So, I had good intentions about blogging in Peru. I thought that I would blog every night before bed or in the mornings when I woke up. Honestly, I just didn't want to be on the computer. I wanted to soak up every single second of that experience, that culture, that simplistic lifestyle. It was good for me. It was nice to not think about Ohio for two weeks. So I guess if you want to hear about my adventures and how God worked in my life over the past two weeks, we're just going to have to get together for breakfast/lunch/dinner sometime soon and chat about it. =)
Also, God is awesome. We've got some pretty cool things planned and i'm really hoping they work out. That would be fantastic. Well, that's it. God bless yall.
peaceandlove<3
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
PERU BLOG - JULY 13TH
“Hungry, I run to You; for I know You satisfy.”
Satisfying. What is satisfying, really? Yesterday one of our leaders, Dave, was wearing a shirt from Compassion and it made me reconsider my definition of satisfying. The front of his shirt simply said: “the opposite of poverty isn’t wealth”; the back: “the opposite of poverty is enough.” Enough what? Money? Shoes? Clothes? How are we, as Christians, defining our wealth? God will provide. He gives us everything that we need to survive. Are we not called to measure our wealth in faith? Love? Ability to help others? God-given talents? If so, I’m a billionaire! I have riches in the form of love and friendship and family and faith that people dream of. I have never been afraid that there might not be food available for me. Never in my life have I had to wonder where my parents are or whether or not they would be able to take care of me. I have enough clothes in my closet for an entire city. God blessed me with more people in my life than I could have ever imagined I would have; all who love and support and care for me. Who am I to consider myself anything but rich?
I wish you could all be here. I wish you could meet these people and play with these kids and just experience this place. I know we’ve only been here for a few days, but I feel like I’ve been here my entire life. I haven’t slept this hard in a long time (and that says a lot because I’m a heavy sleeper). Maybe it’s getting up early, or maybe it’s because I feel so comfortable here, but this is some of the best sleep I’ve gotten in weeks. And I totally don’t mind getting up early. I actually am excited to wake up in the morning and see what we’re going to do next. I can’t really blog every little detail, because then I would have nothing to say when I get home, but I’ll still fill you in on our daily adventures. =)
Yesterday, I was on paint duty – with Kelly. We may or may not have gotten into a paint fight. We may or may not have involved everyone in the room. It definitely was hilarious, and I’m pretty sure everyone here thinks we’re insane. Matthew, one of the boys here (don’t even start Britani – he’s 11), told one of the other guys here that Ohio girls scare him because they’re crazy! Hahah It was too cute. But we’re really starting to get to know the rest of the team members, and I really enjoy bonding with everyone throughout the day. Yesterday we seriously talked about love stories all day. I asked everyone I worked with about their love lives and how they met/proposed/etc. It was awesome to hear how God works in some seriously funny ways. He’s a funny dude, the Big Guy.
Last night for dinner some of the neighborhood ladies came and made us a Peruvian dish…DELICIOUS! Mmm…it was seriously so good. It was some combination of brown rice, chicken, peppers, egg, idk what else but it was really really good. Then we played the HAHA game...success! I honestly cannot play that game without cracking up. We got quite a few people to play and it was super funny. Then Manny (one of our new friends, who is also a translator) was like, ‘you want a real Peruvian experience? We’re gonna play kiwi.’ So a bunch of us played this kiwi game and it was sweet! (Minus getting a soccer ball thrown at my head and an elbow to the cheek.) After that, we just sat around outside and talked for awhile.
It’s so awesome to see how God works through such a variety of different people. It proves that God doesn’t see your outside appearance; He just sees your heart. He doesn’t care if you’re a 22 yr. old med student or a 9 year old little girl…He can use you. If you have a heart for the Lord and you want to help: He will use you to shine His light on the rest of the world.
p.s. These blogs may be coming later than when I write them, but it all depends on time/internet availability/etc. Keep checking back!
peaceandlove<3
Satisfying. What is satisfying, really? Yesterday one of our leaders, Dave, was wearing a shirt from Compassion and it made me reconsider my definition of satisfying. The front of his shirt simply said: “the opposite of poverty isn’t wealth”; the back: “the opposite of poverty is enough.” Enough what? Money? Shoes? Clothes? How are we, as Christians, defining our wealth? God will provide. He gives us everything that we need to survive. Are we not called to measure our wealth in faith? Love? Ability to help others? God-given talents? If so, I’m a billionaire! I have riches in the form of love and friendship and family and faith that people dream of. I have never been afraid that there might not be food available for me. Never in my life have I had to wonder where my parents are or whether or not they would be able to take care of me. I have enough clothes in my closet for an entire city. God blessed me with more people in my life than I could have ever imagined I would have; all who love and support and care for me. Who am I to consider myself anything but rich?
