The Dusty Path

"I have equipped you to stay of conscious of Me while walking along dusty, earthbound paths."

- Jesus Calling

What can I tell you? What words do I have to describe what I am still trying to comprehend myself? 

I have never known what it feels like to be a minority or an outsider. I never knew this feeling of being uncomfortable in (of) my own skin, uncomfortable in and of my body. The stares we get are intense, curious, some gross, some comical. Every set of eyes ask the same question, "What are you doing here?" It seems that no matter how much Somali, Swahili and culture a team member can know, we will always be different, we will always be on the outside, we will always be charged the higher price. BUT though things may be more expensive for us, the cost we pay to be here, to be aliens and to follow Jesus, is SO worth it!

We live in Pangani, a very S* part of Nairobi. Probably 97% of our neighbors are S* refugees. Our walk to school takes about 15 minutes, and it's here we are reminded just how white we are. "Mzungu!" the Kenyans tell at us, which means "white person." Some of our younger team members get offered marriage proposals numerous times on our walks; often we are asked for money by street kids. 

It's hard to look anywhere except down because the roads are so muddy, and some how, everyone else seems to float over the mud while our shoes are drenched by the time we get to school- only making more reasons for people to point, laugh, and say things we do not understand. 

City buses, motorcycles and cars often come up on the side walks where we walk. There is a sense of lawlessness as no one yields to stop lights, pedestrians, or another car. We pass stands of fruit and vegetables, shoes, purses and underwear, all for sale on the side of the road. We walk over sewer lines and along trails of garbage. The smells change in an instant. One minute you are smelling a bakery, the next the most invasive and sour smell you can imagine has taken over your nose. We are often thankful for the scarves we wear, they protect us from dust and smells. We are also grateful for the fresh and inexpensive fruit and veggies we can buy to and from school!

Our friend took us to get henna done! We got it done in a salon and the ladies there were so friendly, we walked away with a couple phone numbers and new friends. Here is our friend scraping the excess ink off me.

The final product! I love it! I tell my students I want to have it forever. They explained the difference between henna and tattoo to me: Henna will eventually wash off, it's only on top of your skin. You can still wash and pray. Tattoo is IN your skin, you won't be clean enough to pray (that's how I understood it at least!). They have beautiful customs for a bride on her wedding day with henna. I have loved learning their culture!

Laundry day

 My temporary housing. I should move again next month and will post more pictures then!

 Our accommodations are really nice! Still learning the art of cooking at a different altitude...

There's more I want to tell and things I didn't get to say but it will have to wait until next month. Love you all!

The Final Count Down

With our new school year in Kenya starting up in Mid- August, I've moved my hopeful departure date up to mid-August! I find myself all over the place with everything I want/need to do before I go! People I want to see, places I want to go, books I need to read, skills I need to learn (stick shift), work that needs to be done, bills to be paid, speaking engagements, shopping, etc. It's a really strange thought to know that in a couple months, everything will be different. Then again, that is true for all of us, whether we plan and prepare for it, or whether it sneaks up on us...

Even though my list seems long, I believe that all God's asking me to do at this time is to simplify and focus on Him!

This Spring, my family and I went to Chicago as a mini-vacation and had a great time! It was my parents first time and a highlight for them was a large Italian import store called Eataly:)

I am waiting to hear back from my organization, but I believe I am in the 90's as far as my percent for fundraising is going!! God is so good and wild and amazing! Please continue to pray with me, I am unable to leave until I pay off the remainder of my $12,000 student loan. Jesus knows all about it and has a way, but keep your prayers coming- and THANK YOU for the support and for your encouragement! I have traveled and spoken at many churches and the acceptance, hospitality and love has been overwhelming. There are many I now consider like family because of our time together. Thank you, it means so much to me!

Next week, I'll be going back to Springfield, Missouri for a safety seminar. At our first seminar, we were taught that if you are a woman who feels threatened by a man, it's best to make yourself look as ugly as possible. How do you do that? By throwing up or peeing on yourself, of course. Things I never thought I'd want to learn. Looking forward to many more tips and strategies to staying safe!

