We went to Ross Travers (?) and checked out the Christian Renewal Center. WOW! I believe these people should give me and Nate this place....
We then ventured to Newry to be locals. We ate lunch at ground a trendy coffee bar and then had some chai tea. It was not as good as ours at FFC, so I tossed it.
After some shopping at TK Maxx no that was not a typo it is TK not TJ here. I scored a PUMA bag for 9.99! Sweet action. We headed home to get some rest before the heathen youth get here :0) for a BBQ.
The kids are here now so I gotta go!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Nathan and I ventured out and about the town today! We went to the post office and exchanged our Euros for Pounds. I'm pretty sure that we lost a LOT of money when we exchanged. We originally exchanged in Newark, NJ from US to Euros (because that's what we were told we needed!) and when we got here we found out that Northern Ireland uses the pound because it is part of the UK. Southern Ireland uses the Euro, soooo we had to go to the post office to exchange our Euros to pounds because in most NI places they do not take the Euro. When the post master told us what we were going to get back in US if we exchanged the Pounds made my jaw drop. I'm still not sure where the money went!?!?!?
While in New Castle we ventured to a little used book shop and one their versions of a dollar store. Their pound is our dollar, so one of their versions of a dollar store is "Around A Pound". The lady we were with Cynhia, had to hit the grocery to pick up some missing ingedrients for our lunch she let us roam for about 20 minutes and we had to meet her back at the car. The grocery she went to was Lids. This was their version of our Aldi's. They had giant pictures of fruit and vegetables and underneath it said "SERIOUSLY CHEAPER" hahahaha That guy should get a raise :0)
After lunch we went to Downpatrick. Cynthia dropped us off on her way to Belfast to drop off an intern from Paris at the airport so she could go home. We visited a cathedral, St. Patricks grave, The prison and all the stuff that went with that, then the St. Patrick center where it was a museum with a IMAX movie *Way different version of an IMAX than ours*. Cynthia picked us up on her way home.
After dinner we went to Dundrum to hang with Richie's youth kids. FYI Irish youth is WAY different than ours!!!! The Taylor University soccer team joined us and we just hung out with the kids. Then we headed to the Galley (?) to get what Pink called the BEST fish and chips. Well I gave it a whirl and I still detest fish (and chips when fried in fish grease) *Insert disgusted look here*! Everyone loved them with the exception of me and 2 others and all 3 of us despise fish in general so I guess we don't count.
After we dropped the soccer team off we went to a real Irish pub! It was nothing like I expected. I was thinking a loud smoky bar where giant Irish men were tipping over in a drunken state *In all fairness I have not been to many bar's in my life and never an Irish pub* It was a really nice restaurant with no smoking and they stop serving alcohol at half past 11. Hardly anyone was there and it was a family establishment. Nathan and I had our first and I believe last glass of Guiness. They let us keep our glasses as souvieners. So yeah... were practically locals now :0)
It is now 1:22 A.M. and I need to get to sleep. I can't be falling asleep durring the Bible lesson tomorrow now can I?!
While in New Castle we ventured to a little used book shop and one their versions of a dollar store. Their pound is our dollar, so one of their versions of a dollar store is "Around A Pound". The lady we were with Cynhia, had to hit the grocery to pick up some missing ingedrients for our lunch she let us roam for about 20 minutes and we had to meet her back at the car. The grocery she went to was Lids. This was their version of our Aldi's. They had giant pictures of fruit and vegetables and underneath it said "SERIOUSLY CHEAPER" hahahaha That guy should get a raise :0)
After lunch we went to Downpatrick. Cynthia dropped us off on her way to Belfast to drop off an intern from Paris at the airport so she could go home. We visited a cathedral, St. Patricks grave, The prison and all the stuff that went with that, then the St. Patrick center where it was a museum with a IMAX movie *Way different version of an IMAX than ours*. Cynthia picked us up on her way home.
After dinner we went to Dundrum to hang with Richie's youth kids. FYI Irish youth is WAY different than ours!!!! The Taylor University soccer team joined us and we just hung out with the kids. Then we headed to the Galley (?) to get what Pink called the BEST fish and chips. Well I gave it a whirl and I still detest fish (and chips when fried in fish grease) *Insert disgusted look here*! Everyone loved them with the exception of me and 2 others and all 3 of us despise fish in general so I guess we don't count.
