New blog site

Because I'm going on the World Race, they provide me with a place to blog that is easier linked to my squad and team mates. I will be updating that blog weekly if not more. 

Openhandpalmup will still be getting updates, they will be the same posts as my new blog and randomly chosen. 

Here is the link to my new blog: ashleyloucks.theworldrace.org 

Love and hugs to you all. 

Exciting news

In short, I've officially been accepted to serve on The World Race! 

I'm beyond excited. The only text that keeps coming to me is "Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!"

I will be leaving in July to serve God in a way I've never done before. I know it's going to bring struggles, and I know there are going to be some great times. I am looking forward to all of them equally. I might not say that in the midst of the struggle, but I know those are necessary for growth to take place.

In a week or so I will have so much more information for you in terms of supporting me, specific prayer requests, and a new blog.

I'll be traveling to Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Philippines,  Thailand, Burma, and finally Cambodia. Pray for each of these countries as I prepare to share the gospel with their people, pray for their hearts to be softened before we even come in contact with them.

Keep checking back, there's going to be a lot happening the next couple weeks. :)

What's Next?

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. :)

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.

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. 

Christmas in Africa

Week two was a lot of adventure, a little relaxation. I spent the week with Jonny and a new friend Gabi. I asked Jonny to plan the trip but told him I wanted to be surprised, not to tell me anything about the week. He keeps secrets pretty well.

We went camping in Livingstone (where Victoria Falls is, in Zambia) for two nights. While we were there we enjoyed the sights of the mist, for a while they had me convinced that it was the only part of the falls I would actually get to see. We arrived at the camp site on Sunday and I didn't actually get to the falls until Tuesday. BUT, that was the exciting part. They took me to swim in the Devils Pool. It's a spot off Livingstone Island where you can swim above the falls and "defy death." That was our Christmas Eve adventure. Swimming in the Devils Pool and visiting the falls. Oh, while I was there I also jumped off a cliff, they called it the gorge swing. Don't worry, I'm still alive but it was real scary.

The gorge swing. 

The mist part is Victoria Falls. 

Sunset behind Victoria Falls.  

They finally took me to see the falls. It was beautiful.

Pictures don't do it justice.

Devils pool

After seeing the falls we headed back out on the road. We were off to Botswana where we stayed at Senyati Safari Camp. It was close to Chobe National Park. The park is widely known for its spectacular elephant population: It contains an estimated 50,000 elephants, perhaps the highest elephant concentration of Africa, and part of the largest continuous surviving elephant population. Christmas morning we woke up and had a lovely breakfast cooked by Gabi. Jonny had brought us all stocking/Christmas hats to unwrap and they lit up. He's so thoughtful. 

Merry Christmas! 

River boat tour. Elephants on the horizon. 

The bachelor herd. They crossed the river right in front of us.

The day after Christmas we did our own safari through Chobe Park after a lovely sunrise. We were able to see a lot of impala and not much else. We went back at dusk and were able to follow around a family (at least that's what I am calling them) of giraffes. That was pretty cool. 

Botswana sunrise.

Lots of impala. I mean, tons.

Peaking through the trees to check us out.

We left the next day, had a pretty long day of traveling but the trip was certainly something I will remember for the rest of my life. So many fun adventures and to be able to explore in another country, not many people can say they have done that. Thanks to Weaver and Gabi for planning everything, in turn making it stress free for me. 

Check back soon, I'll have one last update on week 3.

Stories from Zambia

I don't even know where to begin. My time in Zambia was amazing, that's almost always a given when you allow God to be in control.

Actual travel, in the planes, went smoothly. I was delayed in Cleveland, but it worked out fantastically, each connecting flight I had just enough time to get to the next gate and continue on the journey. When I stepped off the plane in Lusaka, the first thing I noticed was the smell. It is hard to describe, it's not necessarily bad and I'd never smelled Africa before, but I knew that was the scent of Africa. Oh, the heat gave me a nice warm welcome as well.