This week I had the privilege of leading the missions portion of Vacation Bible School at my home church. I LOVED IT! Kids from 3 years old up to 5th grade learned about the S*mali people, listened to how they dressed, what they believe, how they eat and what sorts of activities they do. One of my most favorite parts was praying for any of the students who felt led to be a missionary and hearing them pray for the brothers and sisters hundreds of miles away. I think of the S*mali terrorist group and how their name literally translates into "the boys" (i.e. I'm hanging with the boys after school.) I think that if we can reach them at a young age, we can transform a nation. I am believing that our young peoples prayers were heard today :)

I've attached a couple news articles so you can see some ways to pray. These are truly intense times, but I believe God still has a plan and a desire for every S*mali to know Him! The attacks that took place on June 16th, 2014 (Attack near coastal resort) were targeting non-muslims. My prayer is that as we count the cost of following Him, we will ALWAYS consider Him worth it. 

Corruption and Terror
Attack near coastal resort

Kenya halts crack down on Somalis

For you, Oh Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head.

-Psalm 3:3

It's not too late to be a part of my support team! I am still praying for monthly donations or even a gift of any amount- everything helps! 

You can go to giving.ag.org  and use my account #2957769 to make a donation.

It's great to hear and see many of you! Looks like summer is off to a great start for many of us with bike rides, swimming, vacations, graduation parties, etc. Would LOVE to see you all in these next couple of months. I am praying for many who send requests so keep them coming!

Rude Nicknames

Usually this time of year I'd be cutting off the last of winter's fury by being on a mission trip somewhere hot and sweaty with my Agora family! Praying for the teams in Myanmar and Taiwan as they are ministering to the beautiful people! In the mean time, here we are, doing the occasional high-knees through mounds of snow (not any more I hope!), happy that the suns out, only to be smacked with the reality that, for the moment, it's only for looks- no real heat yet. But soon!

Did you know the Somali have a love of rude nicknames? It's true! Normally they will find something wrong, usually with the way you look, and highlight it! Baldy, No Fingers, Small Eyes, Big Nose, Stutterer, Shorty, Big Head (given to the President). Gaal, or infidel, is a popular one too, it normally refers to a non-Muslim. Perhaps, when the time comes, I will look at it as a sign of acceptance? The 6th grade me is wondering which feature they'll pick. Any suggestions?

So my car has has been given me trouble for a while and we've been praying about what to do with it. There were many speaking engagements I needed to be at that I couldn't get to. Recently someone blessed me with a newer car so that I could travel anywhere I needed to go! In one month, I've already put 3,000 miles on it! The car came just in time! 

Enjoy the goofy, yet classy pose:)

I AM NOW AT 75% !!! Whhhhat?!

There's so much I want to say and gush on and on about God. I'll just let one of my favorite verses say it for me though:

Jesus did many other things as well, if every one of them were written down,  I suppose that even the whole world  would not have room for the books that would be written.

                                                         - John 21:25

Simply put, He has been blowing me away with His faithfulness, provision, and Word. Even when He tells me "no", I am learning to trust Him! His plans for us are so good! My new saying is "Jesus knows" and that covers everything... my school loans, my hopes and dreams, fund-raising, my income, timing- He knows and He has it covered! 

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly more than than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, through out all generations, forever and ever. Amen! 

-Ephesians 3:20

I've been busy busy traveling all over Ohio, sharing what God has been putting on my heart. I thought I would hate this process- public speaking AND asking people for money (gross). Turns out, I love it! I'm constantly being refreshed and encouraged (and occasionally drained-in a good way- if we're being real). Of course there's the time where I didn't think things went well or it was unproductive, but, Jesus knows! I'm incredibly grateful to be meeting so many wonderful people and seeing God WORK over and over again- beyond my expectations.

Now then, stand still and see the great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!

