Christ as their one and only Savior.
Ciao!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
I still believe
We were in Grainger County this week. That meant I had to wake up at 5:30am every morning, be at the MC by 6am and have everything ready to go by 6:30am so we could be at breakfast promptly at 7am. By the time Friday rolled around, I couldn't close my eyes, not even for one of those long blinks because if I did, I'd fall right asleep. Luckily, the missionaries were able to leave the MC by 10:30am. Since then, I've been recuperating...God was faithful as we approached the seventh week. Taira and I were told last Friday we wouldn't have any help. I said, "The Lord will provide." And we believed in that statement. In some way, shape or form He would provide the help we would need, or what He thought we would need to get through the week. It was so cool to see Him work. We walked into the MC, still not knowing how we would handle 20+ kids. Angie, one of our supervisors, told us a church group was coming in from one of the surrounding areas to help in the MC. She said we were pretty much covered in the MC, so the group would be able to come with us! See how God provides?
They were only here for a day. There was about eight of them ready to help however they could. Good thing because we had 28 kids, the highest number we had so far! We were praising God the entire day because of His providing hands. Tuesday we had 20 kids and some of the youth from the Pittsburgh group came to help. We had three guys and three girls helping out. It was pretty awesome and we had a great time! Wednesday we had 23 kids. A volunteer named Destry helped us out and Ayla pitched in, too. Nichole also came and helped out. The kids behaved and all went well. They were really excited about Thursday, getting a hint that we would be doing another water fight like we did last Thursday.
Thursday rolled around soon enough. We planned on having Destry come over and help us again and then about three girls from the Pittsburgh group came with us. We were ready to have a great day. In the beginning, the kids as a whole were fine. There were a few new girls who came, supposedly friends with one of our 13 year olds. I could sense there was something amiss with the group of teens because they wouldn't participate, they wouldn't listen, and they were causing trouble with the boys. I knew it was the devil trying to make waves and that made me angry. I continually had to talk to the girls and then a few minutes later all Hell broke loose...
The teenage girls were talking to our boys and one of our 12 year olds was threatening to smack one our our boys and such. While I was helping the younger ones fill water balloons, I kept my ears alert to the goings on behind me. All of a sudden I hear swear words coming from behind me. My head shot up and I turned to see one of our older boys cursing out the 12 year old who threatened to smack him and push him around. Now this boy was a little rough around the edges but with a little love and appreciation, he has become respectful and helps out when we ask him. He goofs off with us and makes Taira and me crack up. He's got a good heart, it's just getting him to show that to the world instead of the hard shell he's built around himself.I walked over to him and asked him to stop cursing. When he wouldn't, I asked him to go over to the field with the other guys and calm down. I said, "Just hang out with the boys as I take care of this." He continued to curse but he listened to me and went over to the field.
I then turned around to face the girls and called them out. I called the 12 year old out, asking her why she was acting like this when before this she was a sweet girl. She's supposedly a christian, going to church and just returned from church camp. After I said what I said, I know she was convicted and she started her crocodile tears. I thought, oh boy, here we go. She threatened to call her mom and she did. The other girls said to me, "You should be talking to him..."
I stopped that disrespectful attitude right there saying I ran the place and know how to discipline without their say in the matter.
I went into the kitchen to notify Taira of the situation. Before I could finish the story, we see a car pull up to the field where the boy was. The 12 year old's mother comes out of the car and starts cursing the poor boy out. The youngers were crowded around them and it honestly looked like a scene you would see in a middle school. Seems as though the mother is as mature as our kids! Despicable.
Destry was with the kids and I felt so bad seeing him in the middle of this turmoil. I rushed outside and stood on the hill, trying to figure out what to do, making sure a fight didn't break out. In the turmoil a whisper came into my mind. It was God I knew. While I was uncertain about the situation at hand, He was still there and I could feel Him right next to me.
"Get the young ones out of there."
I called to the Pittsburgh girls to help me. I stood on the hill and called for the ones not involved to come to me. They listened and came to me. I asked them to assemble in the front lawn because I had something to say. A young girl, Taris (sweetest thing ever!), herded the kids and reminded them of what I said.
After the mom pretty much destroyed our boy's confidence, she came up the hill and told her kids to get their stuff together because they were leaving. I talked to her privately and said her daughter should know better than to act like that. Surprisingly, she agreed with me. The mom doesn't go to church but her daughter does. I said we'd like to have them back because they need to hear about Jesus just as much as the other kids do. I didn't touch on the subject of her acting immature and cursing out a 14 year old kid. Let God handle that one. The kids have been put in my charge by God and that's who I care about.
The boy, after being humiliated, called his brother and had him pick him up. I felt so bad and wanted to talk to him but he left before I could.
After the mom and her kids left, I assembled the kids in the front yard and gave them an ultimatum. They could behave and we would continue the activities planned or they could go home right then and we would cancel everything. We had no problem doing either. The kids, taken aback by my discipline tactic, asked for the former.
Remember those teenage girls who caused the trouble? Yea, they left after lunch. After they left, though, it was like a breath of fresh air. Everything went well! The kids loved the water balloon fight and Taira and I sprayed the hose at them, getting them extremely soaked.
The mom's kids returned in time for the water fun and I even sprayed their hair funky colors. We had bought colored hair spray and they loved it! The 14 year old returned but kept at a distance, talking to one of our other boys. He left just as quickly as he came back. I didn't get a chance to talk to him...
Taira and I talked about the situation that occurred and I felt horrible, knowing instead of wasting my breath on those who were deaf to what I said I should've spent the words on calming him down.
