In a flash, everything has changed! Today would have been 14 days until my return date to the States... now it is 7 days! That's right, I changed my flight up to June 18 and am reporting for a new job June 22! I have a new job in the Upstate of South Carolina and am SUPER EXCITED about it! I am in awe of my Fa*thful Father who has provided and met my every need throughout my whole life, and am BLESSED to be one of a few who has a job when I return to the States! I can't stop pr*ising and thanking Him for this gift! I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and continue to marvel at His goodness!
(I will share about my new job in a later post)
That doesn't mean that the work stops here! I plan to continue to lift up my brothers and sisters here and the desire to see the nations rise up and claim Truth! Today was an emotional day, to say the least, as the entire team of workers gathered together to say "see you later" to eight people who are leaving the field. With tears I was able to minutely share my gratitude and joy to have had such an opportunity to serve on the "team" here! It has been a privilege through and through!
Continue to lift up my remaining week as I pack and say my goodbyes :(
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Football
When I rounded the corner and saw down into the stadium my heart leaped for joy! Football players in pads and helmets stretched out on the field warming up before they were to make history! FOOTBALL! It was home! And, no, I'm not talking about their football, which we call soccer, but the football we know as pads, laces and tackles, touchdowns and first downs! Yesterday, was a day of history for this country!
It was the first national "American" football championship and we were in attendance! To make it even better, the team we were rooting for wore navy and white and were called the Cavaliers! It was something else! All of us foreigners kept looking at each other saying, "where are we?" Two teams in a brand new league that has come to this country introducing one of our favorite sports in the States. One of our workers is a proud coach of one of these teams and did an amazing job with it! They were up against a team that was formed at one of the many Universities here in the city.
The fans had shown up and we were ready for a nice warm summer day to watch some football! From the side entrance we heard a loud bass drum and chanting. The University team's awesome fan base had arrived with their colors on, their scarves that they used as flags waving to the beat, and full energy of team spirit! They were up the whole game beating a base drum and following the lead of their cheer masters. We really had to laugh when we heard the cheer in english "We are the Sultans (we are the Sultans), Mighty mighty sultans (repeat), Everywhere we go..." and then the beat of the tomahawk began and they bowed their arms and scarves to the beat of the drum! We were laughing hysterically and were saying, "Oh ok! We're playing Florida State today."
It was one of the longest and most frustrating football games I've ever been to with flags thrown on every play except for maybe three! There were so many wrong calls that were made and we only could shake our heads and remind ourselves where we were. In the end, we had a blast cheering and watching history in the making!
I have seen MANY bizarre and strange things as I have lived over here, and my trainees told me to use the word "different", so yes, it is a different world over here, but you have to love them all the more! Oh, and of course, I should mention the cat that delayed the game as he wandered on to the field in the end zone and all the onlookers in the apartments across the field that were probably thinking, "what in the world are they doing?"
I am so pumped at how Dad is using something like football to do his work over here! We have two teams being coached by strong B*lievers who are making a HUGE difference in the lives of men and boys in this country! Pr today for these teams and these coaches that a harvest will come and new leaders of men will rise to the occasion to spread the truth of the G*spel!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Charlie
This post is dedicated to the family dog! Charlie is the pet to my family over here. He is more like a "fur-child" than a pet. He has been a fun companion and cuddler when I come visit my family. He is always there to greet you when you arrive and entertain you when your down :) Pet dogs are just now becoming a thing around here. Most nationals are actually afraid of dogs, and that makes sense because most dogs and cats are rough street animals. Today, I saw the first pug here in the city! Dogs are definitely the new accessory on the street and they come at a high price. But not Charlie. He is one of the family and he is priceless :)
Friday, June 5, 2009
Traffic
Waiting to cross the major bridge
Never again will I complain about traffic in America (well, maybe if I move to a big city). I have sat through so many traffic jams living here... At least twice a week. New York city is a crowded city of a little over eight million people. The city I live in is too crowded with 15 million people! There are over 10 means of transportation in the town and every possible way you take (even walking) is crowded with people! One of my favorite moments when my mother came to visit me here was when she said, "It is the middle of the day on a Tuesday! Where are all these people coming from and what are they doing? Aren't they supposed to be at work or something!" It was hilarious! Bottom line is that no matter where you go in the city, before you leave the house you have to factor in traffic and transportation every time! Going to my first language class took me an hour and fifteen minutes going and another coming back. Going to house group on Sundays takes me forty-five minutes by bus. Going to see my tutor takes me an hour by bus. Going to youth group from my house to the school and then to our building took two hours and thirty minutes, just going every Friday! I can't tell you how many books I've read, conversations I've shared and songs I've listened to passing the time in traffic! The term "road trip" now has a new meaning and planning any type of outing without a car and parking space, etc. was always a challenge! So, when I get back to the States, be careful if you decide to talk about traffic around me, haha!