I wish you could all be here. I wish you could meet these people and play with these kids and just experience this place. I know we’ve only been here for a few days, but I feel like I’ve been here my entire life. I haven’t slept this hard in a long time (and that says a lot because I’m a heavy sleeper). Maybe it’s getting up early, or maybe it’s because I feel so comfortable here, but this is some of the best sleep I’ve gotten in weeks. And I totally don’t mind getting up early. I actually am excited to wake up in the morning and see what we’re going to do next. I can’t really blog every little detail, because then I would have nothing to say when I get home, but I’ll still fill you in on our daily adventures. =)
Yesterday, I was on paint duty – with Kelly. We may or may not have gotten into a paint fight. We may or may not have involved everyone in the room. It definitely was hilarious, and I’m pretty sure everyone here thinks we’re insane. Matthew, one of the boys here (don’t even start Britani – he’s 11), told one of the other guys here that Ohio girls scare him because they’re crazy! Hahah It was too cute. But we’re really starting to get to know the rest of the team members, and I really enjoy bonding with everyone throughout the day. Yesterday we seriously talked about love stories all day. I asked everyone I worked with about their love lives and how they met/proposed/etc. It was awesome to hear how God works in some seriously funny ways. He’s a funny dude, the Big Guy.
Last night for dinner some of the neighborhood ladies came and made us a Peruvian dish…DELICIOUS! Mmm…it was seriously so good. It was some combination of brown rice, chicken, peppers, egg, idk what else but it was really really good. Then we played the HAHA game...success! I honestly cannot play that game without cracking up. We got quite a few people to play and it was super funny. Then Manny (one of our new friends, who is also a translator) was like, ‘you want a real Peruvian experience? We’re gonna play kiwi.’ So a bunch of us played this kiwi game and it was sweet! (Minus getting a soccer ball thrown at my head and an elbow to the cheek.) After that, we just sat around outside and talked for awhile.
It’s so awesome to see how God works through such a variety of different people. It proves that God doesn’t see your outside appearance; He just sees your heart. He doesn’t care if you’re a 22 yr. old med student or a 9 year old little girl…He can use you. If you have a heart for the Lord and you want to help: He will use you to shine His light on the rest of the world.
p.s. These blogs may be coming later than when I write them, but it all depends on time/internet availability/etc. Keep checking back!
peaceandlove<3
Monday, July 12, 2010
I'M IN PERU!! =)
First of all, I just wanted to let you all know that I made to Peru safe and in one piece. =) Secondly, I cannot believe this is all real!
I have seen God so much already, but i'll start at the beginning for you. As many of you know, this trip was my first time flying...and I LOVED it. On the first flight to New York, Justin let me have the window seat because he's awesome, and I watched out the window pretty much the entire time. It really got me to thinking about how big God is. At home, everything in life seems so important. There's so much 'big stuff' that we lose focus of what really matters. But when you're up in the sky, looking through clouds at the place you call home, you realize just how small and insignificant the earth is. From up there, you can't see people or houses or schools or celebrities. All you can see is God's creation. His perfectly crafted, beautiful creation. This place is nothing compared to the Home that our Father has prepared for us in Heaven.