After we dropped the soccer team off we went to a real Irish pub! It was nothing like I expected. I was thinking a loud smoky bar where giant Irish men were tipping over in a drunken state *In all fairness I have not been to many bar's in my life and never an Irish pub* It was a really nice restaurant with no smoking and they stop serving alcohol at half past 11. Hardly anyone was there and it was a family establishment. Nathan and I had our first and I believe last glass of Guiness. They let us keep our glasses as souvieners. So yeah... were practically locals now :0)
It is now 1:22 A.M. and I need to get to sleep. I can't be falling asleep durring the Bible lesson tomorrow now can I?!
Wednesday!
I have high hopes for today. It has been hard to hear God because everyone is trying to drown him out (by that I mean they love God but they are too busy with trying to put their agenda on everyone else), but today, today I feel good about.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Excuse me... Could you please shut up?
I have always had a fine appreciation for people who know a LOT about something.
What I have never developed an appreciation for is people who THINK they know a lot about EVERYTHING.
What I have never developed an appreciation for is people who THINK they know a lot about EVERYTHING.
Monday, July 27, 2009
What a Day!
Today we went to Narnia
And we came out at the Irish Sea
We discovered some really cool things
P.S. I had NO clue that seaweed attached its self to rocks!
We made some friends!
But at last it was time to head back
And get ready to hit the streets downtown
All in all we had an awesome day!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Belfast!!!!
So Nathan and I made it safely to Ireland! Woohooo, this place is beautiful.
I was in the country for about 45 minutes when I learned my first valuable lesson.
The Taylor University soccer team is also staying at Murlough house and they just happened to be on our plane. We were instructed by Richie (I am referring to him as our Ireland tour guide) to follow the lads and get on the same private coach to get to Murlough house. They were detained at customs because they didn't give the officers a satisfying answer as to why they were in Ireland. Apparently training for soccer wasn't good enough. We were almost detained with them because we are staying at the same place! We made it through and went downstairs to claim our luggage *this is where I learned my lesson* I had to use the "facilities" because lets face it airplane bathrooms even on a 757 are not spacious and you almost have to perform acrobats to pee!
So Nate points out that there is a bathroom to the right of us. I look and see a door to the left of the bathroom door *logically one would think 1 is the men's and 1 is the women's* so I am delirious mind you because it is around 4 a.m. Indiana time and I didn't sleep on either plane ride. I stumble past the group of airport workers and to the bathroom. Mind you we have been traveling non stop in the air for like 7 hours so my ankles are really kankles at this point. I open the bathroom door only to be greeted by a urinal?????
No one was at the urinal THANK GOODNESS but I assess my surroundings and at first *Hello I'm still delirious* think "Weird! Why would Ireland have urinals in the women's restroom?"
So I take a small step back because I am still in the door way and take a closer look at the stick figure on the door.
Oops! This stick figure is NOT wearing a dress.
I turn around to make a hasty exit and one of the women are pointing at the women's restroom (NOT next door to the men's but WAY on the other side of the room.
Lesson #1 in Ireland: Always pay attention to the stick figures attire!
*yes I know you think I would already know this* :0)
My friend V landed in Dublin a few years ago and she said that the bathrooms smelled good. FYI the bathrooms at the Belfast airport DO NOT SMELL GOOD.
More to come this week on Ireland so keep checking back!
Did I mention that this place is BEAUTIFUL!
I was in the country for about 45 minutes when I learned my first valuable lesson.
The Taylor University soccer team is also staying at Murlough house and they just happened to be on our plane. We were instructed by Richie (I am referring to him as our Ireland tour guide) to follow the lads and get on the same private coach to get to Murlough house. They were detained at customs because they didn't give the officers a satisfying answer as to why they were in Ireland. Apparently training for soccer wasn't good enough. We were almost detained with them because we are staying at the same place! We made it through and went downstairs to claim our luggage *this is where I learned my lesson* I had to use the "facilities" because lets face it airplane bathrooms even on a 757 are not spacious and you almost have to perform acrobats to pee!
So Nate points out that there is a bathroom to the right of us. I look and see a door to the left of the bathroom door *logically one would think 1 is the men's and 1 is the women's* so I am delirious mind you because it is around 4 a.m. Indiana time and I didn't sleep on either plane ride. I stumble past the group of airport workers and to the bathroom. Mind you we have been traveling non stop in the air for like 7 hours so my ankles are really kankles at this point. I open the bathroom door only to be greeted by a urinal?????
