I am a Snowboarder

Already an accomplished skier (at least I was in 1997), I somehow got roped into snowboarding over my Christmas break. Here are the pictures to prove it.

Minnesota was in the middle of their third warmest winter on record (piping hot at 35 degrees), so as you can see clearly the only snow in the area was the man made stuff on the Afton slopes.

As soon as we parked and got out of the car, Melissa asked me if I was regular or goofy. Good question. While I was pondering into her inquisitive prodding, she shouted "look at that van over there" and then shoved me from behind. I was like "what the crap Melissa are you doing" and basically she was proving to me that I was "regular" which means I would snowboard with my left foot first. When she shoved me I stepped forward with my left foot. I was hoping learning this stuff would be much simpler from there on out.

Snowboarding was indeed a lot more fun then I thought. My cousin Jamie and I were assisted by her sisters and snowboarding experts, Melissa and Sam, who taught us first how to stop and then how to do the "falling leaf" which is the motion you make going down the hill. It really is as pleasant as it sounds, until you hit a rough patch and slam face down into the snow.

I never got off the bunny hill the whole time and only made it down the hill twice without falling, but it was worth it. Somehow I felt a little "cooler" being on a snowboard then skies. Oh yeah baby. I snowboarded for about four hours total, until Jamie mentioned she was bruised enough and could probably give it a rest for the day. She has a season pass though, and I didn't. But she could realistically use this skill, and I can't.

But be on the lookout for me next year, slicing it up on the 'board, regular-style.

For Carly and Steven, who will be in Kenya this week...

One of my fave team pics...

Travesty

If you go to my cousin Beth's blog, you can see how much snow Minnesota has right now. Travesty. Maybe I can avoid the potential doom of me being on a snowboard after all...

New Husker Neighbors

In an effort to enjoy ever last minute of the 70 degree weather we've been having this month in Atlanta, I got ready to go for a brief jog before Gates came to take me to the airport. On my way out of the house I spotted a couple walking into one of the units across from me that has been for sale for several months. What was super cool was when the guy saw me he waved so I waved back and asked if they were moving in. Turns out, they just bought the place and moved to Atlanta from Omaha, Nebraska!! I had to ask them if they were into Husker football and OF COURSE they were. I had my long sleeve Minnesota Gophers shirt on so they asked me if I was from Minn, and I told them I did live there but I was born in Nebraska and they were pretty stoked. So I'm excited to get to know them better after I get back from Minnesota.

Now that's sweet

While I was packing for Minnesota I found a spare scarf I wanted to bring since my cousins want to teach me to snowboard this year. The only extra pocket I had was on the back of my suitcase that I never use so I jammed it in there and felt something crinkely. Two twenty dollar bills and my itinerary from my trip to Sweden in July of 05 was what I found. Sweet rockin'.

Redneck Gingerbread House

This might just happen in Georgia..

Still on my mind to the max

I have been surprised to discover how much Kenya is still on my mind. Thoughts about it seem to float in out of nowhere. I find myself suddenly smiling at a memory to dazing out for longer then I meant to. Our theme song "You said" by Shane and Shane is being played over and over on my ipod.

My teammate Carly went down to Kenya last Sunday and sent an update email with all the people she got to see. I think I've read it now like three times. Just to think of her being there and getting to spend time with the people we loved brings feelings of warmth and fondness. Of course I wish it could be me, but I know that when the time is right I'll go back.

Sometimes I wonder if thinking about it creates dissatisfaction with my life now. However, it seems to bring comfort more then anything. Psalm 77 talks about the importance of remembering God's goodness and faithfulness from the past. To me, that's what my experience was all about. It was all about His work. It was His idea, for His glory, and done by His grace.

The Christmas season is also not one of my favorite times of the year. I think to dwell a bit on Kenya and the other blessings of my life over this past year brings much joy where there could be sadness and pain. God continues to be the same yesterday, today, and forever. The gifts we get from Him are good and always more then what we deserve.

