Next Big Adventure! Kari Stembel - The World Race 2007

Starbucks and Prayer (in the USA)!

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So...the most incredible thing happened a couple weeks ago on a Tuesday.

I have a friend, who before that Tuesday, I had only seen and talked to for about 10 minutes in person. She had come with one of my friends to the open house for my departure on The World Race. Somehow we connected on Facebook this year and kept in touch. She ended up being one of my biggest encouragers and faithful prayer warriors.

Soon after I arrived back in Indiana, she contacted me wanting to get together and hear some about my trip and how I was doing. We met at a Starbucks and talked about what God did this year, what He taught me, some things I'm trying to figure out now being home and things I'm struggling with, things God's teaching me and so much more...and she talked about this year and how things are going for her, what she's doing, and how God is providing as well as questions she has about life. Before she left I told her I wanted to pray for her and she desired to do the same for me. So, we grabbed hands and prayed over each other, we praised God for what He's done and what He's doing, we prayed against satan's attacks and any schemes he has for our lives, and gave the future to him. It was such a huge encouragement to me and I thanked God for bringing her into my life in a way only He could.

As we started to walk out of Starbucks a guy, who had apparently been sitting behind us and observing came after us out the door and said, "Ladies, I noticed you praying for each other and was wondering if you could pray for me. I have some big decisions in my life to make in the next few days and really need prayer for clarity and direction." I was so excited because I had gotten to do this all over the world. People around the world generally see their need for Christ and see the power of prayer and long for it and welcome it anytime you offer. Most people in the States, don't need Christ' because they've got it all figured out in the sense of their independence and having food and a roof over their heads. They aren't wondering where their next meal is going to come from. But we both stopped, asked him his name, and told him we both would be more than glad to pray for him and thanked him for being willing to ask us. So, we both prayed, he thanked us, and we went our separate ways. My friend and I looked at each other with huge grins as we walked away and just said, "That was so awesome!" and thanked God for allowing us to be a part of something so simple but so huge at the same time.

And I personally needed that reminder that God does work here in the States just like He did all around the world. There are people all around who need prayer, a friend, and need God. They may not always be as open and willing to ask for help, but they're all over. We have a lot of pride here it seems, but I see God break that down more and more. God likes to send reminders when most needed, that He is still working, He still uses us, and He truly is in control! It's a good reminder that people watch how we live.

"...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

*I may have said that was my last newsletter...but there may still be blogs here and there :)

Final WR Newsletter!

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

THANK YOU!!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

THANK YOU!!

I want to send a HUGE thank you out to all who

have supported me in so many ways this year.

Prayer

You have supported me by praying faithfully. Without those prayers none of this World Race could have happened. It has kept the enemy away at times. I have felt your prayers at specific times this year. God works through prayer and I have seen the power of prayer in numerous ways this year so I know your prayers were HUGE to what God did this year. God used YOU to be a part of building Kingdom this year through your prayer!

Encouragement

This year I received e-mails with words of encouragement at the right times with the right words. You sent verses that I needed to hear and ones that brought joy and a re-filling in tough times. You spoke word of truth and affirmation to combat discouragement that was not of God. Without that encouragement, this year would have been much tougher and I don't know that I could have made it. God used YOU to be a part of building Kingdom this year through encouragement!

Financial

There was a huge financial need at the beginning of this journey and you came through in a way I did not foresee. You sent me off fully supported and without wonder of where the money might come from. I received many checks and monthly payments from so many people. God blessed you and you gave. Many of you gave by taking a huge step of faith that God was going to provide for your daily needs. You have taught me a lot about giving and what it really means to step out in faith and to trust. This year, I would not have been able to go on the World Race if it weren't for your generocity in giving. God used YOU to be a part of building Kingdom this year through finances!

Reading Blogs

So many of you read my blogs each time a new one was posted. Some of you read them as often as you could and for that I feel so blessed (I was horrible at keeping up with missionary friends of mine who only send an update out once a month, let alone sometimes 4 a week as I did!!). And since I have come home, I have realized how many more of you have read my blog faithfully throughout this year than I ever expected or imagined would. Knowing that you were there following me around the world, following what God was doing in the world and in me, means so much to me. That in itself is a huge encouragement to me. Not only did you read, but you allowed God to use them in your own lives. God used YOU to be a part of building Kingdom this year by reading my blogs!

*No words can fully express my grateful heart of thanks for YOU. God has blessed me with you and for that I am so thankful. Thank you for all your support through prayer, encouragement, finances, reading my blogs, and so many more ways I didn't even mention. I pray that God pours out His blessing on you as you continue to obey and follow wherever his voice and promptings lead. I want you to know how thankful I am for all you have done...words can't say enough of what's in my heart. Thank you for being a part of the World Race this year and building Kingdom!

So, another BIG-HUGE-GIGANTIC:

THANK YOU!!!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

*I wanted to make a video to thank you (but it may not happen), but I pray you know know the gratitude that is in my heart for all you've done!

*You prayer warriors out there...please pray about my external hard-drive with all my pictures from the whole year on it. It died our last month, while in Nicaragua and will be $900 to recover if they can recover the data.

* Many of you have asked me "What's next?" and at this very moment I don't know, but God does! So, I'll let you know when He reveals that to me. I'm excited to see what He has in store for me next :)

People I Know...

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

God blessed me so much to be able to see people I know around the world. Here are some of the people I got to see this year...

I got to meet up with my dad in Bangkok, Thailand!

I was able to see Rose Ellen & Dan Blosser (brother of Joel at my home church) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

While in the Philippines (Manila), I went to dinner with Caris Perdue (missionary from my church).

I was able to visit Mark and Debbie Blosser in Manzini, Swaziland (the other brother of Joel at my church).

*I was hoping to meet the girl my parents sponsor in Mozambique, but it didn't work out.*

I was so excited to see my friend Jeffrey in San Jose, Costa Rica!

In Guatemala City, Guatemala, I was able to visit with Marievelia and Wayne Berger.

*I missed my friends Maggie and Jason in Nicaragua by one week!*

I got to spend a week in FL at my aunt and uncle's (Jean & Bob) house right after returning to the States.

And I was able to meet up with more Blosser's in TX before returning home. Dan and Diedra with their little girl.

I also spent time with my friends Leslie and Jenni while in the good 'ol state of Texas.

God truly blessed me this year each step of the way!

My Father Knows Best

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

(*I posted this awhile ago but I think I forgot to send it...sorry about that!)

A change of seasons, a new phase of life, the next learning period...

Last week I spent the week with my parents and aunt and uncle in Florida, and this week I am spending time with friends in Texas. I wasn't sure how I would respond to coming back to the US. I didn't know what was best, going straight home, or visiting a few people along the way. But God knew. He knew what was best. These past two weeks have been exactly what I needed. God has given me a small group of friends and family to talk to about my trip first and to process what I've seen and learned this year. He has blessed me with two weeks to just re-enter this country and get used to the lifestyle around me. He has given me new friends already that have impacted me, people that I will not forget. He cares about every part of our lives.

This week has been different than last week. My first week back, I struggled with seeing so much money everywhere. We are rich' is all I could think! And I wondered if those' people with huge' houses knew there were people living in a heap of trash somewhere else in the world. It made me sad at first. I was a little depressed in the mix of emotions coming back to the States. The people I've been living with are all spread out the US, the culture here is just so much different and wealthier overall than most of the world, and this year of experiencing learning, serving all over the world, is over. My emotions continued to go in many different directions with being thankful and glad to be back in the US and loving this country to being sad for all those I had met who had so little; to be sad that I wouldn't see a lot of those people again; to being sad I wouldn't be living with my awesome squad anymore.

God has shifted my thinking and shown me different things in the US as well. He reminded me of something He taught me back in Thailand, our first country of The World Race. He had told me, "Kari, the same needs you see here and will see all over the world, are right back in the United States as well." Some of them may look a little different, but they are the same. Everyone in the world needs to know God's love and who He really is. There are people in the States who are just as poor and homeless. There are those who are rich in material possessions but poor in spirit and empty in need of a Savior. And there are those who have nothing from a worldly perspective but are so rich in spirit, knowing who Christ is and His love, that joy fills their lives and their homes. As God took me back to that first month and His words being spoken to me, I now understood the full ramifications and why I needed to hear that even back then; it would affect me now and God knew it!

This week didn't go quite as originally planned, but it went the way God had in mind. God did exactly what He wanted to do, surrounded me with the amazing people, wonderful encouragement and discussions, and deeper friendships. I had the opportunity to be with my friend Leslie all week and to meet her house-mates Jenni and Cassie. I enjoyed my time there so much and they shared some of their thoughts and knowledge from experience of re-entry. We talked about so many things and both got to share what God has been doing in our lives, in our church, in everything this past year. And I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I got to lay by the pool for a little while two days and just relax and think. I wouldn't have changed this week one bit. While I was there, Leslie and I had the chance to meet up with our friends Dan, Diedra, and their little girl Miranda for an afternoon as well and catch up. God truly blessed me this week in the most perfect way.

On my flight from Dallas to Chicago, I met a pastor and his wife who ended up sitting right next to me. They were the nicest people and we ended up talking most of the time. I was able to share some of the things I experienced this year and they were an encouragement to me. That is one reason I love to fly, God always brings someone to me whom He wants me to talk to. After arriving in Chi-town and being greeted with my sister running toward me with a huge hug and my parents there with beautiful flowers and a Welcome Home' balloon, I was able to meet up with Colleen and Christie (on my squad) at Giordano's for Chicago-style pizza. It was neat to be able to relate with the things we are feeling and things that are happening as we transition back and so good to just see them - I was already missing them! Then I got to come home and see my brother, Jonathan, for the first time all year and get a huge hug that from him (that doesn't happen often!). And afterward, I was able to see my grandparents and share a little with them. What a good day!

It is still a transition and still a learning process coming back, but God is showing me more and more each day. And each day there is someone right around me that God wants me to reach out to and also someone to encourage me. I've been writing that in my blogs and reminding people back home that no matter where you're at God has something for you. And now it's my turn. God has me right here right now and has placed certain people around me, has given me a love for them, and a desire to reach out to those in my own country now. The Lord has not stopped speaking to me and He won't ever; I just need to keep my ears wide open for His voice. I've served and loved people all over the world this year. Sometimes I worked with pastors, churches, and those who already knew the Lord, but needed encouragement. And others I got to tell about God's love that had never heard before. And now I feel God wants me to come back and serve my family (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, parents, brother, sister etc...) to meet some of the needs they, the same way I served all over the world.