No one was at the urinal THANK GOODNESS but I assess my surroundings and at first *Hello I'm still delirious* think "Weird! Why would Ireland have urinals in the women's restroom?"
So I take a small step back because I am still in the door way and take a closer look at the stick figure on the door.
Oops! This stick figure is NOT wearing a dress.
I turn around to make a hasty exit and one of the women are pointing at the women's restroom (NOT next door to the men's but WAY on the other side of the room.
Lesson #1 in Ireland: Always pay attention to the stick figures attire!
*yes I know you think I would already know this* :0)
My friend V landed in Dublin a few years ago and she said that the bathrooms smelled good. FYI the bathrooms at the Belfast airport DO NOT SMELL GOOD.
More to come this week on Ireland so keep checking back!
Did I mention that this place is BEAUTIFUL!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Cosmic Vending Machine???
I have had several friends who have "issues" with God. As the "Token Christian" friend they turn to me. Sometimes they almost sling insults at me because MY God is not answering them aka Giving them what they want. I had an extended conversation once with a dear friend. I will paraphrase our words
Friend: "I've talked to God! I asked him to ......, and he isn't listening to me. He doesn't care"
Me: "Perhaps he is telling you something you don't want to hear, so your not listening"
Friend: "NO! All I have ever asked he ignores me, he never gives me what I want. He can't hear me"
I have been rolling this over & over in my mind for awhile now. What is the best way to respond to people when they are in this mind frame.
One Sunday PK hit the nail on the head.
GOD IS NOT A GIANT COSMIC VENDING MACHINE IN THE SKY!
That night when I was reading my Bible I came across something called Off And Running. In my Bible there are little boxes here and there like this that will pertain to something you have just read in the above/below/beside scripture. This one was in the book of John.
Pray Expecting to Get Answers (Read 1 John 5:14-15)
"Prayer is not getting your will in heaven. It is getting God's will on earth. Prayer is not an argument with God in which you try to persuade him to move things your way. Prayer is an exercise in which his Spirit enables you to move yourself his way. Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of his willingness. We like to gravitate toward the latter part of these verses. But don't forget the first part. You have to first "stay in Christ" by maintaining a healthy, ongoing relationship with him. When that happens, you will see your will coming in line with his, and your requests will begin to mirror what Christ wants to do in your life and the lives of those around you. At that point, you can be assured that God is listening to you and will answer your prayers"
TA-DA!
So simple. Why would God give you the time of day when you WON'T give him anything?
My dear friend (as far as I know) has never had a real relationship with our wonderful, loving heavenly father. She doesn't even play the hokey pokey as Pink would say. She just flat out has no connection to God. So sad. I love her and I want her and anyone who doesn't know Christ to have him in their lives.
Sorry I was getting off track here.
The answer is simple. You have to have a RELATIONSHIP with God. He is not a giant cosmic vending machine in the sky for you to visit when you need something.
Friend: "I've talked to God! I asked him to ......, and he isn't listening to me. He doesn't care"
Me: "Perhaps he is telling you something you don't want to hear, so your not listening"
Friend: "NO! All I have ever asked he ignores me, he never gives me what I want. He can't hear me"
I have been rolling this over & over in my mind for awhile now. What is the best way to respond to people when they are in this mind frame.
One Sunday PK hit the nail on the head.
GOD IS NOT A GIANT COSMIC VENDING MACHINE IN THE SKY!
That night when I was reading my Bible I came across something called Off And Running. In my Bible there are little boxes here and there like this that will pertain to something you have just read in the above/below/beside scripture. This one was in the book of John.
Pray Expecting to Get Answers (Read 1 John 5:14-15)
"Prayer is not getting your will in heaven. It is getting God's will on earth. Prayer is not an argument with God in which you try to persuade him to move things your way. Prayer is an exercise in which his Spirit enables you to move yourself his way. Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of his willingness. We like to gravitate toward the latter part of these verses. But don't forget the first part. You have to first "stay in Christ" by maintaining a healthy, ongoing relationship with him. When that happens, you will see your will coming in line with his, and your requests will begin to mirror what Christ wants to do in your life and the lives of those around you. At that point, you can be assured that God is listening to you and will answer your prayers"
TA-DA!