- 1 Samuel 12:16

You can go to giving.ag.org and type in my account #2957769 or snail mail it to:

AGWM

1445 N. Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

*Please include my account #2957769 on the memo line

**Praying for you! There are some who have sent prayer requests ranging from needing new jobs, new home, salvation for family members, etc. I love to pray for you and hear from you so continue to email me :)

LOTS of love,

lin

A Thrill of Hope!

This Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years was wild! Just the way we like it:)

No matter what occasion, when all the kids and grand kids are home- things just become infinitely more interesting and loud...

For Thanksgiving we did our annual ginger bread competition. Truth be told, there is no actual ginger bread in sight! This years theme was "Your Favorite Place" so I reconstructed a Peruvian hut along the Amazon River (you can see the anacondas hanging off the roof and in the shiny black water) and a hammock off of the hut! I was this years winner, although, rumors of mercy points being given were heard. Guys, jealousy is ugly.

Below is Lisa's favorite place: our Aunt's house in Michigan

Laur's favorite place: Mackinac Island, Michigan

                    My dad had a big milestone this year... He turned 60! So, naturally, we roasted him :)

Christmas Eve at the kids table!

And to top everything off, some how we all managed to be in town on the SAME day! Some of us came from Italy, Michigan, Kentucky, and Cleveland but we made it! Blessed beyond belief to have these ladies.

Life is good. God is great. AND I just read that because of the Italian influence on the Somali people, they love pasta and marinara sauce! I will have a little bit of home, even among the Somali! Any day now, I should receive my books on learning the Somali language. It will be like no other language I've ever attempted to learn. Jesus, take the wheel!

Please pray that as I live in "Little Somalia" in Kenya, we will be seen as trusted people, rich in hope, peace and love. 

This is how they will recognize you as my disciples, when they see the love you have for one another -John 13:35

Recently, Somalia was ranked as the second hardest place to be a Christian in the world according to the World Watch List. World wide, the amount of Christian martyrs doubled from 2012 to 2013 and strife between Christians and Muslims is rising as well.  Many people still continue to flee from Somalia into surrounding countries, so pray that they do not spread strife, but instead come looking for peace. With all that being said, I believe that God is up to something great in Africa. Will you be a part of it?

Fundraising has really picked up this year as I book churches to speak at and friends and family to share dreams with. However, the need is still there to raise more money and I know I was never meant to do this alone.  If you feel led to help in any way, from financial help, praying or even helping me come up with unique and creative ways to raise money, please email me any time! 

God bless you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and I am believing for a bright and fulfilling 2014 for everyone!

To donate, you can go to giving.ag.org and type in my account #2957769 or snail mail it to:

AGWM

1445 N. Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

*Please include my account #2957769 on the memo line!

Sent Out!

Last month, I spent a week in Springfield, Missouri where I met with 100 other Missionaries and Missionary Associates. There we were encouraged, trained, prayed for and SENT OUT! Below are those that are assigned to various places in Africa:)

It was incredibly refreshing to hear stories of how God called so many to the mission field! 

God continues to amaze me and I honestly cannot wait to be in Kenya, loving the Somali people, teaching them English and sharing God with them!

This is an incredibly dark and dangerous time for the Somali people. War, violence, famine forced many people out of their homes and country. In surrounding countries they are victims of rape, beatings, extortion, kidnapping and murder. 

The Somali people are incredibly hospitable, in fact, the word "Somali" literally translates into "go and milk" because they invite you to come and milk their camel and enjoy each others company. When you drink milk- whether it be from a cow, almonds or coconut, please pray that the Somali people will find peace, joy and relationship with Jesus.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -Psalm 147:3

On a lighter note, I've been keeping track of God moments. Since ending my time with Agora September 1st- God has provided for me in a number of ways! My bank account seemed to always get down to $30 during the time I was without work and looking for a job, and, God proved Himself faithful over and over again! I was able to buy a $650 plane ticket for $10 in order to fly to Missouri, received cheap/free car repairs, free phone after mine was stolen, speaking engagements, random gifts of money from people and eventually an extremely flexible job- that doesn't interfere with my fund-raising! What I am most grateful for though, besides His tangible provisions, is His sweet sweet peace. Through every car repair, lack of money or setback, God made it incredibly clear to me that He has me. What else can I ask for?

