In the past four days, I have traveled through 4 countries, over three continents, on less than 12 hours of sleep. This is honestly the most fun I have ever had traveling!
Welcome to South Africa, friends! I am currently sitting in the Johannesburg airport in South Africa, waiting with our group to make our connecting flight to Durban, which leaves around 6:20 a.m. I'm sitting here, finishing a cup of Chai tea, watching over all of our bags as the rest of the team sleeps and wanders the area. We are all wiped out. Traveling through four time zones in three days is exhausting.
On Monday, November 28th, we met at 6 a.m. in our dining room at the YWAM DP base in Belize. We ate breakfast together, then traveled into San Pedro to catch a water taxi into Belize City. Once landing in Belize City, we said our farewells to our Guatemala team, who were not traveling with us to the airport.
Once at the airport, the South Africa team broke into two teams of seven. My team left for Miami first, about six hours ahead of the other team. We spent six hours in the Miami airport before heading into an 8 hour flight to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, we had a 22 hour layover, which we spent at the house of Rene's brother, Dennis De Waard. He and his wife, Kirsten, took in Tracy, Megan, Jo and I, while Charis, Alicia and Duft stayed the night at the house of one of their church members. It was incredible seeing and tasting a bit of Holland. The cheese is incredible!
We met up with the second traveling team on November 30th, and from there we all traveled on an 11 hour flight to Johannesburg. We are currently taking turns alternating between sleeping and keeping an eye on our bags. This has been such an incredible journey so far! I will write more about it later, and add some pictures. I look forward to sharing more with you!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Outreach, Determination, Family.
At this point in our school, we are about 5 weeks away from leaving for our outreach. The majority of us are heading to South Africa, though some of us are headed to Guatemala as well.
As you may know, our funds were due on Friday, October 14th. The cost for South Africa is $3,700 USD per person, while Guatemala $2,550 USD per person. By the deadline, less than half of us had our funds. At this point, there are still two of us who have about $800 each to raise.
Yesterday, we were given an ultimatum. This Friday, the 21st, is the final deadline for our money to be in.
Throughout these past weeks, we have been learning about teamwork, and about having a group mentality. We decided that, as a team, if one of us is short on funds, all of us are short, so we went over our financial situation together.
As of tonight, we are short about $1,500 USD. We believe that God is sovereign, and that He can provide, but we decided that we needed a plan of action. We are not called to be stagnant Christians, and we are called to work for our money. We have been fasting and praying over our financial situation for weeks on end, and God is delivering the funds to us. He has been providing in incredible ways. While we are being diligent in our prayer, we felt that we also needed to be proactive in our communication to you, and to involve others in our situation.
Dear family, we are coming to you in desperate need of prayer and financial support. I realize that no one person can donate $1,500 USD, but I urge you to seek God in this situation and consider helping us out financially. We believe that God can work miracles, and we are continuing to pray and be diligent and faithful in prayer. We believe that if God called us to this, He will not withdraw His hand from us. As a team, we decided that we need your help, friends. We need your prayer support. We desperately need funds.
We ask that you would consider coming alongside us in this, and prayerfully seeking God about our situation. As a support group, you are so important to us, you are crucial. We appreciate you! Thank you so much for stepping out in prayer, faith, and support on our behalf. We are incredibly grateful!
Again, thank you for reading and following us as we outline our experiences, trials, and triumphs. We are praying for you, as you pray for us!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Outreach
Dear Family,
I have about six more weeks until I leave for outreach! I am so incredibly excited for this new adventure that God is planning in my life. We're headed to South Africa (and a few from our team to Guatemala) with our outreach leaders, Noah and Tracy Applegate, whom we have yet to meet, but they are arriving in early/mid November.
As of right now, there aren't many concrete details, but I have a few details below, taken from our support letter:
Noah and Tracy Applegate
This is an incredible opportunity! I ask that you would be willing to share it with me. As you can see, October 14th has come and gone. I am excited to say that I have $700 dollars for outreach so far! While this is not the full amount, I know that God can provide what I need, and that He knows what is going on, even if I do not.
Friends, I humbly yet boldly ask that you would consider supporting me financially. I realize that money is tight right now, and I thank you so much for supporting me in prayer if that is the case. Our God works through prayer like none other! However, I ask that you would also prayerfully consider financial support as well. The deadline for our money was here and gone, and I admit that I am a tad anxious about finances. Please consider this, bring it to our Father in prayer. If you are feeling prompted, there are a few ways to donate, outline above in the excerpt from our support letter.
Thank you so much for reading and following along with my blog, my life, my needs and frustrations. For sharing in my joys and my pain. I love you all dearly, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for all of us in the future. God bless you! :)
I have about six more weeks until I leave for outreach! I am so incredibly excited for this new adventure that God is planning in my life. We're headed to South Africa (and a few from our team to Guatemala) with our outreach leaders, Noah and Tracy Applegate, whom we have yet to meet, but they are arriving in early/mid November.
As of right now, there aren't many concrete details, but I have a few details below, taken from our support letter:
Some information about upcoming needs:
- The cost of Outreach is $2200 + approx. $1500 travel to outreach location = approx. $3700 US dollars
- Deadline for funds to be submitted Friday October 14th 2011.
If you are interested in supporting students financially you can send funds in these ways:
· Check to YWAM Destination Paradise PO Box 355, Freeland, WA, 98249 USA
· Google Checkout or PayPal at www.ywamdp.org- ‘Get Involved’- ‘Give’ - ‘Student Fees’ –‘Outreach Fee’
Prayer support is also a huge part of outreach; if you could join with us in praying for the following we would appreciate that as well:
· Wisdom and leading for the ministry opportunities
· God to prepare the hearts of people we will connect with
· Unity for the team as we prepare for outreach and while on outreach
Already during Lecture Phase our students have seen and experienced God’s goodness, different aspects of His character and found new freedom in His love for them. The team is tight and have really bonded through times of teaching, sharing and living in close community. In order to make preparations for the Outreach students will be pulling together the funds before October 14th.