I was scared we would never get him back. I called my youngest brother that night and cried over the phone while telling him the story. He reassured me it was the devil trying to destroy what God was doing. He encouraged me to pray about it and see what happened on Monday. I felt so torn up and honestly felt defeated. There was a smidge of faith left, though, that kept me pushing on. Up til today, I asked myself over and over again what the point was of doing the club if all we do is discipline and stop fights from occurring.
The song I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp has been stuck in my head since Thursday night. I think it's God's way of telling me not to give up. That, though there is hardship, He's in the midst and all I have to do is keep the faith the size of a mustard seed and He will work. The key word is faith. Without faith, I'm nothing. God brought those kids to us and He brought the 14 year old, too. Just because the kid left for the day doesn't mean God can't bring him back.
The kid is sort of like the prodigal son. God will bring him back into the fold and we will rejoice that he comes back. I'm going to have faith and trust that God will bring him back in His time and if it be His will.
This week I learned to trust God. Not only to trust God but to have faith in the storms that seem to come out of the blue. As I reflect back, I can see the evil that was trying to come in. But, I can also see the Lord standing next to me and giving me the words to say. I can see Him speaking through me and showing me how to handle that bad situation. He held me back a few times but He also let me go a few times, too. I think the biggest scene that is sticking with me right now, as I type, is when I stood on that hill, looking at the kids and asking what I should do...God was there, standing with me the entire time and He gave me the solution for the time being. He's still working out the problem and I'm hoping and praying we will get to see our 14 year old again. I pray for a breakthrough in that boy's life and I ask that ya'll reading this will pray for him, too.
Pray also for a 5 year old we have. Ayla and Nichole talked to her about Jesus and she told them she wasn't special. They fixed the problem and shared the Gospel with her but there are still some problems we need to work out. Pray for her as well.
Pray for Taira and me as we start the third to last week of kid's club. We want to see God's Hand in every situation and we want to know how to go about telling as many kids as we can about Jesus. I feel as though we have made an impact on these kids' lives and because of us being used by God, nine kids have accepted Jesus so far.
My greatest desire is that those who were unsure of accepting Jesus will accept Him and, upon acceptance, will see the joy and the fulfillment Jesus brings. There have been so many triumphs in that place. The very last entry, I will tell how the kids were in the beginning and then share how they are now. Right now, we've seen changes happen in how the kids behave and treat us. I praise God for the changes and ask for more work. Our work isn't completed yet. We still have three weeks and in those three weeks, we're expecting a mighty work from God. Pray for that work.
Ciao!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Last Week--June 21-27
It was an emotional week last week. The week before was a tough one as far as patience and spirituality goes. This one was spiritual and emotional.
Taira and I have gotten to the point where the kids come to us with their problems, their concerns. They trust us and listen. They want to help out wherever & whenever they can. They love us and when it's time for us to leave for the day, they don't want to. The kids are our babies no matter how old they are. I've become very protective of the kids and love them dearly. I hate to see them go home to houses that aren't ideal situations. God's given Taira and me incomprehensible strength to get through the days.
Kids are opening up and telling us things that are pretty heart-wrenching and concerning. I know ya'll don't know them, but God does. Please keep the kids as a whole in prayer.
***
This week a Catholic group from Penn. came as well as a group from Missouri. The majority of the Missouri group came to kid's club. They had a schedule which was cool but the kids weren't used to it. I think what really got the kids and the group getting together and having fun was Thursday when we had a water fight. Water balloons and pitchers of water were thrown by Taira and me. We got them good! It was so much fun. Taira and I came away soaked to the bone, having to go to the apartments and change our clothes. I was so happy, though. When I hear the kids shriek with laughter and them hanging on me and begging for me to throw water on them, it makes me happy. I love to see them smile. It makes my day and reminds me why I'm here doing what I'm doing.
We made tie-dye shirts on Wednesday and had pretty cool lessons. We were blessed with one of those felt boards where you can stick the characters and objects on there. It was pretty sweet and the kids had a blast with them. Other than that, the group built a few relationships with some of the kids and hopefully they had as much fun as the kids seemed to have. The next post will be pictures so keep a look-out!
This week another Catholic group is here from Pittsburgh. Should be fun but the only struggle is gonna be the mornings. We have to travel at least 30 minutes to get to our host church. That means the missionaries have to be at AO at 6am every morning. Pray for us.
Ciao!
Taira and I have gotten to the point where the kids come to us with their problems, their concerns. They trust us and listen. They want to help out wherever & whenever they can. They love us and when it's time for us to leave for the day, they don't want to. The kids are our babies no matter how old they are. I've become very protective of the kids and love them dearly. I hate to see them go home to houses that aren't ideal situations. God's given Taira and me incomprehensible strength to get through the days.
Kids are opening up and telling us things that are pretty heart-wrenching and concerning. I know ya'll don't know them, but God does. Please keep the kids as a whole in prayer.
***
This week a Catholic group from Penn. came as well as a group from Missouri. The majority of the Missouri group came to kid's club. They had a schedule which was cool but the kids weren't used to it. I think what really got the kids and the group getting together and having fun was Thursday when we had a water fight. Water balloons and pitchers of water were thrown by Taira and me. We got them good! It was so much fun. Taira and I came away soaked to the bone, having to go to the apartments and change our clothes. I was so happy, though. When I hear the kids shriek with laughter and them hanging on me and begging for me to throw water on them, it makes me happy. I love to see them smile. It makes my day and reminds me why I'm here doing what I'm doing.
We made tie-dye shirts on Wednesday and had pretty cool lessons. We were blessed with one of those felt boards where you can stick the characters and objects on there. It was pretty sweet and the kids had a blast with them. Other than that, the group built a few relationships with some of the kids and hopefully they had as much fun as the kids seemed to have. The next post will be pictures so keep a look-out!
