Simple Life

0 degrees North

2012-01-24T14:05:00.001-08:00

Yadira (Blue shirt in back) and her family in front of their new home we helped them build. Jason-John is in wheel-chair and he was my friend! (I'm in back wearing red).
Coffee beans drying

Back in Wisconsin.
I am lucky to have a nice home, clean sheets, hot showers, an abundance of food, American coffee and the love of family and friends. This is not the first time going through an adjustment back to the United States culture. I can't be insensitive saying that it gets easier each time but it does. I think the awareness that here is home and I can't change that I grew up in a very privileged city and family compared to a lot of people I have met in the world. I don't take it for granted.
What doesn't get easier is telling people my stories.
The class I was in while I went to Nicaragua was supposed to teach us how to tell a personal narrative about community development. For three days now I have sat down to my Sony Vaio Laptop with a $2.00 cup of coffee, my notebook, the guidelines, assigned readings and pictures on facebook at my favorite coffee shop. I stare at the blank screen, scan my notes and desperately search for words to write. It doesn't help that I picked what my professor called "an abstract" topic... on deforestation. Yet environmental issues are my passion and I thought that would be easy to write about... turns out, it isn't. My topic lacks the 'grotesque and exoticism' that readers are enraptured by. Land cleared for crops and logging... sounds similar to Wisconsin.
I have stories about the people, about the culture, about the poverty, about the nature. What is hard is telling a story that will impact others, that will transport them, that will help them understand and see what I truly saw.

So, I sit and pray for inspiration for 3,000 words of inspiration to be exact. And right now I am just thankful for my hot coffee.

Psalm Posted on the walls of on of our host families:
Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Being a Nica

2012-01-08T08:02:00.001-08:00

Nicaragua

The light breeze blows as I sit around and look at the beautiful woman around me it is hard not to feel peaceful. The mango trees have small green fruits and the palm and guava trees make Managua the tropical land I anticipated. The smell is reminiscent of other countries I have been to before such as Cambodia and Bali without the smell of incense, as Nicaragua is primarily a Catholic nation. The air is thick with the smell of burning garbage and fruitiness. I feel at home. The family I am living with for the week has four generations in one home. Great grandma (abuela), grandma, Urielle (son and our host dad) and his daughter(and other nieces and nephews who are around eight years old.) The sense of community here is astounding. I am learning how ´to be´ more and more each day and foster a lack of urgency in my daily tasks.

The Little Small Things

2012-01-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

The first day of 2012 came as a startle as I lazily slam the snooze button for the fifth time. My eyes snap open look at the clock and my heart drops as I realize I am forty-five minutes late for work and my only triumph is “At least I didn’t have to open today”. I glance out the window confused that it is light out then I remember it is 6:45 am. With the hazy glow I see puffs of white floating and I nearly screamed with joy except the hush of sleeping house. I scramble out the door and claim the first foot print in the fluffy white carpet and inhale a deep breath of mild winter morning air. 2012 has arrived with a washing “white as snow.”

I am now sitting on my bed, January first, and reading assigned articles for the 3-week Interim class, Writing Community Development in Nicaragua Class, that starts in the morning. I can’t escape the peace and anticipations I feel about the New Year. I revel that I live in a great state with a record breaking football team with a second line quarterback that is more than capable of stealing the show. I see my gold OPI crackle nail polish shimmer as I type and feel continually delighted at my holiday splurge. The past year has attested to be a highlight of the smaller things. My blessings I count when the snowflakes dance, seeing the Northern lights radiate green on Lake Michigan for the first time ever, I learn a new song on guitar, strumming the banjo, the fireplace glow at the flip of a switch, watching “chopped” marathons on the food network, random text messages, getting fun-friend mail, a good cup of piping hot coffee, aromatic peppermint tea, sending cards full of encouraging words, having a really good weep for no reason, “Indian Summer” bike rides, getting long hugs from my mom with a back scratch and all, listening to the nonchalant ramblings of my dad, walking my dog on crisp winter nights, tear filled weddings, gold nail polish, and marveling at how life continues to change. The small things.

I leave in two days for Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the western hemisphere. This trip could classify as a “big thing” in my book and will no doubt be a highlight of 2012 (when I look back next year) but I am reminded that this “big” trip is really a puzzle of little things that come together to form a complete picture, the “experience”.

As I pack my one small carry on piece of luggage, I realize I am only filling it with the essentials. A few small things (I can’t get over how cute travel size things are). The professor encouraged us prior to make the trip a “time-out” from our lives as we currently live them, that news thrilled me as I am always looking for momentary escapes but those are selfishly for “me” time. This trip is an outward bound participation trip focused on developing a detailed narrative about our experiences in Nicaragua. Experience and participation allude to interaction with others. I am not going on vacation but rather on a trip to actively engage with locals. Live in their homes, eat their food, try to communicate, listen actively, observe and offer my hands (and feet) to do hard work. I have fears of making mistakes and often that builds brick walls. Maybe this trip I can release my fear of failure and open my eyes to see the small things that I can be a part of, to be an observer of the little things that make up life's complete picture for my special Nicaraguan friends.

Goodbye my fluffy dancing snowflakes, hello…?

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Isaiah 1:18

Thoughtful Thanksgiving.

2011-11-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

The snow is falling and that means winter is soon approaching. The smell of wood fires streaming from old houses, car exhaust from heat blasting, and spicy smells of baked goods and drinks are all permeating the air.

Thanksgiving is always the first holiday of the season for feasting (on real food and not candy) that jump starts the eating frenzy. When I think back to holiday meals when I was younger they were a mixture of real, from scratch homemade foods, and fake, from the box foods. The turkey, real mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, cranberry Jell-O, green bean casserole, white buns from scratch, olives, raw carrots, and a salad layered with bacon, cheese, peas, onions, and miracle whip.

That was Thanksgiving past.

Thanksgiving present is non-traditional. As my family has been growing up and life brings has brought me to different countries, brings new people into the picture, the tradition has changed. A few years ago I spent Thanksgiving with my mom in Texas and we went to a buffet restaurant and had really fake Thanksgiving foods. Three years ago I was in England for the holiday and two years ago I spent Thanksgiving in New Zealand. In England and New Zealand the foods were an English version of our traditional Thanksgiving foods. The Yorkshire pudding, stuffing with apricots, pumpkin pie with a top crust, and fair trade chocolate were a very successful rendition of familiar foods. They were a comforting touch of home while traveling abroad.

