Sarah's Great Adventure

Language Wins

2011-12-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Friday I found myself with a very unhappy tummy... and some excellent head over the toilet time... too much info? Sorry! Nonetheless, that meant a lot of couch and movie time this weekend. Needless to say, I sure got a good start on holiday movie watching! There are some good ones out there ;) Especially the made for tv movies.

But just in case you think I totally drained my brain on tv this weekend while I rested my sick body, let me assure you, that is not all I did. In fact, I had some fun reminiscing before dozing off to sleep. What, per say, was I remembering? Some awesome language wins while I lived in Ukraine! And, lucky you, I decided to share them with you! I can think of three specific times that I was very happy and proud of my language skills in the 7.5 months that I lived in Ukraine. Now, there may have been other times or smaller successes, but these were ultimate WINS in my book.

Langauge Win #1:

It's not what you might think! This language win was a 15 or 20 minute conversation I had in German. Yes, that's right, I said German! This story takes place on our midterm retreat. We stayed for nearly a week in a coastal town, Yalta, on the Island Crimea, which is southern Ukraine (and it's not actually an island, but a peninsula) by the Black Sea. One of our leaders was there to join us. One day, after some fun touristy stuff around town, we boarded our bus to take us up the hill to our hotel. As we sat there and waited for our bus to depart, we realized there was an older gentleman in the front of the bus speaking German. Now, I can't remember at all who he would have been speaking to in German, but nonetheless, speaking it he was. With much coaxing and encouragement from Jackie, I decided to approach this lovely old gentleman and use the little bit of the German I knew. Now, you must know that I took German for approximately four years between the grades of 8 and 12. My final year of studying German was five years prior this this event. Which is what makes this conversation a win in my book! So, I sat and talked with this gentleman for my 15 to 20 minute bus ride. During the ride I learned that he had moved to the island and gave tours. I think he may have said he had family visiting. I was able to express to him that I understood him fairly well, but could not speak so well. And, I also got some great advice from him - "Kissing is forbidden!" But it must not have been too forbidden because he gave me a kiss as I got off the bus. These are just snippets of the conversation that I remember, now nearly two years later. Oh, but it is such a fond memory. :)

Language Win #2:

This language win is in fact a win in Russian, which my team and I studied while we lived in Ukraine (where we lived in Ukraine, everyone knows both Russian and Ukrainian (the national language) but mostly speak Russian in day to day conversation. The further west you travel, the less Russian is spoken.). This language win came out of pure necessity and much deliberation. So, one night, I was helping clean dishes. As many of you know, I love spending time in the kitchen (Though generally not with the dishes, but more with the preparation). But as many of you also know, the kitchen is often dangerous place for me - I have cut myself with plastic knives and cheese graters, burned myself, and many other accidents. This night was nothing different. As I was washing a glass, I suddenly realized it had cracked in half completely. Then I noticed something red running down my hand. Upon further examination, I realized I had sliced one of my fingers fairly deep. It took several paper towels and quite a bit of time for the bleeding to stop. I was actually worried I might have to get stitches (not an appealing idea in a foreign country). But, the bleeding stopped. That week, we went through bandaids like crazy. And I needed more! So, I went to the store that logically seemed, to me anyway, like it would have bandaids. I wandered that store for quite a while, checking every shelf for bandaids. And none were found. Eventually I decided I had to ask where they were. I wandered the store some more, trying to figure out how to ask in Russian where they kept the bandaids. Finally, I came up with a very simple question that would work where the only word I didn't know was "bandaid" - luckily I had one on my finger I could point to. And I did just that. I stopped a lady and asked her where the bandaids were, pointing at my finger. The message must have come across clear enough because she told me they didn't have any at that store, they were at the apothecary. Onto another store I went. I was proud of myself for getting the information I needed!

Language Win #3:

This language win also comes from a shopping experience. Throughout our time we were always looking for souvenirs to bring home to family and friends. My dad wanted a classic soviet furry hat - called a shopka. There was a traditional Ukrainian costume store near one of our favorite coffee shops, so Jackie and I stopped one day. My dad had given me the measurements of his head before hand. I checked my Russian lesson book, figuring out a few things I might be able to say to get what I wanted. I went to the store, found what I wanted, and as the shop lady was helping me, I was able to, through mimes and language, express the size of hat I wanted. Success! I came home with the perfect hat for my dad!

So.... thanks for walking down memory lane with me! There really is no point to this blog, other than to remember, to celebrate in some victories, and to be thankful for the experience I got to have! If you want to read more about my experiences in Ukraine, check out any of my postings from November 2009 to June 2010!

Vulnerability

2011-11-30T23:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Blogworld, I have missed you. I have thought of you often over the last few months. Despite my thoughts, I have just not known what to say. Or if I had known what to say, I don’t know if I would have known how to say it. However, I miss you. I miss the support you offer. The outlet that you are. The encouragement found through you. The community. And the challenge to continue to examine my life and to strive to life it fully and well.

And so, I am coming back to you. I’m still not sure what to say or how to say it, but I’m here nonetheless.

Friends, many times as I have thought about my blog, I have wondered what the purpose of it is – what I want to accomplish through it. I have often thought about vulnerability, honesty, community, and encouragement. I know that if we are open and honest with one another, we are able to encourage each other, learn and grow from each other, and share in all that life has together.

And vulnerability is what I am pondering now. As much as I think it is important, I also find that I tend to shy away from it in the hardest times. As I’ve grown to know myself more and more, I realize that I often think I am a vulnerable person, but most of the time the vulnerability comes after the storm, after the harshest of emotions, when it is easy to share, when I am less like to cry, to feel foolish. However, this is not complete vulnerability. I also find it hard to share about difficult times because I try to be a positive and optimistic person. I don’t want to be the person that brings the conversation down. But sometimes honesty and sharing life with each other means we have to enter those depths. Together. And honestly, there is probably nothing I appreciate more than a friend I can cry to and with. I think that crying together bring hearts closer together.

So, I am here to say now that part of the reason I have not blogged lately is because life has been hard. Confusing. Frustrating. Awkward. Blah. Sad. Changing. And filled with many more events and emotions that I often don’t understand.

Many things in life are changing for me. This does not mean that all are bad. For example, I am back at home in Kansas now. This is a wonderful thing for me. I am delighted to be around family and close friends. I know that this is where I am supposed to be. So, in this change there are many blessings. But blessings don’t necessarily make it easy either. I miss Canada. I miss my friends. I miss Vancouver. And I seriously miss my job. I miss being busy with things that I enjoy and things that have purpose and make me feel like I am making a difference. Basically, I miss what felt like my dream job. So in this change, it is both good and hard. As the optimist I try to be, I try to see the good things –family, friends, the beautiful fall we are having this year, and cheaper living! ;) But this doesn’t change the fact that I am grieving something I’ve lost as well.

There are other changes. Changes that unfortunately cannot be discussed over the internet at this point. Hopefully one day I can share because I know many of you probably have wisdom to share. And because I like having you in my life. I want to open up to you. However, if we have the opportunity to talk in person, I would love to chat and share with you!

I am thankful to have a job. I am thankful that God provides. But if I am being honest, it’s not my dream job. I do not feel like I have much of a purpose. I am learning lots. Which is good, but not easy most of the time. I am so thankful for the people I work with – that I have the opportunity to get to know them and hang out with them! And I am thankful for my kids – even if they drive me bananas most days. They each have something special about them – I know I just need to work on looking a little harder most days.

I don’t want to be Debbie Downer here. But seriously, I wanted to share with you. Because, many of you want to know how I am really doing. And I want to know how you are really doing. I want to know how to pray for you and encourage you. I want to know your sorrows as well as your joys. I think we are meant for this as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. So, as hard as it might be to put some of my mess out there, I think it’s important. And I want to encourage you to do it as well. Find someone – a friend, a parent, a mentor, teacher, pastor, whoever! – and share with them the excellent and the trying parts of your life. And let them share. Being heard does wonders for a person’s heart. Being known and understood means so much. I would love to chat with you – about your life and about mine – to share some lunch, or coffee, or a computer screen on a skype date. I promise I will work to stay on top of this blog, to share more about life – the good and the hard – what I am learning, what I am doing. Life. We can learn from each other, right?

So, let’s share our lives, friends! Let’s cry together. Let’s laugh together. Let’s live this life out together. It’s a gift. And I think we are meant to share it.

Random

2011-10-11T13:41:00.001-07:00

Today, my blog post will be random, because there have been different things I've wanted to post about, and then new things I am thinking about come up. So, here they are, in bullet form:

- I just finished reading Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. In this book, Shauna tells stories of how she sees God in the little, every day, normal life things. And some of these every day life things are big - like death of a friend or family member - but that's life, isn't it? And God is in it all, isn't He? I believe so. I found this book to be so good and so touching, mostly because there were so many aspects that I could relate to her in. Life is life. And God is in each moment. Be looking for Him. And, if you want a good read, you should try Cold Tangerines.

- Today, the Lord is telling me that: I am a daughter of the King. This is my identity.

- Today I am also being reminded of something I learned on TREK, with a new facet. When I did TREK, I realized that I cannot control what other people say or do, all I can control is myself and how I respond. I am not responsible for others' actions, just my own. Today I am realizing this is not only in regards to me (what people may say or do to me) and how I respond, but also how people treat themselves. I am not able to change peoples' hearts and actions (only God can do that). I can love them, yes, but ultimately I can only do what I can do - I am responsible for how I respond. Sometimes we put huge burdens on ourselves that maybe shouldn't really be there. So, today I am praying for wisdom in knowing how to love and wisdom in knowing how to be responsible for just myself.

My prayer for you today is that you may be filled with His Peace and that you may know His love for you a little bit better!

Soul Food

2011-10-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... it's been ages. Ok, maybe not ages, and I know your lives have gone on without my bog posts... really, I'm not so ego-centric to think they haven't. :) But it's felt like ages since I posted last. Really, it has. Somewhere between the last time I posted and now, my life got kicked into high gear.

And I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it...

I think there will be more on that later. After some more pondering.

My heart and mind are pretty full right now (though I after to admit that they are rarely empty, even if it may feel like it at times). I went to an awesome conference this weekend called, Sentralized. Seriously - so great. I think one of these days I shall write about it. But not today.

The reason why I won't write about it today is because, well, for one, I am simply not ready (it just finished today). There is some processing that still needs to take place. But the second reason is because, I have decided (maybe re-decided?) that I want to blog because I love it and not because I feel like I have to.

Generally speaking, I find blogging to be life-giving. I confessed to another blogging friend recently that I often think in blogs. Yes, that's right - I think in blogs. At times it seems to be my way of processing things. I think to myself "How would I share about this experience on my blog." I "write" it all out in my head, work through my thoughts so they make sense, construct it in just the right way so that it has my voice, my personality. And I think I start to understand myself or my circumstances better when I do this.

Today, all I want to say (yes...."all" - the above is a bonus ;)) is that:

Cooking and baking while listening to smooth music with the house windows open and the fall air flowing through - it fills my soul. Yes - I said it - my soul. Maybe this sounds extreme. But I have this theory that God has created us uniquely, we each have a different imprint on our soul that He himself has left and there are certain things that fit perfectly in that marking. Cooking and fall seem to fit snuggly in my soul. And maybe one day, when I have to cook for my own family every (stinking!) meal of the day, I may not love it so much (though I hope I do!!). But today. Today I love cooking and baking with the fall air and John Mayer.

Thanks, Lord, for these blessings that fill me up!

Contentment

2011-09-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

I found myself in a delightful moment tonight. Actually, delightful might be too ... active... of a word for the moment.

Peaceful.
Full.
Fresh.
New.
Comfortable.

Yeah - those feel right.

In this moment, I felt content.

And I rejoiced and celebrated this.

Contentment often seems to be elusive. I hate that. Why do I often want what I can't have... or at least can't have right now? And I keep reminding myself that Paul found contentment because he had and he had not... but even more than that, He was content because he (and we) can do all things through Christ. ("Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:11-13 The Message)

I enjoyed this moment, and am quite thankful for it. A blessing from the Lord - a gift through Jesus.

Where and why did I experience this moment?

Quite simply enough - in my car. I enjoyed a lovely dinner with my grandma and dad tonight. I really enjoyed this time (and, I suppose, looking back, was also quite content, but this is not the moment I am thinking of). After dropping grandma off, while driving home, contentment settled over me as I thought about fall, football games, hot drinks, and oldies music.

And maybe part of my contentment comes from the fact that, in that moment, I felt ready for fall. I love fall (I think I have finally decided it's my favorite season), but summer just felt too short this year, and I was not feeling ready for fall. But now, I am. I am content. I am ready. And I am excited. Fall brings a feeling of newness to me - a fresh start (probably because the last 20-odd years of my life, the year has always began in September). So, bring it on fall, I am ready for all you have for me.

And thanks, Lord, for bringing this gift of contentment. I thank you that you make me who I am and that you are with me always. This thought alone brings contentment itself. And I thank you that in the right time, you fulfill the desires of our hearts (Psalm 145:19)!

May you find contentment through Christ, in the little things, in the big things, in whatever area you need it!

Party Time Job

2011-09-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have wondered (if you keep up with my facebook at all) what this "party time job" is all about. Let me explain - some days my fingers and my brain don't always connect very well (which I am struggling with today due to tiredness, so please excuse any typos or grammar mistakes :))... and this one time I wrote a status and meant to say "part time job" but wrote "party time job." So, that is the explanation of that. That being said, I DO have a part time job - I just started today. Also, due to lack of sleep and tiredness, this post will be short. I will talk more about my job. But for now, here are the basics: I have a part time job at a Catholic preschool. This preschool provides afterschool day care for elementary kids at the Catholic elementary school. I pick the kids up after school (it's just right across the street), take them to recess, have snack, work on homework, and do creative projects and free play. This week I am mostly just observing the head teacher I am taking over for and helping out. I'm pretty excited. It's kind of like having my own, smaller, classroom. But it will be different in ways as well. I need to take some time to sit down and think through what sort of environment I want to create for the students.

So, that is a very short description of my new part(y) time job. I'm sure I'll have more to say later. As long as it's professional of course :)

I also wanted to let you all, me devoted readers, know that I am going to be revamping my blog a bit in the next few days. My dear friend Kassie, who has an awesome blog here, is going to help me with figuring out how you can design and reconfigure some things. All that being said, I also wanted to inform you that I plan to keep up blogging. Initially, I had started my blog because I was doing a ten month mission trip. Well, those ten months morphed basically into two years (God has a funny way of doing that :)). But here's the thing - the mission doesn't end when you come back to North America. We're called to be missionaries everywhere we are... including home (if you disagree, let me know why, and I'll share my reasons behind my beliefs.... and if you read long enough, you might hear more about it anyway :)). So, I want to keep on writing about living an open Christian life. And here's the other thing - I love blogging! Seriously, I really do. I don't know if you like reading my blog... but every time I post, there are views, so I guess some people out there keep coming back (thanks!!). So, I'm here to stay, for a while longer anyway, to share my life with you. So, let the good times roll! Hopefully I will continue to have good things to say (assuming I have in the first place ;)), and hopefully I can be a little more organized than I have been in the last few weeks (my posts have felt very scattered, but that's ok, par for the course of my life right now I guess). So - stick around, I will be. And be on the look out for a few changes (hopefully good ones) around here!!

Thanks for faithfully following me! I love being able to share my thoughts about life with you!

Inspiration

2011-09-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it feels like it's that time again. Like I should be writing another post.

And then I read a friend's blog and was reminded and inspired to live life. And I thought - I don't always need to be the one saying things. So, visit my friend's site. Be inspired A) to pray for her and her family, and B) to live life. Be honest about the ups and downs of life, but don't let any of those things stop you from living. That's my reminder today - Live.

Good Life

2011-08-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

I really like this song... a lot because it's catchy... but also a good part because of the lyrics. Read below if you would like. Or just watch the vid. (I think there's two cuss words, just fyi for those that would prefer not to listen.)

[Verse 1]

Woke up in London yesterday
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Don't really know how I got here
I got some pictures on my phone

New names and numbers that I don't know
Address to places like Abbey Road
Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want
We're young enough to say

[Chorus]

Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life

[Verse 2]

To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Col-or-ado

Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out
Sometimes there's bullsh** that don't work now
We are god of stories but please tell me-e-e-e
What there is to complain about

[Bridge 1]

When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in

[Bridge 2]

Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cuz hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about

By OneRepublic

I like this song because they are singing about how this life is a good life. The singer is living life to the max, loving it, and seeing all the potential to come. He even confesses that there's some junk in life that really sucks... but still, this is the good life, and it will keep being the good life.

And that's how I feel. This life - it is good and it's gonna be good. There's junk, for sure. Things haven't quite been what I've expected (this summer... or even in the last few years). There's some cruddy stuff that has happened and is happening. It's not all rainbows and butterflies (though, there are those times too :)). But you know what - this is a good life. And I know, despite the rough stuff that the future may hold, it holds just as much (if not more) excellent stuff as well. And, on an even better note, I don't have to deal with the junk on my own, I have Christ to walk me through it all. (Psalm 145:13-19 "The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.")

So, " this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life"

And I am so thankful for the people God has put in my life, and the experiences He has given me or let me live through, that have made up this good life!

Recap

2011-08-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Well, it's been a long time... longer than I would have liked. There seems to be two things that have slowed me down on my blogging:

1) I feel like I've been insanely busy (more about that to come)

2) Whenever I think about blogging, my mind gets overwhelmed.... life has been filled with a plethora of different experiences and emotions and it is hard to sort through those (let alone what is internet worthy)

So, there you have it, my two excuses. I'm sure your life has gone on just fine without my blog, for which I am quite glad.

Now it's time for the recap! What exactly have I been doing in this last month or so? Let me tell you!

I wrapped up my time in Abbotsford as an intern for the TREK program. The month of June was debrief month. It was insanely busy, but oh so good. The winter TREK group came back the first two weeks of June for the debrief and the fall TREK teams followed after. This time was filled with lots of listening. Good practice on a year long lesson God has been teaching me. I absolutely loved all the stories I got to hear. It was such a joy to see these teams after three or seven and half months of ministry and hear and see what God has done in their lives. Seriously, I could probably go on and on about the awesome things I saw in these TREKers - the changes God worked in their lives and hearts - and the awesome stories of how God used them. So, instead of taking up blog space, I'll give you an invitation instead. Yeah - that's fun! Who doesn't want to be invited to a party of sorts? So, you are invited to Community Bible Church on Sunday, August 21st for a Celebrating Missions Night at 6:30 pm. Andrea will also be sharing about her TREK experience along with me and potentially a few other CBCers who have done some summer missions. Come hear what God is up to around the world and in the hearts of His people!

I left Abbotsford and returned home at the beginning of July. I got to spend Canada in Canada - which was a blast! - and Independence Day in Kansas! What a celebratory few days!

After being home for just a few days, my niece from California came to visit for a week. We did a ton! We had a blast! And she loved Kansas. Who knows... maybe one day she'll go to KU for school... she's pretty set on it since that's where Grandpa used to teach. :)

After that I flew off to Hawaii and spent two weeks there with Mom and Collin. We had a blast. The weather was wonderful and it was so beautiful. It was relaxing on top of all of that!

Leaving Hawaii behind, I got to spend about a week at home. Boy, jet lag sure stunk... so that seemed to occupy my mind the first few days back. But other than jet lag, I spent a lot of time with friends and family. And... packing to go to Florida.

Now I am in Florida with Dad and Collin. We are also primarily relaxing here as well. Shoot - after all of these vacations, I should be back in good health after a year of too much sickness.

So - that is the "what I've been up to" update. There is still SO much more to blog about, this is just a sort of time line as of late. I will be back - back with pictures (!), ponderings on life, and thoughts for the future of my blog. Please stay tuned! :)

Behind

2011-07-28T14:33:00.001-07:00

Wow - I am behind.

Behind in posting.

Behind in reading others' blogs.

Just Behind.

However...
I'm on vacation.
So, there won't be a new post yet.

But, if you actaully enjoy reading my blog ;), please be assured that there will be another post soon. I've been formulating it in my mind as I sit on the sunny beaches of Hawaii (sorry, please don't be too jealous ;)). I'll be back. And I'll read your blog and write mine.

Until then, have a fantastic day... and please don't die of heat stroke if you are living through the current heat wave!

Final Week

2011-06-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, my friends!

As many of you know... and as many of you may not know... my time here in BC is coming to a close. I leave this Saturday to head back to good ol' Kansas.

I can't even believe how fast ten months has gone by.

I'm sure there are many thoughts I could share about my time spent here or about my thoughts and feelings towards going home. However, honestly, I don't have all of these things figured out. The fact is, I'm going back. Period. It's happening whether I like it or not. And really - I do like it... and I don't. These sorts of things are always bitter-sweet. Always. So, I will save my reflections and thoughts for a later post... whenever I have those things sorted out more.