I love how God just gives us the next step. Sometimes all He shows us is what He wants us to do that day, and that's all we need. Obedience is the key. Whether God calls us to ministry overseas in a different country, rich or poor, we go, or if He calls us to minister to people here in the US, we do it. It's all out of obedience and love for Christ. I love that God has a plan for each day of my life-one day at a time and He doesn't just care about the big things, the huge decisions in life, He cares about the little things too. God has pretty awesome plans He has promised for my life and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me next!

"For I know the plans I have for YOU," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Back on US soil!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Back in the United States of America...alive, safe, and well!

As I walked out of the airport on July 24th, after going through customs and collecting my mucho amount of luggage, I was greeted by the best Welcoming Committee ever!! My parents were holding a large sign that said Welcome Back and had all of our names on it. My mom had made homemade cookies for all of us and there was a finish line as we officially ended the race. Other friends and family had also come to greet us and another larger sign was there as well. People were taking pictures as if we were celebrities and there were hugs everywhere all the time. We prayed as a squad, as a team, and some left that night. Those left went to a hotel to enjoy a celebration of the finish with pizza, chips, pop, candy, and a cake that my parents had brought. Some left as early as 4:30 in the morning and by 9:30am, my parents and I were the only ones left.

It all happened so fast. Good-byes aren't usually a hard thing for me because it doesn't hit me until later, after they've left. I am here in Florida with my parents for a few days staying with my Aunt and Uncle. It has been nice to have just a few people around that I know as I figure out how to process and transition this year. I've had nice walks and talks along the ocean with the calming waves coming in. God has blessed me in amazing ways with this opportunity.

But it's a weird transition. Sunday morning I went to church with my cousin. It's a rather large church with the theater seating, lights, band on stage...the whole bit. When we started to sing the first song, I just started to cry and at first I didn't even know why. I definitely never expected this reaction from myself. I never cry.' Well, many different thoughts and images started to run through my head as I stood there. My first thought was that it was hard for me to stand in this huge, air-conditioned building with tons of money put into everything there. I saw the many tiny church buildings flash through my head; church communities with very little. It wasn't that I thought it was wrong for this church to enjoy the blessings God has given them. Who am I to judge that? I know that God uses everything, every church in different ways to reach out and bless others. It wasn't that I was bitter or angry. It was just hard to see the huge difference. It did make me sad. I can't even explain all I was feeling in that moment.

Before I got back to the US, I had some fear that I might forget the things I've seen and experienced, that I may get back into my routine of life...and forget. And then, in that moment, in that church on Sunday, the faces of many children I have met throughout the year, around the world, started to go through my head. The faces of orphans, friends, pastors, the faces of the families I met in the dump and built relationships with...and I felt helpless again. I felt discouraged. I felt like something was missing. But God reminded me that He has me right where He wants me and this has been His perfect timing. And He is excited to show me what He has for me next!

My life the last 11 months has been so different than my whole life before. It's been a crazy adventure and the most life-changing time of my life. As I've been back in the US, all my responses to people in normal conversation seem to refer back to my trip this year. Everything that is said by my parents or aunt and uncle gets a response from me, in one way or another, about my trip this year. I do it without thinking. The World Race has been my life for the past year. And coming back to the States (not even IN yet), so much seems the same as before. People live the way I did before. Priorities seem to be the same as before. How do I not live in this past year, but take it with me into the now, into the future? It is a part of me for good. It's not a trip I've gone on and now I leave behind, it is a part of who I am. How do I blend The World Race with my life here in the US? I feel it is a process and step by step, in God's perfect timing, He will show me what is next. He will prepare me for what is next and show me clearly. He will help me take what I've learned this past year into the here and now. He has been faithful every single moment of my life for 25 years, He will not leave me hanging now as I move into the next phase of life, taking everything I've learned with me!

...the journey is actually just beginning. I get to do this the rest of my life!!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

- Hebrews 12:1-3

"I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith."

-2 Timothy 4:7

**My friend and brother in Christ, Aaron, put some of my thoughts into words in a way I couldn't seem to on his blog.

4 Days Left...!

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's hard to believe that in four days I will be on a plane on my way to the States - specifically Ft. Lauderdale where I will meet up with my parents and see them for the first time in 11 months! It hasn't sunk in yet and probably won't hit me until it happens.

This has been a crazy year of fun, adventure, tough times, hurt, growing, learning, loving, eyes being opened, loneliness, fullness, full reliance on God, coming together as the body of Christ...and so much more that I can't put into words!

God has revealed things to me about myself that I never saw before, both good and bad. He has taught me more than I ever thought He could in different ways than I thought He would. He has stretched me in ways I never imagined. He has opened my eyes and heart to things I was never open to before. He has given me a desire to be more like Him out of love and not obligation. He has loved me unconditionally through the learning process...when I failed; He picked me up so I could try again.

These eleven months have benefited me more than I ever could have benefited those around me in each country.I have been there for a short season in each person's life along this race...people in Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, China, (Hong Kong), Swaziland, South Africa, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. He has broken me and then molded me. He has allowed me to meet many people I had to say good-bye to. All along the way, God used me to be an encouragement or speak truth or preach or sing or just hold someone. HE used me to get a task done, such as painting, or to bless someone by serving. He used me to pray or feed or share God's word or pray with someone.

This year God has shown me things about myself I didn't like and gave me a desire to be more like Him. He has used my teammates, His word, my family, my friends, my church, my experiences, His people around the world, and His voice to teach me His ways.

*Each country God taught or showed me something different.

Thailand: the same needs that are all around the world are at home too, they may look at little different but they are all still there and too many are forgotten
Cambodia: pray before everything, over everything, living in community is difficult, working things out is essential, I am His beloved-a child of the King
Philippines: I owe love to everyone all the time no matter what, God's creation awes me, how to deal with and live with what I've already seen and experienced in three months, desire for God to give me His eyes, how much I need His strength, there are poor people-but God provides even in those situations, joy isn't in stuff, pastors and families we met have little but have so much joy and a wonderful attitude and strong desire and passion to serve God, peace about speaking in front of church/people
China: power and importance of prayer (especially for individuals), more team dynamic struggles and without internet realizing I have to rely on my team not people back home and it's important
South Africa: peace, freedom in Christ, no condemnation, BE in God's presence (be in the doing), serve team
Swaziland: patience with team, God will work even if other people not listening to God, gave me heart for the land of Swaziland dying of AIDS, the Holy Spirit moves in ways I've never seen
Costa Rica: patience, endurance, full reliance on Christ and not everyone else around me, power of prayer (again)
Panama: die to self, even littlest thing can make a difference
Guatemala: so many people lost (even tourists where we were at), there are less fortunate and forgotten people in the states (handicapped especially)
Nicaragua: thankful for differences, go-with-the-flow, serving others, patience, value of relationships (with our contacts), pick your battles, end well

God taught me so much more than is listed above; more than I have processed yet and more than I can put into words. I have met people all around the world. Some people I will never see again. Others I will one day visit again. I have had conflicts with teammates in ways I never thought, but I've also seen awarding resolution and reconciliation - something that brought us together closer than before, to an understanding never felt before. I have seen many different cultures. I have seen the way people worship God all around the world. I have seen the poor and the rich, the safe and the dangerous, the joyful and the bitter...I've seen so much, yet there is so much more God wants to show me in the future.

This year has been an amazing adventure, not always easy, but all completely worth it. This week we are taking time to process this year. Someone asked me today, "If you knew then (before the race) what you know now, if you knew it would go the way it did, would you have gone on the race in the first place?" I hadn't been asked that before, but my answer is most definitely a resounding "YES!" The things I've seen and learned far out-weigh the tough times or anything else that happened that I didn't expect. This is an opportunity and experience not many get to have, and God has blessed me in amazing ways to allow me to go on The World Race.

My view of things now is different than before. I've changed. This experience is forever a part of my life. It is not a trip I took and I move on and leave it all behind. It goes with me. As I go home and figure out how to integrate what I've learned, how I've changed, what I've seen, and what I've experienced, into my life at home, I know God is going to show me the next step. One thing God has taught me that has remained is His peace...truly a peace about my future that passes all understanding. God has it and I don't have to have the rest of my life planned out. I just need to have ears open, take steps of faith when He calls me to, and obey. It's exciting. Life really is an adventure, in an of itself.

I realize there are many thoughts here all thrown into a blog...maybe without a theme, maybe without consistency, maybe not even flowing, but as I process and start to put things in order and in its place, I pray that this gives you even just a little peak into some of the things God has done this year. I pray that God uses this blog in whatever way He wants to. I don't know what that is, but He does. And I thank you for reading and helping me process at this point. I could go on forever right now, but I'll end it for now. Just know that this year has been a very good year, with me right where God wants me and He's still teaching me...

*Read another blog done by Caitlin's mom, Jill, about her week here with us in Nicaragua!

*Check out Molly's overview of ministry here in Nicaragua.

*Watch the first video Becky made on the race...back in Africa.

*A blog for the guys on our squad by Heather.

Canopy Tour Fun!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

*Check out the video Becky made of our Canopy Tour adventure last week!

Carnival Days! (in pictures)

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

cArNiVaL dAyS!

Fun, games, relay races, food, candy, face painting, music, laughs, balloon-making, clowns, mimes, friends, families, prizes, and the love of Godthis is what I was surrounded with Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. We put on a carnival for two barrios in the area. Saturday we went to a smaller barrio park area and Sunday we put on a larger carnival where. It was a crazy time and it went so fast continually moving to keep up with all the kids who wanted to play games. My job was being in charge of the bean-bag toss. And by bean-bag I mean, bags of rice wrapped in duct tape (it works for everything!) Since we've been on a smaller budget this year, we've learned how to be more creative with everything. We used buckets for tossing the rice into and just spread them out to different distances. Many of the other stations, such as the ring-toss, and relay games were very creative as well. Near the end, when we shut my station down to allow more kids to participate in relay races, it was fun to just find kids who were by themselves or in a small group and talk to themget to know them a bit and make a new friend. I know the kids enjoyed the day. I pray that the love of Christ was shown as we created these carnivals and were around the kids for several hours each day. I will let the pictures tell the restGod is good!

Carnival #1

Carnival #2

Thank you for all who were praying for these two events before they happened and during. It means a lot! And I know God heard :)

In the DUMPs...Part II

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

*To read part I of this blog, click here

You know that feeling of just passing through, seeing a person and praying for them once and heading on your way? The one that leaves you feeling like you were just another person stopping by for a second in their life, leaving you wondering if they really know how much you care and love them?

Well, that may be the case here again, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to go back to the dumps a second time, bringing people who have never been before, to visit those I sat with and prayed for Monday, my new friends, families. Molly and Seth were the ones who had gone with me before but weren't able to come the second time so Traday, Renee, Caitlin, and Caitlin's mom (Jill), joined me as I introduced them to the friends I had made on Monday while walking through. I got to share my excitement and love for these people with them and their story since I had already talked to them about it before.