So simple. Why would God give you the time of day when you WON'T give him anything?
My dear friend (as far as I know) has never had a real relationship with our wonderful, loving heavenly father. She doesn't even play the hokey pokey as Pink would say. She just flat out has no connection to God. So sad. I love her and I want her and anyone who doesn't know Christ to have him in their lives.
Sorry I was getting off track here.
The answer is simple. You have to have a RELATIONSHIP with God. He is not a giant cosmic vending machine in the sky for you to visit when you need something.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fear
I woke up this morning with fear controlling my body, then I realized that today is only Saturday so I collapsed back in bed and slept for another hour.
When I woke up an hour later I had a moment of panic.....then I realized that today is Saturday. I stretched, got up and got ready for the day.
Nathan and I will be heading to Memphis this afternoon for a wedding tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Sunday and I will be getting up early to go to Cardova Tennessee and style the Brides hair. No pressure just one of the biggest days in her life! :0)
I always get struck with fear the day before something major because I am afraid that I will miss it, be late, not be able to find it, etc....
At last I am good to go, we will check in to our hotel tonight, go eat at a restaurant people keep telling us we have to eat at in Memphis, I will set my alarm and have the front desk give me a wake up call. What's the chances that I will miss both of those???
When I woke up an hour later I had a moment of panic.....then I realized that today is Saturday. I stretched, got up and got ready for the day.
Nathan and I will be heading to Memphis this afternoon for a wedding tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Sunday and I will be getting up early to go to Cardova Tennessee and style the Brides hair. No pressure just one of the biggest days in her life! :0)
I always get struck with fear the day before something major because I am afraid that I will miss it, be late, not be able to find it, etc....
At last I am good to go, we will check in to our hotel tonight, go eat at a restaurant people keep telling us we have to eat at in Memphis, I will set my alarm and have the front desk give me a wake up call. What's the chances that I will miss both of those???
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tourist
This trip to visit my family has been interesting. Nathan and I are getting to be tourists. I lived here for a few years and never once did my family and I venture out. I'm sure the adults did but I was a kid so I was stuck at home.
We went back to the Bluff View Art District today and ate lunch at Tony's. Ohhh lala, it was good, then Nathan and I took a stroll around the art district and took some fun pictures. I'm sure Nate will put them up on his blog for your viewing pleasure.
Last night we hit the Murder mystery dinner theater, it was a blast! I got pulled up on stage as part of the act, the food was good, the show was good, the atmosphere was good, yeah it was good.
We went back to the Bluff View Art District today and ate lunch at Tony's. Ohhh lala, it was good, then Nathan and I took a stroll around the art district and took some fun pictures. I'm sure Nate will put them up on his blog for your viewing pleasure.
Last night we hit the Murder mystery dinner theater, it was a blast! I got pulled up on stage as part of the act, the food was good, the show was good, the atmosphere was good, yeah it was good.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
mUrDeR mYsTeRy????
We are going to the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater tonight...in less than an hour and I have been lazing away on the net. (you just don't miss stuff til you get to use it) So I need to:
Blow Dry My Hair
Flat Iron My Hair
Apply My Make-up
and
Get Back On The Net
:0)
Blow Dry My Hair
Flat Iron My Hair
Apply My Make-up
and
Get Back On The Net
:0)
Vacation.....kinda...
So Nathan and I made it safely to Tennessee with a pit stop to Chick-fil-A in Murfreesboro. You can read all about our trip down by going on Nates blog. We had a minor hair crisis this morning but all is better now.
Seriously I am sure that some of you are laughing at me right now but it was a crisis folks! When we were packing I realized that I only had liter size of my PROFESSIONAL shampoo and conditioner and I was running out of hair spray so I told Nate that we would just stop by the supply store on our way out of town. Well....we forgot.
I get in the shower today and realize when I reach for my shampoo & conditioner that I was a doofus and didn't bring any. Nathan said "Just put your hair up and we will get some after lunch" The problem was that I had already wet my hair down.
I don't have normal hair. It is EXTREMELY curly and has bleach in it = unmanageable, tangled mess. The last time I didn't have my products I almost had to cut my hair off because I couldn't get a comb through it. NO JOKE.