After we got to Lima, we rode in a van to Chilca. It was pretty late so we just put our bags in our room and went to bed. Sunday morning we woke up, ate breakfast, and went to church. That service was unlike any church service I have ever been to in my life. The worship was so sincere. It was like Jesus was just hanging out dancing and clapping with us. So awesome. After church we went to lunch with some of the kids from Hannah's. I wish that you could all meet them. They are so full of love, and you know how I feel about love...it's my favorite. =) One of the girls, Esther, grabbed my hand and started walking around with me as if we were best friends. I just love how God works in us so that, even with a language barrier, we could have a genuinely good time. And then there's Kelly. She is the funniest little girl here. I'm pretty sure she doesn't remember my name, but she just calls me crazy. I guess the kids in Peru are just like the kids in Ohio. lol The rest of Sunday was basically just hanging out and getting a feel for things. We played a pretty intense game of catch phrase, made some new friends, laughed alot. You know, solid day. =)
This morning we woke up at about 6:45 for showers and silent time. Every morning we will be having silent time to just read some bible verses and really connect with God so that our hearts and our minds are in the right place. Then we eat breakfast and get our missionary assignments. Today I was in the sanding group with Tina, Rob and Gene -- with Ryan as our leader. Ryan is a summer volunteer for Childreach from Penn State. He shared his story with us, and it was really inspiring to hear what God has done and is doing in his life. During the morning session of sanding, I had to climb up on this ledge thing that was definitely not the sturdiest thing i've ever sat on, but it was cool. We took a break for lunch and then it was back to work. I say work pretty lightly, I had it easy today. Justin was a little bitter because him and Reston (our new friend from Tennessee) were sweating it up digging a big hole while I was hanging out in a window. Not my fault -- Ryan told me to take a break. =) However, I did help dig for a little bit.
Anywaysssss we got to go play with the kids at the orphanage today!! As soon as I walked in, Kelly walked up to me and said 'crazyy!' haha Some people played volleyball, some played soccer, a few of us just sat around and hung out. It was pretty much just a time to love on a few kids for an hour and a half. We came back for dinner and had this delicious chicken over rice with some kind of yellow sauce. Don't ask me how to say or spell anything, because I have no idea. We really started making more connections with the rest of our team tonight. It's so awesome to hear the stories of how everyone came to be here at this time in their lives and just to communicate with brothers and sisters in Christ. And we had some pretty interesting (and hilarious) conversations. Mostly started by us girls...surprise! lol Everyone was laughing soo much! There are alot more young people here than I was expecting, and I find that really encouraging. It's so easy to concentrate on the negative aspects of the youth today, that we overlook the hope and promise of our generation. It's just inspiring. We're just kids who want to help, you know? We want to change the world. We want to be a generation who can rise up against evil, and being here with these people makes me think that we can be that generation. We can start a revolution for God.
Okay, so I really need to go shower because I look like I have gray hair from sanding this afternoon. And lights out was about an hour ago. And we have to get up early. Pleae keep us in your prayers as we continue on this adventure.
Lift your eyes up. Seek God in every area of your life. Trust that He will always answer you.
peaceandlove<3
I have seen God so much already, but i'll start at the beginning for you. As many of you know, this trip was my first time flying...and I LOVED it. On the first flight to New York, Justin let me have the window seat because he's awesome, and I watched out the window pretty much the entire time. It really got me to thinking about how big God is. At home, everything in life seems so important. There's so much 'big stuff' that we lose focus of what really matters. But when you're up in the sky, looking through clouds at the place you call home, you realize just how small and insignificant the earth is. From up there, you can't see people or houses or schools or celebrities. All you can see is God's creation. His perfectly crafted, beautiful creation. This place is nothing compared to the Home that our Father has prepared for us in Heaven.
After we got to Lima, we rode in a van to Chilca. It was pretty late so we just put our bags in our room and went to bed. Sunday morning we woke up, ate breakfast, and went to church. That service was unlike any church service I have ever been to in my life. The worship was so sincere. It was like Jesus was just hanging out dancing and clapping with us. So awesome. After church we went to lunch with some of the kids from Hannah's. I wish that you could all meet them. They are so full of love, and you know how I feel about love...it's my favorite. =) One of the girls, Esther, grabbed my hand and started walking around with me as if we were best friends. I just love how God works in us so that, even with a language barrier, we could have a genuinely good time. And then there's Kelly. She is the funniest little girl here. I'm pretty sure she doesn't remember my name, but she just calls me crazy. I guess the kids in Peru are just like the kids in Ohio. lol The rest of Sunday was basically just hanging out and getting a feel for things. We played a pretty intense game of catch phrase, made some new friends, laughed alot. You know, solid day. =)
This morning we woke up at about 6:45 for showers and silent time. Every morning we will be having silent time to just read some bible verses and really connect with God so that our hearts and our minds are in the right place. Then we eat breakfast and get our missionary assignments. Today I was in the sanding group with Tina, Rob and Gene -- with Ryan as our leader. Ryan is a summer volunteer for Childreach from Penn State. He shared his story with us, and it was really inspiring to hear what God has done and is doing in his life. During the morning session of sanding, I had to climb up on this ledge thing that was definitely not the sturdiest thing i've ever sat on, but it was cool. We took a break for lunch and then it was back to work. I say work pretty lightly, I had it easy today. Justin was a little bitter because him and Reston (our new friend from Tennessee) were sweating it up digging a big hole while I was hanging out in a window. Not my fault -- Ryan told me to take a break. =) However, I did help dig for a little bit.