When I saw my them again, I think they were surprised that I decided to come back to them specifically since I had already prayed for them on Monday. It was so good to talk to them more, pray for them, and let some of the others from our squad be apart of it as well. There were a few mis-communications between Pastor Manuel and us as we both speak very little of each other's languages, but it was kind of funny, gave us a laugh, and we eventually figured it all out.

The first person we visited was a lady named Rosa. She was so willingly and calmly washing all the family's clothes by hand when we walked up. She was older and still had young kids all around her. One thing I noticed right away was how many flies were around. The few flies around me bothered me so much even for those few minutes, but the 100's on her didn't seem to phase her because that is normal for her. It broke my heart. As we were talking, we found out she has lived there for over 20 years. She asked if we could pray for her health and pain in her joints. So, several of us prayed over her in English and Manuel prayed for her and her family in Spanish. She seemed not sure what to think of us when we first walked but before we left, she was smiling :). We got to play with the kids a bit which they of course were really excited about. Rosa was such as sweet lady and seemed to be content with her simple lifestyle.

The second visit we made was with my friends Coni (the mother), Jacqueline, Rafael (the nephew), Samanty, Joseling, and Jacquin. When I first arrived, there were only three of them there, but slowly others started to arrive. I was able to introduce my new friends and share this family's story with the other World Racers. They explained that one of the girls was with her father working at the lake and others were finishing school work. I told them God had put them on my heart and I was excited to be able to see them again. Coni told me that one of her daughter's is an artist so we found the artists in our group and it was neat to have that bond. Then she said that one of the others likes to paint pictures and another enjoys math. It was fun to talk with those who had similar talents and interests. They welcomed our prayer and it felt like I had known them forever; they truly are my new friends.

Our next stop was with my friend Jariana. Last time we visited her, she told us that her husband wanted a divorce and we prayed over her, her marriage, and family. She is one of the sweetest ladies ever and she glows with such peace even through her tough circumstances. After much translation, mis-understanding, and more talking and then laughing, we eventually figured out that we had huge things to celebrateher husband had decided to stay with her and work things out! So, we praised God together and prayed that the enemy would have no place there. We talked with her for a bit longer and played with her little boy and girl. Afterward, she showed us some pictures of her husband and of their children growing up and it was apparent their daughter loved to look at pictures. She was proud of her family and the joy she had on her face, showed thanks to God for what He is doing in her family.

Next, we went to a family I had not met yet. It was a family of ALL girls! There were more than seven women and girls living in that little house together. When we walked up we were greeted with hugs from at least two girls with huge smiles. It was great! There was a 16 year old who was 8 months pregnant and a mother who had just had a little baby girl. A small ten year old popped her head out from behind the curtain where she was bathing. She hurried to get dressed so she could come greet us as well. We were able to tell them that they were beautiful women created in God's image and that God loves them. We found out they had been living in that house for several years already. The older women and teenagers seemed to be very calm and mature. I could tell the children were well taken care of by how they changed a diaper, brushed another's hair, and hugged another one almost all at the same time! The younger ones were excited to show off their newest baby sister and eager for us to take pictures of them all. They were so much for to be around and most of all I LOVED seeing their huge smiles. They don't have much at all, and the younger ones may not even know it, but they are so happy just to be alive!

Before we left, I bought some crackers and bananas from Jariana's own little shop. It is very common for people all over central America to have their own shops to make a little money for thief family. I couldn't believe how much I got for a dollar! It blew me away. I thanked her a lot and as we headed out, I stopped by Coni's house and gave her the crackers and bananas and all of them were so thankful to me for it and excited to receive them. It was sad to say good-bye, but I was thankful for a second opportunity to see them.

I have so much to learn from each person I talked to there in the dump. I want to be grateful like they are and content with life the way they are. I want to live simply and be okay with that. I want to share and give my things' away like they do. I don't want my possessions to have a hold on me. I want to praise God the way do. I want to love life the way they do. So little, yet so at peace, so grateful, and so filled with joy. I have a lot to learn from them...Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be right here right now where I can pray for people you love so much. Thank you for allowing me to love them. Thank you for using them to teach me even the simplest of things, yet some of the hardest things to do. Thank you Jesus

" Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7

"He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever." Psalm 111:5

Love in the Barrios

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The smiles of children, their energy, and excitement about life are contagious. That is one thing I continue to realize as I spend time with children all over the world. Wednesday Seth, Traci, Traday, Aaron, Krystle, Megan, and I had the chance to go to two different barrio areas.

When we got there, we split into two groups and started talking to kids and families with children about a carnival we are planning at the small park in their area. We will have one for the smaller barrio on Saturday and one for the larger barrio on Sunday. As we walked around the larger one, passing out flyers, meeting families and children, more and more people became interested. We ran out of papers quickly and headed back to the park where we were to meet the rest at some point. It didn't take long, as we sat there, before we were surrounded by kids. We didn't even have to do anything to attract them. It seems that even without flyers, the word will spread to friends all around the barrio and many will come.

Initially there were two girls, one ten years old and the other eleven, who sat down next to us. We started asking them their names, ages, and what they liked to do. One was Heti (like Haiti) and the other I may not remember or have heard correctly but was something like Espernatti. One likes math and the other espanol class. One loves sports and the other doesn't play often. It was fun to see their different personalities and their friendship. They were so happy and so friendly. I took my camera out to get some pictures of them and they were thrilled. They went crazy taking pictures of everything and wanting a photo shoot of Megan, Krystle and I as we waited for our friends. Aaron started playing soccer (futbol) with the boys that were around when they brought a soccer ball over to him. Some girls were showing off on the monkey bars and we got to talk to them a bit too.

After our photo shoots and excitement of the camera for awhile, Espernatti sat back down next to me, looked up at me, smiled, and then took her blue bracelet off and handed it to me. She said, "For you, my new friend." This sweet little girl, who has so little, so willingly gave one of the few things she owns to someone she barely even knew! I told her each time I looked at this bracelet I would think of her and I would pray for her. She made my heart melt and made me want to take her with me even more, her and her friend Heti. This little bracelet means a lot to me and I will think of her all the time because of it. She has so much to teach me about sharing, giving freely, trusting people, opening up, loving without hesitation and SO much more!

These kids were the sweetest, most respectful kids ever. I was so glad we had the chance to hang out with them and invite them to our carnival on Sunday. I am praying that we have an opportunity to talk to them about God's love as we paint faces, play games, give out food, create balloon friends, and much more at the carnival. I want them to know how God sees them. I want them to see themselves and the value they have because of Christ. I want them to share that joy and God's love with their friends. I want them to grow up confident in who they are in Christ. Maybe I can be just a little part of that. Before we left I just silently prayed over these children and that area. One thing that made it easier to leave today is that I will see them again on Sunday! God has more planned and I am in anticipation of what is to come.

Down in the DUMPs

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

[Part I...Look for Part II to come]

Think you're down in the dumps?

Imagine waking up to rain on or leaking through a tin or cardboard roof, the smell of trash all around, and little or nothing to eat every morning. Imagine looking through mounds and mounds of trash each day just in hopes of finding food or something valuable enough to sell or make into something creative to sell for enough money to eat for the day.

Never could I imagine living life this way. I was only there around this environment for a few hours and was ready to go home. How do they live in this every day of their life? Monday a few of us took the opportunity to ride an hour away to the largest dump in Nicaragua, where 300 people live; the Managua Dump. I wasn't completely sure what to expect before we arrived, but I never expected what I saw.

There were small houses and huts everywhere along the mountains of trash that seemed to never end. As we walked just asking the Lord what He would have us do during our short time there, we came across some people in front of their little house just going through trash they had collected. We said good morning, got to know them just a bit and asked if we could pray for them. They said sure and so Manuel (the Nicaraguan pastor who has been helping us out since we got here), and Seth prayed for them. We proceeded to go to the next house behind them where a young girl was standing outside. She told us a little about her family. There were four kids there, three girls and a boy. Her mom came out and we asked if they were Christians and she said she had been a Christian for six years. But they didn't say much more. She said they went to church. We weren't sure if they were just saying what we wanted to hear because they knew we were missionaries or if they were honest answers, so I was able to pray over their whole family with the little I knew. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to be real and work in them, for them to know His power and love.

After Seth and I had prayed for this family, we went to the next house where there was a lady outside listening to music on her CD player and hanging clothes up on the line. The moment I saw her, I could tell she had sweet, tender spirit. As we talked and heard more of her story she welcomed our prayer for her marriage as her husband wanted a divorce and she was heartbroken. She also asked for prayer for their family and health. So we prayed, thanked her, gave her hugs and she was so grateful and said much thanks as we left.

As soon as we were done praying for her, a young girl, Jacqueline, from the family we had just prayed for came up to Seth boldly and asked him to prophesy over her life. So, we went a little bit back up the hill to their house and all laid hands on her, listened to the Lord and waited for the words He had. We got words such as: you are a daughter of the King, you have a joy inside that God wants you to share with others, you have a boldness that God will use to impact those around you, and many more words God just kept bringing to us. And then Manuel got a word from the Lord for the mother and instantly she started crying. The Holy Spirit was at work! We once again prayed for the whole family, that the Holy Spirit would just continue to fill that place and that God would use that one family in the dumps to spread hope and light to others around.

After we prayed, they started to open up and talk more about who they are. Constance, the mother, shared that her husband was a Christian, but had no interest in going to church and didn't want to work at his relationship with God. We also found out that the three girls that were their were her daughters and she had a son that was helping her husband, his father find metal in the lake less than five minutes away. The boy there, Rafael, who was 14 years old, was their nephew and no longer had a mother, so while his father was working finding stuff, he stayed with his cousins.

As it poured most of the afternoon, we waited under their little roof for it to subside, but when it never did, this family so willingly took us out into the many acres of trash to see what was out there. We walked through mud and squishy trash, some clothes, some food, some stuff from a hospital, some person items. There were many people hand searching through the garbage to find anything that could of any value. There were horses, cows, and dogs out there all around as well. It broke my heart.

Rafael and Jacqueline both had smiles and a light of hope in their eyes I will never forget. Before we left, Constance shared with us that God had brought four different people at four different times to prophesy over her telling her that God would bring her a new home. And a year later, she moved from a different part of the dump with a smaller house to this one and it was an answer to prayer. She said, God is a good one and He always comes through. All I could think was, wow'! She has nothing and yet sees God in everything and is so grateful for what she has. GOD IS ALIVE AND WELL EVEN IN THE DUMPS!! I think He's more alive there in places than He is in a lot of churches. This was an encouragement to me and confirmed more in my heart that God is going to use this family to bring hope to those around them through Jesus Christ.

God brought to mind Isaiah 61:1-2, a passage that has been prophesied over my life and I think applies to everyone.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn."