Thank you for being a support to the students throughout this first, important stage of training. We know great things will happen in our students and through our students in this Outreach. We hope that their continued journey and experience through Outreach will encourage you.
Best Regards,
This is an incredible opportunity! I ask that you would be willing to share it with me. As you can see, October 14th has come and gone. I am excited to say that I have $700 dollars for outreach so far! While this is not the full amount, I know that God can provide what I need, and that He knows what is going on, even if I do not.
Friends, I humbly yet boldly ask that you would consider supporting me financially. I realize that money is tight right now, and I thank you so much for supporting me in prayer if that is the case. Our God works through prayer like none other! However, I ask that you would also prayerfully consider financial support as well. The deadline for our money was here and gone, and I admit that I am a tad anxious about finances. Please consider this, bring it to our Father in prayer. If you are feeling prompted, there are a few ways to donate, outline above in the excerpt from our support letter.
Thank you so much for reading and following along with my blog, my life, my needs and frustrations. For sharing in my joys and my pain. I love you all dearly, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for all of us in the future. God bless you! :)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Family, Funds, and Freedom.
These past few weeks have been crazy. It's getting to the time where we need to pay our Outreach funds...this friday is the deadline. Our Team has been spending these past weeks praying, fasting, and praising Jesus for His unfailing love and His provision. Honestly, ore than half of us have the funds for this school, myself included, but I have constantly been blown away by the insight and the hope that continues to flourish in our group. Last night we had a prayer meeting for our Team, and we met out on the dock after dinner...our prayer meeting turned into an impromptu praise session! We broke out the songbooks, clapped, jumped, sang at the top of our lungs, laughed really hard, almopst fell in the water, danced, shouted. It was the most beautiful thing I have seen.
One of my team members, Dawson, did a Devotion yesterday, and he talked about how we need to trust. He told a story about how, when we had been praying the previous week, we were all silent for a time, our group communally seeking God's direction. Dawson heard something from God in that time that he didn't share until this last Monday. As he was sitting and listening to the sound of God's voice, he heard Him say, "Dawson. Do you trust me? Will you trust me if I bring you home? Will you trust me if I bring you to Guatemala? Will you trust me if I bring you to South Africa?" This hit us hard. We had been seeking God's hands, not His face, and we realized that we need to trust Him no matter what or where He brings us in the future. Last night, on the dock, jumping and singing and shouting our praises to Him, we chose to take that step. To trust.
Our outreach funds are due this week. They are due friday. $3,700 USD each...and no matter what happens, no matter where God brings me, brings my group, I choose to trust.
Family, I ask that you would pray for the state of our hearts. That we would choose to trust Him on a daily, hourly basis. That He would be our identity, and we would not claim our lives back from Him. I humbly ask that you would pray for our Team, for our mission. You are such a blessing to us. You are such a blessing to me. Thank you for your support! I will write a bit more later, this weekend. Thank you so much for all of the prayers and blessings and donations that you have been giving. God is good, is He not? Choose to trust. :)
One of my team members, Dawson, did a Devotion yesterday, and he talked about how we need to trust. He told a story about how, when we had been praying the previous week, we were all silent for a time, our group communally seeking God's direction. Dawson heard something from God in that time that he didn't share until this last Monday. As he was sitting and listening to the sound of God's voice, he heard Him say, "Dawson. Do you trust me? Will you trust me if I bring you home? Will you trust me if I bring you to Guatemala? Will you trust me if I bring you to South Africa?" This hit us hard. We had been seeking God's hands, not His face, and we realized that we need to trust Him no matter what or where He brings us in the future. Last night, on the dock, jumping and singing and shouting our praises to Him, we chose to take that step. To trust.
Our outreach funds are due this week. They are due friday. $3,700 USD each...and no matter what happens, no matter where God brings me, brings my group, I choose to trust.
Family, I ask that you would pray for the state of our hearts. That we would choose to trust Him on a daily, hourly basis. That He would be our identity, and we would not claim our lives back from Him. I humbly ask that you would pray for our Team, for our mission. You are such a blessing to us. You are such a blessing to me. Thank you for your support! I will write a bit more later, this weekend. Thank you so much for all of the prayers and blessings and donations that you have been giving. God is good, is He not? Choose to trust. :)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
God, Stars, Laughter, Friends, Ocean, Stingrays, Diving.
Where to begin? Life in Belize is unfathomable. I'm here, in this place, at this moment, and I can't wrap my head around it. I suppose I should start by stating a fact. Our God is indescribable. His works and His paintings in the sky are indescribable. His people are indescribable. His love is jealous. His healing is intense. I could go on and on, for eternity, and never be able to describe anything that is Him or His. It's just too much.
Life here is overwhelming in the sense that God is everywhere. I love it! It's not overwhelming to the point of confusion or frustration. It just...is. The YWAM DP base is incredible, there is a front property, right on the beach, and a back property, which is across the road. In my school there are 14 students, 9 of which are girls, and 5 of which are guys. The guys live on the back property in the casitas, and us girls live up front in our little rooms, three of us to a room. I have amazing roommates, Joanie and Alicia (from Quebec City, and Colorado). I have never clicked with a group of friends this fast or this easily before! Maybe it has something to do with the fact that we know we will be living together for about half a year, and that makes us want to get along, but I think it goes deeper than that. God definitely orchestrated this. He designed every student for this school, and He put us together in a way that no one else could have. We all have different senses of humor, but they all click, they all intertwine and we all somehow end up on the ground laughing, or holding onto something to keep from falling over from weakness and joy. We have formed a bond, even in these past two weeks, and have become family.