When I finally made it through the airport getting my visa, Jonny was waiting for me with my bags and we were ready to tour the city. It was nice to see a familiar face after all that traveling. I wasn't too tired but I knew as soon as I stopped moving I'd be asleep. I quickly learned that Zambians walk every where. The roads were made for walking, in fact if you splash someone with mud while you're driving past, you've broken the law. You must pay them. After seeing a bit of Lusaka and having my first taste of restaurant food it was time to meet the Country Director of Family Legacy, Clay Hughey and his family. I stayed with them the first week, and I was able to meet some of the children at Tree of Life children's village. Each day a Zambian staff member (Uncle Teddy) picked me up and took me to meet kids, or to help people with different tasks before Dream Camp. I'm going to add some pictures that will hopefully show you how much of a blessing my first week at Tree of Life was.

Most of the kids were visiting family on holiday. There were a few who, sadly, didn't have any family to visit. I was lucky enough to spend a couple days with them just enjoying them and allowing them to love on me.

They discovered the self timer on my phone. :)

They clearly loved pictures!

If you look closely, there's a fly in my mouth. He wouldn't move.

Big muscles.

Tree of Life Children's Village. (notice, David is in the picture twice)

I also organized a library for the education department. (I tried my best.)

You'll have to look back soon for weeks two and three. Those will be another blog post. For now, thank you to all who were able to support me whether it was monetarily or in prayer. The first week was such a great experience and I am so grateful to have been a part of these kids lives. 

Time is flying

Soon, I'll be flying. In exactly two weeks, actually.

Two weeks from now, I will be on an airplane, traveling to Ethiopia. I'll have been on the plane for just about 7 hours and will still have 6.5 hours left. Pray for that. It's a 13.5 hour flight. When I land in Ethiopia, it will be 7:45am there, I have an hour and a half to get to my next plane and take off for Lusaka, Zambia. If everything goes well, I'll arrive in Zambia at 12:05 in the afternoon Zambia time. (which is 5:05 in the morning Eastern Standard Time) That's about 40 minutes shy of a 24 hour trip, assuming all goes as planned. Prayers much appreciated during those 24 hours!

I am beyond excited to see what God has in store for me in Zambia, but I say that every blog post. I still am not sure how many students I'm teaching and still don't have many details on that. I still am teaching photography which I am pumped about.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, I know a lot of you are praying for me because I can feel it. Those of you who have been on mission trips before know how difficult it can be to prepare yourself spiritually BEFORE you go because the enemy tries to attack, and sometimes he ends up successful. With me, I've felt the hunger more than ever to really get into His Word and prepare my heart for ministry. I know I am feeling that because I have a multitude of people showering me with prayers that I am forever grateful for.

I was able to spend some quality time with my family this past weekend, that was wonderful and much needed. Also, for all those wondering, my family will be just fine with out me on Christmas, though it will be weird for all of us, we'll be celebrating as a family when I get back in January.

I'm not sure what type of internet I will have when I'm there, but I hope to see as many of you as I can before I head out and say "see ya next year!" I'll be arriving back in CLE on January 7th, starting my 29 hour trip on the 6th. (8:35 am EST)

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
 

Plane Ticket: Purchased!!!

It's getting real now, I have a flight itinerary. I will leave Cleveland on December 16th, travel for 23.5 hours and arrive in Lusaka, Zambia on December 17th. Jonny will pick me up, show me around, and drop me off at Family Legacy where I will get to do some organizing and help out around the orphanage, what ever that might look like. Friday, Jonny will pick me up, and I'll spend the next 6 nights with him, both of us will have a friend to celebrate Christmas with. He'll take me back to Family Legacy on the 26th for Dream Camp that will run until January 4th, I'll spend that weekend with Jonny and head back to the airport on Monday, the 6th arriving back in Cleveland on the 7th.