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen!" -Ephesians 3:20-21

P.S. I am still fund raising!! I have been blessed with friends, family and churches who have been supporting me but I still need more help in order to go to Kenya. Please pray about supporting me!                

               

You can give online at giving.ag.org and use my account #2957769

Or you can send payments to:

 AGWM

1445 N. Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

and be sure to put my account # on the memo line:)

God Bless you! 

Living Dead :)

In January of this year, I began to pray a lot about what's next. I always thought that I would move to South America and open an orphanage and help people. Nice idea, but God had other plans. I began to work my way through a devotion book called The Live/Dead Journal. Live/Dead is an organization that plants churches in East Africa. They send missionaries there as school teachers, business men, etc. God began to put working with Live/Dead in Kenya on my heart and He hasn't relented yet. 

I am now officially a Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God :D Over this next year (and as soon as possible), I will be working, paying off school loans and raising money so that I can spend 2 years with the Somali refugees in Kenya. I will be working as a Teachers Assistant in a primary school with the possibility of teaching English to women- 2 things that I love to do!

There were a lot of things that God had to do in my heart before I agreed to go. I was overcome with a lot of fear in the beginning. What if something happened to my family while I was away? What if there was political unrest between the Somali's and Kenyan's and I got hurt, attacked, scarred, disabled, etc.? There are things that I love about living in America, certain freedoms I enjoy. There are things I want for my future that will have to be on hold while I'm away. Even silly things like trading tank tops and shorts for long skirts and shirts with sleeves caused me to hesitate. However, I considered the cost, I counted it... and God's worth it. The people of Kenya are worth it.

 If I have but one candle to burn, I'd rather burn it out in land filled with darkness than a land flooded with light.- John Keith Falconer

So I'm going to learn their language, become friends with them, eat their delicious food, have tea, hold babies, teach, assist, love, share and relate with them. I'm going to find ways to represent Jesus-well.

On that note, I am in serious need of financial support. I am looking for monthly partners to support me so that all might know God's love!  If you would like to donate either monthly or a one-time gift, please go to giving.ag.org and type in my account #2957769.

For more information on what Live/Dead is about, check out this link:

http://eastafrica.live-dead.org/about-us/

What Do We Stand For?

Back in February of last year, a group named Fun came out with a song, Some Nights. It’s catchy and upbeat yet the lyrics haunt me:

…O Lord, I’m still not sure what I stand for oh What do I stand for? What do I stand for? Most nights I don’t know anymore…
 …I found a martyr in my bed tonight She stops my bones from wondering Just who I am, who I am, who I am Oh, who am I?

True to Fun’s style, they manage to sum up this generations approach to life- a casual, nonchalant stance on the fact that, actually, we have no stance at all. Well, that’s not fair. We do have stances; after all we have strong views for or against pro-life, gay marriage, gun control, etc. Many of us will do our homework on which presidential candidate to vote for, however, we have a casual and nonchalant stance toward God. THE most important decision that will shape how we live this life and what will happen after we die and most of us have no thoughts. We may have questions, but hardly will look for answers. Does He exist? Who is He? Is He near or far? Did He make us and forget us? Is Jesus really God’s Son? What about Buddha and Muhammad? Is there only one right way to heaven or will we all get there?

Having trouble answering those questions? You’re not alone! Many of us wrestle with them, even those raised in Christian homes. I struggled with the idea that God was involved in my life and that He loved me no matter what. I felt distant from Him. It took 5 years of pushing God away to realize how unsatisfied I was without Him. I had many friends but felt alone, a job that helped people but felt unfulfilled, and a constant desire for wanting to be more. More of what, I had no idea, but surely there was something more. Enter Jesus.