This past week our little family had the priveledge of being taught by Chris Toney, the base director. Our lecture this week was on World Views, and we learned about religions such as Islam, Catholicism, Mormanism, Hinduism, Rastafarianism, and a few others. We have had debates and disagreements and jokes and stories about intense times of need and brokenness. And it couldn't be better! Chris is a fantastic speaker. He gives his lectures in a way that challenges your mind to think hard about what is going on, but it is also very clear. (that doesn't make too much sense...but its completely true) He adds humor and tells things like they are. But what I love about Chris and his teaching methods is his immense amount of respect for other cultures, religions, people. He puts it in perspective, and God has given him the ability to gently and firmly get the point across that we are NOT here to judge. We are here to LOVE. And that is one of the most beautiful things ever.
Now we come to the fun part! I have been snorkeling, playing volleyball, spending nights out on the dock with my team laughing, praising Jesus, and talking about home and our dreams, goals, fears, life experiences. We have been playing cards a LOT; Uno, President, BS, Egyptian Rat Screw, and probably some others that I have forgotten about. I learned that I SUCK at volleyball, but it's fun to play with everyone because we joke and tease, and mess around while we play. I love it :)
Today I get to go open-water diving for the first time! Last sunday we took a diving course in the pool and learned a ton of stuff about it, and this week we have been working on our PADI diving books, and today is the day we get to put our knowledge into action! I am incredibly excited/nervous, but I know that it will all be good, and I can't wait to get 60 feet under the ocean surface at the reef, and see God's glory in a way that I have never experienced.
I need to wrap this up, but I want to let y'all (There's a Texan on our team...he's rubbing off on all of us.) know that I love you so much, and I am very excited to hear about what is going on at home, and in your lives. Know that God is keeping me in His arms and I am daily relenquishing control to Him. Pray that I will continue to do so. Thanks so much!
This past week our little family had the priveledge of being taught by Chris Toney, the base director. Our lecture this week was on World Views, and we learned about religions such as Islam, Catholicism, Mormanism, Hinduism, Rastafarianism, and a few others. We have had debates and disagreements and jokes and stories about intense times of need and brokenness. And it couldn't be better! Chris is a fantastic speaker. He gives his lectures in a way that challenges your mind to think hard about what is going on, but it is also very clear. (that doesn't make too much sense...but its completely true) He adds humor and tells things like they are. But what I love about Chris and his teaching methods is his immense amount of respect for other cultures, religions, people. He puts it in perspective, and God has given him the ability to gently and firmly get the point across that we are NOT here to judge. We are here to LOVE. And that is one of the most beautiful things ever.
Now we come to the fun part! I have been snorkeling, playing volleyball, spending nights out on the dock with my team laughing, praising Jesus, and talking about home and our dreams, goals, fears, life experiences. We have been playing cards a LOT; Uno, President, BS, Egyptian Rat Screw, and probably some others that I have forgotten about. I learned that I SUCK at volleyball, but it's fun to play with everyone because we joke and tease, and mess around while we play. I love it :)
Today I get to go open-water diving for the first time! Last sunday we took a diving course in the pool and learned a ton of stuff about it, and this week we have been working on our PADI diving books, and today is the day we get to put our knowledge into action! I am incredibly excited/nervous, but I know that it will all be good, and I can't wait to get 60 feet under the ocean surface at the reef, and see God's glory in a way that I have never experienced.
I need to wrap this up, but I want to let y'all (There's a Texan on our team...he's rubbing off on all of us.) know that I love you so much, and I am very excited to hear about what is going on at home, and in your lives. Know that God is keeping me in His arms and I am daily relenquishing control to Him. Pray that I will continue to do so. Thanks so much!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Singing, Dancing, and Jon Foreman.
As of today, I only have two more weeks on this beautiful Island until I leave for Belize...
I can't believe how time has flown! I am excited for this school, but a bit nervous. I'm not nervous about the new people and the fact that I only know a few of them. I'm more worried about dealing with the preconcieved ideas that I know that I have, dealing with the hurts and habit that I have right now. Dealing with the things that I have bried deep, the pain and the hurts that I have ignored. I know that God has been preparing my heart to go through the healing process that is needed, and while I am not exactly ready for it, I know that this is coming at the perfect time for me. I know that whatever hurts I have will be dulled and that God will heal all the scars and tears that have stained my soul. And I cannot wait! I am so ready for this. So ready to meet Him where He is and to bask in His glory and His love and His healing arms.
I will write again soon, keep you all updated on my packing and emotional status in these next two weeks. Thank you for all of the prayers you have been sending out for me!
I can't believe how time has flown! I am excited for this school, but a bit nervous. I'm not nervous about the new people and the fact that I only know a few of them. I'm more worried about dealing with the preconcieved ideas that I know that I have, dealing with the hurts and habit that I have right now. Dealing with the things that I have bried deep, the pain and the hurts that I have ignored. I know that God has been preparing my heart to go through the healing process that is needed, and while I am not exactly ready for it, I know that this is coming at the perfect time for me. I know that whatever hurts I have will be dulled and that God will heal all the scars and tears that have stained my soul. And I cannot wait! I am so ready for this. So ready to meet Him where He is and to bask in His glory and His love and His healing arms.
I will write again soon, keep you all updated on my packing and emotional status in these next two weeks. Thank you for all of the prayers you have been sending out for me!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Nothing Is Too Big For You.
HURRAH FOR GOD!
As of yesterday, the Lecture Phase of my DTS in Belize is paid off! And I have +$75.36 towards my Outreach phase...HALLELUJAH JESUS!
And that happened in two days. I say, there is nothing too big for God. And I have found that when I lean on Him and just trust Him, He delivers. Every time. Even if its not too evident at first!
I'll write more later....this was just exciting news! Thank you Jesus for carrying me through my doubts into Your truth. You are wonderful.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Learning to Dance.
Writer's block seems to consume me once again, and I'm not sure how to express all that's gone on in the past few weeks. I suppose starting at the beginning is the best way to go about this, as it is with all stories and tales.