I would be wrong if I said I don't have any fears about Dream Camp. I found out last week they would like me to teach a class, I promptly, but politely told them I'm not ready to teach and that I was sure I'd be better at assisting someone who already had lesson plans. Photography? There is no way I can teach a photography class. Sure, I enjoy photography...but I don't know everything there is to know about photography...there is no way I can teach if I don't know the in's and out's. Right? The more I spoke about it out loud, the less daunting it became. Within 15 minutes I wrote my contact, Katie, back and told her I was sorry for my quick response and that I'd pray about it over the weekend. I knew in my heart that Jesus was trying to stretch me. By Sunday, I had prayed, talked it over with a couple people and decided that I'll give it a try. I know I can do this, I know that if I listen to the Spirit in me, everything will work out just fine. Much prayers appreciated on this subject though, as it's still a little bit scary.

This next part is probably my favorite. It's the constant reassurance of Christ that gets me every time. I went to church on Sunday, sat with a new friend and loved the entire service, our Micah 6:8 weekend. After the benediction, said friend gave me a card, I love cards. :) I waited until I got to my car to open it and inside I found a letter that had me in tears before I even looked at the amount she had written on the check. When I looked at the check, being one of the highest anyone has supported me thus far, I sobbed, not because of the number and not because of the person, but because God is good. He knew I needed it, He knew when to show me that this is exactly where he has placed me. Complete affirmation.


I'm excited to continue planning and tell you all about my journey getting there. I can't express enough how good and gracious God is. Thank you for all the continued prayers, I enjoy talking to people about it, so if you ever have questions or just want to chat about Jesus, feel free to email, or facebook message me. Ask me what the Lord is doing in my life. 

Love and hugs to you all.

Everything is Coming Together

Last post, I had no idea what God wanted me to do in Zambia. I asked for your prayers, that God would provide me with something to do while in Zambia. Prayers were answered!

I will be working with an orphanage called Family Legacy doing a program called Dream Camp. (Click the link to check them out.)

This program runs from December 26th - January 4th, so my dates are changing slightly. I will purchase my plane ticket this week, researching the best dates for the best prices, this is beyond exciting. I can not thank you all enough for your prayers. Please continue to pray that I find a great ticket price and dates that work for me. I know it's all going to work out just as the Lord has planned.

In other news, I was in my first wedding this weekend. My friend Meredith married a great man, Todd. They are a lovely couple and I enjoy them both. I almost made it through the ceremony with out crying, wait...who am I kidding? I cried when I got to read a bible verse to their guests. I started thinking about how honored I was to be speaking God's truth to them, how true this verse was to Todd and Mere's lives and how he has brought them together, specifically for each other. It all came crashing into my head and my emotions gave way, but I'm told it was endearing, so I guess I didn't do too bad.

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,    out of the mud and the mire. 
He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along. 
He has given me a new song to sing,    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
    They will put their trust in the Lord.

Photo Credit: Valerie

That's all for now, pray that I find the plane ticket God has reserved for me. We can also start praying, if you haven't already, for the people I will come in contact with on my 30+ hour journey there and back, and those I will interact with while I am in Zambia. Pray that I will listen when the Lord gives me an opportunity to speak about His love. 

Plan B is in place

I wanted to go to Tanzania, God had other plans for me.

I really love when God shows me his plan so clearly. I put plan B in place back in July or August, I didn't tell many people, I prayed about it and I know that this has been His plan A all along. Thank goodness for that, right? 

I came across this in my YouVersion bible app this morning, it was the perfect verse for me. 

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 

8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

What is plan B you ask? Zambia. I will be traveling to Zambia alone, where I have a very good friend working as a missionary pilot. Alone, unless anyone who reads this feels like the Lord is calling them to go with me. :) 

Since this recent change in plans I now get to decide what God wants me to do there. Jonny is doing some leg work for me since he is already in Zambia. I have not bought a plane ticket yet as final details are still being worked out. 

I am blogging to ask for prayer; that God will provide guidance in what he needs me for in Zambia. I know he's called me there for a reason. 

I will post another update as soon as details are figured out and my plane ticket is bought. I'm really excited for how the Lord is going to use me in Plan B. 

Pray hard guys, I know there is power in prayer. 

Blessed

I know I'm constantly talking about how blessed I am. People might be tired of it but I'm alright with that. 