Never again will I complain about traffic in America (well, maybe if I move to a big city). I have sat through so many traffic jams living here... At least twice a week. New York city is a crowded city of a little over eight million people. The city I live in is too crowded with 15 million people! There are over 10 means of transportation in the town and every possible way you take (even walking) is crowded with people! One of my favorite moments when my mother came to visit me here was when she said, "It is the middle of the day on a Tuesday! Where are all these people coming from and what are they doing? Aren't they supposed to be at work or something!" It was hilarious! Bottom line is that no matter where you go in the city, before you leave the house you have to factor in traffic and transportation every time! Going to my first language class took me an hour and fifteen minutes going and another coming back. Going to house group on Sundays takes me forty-five minutes by bus. Going to see my tutor takes me an hour by bus. Going to youth group from my house to the school and then to our building took two hours and thirty minutes, just going every Friday! I can't tell you how many books I've read, conversations I've shared and songs I've listened to passing the time in traffic! The term "road trip" now has a new meaning and planning any type of outing without a car and parking space, etc. was always a challenge! So, when I get back to the States, be careful if you decide to talk about traffic around me, haha!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
My Office
Not everyday, but most days during the week, I have a small office to go to to get most of my work done for my team. The office is a 10 minute walk from my apartment. My space is in the basement of the building so it tends to be a little cooler, but I have enjoyed an area to be able to focus and get some things done. The office is shared with five supervisors who live in my city, myself, and a national friend who really makes our work possible.
I don't mind my "get away" in the basement from all the men working upstairs. I have enjoyed being able to play my music and decorate as I have pleased :) The mural on the wall was done by a friend in Nashville. It was painted for the AGM conference that we had last August. Not having windows in my space, this has created a feel of the outdoors and a beautiful reminder to w*rship the great Father that I serve! Of course, I brought some educational pride with a flag or two and some fun colored pens for my liking! This space is where many blogs were written, youth group lessons were compiled, emails were sent, and prs were lifted. Thank the L today for the gift we have been given to have a "business world" and offices so we are able to do the work that we were called to do!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
My Tutor
Learning the language has been probably the biggest challenge for me as I have lived here. I have been learning non-stop since i first got off the plane two years ago. I began my journey in a class taught by a local teacher here in our offices. Eight months later I took a summer break and then found I need to have some kind of emmersion. I was privileged to meet with my tutor (shown in an old picture above) for the past six months! She is wonderful! She ONLY speaks the national language with me and forces me to not only speak, but think in her language! I would go to her house twice a week for two straight hours of talking and writing! By the time I left I would always feel like I need a Venti Coffee, but in the end, my language became fluent! I'm grateful for the countless hours she had putting up with me and many other students that she teaches! Because of her, my relationships with nationals have flourished, just like my vocabulary :) You can thank Dad with me for her and the work that she does here, but more importantly pr for heart as she needs to accept the Truth. My tutor has heard the Story countless times, but continues to be a devout follower in her bel*efs. I believe with all my heart that Dad is working to draw her in!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
My Heart is Full
My days are full with so much to do before June 25! I have been running around crazy trying to get in as many sites, cultures, friends and goodbyes as I can. In the midst of it all, my heart is full of so many emotions! I am in love with this city! I have been so privileged to have the opportunity to live here for two years! I have had to grow up so fast learning how to make it on my own while learning getting around in a big city with a different language and different cultural rules! I love it though and will miss it terribly! Of course, what I will miss most are the nationals here! How blessed I have been to have had so many divine appointments and friendships arranged by the Father! I try to stay bubbly and happy for them my last days here, but they notice my whirlwind of emotions. And on top of that, there are many things that are happening back in the States that are gripping my heart as well. Needless to say, I need your prs more than ever!
I have posted pictures to help me explain all that is going on. To begin, I have some exciting news:
My second niece, Campbell Jean, born at 6lbs and 1 oz May 19
Big Brother Cade watching sister sleep
My second oldest sister, Morgan, and her husband Stephen celebrated the arrival of their daughter Campbell! I was on a bus headed to see my tutor when my cell phone rang with an unregistered number. I answered, "Efendim?" I heard daddy Greg speak up on the other line. My stomach dropped. He said, "You are an aunt again!" I was so surprised! Morgan was not due until later in the month and the day before Mom had no new news. But Campbell arrived healthy and tiny! I got to talk to Morgan that day and all is well! She is a beautiful baby and I CAN'T wait to get to meet her! I was so excited to hear from my Dad and to hear the joy that was in his voice! It was a contrast to the news that we had received earlier in the week.