I didn't raise enough money to go to Destination Paradise, in Belize, for the May school. I suppose after I learned I couldn't go to that school, I went into a downward spiral. The Pity Party, as we all well know, takes hold of an individual, this time me, and doesn't like to let go. I felt a bit dejected and depressed after not being able to go to Belize and the DP school in May, and so I shirked everything that I was supposed to be doing, and fell behind in updating others who had invested time, money, prayer, and emotion into my cause. It was not a pretty picture. People began to doubt that I was even going to make it in September. I began to doubt, to think I had no chance of raising enough money in the few months left before the September school.
And then God sent me a letter.
The most beautiful words I have ever read were, "Will you dance with Me?" These words came in the form of a letter that I recieved over e-mail, just when I was feeling at my lowest. And I believe, once I read that simple phrase, and those accompanying it, I heard a collective gasp from Satan and his cohorts...he wasn't holding me back any more.
I'm writing this to let everyone know that I am out of my dejected state of mind and have delved into the mid of a conqueror. I believe that I have the time and resources to gather the rest of the required money for my school. ($994.64 USD for the Lecture phase... Outreach Phase and Internship are unkown at this time, yet I would still like to start saving for them this summer, as well as for spending money.) I intend to use that time and those resources to pull out all of the stops on this fundraising trip!
I want to thank each and every one of you who has been reading this blog and keeping up with me, for your support. Without you, I would not have the energy and drive to be doing this. Thank you, family and friends! I will write again soon.
These trials have come that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...
1 Peter 1:7
I didn't raise enough money to go to Destination Paradise, in Belize, for the May school. I suppose after I learned I couldn't go to that school, I went into a downward spiral. The Pity Party, as we all well know, takes hold of an individual, this time me, and doesn't like to let go. I felt a bit dejected and depressed after not being able to go to Belize and the DP school in May, and so I shirked everything that I was supposed to be doing, and fell behind in updating others who had invested time, money, prayer, and emotion into my cause. It was not a pretty picture. People began to doubt that I was even going to make it in September. I began to doubt, to think I had no chance of raising enough money in the few months left before the September school.
And then God sent me a letter.
The most beautiful words I have ever read were, "Will you dance with Me?" These words came in the form of a letter that I recieved over e-mail, just when I was feeling at my lowest. And I believe, once I read that simple phrase, and those accompanying it, I heard a collective gasp from Satan and his cohorts...he wasn't holding me back any more.
I'm writing this to let everyone know that I am out of my dejected state of mind and have delved into the mid of a conqueror. I believe that I have the time and resources to gather the rest of the required money for my school. ($994.64 USD for the Lecture phase... Outreach Phase and Internship are unkown at this time, yet I would still like to start saving for them this summer, as well as for spending money.) I intend to use that time and those resources to pull out all of the stops on this fundraising trip!
I want to thank each and every one of you who has been reading this blog and keeping up with me, for your support. Without you, I would not have the energy and drive to be doing this. Thank you, family and friends! I will write again soon.
These trials have come that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...
1 Peter 1:7
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Help!!!
Hi friends!! So, I have a dilemma. I am supposed to leave for a missions school in Belize in one and a half weeks, and I am short $2,743.64 exactly. I am going to be bold here. I am asking you to prayerfully consider pledging money to me, whether it is just once or monthly. It doesn't have to be much, but every bit adds up. I feel God is calling me to the missions field and I know He has great plans in store for me. I will be learning about His word, and growing closer to Him in the first few weeks. Then I will be taking what I have learned to the field, in an outreach. I need to raise this money in a week and a half, and I am calling upon you, my family, for help.
Your money will go directly to the organization that runs my school, Destination Paradise, which is a branch of Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Whatever funds I acquire will go towards missions and my schooling in the missions field.
If you want to keep in touch with me, or if you have questions, please e-mail me at: friedchicken177@gmail.com
Your money will go directly to the organization that runs my school, Destination Paradise, which is a branch of Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Whatever funds I acquire will go towards missions and my schooling in the missions field.
If you want to keep in touch with me, or if you have questions, please e-mail me at: friedchicken177@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunshine Fills the Shadows.
One week. Six days. 8 hours. Thats when my flight leaves, with me one it, carrying me to Belize! Well, L.A., actually. But Belize isn't far ahead of that. These past few weeks have been full of fundraising, and getting everything together to head down to Belize. I turned 18 on the 10th of April, and my parents bought me a beautiful Healy backpack from Cabelas to bring down to San Pedro with me. I have flip flops, shorts, teeshirts and tanktops to bring with me.... and I think I'm basically set, except for a few select things.
I went to the health department last week and got my immunizations, along with some Typhoid pills that I took. I still need to get $2000 dollars to pay for the first phase of the school, but I am confident that it will come...and my friend and I are organizing a coin drive to help with that. Despite the money situation, I am so ready to go! I have become restless in waiting, though I know that I need to treasure every day home, since I am leaving in less than two weeks. God is so good!
I was reading Psalms 19 today, and it was saying how everything speaks of the glory of God. The sun is radiant in the day, the moon shouts it from the evening sky. If the SUN and the MOON can speak God's glory all day and night, if they proclaim His name for all to see, every day, tirelessly, why do we not? I am guilty of forgetting my own God. I become caught up in getting ready to go to Belize that I forget to read my Bible or pray, or just spend time meditating and listening for His voice. I'm working on not letting everyday life get in the way of being in the presence of my Creator. He deserves my all, and that is what I am working towards giving Him.
I went to the health department last week and got my immunizations, along with some Typhoid pills that I took. I still need to get $2000 dollars to pay for the first phase of the school, but I am confident that it will come...and my friend and I are organizing a coin drive to help with that. Despite the money situation, I am so ready to go! I have become restless in waiting, though I know that I need to treasure every day home, since I am leaving in less than two weeks. God is so good!