The parts that God brought to my attention was that we were able to do something that He has called us to do. We were able to bring the love of Christ to the poorest of the poor and to proclaim freedom from darkness over them as we prayed as well. We were able to comfort them. Even more than us doing as God has called us to do, we were blessed more than I think they were through this. God did something in me that I can't explain and showed me that He is everywhere and cares about each and every person. He prepared us and them for these encounters and knew who we would talk to before we even went. God had it all worked out. Sothe next time I think I'm down in the dumps, I hope I reconsider and remember what God has shown me.

"GOD IS ALIVE AND WELL EVEN IN THE DUMPS!!!

(maybe more alive then many churches around the world)"

*I wish I had pictures of the people we talked to and prayed forbut we were told to only take one camera and the other group took it with them.

More from mi Amigos!

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here are some links you might want check out...some give more information on where were at, our unique 4th of July experience, and more details on the projects here!

*Caitlin's 4th of July update!

*Seth's thoughts on nearing the end of the race.

*Traci's perspective on Independence Day celebrations!

*Megan's fun celebration writing.

*Climbing Trees and more with Traci.

*Playing futbol with Seth.

*Painting with Trace.

*More details on where we're at by Aaron.

*Read Megan's blog about now and the end.

Painting and More...

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

(inside of the hotel)

We are currently here in Jinotepe, Nicaragua where team Ignite and my team, Beloved One, have joined to do ministry for the next three weeks. We are working with a couple from the States, Glenn and Lynn, who have lived here for many years. They own the hostel we are staying in. About 15-20 minutes away from the city they have land with a community center on it (where church is held, town meetings, youth group, a Bible study, and whatever else they need it for). They also have a small school on the grounds, an orphanage, a clinic, and a house where friends live.

(Caitlin painting the outside and Becky stepping in the blue paint!)

This past week, Ignite has been spending their time at the grounds laying bricks and painting while Beloved One has been here at the hotel painting. Monday we painted part of the outside of the building. Tuesday consisted of us painting two full hotel rooms. Wednesday we painted the front lounge area. And today we worked on the hall spiral stairway leading from the lounge up to some private hotel rooms (maybe used for hotel staff or something).

(Renee and I painting a hotel room)

We have been able to help lead men's and women's Bible studies, teach the youth group lesson, and help preach on Sunday. It is a small church and things are just getting started. They have already gone through some transition times of gaining people and losing some. When we were a bit discouraged at how few people were at the Bible study Saturday, Glenn said, even if you get to minister to only one person who comes, it is worth it. That one person is worth it. So, he was able to help put things in perspective and remind us of the importance of each person.

(Jenn painting and right picture is the front of the church/community center)

Our time here so far has given us the chance to spend more time as a team and do ministry together as well. Later on we will be doing a carnival at the park for the kids and families in the area that would like to come. Next week, we will also have the opportunity to spend time in the barrios getting to know those who live in small huts or shacks and have very few material possessions. We were able to walk through the first day and just visit with a few of the residents, some who go to the church and others who don't. We had the opportunity to pray for several as well, which was really exciting and they gladly welcomed the prayer. Some we prayed for healing, some for their hearts to be turned back to God, some for God to provide financially and the list goes on.

(Seth and his new friend kicking a ball around, and three of my new friends from church!)

I am very excited to go back and get to know those who live in that area and hear their hearts. I'm excited to play with the kids and see them smile. It is also neat that we can be a blessing by painting and doing manual labor around the area. I have had the opportunity to get to know a few people who work at the hotel and they are really neat people! I'll have to share more about them later. But this is a little overview of what has been going on here in Nicaragua.

(the little school on the grounds which is also used for Bible studies and other events)

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths;

guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior,

and my hope is in You all day long." Psalm 25:4

A Lasting Kiss...

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Mark on My Heart..and My Hand

(All of the women and us after our lunch excursion)

Monday was our last day at the orphanage and we had to say good-bye. But before we did, Dick arranged for us to take 10 of the women out to lunch with us. He read off the list of girls that were going out that day and I was excited to hear Gloria's name read. Dick said that since she doesn't have much of a mental disability and is always around the hospital helping out, she has never gone out to lunch with him and a group. When I went to find Gloria sewing again, she was SO excited when I told her we were going out to lunch. She gave me a HUGE hug and a HUGE smile and let out a squeal of excitement!

(All of us at the table ordering food with the ladies...)

(Our amazing friend Dick!)

We got the paperwork signed and approved, allowed the nurses to get them prepared to go out, which included new hair cuts, and we were on our way. Each of us grabbed the back of a wheelchair and ventured out onto the bumpy cobblestone roads of Antigua, down the sidewalks, and eventually to the doors of the famous chicken fast-food restaurant, Pollo Campero. Gloria said hello and good afternoon to everyone on the way. She couldn't contain her excitement and doing a little dance in her chair about fell out of it at one point. We got the tables all settled and ordered milkshakes for those who can't eat solid food and a typical chicken and fry dish for the rest. Gloria asked me specifically if she could get ice cream (not knowing Dick had told us they could have one dish only and not dessert since we were paying and it adds up). So I bought her a bowl of ice cream myself. Half way through her meal, the ice cream came to me and I took it down to her end and the rest was history. She packaged up her extra chicken and fries that she had not yet eaten and dug into the ice cream. I wasn't sure if this was the best thing, but she sure was happy and gave me another huge hug!

Watching the excitement on all of these women's faces made me smile too. They don't get this kind of experience very often and some of them have never been out like that until that day. I am so thankful for someone like Dick who has given his life to just love these ladies, the kids, the men, his neighbors...anyone who needs it.

(Me hugging Gloria after she was SO excited to receive her ice cream from me!)

I can't seem to put into words what I feel in my heart. I didn't want to go. I didn't want to say good-bye. I went around to give all the women hugs and say good-bye. When I got to Gloria, I gave her an extra long hug and she grabbed my hand, and with her bright pink lipstick kissed my hand leaving a mark saying to never forget her. I will never forget her and I will pray for her. She not only left a mark on my hand, she left a mark on my heart. She left a kiss that will last

This experience has changed my heart, my life, my viewit has changed me. These people live a completely different life than I do involving many more obstacles than I have ever had to think about let alone experience. They are grateful for a hand on the shoulder, for a smile, for someone just being there and they rarely get it. How often do I take a smile for granted or a hand on the shoulder or a hug? I get it all the time. I am so thankful for the experience, for the awareness, for His perspective, and for what God is doing. I am thankful I got to be a small part of these ladies' lives and just love them by reading scripture, by rubbing their backs, by talking to them, by listening to them, by taking them out to lunch, by holding their hand, by laughing with them, by singing to them, by dancing with themwhatever small thing it was, I am glad I got to be there with them. When I say good-bye, it doesn't usually hit me until I am gone and as soon as I walked out of that hospital/orphanage knowing I would be leaving for a very long time, it hit me and I missed them. It makes me sad to think that those women will most likely live the rest of their lives this way but it made me smile to remember that God loves them and is watching out for them and sees them as precious jewels.

"She not only left a mark on my hand, she left a mark on my heart. She left a kiss that will last"

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16

*Colleen posted a wonderful sum-up of some of the things we've seen and done in Guatemala as mixed teams girls group!

*Don't forget to check out Renee's comic strip blog of our volcano experience, Caitlin's video, and Krystle's pictures.

*Our guys decided to take time to themselves to do some MANistry...link to Aaron's video of cooking steak on a volcano (had to top our marshmallows :P) and Seth's blog too!

Roasting on a Volcano!

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

VOLCANO EXCURSION!!

Friday we had the opportunity to go visit active volcano, Pacaya! And what an experience it was. We drove for about an hour and a half out of Antigua, half way up a mountain, where we got out and started to hike. We hiked for about another hour and a half up the mountain to get to the volcano next to it. We walked on some hardened lava for awhile up and down and as we got closer, the lava began to get softer and warm. We could feel the heat coming up from the lava. As we kept walking we saw some people coming back the other way with the souls of their shoes half melted! We kept walking and got to a place where it was so so hot and we could see flowing lava! It was moving slowly like an inch worm but quite a site to see.

flowing bright orange lava

And yes, we DID roast marshmallows over the hot flowing lava. They were D-licious! I roasted one with Jenn's walking stick and one with a fork. It wasn't until later that I realized I had singed the hairs on my right arm while roasting a marshmallow with a fork (apparently that was a little too close :P). We weren't there long when we were told to move because lava above us was getting ready to flow down to where we were standing. We couldn't see it at the time but soon after we moved a big chunk opened and fell down a hill of dried lava down to where we had been standing.

dont let Jenn fall!! :O lol

I am so thankful for the experience in Guatemala, to see some of God's amazing power in His creation. I have always been fascinated with natural disasters (not what they do to people but the power in them) so this volcano experience made me happy and I thank God for being the BIG, POWERFUL, God He is!

creatively dried lava

*I am posting a few pictures but be looking for a video blog done by Caitlin in the next week and a comic strip blog done by Renee (more creative and more details in those blogs)

roasting on the flowing lava-check out that fire!

just about to fall down the mound of dried lava...

Krystle and I with the volcano in the background

Just Right ;)

OopS!

And...the Beloved Girls (minus Heather)

Chosen and Seen Through Gods Eyes

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"In Him we were also chosen having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." -Eph. 1:11

I have a new lovea new love for those who are handicapped, elderly, and less fortunate.

I have a new appreciationappreciation for those who work with the handicapped, the elderly, the less fortunate, daily.

My heart is brokenbroken for the handicapped, the elderly, the less fortunate.

Lilly and I

Seven of us girls (Colleen, Traci, Sarah, Krystle, Jackie, Lindsey, and I) have been visiting the hospital/orphanage here in Antigua, Guatemala for the past several days. Our friend Dick who lives here, but is from the States, gave us a tour of the place, cultural background, and a little history as well. There are over 200 residents of the hospital, and their disabilities range from being bed-ridden, mal-nourished, mentally ill, physically and mentally disabled to only physically disabled and the list goes on In Guatemala, anyone who is mentally or physically handicapped is highly looked down upon.

Dick told of us of a little boy out in a village he visited who was mentally handicapped which caused his physical body to be incapable of many things as well. Their neighbors kept telling this family they needed to get rid of the boy and that the reason this happened is because of a huge sin him and his wife must have committed. They had heard this their whole lives. When Dick told them that some drainage had gotten locked in the brain when he was a baby (or something involving medical terminology) which caused the disability and it wasn't their fault, they said they had never heard that before. The parents decided they wanted their child back in their home, the one they had left in the orphanage where the doctors couldn't do much for him. This is just one story of many where false ideas of human value have been a burden on people's lives.