This year I am not sure what Thanksgiving Day will look like. I will not be at home with my immediate family but that doesn’t mean it will go without celebration. I have invited international students from school over to celebrate the North American Holiday. There will be a potluck of some traditional food and some non-traditional. I pray I can extend the same hospitality to people without family in the U.S. as I experienced when I was in foreign places with no family.

What I am reminded of this time of year is that although the traditions of the day may change the purpose needs to remain the same. Thanksgiving celebrates harvest and the coming together of two worlds… the new and the native. In the past it was Europe and Native American. In the present it is people from all over the world and the United States. As a citizen of the United States and the Kingdom of God I am delighted to extend a hand to those who are from foreign lands.

I just hope they like the food…

John 13:34-36 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Glimpse from the Garden

2011-09-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Pictured Rocks National Park, MI

As the cool air is upon us and my mind is consumed with thoughts of pumpkins and hot apple cider I feel an ode to the summer is past due. I am back into school with new( used) books, new classes, and with classes in a new Gold Leed building named SAGE (wisdom of nature and the nature of wisdom) that opened this fall. I am also in a new house, like a real house, with a mom named Betty, a dog named Gracie, and I share a room with my friend Lacey. I had a very busy summer that involved spending a lot of time outdoors in the garden, hiking, and biking. I was able to see friends get married, purchase a home, move to new cities and follow the Lord leading them in new directions. It was great, and emotional at times. Vulnerability.

I am drowning up to my ears with heaps of fresh produce from my two garden plots, one at UW-Oshkosh community gardens and the other from Marvins Garden at the Gardens of the Fox Cities, not to mention the abundance my parents send me home with from their garden when I visit. I am busy cooking up lots of delicious meals, including my favorite Eggplant Parmesan!

Here is a reflection piece I wrote for the Gardens of the Fox Cities newsletter:

The Shasta Daisies are done blooming and the Monarchs are sparsely to be seen, a contrast to the middle of June when I first stepped foot in the Gardens of the Fox Cities. The gardens have changed a lot in two months and feel as though I have grown and changed with them.

Walking into Marvins Garden for the first time felt as though I was entering a magical little garden land. When children started arriving and the Gardeners and Explorers classes got rolling the magical Marvins land began to transform. The foot tall Sunflowers from June are now towering ‘ginormous’ giants that hang their heads to keep watch. The newly installed shed became a hideout from the rain. Gatherings took place at the blue table, and a feast of pickles, salsa and pizza we made one week was food fit for a king or queen. We took adventures and explored new territory on the 38 acres of the Gardens of the Fox Cities, catching butterflies, watching birds and looking at flowers through a kaleidoscope. The year ended with a friendly competition during Ecology Olympics and all the kids in Marvins went home as Olympian champions. New surprises are peaking through the leaves each week; right now there is a green pumpkin the size of a basketball, ripe and ready tomatoes and squashes of all variety waiting to be harvested. Being a leader and watching the interaction between children and the outdoors was fun and encouraging to see their excitement. Personally, I learned a lot from Hannah about organization, curriculum planning, allowing kids to be kids outside, and the generation of exploration of senses in the garden!

During my two months here at the gardens I have enjoyed watching the phenology of the flowers and trees. I got a front row seat every Thursday, as the dryness of late summer kicked in, my routine was watering the gardens around the Schieg building, Witzke Blvd. and Capitol Drive. The whimsical pink Queen of the Prairie bloomed and faded as the large dinner plate Hibiscus took center stage. I learned a lot about the flowers and trees from Vicki and other volunteers who had much knowledge to share. I practiced my newly learned plant identifications and facts as visitors to the gardens would stop and ask questions.

I would not have spent my summer any other way. The fun, beauty, friendships, knowledge, peacefulness and sense of civic engagement that I engaged in at the Gardens of the Fox Cities has been a job experience I will cherish forever.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105

Blessings come in disguise.

2011-06-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

After resolving to take a summer class after no potential jobs or internships in sight a last minute application to AmeriCorps (a program sort of like the PeaceCorps except for in the United States and offers shorter term employments with local community organizations) proved to be fruitful. I was offered a position with the Gardens of the Fox Cities in Appleton, WI (similar to Botanical Gardens) through AmeriCorps. This gave me the chance to drop my dreaded statistics course and instead I will get my hands dirty and face sweaty out in the sun! It will be a great opportunity to grow in so many ways including teaching (little kids… go figure), growing better at the names of flora and fauna, and learning about prairie restoration. Continually I am amazed at how great my Father is and how He cares deeply for those whom are called sons and daughters. Trusting always He is good and in control will remain a lifelong lesson… as my 23^rd year has approached I am reminded that I shall not fear because ‘Perfect Love casts out Fear’…. 1 John 4:18 …. but, more on that later….

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” Psalm 18:2

huh?

2011-04-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago at church the Pastor started is message with a prompt. He opened telling us that the most talked about emotion in the Bible is Love. Makes sense. He questioned the congregation with "What do you think the second most talked about emotion is?" and prompted us to ask those around us. I asked my friends to the left and they thought maybe jealousy, my thoughts were either anger or sadness. So, I turn around and asked the elderly lady sitting behind me what she thought. She didn't know and asked me "what do you think?", excited to share I told her "sadness". Confident in my response. The Pastor called us back to attention. He gave the answer to the question... which was Regret. The sermon he preached was on Matthew 5: 38-48.. you know love your enemy, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who use you and persecute you.Take home: don't regret tiffs you may have with others or yourself... instead resolve them. (Ask forgiveness... forgive)
At the end we took communion, sang a worship song, the Pastor prayed. A nice church service. Before we sang our last worship song the little lady from behind me gently grabs my arm and asks me " what was the first emotion the Pastor said at the beginning?", I told her " Love", she looks at me with a serious face and says " it makes sense then why you said sex." I looked at her processing what she said, half thinking this lady just said sex in church and then wondering what she must think about me for saying sex in church. I look at her seriously and say " Oh no, ma'am, I said Sadness." We both start smiling and then laughing, extremely amused by the whole miss-communication. The last worship song plays and at the end of service the lady and I exchange names and a genial agreement that we will not forget each other.

I left church that evening amused by how often we must say things that others interpret wrongly either because of bad hearing, words being taken out of context, or just too much background noise. I was glad the lady was not too prideful, fearful, or shy in this situation to clarify. She asked a context question that she had missed and by doing so found out she hadn't heard what I said either. In the end we formed a bond based on miss-communication and walked away a little more joyful for it.

Resolve. Clarify. Communicate.