But I would love love love your prayers in this next week! Here are a few things you can be praying for:

-I am sick.... yes, that's right - again. Oh well - that's my life. Please pray for a quick healing. And please pray that travel goes well on Saturday - I am nervous that the flight might be painful for my already plugged ears :(
-All the details that go into leaving - packing, cleaning, getting rid of stuff, doing all the paper work for my sold car (Praise the Lord - it's sold!:))
-For the goodbyes. Boo - this sucks. Pray that I will have the right words. And that God will bless the relationships I have here so that we may continue in them!
-For anything else I may have forgotten :P
-For all the details about going home to fall into place, whatever those things are

Thanks a million! It's so wonderful to know that people all around are praying for me. I know God answers prayers - I've seen it over and over again! For those of you in KS - I am excited to see you! For those of you in other parts of the world - know that you are dear to my heart and often in my thoughts and prayers!

How does One Heart hold SO much?

2011-06-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

Seriously though - how does one little heart hold so much at one time? Seriously.... I just don't understand it. Maybe this is one of those "Welcome to being an adult" moments. Or maybe it's a "Welcome to LIFE" moment. I'm not sure which. But whatever it is, it is.

You're probably super curious as to what I'm even talking about. Good ;) I've caught your attention

Lately, I've been feeling so many different things. And I really do wonder, "How is it even possible to feel such vastly different emotions at one time." There's some trepidation at going home and all the changes that I will have to face, deal with, and learn to navigate. There's trepidation at going home after two years of mission - what does living a "normal" life look like? Though, I have to say, I don't desire a "normal" life one bit (and just to clarify, when I say normal, I mean a life where I am not striving to live with and for God in whatever I do - even the seemingly normal things like buying coffee, grocery shopping, or doing laundry). I'm insanely excited for what God has next. There are still lots of details to work out in all of this (and yes, I recognize I still haven't "revealed" here on my blog yet what I am doing.... again, there are still details to be worked out and people to be informed first before the internet world gets to know). I'm happy to be going home to see family and friends. I am sad to be leaving friends (who are my family) here. At times there seems to be lots to figure out. Other times it seems I just need to go with the flow.

But as I type this, I am reminded of God's words to me a few days ago - Be at Peace. Amidst all the emotions, I can be at peace with Him.

It's all in His hands.

Thank goodness!

Blessings in the Busyness

2011-06-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I suppose it's time for an update. It seems like there's a ton going on, so it's hard to know what to share. :)

Well, the debrief for the Winter TREK group just finished. It's crazy how two weeks can go by so quickly, and yet feel like such a long amount of time. It's been absolutely wonderful to spend two weeks with these friends of mine - to hear their stories, ask them questions, and process things with them. And you know what else? I love being able to see the transformation and change in their lives! Literally, every one of them has come back transformed in some way or another. To be able to see how Christ has worked in them is phenomenal! God is good!

While the Winter TREKers were here we did lots of things with them, including:
- seeing them recover from jet lag :)
- bbqs
- play games like Incan Gold and Telephone Pictionary
- listen to lots of wonderful stories
- try food from each team that is native to the country they served in
- meet with a church prayer group
- talk and listen lots
- have meetings with them, listen to stories - hard and good ones
- bowling
- have breakfast with them nearly every morning
- pray for them
- pray with them
- study the Word with them
- laugh lots
- hug lots
- share my re-entry experience
- learn more about re-entry again
- listen to speakers
- do logistical stuff
- visit Grandville Island
- enjoy many Dollar Drinks from McDonald's :)
- eat tons of food
- watch Canuck's games
- experience the excitement of Abbotsford after the Canucks won a game
- and so much more I can't think of!

I feel really blessed to be able to have this position - to sit on this end of their 5 month experience and literally see how God has shaped and grown them. Wow - how am I so lucky to have this job?! God blesses me through each of these TREKers every day.

In two days the Fall TREKers get back! I am super pumped for this too!! I can't wait to hear their stories and see their growth. God is so good! :)

Do you ever wonder?

2011-05-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever look into the future and wonder what God has for you...

And get excited?

I find myself in that place a lot lately. Not only for the near future (ie, when I get back to KS after finishing my internship), but the future that seems to be further out.

I have these thoughts and dreams that seem so far out there, out of the ordinary, hard, exciting, and everything in between... and I wonder, is God growing something in my heart now for later?

I guess time will tell. And I am excited to see how God chooses to orchestrate the details of my life!

A Year Ago Yesterday

2011-05-16T22:29:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be fun to see what I was up to a year ago. What I may have blogged about. So, here's the post from exactly one year ago... yesterday! Check it out! It's a fun one about my team literally being criminals in Ukraine. :) I am glad to say that It's been one year since then, so I have officially been able to re-enter Ukraine for 6 months now! Woot! And for all you Ukraine friends out there, I truly hope to come visit you sometime. Maybe I will be able to make it out next summer. Be praying that God provides the money and time necessary! :)

And on this date today, I:

- went to work
- worked hard
- got my oil changed (I am a responsible adult - I have gotten my oil changed three times since being here, and all within reasonably good time of their due date! yay!)
- went out to dinner with Jackie!! It was so good to catch up. Ate some good pizza (and even restrained myself enough to have lunch... maybe even for two days!), and shared some good times
-the engine light went on in my car....grr....
-made egg-less brownies for a bbq tomorrow night.... there were no more eggs left in the house but I really wanted to make brownies
-tried on a few dresses that I might borrow for a wedding I am going to on Saturday!
-wrote this post :)

Anyway... just another day in the life of Sarah.

Two years ago I was nearing my college graduation... and probably never would have thought I would be where I am today :)

Rest in the Lord

2011-05-09T17:48:00.001-07:00

I love my job.

Sure, there are days when the work can be mundane, or the day just seems really long. However, there are days when the time flies, when I laugh lots, when I get to skype with TREKers, when I read stories and look at pictures of what God is doing around the world. There are days when I get to comb bookstore and library shelves for new books for the TREK curriculum. And there are days I get to pray.

About a week and a half ago I was feeling really.... disconnected... from God. In all honesty, I'd let the distractions of life draw me away from spending time with my Lord. Add sickness, which disrupts daily routine, in there and you get a recipe for disconnectedness. I finally had decided two weekends ago that I was done with it. I needed to hear from God, I needed to just spend some time with Him. I knew He missed me too. In all honesty, I have been feeling Him woo me in these last few weeks - asking me to draw closer, to spend time, to offer myself.

Well, I was somewhat at a loss as to when I would have a chance to spend to spend a long amount of time with God - reconnecting. That Sunday was a sunny day and I found about an hour to lay on the grass outside reconnecting with Jesus. It was brilliant and wonderful. I truly found peace in His presence. Nothing profound happened - no lightning strikes or thunder rolls, just peace. But really, when can we ever say just peace? Peace is a lot more than "just."

But that is only part of the story. As I went to work the next day, I found out my boss was going to take a prayer day later in the week. "I want one of those!" I thought to myself. So I asked, "What is a prayer day, and can Jes and I have one of those too?" Sure enough, we could!

So, I took Wednesday last week as a day of prayer. What a blessing to be allowed to leave work, go to wherever I choose, and just spend (much needed) time with God. I went to an Abbey in a near by town... I think I have posted photos before... and spent a few hours on a lone bench overlooking a river and the valley. The sun shone directly on me - I even got a bit of a sun burn (thank goodness! I also need some sun!!). This time was also very peaceful. As I sat there, talking with God, and trying to listen, I felt Him whisper "Rest in the Beauty of My Presence."

And so that's what I did. Wednesday was truly a restful day with the Lord. That day I felt like I was sitting with a good friend on the bench. Whatever came to my head, I shared with God. I prayed about my life, I prayed for the TREKers, I observed the people that came and went, and I took pictures of nature and beauty. This day was truly restful and peaceful.

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

I hope you can find some time in life to just find rest in the beauty of the Lord!

(photos taken by me at the New Westminster Abbey in Mission, BC)

Generosity

2011-05-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was reading 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. This passage is about how the Corinthian believers started out generous and how Paul encourages them to continue being generous. He also mentions their heart in the matter. I watched a Nooma video by Rob Bell today and he mentioned something about giving - God doesn't want us to give out of guilt or obligation, he wants us to give with a sincere heart. God desires that we give Him our heart. As we offer our heart to Him, He starts to shape it like His - stirring our hearts towards the things of His heart. This too is true of giving - we give because He loves us and we love what He loves.

As I read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, my heart began to swell as I realized how truly fortunate I am for all the financial support people have offered me. I am also very fortunate for the emotional and spiritual support that people have offered as well! All three are necessary - I wouldn't be able to do my job very well if I lacked one of these (if I lacked money - I wouldn't be here, if I lacked emotional and spiritual support - I would have a hard time offering this to the TREKers as well). As I sat thinking about this, I began to rejoice over all of you! I thanked God profusely for you! You are living out the generosity that Paul teaches about. And I believe that as you give, as you pray, as you encourage, you are living out God's heart as well. He truly desires that His Kingdom be furthered and I truly believe that you and I are a part of this as we help to equip young adults to serve Christ overseas now and other places in the future.

So, all of this to say - THANK YOU!

And! I am praising God big time and would love to ask you to do so with me! I sent out an update letter to several people about two or so weeks ago. In this letter, I mentioned that I still needed $2,000 for my funds to be here. I believe many of you have been praying about this. And many of you have felt God's stirrings to donate as well! I now only have $1,300 left to raise! Wow! Incredible! God is good - thank you for letting Him use you!

Please continue to pray for this last $1,300 to come in. If God so stirs your heart you can either a) write me and I can send you a support form or b) go here. Click on the appropriate flag for what currency you are donating in next to the TREK Winter 2011. There will be a drop down list for participants and you can find my name (it should be added in the next day or so!).

Know that, as Paul writes in the beginning of his letters, I thank my God every time I remember and pray for you!

Blessings!

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." 2 Corinthians 8:12

I feel so fortunate to get to serve the way I do!

As the World Turns... or Spins.... otherwise known as Vertigo

2011-04-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

I figured I'd better post so you didn't think I went to the dr. and never came back... hospitals and dr. offices can be dangerous places...

Ok - enough of my terrible attempt at humor.

Time for the health update - After going to the walk-in clinic (the dr. there was much more helpful than the one at the emergency room), I learned that I had vertigo. The dr. thought I probably had a viral infection that went to my inner ear and caused vertigo. Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do for viral infections - antibiotics and such don't help with it, he said it would take 6 to 8 weeks to get better. So, I have been trying to pump my system full of vitamins, minerals, other healthy things. I've been drinking lots of water and taking it easy. I nervously went back to work. But so far it has been good. For a while I was still getting pretty bad headaches, but I am glad to say those have ceased. I still get dizzy, more so when I am about and active (so, at the office, it's alright. Flying, traveling, and doing lots of awesome crazy stuff in San Antonio on the other hand.... caused a little more dizziness). So, there ya have it - the health update! I am trying to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and take it somewhat easy. As well as figure out how to be a healthier me!

Thankfully, life these last few days have felt more than just about vertigo (I now understand why older people often talk mostly about their ailments - because it's pretty easy to let your world become all about those issues)! Now the question is - what is the best format to report all the wonderful things as of late? Hum... let's try bullet point for something new :-)

-Finally got my taxes figured out (thank goodness). I'm amazed at how quickly things in life can change. I went from owing about $750 in taxes to Canada to getting $150 back from them! Praise the Lord!
- My computer is DYING. Seriously. Blue Screen of Death. GRRR. Thank goodness for a work computer I can borrow!
- I just got back from San Antonio. I went there with MB Mission to help with presentations at the MB National Youth Conference. IT ROCKED!
- I am slightly more tan thanks to an awesome tan session by the pool in SA.
- I got to connect with some pretty sweet CBC youth. And I remembered how I seriously
miss my church family.
- Met some awesome awesome awesome new people - especially some more MB Mission
staff!
- Enjoyed sweet community with the MB Mission staff while in SA.
- Saw prayers answered.
- Heard from the Lord!
- HAD A BLAST.
- Reconnected with people.
- Felt like I was home.
- Was refreshed.

Remember the Alamo

Jes and I put on dresses and had a date - we ate at Rio Rio- a yummy restaurant on the river!

Illness

2011-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking the last few days, "Hum... I should probably post..... but what to post about??" This question mostly stems from the fact that I have been sick for the last week - hence, not a lot has happened. Also, I didn't just want to come on my blog and complain about being sick. Sometimes I can be a complainer - to get sympathy, you know. I think its more of a sub-conscious thing, but it still happens. So, I'm trying not to do that.

So, here are the basic facts you need to know, so you can pray, if you choose to. :-) I woke up a week ago dizzy - never experienced that before. I have been dizzy ever since, with some nausea and headaches to boot. When I am laying down, I often feel fine, but once I get up, I start to feel sick again. So - that's the long and short of it.

But this blog is more of a reader response blog. I would love to learn two things from you and your illness experiences (if you don't mind sharing, that is)!

First question... well, first a smidge of background. I have been pondering and reflecting on the question this year -how do I remain faithful to God where I am at now (my singleness, my busyness, my slowness, away from family, whatever!)? So, this question has been floating in my head these last days - how do I remain faithful, even as I am sick? Because honestly, I kind of put life on hold a lot when I'm sick. But.... when being sick is for more than a week and doesnt have an end in sight, life can't be put on hold. I have wondered, what did the lady who bled for 12 years do? So, what do you do/have done when you are sick to remain faithful to the Lord?

The second question is less serious. What movies or tv shows do you recommend? I watched 3.5 half seasons of Friends, and finished the series (sad!), caught up on Modern Family, and watched all of Raising Hope (fun show!). I watched a few episodes of Bones, which I like. I watched two fun movies - Bottle Shock and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Oh... and The Goonies of course (you didn't think I could be sick without watching that movie did you?). I have started a few other movies, but find my attention span seems to have shortened (probably from watching... um...84 or so half hour episodes of Friends in the last week... yikes)). But I would stick it out for a really good one! Oh, I've also finished one book and started a new one!

Anyway, that's all for now! Just curious what you all think.... please respond (it'll give me something to check every half out after I finished an episode of whatever show I'm watching). Oh, also, for you moms and other sweet and caring people out there - I have already seen a dr and plan to go to another one tomorrow for another opinion (just don't want you to worry too much! :)).

Prayer and Peace

2011-03-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today I covered reception. This involved answering phones, getting and distributing mail, stuffing envelopes, and making coffee. And talking with some pretty neat people I don't see often on my side of the office.

It also left me with a lot of time to think.

(In case you couldn't tell from my lack of posts, I went back to work last week. And then KODI CAME TO VISIT ME! She probably will post some pics on her blog.... which I am not sure how public she wants her blog to be... but... you'll enjoy her picture of the day theme!)

There are several things I pondered on. However, none of those things are what I want to share tonight. :)

Tonight I want to ask for your prayers. Tonight my thoughts are filled with the future. In November, I started praying for God to stir my heart towards what He wants for what's to come after my internship is finished. In these last few months, I have felt my heart stirred. As I start to look more in depth into a certain possibility for the next step, I get more and more excited. It seems like it is a culmination of a lot of things I have been interested in and passionate about in the last several years. It's somewhere God is moving that I can see myself joining.

At this point, I think I will refrain from details (though, if I have spoken face to face with you, I have probably been quite transparent about what I am considering and praying through). Don't worry though, I will certainly share details to come. Right now, though, I would love to ask you to join me in praying. Today in staff devotions, a lady, who is also a missionary candidate waiting to serve in India, shared through one of my favorite passages, Philippians 4:4-8. " Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." I would love to ask you to pray for peace. I feel quite a bit of peace about this step. However, I find that I sometimes have a hard time committing to something (not really the commitment part - but the saying that I am actually doing something takes a bit of effort to get to). So, please pray that God would give peace for what He wants me to do next - even if its just a small step in a series of steps that gets me to what He has next for me. Please pray that I would not get ahead of Him, that I would walk in His timing, and not my own.

I know God has a plan and I am so excited for what that plan is! Not knowing the future can be either scary or exciting - I think it depends on how you choose to view it. I am choosing to view this as an adventure. Who knows what wild ride He's going to take me on next! :)

Thank you for your prayers - I really appreciate them! If you wouldnt mind, I would love to add one more prayer request. My back has really been bothering me lately and I would love prayers in that as well. Thanks!

Is there anything I can be praying for you? I would love to!

A random picture - me and my bro at my going away party this summer the night before I left for Canada. He might not like this picture, but I do. Shout out to you, Collin!

TREK ruins lives

2011-03-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well, a blog post twice in a week! Woop!

And, I seemed to get quite the responses from my last post. All about singleness. I think I could write a blog all about singleness. I know for me it's nice to hear honestly from other single people about the struggles and joys of being single. It's encouraging to have that sort of honest conversation. However, I will refrain from writing just about being single, because there's more to me and my life than being single. Sure, it's a big part and influences most of what I do (cuz let's face it, if I wasn't single, I probably wouldn't be living in Canada and serving with TREK, for a second year in a row), but there is much more to what God teaches me and how He uses me. This actually could spark another great "musing" about life - how we are not compartmentalized and how all of our lives flow together - we're kind of like finger paintings kids make, where the colors are all swirled together - one is never not affected by another.

Anyway! I'm sure many of you are wondering about the title to my blog. Yes, TREK has ruined my life! I was warned about this effect of TREK by friends who had done it and even by the coordinator, Luke, himself. However, I didn't believe it. How could something so good ruin my life? Even after coming back, during debrief, I thought, "Naw, this hasn't ruined my life." But now....

But now, I see that it has. TREK has indeed ruined my life. As I have been talking to my co-trekers - as I look at their lives and how they are searching for whats next - and as I look at my own life and the search for whats next, I see it. Here's what I mean by ruined:

TREK has ruined my life for any possibility of just being. At this point, I am no longer able to accept living an ordinary, un-meaningful life. I can't just get a job, just do things I enjoy and for myself. Life has to have meaning. I have to find something to do that is beyond myself, that is bigger than me, that is for the Kingdom. I have to do this because I have experienced it first hand and won't be satisfied with anything else. In some ways this is SO exciting! I mean, what is more exciting and unpredictable than living for and serving in the Kingdom of God? Really? Nothing! However, it's also scary and makes me a little weary at the thought. Maybe many of you can relate. We love serving the Lord, but it takes time, it takes energy, it takes a lot of things that sometimes we get tired of giving. But I guess in some ways that's the point. We are called the count the cost, to die to ourselves daily. Christ gave up so much, surely I can offer my time, energy, and love (all things He gave me in the first place).

But mostly, this idea of my life being ruined excites me. Goodness - in the last few years I have viewed life with God as an adventure. But boy oh boy - this has been more true than I realized. Who ever just jet-sets from one country to the next? One day I'm in Canada, the next I'm in the US (granted, many people where I live do, since I'm about 15 minutes from the border :-)). And what's next? Sometimes that can be an overwhelming question. But you know what - it's in God's hands, He has a plan - He always does - He'll guide me. There will struggles in whatever I choose next. I am not too niave to think that life is perfect, without hurt and struggles. But I know that God heals, I know He walks with us like the loving Father He is (Isaiah 41:13). I'm also not so cynical to think that all of life sucks. :-) God gives us many many gifts of joy. For which I am so thankful! One of my gifts that brings me joy is cooking (just one among many)!

Ok - I think this has once again turned into a long blog. Sorry - I am just not a concise blog writer. I think part of this comes from my desire to be open, vulnerable, and honest here. I know that the people who read this blog are my brothers and sisters, are part of my community, and I believe God wants us to be open and honest with each other. As I share my journey, hopefully you are encouraged. I sure as heck know that when you share your journey, I am encouraged and spurred on! Lord knows I get excited talking to people about what He is doing in their lives! So, my challenge for the day is - open up to someone, share what the Lord is doing/teaching in your life. Also, use that encouragement to do something. We all need to be encouraged to take the step past talking (that surely includes me!). Well, now I'm really just rambling. Blessings to you all!

**Update: Response to a wonderful comment**

I had a wonderful friend point out that working a "normal" job or taking care of your family is also serving God. I realized that I did not do a good job of making this clear as well. I AGREE! :-) I fully believe that we ALL are called to live missionally. Unfortunately, many people don't see this. :-( However, no matter what we do, we should be doing it for the Kingdom. A HUGE thing I learned on TREK is that God uses ordinary situations to make extraordinary relationships for His Kingdom. I believe that He places us where we are for a reason. So - that barista at Starbucks you've gotten to know, she needs to know Jesus; your kid's kindergarten teacher, he needs Jesus, too; your children - your ministry is to raise them to be Christ loving and serving people who also want to continue to Kingdom. Life, no matter where it is lived, is an adventure because we are living it with Christ and when we live by the Spirit's leading, we dont know where He will lead us or to what. So - maybe the new challenge is to ask God what He wants you to do where you are now. Because if you are intentional, you can and are making an impact for the Kingdom. No matter where you live or what you do, you are just as important as any other Christian. Serve Him with whatever you have!

Thanks for your honesty, friends, as well as your grace with my mis-communication! :-)

Dear Mr. or Ms. Anonymous....