The first day we went to work with the mentally and physically handicapped and disabled, it was overwhelming for me. This is their life! Even on this race, I go on my way everyday, living my own life, and don't realize that people live in wheelchairs or in bed their whole lives with very little human contact or care for them. I had a hard time knowing how to handle it and learning how to communicate, how to give them what they needI never thought I would struggle like I did that day. I felt awkward and did not even know how to work with them. It made me so sad.

There are many people who come in and play with the children, put programs on for them, and entertain them, but rarely do people go to the men or women's ward to just spend time with them. God has definitely given me a heart for these young ladies. Ever since my first day, which was hard, God has blessed me in AMAZING ways. My second day there, I met a woman named Glenda. She had a phone around her neck that she held up for me so I could see her name. As the sun came out and it got warmer, I helped her take her sweater off to cool off a bit. She can speak, although it is a bit mumbled and slow, but she is one of the sweetest ladies ever. She understands a lot of English and Spanish when I talk to her. Today while I was at the orphanage, I had a Spanish Bible with me so I had the opportunity to read with her. Anytime I said a word wrong in Spanish she would say it correctly for me and smile. She is so smart and has given her a sweet heart.

Glenda and I

Another new friend of mine is Gloria. She seems to be fine mentally as far as I can tell, she is missing legs and in a wheel chair. I often times wonder why she is there because she could be out on her own easily, but sometimes families abandon and since society looks down on anyone with a handicap, she may not be able to get a job and make it in Guatemalan society. She helps out around the hospital a lot doing whatever they need help with. The first time I saw her she grabbed my hand and just rubbed it against her soft face and just held it for awhile. She also is a beautiful lady and I can tell she is a good friend to anyone who comes her way. She automatically reached out and gave me a hug. Today she was not in the women's ward and I really wanted to see her. She had wanted me to take a picture with her the first day I met her but I didn't have my camera (since we were told not to take pictures), so I promised I would come back with it next time. So, I walked around and found her sewing!! She is so talented. She was helping sew some kind of strips of fabric, but with the language barrier I couldn't quite understand what they were for. She was excited that I came to find her and had brought my camera. We talked for a little while before I let her finish sewing. She is such a beautiful beautiful lady. She was putting on make-up one day when I went in to see her and it made me smile.

Gloria and I

These women are made in God's image, so wonderful and chosen. I want to see people the way God does and love people the way He does. There is definitely already a connection between me and some of the ladies that will make me miss them a ton when we have to go. Today as I was reading God's word to them, some of them smiled at the end of particular verses or when I read a specific Psalm I could tell they understood and were agreeing with the passage. It was such an encouragement to me to know that some of them know who God is and love him. I can see it in their eyes and it comes out from their hearts. They were each chosen by God and are loved no differently than any other person. He knew each of them in their mother's womb before they were even born and He had a plan for them. They are each so special to Him and made in His image. They are His wonderful, amazing children.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;" -Jer.1:5

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." -Matt.25:40

*Read Colleen's thoughts, feelings, and prayer about our experience on her blog.

The Kids Who Stole My Heart!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Kids Who Stole My Heart

Have you ever experienced an immediate bond with someone? A bond you knew would last and one that would grow deep? A connection you knew would not be forgotten easily?

Well, that's how it was when I first walked in the ProVida orphanage in Balboa, Panama. I knew these kids were special as soon as I walked in the door and got mobbed by about five kids welcoming me and hugging me. They didn't know me, yet they trusted me right away. There was one girl though, that had me from the start. She actually seemed to be the shy one. She hid behind the refrigerator and poked her head out from behind to see me; when our eyes met she backed away and hid again. She didn't smile but she didn't frown. After all the other kids had gone she still remained curious of who I was, not sure of me, yet wanting to get to know me. So I played peak-a-boo with her on the other side of the fridge. And eventually got close enough to tickle her with which I got a smile! (I rejoiced for that) She still walked around a bit shy, but was always curious where I was at and let me give her hugs, which in turn caused her to eventually come find me for hugs and just wrap her arms around me when she wanted. Her name is Cherly. She has curly hair like me so we always played a game I would pull one of her curls just enough to make it bounce and then she would pull one of mine both making the boing' (bouncy) sound.

There are many stories for each of the kids that I could share. When you open your heart up and allow yourself to get close to anyone, it is always going to be hard to leave, let go, and there is always a risk, but what you would miss is not worth it. I'm just going to post many pictures of the kids and let them tell more of the story.

*Check out Renee's blog if you haven't as well as Caitlin's about some experiences with the kids.

***Below is information that is old - I wrote this blog before I was able to upload pictures. WE are now currently in Nicaragua (our last country of the race!!) and it is June 28, 2008. I hope you still enjoyed the pictures. Better late than never ;).

*Four of my teammates are in Nicaragua currently, one is in El Salvador, and I am in Guatemala. We have mixed teams for a few days to do ministry and will be coming back together on June 24th. Then three teams (including mine) will be doing ministry in two different locations in Nicaragua until our final debrief starts on July 18th. The other team will be doing ministry in Guatemala and Hondurous before coming back for debrief.

THANK YOU DAD!

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

(Dad opening presents)

When one talks about a Dad, there is so much more meaning behind the word than what appears.As I mentioned in a previous blog, while I have been away from the United States for nine and half months now, I have grown to appreciate my family more.I have realized just how much they mean to me and how much I need them.The one I want to talk about now is my Dad.He has meant more to me than I will even be able to explain in this blog.

My dad loves to joke and laugh, travel, have fun, meet new people, spend time with the family, and much more.He has brown hair, blue eyes, and like my mom, looks younger than he is ;).He is one of the smartest men I know and the most humble as well.And he is always willing to help anyone out with anything at anytime.It would take a long time and a lot of space to describe all the things that are amazing about my dad but I will try to narrow it down and share as much as possible.

(my dad and I in Bangkok)

There is something special about a father-daughter bond that I cannot fully explain.God has definitely blessed me with the most wonderful dad ever!He has worked hard to provide for our family for many years.He has traveled a lot for work and seen the world but has always made God number one and our family as a priority in his life.He has been there to encourage and challenge me to strive for more than I think I can do.He has instilled in me the quality of never giving up and not letting fear stop me from trying new things.Even on his travels around the world, he would slip out of a meeting just to answer a phone call from me. (A story to go along with that: My sister came home from school one day when she was young and didn't have a key or garage door opener so she went to a neighbors house and called Dad's cell phone and even though he was on the other side of the world at the time, he did whatever he could to help, which included calling someone else for her back in the States-it makes me laugh now, but that goes to just show how available he is for us no matter what the circumstances.) Anytime I needed help with homework or was stressed he would always talk me through it and impart his amazing knowledge onto me.That is just one way he showed his love.He has also been a listening ear and helped me talk through so many decisions in life.He is always there ready to give a hug at any time.My dad has made a point to be at my choir concerts throughout the years, my cross-country meets when most needed, church events, and any reward ceremonies for everything.

(Dad and I at my college graduation)

During some very hard and emotional times of life, my dad has been there to sympathize and also help me think things through and look at things logically.He has helped me organize jumbled thoughts and always brings a view to my attention that I have never even thought about.He seems to always see things the way they are without bias and his integrity is respectable.When we are apart, he is always so thoughtful and sometimes sends me just a little email to see how I'm doing or will send me pictures of what's going on where he's at and I love that!

My dad worked it out for him to go to Bangkok for some business work so that I could see him near the beginning of the World Race and it meant more to me to see him at that moment than anything!It was a refreshing feeling and I was able to show him off to all my new friends on the World Race.I only saw him for a couple days for a few hours but one night we had a meeting and my dad was willing to come so on our way there, taking public bus, it started pouring. So my dad and I (and others on the squad) ended up drenched, completely soaked by the time we got there. My dad would do anything for me.I am so blessed!

(Dad and I on a family vacation in Chicago)

Above all, he has raised me in a home knowing God's love.No matter what is going on, he is always there to remind me of God's promises and relate my situation to someone in the Bible and give me hope by showing me how God worked in their life.My dad is a reflection on earth of my Father in heaven.He is always there for me, for a hug, emotionally, spiritually...no matter what I'm going through, even across the world, he's there for me.Like my Heavenly Father he pours out his unconditional love and I have never ever doubted his love for me.God has truly blessed me with the best dad in the world!

(This was taken in Costa Rica, but here is a kiss (and hug) from me to you from Guatemala)

Thank you Dad for being who you are; not just to me but everyone around you.Thank you for serving, loving, praying, and never giving up on me.Thank you for showing me what God's love is all about and raising me in a Christian home surrounded by God's word and expressing the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ.Thank you for making me a priority even when it may not have been the easiest thing to do or even if people around you or at work may not have understood completely.Thank you for seeking to live a life honoring and pleasing to God and continually growing in Him.You mean soooooo much to me and I want you to know that.I want you to know how much I appreciate you, respect you, and how much I love you.I don't think there really are words to express what I am trying to say, to express my feelings and what role you really play in my life.I don't know if you'll ever comprehend who you are in my life.I thank God for blessing me in such a TREMENDOUSLY HUGE way by making you my dad!!

I love you and miss you Dad!

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 (and that is what my dad has done, brought me up in the training and instruction of the Lord)

"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society." -- Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; Psalm 103:13 (my dad definitely has compassion on his children)

*I feel like there is so much more I want to say, but this is all I have time for, for now...

Orphanage Pix and More to Come...

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I haven't had the chance to collect all the pictures from the orphanage and post them yet. But when I get the chance next, I want to show you these amazing kids we have spent the past week or so with. They have captured a piece of my heart...and I was sad to say good-bye!

But for now, to see pictures check out these two blogs:

Playground o' Fun

Plus One

Youth Retreat - Pictures Tell the Story

Sat, 7 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here are some pictures from our weekend as leaders on a youth retreat last weekend. Jenn, Renee, and I joined team Less for a few days to help them minister to the high school students. It was more of an outreach and sport camp so many different fun and learning activities went on. It was a challenge for me to be as effective with the students since I speak very very very little Spanish. God is teaching me that I can be used even with a language barrier. He can use anything! He is bigger than a language barrier...and my closest friend from the weekend was the person sitting next to me on the bus on the way there who speaks very little English. But she already holds a special place in my heart. God also used us to minister to each other and get to know team Less. I didn't get pictures of us sweeping the whole cafeteria after every meal or doing dishes or serving food, but those are some of the ways we were able to minister last weekend as well...behind the scenes. God can work in every situation! ENJOY THE PICTURES!

*I wish I had pictures of everyone here for you, but I don't.

This is the beach just a short walk away from the camp.

The youth playing games and doing activities on the beach.

Linds and I!

Birds just hangin out on one of the many anchored boats.

Danny and Linds helped Rossana teach karate

Jackie helped with acting class and her role was a teacher.