Chronicalized

2010-12-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

There is a little daily devotional book called "Our Daily Bread" that I enjoy reading most days.
A couple days ago the topic was on reviewing the year that will soon be history...
I rarely think about the past because it seems like there is never enough time. The present and future hold more merit, temporarily that is. However, if I were to simply keep moving forward and not remember all the hardships and beautiful moments of my History, there could be no rejoicing and no learning or growth. The age old adage of " You don't know where your going unless you know where you come from..." rings very loud and true this time of year as 2010 is gone, vanished forever from our planners, phone calenders, and checks. I took the time to sit down after reading that convicting little devotional and chronicled my entire year of 2010. I came to find that indeed it was filled with hard moments, laughter, tears, sorrow, hello's, goodbye's, (many)plane rides, joy, a lot of sweat, good music, longer hair, and most of all the fulfillment of knowing I have grown as a person, as a woman of God. So, my life in 2010 is forever chronicled in my new journal and I feel peace about letting it go and moving forward knowing confidently where I have been.

I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
~Psalm 77:11

Trick-or-Treat...not so treaty

2010-10-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking- Slave Labor

Not phrases usually associated with Halloween but the ugly Truth.

Want to know more: Death...by chocolate

This Trafficking is prominent in West Africa. A place I have visited. Children 11-14, boys and girls, are being taken illegally over the borders from Mali and Burkina Faso into Ghana and Ivory Coast and forced to work on Cocoa plantations run by large corporations such as Nestle' and Hershey. They are often promised a payment that... is never received.
There is HOPE. People are working across the globe to end this injustice and you can help. Even if you are not on the front lines fighting, you can do your part by: 1. Learning about Fair-Trade (not Free-trade)
2. Check out your local grocery store, independent co-op, or coffee house and
find fair trade chocolate (or any other fair-trade product they sell) and
commit to purchasing these products.
3. Tell Others-Invite retailers who are not selling Fair trade products to learn
more about them and look into stocking them.
This is a fight that can be won. In Europe due to demand by consumers (you and me) most large companies are selling fair-trade chocolate. In America the demand is not there... yet.
It is not a political movement... It is a justice movement.
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

The symbol to look for on your chocolate, coffee, sugar, vanilla, nuts, and many other goods

It has been a while...

2010-10-26T21:29:00.001-07:00

I like blogs. They relate real people with real issues (added bonus when there is humor).
I am immersed fully in school at this point. My travels are long over and the reality of being stuck in 'ordinary' has set in. It's been 6 months since returning home, to Wisconsin, from Youth With A Mission. What have I done?
Hung out with my family (built a cob oven), Cut down trees (irony), Road tripped to Cornerstone music festival (slept in hammock), Reunited with 3 of my roomies from YWAM (Sam and Lydia and Angela), visited the University I was supposed to attend in Virginia (did not go), amazing family reunion (had to leave early), moved to Appleton (unintended), started classes at University Wisconsin Oshkosh ( Environmental Studies), Hiked 4 days in Michigan (with Andrea my new roommate).
The highlights in a nutshell. I ask myself everyday ' is this really my life I am living'. Is it what I had planned... no. Am I adjusted? Working on it. Content? Most days.
Returning back to American life has been hard. Why did no one prepare me? Impossible.
Is my heart still overseas? Yes. It is a good reminder of how blessed I am everyday.
Have I learned a lot? Yes. God is at work. Always.
I struggled to know what my purpose was upon returning. Me. Everything was focused on me. Not God. I started a study called 'Experiencing God' by Henry Blackaby. It has moved me away from, well, myself. Now, my thoughts are truly focused on What are God's plans and purposes.... and How can I be involved?
Where is God at work around you? How can you join Him in that work?

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

Also, if you are curious to to see more about what I did on outreach check out this video Anna made:
EDTS Outreach

Fare thee well dear Friends and we are off again

2010-04-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Fox Glacier

Larry, Jenny, and 'the lot'- Me, Sam, Katie, Ben

Rainbow and Me!

Beautiful Sunset in Oxford before Graduation

Sam -my travel companion and me at Graduation- we sure clean up nice :-)

Dear Friends and Family,
I am an official graduate of Oxford…Discipleship Training School that is in New Zealand. It has been a long journey …to the ends of the Earth and back (well almost).
The past couple weeks have been full of re-entry type things. As a team we all talked about what it was like being back in a western country where food costs 3 times as much and there is clean air to breathe and the language is the understood. Yes it has been an adjustment.
We were bogged down with the unusual feeling of not knowing what to do. There was no more ‘ministry’ work to do upon returning to Oxford and many of us fell quite ill because of the cold weather. My dear friend Monja ended up in the hospital and we found out that she had come down with Malaria from a crazy jungle hike she did in Cambodia. She is now well recovered but it was a shock to our team. We had a lovely graduation ceremony with a ‘hippie’ theme and mainly vegetarian food! It was truly special (minus Monja still in the hospital and Seang in Cambodia) we had many friends and special people come to be with us. The night ended with a coffee shop café’ and open mic night where stories, poems and songs were shared.
Goodbyes were not easy but not hard as the YWAM goodbye is if we don’t meet again in this life I will see you in eternity Nothing could be better. Slowly our team has been leaving the island or venturing to their homes on the island. The Lord has been teaching me that Goodbye’s are part of life and they don’t have to be sad but a positive beginning to a new chapter. I am thankful for the amazing people I’ve shared and lived and grown with and it isn’t over for any of us yet.
I have been traveling with Sam the past week and a half with the blessing of using Mark’s cute little silver toyota Caldrea. We stayed at a wwoofing (Worldwide opportunities on Organic farms) house for one week with 2 of our friends Ben and Katie from Oxford. The farm was called Waingaro Christian Retreat and Jenny and Larry were a very unique couple that specialize in Equine therapy, horse riding and have a guesthouse that is sort of a BandB. We mulched their garden and hacked away bushes. I got to canter on a horse for the first time ever through beautiful NZ forest, a dream come true. We said our goodbyes there and were sent off with prayers and small gifts and the encouragement to keep seeking out what lies deep inside and not be ashamed of who we are created to be.
We picked up a hitcher named Alex from Nevada who spent a couple days with us. He played guitar and had his own and we taught him some worship songs which he rather enjoyed.
Easter was a blessing as we got to spend it at the same little Baptist church I spoke at many months ago. Sam , Julie and I gave a short testimony of Cambodia and how their prayers were appreciated. Then we were off again traveling some more and ended up in a little town called Fox Glacier and I along with the others I am traveling with decided to do a Tramp called the Copeland, expecting it to be easy. It was a 2 day 17 mile trek full of rock hoping, root climbing, bridge crossings and natural hot pools. At the end our muscles were aching and Julie broke her thumb (yes hiking). It was memorable!
And this I maintain ‘God Loves Us’.

