These past few days have been rough, I won't lie. We are running on less sleep and everything seems to be going crazy. I miss sleep and my family and friends, but what were doing down here is apart of God's will.
It has been quite difficult to learn distance. Later on in life I have felt called to be a missionary, and I feel that it will probably not be somewhere close to my family. The fact that they are going on vacation without me is definitely weird and it sorta hurts my heart. I have a feeling that this lesson will help to make me stronger and will set a foundation for learning to be far away yet still close. The beauty of it though is that even though my heart has been breaking, God has been showing me his beauty and his love through it. It seems that reading the word is like drinking cool water, or finding a place of rest.
The kids at the center have been awesome, they view us as their permanent teachers. We get tons of hugs and adorable questions. Nichaela wanted to know how exactly to send a letter to God. It was funny to watch her face as I tried to tell her she could write letters, but she didn't need to mail them. Alexis, the girl who was suspended on friday has been rather good even, its awesome to see most of the kids getting along. Today I cant actually even remember anyone in time out.
The devil seems to be trying to mess us . Little things are going wrong, such as messed up lists or missed directions. Its cool to see how though just time in the word makes everything seem so much better.
Big news though, we get off all next week. So We may be headed to Charleston or St. Simmons. Of if anyone wants to come visit, please let me know because this would be the best time this summer!
For as difficult as the past few days have been, its been wonderful to witness Gods power through it.God is sending sunshine our way :)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
I can has that?
Yes, you may. I love the children here so much. They have simply grabbed ahold of my heart. I can tell so many stories already of how wonderful they are, but since there is not an eternity to read, so I’ll pass along the best stories.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday are swim days. We enjoy getting to teach them how to swim. Kei’aysha and I worked on Wednesday on floating in the water. It was so awesome to see them smile so much and enjoy it. It’s neat because they don’t get too much time in the pool, and their smiles are worth all the work.
On Thursday, the kids definitely tried us. They were seeing how much they could get away with, and so many of them spent time sitting in time out. For us that meant we had to play the meanie butt and get onto them. It was not the most fun I’ve ever had. The odd part was that even as we had to scold them and make them write verses, they still knew that we loved them. The kids all seemed to understand that anything that happened was because we wanted the best for them, which was definitely reassuring. The worst part was when I had to discipline a girl who ended up being suspended for Friday. It broke my heart that she couldn’t come on Friday, but were hoping this makes it better.
Today was awesome, I had the opportunity to be in the room as one of our sweet little girls, Jar’nadia accepted Jesus as her savior. The cool part about that is that she lives close to the center, so she will be here all summer, and even during the school year for after school. I love the fact that she will still get to be disciple, and we get to love on her. It warmed my heart when she wanted to call her mom to tell her the news. She may not know a lot of biblical language, but she understood as much as an 8 year old should. It was awesome.
One cool thing was that as Mount Airy Baptist Church was leaving, they told us how much they appreciated us, but also how much they grew in their faith this week. It made all craziness and hectic mess ups worthwhile.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday are swim days. We enjoy getting to teach them how to swim. Kei’aysha and I worked on Wednesday on floating in the water. It was so awesome to see them smile so much and enjoy it. It’s neat because they don’t get too much time in the pool, and their smiles are worth all the work.
On Thursday, the kids definitely tried us. They were seeing how much they could get away with, and so many of them spent time sitting in time out. For us that meant we had to play the meanie butt and get onto them. It was not the most fun I’ve ever had. The odd part was that even as we had to scold them and make them write verses, they still knew that we loved them. The kids all seemed to understand that anything that happened was because we wanted the best for them, which was definitely reassuring. The worst part was when I had to discipline a girl who ended up being suspended for Friday. It broke my heart that she couldn’t come on Friday, but were hoping this makes it better.
Today was awesome, I had the opportunity to be in the room as one of our sweet little girls, Jar’nadia accepted Jesus as her savior. The cool part about that is that she lives close to the center, so she will be here all summer, and even during the school year for after school. I love the fact that she will still get to be disciple, and we get to love on her. It warmed my heart when she wanted to call her mom to tell her the news. She may not know a lot of biblical language, but she understood as much as an 8 year old should. It was awesome.