2011-03-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. or Ms. Anonymous,

Your comment on my last blog is coming true... a week or so later. I honestly had ambition to write sooner. Life gets in the way. So - here's an update on TREK. And maybe if y'all are lucky, I'll even write some of my musings as of late! (Anonymous - I truly hope you enjoy the update! ;-))

Well, since I wrote last many things have happened. Let's see if my brain can remember it.... well, I can remember the most recent. lol. Last week was the TREKers last week in Canada. It was a full week for them and for me. Jes and I "taught" a session about expectations. I pray that God uses this time to prepare them for their time overseas and understanding the things they experience and feel while there. We served the TREKers a banquet style dinner, which was delicious and fun! The next night was the famine part of the illustration. Luckily, we were still able to have the bonfire (it had been raining and snowing for a week or two... boo). We had the commissioning service on Thursday night and then promptly jumped in the suburban to take Team Philippines to the airport. Then team Ukraine. Then the next day I traveled with Team Germany to Seattle - they flew off to Germany and I flew off to Kansas! It was quite the whirlwind week that left me feeling seriously exhausted (but now I am home and sleeping lots!). I miss my dear TREK friends (and if any of you fall TREKers are reading this, rest assure that I miss YOU too!!). The TREKers have truly become friends to me - I feel quite blessed to have them in my life!!

Well, that is a quick update on the actual events. Now to the musings... there have been quite a few lately it seems.

Well, one contemplation as of late has been about community/the body of Christ. I feel completely blessed for the community that God has given me. It's interesting how He teaches us things that seem to be the flip side of the coin from each other, but really go hand in hand. Here's what I mean.

God has been teaching me about being an independent woman. It's no secret that I am single. And, it's probably also no secret that I look forward to being a wife and mom one day in God's timing. I have moved to a new country, all by myself. Live, somewhat by myself. I do a lot of things by myself. The combination of this plus my single state can be difficult and frustrating at times. My car needs air in the tires, I want a Christmas tree, it snows and I live up the mountain - as silly as these things may seem, I often wish I had a man in my life to help me with them. Granted, I know I can do these things, but that doesn't change the fact that it would be easier if I had someone else around. However, God has been speaking to me - reminding me that I am an independent woman - I can in fact do these things on my own. I carried my six foot Christmas tree from my car to my house and set it up, Jes taught me how to air up my tires, I take my car in for a regular oil change, etc. And generally speaking... I make it up the mountain in the snow.

But God uses snow and mountains to teach the flip side of the independent woman coin. He teaches the community side. About two weeks ago, it snowed, and sleeted, and who knows what else. Well, when I left work around 7, it was fine. However, I forgot one important detail, that as I get to my house (which is higher in elevation than where I work) the weather and roads get worse. Also, I don't have winter tires. Boo. And I drive a standard. And I'm not a pro. All of these, plus a red light near the crest of a hill, lead to a very unfortunate situation - my car not being able to make it up the hill after being stopped, and sliding backward several yards. A huge adrenaline rush, shaky hands and legs, and near tears also resulted. But more than that, I was reminded of the fact that I need to be dependent on my community.

Sometimes it's easy to get so into wanting to do things on my own, or wanting to be alone because it's easier, that I forget that we are created to be the church - to help each other, to encourage each other, to enjoy each other, to learn from one another. As I sat on the side of the road, watching car after car drive past me, I was so very thankful for my community that was willing to leave their nice warm house on a snowy night to find me and help me, to tow my car up over the hill, and to follow me home to make sure I made it alright.

So there's a balance to all of this, isn't here? One I probably still need to learn better. God has created me as an intelligent woman who is quite capable of doing things; He's given me a brain to learn to air up my tires, to pay my taxes, to lock the doors when I'm home alone, and so much more. He wants me to use what He has given me. But He's given me more than just my own capabilities, He has given me a community to lean on as well. And not only do I get to lean on them, they can lean on me as well. I am thankful and rejoice for all that God has given and where He has me in life now.

Well - there's more that I have been reflecting on lately, but this is long enough. My dear friends, as you go about your week, may you know God is with you, holding your hand, as you experience this adventure called Life.

My community - Corina, Jason, Jes, Matt, Luke, Jo, and Kate! There are others in my community not pictured - Gay and Brian, Annelisa and Brian, MB Mission staff

Thanks, Amelia, for the pictures!

Am I a Blogger?

2011-02-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Last night, as I was hanging out with the TREKers, one said, "Some people need to update their blogs." As I looked at her, I knew I was one of those such people who needed to update. Truth be told... I have known for... oh, two weeks or so. I have just been trying to figure out, what is the best thing to write. So, in the last few days, I have been contemplating what to write about. I have a few ideas. So, I decided to do some research - What exactly makes a good blog?

Well, one website said that if I'm not posting at least once a week, then I am a slacker. Check. Slacker it is. Either that or my life is crazy busy (does getting home at 11pm, going to bed, and then leaving the house by 8am count as busy?). But needless to say, I need to write more. I don't think I have hit the mark of being a "blogger" yet... however - my research also said that people tend to be inspired by other bloggers to become one, I have found this to be extremely true. I have to thank my friends like Kassie, MaryBeth, LynAnne, and many others for writing blogs and posting other peoples' blogs on their Facebook. I can't get enough of them.

So, all that being said. I want my blog to be something you want to read.

So, back to the few ideas I had for this blog. I've been thinking about the fact that this blog is part of my ministry... well, more specifically, it is part of the way I invite you - my friends, my family, coworkers, classmates, believers, etc - to join me in this adventure God has called me to. This is how I share my life, share what He is doing, how He is using me, and how you can pray, encourage, and support me and help to advance God's Kingdom through it all. I truly want to invite you, encourage you, and share what is going on for me! I want to cast vision. That seems pretty mighty. At least I hope to cast the vision of what I do with TREK.

The thing I wanted to write about was a revelation I had about TREK. But I'll save that for my next blog. Hopefully I can be a good blogger and post within a week!

Back to what I do. I know I have given some descriptions, usually in face to face conversations, about what I do. But, I would love to share with you some more concrete, specific details of what I have been doing. So, here's what I did this last week:

- Theme of week: Evangelism
- Monday:
- Every Monday we have a leadership meeting at 8am to talk and pray through the week (every other day we have 8:30am meetings to do the same)
- Skipped morning session to try and answer emails. I read and replied to two. But, I had a wonderful talk with one of the cooks!
- Sat in on sessions
- Helped TREKers with a surprise birthday party they planned for another cook
-Tuesday:
- Co-lead a book discussion over The Beginners Guide to Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets
- More sessions!
- Had lunch with one of the TREK girls, debriefing some of the sessions and listening to how God is growing and stretching her
- 9pm - a meeting for the team leaders
- Wednesday:
- Went to a prayer meeting at 7am! Then had breakfast with the prayer warriors
- Session!
- Worked on visa stuff! I am working on getting of the TREKer's visa - she is going to Ukraine!
- this includes internet research, phone calls, filling out paperwork, getting a money order, double checking info. Now all I need to do is mail it to Toronto! Please be praying it gets approved and sent back in time for the team to leave!!
- Thursday:
- Session!
- Had lunch with MBMSI staff so they can continue to get to know the TREKers
- Finally read and responded to reflections from the TREKers out on the field
- Had the TREKers to my house for dinner!! SUCH A BLAST! We had good food and played outrageous games! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was a blessing to me and I hope it was to them as well!
- Friday:
- Session!
- Small group coffee time - this is a time for the TREKers to be in new groups and debrief the week with a leader. Luke leads ours, I have the privilege of being a part of it... and being the only girl. The guys are fun though!
- Prayer time with a TREKer
- Rush to the office to do some more visa work!
- Evening session about Evangelism
- Saturday:
- All day session over evangelism - including a "practicum" at the mall
- at the mall, Jes and I prayed for the TREKers, connected with them when we saw them, and I even talked to someone I didn't know (It was awkward. But that's ok - obedience is the key)
- Then, I just couldn't make myself leave after the session, so I stayed with the TREKers until 10:30pm!

Well, this is just one week of what I do. Some weeks are different. The things that are consistent from week to week are prayer, going out for coffee or lunch with TREK girls, eating meals with the TREKers, asking questions, listening, running around like crazy sometimes, (did I mention drinking coffee for my own survival? :)) and always, always, always having FUN!

If I were to have a life verse, it would be 1 Thessalonians 2:8 "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." My prayer is that this is truly what I am doing!

Thank you for your prayers and support! I intend to write an update letter soon to send out!

Until the next time I can be a good blogger!

2011-01-31T19:57:00.001-08:00

Time for another post. Sorry, no photos yet... my personal computer has a virus right now that I haven't had time to get off yet. Once I do, then I can put some pictures up!

Let's see... what to blog about this time around?

Life is full. Last week was one of the busiest ever! I had lots and lots of details to keep in my head for the Amazing TREK. Then, on Thursday, Jes and I went to Vancouver to set up for Missions Fest. Friday we lead three seminars for grade 6 - 8 students, then manned the MBMSI booth. Boy - it was a busy day! Then, we went home, I went to bed, and got up the next morning at 4:30 to start the Amazing TREK race! I'll spare you all the details - for there were many - but overall the day went really well. Things didnt necessarily go as planned, but we were flexible and everything went smoothly. The TREKers were tired, naturally, afterwards, but it was wonderful to be able to debrief the experience with them afterwards. Be in prayer that the Lord would continue to use this experience to prepare them for ministry overseas.

Thanks for your prayers for strength and energy in this last week! They were certainly needed and answered!

What else? The Lord has continued to speak to me about how He sees me. Beautiful and precious truths.

This week the TREKers learned about Personal Holiness last week and are studying Team and and Church Building this week. Please pray for the teams as they get to know each other. Pray for much grace and understanding. Pray for fun as well! :-)

This coming Thursday I have a chance to join Luke in going to a church seniors group to speak on seniors in mission. I will be able to share about what is going on in Ukraine and how they can join through prayer!

Thanks for all your prayers! God is faithful and works through them! I hope you are recognizing His work in your own life these days!

Blessings.

God Speaks

2011-01-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, Dear Friends!

So - here I am... updating again. "Already?" you think. Well, the answer is YES! :-) Now that TREK training is back on, life seems a little more exciting. Which, truth be told, the times when the TREKers are overseas are times when I need to be learning what it looks like to live my faith out in every day situations - the wake up, go to work, go home, read a book kind of day. God still speaks in those days - I just need to put on my glasses, the ones were I look through the lens of knowing this truth, of seeing reality that way, and looking for Him.

But that really was an aside... not what I was planning on writing at all. But that being said - here's a challenge - look for God and how He is speaking to you (through your heart, passions, circumstances, the Word, others, etc.) in your every day life. He is. I promise.

Well, TREK training started a week and a half ago, about. In some ways it has gone by so fast. In others, it feels forever ago. The group that we have now - 8 guys and 4 girls - is wonderful!! The are quite different than the last group - so I can honestly say I love both groups, but they are different! Also, one of my best friends, Andrea, is on TREK now - so that is super fun!!!

The TREKers are having their silent retreat now... hence the extra time to update my blog. Please be in prayer for them in this next day and a half - that distractions would be cleared away, that they would know and hear God's voice, that they would find rest and peace, and that God would blow their expectations out of the water!

Because this week's theme has been hearing God's voice, I have been listening more... hence hearing more. Here are a few things God has spoken to me:
- I belong to Him
- Waiting in the Lord's favor - like Joseph - he lived in God's favor, yet God had him waiting in some terrible situations before He took him on to something bigger (not that I am in a terrible situation... I'm not... but the concept of waiting has been coming to mind a lot lately)
- He is calling me into relationship with Him - and has promised me that I am safe with Him

These are just a few things.

I have some pictures... but maybe I will save that for a post all it's own!

Two big prayer requests!
- I still have about $2500 left to raise. Please be in prayer that God would provide this in the way He chooses. Please pray that I would be sensitive to His voice, if He is asking me to do anything specifically. Also, be praying and asking if He may be calling you to support me financially along with your prayers. He might not be... but He might be. :-)
- This next week is going to be crazy busy for me. Most nights are full which means I wont get home until late (I live about 30 minutes away from where I work and pretty much do everything else). Also, Jes and I are doing some stuff for MBMSI at Missions Fest in Vancouver - so we will be busy doing some seminars for Jr. High Youth. Then, Amazing TREK is this next weekend as well. For those of you that are TREKers and reading my blog... well, just don't ask any questions. :-) Just know, Jes and I are hard at work. :-) Needless to say, please be praying for strength in this coming week for both Jes and I. In particular, I don't do super well on not much sleep, so please pray for a supernatural energy and attitude. :-)

THANKS!

Blessings!

January 2011

2011-01-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

This last month and a half or so has flown by. I came home and before I knew it, it was Christmas and my family was up here to celebrate with me. The, before I knew it, I was in Kansas to be in Jessica's wedding. And then really before I knew it (because it was less than 24 hours later), I was back in Abby with the Winter TREKers! What a whirlwind!

Christmas was very enjoyable! I love having mom, dad, and Collin here for Christmas. We got to see some of Seattle, I shows them my office and my home here in Abby, and then we spent a week in Vancouver relaxing as well as sight seeing. It was wonderful!

I hope you also had a great Christmas and New Year!

A day ago, one of my best friends, Jessica Lemken, got married! I had the privilege of being in the wedding. This required a crazy fast trip to Kansas - but I am so glad I went! I would have been sad to miss it!

Now TREK has started up again! Andrea Haley, another best friend, is here as a participant - I am SO excited for that! We had our introductory pizza tonight and it was good to chat with everyone for a bit. They all seem very nice and fun people! I left pretty early this time around though, because I am pooped. So, actually, because of that fact, I am heading to bed so I can have energy for the rest of the week! But, I wanted to post before the craziness started. Hopefully I will post more frequently... now there will seem to be more to post about. :-)

Please pray for strength and energy for me for these next weeks and months. :-)

There's No Place Like Home

2010-11-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

Yes - as many of you know, I live in the land of Oz... and truthfully - I love it! It's strange to me how when I am in one place (BC) I can love it so much, and then when I go to another place (KS) I can love it completely. I know without a doubt that Abbotsford is where He wants me to be, but there is just something about Kansas - it's home.

I have had the privilege of spending the last two weeks in Kansas. First, I got to go to Tabor College with my boss, Luke, to do some mobilization (missionary speak for recruiting... basically). This was great! It was really nice to be back at Tabor and to see the people I still knew (less than half). And it was so encouraging and exciting to talk to people who are interested in TREK in the future! TREK is such a great program, and all the people we talked to are upstanding people! All these awesome conversations made me want to be with TREK forever so I could walk along side these great Tabor students in their TREK journeys!

I have spent this last week at home. Ahhhh! It has been wonderful. I have been able to get a lot of rest which has been delightful. I've consumed a little too much TV :P which I am ok to leave behind. But have had wonderful amounts of friend and family time! I've shopped at Target, gotten my Diet Vanilla Coke from Sonic, and spent three Sundays at my home church, CBC. All things I cannot get in Abby. I had coffees with friends, dinners with friends, meals with family, games with family (Rummicub is my game apparently :-)), slept in my own bed, snuggled with my cats, looked at old family photos, and the list goes on and on (including seeing one of my best friend's - Kassie's - new born baby, Braden!!! I am SO thankful that he came while I was still home!!). I have seriously enjoyed it!

It's interesting to see how my heart is being stirred (either by the Lord, or just by circumstance... I'm sure time will tell). Before I came home, I had been pondering what was coming up for me next year. I was kind of feeling like coming home next year to teach was the least exciting idea out there - I mean, where's the next hot spot that God wants to send me, where's the next adventure? (all coming from the girl who said last year, in a debate, that the Lord can call us to the mundane and ordinary things too - life with Him isn't always all about the next high - which, by the way, I still completely believe. And by that I mean that God is in everything and calls us all to different things. If he has called me to sometime "mundane" it is still an "adventure" because it is with Him!) But as I have come home, talked with friends, seen what is going on here, and being reminded of how much I love Kansas, I am feeling like coming home would actually be a lot of fun. Like I said, time will tell. Maybe the Lord will call me to teach here. Maybe He will call me to Thailand to teach. We'll just see. But I am content with wherever He takes me. I know that He will be with me. And I know that as I respond in obedience, He will provide and be faithful! But for now, for today, I am reminded that the TREK internship is where I am called. And I am thankful! I am thankful that this journey with TREK isn't over yet!

I would love to ask for prayers as I head back to Abby. Please pray that God will guide and comfort me as I transition back to BC after being at home with friends and family that know me well. Also pray that in this next month or so that the work to prepare for January would go smoothly and that we would be prepared for the next group to come in January!

PS- Happy Late Thanksgiving! Fun Fact: This year I have enjoyed FIVE Thanksgiving dinners! Being a resident of one country and a citizen of another sure means a lot of opportunity to celebrate! :-)

Me and Collin - a goofy picture - at Thanksgiving dinner out!

Mom missed making Thanksgiving dinner... so she made one on Saturday too! Yum!

Training Continues (and Finishes), Rain Coats, and Airports

2010-11-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

Wow - so, October 4th was a pretty long time ago - a month in fact. :-) As I look back at my calendar, I see that TREKers had five weeks of training still after my last post. In the last five weeks they learned about team and church building, spiritual authority, evangelism, cross cultural training, and practical prep (first aid, emergency cards, DRIME training). There really is so much I could talk about with these last five weeks, however I think I will just give you some glimpses:

- Continuing coffee dates with the girl TREKers. Every time I got to have coffee with one of these beautiful ladies, I left having more respect for them and more excitement for them.
- I took a Food Safe course - it was not particularly fun, however I needed to have it for my job since I do work with food now and again.
- Spiritual Authority week is probably one of my favorites! It is so awesome to learn about the authority that we already have in Christ - this seems to be overlooked often in our Christian circles. I also love this week because prayer is such a huge focus! Many of the TREKers experienced a lot of healing and freedom in their lives through praying with each other. It was such a privilege for me to be apart of this process with them. It was pretty sweet to see many of them step out in faith and do things they knew the Lord was calling them to do, even if it was hard, to bring healing into their lives!
- Jes and I continued to teach about prayer by leading and facilitating discussion over the book The Beginner's Guide to Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets. This was just another awesome opportunity to share our excitement about prayer with the TREKers and to lead them in different activities to explore prayer more. I feel very blessed that the TREKers were great participators and really moved and kept the discussion going. And they jumped right into the different activities we asked them to do! God spoke and blessed each one through this time!
- Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend - I personally was invited to two different Thanksgiving dinners. I really appreciated this - it was nice to not be alone for Thanksgiving. As a TREK group we went to Victoria (BC's capital) on Vancouver Island. SOOO much fun! We took a ferry there and then spent the day at a museum and wandering the city. I absolutely loved it! I am thinking that it might be a great place to take the Fam at Christmas time!
- Got sick. I have had a cough for about three weeks now... on the mend though!
- MBMSI hosted an All Night Prayer for the Nations. I was a little nervous about staying up for 12 hours at night to pray - but God was so faithful and gave me strength and energy to make it through the night. I didn't get tired until the drive home (no worries, I made it safely! :-)). It was awesome to learn about what He is doing in other countries and to join others to pray for these nations. Jes and I also taught about prayer that night. And I also got to lead a session on praying for Ukraine (this was such an encouragement to me because I asked the missionaries for updates in Ukraine and the church is doing so well and a bunch of awesome ministries are starting up and going great!! How exciting!!)
- The cultural training week was a week spent in the office mostly for me, getting lots of details worked out.
- Grouse Mountain - a mountain in Vancouver that you can get up by either taking a gondola or climbing. It's intense! It's 1.8 miles long, the elevation gain is 2,800 feet, and there are 2,830 stairs to be climbed to reach the top. Several of us decided to hike it. Wow-o-wow - it was intense, but so worth it!
- Halloween - dressed up and went bowling! (fun fact - 10 pin bowling, which is the "normal" kind of bowling in the States, is not the normal bowling here. I think 5 pin is. So Canadians arent use to the big bowling balls like we are. Everyone there thought I did pretty good... granted, I did bowl better than I normally do. Nonetheless, I still was only in the middle range of the scores :-P)
- Last week! There was lots of practical prep for the TREKs. But there was also fun stuff too! On Monday we had a banquet for the TREKers were we served them a five course meal. The food was so yummy and they enjoyed it all! The next night we had a bonfire- only we were tricky TREK staff once again and dropped them off at a lake with only rice and beans to make dinner themselves. These two nights are a feast and famine example of how TREK training has been a feasting time for them and now as they go out on the field, they will need to be self feeding themselves spiritually.
- Airport runs - On Friday I spent over 5 hours driving a minivan to and from Vancouver Airport twice. I had two meals in the airport and one airport Starbucks. I said 13 goodbyes in less than 24 hours. I am immensely proud of the TREKers and super excited for what God has next for them!

So, those are a few of the things that have kept me busy (and from updating) lately.

On a personal note, my Pastorate group has been going well. I am also going to be leading a small group out of this group along with another girl. I am pretty excited about this!