Hmmm...and then the ocean

2010-03-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

So.... I was cool the otherday. I wrapped a hairband around my wrist and Angela told me I looked cool... If you didn't know that is my goal in life, to be cool. (I am just kidding, but it helps sometimes).
Anyways, I spent the last 10 days up in a province called Rattanikiri. This is where all the injustice that is talked about... you know deforstation, unfair working conditions, and illegal trade are all happening. It was pretty shocking to see firsthand. The people there are indegenous tribal people and their land is being stolen from right under them by money motivated 'outsders'. The land is all in ash or covered with rubber tree/cashew nut plantations. It is reminsicent of the same situation that happened in America a many hundred years ago. The people sell their land or have it taken and use the money they recieve to drink, gamble, smoke and the such. This breaks families and pretty soon the are poor again with no land. This is because they aren't familier with living in a $ based system.
We stayed in a village with the the language group called Jarai for a couple nights. We did some research for our leader Rob and a flood-relief project a local church has started. Last October the Dams in Vietnam flooded and broke cuasing many villages along the Saison river to flood. This = loss of rice crop = starving people. The "Project" supplied money and advice on planting dry season corn and other veggies. (This is a big deal for indegenous people). They followed through. We interviewed the elders of 3 different villages along the river and observed their gardens and then wrote up a formal report on the answers and information we recieved.
It was a rare opportunity and I felt like I should be working for the National Geographic not YWAM. We lived above the kitchen and got 'fine' smells often of the drying water buffalo meat... no lie, it was a rancid smell. We stayed with the only Christian family in the village (a young couple with a baby and their brother and the mom). The village people are in a desperate situation but a little corn is giving a lot of HOPE.
It was a hill at the end of a marathon for sure but we gave it our best. I had a great time enjoying the peace and quiet that being in the hills and far away from the noise of city provided. God gave rest to my soul and led me by quiet waters...we had the opportunity to swim in an extinct volcanic lake and in a couple waterfalls. Monja rode an elephant. Things like that were very enjoyable. I will confess that working for God is sometimes strenuous work, but well worth it!

Now I am in Sihnoukville... the opposite side of the country about 14 hours away. A complete contrast and tourist town on the ocean (Gulf of Thailand?). We are debriefing and adjusting to a more westernized place as soon we will be back to New Zealand. It is beautiful here but hard to be a 'tourist' after working. This is a time we are saying goodbye to our dear friend/leader Seang and reflect on all that has happend.

This verse I just recieved and seems very fitting for the time we have had here:
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them" Hebrews 6:10

Saying Goodbye's and moving forward

2010-02-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

Almost finished water tank at Base
Julie, Me and Sam with kids on Carnival Day (One in green is a favorite)
Anna working on sawing bamboo for the fence
Seang, Angela, Me and Anna on long boat last Saturday on Free day. It was scary-az and very leaky and about an inch from the water! An Adventure.
The beginning of water tank...Seang mixes cement...we watch...wait...then attempt
Well again it has been a while.
Our weeks are still busy as usual.
An update on everything we have been doing:
At the 4 square Orphanage - we have leveled the mass piles of dirt that we started with and have formed 4 very nice beds out of soil that was full of a ton of garbage, lots of rocks and clumps of clay.
We built a bamboo fence and dug the post holes and it almost finished being put up. It looks great and will keep out the chickens, geese, and cows! What we will work on our last 2 days here and with lots of prayer will finish is installing a water tank and drip line so the vegetables will have water in dry season. The tank will catch water when it rains and store it to water the garden.
I praise God that we have clean water to drink everyday (we get it delivered to the house). At the orphanage there is a well but it runs out often, there is not enough water for them to wash/cook with let alone water their vegetables. Most of the water around is not clean to drink.
~The past Sunday at the church service, Angela gave a sermon on Luke 8 and the parable of the Sower and how a seed planted on rocky or weedy soil won't grow well. The kids got the chance to plant their own seed in good fertile soil (with cow poo). It was the first time a couple of them have had the chance to plant anything. The beans have started to grow in the past 5 days and the kids are always hanging out around them watching them. I believe it has given them a sense of ownership and pride that they can help a seed grow. The prayer we said probably helped them out too!
On Thursday we went out and held a kids carnival for them also. It was so fun! We set up a fishing station (they really enjoyed because of the prizes). There was nail painting and party hat making stations; I helped with the hats and we had lots of fun. Then there was pin the stinger on the scorpian and a musical 'lilypads' game. The prizes of candy, pencils, hair barrets, and sweat bands really were a hit. The boys went crazy with the nail polish.... Then we played a balloon game, where the ballon is tied around the ankle and you try to pop everyone's; it was wild. Then we had a snack and Monja played guitar to calm them down before we left. It was a blast and a great way to spend time with them all and allow them to enjoy being kids! I think it is the first time they have ever had experienced something like it. We are not supposed to pick favorites as a rule to life...but we have all found our favorite 'orphans'...meant in the best way possible!
At the YWAM Base- The past 2 weeks we have been installing a water tank and pump and drip irrigation. They have a fairly big pond that the pump is installed into and hand pumps water into the tank and then it filters through sand, gravel and cloth to the irrigation pipe lines and to the garden. It is more a model system and the hope is others will be inspired by seeing it; people from Cambodia and all over the world.
Phnom Kol- We went out 2 mornings and planted corn and beans into the soil that we formed and manured. Drip irrigation was set-up also. We then had the chance to work for a widow and her daughter and help them form their garden beds to be planted (this is the hard work). Praise God we can contribute in little ways.
Youth Center (Base)- We are in the process of saying goodbyes. It was a great time getting to know Ngim our teacher and some of the students. I started getting Khmer language lessons from a student named Sida. We would meet for 20 minutes before class and he would teach me 5-6 words a day and quiz me the next day. I believe I did pretty well. I learned children, tree, sweat, hair, shoe, glasses, God is love and many other words. (I am not fluent!) I do get compliments on my clear Khmer though and it is encouraging. I don't know much about Sida, if he is a christian, I do know he has an older sister who is and works for world vision. I haven't got the chance to say by to him and so I can only pray God will bless him the rest of his life in all he does.