This week another Catholic group is here from Pittsburgh. Should be fun but the only struggle is gonna be the mornings. We have to travel at least 30 minutes to get to our host church. That means the missionaries have to be at AO at 6am every morning. Pray for us.
Ciao!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Heart
This week was a tough week for me.
I was feeling fuller of God and He was talking to me and laid some things on my heart. He showed me things I need to work on and things I needed to voice. This week, though, man, it was tough!
If it's okay, I'd like to take a post and dedicate it strictly to what has been going on spiritually. Too often, I get involved in what's been going on with the ministry and what God's doing there. I'm neglecting sharing what God's doing with me. Maybe what I write will help one of you folks who reads this. Maybe you'll feel encouraged. Maybe you'll feel like you're not alone. If you feel you do agree with me, I pray the Holy Spirit will speak to you so that we can carry on and learn something new God has for us.
I didn't work with this group at all. Taira and I (along with Jason and David) were given the reins for kid's club. By God's grace and mercy, everything went smoothly. Even though I didn't work with the group, I was annoyed with them. Every night we all got together and talked about what we did and such. Every night all I heard was what the human did and not what God did. There wasn't anything said like "God did this" or "God did that". It frustrated me completely because it's never us who does anything. All our abilities and strength and opportunities are given to us by God. We shouldn't be taking credit for anything! So to hear that every night got to me. A few things happened tonight that I was spiritually angry about and I vented to Betsy and Taira and them in full.
Coming back from devotions, I had some convictions though. Luke 6:41 came into my head when I walked into my apartment. There are things that bug me about other people but I should be evaluating my own heart. When I'm perfect THEN and ONLY THEN should I start pointing fingers. And even then I shouldn't because the only One who is perfect is God and through grace and mercy and abounding love, does He not point fingers. Instead, He picks us up when we do wrong, brushes us off, and puts us back on track.
To rid myself of this hectic, troublesome week, I sang in the shower. God bless Betsy for putting up with my constant singing. I sing probably every time I'm in the shower and she does nothing about it. Usually, at home, my dad will bang on the door and I laugh and start singing in a quiet whisper. But Betsy. Dude, I can sing like at the top of my lungs and she wouldn't mind. I've done it. (I sang "Memory" when I thought no one was in the apartment. I'm pretty sure she heard every note...)
Anyway. So I sang "Heart of Worship" over and over again. Those lyrics really stood out to me tonight. We were rushed to practice tonight and it was definitely thrown together at the last minute. I got on stage and as I began singing, I just gave it to God. And as I'm sitting here writing, a thought popped into my head. When we sing to God, it doesn't have to be perfect. It doesn't even have to be in key (though those who are listening would appreciate it). When your heart is in the right place and you really don't care what anyone thinks but God, that's when true worship becomes a part of you.
Truthfully, I didn't sing what others would consider my "best", meaning it was a little off with the music and such. But, truthfully, tonight was the best worship I've ever had. I think because I was imperfect God was able to shine. I wasn't singing to impress anyone. I closed my eyes and sang to God. It was beautiful and after I sat down I didn't care what others thought. I had done my job. I had worshipped the Lord and I was content with that. I wasn't upset with how my singing was. I was upset about something else, which if any AO staffers want to know, just ask.
After I sang in the shower, some verses came to me and were swimming around in my mind. I'll write it out because I think it's so awesome.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the
gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love,
I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and
surrender my body to the flames, but have not love,
I am nothing.
And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13
"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, Jesus". It's all about Jesus. Everything we do, say, think is all about Jesus. Am I setting a good example? Am I being a righteous leader? Am I going out with the love of Christ and love for my brothers and sisters in Christ each day I serve? If I serve and have no love, everything I do is for nothing.
I was convicted because this week I didn't fully love the group. I was wrapped up in what was not there instead of what was there. God was there. Someone said in our AO devotions tonight that God works even when we have a bad attitude. He still brings honor and glory through His Name. Even if I don't think God can work because of someone's attitude...well, maybe that someone is me. God can and He does work and it's only my stupid, foolish, tunnel thinking that makes me assume otherwise.
Basically what I learned this week was: don't underestimate the power of Christ. I can't control how people respond and I can't make them respond how I want them to respond. No, that's God's job. I am only supposed to be a tool, not the carpenter.
So with that, I bid you all a lovely weekend.
Cleaning starts tomorrow and then Saturday is our own to spend however we wish. Nichole and a bunch of us are thinking hiking. We'll see. I'll tell you one thing, I will hug a tree if we go. It's been so long since I have...
Ciao!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What God is Doing Here
Praise: I have my own internet access =) Though I only had to borrow Taira's laptop for a day, it's nice to be able to sit in my room whenever I want and write til my heart's content.
This week has become a challenge. The reasons are as such:
#1: It's the first week Taira and I are embarking on doing Kid's Club by ourselves. We've enlisted the help of two AO summer missionaries: David and Jason to help us out. So far they've been great and the kids seem to enjoy them (almost as much, if not more, as the college team). By the end of the week, I believe the kids will adore the boys. All they want is to be loved and the guys are loving on them so we'll see how it goes. I'm worried about a few of the kids. The way they interact around others makes you wonder how their home lives are. It breaks my heart to have to see them leave, knowing full well their home situation may not be the best. The few hours I have with them are very precious because in that amount of time, Taira and I must set a loving and safe environment. They should be willing to come to us with anything and tell us. I think so far, God has worked with us in order to establish that sort of environment.
There are a few kids who are new and we're trying to figure out their situations. Keep the kids in your prayers.