So Nate goes in search of shampoo & conditioner. My brother uses a razor on his head so he doesn't have any hair products in his bathroom. Nate brings back SUAVE 2 IN 1 from Katie & Steph's bathroom. (It was all he could find)
WHAT!?!?
As I am trying not to have a breakdown I attempt to wash & condition my hair with this trash.
*SIDE NOTE, Under NO circumstances can a product cleanse (removal of junk from hair shaft) and condition (replacement of nutrients back into hair shaft) It just can't happen people, it just can't*
I attempted to comb out my hair while spending 40 minutes calling around trying to find a professional beauty supply store and then threw it up in a pony tail.
We ate lunch in the Bluff View Art District of downtown Chattanooga, and then headed to my brothers work place. Mick's (my brother) work bought a hotel that was built in 1909. The down stairs is a computer data thingie but the 2nd and 3rd floors are the original hotel. It was crazy awesome getting to explore it. It was so beautiful, the staircase was my dream staircase. It needs some work since it has been there since 1909 but who cares!
Our camera died so Nate didn't get any great pictures but there is always tomorrow.
We went to State Beauty Supply and TADAAAAA I bought what I needed. We went back to Mick's and Nathan and I showered for the 2nd time in just a few short hours. My hair no longer feels gummy when it is dry and slimy when it is wet. I got a comb through it in just 1.5 minutes if that long! Praise GOD for the small things!!
And I checked my grades....4.0 for this last semester. Woot Woot!
Seriously I am sure that some of you are laughing at me right now but it was a crisis folks! When we were packing I realized that I only had liter size of my PROFESSIONAL shampoo and conditioner and I was running out of hair spray so I told Nate that we would just stop by the supply store on our way out of town. Well....we forgot.
I get in the shower today and realize when I reach for my shampoo & conditioner that I was a doofus and didn't bring any. Nathan said "Just put your hair up and we will get some after lunch" The problem was that I had already wet my hair down.
I don't have normal hair. It is EXTREMELY curly and has bleach in it = unmanageable, tangled mess. The last time I didn't have my products I almost had to cut my hair off because I couldn't get a comb through it. NO JOKE.
So Nate goes in search of shampoo & conditioner. My brother uses a razor on his head so he doesn't have any hair products in his bathroom. Nate brings back SUAVE 2 IN 1 from Katie & Steph's bathroom. (It was all he could find)
WHAT!?!?
As I am trying not to have a breakdown I attempt to wash & condition my hair with this trash.
*SIDE NOTE, Under NO circumstances can a product cleanse (removal of junk from hair shaft) and condition (replacement of nutrients back into hair shaft) It just can't happen people, it just can't*
I attempted to comb out my hair while spending 40 minutes calling around trying to find a professional beauty supply store and then threw it up in a pony tail.
We ate lunch in the Bluff View Art District of downtown Chattanooga, and then headed to my brothers work place. Mick's (my brother) work bought a hotel that was built in 1909. The down stairs is a computer data thingie but the 2nd and 3rd floors are the original hotel. It was crazy awesome getting to explore it. It was so beautiful, the staircase was my dream staircase. It needs some work since it has been there since 1909 but who cares!
Our camera died so Nate didn't get any great pictures but there is always tomorrow.
We went to State Beauty Supply and TADAAAAA I bought what I needed. We went back to Mick's and Nathan and I showered for the 2nd time in just a few short hours. My hair no longer feels gummy when it is dry and slimy when it is wet. I got a comb through it in just 1.5 minutes if that long! Praise GOD for the small things!!
And I checked my grades....4.0 for this last semester. Woot Woot!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Not Finished...
I decided to change the blog layout and it is not done. I need to change the top so the color matches.
Notice the vines on the side...
Notice the branches in the middle....
Yup that's right folks THE BRANCHES.
Notice the vines on the side...
Notice the branches in the middle....
Yup that's right folks THE BRANCHES.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Confused
So I'm a little confused by some events that have passed this week.
I think it is amazing that God gives visions to people. Visions for them to carry out to grow God's kingdom. Visions that they are supposed to carry out to give GLORY to GOD. Visions to help lead people to the SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
Only to be squashed and for them to not be allowed to carry out the vision of GOD.
GOD, people. GOD!
It is not about us and our comfort. It is about the unsaved, those on the pathway to hell.
I remember hearing some say they would do anything short of sin to lead people to Christ.