I was reading Psalms 19 today, and it was saying how everything speaks of the glory of God. The sun is radiant in the day, the moon shouts it from the evening sky. If the SUN and the MOON can speak God's glory all day and night, if they proclaim His name for all to see, every day, tirelessly, why do we not? I am guilty of forgetting my own God. I become caught up in getting ready to go to Belize that I forget to read my Bible or pray, or just spend time meditating and listening for His voice. I'm working on not letting everyday life get in the way of being in the presence of my Creator. He deserves my all, and that is what I am working towards giving Him.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Smoothies.
It is almost time! Jusrt a few short weeks seperate me from Belize, and I still feel as if it's all adream. I know that it's not, however, because my friend Louise is heading back to Belize today and we didn;t say goodbye. Just a "See you soon!" hug was passed between us. How I love her! She has encouraged me and I am that much more excited to head to Belize because of her.
Well, here is an update on my activities of late: Saturday, the 26th of March, I hosted a rummage sale at my church to raise funds to head to Belize. It went extremely well, we sold over half of the things there, and I have the rest still sitting in the back of my truck, waiting to go to the thrift store. The rummage sale brought in enough money to pay for my acceptance fee, plus add to more of my overall fee! Praise Jesus!!!
Monday, the 28th, I headed over to the Everett Post office with my mom and Carly Simmons to apply for my passport. After waiting for two and a half hours, and listening to the remarks of one hilariously flustered passport agent/post office lady, I was informed that my passport would come within two weeks. Hurrah!!!
It's incredible to think that just a little while ago, it was December and I was just turning in the first part of my application, and now I am only a few weeks from leaving. I have four more sundays, four more youth groups, four more small groups. And I am completely, incredibly excited. I love that I am feeling no stress, I am feeling no worry about this, because I know that God is pulling everything together and knitting it together how He wants it to work out...and that is more comforting and exciting and thought-provoking that anything else.
Well, here is an update on my activities of late: Saturday, the 26th of March, I hosted a rummage sale at my church to raise funds to head to Belize. It went extremely well, we sold over half of the things there, and I have the rest still sitting in the back of my truck, waiting to go to the thrift store. The rummage sale brought in enough money to pay for my acceptance fee, plus add to more of my overall fee! Praise Jesus!!!
Monday, the 28th, I headed over to the Everett Post office with my mom and Carly Simmons to apply for my passport. After waiting for two and a half hours, and listening to the remarks of one hilariously flustered passport agent/post office lady, I was informed that my passport would come within two weeks. Hurrah!!!
It's incredible to think that just a little while ago, it was December and I was just turning in the first part of my application, and now I am only a few weeks from leaving. I have four more sundays, four more youth groups, four more small groups. And I am completely, incredibly excited. I love that I am feeling no stress, I am feeling no worry about this, because I know that God is pulling everything together and knitting it together how He wants it to work out...and that is more comforting and exciting and thought-provoking that anything else.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Drive-Through Carwash.
If I ever doubted God and His intentions before, i definitely do not now. This past week has been such an eye-opener for me! Last Wednesday I had my phone-chat with Alyssa (the DP Registrar), and that went incredibly well! I felt confident, though I was nervous, and I got my acceptance letter soon after the chat, which was the most exciting thing ever. Then, right afterwards, my youth leader Sherri Simmons, who is basically another mom to me, told me she was going to use her and her husband's air mileage to get me to Belize, so I wouldn't have to worry about the airfare....soon after that, I talked to a friend of mine and she said she was going to pay for my passport! All I could do was jump up and down and yell in excitement.
God! You are SO GOOD.
Money for the trip has been pouring in this whole entire week, from different people in and out of my church. I am so incredibly thankful to God and for all that He has done for me! He orchestrated everything so I could get my passport and my flights taken care of, and He has given me a peace that I don't even understand. I'm not stressed a bit.
I'm going to Belize! I still can't believe it. This is incredible. I know this all sounds incredibly unorganized and scattered, but this is my excitement pouring into words, and excitement isn't organized, thank heavens.
I will write more tomorrow, when I have time to think. For now, sleep beckons, and my joy will have to pour out into more words tomorrow. Good night :)
God! You are SO GOOD.
Money for the trip has been pouring in this whole entire week, from different people in and out of my church. I am so incredibly thankful to God and for all that He has done for me! He orchestrated everything so I could get my passport and my flights taken care of, and He has given me a peace that I don't even understand. I'm not stressed a bit.
I'm going to Belize! I still can't believe it. This is incredible. I know this all sounds incredibly unorganized and scattered, but this is my excitement pouring into words, and excitement isn't organized, thank heavens.
I will write more tomorrow, when I have time to think. For now, sleep beckons, and my joy will have to pour out into more words tomorrow. Good night :)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Treadmills and Ramen.
My week is getting fuller and fuller every time I step back and look at it. I finally have a phone interview set up with the registrar from DP (Allyssa), which is throoughly exciting because I have spoken with her so much over e-mail that I feel like I know her, and am excited to hear her voice. It feels like someone is almost a dream until you hear their voice or see them in person, you know? So that has me excited. So excited, in fact, that I was checking out plane tickets today, and Tickets to Belize City from Memphis are cheaper than tickes to Belize City from Seatac...so I think I am going to go visit my sister and her family in Tennessee for a few days before heading into paradise, but that is still in the works so it's not a final decision.
I'm so ready to head to Belize. I know I am not physically ready, I don't have everything together yet, but I feel like I need to be there and I am so ready to leave. I can't wait to go and to learn more about God and read more of the bible and hear the different speakers lecture. I can't wait to grow in my relationship with Him and learn how to explain and defend my faith, my morals, my convictions. I am so ready and willing to be His hands and feet, his eyes and ears and mouth on the outreach and internship, to be able to communicate for Him and be in His will.
I get goosebumps when I think about Him, think about the work that He is doing around the world and in the hearts of people nad I cannot wait to be a part of that work in a drastic way. I know I am already part of that work on the Island, but I am excited to expand my heart and be able to minister in another country, in another way. I want to pour out my love for Him and for others onto His people, onto the hurt and weary, the broken and the wealthy, the lame and the strong... I just want to be helping them, picking them up and singing into them a song of hope and renewal.