This week was full of much sweat and tears. The term 'let the sweat drip' has never been so real as it is here. The sweat roles when I just sit... can you imagine how much it drips when we are working in the garden... lets just say my shirt is usually wet by the end of the morning. In the garden this week we had an encounter with a Cobra snake and it was a quite close call. We were digging on top of his home and one guy, Reggie, leaned over to pick up a chunk of clay and says snake, we all go to look and then he says Cobra and we all run away fast. Seang came over with a hoe and wacked him a couple times and he was out. About a meter long and paper towl tube wide ( he was big). The kids were excited, as they get to eat feast on it!!
There was a couple close calls with centipedes this week also. One almost attacked Sam, luckily Seang was there to chop it in half. In English class yesterday one climbed down the wall and to the floor and started fast towards a student. She was not phased and took of her sandal and gave it a good whack when it got close and killed it. The rest of us were up on our chairs or screaming. I don't think they are something I could ever get used too!
I have been running on low this week and finally hit empty. I had no strength left and was unable to do my part on the team. My face and spirit became drawn. I was given permission from our leader Laura to take the afternoon off... I did and took time to journal, ride my bike, write to my sister and spend time resting and worshiping the Lord quietly alone. It was nice and I felt rejuvinated when the team returned. I am still recovering and gaining joy and happiness again. It just made me aware how important being emotionally and mentally healthy is vital to proper functioning! I realized I need to journal to process everything happening as there is soo much... everyday.
Philippians 3:13 'One thing I do is: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.'

We leave Battambang on the 17th and head over to Siem Riep for 2 days to visit Angkor Wat, then down to Phnom Phen for 2 days and up to Ratanakirri for 2 weeks. There is One month left of our outreach and I just need to be confident in pressing forward. Our time here has been great and I have met wonderful people but we get to move on and meet those awaiting.
I have had the sense of home here and run into friends on the street and recognized people in the market and smiled. It has been...life!

We get to celebrate Chinese New Year this weekend with lots of firecrackers...very loud. All there is to do is embrace it as culture!

What a Week

2010-01-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

It has been a long but fulfilling week. It is finally starting to feel like 'home' , or regular life. We got a schedule ... I find that I really appreciate schedules.
Well we spent a lot of time out at the Orphanage this week. Good news from Sinoan and that she got accepted to do her DTS with U of N here in Battambang. This will be a life changing opportunity for her. We started helping them build a garden. It is starting from ground zero. This week consisted of carrying dirt (clay, garbage, concrete, brick, rock sub-soil mixture) on plastic bags to cover the entire area of the designated area (about 20 meters long 6 meters wide). It was slow. Next week hopefully it will be ready to add the top-soil and manure. We are working under the Pastor's discretion... making it his project... not ours. We just get to help make it happen! Then we had an afternoon spent putting on a program for the kids.
Afternoons are spent at the student center. I have been a regular at a level 3 and 4 English class with Sam and this week we got to teach for God day. We did a little skit and then I shared my testimony (story on how I know God and where He's brought me). They asked questions... I took that as a good sign. They are a fun class and the teacher Ngim is great, a ball of joy. The other day I was correcting their homework and I pronounced 4-thirty with what must have been a very midwest accent and the students first couldn't understand and then my accent had to be explained... in the end Ngim ended up telling them to keep saying thirty how they say it.

Everyday we eat very well. Sam and I are both vegetarians and so the cooks (we have 2 khmer girls who are amazing) we have always prepare us a special vege dish. Some of the best have been a peanut khmer curry soup, the vege soups, and these egg flat omlete things. Most days it ends up looking (and tasting) better then the full on meat dishes the others get every meal. We also get fruit for each meal... all sorts of fruit. I find my favorite so far is pineaple and dragon fruit (a crazy pink fruit with a white inside with small black seeds, texture similar to a kiwi but very light taste).

I saw a guy with a Favre 4-ever shirt the other day and I was shocked!! It made my day really! Favre is even in Cambodia.... I will keep my opinion to myself....

Clothes washing has been a big ordeal also.... I am someone who would save up 2 months of laundry to take to my mom's house so that when I visited it would magically be done when the visit was over... Now if I don't handwash my clothes every week... I run out. It is still not my favorite.
The heat here is dangerous. The Cambodian people though prize white skin so much that whitening creams and wearing long sleaves, gloves, hats, even socks here is prevelant to make their skin white... complete contrast to the States...

We also set up a drip line out at Seangs parents house yesterday. A drip line is a black house with little one-way valves that is helpful to reduce the work of watering (which they still do by watering can) and to conserve water (in short supply in the dry season January-May). We made 4 new beds and planted Corn in one and long beans in the other 3, covered them with straw and now they are left to grow! May God bless those little plants.

This is life... 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. we are just living here doing the daily work here in Battambang.

Please keep praying for me and that I can hear from God and have consistent quiet-times!

Adventures abound

2010-01-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Our Transportation out to village (Even the tourists were taking photos)
Craft Project at the Orphanage
The Khmer students and their garden.
Working Seangs Garden at his house.
The fruit stand (not the cheapest one though )

Well, lots has happend this week. Last Sunday I got to be Pastor Liz at the Orphanage and gave a short message on Love and What God's Love is and that we are designed with a space in our hearts that only God can fill. Seang translated and it went really well, then we had a dance party with the kids afterwords. That children there are stealing my heart and God is breaking it. I realize that they don't have the choice to live there or somewhere else and the lack of true love they recieve is grave. We are having a great time connecting with these kids and we are spending Sundays and Thursdays there with them. We made the craft, had games and taught the story of the Prodigal Son on Thursday. There is one girl at the orphanage named Sinooan, who also attends an English class at the youth center and she is so sweet and I enjoy seeing her. She is currently applying to do her DTS here in Battambang at the University of Nations and I am so excited for her. She's 19 has 2 younger siblings and no parents.
This week it was also Monja's birthday which was very fun, we got to go out to eat and then planned a surprise birthday for her and Johanna that consisted of candles on the roof, homemade tiara's , cake, and fun. She is 25!
I am finding that the older girls are truly like role-models for me. They set such a great example of determination, leadership, fun, heart's seeking God, gentleness, humor, and the right balance of maturity. I really enjoy being the 2nd youngest and having the opportunity to learn so much.
This has been the longest I have been in a developing country and it has taken adjusting. God has been faithful and is breaking through the Spiritual darkness here. I am feeling healthy and ready for whatever God has planned.
Our team had a big shock last night with the news that Rob our leader and Jenny and family are going to be heading back to New Zealand in a couple weeks. Rob had been tired and dizzy from the start and needs to rest somewhere quiet and see his doctor. I was very surprised and felt sad at the thought of not having them. I am okay with the idea now and believe it will create an opportunity for me and the rest of our team to step out in our leadership abilities.
We visited an example of a world vision garden that is very fruitfull and gave hope for what world vision is doing and for Cambodian people and what can happen when a garden gets proper care. I learned all about a new natural pesticide and herbicide and how to make it and I am very excited to test it out.
Another sad thing is our two Dave's who have been teaching us, left Friday.