In a second He changed everything. He showed me what He thought of me, gave me purpose and my reason for living… living well, and loves me like crazy. They say that a man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument. Well that’s me. You can tell me what you think about God if you’d like, tell me He’s mean, unjust and pull out the Bible to prove it, but I’m not interested. I’ve experienced Him. I know the difference He’s made in me and those around me. There was a man that loved me enough to die for me. My stand is for Him, always. My identity is found in Him, forever.

So, since we are clearly not a lazy generation, with all the social injustices and equal rights that we fight for, I encourage you to do something for yourself. Search out what you stand for, or most importantly WHO you stand for. Know why you believe it on a deep and personal level. Let it change who you are and how you operate. Make it a priority. I recommend Jesus, who “came so we can have life and have it to the fullest.” –John 10:10. He's my greatest adventure.

Oh your cross, it changes everything ~There my world begins again with you~ Oh your cross, it's where my hope restarts~ a second chance is Heaven's heart

- Rend Collective Experiment, Second Chances

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6RNJ6HDTpU

It's all happening so fast!

This school year we have been blessed with 8 awesome students! They are passionate about serving the Lord and having Him guide their steps. What a blessing! We started the school year with a missions trip to Mississippi to visit Dr. Perkins who is doing work with racial reconciliation in Jackson.

Our outreaches this semester are to the West Side Market where we minister to the vendors, holding VBS in our apartment complex, teaching morals to an inner-city school and also participating in an after school program from junior high students.

Above is a picture of our students at the Scranton Road Health Fair helping pass out food :) I'm always amazed to see the transformation take place in the students. Most of the time, they don't even know it's happening! On a personal note, I have begun the process of becoming an Assembly of God missionary! Please pray as God guides me into His perfect will for my life. Love you, thank you for your prayers and support! Linny

I left my heart in the Amazon

This summer trip to Peru blessed and refreshed me! We took a team of 15 back to Iquitos and to some of the same villages along the river. The students ranged from 15-24 in age and 12 out of the 15 of them were girls! They were so willing to lead devotions, build relationship with strangers, encourage eachother, I'd gladly work along side of them every day!

A couple of my favorite memories were leading a group of kids to the Lord during our VBS time. It was so sweet to see them raise their hands and repeat in Spanish that they want Jesus to be their best friend and guide them through life! Another moment that I'll remember is when a group of us when into the village leaders home. He was very hospitable to us and soon we began talking about what he thought of the movie we showed him the night before called God Man. While he did not accept Jesus that day, the Holy Spirit used each one of us to show him the truths about God and I believe that one day soon, he'll come to know Jesus as Savior!

Lastly, the kids are always my favorite memory! They are so sweet and loving and helpful! Often, they'd see us carry something and they'd take it out of our hands and put it on top of their heads and run ahead of us and wait at our set up site. The tiniest little girl helped me down a hill, giggling the whole way as I tried to keep up with her and not fall. We played a simple hand game that they loved so much and repeatedly wanted to play. The night we had to say goodbye to them, it was pitch black out and I held a little boys hand all the way to the boat until our fingers slipped out of eachothers hold. Him and his friends chased our boat along the shore yelling "Ciao" and "I love you" while waving their flashlights, until we could no longer see them. Those moments stick with me and they remind me that this is what I was created to do. There is no doubt in my mind that I'm called to full time missions, that children will be the center of my focus and that God has a plan for each one of them and us! Also, I was able to stay behind and go to Machu Picchu and Cuzco for a couple days. I think I see God best when I see His creation. He just amazes me!

End of an Era

We wrapped up this first school year with a day of graduation and rememberance as we shared some of our favorite memories through out the year and the trip. We poked at our quirky/weirdness, wreckless driving, strange sayings, embarrassing moments and also how God revealed himself to us. I was so blessed to hear the students look back and see how God changed their heart or opened their eyes to things we've missed. A couple things the students have learned was that you never graduate from being a servant, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. They also caught a glimpse of God's heart for the nations and that's something that they will take with them.