#2. Since the groups started coming, I've been having physical pain. Practically everywhere in my body has had some sort of ache. Right now, my knees feel as though they're going to bust out of their sockets. The tops of my feet hurt as well as my shoulders. I was crying out to God and was a little frustrated a few nights ago. I cried out to Him and asked Him why I was in such pain if I was doing His work. Shouldn't He be protecting me from this? Yesterday and today I realized it wasn't so. Instead of complaining, I need to be rejoicing. I stumbled upon 1 Peter 4:16 last night and this has been my creed for today and will be for the rest of my life. Read it. It's pretty sweet and puts a lot of things in perspective. I'm rejoicing in my pain because I know God is using me. I wouldn't have opposition if I wasn't in the shadow of God's will for my life. It's because of this, that I'm in pain. To which I say what Paul said, "Rejoice! Again I say Rejoice!" But keep me in your prayers, if you would, that God would continue to use me and heal me so I can properly serve Him.
I think that's it. Other than trying to make time to stay filled with the Holy Spirit by daily Bible readings and prayer, I think we missionaries are doing a good job. We're allowing God to use us. I don't think I'd have it any other way. Though the work may seem daunting and exhausting, God is using us.
Ciao!
This week has become a challenge. The reasons are as such:
#1: It's the first week Taira and I are embarking on doing Kid's Club by ourselves. We've enlisted the help of two AO summer missionaries: David and Jason to help us out. So far they've been great and the kids seem to enjoy them (almost as much, if not more, as the college team). By the end of the week, I believe the kids will adore the boys. All they want is to be loved and the guys are loving on them so we'll see how it goes. I'm worried about a few of the kids. The way they interact around others makes you wonder how their home lives are. It breaks my heart to have to see them leave, knowing full well their home situation may not be the best. The few hours I have with them are very precious because in that amount of time, Taira and I must set a loving and safe environment. They should be willing to come to us with anything and tell us. I think so far, God has worked with us in order to establish that sort of environment.
There are a few kids who are new and we're trying to figure out their situations. Keep the kids in your prayers.
#2. Since the groups started coming, I've been having physical pain. Practically everywhere in my body has had some sort of ache. Right now, my knees feel as though they're going to bust out of their sockets. The tops of my feet hurt as well as my shoulders. I was crying out to God and was a little frustrated a few nights ago. I cried out to Him and asked Him why I was in such pain if I was doing His work. Shouldn't He be protecting me from this? Yesterday and today I realized it wasn't so. Instead of complaining, I need to be rejoicing. I stumbled upon 1 Peter 4:16 last night and this has been my creed for today and will be for the rest of my life. Read it. It's pretty sweet and puts a lot of things in perspective. I'm rejoicing in my pain because I know God is using me. I wouldn't have opposition if I wasn't in the shadow of God's will for my life. It's because of this, that I'm in pain. To which I say what Paul said, "Rejoice! Again I say Rejoice!" But keep me in your prayers, if you would, that God would continue to use me and heal me so I can properly serve Him.
I think that's it. Other than trying to make time to stay filled with the Holy Spirit by daily Bible readings and prayer, I think we missionaries are doing a good job. We're allowing God to use us. I don't think I'd have it any other way. Though the work may seem daunting and exhausting, God is using us.
Ciao!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Another week, another update--Quick Overview of Week 4
June 6th, 2009 (journal entry)
Because my Internet is unavailable, I will record my days in this. Then, I will transfer these thoughts to my online blog (here). Even if it's late, at least it's shared.
With one week down and another coming upon us, I'm quickly seeing how much I need the Word of God daily. Your spirit tires quickly when you're being used by God. It's like being filled at night, emptying in the day, then being filled again in the evening. A vicious cycle, but one I'm happy to be in.
The first batch of churches were so great. I got to work with some women named Mrs. Doris, Pat, Elizabeth, Melissa and her five children. They blessed us so much and really helped kick Kid's Club into gear. The week flew by and too soon, they had to leave on Thursday. During the week, 25 kids came to Bible club and four of those accepted Christ into their hearts. It was awesome and was a confirmation that I'm supposed to be doing what I'm doing here. My prayer is that it continues to grow and we have even more kids come and learn about Jesus.
This next batch has a lot of college kids, which I'm very happy about. I'm looking forward to what God's gonna do. My prayer is Romans 15:5-6, that we'll be unified in one heart and mind in order to serve Jesus efficiently and bring praise to His Name.
I'm ready for this week to get started!
Because my Internet is unavailable, I will record my days in this. Then, I will transfer these thoughts to my online blog (here). Even if it's late, at least it's shared.
With one week down and another coming upon us, I'm quickly seeing how much I need the Word of God daily. Your spirit tires quickly when you're being used by God. It's like being filled at night, emptying in the day, then being filled again in the evening. A vicious cycle, but one I'm happy to be in.
The first batch of churches were so great. I got to work with some women named Mrs. Doris, Pat, Elizabeth, Melissa and her five children. They blessed us so much and really helped kick Kid's Club into gear. The week flew by and too soon, they had to leave on Thursday. During the week, 25 kids came to Bible club and four of those accepted Christ into their hearts. It was awesome and was a confirmation that I'm supposed to be doing what I'm doing here. My prayer is that it continues to grow and we have even more kids come and learn about Jesus.
This next batch has a lot of college kids, which I'm very happy about. I'm looking forward to what God's gonna do. My prayer is Romans 15:5-6, that we'll be unified in one heart and mind in order to serve Jesus efficiently and bring praise to His Name.
I'm ready for this week to get started!
6-9-09
Got back from devotions! It was such a great time of fellowship. The missionaries are reading Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. We are also reading Ephesians. Some questions came up about predestination and who has been chosen by God. (That was fun...) We had some people's beliefs and, most importantly, Scripture shared which was pretty sweet. I love hearing about what other people believe and seeing if it matches with mine. If it doesn't match with mine, most of the time I'll try and mentally back up what they say with Scripture. If there's no Scripture backing, no dice...