Christmas in Australia

In the summer of 2000 I spent eight weeks in Brisbane, Australia building relationships with students at the University of Queensland. I still get updates from the missionaries there and this morning I had received their Christmas update in my inbox, which included this hilarious tune:

Below is the Australia version of Jingle Bells – well known and sung here. (Definitions in parenthesis)

Dashing through the bush, (bush = the country)
in a rusty Holden Ute, (an aussie version of a flatbed pickup)
Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot, (esky = cooler)
Kelpie by my side, (Kelpie = aussie breed of dog)
singing Christmas songs,
It's Summer time and I am in my singlet, shorts and thongs (singlet = tanktop; thongs = flip flops [aren’t you glad])

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey! (try 100+) Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!, Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

Engine's getting hot;
we dodge the kangaroos,
The swaggie climbs aboard, (swaggie – hitchhiker)
he is welcome too.
All the family's there,
sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way, by the barbecue. (a barbecue in Australia is the grill – has nothing to do with sauce)

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!, Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

Come the afternoon,
Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce,
are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go,
we take the family snap, (snap = picture)
Pack the car and all shoot through, before the washing up. (hurry and leave before the dishes are washed)

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers day, Hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!, Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

News

As most of you know, I have been pursuing a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling at the Psychological Studies Institute (PSI) since the fall of 2005, while still working where I've been working at Mission to the World. After my prayer, thought, and input from caring friends and family, I have decided to begin taking full time classes in the spring of 2007 and no longer work at Mission to the World. I am excited about this change but at the same time sad because I will be leaving a job and work environment that I've loved for the past five years. I look forward to graduating in May of 2008 and hopefully using my degree in ministry, missions, or non-profit work after that. Also, for those of you who will be in Minnesota over Christmas, I will be there Dec 23-30 so hopefully I'll get to see many of you then.

And if you live in Atlanta, look for me at a coffee shop near you because I'm thinking of working at one for a part-time job!!

On another note, I officially changed my email to a gmail address, so if you don't have it let me know and I'll email it to you.

Driving a Cruise Liner

Heather and I spent a crazy and hilarious hour at work today together.

She was pretty stressed out because she had to ship A LOT of materials to the MTW recruiters who are going to be at the Urbana conference. The main problem was that most of the materials she needed have now been moved to our offsite storage unit, which until today, always seemed to be quite a nebulous place to me. The materials were in large, heavy boxes, so her first move was to try to recruit a guy to help her. Due to some unique circumstances, I somehow became her guy.

The next problem was figuring out how to fit 2 boxes of devotionals and 4 boxes of water bottles into her Nissan Altima. Luckily, my boss Jack came to the rescue and offered the use of his large Lincoln Towncar that can easily fit six adults in his trunk alone.

Heather was too short, so I got to drive the beast. It was so cool. The thing actually floats. It was like driving a cruise liner. And Heather and I felt like the mofia, especially when we arrived at the storage unit. No one was around. We entered the code. "Access-granted." We floated to the unit and started packing the stuff in, one box at a time. Finished. Looked around, and got the heck out of dodge.

We had to also go to Ka-bloom flower shop. On the way, we were passed by a woman driving Jack's exact vehicle. She was clearly no less then 89 years old.

Someone also got really gutsy and pulled out in front of me. After they saw the beast barrelling down on them while honking, I'm pretty sure they needed a towel.

Ka-bloom was uneventful. Flowers order for Julie who is leaving us. That stinks, but the flowers are cool.

Got back. Unloaded drug shipment, I mean, materials. Gave keys back to Jack. Jack confirms that he sees his car all the time and it's always being driven by someone who is like 30 years older then him. Hilarious.

Survived. Back to being a girl.

The Dead Parent Club

I know this sounds totally insensitive to write that. However, if you've lost a parent I think you'd agree that there's something about that experience that makes you feel like you're a member in some weird club that you never, ever wanted to be in. Most people my age, in America, have both of their parents stilll living. They might not have the best relationships with them, or get to see them much, or even know who they are, but they are alive.

My coworker and friend, Allie, is dating this cool guy named Mark. He came up to visit us at MTW this week for lunch. Mark actually went to Berry like Jamie and I (a bit before our time though) so we were asking him how he ended up at Berry, etc. Through this we discovered that Mark's dad passed away when he was only 18. Later on, the conversation turned to me about how I got to Berry, and then it somehow also came out that my mom died when I was 22. Mark said that he actually heard me mention this before, when he and Allie and I were at our work Christmas party, apparently I said something about "when my mom passed away." Mark said that when I said that, his ears immediately perked up. It's just funny because I know exactly what he means. When I hear about people who lose a parent at a young age I feel connected with them in a strange way, because it's rare thing to have that in common with someone. Mark phrased it as "being in the dead parent club".