Life keeps moving and it is really a day to day thing here. Sunday we are preforming a drama/dance at the youth center for their monthly party and hopefully it goes well. If they laugh that is a sign they like it!

God Bless and remember ...you will make it through the winter!
We had a small blessing of rain for the past 3 days which is very unusual for this time of year. Thanks God.

Tuk-Tuk adventure

2010-01-13T03:12:00.000-08:00

Life in Cambodia is crazy, loud, chaotic, hot, sunny, dusty, full of strange smells, and many children.
We have arrived to our new home.
I experienced culture shock and just recently have overcome it with prayer and worship.
I was bed-ridden ill for 2 days with a flu of some sort, followed by the rest of the our team. It was a great (or not) welcome to Battambang.
Praise the Lord that I am well and walking again.
We started a 2-week agriculture class with 2 Daves from New Zealand. It is our team and 4 Khmer ywam students. We are learning to identify the issues they face with farming here in Cambodia.
Our ministry is still being sorted, however we have got to work with a youth center and visit an NGO called Childrens Fund International. We may be helping to build a garden there.
There is also an Orphanage that 2 days a week we will spend there holding Bible Classes and having crafts with the little kids.
Yesterday I purchased a bike to use as transporation and it is a little intimidating riding on the streets. The other main way of transport for our team is by Tuk-Tuk ( a moto that pulls a covered carriage that sits 6 people or in our teams case 11 including the driver).
This land is full of adventure and things my eyes have never seen before.
I hope to bring more updates while we are here but in the meantime please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

James 1

Saying Goodbye

2009-12-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some maps of where we will be:

Cambodia - We will be in Battambang for the first month and then over to Ratanakiri for the last 3 weeks or so Bali the Island

Indonesia with Bali highlighted in green

The time has come the walrus says to speak of many things of shoes-- and ships-- and sealing wax --of cabbages --and kings...

2 days until Bali.

We had a Love Feast with all the base staff, and students of all 3 schools. It was a beautiful occasion where we got all gussied up and ate and danced all night. Our EarthCare Team also got commisioned off to our mission. The words of excitment, don't be anxious, peace, joy, comforter, rooted in the gifts God has given me and encouragment were given specifically for me. As a team whole we have recieved "... the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Our beds are cleared underneath and our drawers mostly empty to move onto the Nations which will be out new home.

There will be no connection to Internet in Bali so please keep me in your prayers.

My prayers are with you all as well over Christmas and take Joy in being able to celebrate Jesus' Birth with your families in a country that makes it something special.

Bali is a place where most of the people have never heard the Christmas story and will have no idea about the celebration of it. We are going to be shining the light!

Many Blessings

Love,

Liz

Rainy Day's and the Holidays

2009-12-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorations on our door!
Beach at Rakatuara Farm
Anna, Sam and I at a Waterfall in Torlesse
We spent the past week up in a little town called Kaikoura on a farm called Rakataura. We slept family style on mats in a Marae (a meeting house), luckily no one snored to loud. We are in the phase of preperation for leaving on Outreach. On the farm a wonderful Maori Pastor, George, came and spoke to us as we lounged on our sleeping mats(traditional teaching method of Maori's). We had the privilage of learning much about the language of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand and a little on breaking down belief systems of indigenous people groups around the world.
"Ask God where His fingerprints are in differences." -George
He taught us that God really has placed ideas and beliefs that speak of the Gospel message if we only look deep enough into others beliefs. Christian missions has gained a bad rap for a lot of the culture that has been destroyed upon 'white' people coming into aboriginal people groups. This was not God's intention but he created all people groups to be celebrated, in Heaven ^'26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.' -Revelations 21:26 That does not mean transforming cultures to the western ways of Christianity but celebrating the differences of music, heritage, dress, language, food, arts and such and yet bringing them Jesus and the simple truth of who He is and what He has done.
The 4 days we spent on the farm were rainy and allowed a lot of time for reading, thinking, playing games and getting into Holiday spirit (by that I mean we watched The Holiday, Snoopy's Christmas, and The Grinch Cartoon). God also gave us a gift in spite of the rain of being able to see Orca (killer) whales and Hector dolphins and seals (although they are always around). We saw them from the window after breakfast and sprinted to the beach to watch them gracefully flow up and down in the water. It was God's Beauty at hand.
The weekend before Sam, Anna and I took a trip to the Torolesse to a hut for a real backcountry experience. We had a lot of fun exploring and scree sliding (to move downward on loose rock debris covering a slope).
We are rapidly approaching our departure date to Bali, Indonesia. We leave on the 14th of December. We will spend 3 weeks in Bali (that means Christmas and New Years). We then head off to Cambodia until March. Most of us here on base are feeling a twinge of homesickness as Christmas is approaching. Once our team leaves base on the 14th, it may be the last time we see some of our fellow students on the backpacker and Father's Heart schools which adds to the blues.
This week we are playing Angels and Mortals (a version of secret santa) and we put up some Christmas decorations. It makes the mood a little lighter. Also, thanks to my mom for sending some Christmas cookies to share!
Anyways, Prayers are greatly needed now that we are getting ready to head off again, ecspecially for safe traveling, good health, spiritual strength, and positive relationships.

~Thanks for continuing to read my blog and for prayer! It helps more then you know!~

My Roommates!!

2009-11-14T19:53:00.001-08:00

So my roommates are something else. Let me tell you, we live in a house with 20 girls and 5 of us are in one room. Our room is something, we have peach colored walls with blue carpet, 2 bunk beds and one single bed, one of our walls is a window, and we have an outside door. I will just explain my roommates to you individually.
Sam is also doing earthcare we share a bunk bed. She is from Texas, also a vegetarian, she brings spunk and laughter to our room.
Lydia, Courtney, and Rebecca are all doing the backpackers school.
Lydia is from the UK she is very dear and caring, she brings joy and excitement to the room.
Rebecca is from Canada she is quiet but loves to laugh, she brings a listening heart to our room.
Courtney is from the great state of WI! She is cheeky, and unique, she brings room bonding and fun.
Every night we tell bedtime stories we each say a part in the story so they are pretty interesting and funny. We always go to bed happy and wake up the next morning with some weird dream or we wake up reminiscing about the night before. I love all my roommates they are all amazing. We are really the only room that all talk together at night and have good stories and inside jokes with. It's fun...