Anywaysssss we got to go play with the kids at the orphanage today!! As soon as I walked in, Kelly walked up to me and said 'crazyy!' haha Some people played volleyball, some played soccer, a few of us just sat around and hung out. It was pretty much just a time to love on a few kids for an hour and a half. We came back for dinner and had this delicious chicken over rice with some kind of yellow sauce. Don't ask me how to say or spell anything, because I have no idea. We really started making more connections with the rest of our team tonight. It's so awesome to hear the stories of how everyone came to be here at this time in their lives and just to communicate with brothers and sisters in Christ. And we had some pretty interesting (and hilarious) conversations. Mostly started by us girls...surprise! lol Everyone was laughing soo much! There are alot more young people here than I was expecting, and I find that really encouraging. It's so easy to concentrate on the negative aspects of the youth today, that we overlook the hope and promise of our generation. It's just inspiring. We're just kids who want to help, you know? We want to change the world. We want to be a generation who can rise up against evil, and being here with these people makes me think that we can be that generation. We can start a revolution for God.
Okay, so I really need to go shower because I look like I have gray hair from sanding this afternoon. And lights out was about an hour ago. And we have to get up early. Pleae keep us in your prayers as we continue on this adventure.
Lift your eyes up. Seek God in every area of your life. Trust that He will always answer you.
peaceandlove<3
Friday, July 9, 2010
peace out, america.
At this time tomorrow, I will be sleeping in Peru.
woah.
My bags are (almost) packed, my heart is full, and I am soo excited!
Tomorrows agenda: wake up, pick up britani and justin, go to breakfast, drive to airport, flyyyyy. <3
I won't be checking my facebook or twitter for the next two weeks, but I will be blogging from Peru as often as I can, so make sure to keep checking in. If you enjoy reading my blog or need to contact me, please follow this blog and leave some feedback. That would be fantastic. thanks.
peaceandlove<3
woah.
My bags are (almost) packed, my heart is full, and I am soo excited!
Tomorrows agenda: wake up, pick up britani and justin, go to breakfast, drive to airport, flyyyyy. <3
I won't be checking my facebook or twitter for the next two weeks, but I will be blogging from Peru as often as I can, so make sure to keep checking in. If you enjoy reading my blog or need to contact me, please follow this blog and leave some feedback. That would be fantastic. thanks.
peaceandlove<3
Sunday, July 4, 2010
I'M NOT SCARED.
It is 1am on Monday, July 5th. I am leaving for the airport saturday morning, july 10th. Normally, I would be freaking out...but i'm not.
Over the past few months, I have been incredibly nervous about going on this mission trip. Not the actual traveling part (i'm excited to just see an airplane up close, let alone fly in one), but the ministry part. I was afraid that I was going to mess something up or break something. I thought that I wasn't going to be good enough at whatever we do down there. My brain kept saying 'what if the people don't like me' and 'somethings gonna go wrong' and other obnoxious things. Not anymore.