This is me attempting to hit a target...never once got it!

We did devotions out on the beach one morning during sunrise.

Renee and I looking good as always ;)

Kyle teaching the youth some simple magic tricks.

Beautiful, beautiful, beach sky God painted for me that day.

Volleyball.

My new friend Rossana. We sat together on the bus there and she is one of the people who helped put the retreat together. We communicated through very broken English and Spanish (and bugging those around us who could translate :P).

Here are some of the staff for the weekend.

My feet in the ocean...God is good!

The Holy Spirit is at Work!

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last."

John 15:16

This morning we (Beloved One + Molly and Jeanette) had the opportunity to go to a women's clinic where our contact's church goes regularly to ministry primarily to the prostitutes that come in weekly. Many prostitutes come from Columbia and live here for awhile and some leave their children in Columbia while they are gone. When we got to the women's center, we prayed for the people there and the people God had planned for us to talk with and minister to. We split up into three different groups each with a leader or translator from the church. We were handed Bibles and told to give the gospel message, pray with them, give them a Bible if they didn't have one, write a note in it for them, and then write their name and contact information down on a piece of paper.

(Jeanette and Christopher)

The first time we did it was a little awkward. Most of us are used to building a relationship first and getting to know someone before presenting the gospel so it was weird just walking up to someone, asking their name and just telling them the good news. But the second lady we talked to, Martha, was so sweet. We found out she was from Columbia and some of us could relate because we had friends there and I told her that all of us had been in an airport there for 12 hours. After talking to her for a bit and finding out she has two children, I got to share some things God has been teaching me this year. And then eventually explained what Christ had done for me and everyone else in the world and expressed God's love for her. She didn't have a Bible so we all wrote in it and gave it to her as we prayed and blessed her life.

(Kari and Martha)

As soon as we were done speaking with Martha, we knew we were supposed to talk to the lady behind her. Her name is Mary. We introduced ourselves and found out quickly that she is a Christian but started to back-slide when she married a non-Christian man. She is no longer with him but has two children; a little boy who is 9 years old and a little girl who is 6. As we were talking I felt like God was telling me to let her know that He wanted to use her to encourage other women who have been in the same position she is. She started to cry as I listened to God's voice and prophesied. I also told her that no matter where she's at now, it's not too late and God is waiting for her with open arms, not with condemnation, but wanting to pour out His love on her. She cried even more. Mary told us that she felt God speaking to her at that moment, beckoning her to come back to Him. She asked about churches in the area and feels that she is supposed to go. Her name was called for her check-up but she asked us to stay until she was done. We all wrote a message in the Spanish Bible for her while she was gone and Denise translated our notes. We put hands on her and prayed for her before she left. She gave us each huge hugs and thanked us for coming and listening to God's voice at that moment.

(Heather, Mary, and Kari)

While we were talking to Mary, the girl two rows up told us she wanted a Bible and asked if we could explain more of it. So while Heather and I were still talking to Mary, Denise, one of our contacts, talked with this other lady, wrote a note in her book, got her contact info, and prayed for her. And right after that there was another lady Liliana that we talked to. She also is from Columbia and has a daughter there with her grandmother. Jeanette had been in a different group but near the end we switched based on where we were sitting and she had a word for Liliana saying that she felt God was going to use her in the future to pour into kids. And then we found out years ago that's what she did as a job. It's neat how God works. And we got to pray for her as well. She seemed to be seeking and doing a lot of thinking about what people were saying. She thanked us as we left and was very appreciative.

(Mary and Kari)

I LOVE how God appointed these moments and knew I would talk to Martha, Mary, Liliana and all the women we prayed for. I am so thankful for this opportunity and that God chooses to use meall I have is love for Him and a willing spirit and He uses it. I love that the Holy Spirit moves and works in people and God let me be a part of His working in someone else's life! God never ceases to amaze me!

"the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

Romans 8:26

*This past weekend Jenn, Renee, and I joined team Less and headed 2 hours outside of the city with 180 high schoolers to a beach area for a weekend retreat. I will have to write more about that later and post pictures as well.

*This coming weekend (leaving tomorrow), Caitlin, Jenn, and I will be joining Team Ignite on an island with the indigenous group (the Kuna people). Please pray for safety and for effectiveness as we spend time with this tribe.

*Check Caitlins blog out for another perspective on our day at the prison

In the Most Un-thought Place

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered where some of the smartest and nicest people? I'm guessing you think of people at mission organizations or people in volunteer work or maybe teachersbut a certain people come to mind; most likely the prison isn't the first place you think of.

Thursday morning Danny, Caitlin, Jackie, Molly, Jenn, Seth, Renee, and I headed off to the bus stop to take a bus to Gamboa and realized we had just missed our bus. God quickly provided help by bringing us a guy who was going to the same town. After riding for awhile, we saw that the bus we were supposed to be on happened to be right in front of us so we had the opportunity to get off as our new friend directed us, and hop on the correct bus. We were on our way again. It wasn't long before we had many new friends wanting to help us find our way and asking questions to get us there.

We made it to the church where we were meeting Pastor William Wilber and what welcomed us was a note saying he would be there in a few minutes and juice and cookies! It was quite exciting :). After meeting with him, our wonderful amazing translator Ricardo, and a few others around the church, we each shared a little of what we had in mind for the day, prayed, and gave it all to God.

(Pastor at his radio station studio)

As we approached the prison gate to enter, we were stopped, and questioned. Eventually, after careful study and observation, half of us were permitted to enter and wait and pray for the others to be approved. Apparently you're not allowed to wear red, white, blue, or black shirts into the prison and two of them had black shirts on. Danny was not allowed to bring his guitar in which was our source of music. Eventually we all made it in, maybe only an hour and a half behind schedule giving us less time than we had needed or hoped for. When we got into the little chapel area, there were many men voluntarily sitting waiting, which was encouraging to us.

We started off introducing ourselves and then presented the drime (Seth, Molly, Jenn, Caitlin, and I). Seth played Jesus, Molly played satan, I represented drugs and alcohol, Caitlin symbolized greed, and Jenn signified suicide. We started off in bondage to satan and each time Jesus came to free us from the sin, the men in the prison would cheer! Many have come to know Christ since they have been there and know what true freedom is even in prison-just like Paul was. Afterward, Renee explained the drime briefly. Right after that someone walked in with a guitar! I don't know whose it was or where it came from or how they found out we couldn't get our guitar in, but God provided and Danny got up and we sang Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord" half in Spanish and half in English and a lot of them seemed to know it already. Then Danny gave a little bit about his story and explained that he wanted to sing a song he had written during a rough time in his life. He read the words to them and then sang. It seemed to impact the men and make them think a little.

(Jenn speaking on the radio)

Caitlin got up and spoke of what freedom in Christ really is from Romans and Galatians and Philippians. She talked about how satan had wanted to keep us out of the prison, but God had victory. She spoke of Paul's journey; about his life before Christ and his life after; How he persecuted Christians before and then was persecuted after. She explained how God uses everyonethe weakest, but those who are willing. She encouraged them and prayed for them.

Afterwards, we were able to talk to some of the men, which was amazing! (even better when I had someone with me who could help translate) They were some of the nicest guys I had met and so hungry for God! Several of them brought a Bible up to me and asked me to show them the passages Caitlin had talked on and thanked me with big smiles. It was encouraging to see their hunger and some of them asking us to pray for them. They were also interested in what we were doing and where we came from; what God was doing in our lives. It was an amazing opportunity! They are real people, some of the nicest you may meet, and God has a plan for them. I praise God for this opportunity as well.

We went back to the church with Pastor and got to hear his amazing testimony, how God has been working in people's lives all around him and his wife for many years. They were so open and welcoming to us, even meeting us for the first time. Fellowship with them was a huge blessing to us. He has a little studio and they have a program that is aired for half an hour everyday. So, six of us were able to interview with him and explain some of the things God has been doing throughout this year. I pray that when it is aired, many will be encouraged and know that we serve a living God!

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23,24

*Sorry I don't have pictures from the actual time at the prison...cameras were not allowed.

*Since we arrived in Panama, we had the chance to have a family' fun
day (with the whole squad) including visiting the Panama Canal Locks and watching a large cargo ship and a small travel boat go through as the locks were opened. It was pretty su-weet!

Kids Need Food...God Provides

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kidswhat an amazing blessing they are to watch sometimes!

Wednesday Caitlin, Haley, Jackie, and I had the opportunity to go to the feeding center the CCA Church started and keeps running daily. It is place for local people in the poorer areas to bring their kids for meals and for a little program. Some days there are 40 kids and others a 130it just kind of depends on the day. Some of the kids come from drug addicted parents and others are just poor. They each have a different story to tell. The church has a couple people who help out regularly and many of the mothers have started to help play with the kids, prepare food, and do dishes as well. At the center the kids are encouraged and hear about God's love and see it.

When we arrived, the children were playing soccer, jumping-rope, playing a marble game, making puzzles, drawing with chalk, and much more! They were spread out doing all different activities as well as getting in line for their vitamins. Jackie helped hand out vitamins as another lady wrote each of their names down to keep record of who had been there. We jumped in by kicking the soccer ball with them, jumping rope, helping with the puzzle and just having fun with them. Haley, being the brave soul she is, started giving piggy-back rides for some of the kids, which they absolutely loved. The language barrier made me a bit sad at times especially when one little boy who was trying to express something very important' to me and was frustrated that I couldn't understand.

At one point, I sat down on a bench next to a beautiful little girl with straight brown hair and a tooth missing. She seemed to be shy right at first and even a little sad, but I kept asking simple questions I knew in Spanish and sometimes she would answer and sometimes she wouldn't. I asked what her name was, if she liked to play, and what she liked to do. She said her name was Annette and that she did like playing. I asked her how to say frog in Spanish because she had a little stuffed one with her. I told her she was muy bonita' which means very pretty. She looked me right in the eye and gave me a huge smile. Then she started talking to me in Spanish real fast and I tried to catch as much as I could. I showed her my camera and she had a blast taking pictures with it (she's a natural!). Eventually one of her best friends came over and said hi and started talking too. She brought energy to the group and was fun to meet as well.

As soon as they announced lunch was ready, Annette grabbed my hand and pulled me to the table for her age range. Her best friend put her hand out for me to grab so that all three of us could sit together. It made me so happy to see her open up so quickly and want me to be a part of what she was doing. I sat in between them as we ate spaghetti, a banana, and juice. It was obvious that Annette does not like bananas and offered hers to someone else. One of the ladies that works at the church who speaks English stops in at the center several days a week just for a short time and sat down to talk to me for a little while. She was the one who explained who helps out and how it got started. They are working on raising money to build a bigger center that will help incorporate more for the families as a whole. Their vision is huge and expensive but she said they are trusting God to provide every penny in His time and when the time is ready to build, they will have the resources they need.