Praises and Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that the Lord would be teaching and showing me how to pray for the TREKers and how to encourage them as they are on assignment now.
- Pray for more TREKers for winter TREK (we have 7 right now, only one of which is a girl... crazy!)
- Please pray for me in these next two months before the next group gets here, that my connections here would be growing stronger and closer.
- Pray for me as I lead this small group - that I would be a blessing and encouragement and that I would also be blessed and encouraged through it!
- Praise!!! I have been needing a rain coat (It rains a LOT here in BC). However, to get a decent rain coat it costs a bit of money. Feeling a bit strapped for cash and now sure if I could afford a rain coat, I began praying. And praying. And praying some more. I just continued to ask that God would either provide money for a coat or would provide a coat some how. Well, on Wednesday this last week I went to Valley Village, a second hand store, and the first coat I picked up was my size, a good rain coat, my style, and only $8.00!!! Wow! I feel so blessed - God provided me with a good and warm rain coat at such a great price! He provides! (within that - God has been teaching me a lot about money and putting my trust in Him and not money)

Well, is there room here for some pics? If you want to look, feel free, but I know this is a long post, so feel free to skip as well!

All Night Prayer for the Nations - praying for two missionaries that are on MINA right now.

In case you thought this all night prayer thing was only for young people, here I am praying with two missionaries who are probably nearing their 60s and have served for many, many years in Peru. Wow - they are legit!

The view from the ferry right before we left Vancouver to head to the island. Gorgeous! (and early...)

Me on the ferry.

The group who did the Grouse Grind (the intense trail up Grouse Mountain). I did the trail in one hour and 39 minutes. The fastest person in our group did it in 40 some odd minutes.

Alison stuck back with me, the slow poke. Here is the beginning of the trail.

Me with Heidi and Alison after we had finished. It was cold on the top of the mountain, but beautiful - you could see all of Vancouver- so cool!

Me and Jes the night of the bonfire... but we got to have our own nice meal... including bbq-ed oysters... soooo good!

The banquet! Luke and I dressed in black and white to serve. Corina and Jason made WONDERFUL food!

The whole gang dressed up for the fancy evening.

Drinking out of a Fire-hydrant

2010-10-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in TREK training last year, they often said that it was like trying to take a drink from a fire-hydrant or a waterfall. I found that to be very true then... and now.

I feel very blessed to be able to sit through many of the same sessions as last year. And, I love walking through this stuff with the TREKers. I have also found that I have a lot to chew on at this point as well. God is speaking a lot to me through prayer, impressions, and the TREKers and others in my life. He sure has some good stuff to say. Please pray for time in my busy days to sit down and rest in Him, to process what He is saying and what He is teaching. Thanks! :-)

(No photo for today, it will come with a big batch later!)

Life is Full

2010-10-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, life has been quite full - hence the very late blog post! Thanks for being patient!

Since I have wrote last the TREKers have learned about hearing God's voice and personal holiness. They had a 48 hour silent retreat and also found out their teams and assignment locations. They have also competed in an Amazing Race type race. It's been a busy time for them, and hence for me!

The listening to God's voice week was wonderful. Such a great time to re-learn and practice many things that God taught me last year in this week and theme in TREK. I was actually quite jealous of the TREKers having their silent retreat. As they retreated, we worked on the AmazingTREK race! Man o Man - it was a lot of work, but worth it.

Monday this last week, the leadership team got together and discerned teams. This was such a privilege to be a part of. And it was really cool to see how the teams really aren't from us, but from Him. We asked the TREKers to pray for us earlier in the day. Later on, after we had decided on teams, they said that they prayed for joy for us. That was such a confirmation for me because as soon as we had the two teams written and let them settle in a bit, I had an overwhelming and unexplainable feeling of excitement and joy in my heart. These teams are truly from Him and not me. Please be praying for the teams, that they would have a unity from, through, and in Christ. Pray for us as we help them work through whatever needs to be dealt with as a team and as we teach and lead them in how to work as a team.

Also, yesterday as teams they competed in AmazingTREK. This is an over 12 how race with many challenges that put the teams to the test and stress them a bit. Our hopes in this race is to stretch the TREKers to an appropriate level. This way, different things come out in the team that can be and should be dealt with before they leave. Everyone did well and it was exciting to see how each team grew together as the very long day progressed! There will be more detailed pictures on facebook one of these days!

On a more personal note, I have been trying to find a church here. Literally, there are enough churches here that I could visit a new one every Sunday and still not have a church and a good connection before the TREKers leave. So, I decided that I would pick on church and throw myself into and then go from there. So, I have been going to one church that is quite large (a new shift for me), but also does a good job of having many smaller groups within the church. So, I joined a young adults Pastorate. This is a group of 15 to 30 people that meet once a week to eat, worship, study, and fellowship together. I went this last week and it was good. I made a few good connections, which was wonderful! It was great, because after the evening was over, a few people came up to me to ask me questions and make me feel welcome. This was wonderful, because generally the person doing that is me (but I am also not generally a new person either). So, I really appreciated that! I am going back this next week for a games and dessert night! Please be praying that if this is where the Lord wants me that connections would come quickly and easily and that I would have a strong sense and peace while there. If this is not where He wants me, please pray that I would also know this!

Overall, things are still going well! I am learning to drive Raoul better and better every day (praise the Lord!), I am having fun, working hard, and trying to get connected to a community here. Thanks for all your prayers, cards, and encouragement!

Many, many pictures to catch up on!

Monday, September 20:

I made a card this night - so I got to use my scrapbook paper and pens! Love it!

Tuesday, September 21:

Aleah's birthday!

Wednesday, September 22:

TREKers sitting in session!

Thursday, September 23:

So, this picture is actually from Friday, but it fits with Thursday as well. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the TREKers had their 48 hour silent retreat. Annelisa and I got to take them to the Abby (pictured) on Friday, for a few hours. It was nice to have my own mini silent retreat!

Friday, September 24:

Mom and Dad sent me b-day gifts and got me flowers!! They are STILL alive and beautiful!

Saturday, September 25: I forgot to take a picture :-( But, I got to spend the night with the TREK girls and it was a BLAST!

Sunday, September 26:

Birthday day! I went out to a movie and coffee with Annelisa (I work with her) and her daughter, Stacey (in the picture). It was a blessing!

Monday, September 27:

The day after my birthday the cooks made a YUMMY meal of homemade pizza and a carrot cake! Funny story: I didn't know we were having a birthday dinner for me on Monday, so I worked at the office all afternoon then went home. Half way home I got a text from a TREKer telling me I should REALLY be at dinner! I thought about it, then realized why... so I laughed and drove back. It was such a wonderful blessing! And, in the midst of it all, one of the guys thought it would be great to sneak up on me and smear icing all over my face :-) I got him back though, no worries! ;-)

Tuesday, September 28: I forgot to take a picture :-(

Wednesday, September 29:

This is me working at the office. No one else was there to take the picture, so you can't actually see the office. But that's me and my computer!

Thursday, Saturday 30:

Getting ready for the AmazingTREK. Jes and I planned a race called AmazingTREK, like the Amazing Race on TV. It was a lot of work. The week before it happened, I took a lot of work home at nights. This is my desk. And yes, I do not have a desk chair... just one of those exercise balls :-)

Friday, October 1:

I got a bunch of birthday cars and a few other ones from people here and in the mail from people at home. I love cards!

Saturday, October 2nd:

AmazingTREK! This is one of the TREKers, after the Pudding Face competition. They all did great!

Sunday, October 3:

My daily drive home. You can kinda see the mountains in the back... I live up there. :-)

Sabbath

2010-09-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! So, it has been a few days! This week has been a wonderfully full week. I have worked the last 7 days and have loved it! Though, I do have to admit, I have quite enjoyed this Sabbath day. I went to church, watched some TV, napped :-), cleaned, and had a delightful dinner with the family I live with. Soon I will spend some time with our wonderful Jesus. :-) So - a good Sabbath day to give me energy for a new week!

So, here is a recap of this week:
-Went to White Rock for a photo scavenger hunt - saw the pictures a few days later and laughed my head off :-)
- Sessions started- I have had the privilege to sit in on them again and am loving learning! God is so good and faithful! I truly desire to live a life of faith, of risk taking obedience. I pray that God will lead me and give me courage to do that!
- TREKers and leaders shared their testimonies this week. I loved being able to hear where each person comes from in life and where they are at with Christ now and what has brought them to TREK. They are all solid people! I am excited that I still have 7 weeks with them!
- I have had some good conversations with the TREKers. I LOVE this! :-D
- Went to Cultus Lake to enjoy a beautiful day of games, BBQing, and swimming in the lake!
- Went to Widgon Creek - canoed up the creek, hiked up the mountain, enjoyed a waterfall, hiked down, canoed back. :-) It was quite the experience because this river has a tide and the tide was against us, so that made it more tricky.

This week has been a good week! This coming week is Personal Holiness week - so they will be learning a lot about hearing God's voice and spiritual disciplines. Please be praying for me, that I will personally be living these things out - finding my strength and wisdom from Him and being filled up from Him so that I can pour into them. Please pray for the TREKers as they learn more about these things and as they have a 48 hour Silent Retreat this weekend! :-)

And now for pictures!

Wednesday, September 15:

I forgot to take a picture again on this day. But, earlier in the day was the session about journaling so I decided to take some time to journal. I love it!

Thursday, September 16:

Some of us girls hanging out after a session - eating peanut butter, crackers, and granola bars.

Friday, September 17:

We went to Cultus Lake for the day - we BBQed, played games, and swam. It was fun. This picture is of one person resting on a table and another group playing games!

Saturday, September 18:

We went to Widgon Creek - for this outing you have to canoe for 45 minutes to an hour an a half through a lake and up a river, then hike for another 45 minutes to get to a waterfall. Unfortunately, our canoe ride took nearly two hours :-) At one point we tied three canoes together to see if it would... sure enough - it didnt. :-)

This is our whole group after our whole experience. If you noticed, we started out with gray weather and some rain and ended with sun and warmth!

Sunday, September 19:

In case you were wondering, I finally folded my laundry. :-)

Bed Time

2010-09-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Man - I should be sleeping right about now. But it's been a few days - so I will make a quick post.

Things are going really well. The TREKers came on Sunday and things have been trotting along nicely. I've been busy, but loving it! I will do a short recap of these last few days:
- TREKers came - I LOVE the group!
- Went to White Rock yesterday - that was fun!
- Car insurance stuff still isn't worked out (it should be by tomorrow, as long as it goes as planned). God continues to remind me of his faithfulness, even when things don't go as planned and aren't easy.
- I am being reminded that this whole thing isn't about me. Which is good! It's about Him and the TREKers.
- God still gives me affirmation and confirmation in what I am doing.
- Mad Gab is a terribly funny game!
- You can't park an uninsured car on the side of the road (praise the Lord no one came checking on my car parked on the side of the road in my neighborhood...)
- Rain turned to sun! Yay!
- I love having good talks! Pray for the opportunity to have more :-)

Ok... that's probably enough for now - for your sake and mine ;-) Time for pictures!

Sunday, September 12:

The TREKers first night! This was after having pizza for dinner. We played a game where you got someone else's name and had to draw a picture of them and then everyone had to guess who it was. Pretty funny stuff!

Monday, September 13:

A)

We went to White Rock, which is just right next to the border apparently, for the TREKers to do a photo scavenger hunt. This is one team making their game plan! (We judge the photos tomorrow!) We ate fish and chips while they ran around and took pictures.

B)

This is White Rock, looking from the pier. Beautiful.

C)

This is me and Jes in the water at the beach. A little chilly, but not too bad.

Tuesday, September 14:

I forgot to take a picture today - so here is this picture. It reminds you and me both that I still live a normal life despite my stellar job ;-) This laundry isn't dirty however, it just needs to be folded... since Sunday... :-P

Have a great rest of the week!

The Calm Before the Storm... except not.

2010-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well, the TREKers get here tomorrow! And then begins the whirlwind! BUT, I am so excited! I am so excited to meet them, get to know them, and walk this journey with them. Please join me in praying that God will use me however He chooses!

So, that being said, this week has been crazy and has flown by! We have been really busy in the office getting all the things ready for the TREKers. And, we have all the immediate things ready. Please pray that Jes (the other intern) and I will find/make time to get things done that are our responsibility and are a little further in the future.

Along with work stuff, I have had a lot of personal stuff to get done, which I mentioned in an earlier blog. I finally got a checking account - praise the Lord! It was literally through Him and the bank peoples's goodwill that I got the account that I wanted and that will work the best for me! Yay! I finally got my car!!! I found out that it is a standard... which I did not let deter me from buying it :-) So, I picked the car up today, with help from one of my wonderful bosses, Annelisa, and her delightful and helpful husband, Brian. I got it picked up, Brian changed the battery, put new fluids in, got it air quality inspected (Air Care), tried to get it insured (need one more paper though - please pray that the insurance company in KS can fax that paper ASAP on Monday!!), and then finally learned how to drive standard! :-) Brian told me the basics throughout the day as we got stuff done, then in the afternoon, Annelisa took me and her daughter, Stacy, out to learn to drive the car. Annelisa was such a laid back teacher. I learned how to drive it! Plus, BC is quite mountainy so there are lots of hills to master here! (I conquered 6269 - the number of the parking space in the lot I was practicing in that was a hill!) I got good enough I even felt comfortable driving myself home - and I made it! I only stalled twice... luckily no one was behind me!

So, all of this to say: Life is crazy, but God is good and sustains us!

So, picture of the day time!!

Thursday, September 9:

This day was a very busy day, we had lots going on at work and then a meeting for the mentors after work. So, there were lots of great things I could have taken pictures of... but I forgot until the end of the day. So, this is Pickles, my elephant. And on the computer screen are blogs I read most every day!

Friday, September 10:

This is Jes - she is the other intern! I thought it would be nice to show an office picture since that is the majority of what I have been doing (and loving) so far! Jes and I get along really well, I am so thankful! We think a lot alike and work really well together! Please pray that we continue to have unity! (ps- I think we were working on welcome cards at this point. And that big stack behind Jes are the binders for all the TREKers that we made!)

Saturday, September 11:

Picking my car up this morning - the battery was completely dead from sitting in the drive for 8 months. It's the cute little red one!:)

Me and my car, Raoul. Yes, he was named previously, but I thought it was a good fit, so I kept the name. ps - I have a really dorky smile int his pic, but oh well!

Pause for Praise

2010-09-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

So, I'm not always sure how to incorporate praise into my life, however, I do know that it needs to be incorporated. Today, I think specifically of Philippians 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Today, as the details for just plain living life here seemed to get overwhelming, God continued to be faithful. As I took a walk/run today down a beautiful wooded trail near a creek, I was reminded of this verse. As I prayed for peace, I praised God as well. And, I would really love for you to join me in glorifying our King! So, here are some things to praise him about in this last week of uprooting and moving to British Columbia for my internship:
- I got a clergy visa! I don't know if I stressed before how magnificent this is, but this means I can get paid, this means I can come and go between Canada and the States freely, this means that I am allowed to stay until July 31st without reapplying (a whole month longer than I need to be here!)!
- I got a Social Insurance Number. I went to the Employment Insurance office yesterday, expecting that this would be a long process (like most governmental matters seem to be, whether in Canada or the States). I think I was in and out in 30 minutes! I had two friendly ladies help me. I filled out a form, they entered the info into the computer, verified the info, and gave me my number! Easy! Wow! Now, MBMSI can pay me out of my support raised instead of reimbursing me (not a big difference, but this is the much more convenient way!).
- I have found a car to buy from a guy at work- its a good deal and they are being really generous when it comes to getting the car inspected and fixed!
- Dale Franz was able to connect me with an amazing insurance lady here - HOLY COW! This is kind of a complicated story - but such a good one! (so, I will go into details - if you're tired of details, feel free to scroll down to get to the Picture of the Day :-)). So, today I was frustrated because I didn't have the right documents with me to get a checking account. After that I was trying to figure out car logistics - how to get it, how to get it inspected, how to get it insured, etc. It was overwhelming and I was, needless to say, feeling stressed. Blech. So, I tried finding insurance info online - zip! I decided that that was ridiculous and I should just call my contact who had been wonderful to me before when I called. Wow - what an answer to prayer! Long and short of it - I will be able to get temporary insurance to be able to drive the car to the inspection on Friday, get my car inspected on Saturday, then drive to another city to get my permanent insurance AND my BC license in the same place! This lady works in Abbotsford normally and only works at this other branch THREE Saturdays out of the summer or the year (I can't remember which). Can you just say, "Wow" with me? I mean, seriously! Praise the Lord! This was a huge relief off of my shoulders! So, by Saturday afternoon, I should be good to go with an insured car - what a blessing!
- Getting a checking account (or lack there of) was not a pleasant experience today. However, I am praising the Lord for Daniel, the husband of the couple that I live with. He called his aunt who also works at a bank and got me some more info - so I might be banking there instead.

Basically, today I was feeling like all these life things were too much. Luke reminded me that things really, truly are going smoothly and they could be a lot bumpier. I am so thankful to my God and King for truly providing for me! Wow. That is all I can say - wow. :-)

Another big praise - I LOVE MY JOB! :-D

Prayer Requests:
- That I can get a cheap checking account smoothly tomorrow
- That the car I am buying this weekend is reliable and safe! And that all the details of being able to use it continue to come together and work out!
- TREKers come on SUNDAY! Yay! Pray for Luke, Annelisa, Jes, and I as we finishing preparing for them in the next two days - that we can get it all done! :-) And pray for the TREKers to also be prepared!!

Ok... enough blabbering - time for picture of the day for the last two days!

Tuesday, September 7

Yesterday, I had a wonderful dinner with Deanne and Daniel. Afterwards, I sat in the kitchen chatting with friends from home while Deanne made yummy corn chowder for us to have for lunches! This picture doesn't really get either of us in the pic, but oh well! :-)

Wednesday, September 8a

I went for a run/walk this afternoon to destress and get some exercise. I should have taken my camera because there was 1) a beautiful rainbow with thunder clouds behind it, 2) a lovely trail that I ran on in the woods basically, and 3) a nice moss-covered log spot that I sat and rested for a while. However, I did take a picture of this - my house! The window on the bottom floor right next to the door is my room.

Wednesday, September 8b

Deanne and Daniel got invited to friends' for dinner tonight, so that means I got to make my own meal (which I enjoy). It was yummy - chicken and veggies (onion, green pepper, and broccoli). It was WAY too much food though... I probably shouldn't have eaten it all, but I did :-)

A Day Trip

2010-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

A good friend from TREK, Candice, offered to take me to Vancouver for a day trip today (since it was Labor (or Labour??) Day)! It was such a great day! Here are a few snap shots!

Some of the Vancouver skyline.

Me in front of the Olympic clock - 0000 because the Olympics are over :-)

Beautiful scenery!

The Olympic Torches with my friend, Candice.

We thought these statues were interesting - they were squatting. :-)

Round Two

2010-09-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

The fact that I am doing this picture of the day thing with my friends means that I am going to be posting more often than before - I mean, I have a new picture every day... but I think I might post them every three days or so. I guess it really just depends on how busy I am. :-) So, pics!

Friday, September 3: Deanne (I live in the basement of a young couple - Deanne and Daniel), hosted a clothing swap and invited me. It was a time filled with lots of new faces, yummy food, cute clothes, and girl talk. Honestly, it was kind of weird to be in a room filled with all new people, but it was good too. I made a few connections, so that was nice. And got a few cute clothing items! :-)

Saturday, September 4: Saturday was a pretty laid back day - sleeping in, unpacking, etc. This picture is from the little front porch on the house I live in. I enjoyed some salad on the porch as I soaked in some of the sun (still cool enough to wear jeans, a sweater, and shoes) and watched the kids of the neighborhood ride bikes and play.

Sunday, September 5(a): Two pics for the day! This picture is of the crazy dog I live with, Toby. I was reading a book when he decided to come visit me... and jump all over. lol. I couldn't really get a good picture because he is so all over the place But he is cute... so we'll see how our relationship ends up ;-)

Saturday, September 5(b): Picture two! I got to Skype with two of my best friends, Andrea and Kodi! Ah, it was so good to just talk to them and hear what they have been doing. There's not too much better than a conversation with a good friend - even better when its two! :-)

So, these pictures show a little snap shot of what I have been up to these last few days. I also visited a church today, and that went well. Tomorrow, I am heading into Vancouver with a friend! Yay!

Prayer Request:
- I am hoping to buy a car from a guy at work - please pray that it is in good condition and buying it and getting it insured goes smoothly and happens quickly
- Pray for all of us on leadership as we work this week to prepare everything for the TREKers coming on the 12th!

Thanks! Miss you all!

Away We Go!

2010-09-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

I don't think this post shall be long, I am still feeling the affects of the time change (it's 12:30am at home and I feel somewhat akin to that time) as well as of travel. But I do want to share!