Water Pump Week...

2009-11-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

This week was simply EarthCare.
We had Rus Alit a come visit who started BATI-Bali Appropriate Technology Institute. Basically he trains people in simple technologies that make a world of difference for developing countries. He mainly focuses on getting clean water to different tribes in Bali. We learned how to build a water pump. He showed us videos on how to build a water holding tank and how the people were so happy to have clean water to drink. The clean water would help with diseases in the tribe and with the other health issues. The way Rus taught the people how to build the pump was by using their own resources and money. That way they would be able to repair it and maintain it, which made the people eager to get the water pump. Community Development was another area we covered, which is bringing resources such as health, community centers, treatment centers, youth programs, prison ministry, homeless ministry, and other community projects that would better the community to have people become more involved. Biblical Development is
"the process through which people catch a vision of God's intentions for man's restoration and then intentionally move toward the vision." - Bob Moffit
It's a process that we have to go through to see what God has in store for us. If anyone is broken, it's gonna be a bumpy road. We have 3 relationships with God Spiritual, environmental, and Social. Sin broke all 3 relationships, we have to rely on God and know that he is the one that can make it work. Reconciliation is our ministry, we are going into these different countries to bring the news of God. We are going to mend the countries to help further their relationships with God.

It's been a long time...

2009-11-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

"The Mirage"

"The Jungle Lecture"

Bridge we had to cross over lagoon to get to Ounatai (ricketyaz)

Dawn Boat crossing river of fresh freezing alpine water

The days seem to slip by here in New Zealand. We are very busy and in the spare moments it is nice to just relax for a minute. I will update you on the last 2 weeks.

Our EarthCare team made a trip over to the West Coast and had the opportunity to spend one week on our leaders land called Ounatai. It was all native NZ bush and gave us a week to live with no real running water, toilets, or showers, basically 3rd world living. We had to cross a river at dawn's low tide in 2 little row boats, it took many trips to get 18 of us over plus all the food and packs. It was a week like none other. The river we crossed fed right into the Tasman sea, and surrounding us on all other sides were the white-capped southern alps. It was an oasis. We had 2 instructers (Dave and Wayne) join us, both bush men who brought a lot of wisdom on ecology and the glory of being able to worship Father God outside. The first day there we set up camp which consisted of a very large 60's style canvas tent, wood poles and all. We nicknamed it the "mirage" because it looked almost surreal to see it in the middle of the bush. We then had lecture on a tramp through the temperate rainforst. We climbed through vines, ferns, flax plants, beech trees, large precious Remu trees, and of course a lot of mudd. It gave a whole new meaning to the world Jungle Gym! A great quote to describe it from Dave "The closest you will get to a real rainforest without all the 'nasties'". I also got to take a lovely nap on the sand by the sea. The next day it rained and we spent most of our time in Rob and Jenny's cozy hut and had some teaching and worship time. Seung our lovely Cambodian friend told us a little more about his Country and gave us a glimpse into the culture and what life is really like there. The next day was spent learning "Bush Craft" ( camping skills basically)to prepare everyone to leave for their Solo experience. A Solo is a chance for us to escape and survive on our own with a couple matches, a shelter, our sleeping bags, some food, and our Bibles. I got dropped off on the edge of the lagoon and set up my camp for the night, got a fire started, got my billy boiling for a cup of tea and some noodles (pot of water), I saw a possum and then went to bed as the sun faded. I woke up with a dewy tent and failed at a fire in the morning because the wood was not dry and then spent a lovely day alone with the Lord in a meadow right near my 'home'. I loved the chance to escape and be alone, as living in a community doesn't lend a lot of quiet times. God really spoke "Be still and know that I am Lord" Psalm 146:1 onto my heart and the encouraged me to enjoy that alone time with Him even more. It was then time to head back to the others and a great bonfire (actually 3 bonfires) on the beach, singing and sharing what our solo was like. We then had to pack up and head out the next day sadly. We spent a night in a nice hostel of sorts and were treated by Wayne and his wife a wonderful meal. On Sunday we got the unique chance to hold a service at a small Baptist church in a town called Hokitika. Rob led worship and then Julie and Mark (two of our team) gave short testimonies and then I shared a little of what God was doing in my heart the past week on "being still before him, and calling on him (Jeremiah 33:3), and that even when I am living with many people, and have so much going on that making time to spend with him is key and it is myself that has to put forth the effort and He will meet me! We got prayed over from the congregation and it was a great end to a great week, and then a cook-out by the sea as a send off. All in all it was a week that we got to spend soaking in the indescribable beauty of God's creation and to revitalize.

This past week was not near as beautiful but was special none the less. It was a pretty routine week on base. We had to get adjusted back to taking showers (after spending 1 week without them at Ounatai), and life in a house and amongst many others. Our lecturer this week was Hank Overeem. A Dutchman who moved to New Zealand many a years ago. He had a great accent that made it a lot of fun to listen too. He taught on the Charachter and Nature of God. He imparted so much wisdom and encouragment to us. It was amazing how he made the stories of the Bible come alive. It's hard to pick favorites here becuase all of our teachers have been great in their own special ways but I would have to say that Hank and his teachings touched me the most so far. He gave us a great lecture on how God is with us when we are on the top of the mountain, screaming with joy and also with us when we are in the valley needing refreshment from just having climbed a huge mountain. He related the valley to Psalm 23 and it made it clear that the Lord does lead us and desire good for our lives and give us water, food, comfort, and feasting so we can continue on doing what He has willed and planned for our lives. Our EarthCare school spent an afternoon at Dave's Farm on the canterbury plains and learned about restoring soil, composting, and budding and grafting fruit trees and then got to have fun in his outdoor brick wood burning pizza oven.

This weekend another school (Snowboarders Disciplship Training School) has arrived back on base from traveling on their outreach, so we have about 9 more girls living in our house for the week. It is great to have them here and I hope to hear some amazing stories of their outreach.

The past two weeks have been filled with so much heart and head learning and transforming that it is hard to relate it all in a short blog post but I hope this has given you a small glimpse! If you want more on what is going on here send me an e-mail and that is easier for me to get back to personally.

Also If you are still wanting to support me on outreach please don't be shy to do so! Checks can be sent here with a letter (as it is sweetaz (az means 'very' in Kiwi) to get mail!) at:

P.O Box 47

OxfordNorth Canterbury 7443

New Zealand

Also, let me know of any prayers you have as prayer is something we all need and we get the privilage to do a lot of it here! And keep me and all of us in your prayers as well!