Now that my journal writings have been caught up, allow me to regale to you, faithful readers, of what God has done through this past week. As I've already stated, last week was college kid week. It was so great to be around people my own age. Five or so came with Taira and me to Kid's Club. At first, I think they were a little uncertain as to how to act around the kids. There were so many; about 14 came on Monday. By Thursday, there were like 20 kids. The group just took about a few hours to get used to the hussle and bustle that's kid's club. By the end of Monday, everyone was pretty comfortable. The guys were such a blessing. We have a few adolescent boys who faithfully attend. I was so happy there were three guys, one being a guitarist so he could entertain the kids through song. The kids need a positive male while at kid's club. The boys want to rough house. Taira and I don't rough house. I have three brothers and know how they act, but that's totally different. No, we need male role models. We're working on getting Jason and David to help out...Anyway, two of the 20 accepted Jesus on Thursday when the steps to salvation were given.
Other than that, when Thursday roled around, I was very sad to see the groups go. They were one of the largest but one of the best groups I think we'll work with. Everyone was so willing to help and so fun to be around. I'm gonna miss my group.
This week we only have 28 people. Very small group and they've been here before so they pretty much know AO's deal. It should be an easy week, but let's see what God gives us.
Oh, be on the lookout for some pictures. Some of us went to the lake on Saturday. Also, Nichole, Michelle and I tie-dyed some t-shirts. We're going through a hippie phase. Hiking and talking to Grandmother Willow is in order during the summer. Okay, maybe Grandmother Willow will just be me. We'll see =)
I'll update every week. Keep reading!
Ciao!
Got back from devotions! It was such a great time of fellowship. The missionaries are reading Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. We are also reading Ephesians. Some questions came up about predestination and who has been chosen by God. (That was fun...) We had some people's beliefs and, most importantly, Scripture shared which was pretty sweet. I love hearing about what other people believe and seeing if it matches with mine. If it doesn't match with mine, most of the time I'll try and mentally back up what they say with Scripture. If there's no Scripture backing, no dice...
Now that my journal writings have been caught up, allow me to regale to you, faithful readers, of what God has done through this past week. As I've already stated, last week was college kid week. It was so great to be around people my own age. Five or so came with Taira and me to Kid's Club. At first, I think they were a little uncertain as to how to act around the kids. There were so many; about 14 came on Monday. By Thursday, there were like 20 kids. The group just took about a few hours to get used to the hussle and bustle that's kid's club. By the end of Monday, everyone was pretty comfortable. The guys were such a blessing. We have a few adolescent boys who faithfully attend. I was so happy there were three guys, one being a guitarist so he could entertain the kids through song. The kids need a positive male while at kid's club. The boys want to rough house. Taira and I don't rough house. I have three brothers and know how they act, but that's totally different. No, we need male role models. We're working on getting Jason and David to help out...Anyway, two of the 20 accepted Jesus on Thursday when the steps to salvation were given.
Other than that, when Thursday roled around, I was very sad to see the groups go. They were one of the largest but one of the best groups I think we'll work with. Everyone was so willing to help and so fun to be around. I'm gonna miss my group.
This week we only have 28 people. Very small group and they've been here before so they pretty much know AO's deal. It should be an easy week, but let's see what God gives us.
Oh, be on the lookout for some pictures. Some of us went to the lake on Saturday. Also, Nichole, Michelle and I tie-dyed some t-shirts. We're going through a hippie phase. Hiking and talking to Grandmother Willow is in order during the summer. Okay, maybe Grandmother Willow will just be me. We'll see =)
I'll update every week. Keep reading!
Ciao!
Friday, June 5, 2009
1st Week Success--Photo Album
The beginning of Kid's Club, Potter's House construction and the last day at the lake
Sunday, May 31, 2009
There is no one like our God--Saturday recap
Yesterday was such a great day! We went to Tom's for some boating, tubing, wake boarding, and awesome food.
Tom is one of the volunteers at AO and he opened his home to us so we could relax and enjoy our last day before the teams start arriving. His home, set against the lake backdrop, is so quaint and pretty. The grounds are lush and a small path leads to the dock and, of course, the boat.
God blessed us with gorgeous weather. The sun was in full view and warmed us quickly. The water, however, was nice and cool. It was perfect. Some of the guys fished, Betsy and Taira sunbathed, and the rest of us hopped into the boat!
Nathan and Gloria learned how to wake board. Pictures of that experience are soon to follow.
We came back to the dock. A bunch of us went out to do some tubing. I've never been tubing before so I was eager to try it out. When Nichole and I finally got on the tube (haha), Kate (Tom's daughter) took us around. Oh, child! I think that was beyond the most fun I've had in a very long time. I have a few cuts on my elbow to show of it! My stomach hurt from laughing so much. That was so fun. Honestly, if you've never been tubing before, please go. It's so enjoyable!
After that, we went back to the house for some food (I fed the cat my leftovers), Judah and I discussed what we're singing Sunday night, and the group talked about our skit we have to perform.
I think that's it. I'll try to upload the pictures as soon as I have a spare moment.
Ciao!
Tom is one of the volunteers at AO and he opened his home to us so we could relax and enjoy our last day before the teams start arriving. His home, set against the lake backdrop, is so quaint and pretty. The grounds are lush and a small path leads to the dock and, of course, the boat.
God blessed us with gorgeous weather. The sun was in full view and warmed us quickly. The water, however, was nice and cool. It was perfect. Some of the guys fished, Betsy and Taira sunbathed, and the rest of us hopped into the boat!
Nathan and Gloria learned how to wake board. Pictures of that experience are soon to follow.