I arrived in Vancouver yesterday after two very smooth flights! I am so thankful for no added stress on that end. I also met a girl who flew from KC to Chicago - I had seen her in KC reading her Bible. Later when I talked with her in Chicago I found out that she is very involved in YWAM. We shared dinner together and talked about what we are doing now and what passions God has put in our hearts. It was a neat time. Then we were able to pray for each other, which was pretty cool. Once I got to Vancouver I had to be pulled aside into the special place for all people who want to live in Canada. I was there for probably about thirty or forty minutes, thought it felt longer to me. Long story short, in this time I was hoping to get a temporary six months visitors visa. However, this is something you just get at the border. So, after a series of lots of questions, a phone call to Luke (the TREK coordinator/director), and more clarifying questions I was given a clergy visa. This was above and beyond what I was hoping for. The whole time I was in the special immigration place I just kept praying, "Lord, please let them let me in! Please answer my prayers along with so many of my friends!" And He did! It took some time, some nervousness, and some patience, but I am allowed in Canada through July 31st! What a blessing. The time and effort is definitely worth the visa I now have!

Today was my first day at the office. It was filled with learning how things work, where things are, finding out my tasks, etc. I got to start typing up TREKer bios for missionaries and speakers to have. It has been cool to read the info on the TREKers and get to know them a little bit. I can't wait to meet them all and know them in person! :-)

Finally, a few friends and I have decided to try to do something called Photo of the Day. It's a kind of popular trend where you take a picture each day for a year. The picture can really be of anything, but it just documents different parts of your day and life. So, without further adieu, here are my pictures for the last two days!

My new home... well, my room part anyway. This is part of my room, after arriving at around 11:30pm. You can't see all three of my massive suitcases, but they are there. I am slowly unpacking it all....

My First Day Picture. All growing up we took first day of school pictures, and I love continuing that tradition! So, here I am, all ready for my first day of internship!

Summer

2010-08-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

I love reading other peoples' blogs. So, I should write one so they can read mine too :-) (If they get as much joy out of reading it as I get from reading theirs :-))

I think my blog will become a much more general blog - just about what is going on in life. Of course, that involves a lot of ministry, seeing as how that is what this next year is about... and really what I want my life to be about. But I will also write about the "normal, everyday" things that go on as well.

So, this summer has been delightful! I have spent so much time with my family and my friends - I have absolutely loved it! So, I will give you a photo tour of my summer!

I often call these two adorable children My Babies. I had the privilege of watching these two for the summer. They are so cute!

My family went to Mexico for vacation. :-) It was delightfully relaxing!

One of my closest and longest friends, Kassie, got married. I was honored to be the Maid of Honor. It was such a great weekend!

Much more has happened this summer - I just dont have pictures of it. Here are a few more things I have done:

Went to the plaza with some girlfriends dressed up in our old Bridesmaids dresses
Visited Grandma and Grandpa in California
Went to two funerals and two weddings
Got to hold one of my best friend's baby!
Spent a LOT of time with Andrea and Kodi!
Have been trying to work all the details out to get myself to Canada for the internship with TREK

It has been a full summer! I hope your summer has been a blessed one!

Life Continues

2010-07-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

I see that a few people, at least, still follow my blog - Thanks! I also saw that I posted 50 blogs this year! Wow - I am impressed with myself. I honestly wasn't sure if I would be able to keep up with my blog while I was gone (even though that was exactly the point), but I did manage to write a few. I am glad! :-)

And honestly, I enjoyed blogging. It gave me a way to organize and communicate my thoughts as well as keep people up to date. So, I think I shall continue blogging.

And with that, comes a life update. But first, let me start with something I have learned during TREK. As I did TREK, and read books during training and assignment, I came to realize that this last year that I spent doing TREK was not a one year thing that is lifted out of my life and separate from it. TREK is not something I have done as I wait to get to "real life." TREK is a part of the process of life. TREK is a part of life that we call discipleship. God has used, and will continue to use this year to shape me to be more and more like him. It will not be one separate year from my life, but it will continue to effect my life. I kind of imagine it like a snowball - it will keep rolling through life, hopefully gaining momentum and size.

That being said - here is my life update. The next step in this process of life and discipleship that I have decided to take is to be an intern for TREK. Now, the process to discern and decide this was a long one (though, not as long as deciding to do TREK), and I would love to share it with you sometime- just ask! But, long story short, this is where I feel God leading me to. (PS - the internship is back in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada). For this internship, I will learn what it looks like to run a short term mission and discipleship program. Discipleship is something that I am very passionate about - I love walking along side people in their journeys with God, what a privilege! I will help train people who will be doing TREK this coming year. I will be encouraging them, praying for and with them, and keeping in contact with them while they are on the field. There is a lot of office work as well as relational work. Relationship and Administration - two things I feel that God has, at least somewhat, gifted me in. All in all, I am excited about this opportunity!!

That being said, I am also overwhelmed with the details and how it will all work out. Like I said, I know this is where God has called me, so I am trusting that He will work it all out. He brought to my attention tonight Philippians 4:4-7, one of my favorite passages:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So, I keep on praying!

I would love for you to join me in this next phase of the adventure we call: Life With Jesus! I would love for you to pray with me and see how God, again, proves Himself faithful! Thank you, all!

Home

2010-06-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am now officially back home in the U.S. of A.!

After leaving Ukraine on June 14th, I spent a week and a half in Canada doing debrief. It was a wonderful time of rest, reflection, and reconnecting with friends from other TREK teams! It was good - we spent a lot of time talking about what it means to re-enter your own culture and also how to share the experience we have had over the last 7.5 months. We also spent time making sure that we ended things well with out teams and worked any things out that needed to be worked out. I feel that our team has ended well- I left feeling at peace and complete.

We had a foot washing event and it was amazing! After I had washed the feet of my team members, and had my feet washed by them, I sat in amazement at God's grace. I honestly don't think that people could humble, serve, and love others in such a way after living with each other for seven months, encouraging and hurting each other equally, without Christ! Wow - He is good!

Since getting home, I got to go to my church. It was wonderful!! Oh - SO good to see my church family again and catch up a little bit with lots of people! We also had a baptism after church. I feel so blessed to have been able to go to two baptisms in three weeks in two different countries! How awesome!!

So, now the process begins of continuing to debrief my experience, to see where I can fit in at home and serve, and to see what God has for me next in the fall.

If any of you are still reading this blog :-), I would love your prayers for these three things! Thanks so much for your faithfulness in reading my blog and praying for me, my team, and our friends in Ukraine!! You have been a blessing to me and God has used YOU!!!

Appreciation

2010-06-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in Starbucks in the Vienna airport drinking an Iced Chia Latte. I haven't had Starbucks in seven months. I am enjoying this!

I know this is only the beginning of a period of time where I appreciate absolutely everything! The longer this period of time is, the better! :-)

Last Day in Ukraine

2010-06-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well, today has been our last day in Ukraine. Tomorrow our plane leaves from Zap to Vienna at 3pm. We are pretty much all packed and cleaned (that took a lot of work, believe me!).

Yesterday we had a bbq for our camp kids. That was a lot of fun. By the way, despite all of our sicknesses and the intense heat, camp was still wonderful. God deserves all the glory for that! Sometimes I wonder if we arent put into positions where we can't do anything but give Him the glory. Either way, He certainly gave us exactly when we needed when we needed it for camp and we had a lot of great discussion and fun with the kids!

Today we had a goodbye picnic with all of our friends. Despite the blazing heat, LOTS of our friends showed up to enjoy the day with us and say goodbye. It was wonderful!

I don't really even know what to say, let alone how I feel and how to describe it at this point. This time in Ukraine has been difficult and wonderful, all rolled together. I would not trade this experience for anything! I have made wonderful life long friends and have been blessed so much by the people, the experiences, my team, and God. Really, I dont think I will say much more until I have had more time to process and get all my thoughts together and clear. However, I thought my last day here warranted a blog post.

We leave tomorrow at 3pm, arrive in Vienna around 5pm to stay the night. Then, head out the next day for Canada. I will spend about 11 days in Canada for debrief and then head home for a wonderful, yet crazy summer! I cant wait! :-)

Picture Time

2010-06-03T03:45:00.001-07:00

Ok - so, everyone likes pictures - so here are a few from May, in no certain oder. Enjoy!

Me in front of one of the main streets in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. We took a day trip to the capital, Kiev. This required a 10.5 hour train ride there overnight, walking all day, and another 10.5 hour train ride back the same night. But it was worth it!

Cheborek - a piece of dough, wrapped around your choice of filling (meat and cheese was mine), and fried. Um - beach food!

Me and Ellya after the service the first night in our new place!

Me and the guys at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev.

Ah- yes, the beach is awesome! This beach didn't have sand though, it was all little broken shells!

Someone likes the states, I guess. :-) I had to have a picture with it!

I freaking love this little girl and her older sister! We have been helping her parents - the ones with the burnt out house. This picture is from this last week when we did child care for the pastor and wives retreat at the sea.

Me playing with the kids at the pastors and wives retreat - the kids were loving putting dirty rocks on my arms and hands - so I let them.

Me mixing an insane amount of cookie dough - Jackie and I made nearly 20 dozen cookies to give to our school kids on our last day teaching.

The guys went to another city over night and Jackie and I took the opportunity to prank them. We completely rearranged their room and made it as awkward as possible! Thankfully our friend, Sasha could help us move the heavy stuff!

Me and Kate at the 150th Celebration for the Mennonite Church. This is the original building for the church. It is now a factory that makes sunflower oil. A memorial plaque was put up to

Orrin, right before he bungee jumped off of one of the bridges to the island. He jumped in rock climbing gear. I was thinking about going, but decided not to. You're welcome, Mom! ;-)

Me and Jackie with some of the school girls while we waited for the Victory Day parade!

Me and Nastya on her birthday. :-)

2 weeks left

2010-05-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

The counting of days in our time here has shifted. At first, I would count: "One month - we've been here one month!" "Two and a half months - wow, I can't believe we've been here this long!" Now, the counting is more like this: "One month left." And more accurately: "Two weeks and two days left." The word that I always think of when I realize how much time I have left here is "Wow." It almost seems like my time here will never end - I think this is due to the fact that I feel comfortable and at home here. I am glad for this.

It's hard for me to know what to write about as the time draws to a close in Ukraine. I can tell of all the things that have kept us busy in the last few weeks, or I could write all the things that will definitely keep us busy in the next two-ish weeks. Those things would include a list of: renovating the new apartment our church is renting, a few coffees, our last day teaching English at School 31, painting with our school kids (lots!), a pancake party with our kids, conversations, cooking for ourselves (why is it that cooking and washing dishes never seems to end?), more renos, a day trip to Kiev, planning for camp, going to the sea to do childcare for a pastor and wives retreat, our camp, cleaning (lots!), packing, a baptism, a few bbq's, and saying our goodbyes. We have our first service in our new place on Saturday, then Sunday we leave for the retreat at the sea. From here on out, our life is a whirlwind... if it hasn't already been so in the last few weeks.

But just listing these things doesn't seem to be quite enough for a blog post near the end of my time here.

As the time comes to and end, I wonder, "What does God still have for me here?" It's easy to say, "Oh, there is only 16 more days left here, I can just go through the motions and 'make it' until I can leave." However, I know this isnt the best choice, and one I would regret later. I know that God can do big things in 16 days if He wants to. I'm not sure I have a clear idea of anything specific he might want me to do in these last 16 days, but the verse that I keep being reminded of is our team verse that says that Christ did not come to be served, but to serve. Sometimes it's easy to say that I am sick of painting, or sick of this and that, but I am not here for me, I am here for Him and others. So, I will keep serving.

And, please, keep praying for me and my team. Pray that my eyes (and theirs) will be open to what God still wants us to do here. Pray that we continue to stay strong as a team, even if getting everything done might be stressful, and pray that our hearts will be filled with love and compassion as we finish up here.

Thank you, everyone, for all your thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and wisdom! I am so appreciated!

Smooth Criminal

2010-05-15T03:03:00.001-07:00

The four of us are officially Ukrainian Criminals. Yes, that is right - we broke the law, literally.

Here's the story:

Apparently, when you are in the country for more than 90 or 100 days, you need to register your visa within that time. We did not know this. Last year the law was within 180 days, so John forgot all about getting our visas registered, and so did the board that officially invited us here. Well, 6 months after coming to Ukraine, we remembered, and last week John went to register our visas. Unfortunately, since we didn't do it within the appropriate time -we broke the law. Therefore, resulting in us having to go to Immigration this last Wednesday, for about three hours, to get finger printed. However, the lady we worked with was very kind and gracious to us. Normally, when this happens, people arent allowed back into the country after they leave for 5 years, but for us, we will only be banned from Ukraine after we leave for 6 months. Also, if you register late, one of the consequences is that you have to leave within a month of registering. We went in on Wednesday, May 12th... our plane ticket is for June 14th. So, she helped us out so that we will be able to leave on our scheduled time - wow! How kind! We very easily could have been making a call to MBMSI that day saying that we needed to come home two days early and that they would nee to change out flights again (we had to change our flights about three times before we came to Ukraine because of visa issues).

So, all in all, everything has worked out. In fact, God is good, even in our forgetfullness. If John had remembered and taken our visas in a month ago, we would be leaving Ukraine now, since we would have to leave within a month of getting them registered late. How amazing His perfect timing is!

What an experience! I really wanted to take pictures - but figured it would be prudent not to. :-) Not only that, the but the lady we worked with wants us to meet her kids because they are learning English! We are inviting them to our kids camp in June! I am very excited to be going home - seeing friends and family, going to weddings, going to church, babysitting, visiting with friends, going on vacation, everything. But, I also know its going to be hard to say goodbye. My friends here have become very dear to my heart. I greatly enjoy my conversations, my hugs, my laughter, my tears with them. I am very thankful for the time I have had (and still have with them). My prayer is that God has used me and that I have been faithful and obedient.

Please continue to pray for me and my team, in this last month, for strength and passion!!

Creative Title?

2010-05-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't think of a creative title... so.... :-)

I guess its probably about time since I posted again. It is now May - woot! Things are so green here now and beautiful! We are wearing flip flops - although, we are probably the only people here in Zap doing so. Yes, people are still dressing warm! We have seen many people (especially babies... those poor babies) wearing coats along with other layers underneath. This weekend is a holiday, however, and the temp today is about 80 degrees F, so we have seen some people in shorts, tank tops, and dresses. Mind you - some. :-) We can't wait to wear shorts one of these days. Maybe when people stop wearing coats, we'll start wearing shorts. :-)

So, we have been pretty busy lately. We have only one more English class at our local school. There are so many holidays in May that they only have one Monday in school during the month. I can't believe we are almost done with that - its so crazy! We have also been very busy with work projects! Ah - it feels SO good to be getting outside and working with our hands!

We have spent several more days in TokMak helping the couple with the burnt out house. This last week we worked really hard, digging holes for sewer so they can have an indoor bathroom, filling in holes, and shoveling lots of dirt to make a nice even pathway in their back yard. It was wonderful!

Then, yesterday, we got together with some of our school kids to paint a park! Wow - it was SO fun and the park looks great! We still have a few things to do. But the kids that came worked very hard - for some of them it was their first time painting! And they had a fun time! We had a шашлык (shashleek), which is a BBQ. One of the kids who helped us wasn't from our school, but from the apartment building near the park. He came to hep so that he "wouldn't be sitting on the computer all day." So, for our shashleek, his parents came and brought some potatoes and made delicious chicken wings. Oh - it was so much fun! There was also a бабушка (babooshka), or grandma, who came out to watch us several times. She invited us for tea afterwards, so we came and visited her today. That was quite the experience as well!

But... that is enough for now. Now it's picture time!

Covering the very deep ditch that now has a pipe for sewer and water

The park: Before

The park: After

A few of our wonderful students painting!

Spring is beautiful!

Answered Prayers

2010-04-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take this blog post as a chance to praise God for how He works!

The other day I was thinking back over several things I have been praying for and we as a team have been praying. God is so faithful and has answered so many prayers! I will list a few so you can join me in praising his sovereignty and goodness!

Salvation for several friends: Nastya, Kate, Kate, Nastya and Fadi
Peace and decision making for another missionary friend from America, Jessica
Team relationships - I am amazed at how much God has done in our relationships (of course, this is an ongoing prayer request :-))
God is providing many things for John and Ev in their dream to make a trade school for graduated orphans
Our kids camp

I feel like there are so many more that I can't think of at the moment. But all this to say - God is good!

Two Months

2010-04-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Two months from yesterday I will be on a plane heading back to Canada. Wow! I can't believe I have lived here for five months so far! That is a long time. And I know these next two months are going to fly by. We have so many things planned - from service projects, to trainings, to camp.Our retreat last week was great! Despite the cool weather, we still loved Yalta. One of our leaders, Petra, came to be with us. She is so amazing - I love her a lot! :-) We had a lot of fun times as well as a lot of meaningful conversations with her. I am so thankful for our time with her!This week we have already taught English (we only have three more classes at school left! wow!), planted potatoes, and worked on cleaning the burnt out house again. It has already been a busy week. It's been good!
Petra left on Tuesday to go back to Canada, and on the way home, both Orrin and I were hit with how normal our surroundings are now. We remembered back to how wide-eyed we were the first time we drove from the airport to Zaporozhye - everything was new and interesting. Now, everything seems and feels normal. Wow - its kind of strange. I dont think I ever thought this day would come. I wonder what it will be like to go home? What will reverse culture shock be like?I do know that I am going to miss being able to walk places. Yes, at home we have nice places walk, but here I walk to a location or destination. Yes, I am going to be very happy to have my car again and the freedom and ease that comes with that, but I am going to miss walking down the main street in town, listening to my ipod, and enjoying all the sights and sounds to and from home.
Life.
I am actually living here.
What an amazing experience.

Our team at this place called Swallows Nest in Yalta. Essentially it is just a castle shaped restaurant, but it was still pretty neat. It was SUPER windy! And that's the Black Sea behind us!

The view of Yalta from our hotel room!

Petra, me, and Jackie in downtown Yalta.

Enjoying caramel popcorn and a vanilla coke in downtown Yalta one evening. So much fun!

2010-04-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Camp went well!

God answered our prayers to bring kids to our camp as well as for things to go smoothly for camp. We had our youth camp, for kids in grade 6 through 11, on Monday through Wednesday. On Monday we had 12 kids come, on Tuesday we had 12 kids also come (some were the same, some were different), and on Wednesday we had 20 kids come (all the kids from Monday and Tuesday as well as some new kids)! He also provided us with a total of 7 local friends who helped us with interpreting and running the camp! Wow! How faithful God is!!

On Monday, Andrew gave a lesson about creation and how God created us to be in relationship with him. On Tuesday, I gave a lesson about how sin has broken that relationship with God. And finally, on Wednesday, Andrew gave a lesson about how Jesus came to take our sins away and fix our relationship with God if we accept His gift!

The kids listened to the lessons and participated in small group discussions. All the students seemed willing to share their thoughts and feelings. Many good questions were asked during this time. The discussion groups were by far my favorite time of the week!

After discussion groups, the kids got to play games. Orrin did a great job choosing games that got all the kids involved, moving, and having fun!

Finally, after games, Jackie and our friend, Olia, lead some wonderful songs. The kids got moving with "Funky Chicken," three worship songs, and then the infamous "Baby Shark" song!

Over all, things went well and were great! I don't think I could have asked for things to turn out better. God is so faithful! I truly believe that we pointed the kids to Christ and that each is at least a little bit closer to Him than when they first came to our camp. In fact, we invited many of them to our service on Saturday night.

Please be praying for our service tomorrow. This will be our Easter service. We will have worship, a small talk, and then play the Jesus Film, have popcorn, tea, and coffee. Please pray that people will come to this event and that God would use the film to impart truth and impact their lives! Thanks! :-)

Happy Easter!

2010-03-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a pretty sweet day. Some friends of John and Ev hosted this thing called Living Library. It is where people from other counties gather so that students from Zaporozhye can meet them and ask them questions about their lives, homes, cultures, etc. The people from the other countries are the "Books." We were asked to do this. It was so neat! Of course, talking with the students was interesting and fun... but my favorite part was meeting the other books. I met three people from Nigeria, one from Egypt, one from Syria, one from Indian, five others from the States. Wow - it was so cool to hear why they are in Zaporozhye, what they are studying, what they want to do with their lives, etc. It makes me want to find something at home where I can meet people of other cultures and places. We have so much to learn from each other!

Tomorrow starts our kids camp! I think we are all ready. We had a meeting tonight for all the locals who are going to help us out (we certainly cannot do it without them!). The meeting went really well and I think we are ready! Please be praying for these three days of camp! Please pray, first off, that God brings kids to the camp! Next, we know that God is the only one who can change hearts, so please pray that He changes kids' hearts! And finally, pray that the camp is fun!

Well.... apparently its closing time for this coffee shop - so that is all for now. Thanks for your continued prayers!!

ps- our church is having an event on the Saturday before Easter. Please pray that many people come and hear about the Good News!

2010-03-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

I think Spring is finally here. The skies are blue and things are warming up! Praise the Lord!