Please pr for my Uncle Pebble. He is my dad's oldest brother and is in the hospital with cancer. The Doctors are not giving him much longer to live and I was heart broken at this news! So close to getting home and a possibility of not being able to see my uncle again is not what I wanted to hear. My heart longs to be able to see him one more time! I'm thanking the L for technology and that I had the opportunity to talk with him and my Aunt Brenda on the phone. I believe outside of my parents, that they are my biggest supporters! They have sent countless cards and packages to me while I have been living over here and have never missed a birthday either! I'm so blessed to have them in my life! Pr that Uncle Pebble will rest well, not be uncomfortable, and be at peace as he awaits the day to be with his Svr!! Selfishly I pr that I will see him before, but I know that our Dad is sovereign.
Picnic with an amazing view
Frances and I climbed a mountain to overlook the sea
While my heart is overflowing with things from home, I am also grateful for the warm weather that is welcoming summer! The sunshine is helping me to get out and take in as much of the city as possible! It is now the popular time to be out with friends drinking cay at the outside cay gardens, time to take walks down by the water, time to enjoy picnics out in the parks! I have had the joy of fun company to be with me to enjoy the city! A friend from college, Frances, came to visit me for travel. She is a good friend that went through Clemson University and roomed with me for a semester. Frances and I actually ran into each other most randomly in Munich, Germany over the holidays at the airport! We talked for several hours there waiting for our plane to arrive and I insisted that she come visit me before I headed home. I'm so glad that she took me up on it! We had a blast touring all the sites, shopping and talking up a storm about our lives then and now. It really was a nice change of pace for me to transition into my last month.
An old cross on a historical marble wall
Conquering the old city wall
Contrast of the old belief to the new
This city celebrated at the end of May the national holiday of when they became a city, not to long after Christopher Columbus discovered America. I recently had the opportunity to visit one of their museums that specifically covered the day that the old city was conquered. Unfortunately because of a security issue I cannot be very descriptive, but I will say that the experience of reliving the history was both exciting and saddening. The old city was founded on chris*ian f*ith and was conquered by a gentleman who brought with him the main religion observed in this country today. The massive panorama painting in the museum covered an entire dome and made you feel like you were there! It was incredible. But, my heart wrenched when I saw behind the old city gates all the crosses and old churc*es that were there before. Oh how I long for the peoples of this country to find its foundation and identity in the One Truth!
Playing Dress up with Ginny
Among some of my goodbyes the past few days, I had to say goodbye to this sweet little girl and her family. Ginny's mother Sara and I became very good friends while we worked here in CA. I needed her and she needed me. Our friendship was a tight bond glued by the love of J. She is a sister to me away from my sisters in the States. I received wisdom, love and encouragement from her and will always be thankful for our memories together! I just love her children too! Frances and I went over to their home so I could say goodbye one last time. Please pr for my heart as I am dealing with change and learning how to say "see you later."
By the Water with Esther*
Another important goodbye for me this past weekend was with Esther and her family. I had the opportunity to have a long dinner, cay and dessert with them and stayed the night. I treasure their family and their sweet hospitality to both me and my friends. They were also a blessing to my family while they were here for a visit. Esther made me a sweet picture book to take home with me to remember our special memories together. And her mother gave me a gift I will never ever forget. The night before a woman is married here in this country, their is a special night called the "Henna Night" where the bride wears all red and mourns with her mother and close girl friends about leaving her family for marriage. Esther's mom gave me the red scarf that she wore 25 years ago at her henna night for me to have. She wants me to remember her by it and to take on some of the traditions and culture that i have learned from my life here. I was so touched by such a special gift and new that I had made an impact on their family. I rejoice that they are seeking to find out now more about who this prophet J is and what our Good Book has to say about Him! Please pr that the seeds that are continuing to be planted will grow through the power of the Good Book and the HS! Pr for their neighbors, my worker friends, who daily share and invest in their lives. Pr for Esther that she will grow into a young woman who will find slvtion.
As I have come into a new month, I have decided to write as much as I can on my blog until I leave. I have planned to do short snippets daily showing you more about what my day to day life has been here. Continue to lift my time up to the L though as I am almost daily meeting with national friends!