We came back to the dock. A bunch of us went out to do some tubing. I've never been tubing before so I was eager to try it out. When Nichole and I finally got on the tube (haha), Kate (Tom's daughter) took us around. Oh, child! I think that was beyond the most fun I've had in a very long time. I have a few cuts on my elbow to show of it! My stomach hurt from laughing so much. That was so fun. Honestly, if you've never been tubing before, please go. It's so enjoyable!
After that, we went back to the house for some food (I fed the cat my leftovers), Judah and I discussed what we're singing Sunday night, and the group talked about our skit we have to perform.
I think that's it. I'll try to upload the pictures as soon as I have a spare moment.
Ciao!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Should be asleep but I'm not--Thursday & Friday
PAY DAY TODAY!!!!
But first a recap:
Thursday
I did an application yesterday for a young couple. They were 23 and 20 years old with an 8 month old daughter. She had the bluest eyes I've ever seen. So precious! They moved from Minnesota to Jefferson City for the husband's job. Well, the job fell through and now they're stuck here with barely anything. I happily filled out their application and checked them out once they were ready. I love the transition from the time they come into the ministry center, their faces strained and the weight of the world on their shoulders to the time they leave, smiles and a little reassurance that everything is going to be okay, that they have a friend in the world who's willing to help.
There wasn't much that had to be done so after about 4pm we were able to go and make dinner. We decided on spaghetti: very simple and takes a short while to make. Betsy had dinner with her boyfriend and Adam went to Boone, North Carolina for work. It was just Nichole, Ayla, Sarah and me for dinner. We watched "Baby Mama" while we finished the pills Adam and Ayla didn't finish from Wednesday night.
Friday
Goodness were we busy! Fridays are cleaning days and it really wasn't that bad last week. However, this week, there seemed to be no end to this to-do list! We swept, mopped, cleaned the bathroom (including the shower...Angie thought people were coming to the store for supplies and thought they may want to take a shower. They slept in their car all night so they were in need of some assistance. Unfortunately, they never showed up) We also did the drop-off box, folded and inventoried 691 AO shirts. I didn't think we'd ever get the work done. There was just so much. Sunday, Betsy and I have to inventory some more AO shirts and put them in bins for selling.
As soon as I got into the apartment, I took a shower and snuggled into my bed to watch "Goodnight and Good luck". I didn't get very far into the movie before I clonked out.
I was awakened by a pounding on my door. I got up and lo and behold, it was Nathan! They came back from Nashville around 7pm. We all missed each other. I got to meet Michelle and Jason. They seem pretty cool and should fit in fine with us.
Of course we had to go to Wal-Mart for "initiation". Basically, we walk around the store, causing a little trouble. For instance, Judah sat in a cart and I wheeled him around. He took random stuff from shelves and placed it in other people's carts. It was the funniest thing ever! We got a weird look from this one woman but it was funny all the same. We made people smile with our outrageous activity so it was great.
We went back to the apartments, had sandwiches, Oreos with peanut butter, and watched "Dumb & Dumber". I should be in bed but I'm not too tired. Slowly but surely, I'm getting to the point of sleep...
We go to the Cherokee Dam tomorrow so expect pictures!
Ciao!
But first a recap:
Thursday
I did an application yesterday for a young couple. They were 23 and 20 years old with an 8 month old daughter. She had the bluest eyes I've ever seen. So precious! They moved from Minnesota to Jefferson City for the husband's job. Well, the job fell through and now they're stuck here with barely anything. I happily filled out their application and checked them out once they were ready. I love the transition from the time they come into the ministry center, their faces strained and the weight of the world on their shoulders to the time they leave, smiles and a little reassurance that everything is going to be okay, that they have a friend in the world who's willing to help.
There wasn't much that had to be done so after about 4pm we were able to go and make dinner. We decided on spaghetti: very simple and takes a short while to make. Betsy had dinner with her boyfriend and Adam went to Boone, North Carolina for work. It was just Nichole, Ayla, Sarah and me for dinner. We watched "Baby Mama" while we finished the pills Adam and Ayla didn't finish from Wednesday night.
Friday
Goodness were we busy! Fridays are cleaning days and it really wasn't that bad last week. However, this week, there seemed to be no end to this to-do list! We swept, mopped, cleaned the bathroom (including the shower...Angie thought people were coming to the store for supplies and thought they may want to take a shower. They slept in their car all night so they were in need of some assistance. Unfortunately, they never showed up) We also did the drop-off box, folded and inventoried 691 AO shirts. I didn't think we'd ever get the work done. There was just so much. Sunday, Betsy and I have to inventory some more AO shirts and put them in bins for selling.
As soon as I got into the apartment, I took a shower and snuggled into my bed to watch "Goodnight and Good luck". I didn't get very far into the movie before I clonked out.
I was awakened by a pounding on my door. I got up and lo and behold, it was Nathan! They came back from Nashville around 7pm. We all missed each other. I got to meet Michelle and Jason. They seem pretty cool and should fit in fine with us.
Of course we had to go to Wal-Mart for "initiation". Basically, we walk around the store, causing a little trouble. For instance, Judah sat in a cart and I wheeled him around. He took random stuff from shelves and placed it in other people's carts. It was the funniest thing ever! We got a weird look from this one woman but it was funny all the same. We made people smile with our outrageous activity so it was great.
We went back to the apartments, had sandwiches, Oreos with peanut butter, and watched "Dumb & Dumber". I should be in bed but I'm not too tired. Slowly but surely, I'm getting to the point of sleep...
We go to the Cherokee Dam tomorrow so expect pictures!