It's odd hearing it, but true and real in the same way. I'm in the club. With Mark, and few others.

Just in case anyone's counting

In regards to weddings, I have, in the past year:
-received ten invitations to go to a wedding
-was able to go to five of them
-four of those five I did attend were just since September
-in two weddings I was honored to serve as a bridesmaid
-in one I was an awesome attendant
-five of the ten weddings were for first cousins
-three of these cousins are either currently pregnant or have already had their first child
-one of the ten was to my brother and sister-in-law's wedding (my fave, if you were wondering)
-one wedding I got to ride in an H2 Hummer limo (the above, clearly)
-only one of the ten was in the actual city of Atlanta where I live
-the last wedding attended in this cycle was today, which was the one that was finally in Atlanta
-I shouldn't get more invitations, that I know of, in 2006

So yes, don't worry, when I get married, you're all invited! And it's going to be one HECK of a party =).

Things that I love

Facebook.

Blogging.

Gmail.

Sitting next to Jamie, Soxie, the fire and the tree.

Being done with this semester in five days!

MTW.

Missionaries coming to visit this week and next!

Enriched soy milk.

Coffee.

Mi Taco.

Friends.

Family.

45+ first cousins and 14 second cousins (Malachi born just this week!).

Seeing the above in just a couple of weeks.

I watched her litter box go up in flames

I've been noticing lately some new things in me that I'm not..quite..sure..where they came from.

I suddenly got a hint of excitement on our way to Home Depot to get a Christmas tree with Jamie on Sunday. Usually I'm quite the Christmas scrooge.

We got a Frazier fur, which I've never had before, and I wanted to try.

I actually wanted to decorate, and then loved how it looked when we were done, despite our earlier fear that our tree looked ghetto. I especially loved the fireplace and finally getting a screen for it so Soxie can no longer go in there and use it as a litter box. Then we had a beautiful fire and destroyed any reminant of this alternate litter box.

Jamie played some of her new Christmas music CD in the car on the way to church on Sunday, which I...LIKED. Then I had to recant my earlier comments to her, which went something to the affect of her (and Nathan) being "lame" for buying it.

I really like cooking and voluntarily ask to cook things. For example, I had the idea to make Kate's awesome enchilada's for Heather's birthday last Saturday and they were a big hit woo-hoo!!

I've been exploring the possibility of using gmail as my email address. Basically, from what I can see it totally rules school in comparison to yahoo. So be looking for a change on that front as well soon.

Kirsten's article

I just loved reading this today.

It's an article written by Kirsten Boal, who is the daughter of Pastor Alan and Ruth Boal. The Boal's are Irish national partners of MTW, the missions organization I work for. I had the pleasure of visiting them, the interns working with them, and the church itself in July of 2005 in Dublin (see pic). This was published recently in the Irish Times. I found to it be quite heartfelt and inspiring.

"Keeping the faith" by Kirsten Boal

Teen Times: I always wear three bands. One is the well known WWJD, which stands for What Would Jesus Do. Another says GOLF, meaning God Of Love and Faithfulness. The last one is FROG: Fully Relying On God. This is my favourite - if I ever feel lonely or scared, I glance at this one and I know God is there.
Whenever I meet new people, they nearly always ask me what the bands mean. It is a fun way to describe my faith. I like wearing these bands because I love being a Christian. I suppose that seems strange seeing as I'm only 15 and there is a perception that young people are not committed to their faith.
A general reaction to Christianity is that it is boring. Sometimes I think other religions, such as Buddhism, are made to look more attractive, or allowed to be taken more seriously, such as Islam. There is a lot more to Christianity than Bible-bashing. It's hard for me to imagine not having God in my life. In the morning I always feel safe knowing that I'm going through my day with Him.

I go to Abbey Presbyterian church on Parnell Square, Dublin. I sometimes hate the thought of getting up for 11am when I could be lying in bed. However, when I get to my church and I'm with my friends, it makes it all worthwhile. There are not many young people in my church but those of us who are there have known each other since we were small and so we all get on really well. I like to meet the older people too; they always ask me how I'm getting on and take an interest in what I am doing.

We've got people from all over the world in our church. I've met people from Africa, China, Romania, Bulgaria, France, America and lots more. They are all very interesting. My dad is the Minister of the church and so we are often asked to go back to houses for dinner. The food from different countries I have tried has been really good, even though I was reluctant to eat it at first because it was like nothing I'd had before.