God is going to be my strength when I am in Belize and I will pour myself out for Him... I can't wait :)
I'm so ready to head to Belize. I know I am not physically ready, I don't have everything together yet, but I feel like I need to be there and I am so ready to leave. I can't wait to go and to learn more about God and read more of the bible and hear the different speakers lecture. I can't wait to grow in my relationship with Him and learn how to explain and defend my faith, my morals, my convictions. I am so ready and willing to be His hands and feet, his eyes and ears and mouth on the outreach and internship, to be able to communicate for Him and be in His will.
I get goosebumps when I think about Him, think about the work that He is doing around the world and in the hearts of people nad I cannot wait to be a part of that work in a drastic way. I know I am already part of that work on the Island, but I am excited to expand my heart and be able to minister in another country, in another way. I want to pour out my love for Him and for others onto His people, onto the hurt and weary, the broken and the wealthy, the lame and the strong... I just want to be helping them, picking them up and singing into them a song of hope and renewal.
God is going to be my strength when I am in Belize and I will pour myself out for Him... I can't wait :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Prayer for Japan
I can't even imagine what is going on in Japan right now... the tsunami and earthquake that hit have devastated so much of Japan that it's hard to know where to start talking about it. I'm looking at pictures taken of the people and the devastation in Japan and my heart is breaking for these people. I can't fathom being that broken, that terrified.
Japan, there are no words to express the sorrow. All I can do is pray.
Japan, there are no words to express the sorrow. All I can do is pray.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Falling Slowly
It's bizzare to think that if everything works out soon enough, I'll be leaving in less than two months. Time goes so quickly! But I am confident that God will provide for me what He wants. It was so incredible, I was at church yesterday and I was stressing over money and worried that nothing would come together in time, and a man came up to me amd started talking to me. He just walked up and smiled and said, "The money will come." And I looked at him and smiled and said "..." to which he replied, "Don't worry. I'm not just saying this; the money will come." and I said "Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better about this, I am kind of stressed," And he just kept repeating, "The money will come. God will provide. Stop worrying."
It was so encouraging to have someone who I hadn't even confessed my fears to confirm that they were not well founded fears. He drove home the point that God was putting on his heart, and it encouraged me and lifted my spirits so much! I'm so thankful for everyone who has come along side me to help me plan fundraising and say an encouraging word to me.
I met with a few friends (David and Lennox) tonight to play music together. We all play guitar and sing, David also plays drums, and Nnox also plays piano. I can't express how muc I love the feeling of sitting down with a guitar in hand and belting out music for God, figuring out strum patterns and different chords, notes, and harmonies together.
It's hard to understand how some don't believe in God when He is so evident in things like music. He has created voices as instruments to blend perfectly and created the ability to learn to play guitar, drums, piano, any instrument. He is so incredibly AMAZING. I love Him. :)
It was so encouraging to have someone who I hadn't even confessed my fears to confirm that they were not well founded fears. He drove home the point that God was putting on his heart, and it encouraged me and lifted my spirits so much! I'm so thankful for everyone who has come along side me to help me plan fundraising and say an encouraging word to me.
I met with a few friends (David and Lennox) tonight to play music together. We all play guitar and sing, David also plays drums, and Nnox also plays piano. I can't express how muc I love the feeling of sitting down with a guitar in hand and belting out music for God, figuring out strum patterns and different chords, notes, and harmonies together.
It's hard to understand how some don't believe in God when He is so evident in things like music. He has created voices as instruments to blend perfectly and created the ability to learn to play guitar, drums, piano, any instrument. He is so incredibly AMAZING. I love Him. :)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Selfless faith
So I spent the night at a friends house last nght, and since I was not tired by thte time we went to bed, I just layed there and talked to God for a long time. I've been thinking about Belize and about how many things I have to get together before I can go, passport, money, insurance and such...and I was getting really worried that it would all fall through. That I wouldn't get everything together in time. That for some reason I wouldn't be able to go.
This morning my friend and I played "Hosanna" on the guitar and as we sang, the line "I see a generation rising up to take their place, with selfless faith, with selfless faith" really stuck out to me. I just need to trust God with selfless faith. I need to take me out of the equation and just make it about God, and let Him do what He does best; orchestrate everything for His good and His glory. I need to take a step back and realize, make a concious effort, that no matter what happens, God is going to be at the center of it all, and He is going to be my starting point. He is going to be the one I run to and the one I trust in. I'm asking for you to pray for me, to pray that no matter what, God's will is fulfilled in my life and He is at the center... Thank you :)
On another note, I went to college group last night and planned a few fundraisers with Kirsten. She is so good at coming up with ideas! We are going to meet together tonight to make a flier for a dinner concert we are planning. I'm hoping CLC's youth band, Trial By Fire, can all get together and play at the dinner. I'm going to talk to my youth leader Sherri tomorrow at church about the dinner. We are also planning a bake sale/yard sale at the chruch, it will be two weeks from now (So if youre reading this...and you want to donate anything to be sold, e-mail me and let me know! Friedchicken177@gmail.com) and all proceeds will go towards this missions school.
I'm also selling Avon through a friend of mine, and 40% of that is going towards Belize as well, so that is really awesome!! (also e-mail me if you are interested in that...its not just makeup! Jewelry and clothing is included in the Avon sales. Easter is coming up, and so is Mother's Day! Everything is on sale, as well.)