Somewhere inbetween Iquitos and Nato, we were all on a bus heading to the river and I looked over at my students and palm trees were flying by their heads and straw huts were set in the background and they were reading their devotions and Bibles and God just whispered to me, "Look how far we've come." And it had nothing to do with our location, and everything to do with how much we've grown since the begininng of the school year. I was so blessed to be a part of their life in a small way and experiencing their changes. Thank you for supporting us and being a part of God moving, I know these students are world-changers!

I didn't quite finish the last part of the trip to Peru, but I'll just list some of my favorite parts of the trip: *In the city, the children kiss you on the cheek and say ciao when it's time to leave *Seeing people come to know Jesus as their Savior *Playing volleyball and soccer with the kids *Vacation Bible School with the kids *The kids *Chasing the kids on the flooded sidewalks as they yell "haylo!" *Taking baths in the Amazon *Walking out of the church, knee deep in water and looking up at the stars and upside down Big Dipper with the students *Worshiping in Spanish and English with a bunch of teenagers from Iquitos *Meeting all the crazy YWAM'ers on the base *The kids *Seeing God restore a village and a Pastor *Being a part of a baptism in the Amazon River and baby dedication *Dancing with the kids *Going bathroom on the boat, while it was moving (see picture below) *Getting out of my bed to drive 15 minutes by myself to find carlos and give him a Bible and tell him that God loves him *Trying to talk in spanish and use gestures to ask questions to puzzled spanish speakers *Learning to live dead *The kids *Talking about our strengths from our own tents at night as a group *Nightly church services *Finding a dead alligator on our boat as a gift from the community. *Knowing that God has confirmed that long term missions is something He has for me *Realizing that my passions are kids, sports and God and that I can combine all 3 of those on the mission field and feel refreshed and alive! *Our wonderful translator and guides who led us and cooked delicious meals for us as we traveled up and down the Amazon! *Eating alligator, fish eyes and worms *Trying to mime to one of the men in the village that we want to fish and then when we finally are out on the river, we realize we forgot our poles! *The kids

Even though you weren't there, please know that the people that were touched during our time there was because of you. Thank you for your prayers, your financial support, and your encouragement. Please continue to pray for us as Agora recruits for Fall semester and for our summer trip back to Peru in July. For more pictures, go to: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.700160650818.2104235.53701690&type=3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."- Ephesians 4:1-2

people or demons?

We left the first village, slightly excited to rest on the boat ride and get away from the mosquitos and chiggers, however, the boat ride was only 15 minutes so there was no rest for us! As soon as we landed we started to plot our night service.

When we got to this village, we were told that no one except the pastor and his family would go to church. Apparently, there has been a lot of spiritual warfare and many bad things have happened to the pastor and his family. The most recent was the passing of his daughter shortly after giving birth to her 6th kid. When we asked one of the people in the village how many people attend their church, they responded with "people or demons?" We knew we were in for a much more difficult time.

We prayed a lot and slept very little in this village. Every day we had VBS and games with the kids. 2 o'clock bathing times with the village. Lots of funny moments as we tried to balance on logs so to not fall completely in the river but it didn't work. The water was refreshing but we never seemed to feel or smell clean!

The kids were attentive to our Bible stories and programs. Church services at night were interesting. Many kids came in but few adults. In fact, the adults would stand outside the church and watch our dramas, listen to us share testimonies and preach, but not come in. Even the nights we showed a movie (The Passion of the Christ)! We continued to pray and intercede on behalf of the village whenever we weren't in front of the church.

One of the last days we were there, the pastor and the mayor met with Randy and other men in the village. They had time of prayer and discussion and finally a break through happened between the pastor and the mayor where they confessed to each other for not respecting each other and holding up their end of responsibility. That night, the mayor rededicated his life to Christ.