On a Saturday night I go to a youth club in another church in Adelaide Road. Loads of my friends would be out drinking but I don't need drink to have fun. I love hanging around with the people in the youth club because they are Christians and are a great support. I don't mind taking any of my other friends along because it usually shows them that Christianity isn't as boring as they thought.

When I was a child I went to Africa, as my dad was a missionary there. I hope to go back there with my friend Laura some day. This summer my family and I are interested in going somewhere different on missionary work. There are lots of ways to help people, both in Ireland and the rest of the world.

In the summer I go to Teenstreet, which is organised by the Christian group Operation Mobilisation. This is a huge gathering of teenagers from all over the world who are Christians. It is held in Germany, and it is the most amazing experience I have had. I've made loads of friends there. I keep in touch with them by e-mail and we help each other with our faith. The music is so heart-warming and really makes me feel closer to God. In Teenstreet, they help us to express God in whatever way we want, whether that is through art or music or socialising.
God is great, is what we say, in all the different languages of the participants at the Teenstreet event, including Irish. This is so true; I don't know what I would do without Him guiding me through life.

As it is coming up to Christmas, I look at my What Would Jesus Do band and know that what he did was come to earth as a baby to save us. He changed the world. And He changed my life.
Kirsten Boal (15) is in transition year at Mount Temple School, Dublin

Dinner in Buckhead and this week has been sooo great

As I write this, my cat Soxie is sitting next to me resting herself on my leg =).

My time off from work and school this week has been fabulous. The weather has been incredibly awesome, and I've been able to get things done inside (i.e. cleaning and watching Husker football) and go running and walking outside. Thanksgiving Day I was able to see my aunt Charlotte and cousins Jenny and Becky who I hadn't seen in about two years at least. It was fun seeing them and my Atlanta relatives, not to mention many in-laws and then my Indian friend and her mom and an Indian guy and a Pakistani that my aunt and uncle brought. The food was incredible and although I was second to last in our game of hearts I left with a full stomach and heart.

Last night Amy and Laura D and I went to dinner near Laura D's house for her 2_th birthday. She lives in an area of Atlanta that I'm quite unfamiliar with so this was quite an educational experience. Up until last night, I thought Buckhead was largely just for parties and eating out. So when Laura told me that she lived in West Buckhead, I was kind of skeptical because Laura's not a partier and she lives in a nice condo in a quiet neighborhood. As we made our way to dinner, we drove by some beautiful houses and a PARK even, then popped out just south of the Buckhead party area. Interesting. We headed on to Jabitos (I think?) this sweet Mexican place. I was already facinated by the new surroundings which only intensified at the restaurant because I think for the first time in my life I went to a public place in Atlanta where there were no black people. Everyone was white and super preppy. Apparently, Buckhead is not just parties galore but also people from the Old South with money and whatnot. But, I basically lost interest in all of this when the chips and salsa came because the salsa was so scrumptous my focus could not be on anything else.

On the way out though Laura finally spotted a black person and as we we looked closer you could tell he was obviously homeless. What the crap. Atlanta is by far the most diverse place I have ever lived, and normally I see just as many white, black, and hispanic people in a day of all socioeconomic backgrounds. But even Atlanta is not immune to segregation and the divide between the rich and poor.

We did have a lot of fun and got to talk some shop because Laura and Amy are veteran counselors. OH and one more thing, don't ever watch the movie American Dreamz, because it's really American nightmarez.

My PSI BFF's

This weekend I was able to spend time with my two BFF's from PSI: Alison and Morgan. Alison was getting married in Thomaston, GA and Morgan and I had the honor of being two of her bridesmaids. Neither Morgan and I had ever been to Thomaston which is a small town about 1 1/2 hours south of Atlanta. We had a fun time "exploring" the place. Let's just say it didn't have Starbucks, but all the food was really good and we did get some exercise around the "downtown" area a few times. The big disappointment was not getting to try the Big Chic, which always had a hopping drive through. It just never seemed appropriate to show up for any of the wedding activities smelling like fried chicken.

Alison's family and friends were awesome though and she got married to Andrew, a terrific guy!!

Next week we'll all be back to our group counseling presentations and final videos and exams. So it was super nice to have the break and enjoy spending time together. Plus, how else would we have been able to try both egg custard and coconut egg custard pie in the same sitting?