Ciao!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Pill Popping Party--Tuesday & Wednesday
Hello all. Once again I didn't get a chance to write Tuesday so now I must catch you avid readers up on what's been going on around the center.Tuesday--First real day back and man was the store busy! Everything from new applications to making sure the store looked presentable was on our list of things to accomplish. 12pm couldn't role around fast enough. After lunch, though, we were extremely slow. One or two customers to the max came in to browse. There was, however, a woman who came in needing a new application. Up until this point I haven't written about the people we interact with. It's not that the stories we hear aren't pitiful and make you want to scream at the government for desolating their own citizens, but this one particular story set a lump in my throat I couldn't pass.
Ms. Bright is a woman about 60 years old. She recently became disabled and is living in the projects a little ways from AO. She said she always thought she was going to be able to work and make a good salary until she was ready to quit. Well, life tossed her around a bit. She did live in Kentucky but she moved back up here (where she grew up). It's like her life did a full-circle. She ends exactly where she started. It's sad because she shouldn't have to end up living in the projects. She's getting some financial help (disability compensation) but not much. She has arthritis in her hands and her right knee easily becomes sore.
With a lump in my throat and tears wanting to flow, I helped her put her groceries in her truck. Her truck is fairly new but thankfully she was able to pay it in full before she got hurt. I told her my dad's story because it was so similar.
My dad was a mounted policeman in Charleston, South Carolina when he and my mom first got married. They lived there for about two years and then moved up to Jersey for family. When my dad was 33, he was hurt on the job, breaking his back. He had to have surgery, getting screws inserted in his back. During that dark time, my parents had to scrimp and save to keep us afloat. My grandparents helped tremendously and when we moved to our current home, things turned for the best.
I encouraged her that things would get better. With a "God bless" I sent her on her way, still trying to swallow that lump in my throat and not quite succeeding.
Taira and I had an assignment from Jim Wilson. He was sending medication our way and we had to sort and pack it up. I thought it would be a quick job. Not so when I walked to the garage and saw two full crates of meds!
The meds will be sent to Zimbabwe June 2nd. They are to be used to cure cholera, treat malaria and clear acne. It's packs a pretty powerful punch in such a little tablet. For every three tablets, a person can be saved from death by cholera. Even though our thumbs began to hurt and we were getting tired, we knew these pills would be saving lives and the more we got out and packed, the better. The missionaries and I ended up packing 30,000 pills in a couple of hours. How awesome is that?!Last night, the group and I watched "Finding Nemo" and "Mall Cop" (dumbest movie ever) while we took the meds out of their packages and put them in Ziploc bags. It was fun but very tiring and in the morning my hands hurt!
Wednesday--Tired and sore, the missionaries got up for breakfast. The majority of them would be heading off to Nashville for the orientation training. The rest of us (Jonathan, Ayla, Betsy, Adam, Nichole, and I) stayed here and continued doing what we do. There wasn't much to be done at the store today. Another very slow day but I was able to do some office work for Angie so it was all good. I made copies for folders, did some application stuff and then it was lunch time. After lunch, Betsy returned to the desk and I went to the garage to continue popping pills. I sang some songs, talked to Ronnie a bit, and packaged 2,000 pills in four hours. My hands are so sore! Tonight we all got together in Adam's room and did about 4,000. That's 6,000 pills with just six people! Not too shabby. We're all really tired and are sleeping in a bit before breakfast tomorrow morning.
I'm going to bed now. Ciao!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday & Monday
Since I wasn't able to write yesterday and I have a few minutes to sit and think, I thought I would catch up on what happened yesterday and today.
Sunday....
It was our first Sunday as a group. We had to go to a Baptist church in Morristown. The preacher had us go up to the front and prayed for us. He then went on to deliver a powerful and wonderful message about not allowing the strong faith of the believers before us be in vain. Our faith should be comparable to those like Abraham and Stephen. The message really put everything in perspective and reminded all of us just why we're on this earth and who put us here. We need to remember our reason for being here and that's the only reason why we're here: to bring people to Christ and not back down when faced with adversity. To promote vacation Bible school, after the sermon, some staff brought in two wallabies! They were so adorable and felt just like a baby rabbit. Adorable.
Sunday....
It was our first Sunday as a group. We had to go to a Baptist church in Morristown. The preacher had us go up to the front and prayed for us. He then went on to deliver a powerful and wonderful message about not allowing the strong faith of the believers before us be in vain. Our faith should be comparable to those like Abraham and Stephen. The message really put everything in perspective and reminded all of us just why we're on this earth and who put us here. We need to remember our reason for being here and that's the only reason why we're here: to bring people to Christ and not back down when faced with adversity. To promote vacation Bible school, after the sermon, some staff brought in two wallabies! They were so adorable and felt just like a baby rabbit. Adorable.
After church, we all met the pastor and hung out a bit. The lake was our next destination, so we had lunch there, took pictures, and tried to figure out what to do during the afternoon. **Look at the pictures from the lake the next post down.** We didn't have orientation or anything to do so we had the rest of the day to ourselves. The guys decided to go golf and Nichole and I went to the Samaritan House to get breakfast things together for Monday. We had to do yet another Wal-Mart run (those are the best!). The decision was made that there would be as little cooking to be done as possible on Monday because, well, it's a Monday so who really wants to stand over a hot stove on a Monday morning? No thanks =) By the time we got everything, Nichole and I were ready to just chill out. We decided to get our computers and compare cute boys on facebook. It was pretty hysterical.
The guys came back and we decided to get pizza and a movie for the night. "Yes Man" was the choice for the evening along with "Taken". Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to watch the latter because of time constraints. "Yes Man" was hilarious. Jim Carrey is my all-time favorite comedian (well...besides Jerry Seinfeld, David Hyde Pierce, Adam Sandler, and Andy Samburg. Okay, so I have a few).
