In my journal, on January 8th 2014 I wrote "...I really want to do Your will. Give me wisdom to know what it is you want for my life. If you want me to stay where I am, I will stay. If You want me in full time ministry, that's where I want to be. I wish I didn't need a concrete answer, but I certainly need it to be from you. If I loose my job, I will go into full-time ministry. If that is at the church, that's where I will go. If that is in Africa, that's where I will go. Show me all the options you have for me. As Audio Adrenaline says, 'I want to be Your hands and feet, I'll go where you send me.'"
January 8th is the day I was stuck in a hotel in DC. This journal entry was written at 3 in the morning when I couldn't sleep anymore because jet lag had fully set in. You see, since that day the Lord has been preparing my heart for full time missions. This past Thursday my department at Windstream in Twinsburg was eliminated. I lost my job. The concrete answer I nonchalantly asked for. Looking back and seeing the day I actually wrote that is overwhelming. I've been telling people that God's been preparing my heart for full time missions since I came back from Africa. I literally stepped off the plane, onto US soil, slept for 8 hours, woke up and all I could think about was how I could get back into it.
I started my application for The World Race a couple weeks ago. As soon as I got home on Thursday, after being walked out of Windstream for the last time, I finished my application and set up an interview. I'm not sure if this is where God wants me but I have so many choices. There are a lot of scary unknowns but I know that I'm in the Fathers arms. I just want to take His hand and let him lead me, where ever that is going to be.
If you don't know what The World Race is, look it up. Or, follow this link to their website.
For now, please pray for my interview with The World Race on March 6th at 11:30am. Until then, if you need help or know someone who could use a hand doing anything, let me know. (note: I love babies and children...) I have lots of free time and I would love to use that time to serve as many people as I can.
Love and Hugs to all. :)
Monday, February 24, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Dream Camp
It's been way too long and I need to tell everyone about Dream Camp!
First of all, what is Dream Camp? (taken from the Family Legacy website)
Dream Camp is a week-long camp at the Tree of Life Children’s Village. It encompasses childhood activities for close to 350 (now, over 400 after opening 2 new houses while I was there) children while enriching them in new skills and uncovering their God-given talents. The children are able to rotate through the different classes offered by the American counselors who bring their gifts and expertise to the rescued orphan. It’s a great opportunity for these children to experience what it’s like to have fun and help restore the joy to them of just being a kid!
Before I filled out the form to go, I was told the classes were pretty much full and that I would most likely be helping someone, but still fill it out as I would with my preferences. I did so, and got an email shortly after saying that my first choice (technology) only had one class and I would be able to teach my own class. Instant panic. I can't teach my own class, I'm not good enough...there is no way, I'm not gifted in teaching, and I'd be way better as an assistant. (Yeah, I actually sent that response back...) After about 10 minutes of thinking and praying about it I was certain I could do it, but only with Gods help. Plus, I still had a month and a half to plan.
I decided to teach photography. I prayed about my plan, but I didn't know what age group I was going to be teaching, lots of ideas in my head but nothing concrete. I felt like God was telling me to just be flexible.
When I found out I was teaching girls age 13 and up I had another panic moment. I won't be able to relate to them, they're going to think I don't know what I'm talking about. God told me, all I really needed to do was show them love and speak God's truth on their lives. It didn't matter how much I taught them about photography, but building a relationship meant more. I decided quickly that after each class I would send them off with a hug and tell them how great they did in class. Their response to simple, encouraging words was probably my favorite part of the entire week. Just the glow that filled their faces after I simply whispered in their ear "great job today!" made me smile.
When I met my Zambian volunteer, Uncle Mike, I knew Jesus gave me the best possible match for my girls, and for my class. He was actually a part time photographer, he may have known more about it than I did.
On day three, I printed them pictures that they took, or more popularly, a couple pictures of themselves that they liked. On the last day, I challenged them to walk around and look for beauty in objects other than themselves or classmates. I was really impressed with how well they did.
First of all, what is Dream Camp? (taken from the Family Legacy website)
Dream Camp is a week-long camp at the Tree of Life Children’s Village. It encompasses childhood activities for close to 350 (now, over 400 after opening 2 new houses while I was there) children while enriching them in new skills and uncovering their God-given talents. The children are able to rotate through the different classes offered by the American counselors who bring their gifts and expertise to the rescued orphan. It’s a great opportunity for these children to experience what it’s like to have fun and help restore the joy to them of just being a kid!
Before I filled out the form to go, I was told the classes were pretty much full and that I would most likely be helping someone, but still fill it out as I would with my preferences. I did so, and got an email shortly after saying that my first choice (technology) only had one class and I would be able to teach my own class. Instant panic. I can't teach my own class, I'm not good enough...there is no way, I'm not gifted in teaching, and I'd be way better as an assistant. (Yeah, I actually sent that response back...) After about 10 minutes of thinking and praying about it I was certain I could do it, but only with Gods help. Plus, I still had a month and a half to plan.
I decided to teach photography. I prayed about my plan, but I didn't know what age group I was going to be teaching, lots of ideas in my head but nothing concrete. I felt like God was telling me to just be flexible.
When I found out I was teaching girls age 13 and up I had another panic moment. I won't be able to relate to them, they're going to think I don't know what I'm talking about. God told me, all I really needed to do was show them love and speak God's truth on their lives. It didn't matter how much I taught them about photography, but building a relationship meant more. I decided quickly that after each class I would send them off with a hug and tell them how great they did in class. Their response to simple, encouraging words was probably my favorite part of the entire week. Just the glow that filled their faces after I simply whispered in their ear "great job today!" made me smile.
When I met my Zambian volunteer, Uncle Mike, I knew Jesus gave me the best possible match for my girls, and for my class. He was actually a part time photographer, he may have known more about it than I did.
The first day I taught them how to hold the camera, and we walked around the village complex taking pictures at the soccer field and play park, practicing on each other. Homework for the night was to bring back their favorite bible verse, we would recite the verses on a video camera.
On day three, I printed them pictures that they took, or more popularly, a couple pictures of themselves that they liked. On the last day, I challenged them to walk around and look for beauty in objects other than themselves or classmates. I was really impressed with how well they did.
After Dream Camp, we had a party that included huge inflatable pools and lots of water spraying. The kids had a blast and it didn't take long until I was completely soaked. Simon moved in part way through the week and we became attached quickly during the splash portion of the day. He made me carry him around while pealing an orange for him to eat, he was kind enough to share with me by shoving a piece into my mouth insisting I "eat it is good for you!"
The last day included organizing books for the education department, saying goodbye to our sweet friends and a house opening, the 2nd one of the week. A house opening is amazing and I was grateful to be part of it. While waiting for the house opening, I met a boy named Tetae. He stole my heart. I can't even explain it, how had I not met him before now? His giggle made my heart melt. We played and goofed around only for a short time but the impact he made on my trip will forever be remembered.
Sorry this post took so long to update, know that I appreciate all the prayers and support. Be looking forward to a blog about what's next in my life. At this point, I have some thoughts but please pray for guidance on that front. I would really love to visit Zambia again, if that's where the Lord leads me. I'll go where He sends me, I don't want to go anywhere that isn't in His will.
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