We were able to fit many people in the village with eye glasses which were donated. The village seemed to come alive as we went door to door asking the women if they needed help and just serving them. We talked to them in spanglish, washed dishes with them, hung up their laundry and showed God's love.

Our sleeping arrangements were pretty rough, we slept in an open hut which allowed for dogs and cats to roam around our tents all night. We woke up with fresh bites (over 200 bites per person, no lie!) and constantly scratching, it was incredibly hot to play futbol with long pants and high socks on. Going to the bathroom was a chore and an experience every time, but through it all, I know that I can get through anything with God. In fact, coming away from that last intense village, I realized that in this next season, I will be happy anywhere there are children (besides the US). All I have to do now is let God guide me and be obedient :) Life is good with God!

I hope you all are doing well and staying refreshed in God's goodness and faithfulness! More VBS and church renovations in the city this week and back to the river next week!
Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, you will reap the harves- Galatians 6:9

In the jungle the mighty jungle...

The trip on the river was incredibly rough but even more so, rewarding! The 5 hour boat ride, feeling fresh and loving the scenery, playing cards and laying in hammocks was a dream! Our spirits were high because we had no clue what to expect but we were just excited to be on the river going to villages.

The first village we went to was called Santa Isabel. The village was flooded and we found ourselves carrying all our bags wearing boots because the water was up to our calves. We arrived at sunset which meant we had to move fast because the mosquito’s would start to swarm. We quickly sent up the tents in the church we stayed at, ate dinner and went to bed. In the morning we met with the Pastor and discussed how our week would shape up, what activities we would do and what he thought needed to be done or what the village needed to be challenged on. Each morning we met at the boat at 7 a.m., then went right into VBS back at the church.

The children were sweet and playful. They loved our felt boards, even though we thought they would think they were outdated! We sang silly songs with them in Spanish, did a craft that had to do with our lesson and then played games with them in the soccer fields. When we were done, we normally would play volleyball or futbol until lunch.

The afternoon usually brought more play time, personal devotion time, or bath time. At night, we would have a church service where we performed our dramas, shared testimonies, worshipped and preached. The people were friendly and receptive. By the end of our time there, 3 people were baptized, 12 kids and a couple adults accepted Jesus, 11 kids were dedicated to God, the church was dedicated, 30 pairs of eye glasses were given out.

A few highlights were chasing the kids through the murky water. We first went out there to bathe (in the river, where they poop, pee, bathe, drink, use the water to cook with, find crocs and poisonous snakes, etc). but it soon turned into a game of tag with the kids yelling “hello” with sweet little accents and then jumping into the deeper portion of the river. What other choice did I have then to throw off my boots and join them?! No choice :)

The people at this village were incredibly receptive and warm. It was a great way to start our trip on the river off!

***all of a sudden I can't load pictures anymore so more of those to come later. Here's my facebook link again to see more!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.700160650818.2104235.53701690&type=1&l=0e07ef6114

love you!!

Peru!!!

We have finally made it to Iquitos! It feels like the whole school year we've been looking forward to this trip and it's hard to believe that it's happening!
The first day we were here, we did a couple children's ministries through out the day. We've now settled into a routine of morning devo's, afternoon prayer walks, skit practices, spanish class, and then various outreaches. We've tried to end each night with soccer games (mostly us ladies watching and screaming oleee ole oleeee! as the guys play).

We've been able to play with the kids and also share our testimonies and do some of the skits we've prepared.

Iquitos is beautiful and so are the people. They also drive crazy aka like me!

We are taking this first week here to bond with the YWAM students. They are also teaching us Espanol and drama's for when we go on the river.Ole! YWAM and Agora joined together Friday night for a social night- Here we are playing a game called Chubby Bunny, i.e. put as many marshmallows in your mouth as possible and the person with the most wins (me) :)

Our days are full but we are looking to things settling down this week. We leave tomorrow for 8 days on the Amazon. We will be teaching VBS and also sharing our testimonies and possibly preaching in the village!