Well it looks like anything except that.....
I was bummed, greatly disappointed, wallowing even but then I realized that everything happens in GOD'S timing.
So this trendy chick is chilling. Big things are going to happen all in God's timing!
I think it is amazing that God gives visions to people. Visions for them to carry out to grow God's kingdom. Visions that they are supposed to carry out to give GLORY to GOD. Visions to help lead people to the SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
Only to be squashed and for them to not be allowed to carry out the vision of GOD.
GOD, people. GOD!
It is not about us and our comfort. It is about the unsaved, those on the pathway to hell.
I remember hearing some say they would do anything short of sin to lead people to Christ.
Well it looks like anything except that.....
I was bummed, greatly disappointed, wallowing even but then I realized that everything happens in GOD'S timing.
So this trendy chick is chilling. Big things are going to happen all in God's timing!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
It's been awhile....
So Nathan and I still do not have Internet access at home, this is why I do not blog right now.
We went to Jamaica in January and I promised to let you guys know about how the trip went.
At first I wasn't ready to share because I was so over whelmed with emotions and thoughts.
It has been just over 3 months and here I go...
I have a love hate relationship with Jamaica.
Yup...I said it...
I am not a builder, if you look at me you can see that I am not really physically active. I despise the heat & food with bones in it, well not really my thing. I am an animal rights activists and the people of Jamaica have a hard time taking care of themselves let alone all the stray animals, hence the hate part of our relationship.
However there is a flip side as well.
I loved talking to the people and getting to witness to them. RELATIONSHIPS, that is what I am all about. I believe God made me outgoing for a reason, surely he has a plan to use me and my personality to help benefit his kingdom.
We built the house for was a single mother of two. Her oldest daughter Jessica stole my heart. Here were these two beautiful little girls in poverty. It was so sad. These children have nothing and sometimes do not get to eat yet Jessica was the happiest little girl ever. Everyday on our way down to the work site Jessica would be there to greet us always with a smile on her face and jibberish coming out of her mouth. This two year old could not form sentences or have conversations and then I realized her mother really didn't talk so how would little Jessica learn?
One night we went to the boys home. Another sad experience. Here were all these boys being taken care of by one lone man. Try as he might he just couldn't give each child the individual attention they deserved. So while we were there we got to talk to them, witness to them by teaching them the story of Joseph, play games with them and get to know them.
I loved the time I got to spend with my husband and the entire team. We met people from other states in the US and got to hear their story. We learned how the missionaries live and work. We shared secrets with each other and prayed for each other. One of the most important things we did was to get out of our comfort zones, not always an easy task!
In short this is the story of my love/hate relationship with Jamaica. I can't tell you everything about the trip because that would be the longest blog post in history and I think you should check out missions work yourself.
God definitely changed my heart while I was in Jamaica, I guess we will just have to see where that leads us.
Thank you to everyone who donated to us so we could go on this trip. If we haven't already told you in person then it's coming.
We went to Jamaica in January and I promised to let you guys know about how the trip went.
At first I wasn't ready to share because I was so over whelmed with emotions and thoughts.
It has been just over 3 months and here I go...
I have a love hate relationship with Jamaica.
Yup...I said it...
I am not a builder, if you look at me you can see that I am not really physically active. I despise the heat & food with bones in it, well not really my thing. I am an animal rights activists and the people of Jamaica have a hard time taking care of themselves let alone all the stray animals, hence the hate part of our relationship.
However there is a flip side as well.
I loved talking to the people and getting to witness to them. RELATIONSHIPS, that is what I am all about. I believe God made me outgoing for a reason, surely he has a plan to use me and my personality to help benefit his kingdom.
We built the house for was a single mother of two. Her oldest daughter Jessica stole my heart. Here were these two beautiful little girls in poverty. It was so sad. These children have nothing and sometimes do not get to eat yet Jessica was the happiest little girl ever. Everyday on our way down to the work site Jessica would be there to greet us always with a smile on her face and jibberish coming out of her mouth. This two year old could not form sentences or have conversations and then I realized her mother really didn't talk so how would little Jessica learn?
One night we went to the boys home. Another sad experience. Here were all these boys being taken care of by one lone man. Try as he might he just couldn't give each child the individual attention they deserved. So while we were there we got to talk to them, witness to them by teaching them the story of Joseph, play games with them and get to know them.