One cool thing was that as Mount Airy Baptist Church was leaving, they told us how much they appreciated us, but also how much they grew in their faith this week. It made all craziness and hectic mess ups worthwhile.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Give me a J!
Simple joys.
God is giving me one of the best gifts, and that is simply to spend time at the center. I love that place. We have been basically filling in, anywhere someone lacks. For me that means filling in with technology, and coloring (both are awesome). This morning started off with chaos, as our team forgot their music so we had to improvise. We are now going to be in charge of it for the rest of the summer. It was actually fun pulling together and realizing all we had to fix the problem. I made a quick power point and then Courtney and Lyndsie figured out what we could sing. The kids enjoyed our makeshift singing and dancing more than the previous day's well planned VBS theme songs. Knowing we made them smile and enjoy themselves was definately worth any stress. A small boy named Kameron is possibly my favorite, as we sang you could hear him holding out the vibratto, and as soon as he saw us, he ran and gave us all hugs. Or maybe Kourtnie, a girl who loves to play house and pretend to be my mother. She’s precious :)
After messing with the kids, and the workers and crafts, we had a change of pace. Ever Tuesday afternoon the Center opens their clothes closet to anyone who comes. I got to bag the clothes and smile at everyone who came. One man came up to us and reminded us that no matter what, don't turn from Jesus. He told us about how messed up his life had been, and how he was trying to get on the right track. It was so encouraging to hear from him. Other people that were at the closet were truly broken, needing some love. Most of them were relatable in ways I can not explain, but they were lovely. A man named Greg was blind, and according to our dear janitor Sandra, he was probably shacking up with a random lady. He was someone who may appear to be an outcast from society but to Jesus, Greg is a lamb. He is someone who needs our prayers and love. At the end of the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells Peter three times that if he loves Him “to feed my sheep,” and I learning just what this means. These people of the housing complexes are his sheep. They don’t measure up to the standards of American society with the middle class homes and designer clothes, but they are His lambs. Jesus loves us all, but as the saying goes, the doctor did not come to heal the healthy, he came for the sick. We are all sick, but these people hurt in ways that completely has Gods heart. It is absolutely an honor to serve them. With that being said I need to go help plan some things for the kids tomorrow :) Grace and Peace
God is giving me one of the best gifts, and that is simply to spend time at the center. I love that place. We have been basically filling in, anywhere someone lacks. For me that means filling in with technology, and coloring (both are awesome). This morning started off with chaos, as our team forgot their music so we had to improvise. We are now going to be in charge of it for the rest of the summer. It was actually fun pulling together and realizing all we had to fix the problem. I made a quick power point and then Courtney and Lyndsie figured out what we could sing. The kids enjoyed our makeshift singing and dancing more than the previous day's well planned VBS theme songs. Knowing we made them smile and enjoy themselves was definately worth any stress. A small boy named Kameron is possibly my favorite, as we sang you could hear him holding out the vibratto, and as soon as he saw us, he ran and gave us all hugs. Or maybe Kourtnie, a girl who loves to play house and pretend to be my mother. She’s precious :)
After messing with the kids, and the workers and crafts, we had a change of pace. Ever Tuesday afternoon the Center opens their clothes closet to anyone who comes. I got to bag the clothes and smile at everyone who came. One man came up to us and reminded us that no matter what, don't turn from Jesus. He told us about how messed up his life had been, and how he was trying to get on the right track. It was so encouraging to hear from him. Other people that were at the closet were truly broken, needing some love. Most of them were relatable in ways I can not explain, but they were lovely. A man named Greg was blind, and according to our dear janitor Sandra, he was probably shacking up with a random lady. He was someone who may appear to be an outcast from society but to Jesus, Greg is a lamb. He is someone who needs our prayers and love. At the end of the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells Peter three times that if he loves Him “to feed my sheep,” and I learning just what this means. These people of the housing complexes are his sheep. They don’t measure up to the standards of American society with the middle class homes and designer clothes, but they are His lambs. Jesus loves us all, but as the saying goes, the doctor did not come to heal the healthy, he came for the sick. We are all sick, but these people hurt in ways that completely has Gods heart. It is absolutely an honor to serve them. With that being said I need to go help plan some things for the kids tomorrow :) Grace and Peace
Monday, June 21, 2010
Today was day one of our madness. It was crazy. Wonderful. Silly. Insane. Joyful. Happy. Loving. It really was awesome. The kids are precious and all they really need is love. They need to see Gods love, which sometimes translates into saying no (which I have a terrible time with..) or it means giving a hug (I like this one).