God is working on our hearts and opening our eyes to a lot of different things. He has also placed a lot of confirmation that long term missions is definitely His will for my life :)

Please pray for our safety and health as we go to the river. Most importantly, pray that the people we visit will be open and respond to the message of God's love for them and that they come to understand how valuable they are to Him!

Thanks for your prayers. We will write you when we get back. Here are 2 links to more of the pictures we've taken so far: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.700160650818.2104235.53701690&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.325496387508059.73461.137580899632943&type=3

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.700160650818.2104235.53701690&type=1&l=0e07ef6114

lots and lots of love!

What winter?

Seven weeks never flew by so fast! My family and I had great holidays, complete with lots of kids running around, polkas, games, downtown tree lighting tradition, and many more memories!

Over break, my sister and I went to Indianapolis to attend a Chi Alpha conference. Chi Alpha are Christian organizations on a public college campus. We were overwhelmingly blessed and encouraged to see so many young people pursuing God. We left refreshed and confident knowing that God is speaking and this generation is listening!

Eiffel Tower ginger bread creation!

School started back up with a vengeance... we have 12 books to read this semester! We are hoping that the more we read now, the less we'll have to read and carry these books around in Peru.

The classes we are taking this semester are Comparitive Religions, Worldviews, Principles of Leadership, Foundations to Biblical Preaching and Travel Seminar. These classes are all very challenging and eye opening to us, but the one that has struck me the most would have to be Worldviews. Our professor is probing us with questions, forcing us to state what we believe, why we believe it, when did we come to believe it, who has shaped our worldview, is it a biblical worldview? In our Comparitive Religions class, we visited a mosque and we hope to take another field trip before the semester is through!

As we prepare to preach for the first time tomorrow, we are reminded that, "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" - 2 Timothy 1:7

We are still doing renovations at Blessed Sacrament, we can't wait to see the final outcome and hopefully live there before we go to Peru!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! The students continue to grow and be stretched and we look forward to much more of it in the next couple of months. So far we know that we'll just be taking a backpack to Peru, everything we need for 5 weeks will have to fit in there! We will also be going to the jungle for 10 days. Sometimes I sit back in awe of God and His mercies. So blessed to be serving the one, true God!

I hope your holidays were great and this year has started off with you focused on God's will for your life!

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all- Psalm 145:8-9

Wrap Up!

This semester has flown by! We are almost done with our 2nd session of classes. We've finished Hermeneutics and City in Context and are now taking Fine Arts and Modern Missions. Because of our Fine Arts Class, we've been able to weave in a couple great field trips to the Art Museum and we also saw a production of The Wizard of Oz at The Playhouse Square. We were even able to go back stage and talk to a few stage directors and see how things operate.

Here are the ladies outside the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Getting ready to watch the Wizard of Oz. It was an amazing show, ridiculously well done!

Hodge Podge food truck came to North Olmsted's clinic and former Cavs player Zdrunas Ilgauskas came out and bought the first 300 lunches!

The students are growing so much! I'm so happy to hear them request that we fast as a group, describe how God is changing the dreams they had for themselves, and serving others when no one is looking. I'm so proud to see the them allowing themselves to be stretched and used by God.

Because of our schedule, I have picked up this little nasty habit called coffee :( My pops is so proud, he took this picture on a father/daughter's date night last week:

Last night was the first time we went to other youth groups to share about Agora. It was part of our recruiting process, but also a chance for the students to talk about what God has been doing in their life and connect with others. We went to my old church, NewSong, and it was great to be reunited with the youth group I helped out at for a while. God is doing amazing things in our youth across the nations. I'm so excited to see His plans come true for all of them.

With everything we've been learning, the thought most on our hearts is that it is God's desire for all people to be saved-- 1 Timothy 2:4. There's a lot of work to do but He is faithful in equipping His saints to do it!

Thank you for your continued support, prayers and love! I'm looking forward to our winter break so I will have time to see more of you!