We spent Monday and Tuesday in a village about two hours away called TokMak. There is a new church planting pastor couple in this village. The currently are renting a house, but they really wanted a house of their own. God is good and he provided a house for them to buy. This house has been for sale for a few years now. The former owners were alcoholics and tragically died in a house fire in this house. Because they died in this house, no one would buy the house because they all believe that it is cursed now. So, this couple was able to buy this house for cheap!So, now the hard work starts - the house needs to be redone on the inside and the yard needs a lot of work. After the fire, everything in the house was pulled out and dumped in the back yard... for the last two or three years. So, that's where we come in! We worked with this couple and anther pastor couple to clean up the yard so that the garden could be planted. We pulled weeds, rototilled, raked, and threw all the burned, damaged, and wet things that were dumped into the yard.God was so good to us and gave us blue skies and warm weather to do all this work in! I thoroughly enjoyed this time! It was such a great change of pace from what we have been doing the last couple of months. It was really nice to get my hands on to something and do some hard work. I also had a lot of time to pray while I was raking - which I thoroughly enjoyed as well! The wife was even able to plant raddishes and parsley yesterday! :-) We are hoping to have a chance to go back and help them some more. I cant wait for them to get everything fixed up. I'm sure it will be after we leave, but its nice to be involved in the project and I cant wait to see how it turns out! God has some great plans for them there! It will be great to see how he works through them!

2010-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Funny how right after a Russian success, I had a Russian failure.

On Friday we went to a village. Andrew, Orrin, and our friend, Sasha, played soccer with the guys and Jackie and I, along with our friend and tranlsator, Oksanna, painted girls' nails. My Russian failure came as I was talking with a 6th grader and wanted to ask if she visits her mom in Moscow often. We have been talking about this sort of subject in our Russian lesson for the last couple or weeks, so I thought I could successfully ask this question. But, to be on the safe side, I asked Oksanna the question first.... and come to find out - I didn' know the proper way to ask. Goodness gracious. I also heard that Russian is the second hardest language to learn after the Asian languages.

:-) But, on the upside - we had a great time at the village on Friday. At first the girls were very shy and quiet, but soon enough they were talking and having a good time. One girl, Sasha, was very brave in talking. Through Oksanna her and I had a good "get-to-know-you" conversation. I really enjoyed it. And she showed me the school and the classrooms - that was great for me with my education background! After we were finished, Oksanna was able to have a very short conversation about God with her. That is awesome! I am so thankful for people like Oksanna who are here and want to minister. They can invest long term and that makes me so happy!

Russian Success

2010-03-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Exciting Russian language success... well, kind of. :-)

Yesterday, as I was walking to a coffee shop, I got stopped by a lady. Now, I have been stopped a time or two to answer some sort of question. Of course, I never understand what the person is saying, so I usually tell them, in Russian, that I dont speak Russian. They normally just kind of stare at me and walk off. So, yesterday I actually understood what the lady asked me - mostly because she mentioned the street name that we live on. So, I successfully told her in Russian that I speak a little bit of Russian and then said "Mera" (the name of the street) and pointed her in the right direction. She smiled really big and told me thank you. I was very happy that my limited language payed off and I could help her. :-)

Also, this is really random. Flash back to quite a while ago, Orrin and I got to know a couple of employees at the Adidas store. We had a really fun time trying to talk with them with their limited English and our limited Russian. We, unfortunately, have not had a chance to go back and visit them. So... flash forward. I am in Coffee Life right now. About 20 minutes ago, I notice a guy staring at me. I thought he looked familiar... thought maybe he was from the Adidas store, but wasnt sure. So, I just kept going with my internet stuff. Pretty soon, he is sitting next to me, shows me his phone where he has translated something through the internet. He remembered me and was wondering why Orrin and I havent been back to Adidas to visit them! Wow! How crazy is it that of all the Coffee Lifes in this city (there are at least four... maybe more that I dont know about), we happen to be at the same one. But really... if I think about it, it's not that crazy. God works in funny ways. Maybe he has more for us with these three people from Adidas than a one time meeting! Please pray that we will have time to go visit them and be able to share with them despite the language barrier!

2010-03-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

So, last week marked the halfway point of our time here in Ukraine. Wow.

This halfway point has actually been kind of hard. I was feeling it physically and emotionally - just being tired in both ways. I was feeling very ready to go home, be back to "normal life." Normally, the teams have a midterm retreat around this point. Which, now I understand even more why :-) However, our team decided to wait one more month before we have our retreat. We are doing this so that we can plan and have a kids camp while our students are out of school in the end of March. So, in three weeks we will have a VBS type camp.
This weekend we went to Crimea (an island... well, actually pennisula) south of Ukraine. We went to visit a church on Sunday, then went to Yalta afterwards. Yalta is a beautiful European city right next to the sea and surrounded by mountains. It is where Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill signed the treaty to end WWII and split up Germany.
Our time here was so good! It was so needed and so refreshing. We only spent a day and a half there, but it was great. We spent the time walking by the sea, looking at shops, exploring some back roads, eating, sleeping, and then visiting some castles! Ah - it was so amazing!
Also, this is where we are going in a month for our retreat! So, we went to the hotel we are staying at to book our reservation. Wow - it is amazing!
This time helped to give me some much needed rest. Also, just knowing that I will get to go there again in a month to rest and renew is so exciting! I think it help to re-energize me and motivate me for the next month here! After coming back, I wrote out goals of what I want to do and accomplish in the next month. I think I feel ready to take on this next month.
Thank the Lord that one and a half days help to re-energize me for the work He has for me here! Please continue to pray for me and our team that we would have the perseverance, strength, joy, and motivation to put in 100% in the next few weeks. Thanks!

Oh... ps - it will hopefully be a lot warmer there too in a month! :-) Never a bad thing!

The Black Sea

Walking along some random street

Me and Jackie sitting on a bench made for ridiculously tall people (notice the feet not touching the ground :-)). We are going to take a picture on one of these benches when we go back - we are hoping at that time they will be covered with blossoms!!

Our whole team standing in front of the Black Sea on the grounds of some castle

2010-03-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Andrew and I got spontaneously invited to a WWII car museum by the owner of my favorite cafe here. We went with him and his daughter. It was a lot of fun! It was a great way to make more of a connection with them as well. I am thankful for this opportunity!

Me in an old Soviet car!

Me and Andrew by another war car... I think it might be from the US

2010-02-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

So, I've been trying to think of more things to post on here, some serious and some fun. I had a whole list of blog ideas in my head earlier... let's see if I can remember one of them now. :-)

Ok, here is a story I remember from last week:
Last week I cut my finger - HARDCORE! Or... at least it seemed pretty bad at the time! :-) I was washing some dishes after some friends left our apartment after a movie. Now, here is a backup story... I am seriously clutzy, and my clutziness has only increased since being on TREK. I think I broke a good two or three glasses/dishes while at training, and I have broken at least two or three cups, a bowl or two, and maybe a plate since being here in Ukraine. I dont know what happens, but I just suck at not dropping things. So, I was washing this cup and all of a sudden it breaks in half! It seriously wasn't even my fault this time, I was just scrubbing it with a sponge. Then, after I marvel at how the cup just broke, I realize that I slice my finger pretty good. I grab a towel, apply pressure, and Jackie gets a bandaide ready for me. We put it on, and a minute later the bandaide is soaked through with blood! Long story short, I had to hold a towel on my finger a good 30 minutes before it stopped bleeding enough to put a bandaide on. Then, in 10 minutes it was bleeding through again. So, I wrapped up the finger and bandaide and all in a towel, taped it on, and went to bed.
Now, here's the good part of the story. A few days later we went to a city (the one that took 7 hours to get to!). I had an awesome Barbie bandaide on my finger, thanks to my wonderful friend LynAnne who gave them to me about 2 years ago :-) While we were out to lunch, the pastor of the church asked me what happened to my finger. I explained to him. He looked at me, then said, "Here in Ukraine, we have a saying. It will all be better when you get married."

I asked another friend about that saying later, if that is a common saying... sure enough it is! I have to admit, I think Ukraine wants to get me married off because this is not the first time marriage has been a topic of discussion with me and my Ukrainian friends.

Me and my wrapped finger before bed

2010-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Time for another blog. Hum... what to write this time?

The weather is getting warmer here. I am so glad! :-) On Monday, I walked home from school with a friend. It was a nice 40 minute, leisurely walk. We had a really good conversation about why I am here, what I want to do after I am here, and what she wants to do with her life.

Monday night we were able to hang out with a few of our kids from school too. We are making a great connection with a girl in the 11th grade. She knew the TREK team from last year and Orrin was in her class at the beginning of this year. She has come to New Hope Church twice and wants to keep coming! I am very excited about how much she wants to be with us and wants to come to church! Pray that we are able to have some good conversations and that we are able to build on what God did in her through the last team!

On Sunday we went to a city called Kherson. We got about every six weeks to encourage the new leadership of the church. We love going to this church. It is made up of mostly young people who are so amazing to be with! We have been to this church twice before. Normally, it takes us about 4.5 hours to get there. However, this Sunday it took us 7 hours to get there! The roads were TERRIBLE because of all the winter weather that we have had. We had TWO flat tires ont he way there! It was crazy! But God is good! When we got the second flat tire, we didnt have a spare because we had used it already. But we really think God sent us angels - not 5 minutes after we pulled over, a car drove up, picked John up, took him into town to get a new tire, brought him back, and wouldnt accept any money. They smiled the whole time, then got in their cars, and drove off the way they came. Wow! God provided exactly what we needed when we needed. So, that was really cool!
While we were at the church, Jackie and I were able, through our marvelous interpreter, Olga, to have a great conversation with some of the girls that are about our age there. It was such a blessing to me, and hopefully it was a blessing to them!

Well, that is a short update. But those are a few things that have been going on here! One more week and we will have reached the half way point of our time here. Time goes so quickly!

2010-02-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

The other day I was telling an American friend of mine a funny story that happened to me a few weeks ago. After we finished cracking up about it, she said, "Those are the stories you need to put on your blog." And I realized then, that a lot of my blogs are very serious. So, I will try to put some funny stories up now and again. :-) Please keep in mind that a lot of the funny things that happen to me here happen because I come from a different culture than the one here. Now, this doesn't mean that I am making fun of the culture here, because after all, its different and that doesn't mean its wrong or anything like that. But, at the same time, many of these situations are humorous because I am from another culture and I just don't quite understand what's going on most of the time. :-)

So, a few weeks ago I was at our favorite cafe, Oberhausen. I had met the owner the time before and decided to say hi to him when I saw him. So, when he walked in, I took my head phones out, smiled, and gave a nice big "Sdratsvutye!" to him. He nodded and smiled and walked off. I got the feeling he was busy. He quickly came back and introduced me to an older gentleman sitting behind me. This man quickly whipped out his cell phone and started showing me all the pictures on his phone. In between my little bit of Russian and his little bit of English, we could communicate fairly well. After about 10 or so minutes of cell phone picture looking, the owner came back and made it clear to the man I was talking to (who is actually the owner's father) that it was time for them to eat. I happy said farewell and put my headphones back in to continue my emails. After a while, the owner came up to me and said, "Sarah, present." I looked over and another man had a waist high statue of Lennin that he was presenting to me. They wanted to give me a statue of Lennin! It took me a few minutes to understand what was going on - I was pretty confused at first. Once I realized they wanted to give me a clay statue of the dictator Lennin, I said, "I'm not strong enough to carry it home" while flexing my measley arms at the same time. He understood that, and they picked Lennin up and took him away. As they carried the statue away, I realized that part of the base was broken off. I am wondering if they were throwing it away and decided to offer it to me as a gift. As I left the cafe later I thought, "Man, the guys are going to be mad at me for not bringing that statue back with me." Sure enough, I have not heard the end of it to this day - they really want that statue to add to their already very tacky room. :-) And I still just laugh. But at the same time, it's nice to come here and know that the people here consider you a friend.

2010-01-28T10:15:00.001-08:00

Right now I am sitting in a cafe that is about a five minute walk from our apartment. It is a quaint little cafe with a German name (you can't beat that! :-)) and fun German decore. They have free wifi here, that's a huge reason why I come here. But, since I have been here a few times, I like coming here not only for the internet, but also for the people that work here. The first time I came with Orrin, we talked with the owner a little bit and he really wanted us to come back. Since then I have met his father, who leaves messages for me saying "Hi." :-) We have gotten to know the three girls who work here. Every time I walk in the door, I get a nice big "Preevyet." This is "hello" for friends or people you are familiar with. They know what coffee I order and what table I like to sit at. Today I had my normal coffee with milk ("Kofe ee moloko") and I also got a delicious chicken, potato, and mushroom dinner. It had lots of grease but was so good! I like this place. I am thankful for this place. Pray that God will lead us in knowing how he wants us to use and treat these relationships we have made here. And pray that we will see his guiding and be obedient.

the most recent thing I have been learning is about faith. Faith is taking the next step, each day. Faith is saying in the hard times, "God, this sucks right now and it hurts, but I trust you." I am beginning to better understand the verses in the New Testament about how trials create perseverance and perseverance creates hope. I see that this perseverance comes from taking the next step and trusting. I am so thankful for understanding God's Word even more clearly! :-)

I dont think I have mentioned this yet, but about two weeks ago two more people came to know the Lord. A couple. He is from America and she is from here. They both accepted Christ after spending some time with John. Now, they are both in our men's and women's Bible studies. They went to a village church with us last Sunday and shared the testimonies (despite the fact that they were afraid to get up and talk). They are so fun. Pray that God will be maturing them and doing new good things in their lives (He has already started!)

I am excited for God to build up the believers here. Our team will only be here for roughly 5 more months. My dream for after we leave, is that these new believers will start to minister and share Christ in their own lives. After all, they can have a bigger impact here than I can - they know the language, they know the culture, this is their home! Pray that more people will come to know Him and that they will grow closer to Him each day and that their relationship with Him will pour out into everything they do and THEY will bring more people to Him!

2010-01-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today... "What could I write on my blog if I have time?"

Then I thought... new and different prayer requests. :-) So let me think if I can remember the ones I thought of earlier.

One is that this place would start to feel like my home.
That God would give me grace with culture.
That our team would continue to bond together (always a good and important one).
That my heart would continue to be open to what God is teaching me.

Thank you for your prayers! :-)

ps - its cold here. -15 degrees Celsius. brrr... and lots of snow. But, today it was sunny (that in itself is a miracle) and a blue sky (also a miracle :-P). So, we went to the island and walked through snow (that practically went up to my knees... but I am short :-)) and saw some beautiful nature. So, it was cold, but God creates beauty even in the cold - thank goodness!

2010-01-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been quite a while since I've blogged last. A lot of this has to do, honestly, with not knowing how to write the things that have been going on with me. So, I actually am going to copy and paste (and maybe add or take away just a few things) an email that I wrote to a dear friend, hopefully she doesnt mind that the same thing I wrote her is going out into cyber space. Also, warning for the reader, it will probably be a long one.

"Let’s see, today – I am good. It is interesting how good can be how I am, even when the day is hard. But I guess that is a good place to get to be.

I feel like God is working so much in my heart – and boy, let me tell you , it isn’t easy. lol. First I was soooo homesick, which sucked, but it really brought me to a place where I had to say, “I cant do this on my own, I have to do it in Your strength.” I still have to say that every day. 2 Cor. 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” I realized yesterday that this verse doesn’t just say that he will be strong for me when I am weak, but that HIS POWER WILL BE MADE PERFECT WHEN I am weak. Wow! So, now I see why Paul says to rejoice in those times, because then God can make his power perfect. I guess that makes it a little easier to rejoice. It’s still hard, right? But when I am weak, then God can be strong.

I realized that I am maybe not as open an vulnerable as I think I am. I realized that I try to do things a lot on my own. I often don’t tell people that I am struggling until I feel that the struggle is over, because I don’t want to look weak to them. I was processing a lot of this with the missionary and I realized that a lot of stuff comes down to me relying on my own strength and power. So, I had to confess my self-relience to God and ask forgiveness to him. So, this is something that I am learning and is hard to do is to share what is going on in my life, even when it is hard. But it is good. So, I am working on being more open. I think that it's good for me and I think it is good for other people, because we are the church and we are suppose to encourage and support each other. Being here has just been hard really. I am reminded again and again that I am not perfect. I was reading Psalm 51 yesterday and I came to verse 17, which says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” I feel in a way that God is taking me to a place of brokenness. A broken spirit is what I can offer him. I don’t know if any of this makes sense, but these are the things I am learning through the hardness of it. I knew that TREK would be hard, but I thought it would be physically hard, but it really is emotionally and spiritually hard. I know that in the end, there will be good fruit and blessing from it. So, that is helpful."

The last few days have been better, not as emotionally hard, which is a nice break. I know that these next five months are still going to have their challenges. But I also know that through these challenges, I am going to learn a lot. God is good. He is near to me. I am thankful for that!

I hope this offers a little bit of insight into what has been going on for me. Thank you for reading my blog and for your prayers! God is using them in my own life tremendously as well as here in the people and the things we are doing.

2009-12-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas was very nice this year. We got to spend it (and Christmas Eve) with John and Ev and two of their kids. The days were spent eating great food, playing games, watching movies, and exchanging a few gifts. It was so relaxing and nice!

The day after Christmas, New Hope Church had a Christmas service with a Jazz concert afterwards. God blessed us and answered our prayers for sending people to the service. We had nearly 100 people show up! Wow! Our little room was packed out with lots of people. It was so great! It was a fun time of celebrating Christmas the "Canadian way," listening to music, and meeting new friends!

We played some rousing games of Dutch Blitz!

Learning how to be Canadian, lol

Wearing some of our Christmas gifts!

The church set up before church began. Note the beautiful nativity scene in the background - designed by Jackie, built by Jackie, Orrin, Andrew, and Sasha!

Merry Christmas to All

2009-12-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

I know that it is still a few days until Christmas, but I am not sure when I will be on the internet next, so I am wishing you all an early Christmas! I hope that it is filled with laughter and joy! God is good and I am so thankful that he sent his son to us!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Christmas Eve with John and Ev and two of their children, Andrea and Kenton. Then on Christmas we will get to spend the whole day with them! I am looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family here. On Saturday we will have our Christmas service at the church. The first half will be a candle light service and then the second half will be a jazz concert. We are looking forward to it! Please be praying for us Saturday, it will be a busy day! :-) And we are hoping that several new people will respond to the advertisements and come to the service!!

Merry Christmas!

Praise Him

2009-12-21T00:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all your prayers! We have the joy of welcoming a new sister in Christ to the family today! Please continue to pray as God works in her life! Thank you!! :-D

2009-12-16T03:07:00.001-08:00

Last time I posted I forgot to mention the party we had at our apartment for our school kids. We invited our school kids that we are teaching English to over for a party. We had cookies that we backed with Evelyn and we also had chips and soda. The kids showed up with regular Ukrainian tradition and brought lots of baked goods and chocolates. It was a good thing too, because we had 20 kids show up and we would not have had enough food for all of them! But, how amazing - 20 kids! God is good in opening doors and giving us favor with the students. We are so thankful for that! We played a few get to know you games and then watched Mrs. Doubtfire. It was a good and relaxing way to get to know the kids and take the relationships that we have with them in the classroom outside of the classroom. We are hoping to have more parties and find other ways to get to know them better. Please be praying that God continues to open doors for us and guides in ways to get to know the kids better!

Exciting story time (well, maybe funny story is a better word, :-P): Yesterday, we were making dinner, enjoying hanging out and talking with our friend Sasha when all of a sudden the lights started to dim. When it was happening I thought, "Oh, the lights are flickering, but they won't go out." Kind of like at home when the lights flicker. However, the lights did end up going out. And... they have been out ever since. So, the power has been out for over 18 hours. Lucky for us, the heat is on a boiler system, so we still have heat and our stove is a gas stove so we can still cook. However, we have already broken a mirror and a bottle of cologne in the dark. We are at a coffee shop now, so we are hoping that when we go home we will have power again. :-) We are living the adventure of Ukraine!

And one more thing: the weather. Some of you may be wondering what the weather is like here. Well, if you live with me in Kansas... then you know exactly what it is like. It is cold - its about -6 Celsius and the wind is blowing like crazy today (just like home)! And right now random little snowflakes are falling. That actually seems to happen a lot - just little snowflakes that amount to nothing. Maybe one day it will actually snow here. :-)

Because I actually have Time

2009-12-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I am sitting in a CoffeeLife (the equivalent to Starbucks here... there is a Starbucks in Kiev, but that is it - one of our friends didnt even know what Starbucks was when we mentioned it.... wow- sorry Starbucks, but you havent quite reached the whole world yet.) where my computer can actually pick up the internet, waiting for some more of my team to get here. Since I actually have some time, I thought I would take it to blog. Now... what to blog about is the question... :-)

How about a few superstitions that are popular here?

You cant wash dishes in hot water, the hot water only makes the germs grow... you must wash them in cold water.

Never go outside or work outside without a thick winter coat... from probably about November (maybe earlier... I'm not sure, since we weren't here) until about March (so we've heard).