Last night we trained with the first group. We have Mount Airy Baptist Church down here leading VBS. They are a very interesting and diverse group, and its sorta hysterical to see all the parallels between the both that church and my home youth group. Very similar people. After going through a happy orange handbook, they are pronounced ready to for the kids. Now as to if that group was completely listening is up to them...
This morning we arrived at the hour of 7:40, only to see that both Mount Airy and our supervisors were already waiting even though we were early. The morning started off as mass confusion because we did not know what we were doing, nor did Mount Airy. (Baptism by fire) I ended up doing sound for the groups, and giggled as the kids danced to the "Vast Voyage". I also enjoyed calling the 20 or so kids who did not show up, listening to reasons or receiving information that the number had been disconnected. The best part of the morning was definitely just realizing how precious the children are in Gods sight, and how much little things at the Center can make a impact on their lives (like learning manners for instance, who knew that was so important?) Also small person hugs may just be the best thing in the world. Most of the kids that act up simply do it because they dont get enough (if any) attention at home. It has completely rocked my view on children and inner city culture. I love it :)
This evening we got to serve at the ladies bible study, watching children (more bonding time). We played house (which mean a girl said she was my mommy and played with my hair), we built castles, jump rope, and any other sport. Those fifteen children we watched had so much energy it was crazy. I am pooped.
I do have to say that I love it down here. The other summer missionaries are wonderful, and I just love the atmosphere. I would love to work at something like this later on in life. Maybe in a Hispanic country. :) God is planning something mighty this summer, and things are beginning to change, I can feel it. I have a feeling that God will show me areas of definite growing, but also growing up. God is good :)
Friday, June 18, 2010
R&R
These past two days have been wonderful. We were given a list of things to accomplish, (which we did in about three hours) and since then we have been exploring Savannah, getting ready for what we know will be much more work.
In our free time, we were able to go on a ghost tour, see toy story 3, and even go to the beach. Savannah is a truly beautiful city, and it is a blessing to get to enjoy its beauty and fall in love with the city as we get ready to serve it. It is a wonderful city, and the people are amazing. I love the atmosphere down here.
One of the coolest things was as we worked on the list, we were in our supervisors office. Although we were out of the way and even partially hidden, so many little children came and wanted to meet us. We actually had a group of children come and want their picture with us, to "prove that we are real". It turns out those little angels actually were the ones who had been helping to raise money to send us. It was neat to see who exactly had raised money for us, and their reactions were precious. God sent them as such an encouragement, because you could never let down a small little face :)
We are suffiencently rested and very excited for the next few days. Tomorrow our newest team member is coming, Miss Lyndsie. Our work doesnt start till sunday, but we have much preparation in prayer :)
In our free time, we were able to go on a ghost tour, see toy story 3, and even go to the beach. Savannah is a truly beautiful city, and it is a blessing to get to enjoy its beauty and fall in love with the city as we get ready to serve it. It is a wonderful city, and the people are amazing. I love the atmosphere down here.
One of the coolest things was as we worked on the list, we were in our supervisors office. Although we were out of the way and even partially hidden, so many little children came and wanted to meet us. We actually had a group of children come and want their picture with us, to "prove that we are real". It turns out those little angels actually were the ones who had been helping to raise money to send us. It was neat to see who exactly had raised money for us, and their reactions were precious. God sent them as such an encouragement, because you could never let down a small little face :)
We are suffiencently rested and very excited for the next few days. Tomorrow our newest team member is coming, Miss Lyndsie. Our work doesnt start till sunday, but we have much preparation in prayer :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Destination at left.