This is the song I was talking about in the first part of this post...Take a look at it. God is so amazing. I hope this song speaks to you like it did to me :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXCoHxX1OC8
This morning my friend and I played "Hosanna" on the guitar and as we sang, the line "I see a generation rising up to take their place, with selfless faith, with selfless faith" really stuck out to me. I just need to trust God with selfless faith. I need to take me out of the equation and just make it about God, and let Him do what He does best; orchestrate everything for His good and His glory. I need to take a step back and realize, make a concious effort, that no matter what happens, God is going to be at the center of it all, and He is going to be my starting point. He is going to be the one I run to and the one I trust in. I'm asking for you to pray for me, to pray that no matter what, God's will is fulfilled in my life and He is at the center... Thank you :)
On another note, I went to college group last night and planned a few fundraisers with Kirsten. She is so good at coming up with ideas! We are going to meet together tonight to make a flier for a dinner concert we are planning. I'm hoping CLC's youth band, Trial By Fire, can all get together and play at the dinner. I'm going to talk to my youth leader Sherri tomorrow at church about the dinner. We are also planning a bake sale/yard sale at the chruch, it will be two weeks from now (So if youre reading this...and you want to donate anything to be sold, e-mail me and let me know! Friedchicken177@gmail.com) and all proceeds will go towards this missions school.
I'm also selling Avon through a friend of mine, and 40% of that is going towards Belize as well, so that is really awesome!! (also e-mail me if you are interested in that...its not just makeup! Jewelry and clothing is included in the Avon sales. Easter is coming up, and so is Mother's Day! Everything is on sale, as well.)
This is the song I was talking about in the first part of this post...Take a look at it. God is so amazing. I hope this song speaks to you like it did to me :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXCoHxX1OC8
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Yellow and Raindrops
Jesus is so cool. I'm just going to throw that one right out there in the open. He really is.
I had my physical the other day and according to the doc I am super healthy, which is awesome. I had her fill out my med forms for DP, ad now all I need is to find out my blood type...which I will do through giving blood I think, because it's free that way. Then I need to fill out passport papers and i am in baby! Well. I need to raise money, but i think God's got my back on that one.
I talked to the secretary at my church, Christian Life Center (CLC) the other day about organizing a yard sale, where different people can donate things to get sold, and all proceeds go towards my DTS. I think I'm shooting for two weeks from now, on March 26th, a Saturday. I have already had a few people let me know that they would love to sell some things and help me out, so I think I'll go ahead with that plan!
God is so good to me, every time I start to feel stressed He calms me down, and keeps bringing calming verses to me, lik ePhilippians 4:6-7: Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (The Message)
I can't imagine life without God. Even when He wasn't the center of my life, I always knew He would be there to catch me when I was too deep into the materialism of this life, and I would always be able to talk to Him...I can't imagine not having that communication, that knowing that there is Someone bigger and stronger than you who is always going to come for you. Thank you Jesus for taking me exactly as I am! You're incredible!
I had my physical the other day and according to the doc I am super healthy, which is awesome. I had her fill out my med forms for DP, ad now all I need is to find out my blood type...which I will do through giving blood I think, because it's free that way. Then I need to fill out passport papers and i am in baby! Well. I need to raise money, but i think God's got my back on that one.
I talked to the secretary at my church, Christian Life Center (CLC) the other day about organizing a yard sale, where different people can donate things to get sold, and all proceeds go towards my DTS. I think I'm shooting for two weeks from now, on March 26th, a Saturday. I have already had a few people let me know that they would love to sell some things and help me out, so I think I'll go ahead with that plan!
God is so good to me, every time I start to feel stressed He calms me down, and keeps bringing calming verses to me, lik ePhilippians 4:6-7: Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (The Message)
I can't imagine life without God. Even when He wasn't the center of my life, I always knew He would be there to catch me when I was too deep into the materialism of this life, and I would always be able to talk to Him...I can't imagine not having that communication, that knowing that there is Someone bigger and stronger than you who is always going to come for you. Thank you Jesus for taking me exactly as I am! You're incredible!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Java
I had coffee with a friend this morning and as we shared stories of struggles and laughed at the things that have happened to us, I realized something. I'm happy. Not like the happy you feel when you open that present on your birthday and see something you have been pining after, but the happy that just doesn't leave.
Carly (the friend I had coffee with) said that she feels like she has this happiness tht is bubbling up inside of her, and I can identify with that. I think it comes from being int he will of God and acknowledging His presence in my life and heading in the direction I feel like He's pointing me in. But I have this happiness, this extreme joy, that is overflowing from within me. It's like a switch has been flipped, and though I am not content with all of life's aspects, I feel a peace and its growing deeper and more profound. I love it!!!
I'm sure some of this happiness has stemmed from the fact that I talked with the registrar in Belize (Alyssa) and she said she could switch my paperwork so it goes towards the May 2011 school instead of the September one. And I could not be more STOKED about that!
I feel like I'm supposed to be stressed, because I have a million and ten things I need to do in order to go to the May school, but whenever Is tart to feel stressed, I find myself replacing it with joy and laughter and reminding myself that whatever needs to be done will happen in God's time, and if i am supposed to go, He will come through and bust some butt for me. Incredible what Dad's can do, isn't it?
Carly (the friend I had coffee with) said that she feels like she has this happiness tht is bubbling up inside of her, and I can identify with that. I think it comes from being int he will of God and acknowledging His presence in my life and heading in the direction I feel like He's pointing me in. But I have this happiness, this extreme joy, that is overflowing from within me. It's like a switch has been flipped, and though I am not content with all of life's aspects, I feel a peace and its growing deeper and more profound. I love it!!!
I'm sure some of this happiness has stemmed from the fact that I talked with the registrar in Belize (Alyssa) and she said she could switch my paperwork so it goes towards the May 2011 school instead of the September one. And I could not be more STOKED about that!
I feel like I'm supposed to be stressed, because I have a million and ten things I need to do in order to go to the May school, but whenever Is tart to feel stressed, I find myself replacing it with joy and laughter and reminding myself that whatever needs to be done will happen in God's time, and if i am supposed to go, He will come through and bust some butt for me. Incredible what Dad's can do, isn't it?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Eating PushPops with Louise and Kirsten
I feel like I got a lot done today! I started this morning by heading to a co-worker's house and talking over fundraiser ideas, then went to my church, Christian Life Center, to talk to the secretary there about printing out my support letter (I decided to do it there....saves on ink!) and she suggested I narrow it down to one page, which works well. I then realized I had a few questions about financing so I headed to the library to check out some stuff online and edit my letter.