I've been praying about this trip for a long time, but I recently began praying for more than safety and finances and general mission stuff. I've really been asking God to prepare my heart for this experience and, as always, He has come through. On Wednesday, I went to Round Lake to visit some of my Connect loves, and just like every single time I go to that place, God really hit home in my heart. I know that it was His plan for me to be there that day, and I am so thankful. The very first video of the night made me tear up, and every single thing during the service was like God talking directly to me. The video was about God wanting to chisel away all of the unneccessary things in this guy's life and the guy keeps interrupting HIm and finally just says 'i'm scared of what you'll find underneath'. It just brought tears to my eyes because that is so true for so many people. How many of us are hiding behind false personalities or bad friends or fancy clothes or whatever your mask may be...because we are afraid? Because we think that without all of that stuff, we are not good enough? It just makes me sad that we have come to a time in society where money and image and materials are more important to people than faith and love and honesty. What happened to purity, ya know? After the video, every song was for me and my heart and my situation. I know that, because I felt it. I felt God standing next to me, with His hand on my shoulder, catching my tears before they fell. That is love, and that is God. Then the speaker began discussing WWJD and why you shouldn't live by that. At first i'm like, ummm hello?! We definitely wanna do what Jesus would do, right? But after he started explaining it, I changed to, 'dude that makes so much sense!' Here I am, insignificant on my own, trying to do whatever it is I think Jesus would have done if He were me. But what am I? Nothing. I cannot be like Jesus. But I can let Jesus be Himself and shine through me. That's the thing, it's not so much that we shouldn't want to be like Jesus...we just shouldn't try to be our version of Jesus. We need to let Him into our hearts and our souls and our minds and let Him just be Himself through us.
So i'm not scared anymore. I'm not afraid that i'm going to mess up, because i'm just gonna let God do His thing. I'm going to go to Peru, and let Jesus use me to love those precious little kids. I'm going to let Him use me to spread hope and faith and love to anyone who is willing to receive it. I'm just going to let Him use me for whatever He needs...in Peru and for the rest of my life.
Tonight, something drew me to the book of Ephesians. After reading it, I decided to share my favorite verses from each chapter. I hope they touch your heart, in some way, as they did mine. And if you are reading this, thank you. God bless you. <3
Ephesians 1:11-12 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, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 3:16-19 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 5:1-2 1 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do, whether you are slave or free.
peaceandlove<3
Over the past few months, I have been incredibly nervous about going on this mission trip. Not the actual traveling part (i'm excited to just see an airplane up close, let alone fly in one), but the ministry part. I was afraid that I was going to mess something up or break something. I thought that I wasn't going to be good enough at whatever we do down there. My brain kept saying 'what if the people don't like me' and 'somethings gonna go wrong' and other obnoxious things. Not anymore.
I've been praying about this trip for a long time, but I recently began praying for more than safety and finances and general mission stuff. I've really been asking God to prepare my heart for this experience and, as always, He has come through. On Wednesday, I went to Round Lake to visit some of my Connect loves, and just like every single time I go to that place, God really hit home in my heart. I know that it was His plan for me to be there that day, and I am so thankful. The very first video of the night made me tear up, and every single thing during the service was like God talking directly to me. The video was about God wanting to chisel away all of the unneccessary things in this guy's life and the guy keeps interrupting HIm and finally just says 'i'm scared of what you'll find underneath'. It just brought tears to my eyes because that is so true for so many people. How many of us are hiding behind false personalities or bad friends or fancy clothes or whatever your mask may be...because we are afraid? Because we think that without all of that stuff, we are not good enough? It just makes me sad that we have come to a time in society where money and image and materials are more important to people than faith and love and honesty. What happened to purity, ya know? After the video, every song was for me and my heart and my situation. I know that, because I felt it. I felt God standing next to me, with His hand on my shoulder, catching my tears before they fell. That is love, and that is God. Then the speaker began discussing WWJD and why you shouldn't live by that. At first i'm like, ummm hello?! We definitely wanna do what Jesus would do, right? But after he started explaining it, I changed to, 'dude that makes so much sense!' Here I am, insignificant on my own, trying to do whatever it is I think Jesus would have done if He were me. But what am I? Nothing. I cannot be like Jesus. But I can let Jesus be Himself and shine through me. That's the thing, it's not so much that we shouldn't want to be like Jesus...we just shouldn't try to be our version of Jesus. We need to let Him into our hearts and our souls and our minds and let Him just be Himself through us.
So i'm not scared anymore. I'm not afraid that i'm going to mess up, because i'm just gonna let God do His thing. I'm going to go to Peru, and let Jesus use me to love those precious little kids. I'm going to let Him use me to spread hope and faith and love to anyone who is willing to receive it. I'm just going to let Him use me for whatever He needs...in Peru and for the rest of my life.
Tonight, something drew me to the book of Ephesians. After reading it, I decided to share my favorite verses from each chapter. I hope they touch your heart, in some way, as they did mine. And if you are reading this, thank you. God bless you. <3
Ephesians 1:11-12 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, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 3:16-19 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 5:1-2 1 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do, whether you are slave or free.
peaceandlove<3
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