Thank you GPS. I have officially arrived in Savannah :)
Today has been an absolute whirlwind and wonderful :) We are staying in a nice little condo situated in a sleepy little neighborhood. It is simply perfect for us.
After cleaning, and setting up many things, mom and I explored downtown to retrieve some wonderful Savannah Sweets. Cupcakes and pralines are wonderful.
After a tour of the center and lunch my mom left, and our official work in Savannah began.
Court, Macie and I had an adventure in the grocery store, attempting to figure out just what we would need to live a week. It turns out its more complicated than I would have guessed :)
We were invited to come to a block party tonight, on of many offered by the center. It was absolutely wonderful. After realizing that Court, Macie, nor I knew anybody there, we offered to help. We ended up face painting the entire time, and the children a precious. They were all just so happy and adorable. I have officially fallen in love with them :) I cant wait to spend my summer loving on them!
God is working down in this area, I can feel it. We will get to serve Him and it is exhilarating.
Last Sunday we were singing in church, and I could hear Him saying, I have made you for a time such as this. It is so very comforting to know that He has me here for a reason. I don't completely understand this reason, and nor is it comfortable, but I am excited :)
Today has been an absolute whirlwind and wonderful :) We are staying in a nice little condo situated in a sleepy little neighborhood. It is simply perfect for us.
After cleaning, and setting up many things, mom and I explored downtown to retrieve some wonderful Savannah Sweets. Cupcakes and pralines are wonderful.
After a tour of the center and lunch my mom left, and our official work in Savannah began.
Court, Macie and I had an adventure in the grocery store, attempting to figure out just what we would need to live a week. It turns out its more complicated than I would have guessed :)
We were invited to come to a block party tonight, on of many offered by the center. It was absolutely wonderful. After realizing that Court, Macie, nor I knew anybody there, we offered to help. We ended up face painting the entire time, and the children a precious. They were all just so happy and adorable. I have officially fallen in love with them :) I cant wait to spend my summer loving on them!
God is working down in this area, I can feel it. We will get to serve Him and it is exhilarating.
Last Sunday we were singing in church, and I could hear Him saying, I have made you for a time such as this. It is so very comforting to know that He has me here for a reason. I don't completely understand this reason, and nor is it comfortable, but I am excited :)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
2 Corinthians 12:10
Its only a few more days and I can see God moving. These past few weeks God has been opening my eyes to what it means to walk in His Kingdom.
His Kingdom is full of His joy, but also deep sorrow. It means viewing people as He views them. HE is opening my eyes to see, but also calling my heart to act.
But it is hard. Walking in the kingdom for me, means going beyond normal comfort and being O.K. with living differently. Saying yes, even to talking to some stranger, is hard.
I am currently learning just how radically God wants us to live, and how little I measure up. When I am weak, then I AM strong :)
Please be praying for everyone going down to Savannah. God is going to do a good work down there, and I pray that nothing hinders us from walking in His Kingdom. As I read in a book, Same Kind of Different as Me, it said "When you become precious to God, then you become important to the devil." I pray that we will not allow any hint of the devil to get in our path. Please pray more importantly that we can become precious to our Great God.
His Kingdom is full of His joy, but also deep sorrow. It means viewing people as He views them. HE is opening my eyes to see, but also calling my heart to act.
But it is hard. Walking in the kingdom for me, means going beyond normal comfort and being O.K. with living differently. Saying yes, even to talking to some stranger, is hard.
I am currently learning just how radically God wants us to live, and how little I measure up. When I am weak, then I AM strong :)
Please be praying for everyone going down to Savannah. God is going to do a good work down there, and I pray that nothing hinders us from walking in His Kingdom. As I read in a book, Same Kind of Different as Me, it said "When you become precious to God, then you become important to the devil." I pray that we will not allow any hint of the devil to get in our path. Please pray more importantly that we can become precious to our Great God.
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