Adam came back from his weekend away. George decided to make breakfast at 10am since it was Memorial Day (?) on Monday. Let us sleep in a bit. The rest of the night was spent playing Mario Carts on Adam's Wii and then crashing into bed about 1am.
Today...
The day started late and ended early. I got up a little early to go over Nichole's so we could start breakfast. Adam came over a little later and helped with muffins and cinnamon roles. Yumsters! Cereal (in real bowls!), fruit, muffins, and cinnamon roles was the agenda this morning and it turned out pretty well.
Off to work we went. Betsy reported to the front desk while Taira and I spent the day organizing AO shirts, getting them ready for re-sale. We took inventory of those. Other than that, we restocked the shelves for tomorrow, ate lunch, then went to the Samaritan House to take inventory for dinner tonight. Tacos were on the menu tonight and, of course, Betsy, Taira and I were the cooks. Dinner turned out exceptionally well as always =) We made a cake and cupcakes that turned out to be a huge hit....maybe too big of a hit.
After dinner, we went back to the apartments, chilled out, brought in a bunch of furniture into Nathan, Adam, and Will's room to watch "Taken". It was SUCH an awesome movie. I loved it! I may need to buy it one of these days...yes. I will.
Ok I need to be up in about..mm..7 hrs?...so I'll write more tomorrow.
Ciao!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Nichole grillin'
Betsy & meSaturday, May 23, 2009
Knoxville and back again
Today was my first day off. I did nothing but sleep half the day away. I woke up at 12:45pm and pretty much did some writing and web surfing the entire day.
Taira called me around 3pm, asking if my check had an AO signature on it. I knew I didn't have a signature on there and was going to wait til Tuesday but she had contacted Jean-Ann and Jim Wilson was coming to the apartments to give us his signature. Nathan, Taira and I were the only ones who didn't get our checks signed...weird.
I went back into my room to do nothing and then Nichole, Ayla, George and I went to Knoxville Airport to pick up the mystery missionary. He would be the last to join us, rounding out the summer group to 18 volunteers. That's two more than AO had last year! Pretty sweet.
So we picked up William. He's from Maryland (another northerner. YES!) and he seems to be pretty cool. I know he kind of feels like an outsider but we'll bring him into the group in no time. He was laughing and seemed to have a good time with us tonight so we'll see how he pans out. My prediction is once he gets out and starts working, he'll come back with a whole slew of friends.
We went to Steak 'n' Shake after we picked him up, ate and began to get to know him. He and I are starting a friendship since we're both from way up north. He's the new guy so I kinda want to look out for him. I want to be his friend because right now he's on the outskirts. I'm going to try all I can to bring him into the center of the circle with the rest of us.
We came back from Knoxville and the guys and Betsy (she went to her boyfriend's parent's house for Friday night into today) were back. We decided to fool around in Wal-Mart so a bunch of us climbed into cars and went on our way.
Betsy and I have decided we want to be on a first-name basis with the Wal-Mart workers by the time the summer is over. Here's hoping!
Nathan, Will, Judah, and George went to the ministry center after Wal-Mart to get Will some bedsheets and the guys wanted some clothes. They're so crazy. Betsy, Nichole, Dakota and I went back to the apartments and to our rooms.
A few minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find Nathan in a vest, tie, and leisure pants. I cracked up! He was like "George said I looked like a male prostitute." I laughed so hard. It was ridiculous. He's wearing that ensemble (with a button down shirt instead of his cut-off t) to church tomorrow. It's our first church service as missionaries so we have to dress up a little.
After church, the plan is to go to the lake which I'm very happy about.
I think that's it for now...I have to get up early tomorrow so I'll end it here.
Ciao!
Taira called me around 3pm, asking if my check had an AO signature on it. I knew I didn't have a signature on there and was going to wait til Tuesday but she had contacted Jean-Ann and Jim Wilson was coming to the apartments to give us his signature. Nathan, Taira and I were the only ones who didn't get our checks signed...weird.
I went back into my room to do nothing and then Nichole, Ayla, George and I went to Knoxville Airport to pick up the mystery missionary. He would be the last to join us, rounding out the summer group to 18 volunteers. That's two more than AO had last year! Pretty sweet.
So we picked up William. He's from Maryland (another northerner. YES!) and he seems to be pretty cool. I know he kind of feels like an outsider but we'll bring him into the group in no time. He was laughing and seemed to have a good time with us tonight so we'll see how he pans out. My prediction is once he gets out and starts working, he'll come back with a whole slew of friends.
We went to Steak 'n' Shake after we picked him up, ate and began to get to know him. He and I are starting a friendship since we're both from way up north. He's the new guy so I kinda want to look out for him. I want to be his friend because right now he's on the outskirts. I'm going to try all I can to bring him into the center of the circle with the rest of us.
We came back from Knoxville and the guys and Betsy (she went to her boyfriend's parent's house for Friday night into today) were back. We decided to fool around in Wal-Mart so a bunch of us climbed into cars and went on our way.
Betsy and I have decided we want to be on a first-name basis with the Wal-Mart workers by the time the summer is over. Here's hoping!
Nathan, Will, Judah, and George went to the ministry center after Wal-Mart to get Will some bedsheets and the guys wanted some clothes. They're so crazy. Betsy, Nichole, Dakota and I went back to the apartments and to our rooms.
A few minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find Nathan in a vest, tie, and leisure pants. I cracked up! He was like "George said I looked like a male prostitute." I laughed so hard. It was ridiculous. He's wearing that ensemble (with a button down shirt instead of his cut-off t) to church tomorrow. It's our first church service as missionaries so we have to dress up a little.
After church, the plan is to go to the lake which I'm very happy about.
I think that's it for now...I have to get up early tomorrow so I'll end it here.
Ciao!
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