If you sit on the cement with nothing in between you and it, you will be infertile.

If you put your purse on the ground, the money leaks out into the ground.

If you are sick, eat onions.

Hum.... those are the ones I can remember at this point. People here are quite superstitious. I have my suspicions of why that is. For the longest time, people here were not allowed to believe in any religion because of Communism. However, I believe we were made to believe something - most specifically, God. I think the people filled that need in their hearts to believe with superstitions. So, now we have to decide whether some of these superstitions we follow to be culturally sensitive or not - like, do I wear a coat even when I am sweating profusely while raking leaves? Hum, at this point, I think yes. It's easier than trying to explain why I'm not and then I dont look like an idiot to the people. :-)

Update and Pictures

2009-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Let's see... what can I say about what we have been up to recently?

Of course there had been the inevitable raking of leaves. I actually kind of enjoy doing this now and again - it gets me outside, gives me exercise, and a time to just think or jam to my ipod. Last week we raked in our yard and a babushka leaned out her window and started telling Jackie and I where to rake next... at least that is what we think she was saying. I am so glad our neighbors have noticed us. :-)

On Friday, Jackie and I had coffee with our friends Nastya and Yana. God continues to open doors to us. Jackie was able to share her testimony and I was able to share some verses and talk about God's love for us and the hope He offers! Continue to pray for these two beautiful women, that the Holy Spirit would continue to soften their hearts. Pray for Jackie and I, that His words would ever be on our mouths in these times!

On Saturday, we had the very first service for New Hope Church - John's English church service. Ah - it was so good! We had nine people show up besides our team, John and Ev, and the guy that is helping us with worship. Praise the Lord! Things went smoothly. However, we are still praying that God will provide us with singers (John asked me to help him lead worship on Saturday - eep! Good thing the mics weren't even turned on, lol). Pray that God will grow us in this area of worship! And pray that this new church family will continue to grow!

Yesterday we went to another village church. This church was much bigger than the rest we have been to. We were able to eat lunch with the church - yum! Then there was an Advent service afterwards. It was great!

I praise God for the friends and opportunities that he is giving us. Right now I am sitting in McDonalds, using the internet until I go to school 31 to teach three lessons of English. Pray also that good relationships will come from this. We are inviting the students over to our apartment to hang out Thursday night!

Please also continue to pray that God would make this place feel more and more like home each day.

I love and miss you all!Jackie and I decorating the apartment for Christmas!

Ev, one of the AMAZING missionaries, talking to the pastor's wife of one of the villages churches.

Me peeling potatoes for the American Thanksgiving our missionaries hosted. This seems to be my traditional job at home, too. :-)

John praying after his sermon for the first church service for New Hope Church!

"I Don't Speak Russian"

2009-11-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

"I don't speak Russian." This is a phrase that we have gotten very good at saying in Russian - it is used often.

Today we raked leaves in the yard behind our apartment. There is a lady who does it every day and we asked if we could help her. So, we racked for a few hours and as we were about to leave a few of her other leaf-raking friends came up. They tried very hard to talk to us. Of course, we didnt understand most of it. It was quite funny actually... if we didnt understand something they would repeat it louder and slower for us. Unfortunately, not matter how hard I listened, I still didnt understand much. However, at some point in the "conversation" "coffee" and "chia" were said, which is coffee and tea. We decided that they were offering to give us coffee and tea, so we decided to take them up on the offer. One of the ladies quickly ran to the market and bought tea cookies. Then we walked to a kiosk by the road and got coffee and tea. We then stood around a table and they tried talking to us more. Again, we didn't understand much. But, we were able to use our limited Russian and introduce ourselves to them and they introduced themselves to us. That was neat. They were also very concerned that we were only in sweaters and not coats. This is very cultural - they think you have to be extremely bundled up, even when you are working outdoors. They were so concerned for me that one lady eventually went to her apartment building and let me into the hall so I could warm my hands by the radiator.

It was a great time of trying to understand Russian and experiencing some cultural hospitality. I enjoyed it immensely.

Tomorrow we head out for a village for the weekend. We will see what adventures that brings!

ps- I hope this is a shorter, quicker post than yesterday's. Sorry about that! :-)

2009-11-26T02:06:00.000-08:00

We made it! Ok... so, we've been here a week already, but a late update is better than no update :-) Yesterday was the one week mark for me and Jackie, though it has felt like we have been here for a lot longer!

I will start at the beginning. Last week on Sunday, Jackie and I had a feeling that her visa would be in the next day (like it was "gurunteed" to be). We just felt different this time than any other time. So, Monday morning we went out to breakfast with one of the TREK leaders. As we were eating she got a calling saying that Jackie's visa had not come in with the rest of the mail. Jackie and I just started laughing... what else could we do. But, we knew that her visa was in the area. We decided to just go about our day, getting our errands done, assuming that we would be leaving the next day. Long and short of it, her visa got delivered to the office one hour before we would have to call to reschedule out flights again. Praise the Lord - He is good! :-) We left Tuesday morning from Vancouver at 9am. Our flights went smoothly, we even had a whole middle row to ourselves on the long flight from Toronto to Vienna. That was nice! Over all, the trip went much faster than I thought it would. When we got to the airport we were met by John and Ev, the missionaries, and Orrin and Andrew! It was so good to see them - like a family reunion!

Since we've been here we have had a party to meet the students in John's English, another party to meet some of the students we will be teaching English, raked leaves at a dental clinic, went to two village churches, Jackie and I had coffee with two new friends, and more that I can't remember at the moment. :-)

There is an outdoor market, kind of like our farmers' market but not as nice, right across the street from our apartment. We've shopped there a few times. The produce there is very nice! John also introduced us to some of his friends that work there, so that will be good to continue those relationships as well as support those people. There are a lot of different things sold in the market besides produce. You can buy meat, fish, pasta, cookies, other baked goods, clothing, hardware type stuff, spices, and who knows what else.

We've also gone shopping at the grocery store a few times. A few observations about grocery stores: there is Mayo everywhere!! They love their Mayo here and it is very hard to find salad dressing. Also, most condiments do not come in jars or plastic bottles, but this little pouches. When buying food, you have to be very diligent to check expiration dates because things will be left on the shelves until they are bought. Milk here is very strange! First off, there are not the same regulations on milk here as home, so some milk may have antibiotics in it, chalk, or vegetable oil. Also, finding 1% or less is very rare. Most milk is 2.5% or even 3.5%. Finally, the milk just tastes strange to me. It tastes almost sweet. North American 1% or skim milk may be the food I miss the most in these 7 months. :-) Finally.... there are about a billion different types of ketchup. They do have Heinz here, but it is about 3 times more expensive than other brands because it is imported. But they have sweet ketchup, spicy, and who knows what else. Navigating the grocery store is an adventure!

The weather is starting to get cold here. Although, people bundle up here much more than home. The weather might be nice enough for us to just wear a warm sweater outside, but the Ukrainians will be bundled up from head to toe in coat, scarf, hat, boots, etc. It rains every once in a while. Yesterday it rained and was cold out. My shoes, socks, and pants got quite muddy. Sidewalks here often switch between being made of cement and mud.

It has been interesting to learn about some of the history of Ukraine as well as the current state of the nation. There is a lot of sadness involved. Things are hard here for people. In my opinion, the hard times that this nation has faced has caused people to be very guarded. We are almost never greeted with a smile as we walk down the street. However, once you meet with people on a personal level, either in homes, or out for coffee, for example, they open up! People seem so eager to make friends and have relationships. I am excited for the open doors that God is placing in front of us to get to know people. Please pray for these relationships as we pursuing spending time with new friends. Pray that the Holy Spirit would soften their hearts to God! Also, starting next week we will be helping English teachers in one of the local middle schools. Please pray for confidence as we speak in front of 7th through 10th graders. Pray that we can make good relationships with the teachers and the students. Also, pray for us as we will start learning the public transportation system soon! :-)

We would also like to ask that you pray for protection, physically as well as spiritually, here. We have noticed a spirit of fear that is in this city. Pray that our hearts and minds would protected from this. Pray that God's peace and joy would overflow from our lives!!

That's all for now... we do not have free internet in our apartment, so updates may be less than I had hoped for as I probably wont write them unless I am in the coffee shop. But keep your eyes open for new one. And again, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!

Strength Will Rise as we Wait upon the Lord

2009-11-12T19:12:00.001-08:00

Every Tuesday night the local Bible college, Columbia Bible College, has student lead worship. It has been great to be able to go each week! One of the first songs this last Tuesday was the song that says "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord." For some reason, these words really stuck out to me.

Now they are my prayer.

Jackie's visa has not made it here like we had hoped. So, we are now on to plan C.... but like Petra, one of the interns said, this is actually still God's plan A - thanks goodness! So, the plan is that the boys, Andrew and Orrin, will go tomorrow as planned. Then Jackie and I will leave on Tuesday. It will be hard to say goodbye to our guys tomorrow, but hey... maybe they can scope out all things Ukraine for us before we get there! :-)

Please keep us in your prayers as we part ways tomorrow. Pray that the guys will have a safe trip and that things go smoothly for them. Pray for Jackie and I to stay motivated here. Pray that we would use this time to focus even more on Christ as well as to grow stronger together.

We are excited to go to the Ukraine and we can't wait to get there and see what God has for us. It's been good to see why God has had us here this week! We were able to minister and encourage some different people, and we also were able to receive blessings and encouragement as well! We are so thankful for that!

Thanks for your prayers!

God is Sovereign!

2009-11-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Here's our team update.

We did not leave for the Ukraine yesterday. :-) None of our visas made it here in time. I think we have three of them now and are just waiting for the fourth visa to make it! Because of this, all of our flights were rebooked for next Friday. We have the exact same flight, just a week later, so we will leave at 9am from Vancouver next week. Because of this we will be here in Abbotsford for one more week. We know that God has a plan and a reason for us being here. I think one of these reasons being getting our vaccines! Woot - we have an appointment for Monday morning, and I can even get my vaccines here even though I am a US resident (one of the other Americans was told she could not and she had to go over the boarder to get her shots, at least it was only a five minute drive from here :-)). So, praise the Lord for that answer to prayer! He holds everything in His hands, even vaccines. :-)

While we are here in Abbotsford we will be doing many different ministry things - helping out at the MBMSI office, decorating the Mark Centre for Christmas, talking to a missions class at the local Christian high school, talking at a youth group, serving at a day care, and maybe a few other things. We feel that God has given us this for a reason. I feel that it will be good because we are learning how to set our own schedule, how to shop and cook for ourselves, etc. This is a little less stress environment to practice these things in instead of a completely new country. :-) Our leader also feels strongly that this is a time for our team to set good "traditions" or habits, such as team Bible studies, personal quiet times, individual and corporate prayer, etc. We are excited to see what God has for us here! Pray that the Lord will be glorified in all that we do! Pray for patience in times when we might be frustrated (especially after Team Mexico, the last team here, leaves tomorrow) that we are here and not there. (We are reminded that God has people here who need to hear about His love!). Please pray that this would be a good prep time for us! Pray also that it would be a time that is filled joy and fun!

Thank you for all your prayers!!

Now - here is video that our team made last week as an update for our churches (so, if you see it now, you might see it again at Community Bible Church, if they choose to play it).

Travel Update

2009-11-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Team Ukraine is scheduled to leave on Friday at 9am from the Vancouver airport...

However, we don't have our visas yet. It's actually a quite confusing story. But what it comes down to is that our team is entering Ukraine as Religious Workers. To do this we have to have an invitation from the government as well as from a religious organization. Long and short of it is that the Ukrainian Consulate in Toronto has only gotten three out of the four letters. So, they sent the passports for the people who have visas in the mail today. If they get here by tomorrow, that will be a miracle. If the consulate gets the other letter of invitation and gets the visa here by tomorrow would be an EXTREME miracle! So, we have been exploring other options. TREK leadership is looking into rebooking flights. If this is relatively inexpensive, then they will rebook all of our flights and we will leave as a team at a later date, hopefully only a few days. If we can't leave on Friday, this would be the optimal option. If the flights are expensive, then two of us will leave on Friday (assuming the visas make it here in time) and the other two will wait and leave at a later time.

Lots of prayer has been put into this situation. I know that God is big enough to make it work. However, I also trust that if we are delayed, He has a reason for it. I am not worried about anything that happens. However, that does leave two of us waiting and potentially leaving at a very late notice. But that's ok! :-) Keep this situation in your prayers, please! Also, please pray for our team as we still need to get vaccines and have not been able to book an appointment yet. Again, I trust that these "small" details are in God's hands and that He will orchestrate it all!

Thanks so much! I will keep you updated!

One Week

2009-10-29T21:32:00.001-07:00

Well, we have one week left here at the Mark Centre. My team and I leave for Ukraine on November 6th, which is a week from tomorrow. It's so crazy! I am finally starting to get over the surreal feelings I have about this. It just seems so weird to think that I am basically moving to Ukraine for 8 months. But, I am really starting to get excited. It will be hard to leave friends here, but it is going to be good to be living with my team and serving with them and John and Ev (the missionaries).

I am also excited to live out the things that I have been learning in training. I realized the other night that if I left training and just went home instead of to assignment, I would be changed by training, but eventually it would be easy to let the things I learned just be head knowledge. I know that going on assignment is a great time to work and live out what I have been learning here. Assignment will cement in the things that I have been learning, as well as teach me new things. Assignment will be a huge part in how God is going to transform me.

But really, my own transformation is only a part of it all. I am excited to learn Russian, meet new people, and live life with them. Which reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 2:8, my theme verse. "We loved you so much that we delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." I am excited to see God's work in Ukraine, to see how He powerfully moves.

All of the TREKers in the first or second week of TREK after work duties.

Andrew, Orrin, Me, Jackie (and Amanda popping up in the back!)

Prayer Requests:

Pray that the Ukrainian Consulate in Toronto gets our official letters of invitation from Ukraine soon so that we will have our visas in time for our flights on Nov. 6th!

Pray that we will be able to learn a lot of Russian in the first two months we are in Ukarine during our language class. Also pray that we will be diligent in speaking the language, even if it is scary!

Pray for safety, health, and smooth flights on Nov. 6th and 7th!

Intimacy

2009-10-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am coming to realize that it all comes down to intimacy.

Everything that we want and can do in our Christian walks come down to intimacy with God.

God love us and desires to be in relationship with us.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord." (emphasis added)

Also, check out Isaiah 12. I think this is what our life and ministry should flow out of - God's love and salvation for us, as individuals, and for all needs to be proclaimed and lived out!

And one more picture for the road: our team... being us! :-)

Blessings in the Busyness

2009-10-22T19:56:00.001-07:00

I began to write a post yesterday. I went to a coffee shop with a friend who had homework to do. I completely planned on putting my headphones in, listen to some music, and get some things done, all while trying not to disturb my friend from his homework. Well, that “prodcutiveness” only lasted for about half an hour.
I started my blog out by saying how I haven’t the time, or the words, to write on my blog. Free time seemed scarce last week, although we have had more time this week. I continued on, listing all the things that have kept me busy when I have had free time. And that’s as far as I got, before I started talking to my friend.  And then I remembered that all the things I have been learning during sessions has been worth not having much free time. And I also remembered that the things that I do during my free time are worth not having posted on my blog for over two weeks. God truly blesses me each day, through speakers in our sessions, through hugs from friends, random coffee shop conversations, and the gentle whispers of the Lord.
Literally, too much has happened and been taught in the last two weeks to write about it all – that would probably make for a whole book. So, I will try to stick with a few things God has been teaching me personally as well as some pictures.
I learned that I need alone time. I am a social person, but I learned that it is important for me to get some time just to myself, where I can just relax. This will be something good for me to remember when I am overseas. It is something our team plans on doing.
Last week’s theme was Evenagelism. We learned a lot of things from Phil, our speaker. Then we had to go out and try it! Yikes! But it was good. The first day we were suppose to pray for God to give us His eyes and heart for the people. If the opportunity happened then we were suppose to try to have some conversations. The next day we wanted to try to share the Gospel with someone. I did not end up sharg the Gospel with anyone, but the experience was still valuable to me. I realized that in life I tend to be very task oriented. This leads me to rushing through the day from place to place, thing to thing, and I am not aware of what is going on around me. I want to live life more aware of the people around me. I want to have God’s eyes for the people around me. I also learned that starting a conversation with someone is not that hard. I hope that after this experience I will be living my life in tuned the Holy Spirit and what he may have for me, than for all the tasks I think I need to get done.
This week we have been learning about Spiritual Authority. A huge thing that I have learned through this is just that I have the authority of Christ in me and I can claim his power. There are so many aspects of Christian life that I nothing about. It is good to be learning these things – I become less nervous and more confident in the different aspects of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I know I still have so much more to learn!
Prayer Requests:
- God is Sovereign – praise Him! Pray that I will continue to trust in His sovereignty. Pray that He will reveal His wisdom and plan to me in different relationships here.
- We leave in two and a half weeks! We have our tickets! Pray that our visas will be here in time and that the visa process goes smoothly.

Picture time!!

Me and some of the girls on our Outdoor Adventure Day.Me, Jackie, Carmen, Candice.

Me about to repel off a cliff!

Me and Petra at the Othello Tunnels. You can't see the tunnels here, but they are the old railroad tunnels that are blown through the mountains - they are pretty cool!

Canadian Thanksgiving comes much earlier than ours... by about a month. This is me and Amanda after we got all dressed up for Thanksgiving!

Jackie, Amanda, Sara, Carmen, Me.

One of the tables during the meal!

Jackie and I ended up buying matching sweaters and gloves. If it wasn't for the fact that she is tall and has dark hair and I am short and have lighter hair, people might get us mixed up in Ukraine! :-P

Our team on the way to mini golf for team time...plus Amanda poking her head in the back. Andrew, Orrin, Me, Jackie.

AmazingTREK and Pictures

2009-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend was intense... and left me hobbling around like a 70 year old woman for about three days, but it was all worth it! :-)

On Saturday we did this event called AmazingTREK. For any of you who have seen the show Amazing Race, it is just like that! We competed with our teams and raced all over Abbotsford and beyond doing different challenges. We started the race at 5:37 am - sooo early, but we were ready! Our team decked out in all pink - that's right, Team Ukraine rocked out the pink!

Left to right: Orrin, Andrew, Me, Jackie

We had so many different competitions, from fishing coins out of a freezing fountain with our bare toes, eating gross food such as beljuit (a duck egg where the duck is partially developed already), picking hazelnuts off the ground one at a time in our team, and so many more! This race was 12 hours long!! It was super intense. For the first half of the race we had to go all around Abbotsford on foot... yikes! Then, for the second half, we got to have a driver and a minivan (we were glad to be off our feet and running). It was so much fun and so intense, it's really quite hard to describe it here.
There are so many more details I could share, but the important part is how our team worked together. We had a great time as a team! There were times when we were running hard and playing hard and there were times when we were laughing just as hard! I think the best thing was that the whole team made the effort to encourage each other. Overall this experience was very encouraging!

Now, I just thought it would be fun to share some pictures of our time here so far!

This was during the Photo Scavenger Hunt.

Austin, Sara, Me, Candice

Austin, me, Sara, Andrew.

Me and my roommates - Candice, me, Cheryl.

A bunch of us doing laundry!

Well, that's all for now!

Drum Roll Please.....

2009-09-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

.... my location is...

Ukraine!!

I am super pumped!

I would like to share the experience and process of finding out my team and location with you.

We found out our teams and locations this morning during our worship session. Many of my friends (including me, which I was surprised by) sat nervously on the couches as our leader, Luke, wrote names on a piece of paper we couldn't see. As we began worshiping, he uncovered the paper so that we could see a list of the three locations with all our names under them.

Leading up to today, I have tried to be fairly neutral about where I wanted to go. My heart and head have gone in lots of circles throughout the last six months. When I first found out the locations (Thailand, Ukraine, and Mexico) I wanted to go to Ukraine, because it was the most similar to Germany (I took German all through high school and wanted to go there). However, as the summer went on, my heart really changed and softened to Thailand (a lot through Michelle and Fauna's stories - friends who went to Thailand two years ago with TREK). As I came to TREK, I felt my heart become ok with any of the three locations. However, in this last week, I became really excited about Thailand. I felt my heart saying, "Yes, that is where I want to go!" I thought it would be really neat to go there because it would be the most different compared to home, it would have great food, and there are orphanages there that I could work with! So, all week I was hoping I would be sent to Thailand, but kind of feeling like that might not happen. In fact, it is strange because the two nights before I kept thinking, "hum... I'm going to end up in Ukraine as the team leader." (which I did not have a particular desire to be the TL because that is a big responsibility).

So, these are the thoughts I had in my head and heart as I went into our session today. I had no idea how I would react when I found out that I would/wouldn't be going to Thailand. As I saw my name under Ukraine I had some emotions. Now, these emotions are a bit difficult to explain, so I will try my best. I felt a twinge of disappointment; not because I was going to Ukraine, but because I was not going to Thailand. I mostly felt this disappointment because there were several things about Thailand that I had wanted - seeing my family at Christmas and orphanages to name a few. As I sat there, worshiping and knowing that God is sovereign, I gave my emotions to God and processed them. I realized that as I let go of the things that I wanted in Thailand, there would be space in my heart for the things that God wants for me and my team in Ukraine. I felt like God was saying to me, "Sarah, I have something special there for you."