Our God is a God of Justice, Mercy, Compassion, Love

Kia Ora

2009-10-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

Today was Thursday and we spent the day trekking the Torolesse Mountains. It was a perfect Spring day. Hott but not overbearing and the cool breeze from the ice capped mountains was breathtaking. Our Earth Care school is growing closer everyday. We are small with 6 girls and 2 Kiwi guys and Rob and Jenny are our Leaders and their kids Johanna, Jonothan and Susanna hang around often. Then there is the one Canadian staff Laura, who is great and climbed a mountain in one hour today at the Torolesse...crazy!

We have fun!

Yesterday we had a traditional Maori welcoming. Kia Ora means hello and bless you in Maori. It is custom to Hongi during the ceremony. A Hongi is a forhead and nose touch as a way of greeting each other.

The lambs are all out in the fields with their mom's and dad's and they certainly are abundant here!

Psalm 104~ God's creation radiates

I am Here

2009-10-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

I arrived safe and sound to Oxford, New Zealand. I was greeted with a warm welcome at the airport by me Leader Rob and 2 of his little girls and our staff Laura and and immediately felt at home. Looking out to our backyard the foothills of the Southern Alps begin to climb up and it is truly beautiful. The 'Southerly' came in today, a storm from Antarctica and makes it very cold here. Although the trees are bright with spring blooms and the daffodils are cheerful in the ground. It is very spring weather here.

We attended the local Baptist church this morning and then went into town for a hot chocolate. There is a sense of peace amongst the staff and students and I am even more confident that this is where God's compass has directed me!

I am thinking of you all as I sit by the wood stove in our living room and feeling very blessed to be here.

One day

2009-09-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Our team arrived back in the states yesterday and I made it back to Eau Claire today for a brief visit with my family before heading off for YWAM ,Oxford tomorrow.
I am still in awe that I just got back from Burkina Faso, Africa. I would like to say that it was more of a Kingdom trip than an emotional trip. Witnessing the quality of life in one of the poorest countries in the world takes a lot to wrap one's mind around.
Since the flooding that happened a couple weeks ago the people who were displaced were crammed into schools and churches to wait until tent villages were erected. In one school we visited, the courtyard about the size of a football feild there were over 3,000 people living, many of them children ( who were not allowed to use the outdoor toilets) prime condition for cholera and sickness to spread. In this particular school the Central church we were working with had bought out the entire countries stock of training potties and donated them to this refugee compound to prevent sickness from unsanitary living conditions. The day before we left the tents were up and people were starting to be moved. Just in time for school to start!
The conditions were hot and sticky becuase it was rainey season.
The two main projects we worked on while there were teaching the Dorcas House women how to crochet a hat and digging holes and welding poles for an awning with lights in the church parking lot for students to study at night.
The 15 girls 15-25 at Dorcas caught on to the technique of crocheting fast (faster then I did!) and were able to complete one hat before we left and are excited to make more!
The awning didn't get all done due to some natural occurnces of life, including the death of one of the founding ladies of the church, and a wedding.
My heart goes out to the Burkinabe' people but not in a sympathetic way and that is not meant to sound harsh. It takes an understanding that they are living with the resources they have, which is not many, and trying to see life from where they are at.
A significant lesson I learned is that it doesn't work for a white person to barge in and expect to fix all their problems becuase we can't even comprehend their problems. What they need is an ear to listen and hands to help them where they are at. They are working towards the basic means of survival, food, water, and health but they need systems that leave them independent of our help. Ideas hashed from their own minds and put into effect with thier own people working as doctors, nurses, pastors, missionaries, teachers, dentists, and entreprenuers.

I Love them, I love their country.
It is indescribable to have a street child come up and stick their sweaty hand into mine and stare up at me with a look of wonder and study my hand knowing we are different, and just being able to look down with love and not push that innocent child away even though they are dirty and untouchable to most people.

Pictures top to bottom: A decorative gate is all that is left of someones mud home and new bricks being made to rebuild; children at the school refugee; one of the little blue potties donated; the girls at Dorcas house with their finished hats on with Lacey and myself.

Anticipation

2009-09-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at a cafe' with a cup of coffee, waiting for the last minute oil change to be finished on my car. Procrastination is something I excel at. My car that will be stagnant for the next 6 months yet a week ago the oil light flashed red. Life always has little quirks and it reminds me that we still live on earth, that the trivial details of this life will still come and they still must be taken care of. This morning I read of Romans 8:18 " I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." ... not that an oil change is suffering but it just reminds me that an oil change is not something I will need to worry about in eternity with our Father.

We leave in about one hour from Appleton to Chicago to fly out and I am excited yet filled with peace and calmness about what waits in Africa!

The time is now

2009-09-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes God ordains things beyond our knowledge. Earlier this summer I decided very last minute to go with my Church Appleton Alliance on a mission's trip to Burkina Faso, West Africa. I was still hesitant about going as we were preparing, thinking what could I bring to these people that would be a significant help, I am just a 21 year old girl with no outstanding occupation or abilities. Our team currently consists of a doctor, a welder, a pastor, a musician (my friend lacey) and a student (myself). We head out on this Friday, September 18 and just in time as just 2 weeks ago Burkina Faso, as well as Senegal and Niger were devestated by annual flooding. Flooding in West Africa is usually bad but this year it has been particularly bad. According to the missionaries there and other reports 9 are dead and 150,000 displaced in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.
Our expectations of building a kitchen for a women refugee house (the Dorcas House) have been changed as we are leaving with prayers for the people and that we may be of help to them in whatever way they need.
Please keep West Africa in your thoughts and prayers as well as our team as we travel and for good health for us all.

My posts will be more frequent now and I am grateful to have all of you wonderful family and friends to join me on this adventure!

Peace and Grace,
Liz

To read more about the flooding
~ http://www.cmalliance.org/news/2009/09/08/flooding-in-burkina-faso-displaces-tens-of-thousands/
~ http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-09-11-voa35.cfm

Summer

2009-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog. This is a learning experience for me in making this page. I want to make it as easy to navigate as possible. I hope that by having this page it will allow for you to stay connected with me and share my experiences with you.
Currently I am just waiting on God's provisions to go. I am working at Panera Bread this summer as well as a group home to save money. I am getting quality time to hang out with friends and camp, hike, bike, play cards, read some good books, and work in my little (but hopefully abundant garden). God has gave me the opportunity to stay involved with Church ministry at Appleton Alliance through the summer as a leader of a womans small group.
I am amazed at how faithful our God is.
The verse I will carry with me this year is Numbers 6:24 " The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."