I then headed to the local Destination Paradise office and asked some questions about the financing and how that should be handled. We also checked out how to apply for a passport, since I need that as well... So HURRAH! Things are coming together nicely, and talking with Louise and Kirsten (my friends from DP) only heightened that excitement. I can't wait until everything is actually together and all figured out.
Keep praying for me, please, because I need to apply for my passport, and I'm not entirely sure that I'm allowed to do that until I'm 18...which is in April and if I am supposed to go in May.. well, that just doesn't work well. So it would be fantastic if I was allowed to apply for once while I am still 17, because by the time I leave I will be 18.
Thank you all so incredibly much for all the support you've given me. I find that I am much more encouraged every time I talk to anybody about this because everyone is so excited for me. You are all incredible friends and family!!
I then headed to the local Destination Paradise office and asked some questions about the financing and how that should be handled. We also checked out how to apply for a passport, since I need that as well... So HURRAH! Things are coming together nicely, and talking with Louise and Kirsten (my friends from DP) only heightened that excitement. I can't wait until everything is actually together and all figured out.
Keep praying for me, please, because I need to apply for my passport, and I'm not entirely sure that I'm allowed to do that until I'm 18...which is in April and if I am supposed to go in May.. well, that just doesn't work well. So it would be fantastic if I was allowed to apply for once while I am still 17, because by the time I leave I will be 18.
Thank you all so incredibly much for all the support you've given me. I find that I am much more encouraged every time I talk to anybody about this because everyone is so excited for me. You are all incredible friends and family!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Progress!
I finally finished writing my support letter! HURRAH! It's been a work in progress for awhile now, I just didnt know how to state certain things, but I prayed through it and am finally done. The letters will be off tomorrow or the next day, or both, depending on how fast my hand can write adresses :) So facebook me if you would like to recieve a support letter! It outlines everything that I am going to be doing and what's going on and what preperations I am making.
I just realized today that I need a passport as well! So my next paycheck will be going towards that for sure. I can't wait to get everything working together and in order. I'm starting to plan fundraisers, meeting with a friend tomorrow to talk about selling Avon stuff to the ladies in my church...it would make good Easter presents! Makeup is always fun :) And I'm meeting with another friend on Friday to work through some ideas I have....garage sale and bake sale and such.
It's insane how completely incredible God is when you turn to Him with everything. I was really stressed at work tonight, not knowing how I was going to manage getting enough money, my passport, AND insurance by the time I leave...which I'm hoping will be in May but since I have technically signed up for the September school I dont know how that is going to work. I should probably talk to the Registrar down at DP (Destination Paradise). BUT, I was stressed at work and as I was stocking shelves I was just pouring myself out to God and He came back and gave me peace of mind and an excitement and joy that I hadn't been feeling five minutes earlier. He is so awesome :) I love Him like crazy!
Alright, back to the work at hand. I'll post again tomorrow when I find out what is going on with my fundraisers!
I just realized today that I need a passport as well! So my next paycheck will be going towards that for sure. I can't wait to get everything working together and in order. I'm starting to plan fundraisers, meeting with a friend tomorrow to talk about selling Avon stuff to the ladies in my church...it would make good Easter presents! Makeup is always fun :) And I'm meeting with another friend on Friday to work through some ideas I have....garage sale and bake sale and such.
It's insane how completely incredible God is when you turn to Him with everything. I was really stressed at work tonight, not knowing how I was going to manage getting enough money, my passport, AND insurance by the time I leave...which I'm hoping will be in May but since I have technically signed up for the September school I dont know how that is going to work. I should probably talk to the Registrar down at DP (Destination Paradise). BUT, I was stressed at work and as I was stocking shelves I was just pouring myself out to God and He came back and gave me peace of mind and an excitement and joy that I hadn't been feeling five minutes earlier. He is so awesome :) I love Him like crazy!
Alright, back to the work at hand. I'll post again tomorrow when I find out what is going on with my fundraisers!
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Monday, February 28, 2011
First Post :)
Hey Everyone! I am just starting this blog so I'm not entirely sure how its all working yet. So bear with me :)
I'll give you a quick run down of what I am going to be up to this next year:
I have been given the amazing opportunity (by the grace of God alone) to head to Belize for a missions school headed up by YWAM's Destination Paradise (the founders of which I already know...so that makes it that much more exciting!). I'm not entirely sure yet whether I will be leaving in September (My original leave date) or in May (what I'm feeling God's pushing me to do...but I'm not sure if its actually Him or my overactive imagination or my eagerness...So I'm praying about that! Pray with me?). Basically it is a 3 phase program, a 12 week lecture phase, an 8 week outreach phase, and a 16 week internship. I'll write more about that later though.
I just made my doctors apointment to get my medical forms filled out for the trip and as soon as I turn those in I am basically accepted...thats what I hear, at least :)
I cant express how incredibly EXCITED I am to go though!! I feel very restless right now and I know that God has some amazing plans for me.
More details to come later :)
I'll give you a quick run down of what I am going to be up to this next year:
I have been given the amazing opportunity (by the grace of God alone) to head to Belize for a missions school headed up by YWAM's Destination Paradise (the founders of which I already know...so that makes it that much more exciting!). I'm not entirely sure yet whether I will be leaving in September (My original leave date) or in May (what I'm feeling God's pushing me to do...but I'm not sure if its actually Him or my overactive imagination or my eagerness...So I'm praying about that! Pray with me?). Basically it is a 3 phase program, a 12 week lecture phase, an 8 week outreach phase, and a 16 week internship. I'll write more about that later though.
I just made my doctors apointment to get my medical forms filled out for the trip and as soon as I turn those in I am basically accepted...thats what I hear, at least :)
I cant express how incredibly EXCITED I am to go though!! I feel very restless right now and I know that God has some amazing plans for me.
More details to come later :)
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