After lunch, I went to the sinks and in my best broken Spanish asked if I could help with dishes. I got to talk briefly with the ladies who were doing dishes. Most of them seemed to have so much joy and to serve with a willing heart. It was encouraging to me and a reminder as well. A lot of times I do the task that I'm supposed to out of obligation or because it's my duty or I'm on the list, but how often do I serve even when I'm not asked to, even when I'm not assigned a job, when I'm not obligated? That's one thing God is still pressing on meto serve, serve, serve. What did Jesus do when HE was on the earth, He first and foremost spent time with His father and then the rest of the time He spent serving others meeting them right where they were at.

"I love the Father and I do exactly what my Father has commanded me."

John 14:31b

*Our next step: Tomorrow morning we leave on a 16 hour bus ride to Panama City where we will spend the next three nights as a squad. We're working out details for the time after that.

*Click here and here to see a couple of the birthday celebrations we've had these past few weeks.

God is calling you to something...

Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

[*I appologize now for the hodge-podge of ideas all thrown into one blog.]

The past couple weeks have been full of freedom and numerous opportunities everywhere we go. No matter where you're at, God is calling you to something. Sometimes that something is to just sit in His presence and let Him speak to you, sometimes that is to just sit with Him and praise Him over and over, sometimes He wants you to encourage someone next to you, or just simply be a friend to a stranger, or give some food to a homeless man, or just to hug someone, or just remind your child that you they are special and made in God's image, or just listen to a friend, or pray for someone sitting on the Wal-mart bench, or.the list goes on and on. No matter where you're at, God is calling you to something.

Several of us have been taking Spanish classes for the past two weeks. Each day we would take a bus into town near the University and start class at 8:30 and stay until 12:30 (for those with short attention spans (like me!!) this was a bit difficult at times). Almost every morning when I got on a bus, God gave me someone to talk to, even if it was in very slow, broken Spanish, I was able to build a relationship just in a few minutes with someone I had never seen before and most likely would never see again, but it was a blessing to me and it seemed to be for the other person as well. Usually they were so excited that I wanted to talk to them and would always smile to let me know so. There are at least 8 people I can think of off the top of my head that God blessed me with to talk to just on the bus.

We have had MANY birthdays to celebrate on our squad just in the past week and a half (I think I've eaten WAY too much cake!!). But one part of ministry, especially while we are all away from friends and family, is to help celebrate and make each other's birthdays special and fun and feel like they are with family, because after wall, all 26 of us really are one big family! So, it has been so much fun to minister to those on our squad in that way.

Speaking of our family', please be praying for Mark as he has headed home for the rest of the World Race. His sister was in a serious accident about a month ago and he has gone home to be there to help out with her and be there for her. Having to say good-bye to a family member is never easy, but it is exciting knowing he will be returning for our final debrief at the end of the race. Butright after Mark left, we got Sarah Lapp back! She went home over three months ago to be with her mom once she found out she had cancer. We are excited to have her bright smiling face back with us! Keep praying for her mom and family back home as she is still in treatments.

Last week I had a few moments that were rough for me, but God has been showing me so much through that. Have you experienced a time when you were going through something tough and painful and God spoke to you right in that moment and with the words you needed to hear? God always seems to do that for me! During hard times, I seem to run to everyone back homemy friends, my family but God spoke to me and said, "Kari, I'm waiting here for you. I never left you. You're running to everyone else first but I am still waiting for you." In that moment, I realized God wanted to use this time to teach me something. And as soon as I run to Him, He wraps His large loving arms around me and just holds me. He gives me His shoulder to cry on and just holds me. I have been reading through all of Psalms and that day He brought me to Psalm 139:

"O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know tit completely O Lord.

You hem me inbehind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light befome night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful I know them full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, Oh God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you."

Many times when we're going through tough and painful times, we start to doubt; satan starts to speak lies to us. Initially that's what happened to me, but then God used people, His word, and His voice to speak truth into my life, to remind me of who I am in Him. No matter where I go, what I do, or how I feel, God is ALWAYS there. He never leaves, never fails, never stops loving

I hope you know how much YOU are loved, how much God wants you to run to Him, how much He wants to comfort you and hold you, and be your ALL. He knew you before you were even formed in your mother's womb. He has a purpose for you and your life and it's NEVER too late to start listening to His voice. Maybe He just wants you to stop and talk to someone sitting alone in a Subway. I hope you know how He is proud to call you His child, His prince or princess. I hope you know how much He values you. Don't let the lies of the world, of satan, remain in your head but allow God to replace those lies with truth!

One thing I've learned from living in community is how important the body of Christ really is. We are here for each and when I'm hearing lies and need some truth spoken into and over my life, I can go to any one of 25 other people and they will speak that truth and pray over me! When I'm struggling with any kind of temptation or distractions from where I need to be focused, I can go to someone in the body of Christ, in my family, and share with them my struggle and they will listen, show love and grace, come around me, and pray for me! And vise versa. This is what the body of Christ looks like!

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ."

1 Cor. 12:12

Thank YOU Mom!

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

A mother is so much more than a dictionary can begin to describe. While I have been away from the United States for almost nine months now, I have grown to appreciate my family more and more. I have realized just how much they mean to me and how much I need them. One person in particular who has meant so much to me is my mom. Her desire to live for God has always come first and in a close second is her family. She has loved all of us and served us in ways Christ served others on earth. I could tell many stories of how she has gone out of her way so many times to serve me.

My mom likes to laugh, have fun, play games, and fall asleep to movies ;) She is short (wonder where I got it!), brown hair, blue eyes, and looks young. She is so beautiful! I don't know where to begin to describe my mom. I'll have to narrow it down or I'd be here for days explaining all the wonderful things about my mom and who she is.

(My Mom and I in Chicago before I left)

I have been blessed with an amazing Mom who would do anything for me. All my life she has been there for me through thick and thin, through smiles and tears, through trials and victories. She has been a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a mom prepared for anything. She is the most organized person I know and any time I need to be ready for camp, college, a mission trip, the World Raceshe is always right there buying everything for me, helping me in any way she can, calming me down when I am stressed, reassuring me, encouraging me, and making sure I am completely prepared for whatever is to come. She always protects me from and prepares me for anything.

She has always encouraged me to strive for new things. She has taken the time and effort to be at all my choir concerts over the years, my cross-country meets, my church awards, and pretty much anything I've been a part of since I was born. She has encouraged me to never give up and has worked with me on verses for church, homework when needed, and took me to all the practices.

(My Mom and I at my college graduation)

During the hardest, most painful times of my life, she is the first one there to comfort and dry the tears. When I am discouraged or feeling insecure, she is always there to pour truth into me, with how I am God's child: beautiful, smart, precious, and moreshe leaves little notes of God's word for me when I least expect it. Her heart aches for me when my heart aches and she rejoices when I rejoice. I have never ever doubted her love for me. She has put up with a stubborn willed child for 25 years which hasn't always been easy (for sure) and for her persistence I am SO grateful! :D

More than anything, she has raised me knowing God's love. No matter what the situation she is always encouraging me with verses and promises God gives us. She is the most faithful prayer warrior I have ever met. She has been praying for me for years when I didn't even know it. God has truly blessed me with the most wonderful mom!

(here's a kiss blown to you from Costa Rica!)

So, thank you Mom for being who you are, for loving, serving, and praying for me. Thank you for never giving up on me! Thank you for seeking to live a life pleasing to God and continually walking life out toward Him. I want you to know how much you mean to me, how much I appreciate you, how much I respect you, and how much I love you! I have never in my 25 years been able to express my heart to you the way I want. Although I have tried here and there over the years, there have never been the words to completely explain what's in my heart and mind, to explain my gratitude for being who you are in my life. God has certainly blessed me in AMAZINGLY HUGE ways by making you my mom!!

I love you and miss you Mom!

Proverbs 31:10-31

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

...Each Step of the Way (II)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Last Friday, Caitlin, Krystle, Jackie, Jeanette, and I headed back toward the woman's drug rehab house to look for the church they are affiliated with. All we knew was that Caitlin's friend's dad had gone with a group from her church in Michigan a couple months ago and helped out at a place called the CCA Church. We didn't have their names or anything. We knew the town and church name. We got on the bus to Alagajaro and decided to take the route all the way around to see if we happen to see the church. We went half way up a mountain when the bus driver said we had reached the last stop on that route and we either needed to pay to go back or get off so we decided to get off and start walking. As we walked, the first guy we met along the street said hello in very clear English indicating he could communicate with us if we asked a question. We told him what we were looking for and he pointed down the road to where the church was. Only a kilometer or so away and we were there. God had taken us right to where we needed to be.

We met the nicest people there including a Costa Rican lady who spoke English and directed us to an older lady named Sally. Sally is a woman from the Chicago area who has a heart for these people and retired to move here several years ago. She speaks Spanish and English. She volunteers her time at the church and with the many different ministries the church is a part of. We eventually met the woman Caitlin had talked to on the phone. After the one phone call, each of us were unable to contact each other so we just decided to see where God took us and show up at the church if that's where God took us, and He did! Sally introduced us to the head pastor of the church and then explained briefly about the feeding program they do, the school they have there everyday, the woman's rehab house as well as a men's, and many others they have started. We will be getting a full tour of the facilities and hopefully be a part of the feeding on Friday afternoon.

After meeting a few people at the church and seeing some things that go on there, Sally drove us in her own vehicle over to the woman's house where we had randomly found the other day. It was so good to see them again and they were excited as well. We were able to converse better with Sally translating for us. Out of all the ministries, the woman's house has been Sally's heart most of the time, so she was excited to see our enthusiasm and anxiousness to go back and visit these ladies. We were able to encourage and uplift them. God gave some of us words for them as a group and some for individualswords that made two of them cry. God had been telling them the same thing before we came, but God used us to confirm a message to them. One lady started to share her testimony and some things she's still going through with her daughter being in jail, and just started crying. We were able to encourage, uplift, and let God use us by just being there.

They asked about our trip, what we were doing, and where we were going and had been. We go to share what God has done in our lives even on this trip and they were so encouraged to see the hope that God brings. They said that it shows the power of God and they need to see that God blesses the Christian life, that He has good things in store for those who seek and follow Him. We explained that we weren't on this trip because we are rich, but because God provides and prompted us to be a part of this World Race. We explained that God can especially use their past to encourage others. Satan meant their past for bad, but God will use it for good! What a promise He gives us. Afterwards, the church offered to drive us all the way back to the base so we wouldn't have to take busses.

What a God-directed day!

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction."

2 Timothy 4:2

When he says season, he is talking about us; we should preach the word whether we feel like it or not. When we are in a dessert and dry season and we don't feel God is close or we don't feel like encouraging or correcting or preaching and God is calling us to, we need to be ready. And when the opportunity comes unexpectedly, we need to be ready for God's timing.