I loved the time I got to spend with my husband and the entire team. We met people from other states in the US and got to hear their story. We learned how the missionaries live and work. We shared secrets with each other and prayed for each other. One of the most important things we did was to get out of our comfort zones, not always an easy task!
In short this is the story of my love/hate relationship with Jamaica. I can't tell you everything about the trip because that would be the longest blog post in history and I think you should check out missions work yourself.
God definitely changed my heart while I was in Jamaica, I guess we will just have to see where that leads us.
Thank you to everyone who donated to us so we could go on this trip. If we haven't already told you in person then it's coming.
Monday, February 09, 2009
On a roll...
I was totally on a role with school tonight and then blackboard shut down! WHAT THA...? Oh well I will get some sleep tonight and be able to tackle it fresh tomorrow.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Still not ready
I'm still not ready to share about Jamaica yet. Processing takes some time ya know. If you haven't already stopped by my husbands blog and read/saw all about the missions trip then you should ;0)
I'm behind in school work too so that is going to set me back as far as blogging goes.
Talk to you soon blog homies!
I'm behind in school work too so that is going to set me back as far as blogging goes.
Talk to you soon blog homies!
Friday, January 16, 2009
The time has arrived...
We have to be at the church in just 7 hours. I am waiting patiently for Nathan to finish packing so I can pack. It is amazing how prayer helps so much. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us this week. I am as cool as a cucumber. Shout out to my homie Cobi- I so wish you were still going!
Everything just ya know fell together and tonight I am pumped. Pumped to be going, Pumped to be in Jamaica, Pumped that God is going to use ME, Pumped that I will develop stronger/new friendships with others, Pumped just pumped.
So goodnight for now, I will return to blog land sometime in February probably. I don't want to commit to blogging as soon as I get back. I think this is going to be such an amazing experience that I may need a little time to absorb it when we are back in Frigid Indiana! I must say impeccable timing with the weather...
Miss us while we are gone,
xoxo~Keym
Everything just ya know fell together and tonight I am pumped. Pumped to be going, Pumped to be in Jamaica, Pumped that God is going to use ME, Pumped that I will develop stronger/new friendships with others, Pumped just pumped.
So goodnight for now, I will return to blog land sometime in February probably. I don't want to commit to blogging as soon as I get back. I think this is going to be such an amazing experience that I may need a little time to absorb it when we are back in Frigid Indiana! I must say impeccable timing with the weather...
Miss us while we are gone,
xoxo~Keym
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pray please
So just a few short days away from Jamaica.
Ton's of people have been asking me "Are you getting excited?"
Seriously what am I supposed to say?
Don't get me wrong I am so fortunate and blessed to be able to go. I am looking forward to getting to do God's work. I just don't have the faith in myself. What if I fail? What if I say or do the wrong thing and have the exact opposite effect that God wants? I have NO clue how to build a house. NO PRESSURE THERE.
Also this week is overwhelming on my schedule.
Work, haircuts, haircolor, School started today, Growth group, Youth group, Getting the house in order and the pets settled for the next week, laundry, packing, dental appointment. All of this in a few hours in a few short days.
So yeah I am excited about Jamaica but right now my emotions are on OVERLOAD! I am sure once I am up in the air life will be good again, but until then would you please pray for me?
Ton's of people have been asking me "Are you getting excited?"
Seriously what am I supposed to say?
Don't get me wrong I am so fortunate and blessed to be able to go. I am looking forward to getting to do God's work. I just don't have the faith in myself. What if I fail? What if I say or do the wrong thing and have the exact opposite effect that God wants? I have NO clue how to build a house. NO PRESSURE THERE.
Also this week is overwhelming on my schedule.
Work, haircuts, haircolor, School started today, Growth group, Youth group, Getting the house in order and the pets settled for the next week, laundry, packing, dental appointment. All of this in a few hours in a few short days.
So yeah I am excited about Jamaica but right now my emotions are on OVERLOAD! I am sure once I am up in the air life will be good again, but until then would you please pray for me?
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently , an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who under stand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who under stand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Twifan
I may not be 14 but I am a Twifan. In fact I pre-ordered the "Special Edition" Twilight movie tonight from Amazon.com. It comes out March 21, 2009, just 3 days after my birthday~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.
Twilight = Good times
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