So now I am completely pumped for Ukraine!!! I am not the team leader, which is ok with me (though I would have served in the position if that was what God had planned). Our team consists of four people - two guys and two girls. Andrew is our team leader, then there is Orrin, Jackie, and I. Hopefully we will get some fun team pics together so I can post them. I am terribly excited for my team and our location! We took pictures together for the MBMSI prayer card that will be made and we had a blast. I think that our team will be blessed with laughter, for which I am very glad! We have our first team meeting in about an hour where we will hang out as well as start working on picking a team verse (goodness, there are so many good ones to pick from! :-)).

Please continue to pray for us as we get to know each other better, spend more time together, and learn about the Ukrainian culture and language!!

Silent Retreats, Birthdays, and Coffee Crisps

2009-09-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

Warning: This post will probably be quite long - read at your own discretion (however, I HOPE you DO read it!!) If you so choose, and this may be a good idea, split some of the post up and read it over two or three days! :-)

Before I start into the main stuff, I just need to put a praise out there that I forgot last time. I found out, about four days into TREK, that I had received all my funds for TREK... AND SOME!! God has provided through you, through fundraisers, and through ways that are still mysteries to me! He is such an amazing Provider who deserves so much praise from us!! Just thought I would share that with you all so you can join me in celebrating! Continue to pray that the other TREKers' funds will come in!

Wow - so much has happened in the last week! (Have I mentioned before how each week seems so much longer than just a week?) This last week's theme was Hearing God's Voice. We are continually blessed by the wisdom of amazing speakers from MBMSI. There really was a lot to learn about hearing God's voice; I will try to bullet point some of the good things. If you have questions or comments, please tell me - I would love to process and discuss this stuff more!!

Hearing God's Voice in His Work Around Us:

We listen to God because we are in a relationship with Him and want to get to know Him better, just like we listen to people we are in relationship with.
Questions to ask yourself to see how God is speaking in His work around you: 1) What is God doing in my life? 2) How am I responding?
The speaker shared many stories from his life (it was amazing to see how God spoke in his life!). Some descriptors of God from these stories: Powerful, Orchestrator, Restorer, Father, Artistic, Intimate

Later that day we heard from one of the IT guys at MBMSI (we get to hear from everyone! Everyone has something to offer!!). He had a ton of amazing points (and such an amazing story!), so I will just try to write a few that were most impactful for me so far.

We can hear from God and understand him because we have the Holy Spirit in us.
Times that we often hear God speaking: Personal Prayer, Reading Scripture, Worship, Meditation/Fasting and Prayer (walking in nature - this is a true one for me!), Sleeping/Dreaming/Resting, Group Prayer, Anytime (I love that catch-all - it's so true and needs to be remembered, especially in my own life!)
Methods God can speak to you: words (Audible), names, Scripture, sounds, images/visions/pictures, events/memories, and dreams
How you know if what you are hearing is from God: Spiritual words - often, if it doesn't make sense to us, its from God!; Affirmation by godly people or community; and Alignment.

This Alignment thing was huge for me! Three things that align when God is speaking to you are Growing Peace, Growing Passion, and Growing Trust. This was/is huge to me because this is exactly what I felt as I was deciding to do TREK. Deciding to do TREK was a very hard decision for me and I often wasn't sure if God was specifically calling me to it. But as the speaker said these things I realized that I experienced them and knew them, even if I didn't know that they affirmed God's call for me. As I prayed about TREK I had a growing peace that it would be a good thing to do. I also sensed a growing passion. When I first thought about TREK, I was not excited about it, but as I applied and got accepted, my passion for it grew! And finally, I had a growing trust. TREK scared me!! But as time went on, my trust in the Lord with this grew and grew! How amazing!
I saw another cool confirmation with my decision for TREK this week. I was able to speak with the regional mobilizer from our area at home. He told me and Thomas that last year he prayer that God would send two people on the longer term TREK. Wow - God used his prayers to get me to TREK! Our God is a big God who answers prayers!! I know it certainly took a lot to get me here - and I am so glad I am here because I am loving every minute of it!

Hearing God's Voice through our Hearts:

God is interested in our hearts, thoughts, feelings
Ways God speaks to our hearts: Passions, Personality Promptings, People, Problems, Pain, and Peace (there's a lot more to these, but I don't want to write SO much that you really don't read this!)
God speaks to each of us in our own individual languages.

And finally we got to hear from Randy Friesen, the head guy for MBMSI. Wow - he really gave us a lot of good stuff, a lot of which I need to read back over and process. I will just share two things that stuck out to me. First, Randy shared his testimony, which was amazing to me! He was raised in a Christian home, went to Christian school, knew the Bible and got bored with it all and walked away. As he was traveling as a young man, God started to move in him and worked through other people's faith to reach him. God is powerful and meets us where we are at and breaks through our hard hearts. Second, a lot of what God says to us are impressions that we can put words to.
Ok, so that was a quick overview of our sessions. Again, if you have questions, comment on this post or email me!!

Now - to the big thing - the 48 hour silent retreat! We started our retreat on Thursday afternoon and went until Saturday afternoon. I was excited about this experience, but also a bit nervous. I was nervous because I have always struggled with hearing God's voice (or at least that is what I thought). I realize now that I previously tried to force God to speak to me in my own time and when I didn't hear Him, I thought He wasn't speaking to me.
Well, God spoke to me through this experience. It's hard to know what to write, actually, because He spoke to me about a lot of things.
The first night, God spoke to me a lot through Isaiah 55. I would write the whole thing here, but again... length. :-( Please, look it up!! A few verses that stick out are "Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live." (emphasis added) and "Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not k now you will hasten to you because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor." The first quote was good because we were intentionally taking time to listen to God. The second quote felt like a reminder or promise about our TREK experience because we don't know where we will go, but hopefully nations will be drawn to us. However, we know they won't be drawn to us because of ourselves, but because of the splendor of the King that He has endowed on us! Praise Him!
God also showed me that He was pursuing me the whole time by doing things with me that I enjoy. We went for a nice long walk (about 3 kilometers altogether - so, 2ish miles) to a garden, drank some chai, and had a good time conversing. Then later in the day we walked to a trail and sat and watched the geese and squirrels.
One more thing: God spoke to me about fear in my life. I have a lot of fear, some being over small silly things such as spiders (those of you that know me, know that I react in huge ways when it comes to spiders because I absolutely despise them) to bigger things such as being fearful (and even paranoid) that something terrible is going to happen to me, like the things that I watch on Law and Order shows. God reminded me that he is my ABBA Father - my daddy. My earthly daddy desires so much to protect me and shows me in a variety of wonderful ways, then imagine how much more my heavenly Father desires to protect me and how much more He can do. This was also comforting in the thought about the future - He has it in his hands and I don't need to worry! :-)

Finally to the part of the title "Birthdays and Coffee Crisps." Saturday was my 23 birthday! (please feel free to either feel I am very young or very old... I often feel both in the same day!) It was such a great day! I knew that no matter what I did would be great because I got to spend it with people I love. The first half of my day was the silent retreat (God told me Happy Birthday when I first woke up... as did my roommate with a handwritten sign :-)). Then in the afternoon we all went for a slurpee run. This is something we do often because slurpees are quite cheap! We went to a garden and hung out for a little bit (until a bride wanting to take wedding pictures crashed our party). After dinner we had cake and I got sung to! Then we went to the nearby school and played very athletic games... of which I am not good at because I am not athletic. But the time, at least for me, was filled with lots of laughs! After that we went back to the Mark Centre (I got a nice piggy back ride to the park and back - there are perks to being the b-day girl! ;-)) and played a fun card game! Then we all crowded into the hot tub! I am thankful that this retreat centre has a hot tub - how fun! Then someone decided they were hungry, so we headed off to the nearest McDonald's. I got to be the soccer mom, so that was fun! Oh, and I just have to tell you that the McFlurries here in Canada are SO much better than in the states! I had a Coffee Crips McFlurry. Now, for those of you who don't know, Coffee Crisp is an amazing candy bar here in Canada that has chocolate, a hint of coffee flavoring, and wafers - it is an amazing candy bar! In fact, I got three of them for by b-day from my friends here (one being made of dark chocolate!!!!!). So, I had a Coffee Crisp McFlurry and got myself on a good 'ol sugar high! I also got lots of hugs for my birthday! It was such a good day! God has blessed me with amazing friends and unity here! I am so thankful!

Update

2009-09-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's probably about time for an update. I have been wanting to write one for a while now, but have been finding it hard to know what to write. There is just so much that goes on here, even in just one day, that I'm still sorting through a lot of it.

This last weekend we went to Whistler, a popular ski resort about three hours away from here. And it is actually home of the Winter Olympics this winter. We had a lot of fun doing a photo scavenger hunt, playing games, talking, sharing testimonies, and other fun things!

This week's theme of training has been hearing the voice of God. It has been so great to hear so many stories of believers hearing His voice and obeying him! I am hoping to write more about this later, however, there has been so much information about this that it still needs to be sorted through.

Starting tomorrow after lunch we have a 48 hour silent retreat. For 48 hours we do not talk to anyone, no internet, no music, etc. We get to have our Bible and our journal. It will be a good chance to practice what we have learned and to wait for God, to give him my time, my mind, and all my attention. I know that it will be difficult at times, but I am super excited about it too! I will write more after the silent retreat!!

Love you all!

Picture Time!

2009-09-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had a session about Media and ministry. We learned a lot about taking good pictures... I don't know if these pictures will be any good, but I wanted to post some to show the place that I am staying for the next two months - the Mark Centre.

This is the Mark Centre where we live. Down stairs is the Great Room where we eat and hang out!

This is my room - 102, Comfort. I forgot to take pictures of the actual room, but its really nice - two twin beds and a bunk bed. There are three of us that room together. It's great! :-)

This is the Rooftop, which is a room on the very top of the centre and it is the prayer room. It has a little deck that goes outside that you can sit on too. It's such a nice, quiet place to go to!

This is the kitchen! This week I have had supper prep for my "chore"which I actually have been loving. I love cooking so it's so fun to serve that way!!

This is our dinning room. I love that we eat at one long table! I also love that we have a map of the world!

This is part of the Great Room - how wonderful that there is a fireplace!!

This is the other part of the great room. We have sessions here and we just hang out!

Made It!

2009-09-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well, after two layovers and three flights I finally made it to... Bellingham, Washington... lol. But then I had a lovely lady named Petra pick me up from the airport and I got to enjoy a nice car ride with her through the board and into Canada - Abbotsford, BC, to be more specific. Petra and her husband, Joel, are TREK interns this year. I am excited to get to know them! They have a heart for leading youth on ministry, so it will be great to learn more about their hearts and what God has for them.

As soon as I got the the Mark Center - the retreat center we are staying at for the next two months, I saw Thomas, which was great to see a familiar face, then I met some new people! We then enjoyed a pizza dinner and got to know a few more people. I learned a little Canadian geography from the guys at my table (I think I need to study the Canadian map some more though).

Abbotsford is beautiful! It is located in Frasier Valley which is surrounded by mountains. There are trees everywhere here and the weather is perfect (at least for today).

After dinner I unpacked my things and tried to settle into my room some. I have to roommates - a lady named Cheryl and a girl who is attending Columbia Bible College named Candace. We had some nice talks while we were unpacking. I am looking forward to getting to know these ladies more!!

In all there are 8 women here, one of which is married. I'm honestly not sure how many guys there are... I think about 7 (and obviously one of those guys is married to the girl). Everyone is really nice and I am looking forward to getting to know them better.

After unpacking my stuff, I played Dutch Blitz for a while until all my traveling and lack of sleep caught up to me. I was able to take some nice quiet time outside, which was great, then head back in for some nice conversation. Also, a few of us got a tour of the Mark Center from a TREKer from two years ago. The facilities here are amazing! I will have to try to get some pictures soon!!

All in all things are great right now. I am looking forward to getting in my bed soon and sleeping more than four and a half hours!! :-) Tomorrow we start on our sessions so it will be interesting to see what is ahead!!

One thing I had to remind myself of today was take each thing one step, even one day at a time. I had to remind myself of this because this whole TREK experience is a pretty big deal and can be overwhelming *(on days like today when I am tired, am meeting new people, and don't know what's instore). I know that God is big and I am comforted by Joshua 1:8 and 9 (I think thats the reference!) - I can take courage because God is with me! Praise him!

One Week Countdown

2009-09-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

Well, in one week from today I will be boarding another airplane to make my trek... to TREK (pun intended :-)).

Right now I am sitting in my aunt and uncle's house in San Diego. I have been enjoying a wonderful trip with my mom in California. We started in Ventura (a beach town a little north of LA) and took the highway along the coast south until we got to San Diego, staying two nights in different beach towns. It has been a great time of relaxing - sleeping in, eat great food, laying on the beach, and reading books - and a great time with my mom! We've also gotten to see a lot of family - which has been really great!! I have truly enjoyed this time. We have one more day here and then we leave for home. I am already making a list of all the things I need to do before I leave next Sunday (that way I won't forget :-)).

God continues to amaze me with His timing and how He gives you what you need when you need it. If you had asked me a month ago about TREK, I would have told you I was excited, which I was (and still am!). But looking back, I can also say I wasn't ready to go then. But now I feel both excited and ready! God's timing has been perfect! I have had an amazing time this summer with both my friends and family and I have enjoyed it immensly! But now I think I am ready to leave for this journey called TREK. Of course, I know it will still be hard when I actually leave, but I am very ready to start this adventure! :-)

Me and Mom on a walk on the beach in Ventura

Daunting Task

2009-08-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

As I lay in my bed on Sunday night, I felt very overwhelmed about TREK for the first time in about two or three months. However, my anxious feelings weren't about the actual experience of TREK, but what I need to do before I leave to be prepared.

Packing for 10 months of my life in a country that I don't know yet is a very daunting task. I didn't even want to pack because thinking about it stressed me out. But, yesterday I decided to just do it. I felt a lot better after I started.

I am a total list person, so I have about four little grocery list type pages written out, that helped keep me organized. I am by no means done with packing, but I at least have a start, which makes me feel so much better!

Here are a few pictures of the beginning process of packing!

Here is a picture of my whole bedroom... I have a lot of things spread out - but there are a lot of piles!

Here's one pile... I know it doesn't look super big, but its made up of lots of little things like shampoo, soap, socks, etc.

Here's a BIG pile! I don't know how I will get all these blankets, pillows, and sweaters into a suitcase with everything else. Space Saver bags - gonna give that a try! :-)

Here are the Cold Weather (Cold W.) and Hot Weather (Hot W.) piles.

Here are just a few of my lists... I have a lot of them all over my house!

Ethnic Fest

2009-08-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Another one, already?"

I know that's what you are thinking.... since I just wrote a post yesterday. Crazy-ness! :-) But yes, another post already!!

My family went to the Ethnic Festival today in Kansas City. I thought I would post some pictures since it was an event that I enjoyed and that may have helped prepare me for different cultures!

The beautiful Kansas sky with the different flags at the entrance to the festival.

Some HK Folk Dancers. This was in honor of Collin who leaves for Hong Kong tomorrow morning to study abroad!!

Lituania in honor of my friend, Tyler, who was there for TREK this last spring. Plus I could go to Ukraine... maybe they are similar? :-)

A Bacon Bun from the Lithuania booth. It's pretty much what it says it is - a white bread bun with hot bacon bits in the middle. It was pretty good.

There was a Thailand booth. Maybe I will end up there? :-)

A Coconut drink from the Thai booth. The coconut was actually from Thailand!! I didn't really like the drink too much... but that's ok! :-)

And just for fun, a picture of me and Collin! I will miss him but am SO excited for him!!

3 week countdown

2009-08-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not really even sure what emotions or recent events to chronicle here, but I haven't blogged for a while and I figured it might be a good thing to do :-) This post might be a little disjointed, but I think I will just write some of the things I am excited about, anxious about, and maybe some of the things God has taught me already.

In three weeks from this coming Sunday I will be boarding an airplane that will take me to Minneapolis, Seattle, and finally Bellingham, Washington. There I will be picked up (hopefully! :-)) by some of the TREK leaders and driven into Canada.

I can't believe it's only three weeks away! I have gotten to the point where I am anxious and ready to go. I have had the opportunity and blessing to talk to several friends who have done TREK before and I have loved hearing their stories and seeing some of the things that I might get to experience! But finally I am ready to just go and see what it will be like for me. I am ready to see what God has for me specifically.
I am ready to go and meet the other people that are doing TREK as well. I am excited to meet new people who have the same desires for this coming year. I am excited to meet my team!!! I have been praying that God would be preparing us for each other and for team life and I can't wait to see how that manifests. I know that there will be difficult times, but I know that if we keep Christ the center, we will be able to work through it and grow from it. But there won't only be difficult times - I am looking forward to some really great times as well! :-)

I am anxious about packing! Wow! :-) I've bought a lot of things that I will need, which is nice to have done. Now I just have to figure out what to pack and how to pack it. That will be an experience!

God has taught me that:
His timing is best and I can't force or rush Him
My body is His and not mine - I want to offer it to Him to use for His glory
God provides

Here are a few more update things:

Funds: I have had two fundraisers which have been great blessings, not only in money raised, but in time spent with friends and family! Through my fundraisers I have raised almost $2,000! I have estimate that overall I have raised about $9,000 of the $10,200 needed!! Praise the Lord - He does provide! Please pray that He will continue to provide the $1,000 to $1,200 needed (This number is a little flexible - TREK actually costs $8,700, any additional money raised on that goes to my plane ticket. $1,300 to $1,500 would be a good amount to raise for tickets)

Possible Locations: Thailand, Ukraine, Mexico, or another country in Asia.

Thank you all for your interest, prayers, and support! Please pray that God will continue to prepare me in these next three weeks!

Excitement and Fear

2009-06-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of having dinner with a friend from Tabor (Thanks B!). It was so great! It's always a blessing to spend time with an old friend, catching up and talking about life.

While my friend and I were talking she asked me some really good questions. The questions that really made me think were, "What are you the most nervous about for TREK and what are you most excited for?" I hadn't necessarily thought about these questions specifically, so I had to take a minute to think about it. I was very intrigued by my thoughts. I came to realize that my excitement and my fears are centered around the same thing - culture.

I love cultures! I love learning about different cultures - the food, the traditions, the people, everything! (I think one of my favorite things to learn about different cultures are how they celebrate weddings - different cultures always seem to have such neat ways to celebrate!) I can't wait to live somewhere new, eat different food, and learn how to interact with people that are different then me. I am so excited to get to know the people and understand who they are and what their culture is!

I am also nervous about the culture. I am nervous about culture shock, how I will fit into the culture, what I will feel at certain stages of my time there (how will I feel when I first get there, 3 months in, after being there for 7 months?), and how I will feel when I come home, trying to fit back into my own culture.

These are interesting things to think about for me. I am glad that B asked me these questions! I have thought about these questions before, but never connected together. Please, friends - ask me questions! I will love to talk about this journey that I have already started on. Plus, your questions help me to think and process in ways that I might not have done yet.

That's all for now!

The Beginning of a New Phase

2009-06-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here, on our family's very comfortable couch (if any of you have sat on it, you know just how amazing it is :-)), trying to think of a great way to start my first post on this blog. Unfortunately, creativity doesn't seem to be striking me at the moment, so you and I will both have to be ok with a very plain and straightforward post. :-)

Now that senior year is over and graduation has passed, the big question is "What's next?" Well, it certainly took a long time, and a very long process, to figure out the "What next" part of my life. It's kind of a long story, so I won't explain it all here, but basically, God is good in how He softens and prepares our hearts for what He has for us! So - "What next?" - well, I applied and was accepted to a program called TREK. This is a 10 month mission program through the Mennonite Mission and Service International organization. I will leave September 13th to go to Abbotsford, BC, Canada for two months of training. While I am there, I will be placed on a team with probably five or so other people. During this time it will also be determined where my team and I will be assigned. The places that I may end up are Thailand, Ukraine, Mexico, or possibly another country in Asia. I will spend seven months with my team in one of these places helping out the missionaries that work there. We could do a variety of things such as service progjects, English classes, work with the youth, etc. After spending seven months on assignment, I will head back to Canada for two weeks of debrief. I will be back in the states sometime around June 26th, 2010.

I am hoping to use this blog as a way to keep friends and family updated on what's going on in my life while doing TREK! I hope to post stories of what I am learning, what God is doing, prayer requests, and other things like that. Also, please feel free to email me at sabaffa@gmail.com! I will try my best to write back! :-)

Well, this is all for now. I will try to post more soon about the process I am going through to prepare for TREK and ways that you can participate and help! Thanks for investing your time in keeping up with this Great Adventure that God has for me!