*Check out a video Seth created about our long travel days to Costa Rica!

*See the ministries that are going on here in Costa Rica on Beckys blog site.

*Colleen put some pictures up from our travel days as well.

God Leads (I)

Sat, 3 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A week or two ago, one of my teammates got an email from a friend telling her about a squatter camp (poorer area) about 30-45 minutes outside of San Jose where we are currently staying. I immediately knew that I wanted to go at some point and maybe stay there for a week as a team. Since our plans as teams have been delayed, we have decided to go off and choose what interests us and inter-mix between teams for ministry.

We knew the name of the town and the name of the churchthat was it. So, Wednesday five of us (Seth, Krystle, Jackie, Caitlin, and I) decided this was a good opportunity to check out this Jasmine Community squatter village. We took two different busses, waiting a bit at one stop. On the first bus, I decided to make my first attempt at creating a very simple conversation with the lady sitting next to me. She seemed a bit surprise that I wanted to talk to her since most people on the bus didn't talk to others they didn't know. I figured out her name, told her mine, found out she was going to her house, and that she was very cold. I was able to tell her I was from the United States. As I studied my espanol on the bus I would state small phrases and she would commend me and smile. Before she got off at her stop, she wished me luck, said good-bye in Spanish, and waved. I thanked God for that simple friendship made in a few minutes even with a language barrier. I prayed that even a little seed of some sort was planted within her. God had already given me a little divine appointment, but I didn't know He wanted to show me so much more.

After hopping on the second bus, we came into the town and saw a sign for the church her friend had mentioned as well. We got off and proceeded to speak broken Spanish to the men at the door of that particular building. We eventually realized that it was just a house for men that the church sponsored and that the ladies' house was right down the road. One older man walked us down less than a block away where we were introduced to many ladies of all ages.

When we walked in, they were all working on a craft together, something they do as a family unit' once a week. One lady spoke decent English and a couple other girls knew a few words. They insisted we sit and talk for awhile. As we sat with them and attempted to communicate with them (some better than others, umSeth!), we found out there were 16 women living in the house, all recovering from drug addictions and many with other experiences attached to that. Several had been in gangs and some abused in different ways.

We were able to share a bit of what our trip is about and just hear a little bit of their stories. They were amazed that we had just showed up randomly at a place we didn't plan to go to, not knowing Spanish. The girl I talked to most of the time, Katia, kept saying we were so brave for coming. As we shared back and forth over bread and coffee, they thanked us so much for coming and for what we are doing. Building those relationships in just a couple hours was amazing! God blessed it in so many ways and I am thankful for the opportunity. I am grateful God works in His own way, in His own timing, and in unexpected ways.

(Katia and Elsie)

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Prov. 16:9

We can have our own plans and agendas but God determines what actually happens if we're open to His guiding and listening to His voice and promptings.

Love to the U.S. in San Jose

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

!Hola! Como estas? (Hello! How are you?)

Lush green mountains, bright blue skies, white puffy clouds, shining yellow sun, nicest people everthis is what surrounds us here in Costa Rica right now. Plans to spread out throughout the country this month for each of the teams on our squad have been delayed, so God has opened up a door for us right here in San Jose for the next few days.

(San Jose, Cost Rica)

This morning five of us out and headed to downtown San Jose for several hours. We didn't know what God had in store but we walked, prayed, and listened for anything He wanted to do through us. Megan and Jenn felt lead a different direction and we split for a short while. Jeanette, Renee, and I hadn't been in the plaza more than a couple minutes when a guy kindly stopped us and asked, "Do you speak English?" We all answered, "Yes." At this response he seemed a bit surprised. He said he didn't expect us to say yes at all because he had asked many other people by the time we walked by.

(Me and Renee)

After he assumed we were from Europe and we told him we were from the States, he told us he was actually from California and was trying to visit family four hours away. We were happy to have someone else who spoke English and understood us as well. (I have realized very quickly how little Spanish I really know!) He hesitated before talking and then told us not to laugh at what he was going to say. At this point we were very curious about what he had to say. He paused again and then said he needed food. He told us a bit of his story about being in a gang and into drugs in the States and getting shot in the leg (which he showed us). He said he didn't want to give us his sob story and that he did need money for a place to stay tonight but he would just take food if we were willing to buy it for him. He bargained saying he would even eat it with us if we wanted. He said we didn't have to buy him much. I quickly offered saying I would pay for him to eat. I asked what he wanted. I mentioned the fast food restaurants in the area such as Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Pizza Hut as well as a couple other smaller places. His eyes lit up as he half said, half askedPizza Hut!?

(Jeanette and Megan)

We proceeded to walk down to the nearest Pizza Hut (which I haven't seen in 8 months) to buy him a small cheese pizza for him to eat a couple meals tomorrow as well. What's $10 when you're doing what God asked you to and being Jesus' to someone around you? After we paid, not wanting to keep us he said, "Thank you girls so much for being so kind. God Bless you!" I was thinking, "Are we really just going to leave like this? I know there must be more we can do or say." And at that very moment, Jeanette prompted saying she felt like there were a few things God wanted to say to him. We all sat down and proceeded to pour out words God had put on each of our hearts. God wanted to tell this young man (29 yrs old) that God had saved him but wanted more of him. He wanted Ronnie to know that He wanted to use him in a huge way and had created him with a humble and friendly spirit that could go far in showing God's love to so many people who need it. God gave me the story of the lost sheep from the Bible. I told him that God wasn't going to give up on him. I felt the Lord wanted him to know that he was that one wondering sheep that he was going to fight for and go after until he had his heart. I told him that Jesus loved him and was longing for him to draw near to Himself. He told us that his Christian mother has been praying for him for a long time and wanting him to come back to God. He told us that he had been living the life in the wide lane but that the life with Christ is the life of the narrow path. We agreed and continued to encourage him and help him realize that there is grace and forgiveness from our past; that there is hope and redemption. Renee felt we needed to pray for healing in his leg and pray over his whole life; his past, his present state, and what God was going to do in him. The four of us held hands and we prayed for Ronnie. We thanked him for approaching us and allowing us to bless him today. And he thanked us over and over and finished with "God bless you so much" as we walked away.

(Jenn and Me)

Oh how our God works in mysterious ways! How crazy that God brought a man from the United States for us to pour into, to speak truth into, and for him to bless us as well. It reminded all of us that although people all over the world need God's love and grace, that as we finish our last leg of this race and head back, there are people in our home country all over who need God's love and grace as well. I praise God for this divine appointment and for showing up right downtown San Jose. There are people all around just waiting for a word from us. Do we stop long enough to listen and hear God's voice on who we should speak to, who needs a word of encouragement, and who just needs a prayer over them? There are people all over the world, including the United States, who have been through a lot and need love and grace. Is God calling YOU to bring a word to someone, to speak life into them? Don't miss your opportunity!

(Ronnie, our new friend!)

"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. You ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

James 4:14b-15

*Check out Renee's blog full of info
*See what God has been putting on Jeanette's heart

Debrief Action...onward!

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

[written yesterday morning]

Debrief Action!

I am sitting here in Starbucks in Zurich, Switzerland where eight of us have a six hour layover before heading to Madrid. The last several days have been spent in a place called Badplaas, a small town in South Africa. God did amazing things during our time there. We have had a chance to just soak in the Lord's presence surrounded by glorious scenery of mountains, valleys, sun, and just peacefulness. Tom and Cindy Sipling, Michael and Lynn Lobsher, Pastor Gift, and Gary Black poured into us each day through one-on-ones, group debriefs, meeting times, and having fun together.

(We stayed in those things - I don't know the name.
Christie and Gary having a one-on-one.)

(This is the view Traday and I had on our walk!)

God has been speaking to me, stretching me, convicting me, and growing me a lot recently. He has used other people to speak to me as well as His own voice. He's been talking to me about serving my team, dying to myself, listening to His voice, freedom, giving me a longing for MORE of Him, self-control, relationships, going back home, and the list goes on. Our God is full of His endless love for us. The more I learn the heartbeat of my God, the more I long for MORE of Him, the more I realize how little I am and how BIG He is, how amazing His!

(I climbed that thing (all the way to the top)!!

Ministry during debrief has mainly been ministry to each other and time for God to just completely fill us up. A time to process Africa. To look at what has been done and what needs to change. A time to serve each other and pour into each other as well. We were in little round concrete building type things and I was so excited to live with some different people from our squad and just spend time with them. There were many laughs. I was able to go on a walk with Tra-day one day and just talk about how we're feeling about leaving Africa and how things are back home. It was a great time. (I love that girl!) There were even quality moments with Megan while doing dishes and talking to people while making dinner one night. I got to sit on a jungle gym with Caitlin and have a good conversation and pray for her. While I was climbing a mountain behind where we were staying, I had good times with Seth, Mark, and Michael. I had to stand in awe of God's amazing creation on top of that mountain over looking fields and cities and mountains and valleys. There were so many moments like this.

(Traday and I on a walk)

(The four that made it to the top - Mark, Me, Michael (Black), Seth)

Then I had the chance to meet a whole set of new people and get to know them for the first time. The World Race squad that left in January this year was able to meet up with us. We had some amazing worship, singing, prophesy, words of encouragement, and a time where the Holy Spirit was at work! It was an indescribable feeling to have two completely different groups who have been to different places and are at different phases of the race come together and just fall before God in unity, to listen to words He wants us to give to each other, to live everything we've got up to God in reverence, and to praise with all we've got!

(Having some fun with the G squad!)

(AMEN!)

5 cities, 4 continents, 3 days: We headed for the airport in Johannesburg on April 20^thflying out in the evening. Many of us were very sad about leaving Africa, but hopeful and looking forward in anticipation at what God has planned for our time in Central America. We've traveled to Zurich, Switzerland (6 hour layover for 8 of us), Madrid, Spain (26 hour layover), Bogota, Columbia (12 hour layover - where I am at this current moment as I post this blog), and our final destination tomorrow is San Jose, Costa Rica where we plan to spend a month doing ministry!!

(Zurich, Switzerland - it was nice to be back for a few hours)

We have three more full months ahead of us on this race and we're heading full force into it. We will not let the end pass by just to make it to the end.' We will make the most of it and finish strong not regretting a moment God has given us this year in this experience.

(Madrid, Spain - for a few hours)

Please pray that we would give our all these last few months, our ears would remain open to God's prompting, ministry contacts to work out smoothly, team unity, those we will minister to, our preparation and processing for home, us to continue to be learners and let God grow us, and for our hearts to be broken for every person we meet.

(Me, Cameron, Traci, Traday - ready to go out!)

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this...We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You." Psalms