I have posted pictures to help me explain all that is going on. To begin, I have some exciting news:
My second niece, Campbell Jean, born at 6lbs and 1 oz May 19
Big Brother Cade watching sister sleep
My second oldest sister, Morgan, and her husband Stephen celebrated the arrival of their daughter Campbell! I was on a bus headed to see my tutor when my cell phone rang with an unregistered number. I answered, "Efendim?" I heard daddy Greg speak up on the other line. My stomach dropped. He said, "You are an aunt again!" I was so surprised! Morgan was not due until later in the month and the day before Mom had no new news. But Campbell arrived healthy and tiny! I got to talk to Morgan that day and all is well! She is a beautiful baby and I CAN'T wait to get to meet her! I was so excited to hear from my Dad and to hear the joy that was in his voice! It was a contrast to the news that we had received earlier in the week.
Please pr for my Uncle Pebble. He is my dad's oldest brother and is in the hospital with cancer. The Doctors are not giving him much longer to live and I was heart broken at this news! So close to getting home and a possibility of not being able to see my uncle again is not what I wanted to hear. My heart longs to be able to see him one more time! I'm thanking the L for technology and that I had the opportunity to talk with him and my Aunt Brenda on the phone. I believe outside of my parents, that they are my biggest supporters! They have sent countless cards and packages to me while I have been living over here and have never missed a birthday either! I'm so blessed to have them in my life! Pr that Uncle Pebble will rest well, not be uncomfortable, and be at peace as he awaits the day to be with his Svr!! Selfishly I pr that I will see him before, but I know that our Dad is sovereign.
Picnic with an amazing view
Frances and I climbed a mountain to overlook the sea
While my heart is overflowing with things from home, I am also grateful for the warm weather that is welcoming summer! The sunshine is helping me to get out and take in as much of the city as possible! It is now the popular time to be out with friends drinking cay at the outside cay gardens, time to take walks down by the water, time to enjoy picnics out in the parks! I have had the joy of fun company to be with me to enjoy the city! A friend from college, Frances, came to visit me for travel. She is a good friend that went through Clemson University and roomed with me for a semester. Frances and I actually ran into each other most randomly in Munich, Germany over the holidays at the airport! We talked for several hours there waiting for our plane to arrive and I insisted that she come visit me before I headed home. I'm so glad that she took me up on it! We had a blast touring all the sites, shopping and talking up a storm about our lives then and now. It really was a nice change of pace for me to transition into my last month.
An old cross on a historical marble wall
Conquering the old city wall
Contrast of the old belief to the new
This city celebrated at the end of May the national holiday of when they became a city, not to long after Christopher Columbus discovered America. I recently had the opportunity to visit one of their museums that specifically covered the day that the old city was conquered. Unfortunately because of a security issue I cannot be very descriptive, but I will say that the experience of reliving the history was both exciting and saddening. The old city was founded on chris*ian f*ith and was conquered by a gentleman who brought with him the main religion observed in this country today. The massive panorama painting in the museum covered an entire dome and made you feel like you were there! It was incredible. But, my heart wrenched when I saw behind the old city gates all the crosses and old churc*es that were there before. Oh how I long for the peoples of this country to find its foundation and identity in the One Truth!
Playing Dress up with Ginny
Among some of my goodbyes the past few days, I had to say goodbye to this sweet little girl and her family. Ginny's mother Sara and I became very good friends while we worked here in CA. I needed her and she needed me. Our friendship was a tight bond glued by the love of J. She is a sister to me away from my sisters in the States. I received wisdom, love and encouragement from her and will always be thankful for our memories together! I just love her children too! Frances and I went over to their home so I could say goodbye one last time. Please pr for my heart as I am dealing with change and learning how to say "see you later."
By the Water with Esther*
Another important goodbye for me this past weekend was with Esther and her family. I had the opportunity to have a long dinner, cay and dessert with them and stayed the night. I treasure their family and their sweet hospitality to both me and my friends. They were also a blessing to my family while they were here for a visit. Esther made me a sweet picture book to take home with me to remember our special memories together. And her mother gave me a gift I will never ever forget. The night before a woman is married here in this country, their is a special night called the "Henna Night" where the bride wears all red and mourns with her mother and close girl friends about leaving her family for marriage. Esther's mom gave me the red scarf that she wore 25 years ago at her henna night for me to have. She wants me to remember her by it and to take on some of the traditions and culture that i have learned from my life here. I was so touched by such a special gift and new that I had made an impact on their family. I rejoice that they are seeking to find out now more about who this prophet J is and what our Good Book has to say about Him! Please pr that the seeds that are continuing to be planted will grow through the power of the Good Book and the HS! Pr for their neighbors, my worker friends, who daily share and invest in their lives. Pr for Esther that she will grow into a young woman who will find slvtion.
As I have come into a new month, I have decided to write as much as I can on my blog until I leave. I have planned to do short snippets daily showing you more about what my day to day life has been here. Continue to lift my time up to the L though as I am almost daily meeting with national friends!
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