I visited my home town, Linesville, PA this past weekend for my 10 year high school reunion. While I go home often, this time was different. I took time to reflect, soak in the surroundings and think about all I learned growing up there. 

I remember sleep overs at Grandma's, Mr. Schmidt riding the mower while smoking his pipe, playing all through the woods by the lake, fishing on the pontoon boat with Gramps and Sandy, after dance sleep overs at Tara's where we literally giggled at giggles, sounds of baseball and little league coming from the complex, Waterfowl weekends, Crawford County Fair, the smell of country living, vo-tech bus rides that I'm still convinced were more fun than the lunch room, end of the road sunsets at the lake, our after-school program "The Gap," and being blessed most by having the same pastor my entire life, Pastor Art and Kristy.

That's where I reflected the most. Pastor Art answered God's call to become head pastor at Linesville First Baptist in 1987, when I was two. He is all I can remember, as far as time goes back. A man shared his testimony this Sunday and spoke of how Pastor helped nudge him along in his decision to make Christ the center of his life. When he was finished, Art ran up on stage and embraced him. Memories came flooding back all at once and tears ran down my face, how many stories similar to that must he have to tell after 26 years of faithful service? I am blessed because I had someone who was willing to invest in me and so many others from the congregation. He doesn't just stand up and preach on Sundays, he is a part of our family, he allows us to get to know him on a personal level. I believe he helped shape me into the woman I am today, even if he wasn't conscious of it. I was one of those kids who wanted to be at church every Sunday because I loved it so much. One week my parents were both sick, and I was quite upset when they told me we weren't going to church. I called Tim and Brenda McQuiston and asked them to pick me up for church because there was no way I was missing a week. It's hard for me to think about a time when Art won't be head pastor any more but I know the time is coming when he gets to retire. For now I choose to think about how much of an impact he's had on not only mine and my families lives but the lives of those throughout the church. 

So, this week I am blessed by Pastor Art and Kristy Barnes, and their family. Thank you for answering the call and allowing God to speak through you for so many faithful years. I love you guys. 

I'm going to Tanzania!

In the beginning of this year I was awarded an additional weeks vacation for 5 years of service at Windstream. I prayed about it and decided I would give that week to the Lord, I wanted Him to use me wherever He needed me. Soon after I felt He was asking for all 4 weeks of my vacation time. I was then presented the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic with Meeting God in Missions. I answered the call, June 12th I traveled with 7 of my friends to Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic. I felt called to encourage the Dominican people in Christ. Instead, I ended up learning from them what authentic and true faith in God looks like. I met a lady, Bahietta, who invited us into her home. She shared her testimony with us. She hasn't had an easy life and doesn't always have money for food, but the joy that overflowed from her changed my life. We also helped a village build a place to burn trash, met lots of kids, sang songs, did David and Goliath skits at VBS and helped with a village building project. The most memorable experiences I had were the relationships I built, whether with the people of Hato Mayor or the Americans I met while on the compound. I learned that fruits of the Spirit are universal, the language we spoke was irrelevant, love and joy flow from the soul. 

Bahietta, Marin, Myself and a family member of Bahietta. 

I was given another opportunity to travel to Zumbawanga, Tanzania. The name means "city of Witchcraft", I believe God is calling me to pray over the city, for the city to be changed through the love of Christ Jesus. I want to be a light that shines in this dark city. (Matthew 5:14-16) At this time, I'm planning to leave for Africa on December 11th, returning on December 31st. Please pray that God would soften the hardened hearts of the people in Zumbawanga and that we would have the opportunity to show them Christ's love and Salvation through our actions.

I would enjoy talking to you about my recent trip to the Dominican or about my upcoming trip to Africa. Feel free to call me with any questions or to simply pray with me. 

If you are feeling lead to financially support me you can send your gift to me at,

3836 Wyndham RIdge Dr.

Apt 310

Stow, Ohio 44224

More blog posts to follow, I promise they'll be exciting, perhaps funny and who knows maybe even yummy if I decide to talk about cupcakes. ;)