Last day of group therapy

On Thursday afternoons I have my group therapy class which consists of half lecture and then half group therapy. The lecture helps us get the concepts and the therapy helps us experience what that's like since many people have never been a part of it before.

We split up sort of randomly during one of the first classes into our two different groups. Each group is led by a student leader who has graduated from our school. After lecture we get with our groups and go to the room for "therapy". I put that in quotes because it can never be true therapy because it's for a class, we're required to be there, and it's a bit weird being with fellow students who will see you over and over again in different classes.

Today was our last time for the therapy part and so we were supposed to write an encouraging notecard to each person in the group sharing what you learned from them or how you wanted to say goodbye to them. We brought them and exchanged them. It was really really cool to see what people wrote. Here's a couple of mine.

"I have appreciated the authenticity with which you approach topics. You appear to speak your mind and creatively incorporate humor into your genuinuess. I enjoyed your quirkiness."

"You were the one in the group who I felt like I had the most in common with and enjoyed sharing with the most. I appreciated your honesty and your humor that you brought to the group. I though it was admirable to be able to share about your mom, even though you were unsure about sharing at all."

"In keeping with my true nature of conciseness, I have elected to say goodbye to you by selecting three words/terms that you have embodied in our group from my perspective: honesty, comedy, self-awareness. Thank you for the gift you are and will become."

Anne of Green Gables

This weekend I was reminded of how much I loved reading the Anne of Green Gables books which I did for the first time just four years ago. My friend Ami loves them and somehow introduced me to them and so I read at least the first three books from the series.

Today I decided to start rereading the first book. As I pulled my copy off the shelf I found the handwritten inscription on the first blank page which was written by Ami. She gave me this sweet collectors edition copy for my 23rd birthday, about a month after my mom passed away. It was a very fun and well-timed gift. In the inscription she referenced a particular quote from page 377. It was so applicable to my life then and as I read it now it spoke to me in the same way. Sort of eery and cool, eh? Here it is:

"I shall give my life here my best, and I believe it will give its best to me in return. When I left Queen's my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes-what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows-what new landscapes-what new beauties- what curves and hills and valleys further on."

It's that time of year again!!

That's right- it's bumper sticker season!!

It's starting right about now with election day and will continue through 2008. Of course, I'm excited to continue sporting my three stickers around the metro Atlanta area.

I'll surely keep you posted with any especially creative stickers I see.

Of course in my area the most popular bumper sticker is the Raza 102.3 radio station one. For obvious reasons.

I love this time of year!! Only 1 1/2 hours left of voting time before we have to wait 2 more years!

The Lone Arcacia~ July 13, 2006

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord." ~Habakkuk 3:2

Quotes

This week I was reading an online journal written by a couple that goes to my church. The husband has battled with colon cancer for about 10 years. Here is a couple of quotes from the journal that really resignated with me:

"Those who dive into the Sea of Affliction bring up rare pearls." ~Charles Spurgeon

"We are all created with hearts that are factories of desires that never close and are always trying to manufacture happiness."

"God is my treasure, my rock, my rest, my comfort, my nourishment, the lover of my soul. He is compelled to satisfy me in Himself alone. The faith you see outwardly in me is merely an evidence of God's miraculous transplant of my heart. It provides the confidence that, when I turn from all other objects and sources of comfort, God will shape and satisfy my deepest desires."

It's weird

Sometimes when I spend a few moments looking through my pics and facebook walls of my Kenya teammates, I can't believe I went there and did that for two months. Wow.

White and Nerdy

Weird Al's play on the song "riding dirty". It's worth it.

I think my brother might actually be in this catagory. Like him, the guy in the video can name Pi to a 1000 places.

Erica, you're awesome for sending this to me!

Today was filled with these.....

If you haven't checked out www.despair.com you should. It's hilarious.

Don't write your own story

It's hard to describe my feelings after running the entire Run for the River 5K in Duluth last Saturday. Elated to the max probably describes it best. It felt so good to accomplish my goal and to think that a year ago I never could have done something like that. I finished 226th with a time of 35:56, which isn't super fast but it really doesn't matter. I wanted to run the whole thing and I did. 3.2 miles!!

There are some things that I think can be done just by shear willpower. Running, and exercising in general, is mostly mind over matter. If you can persevere through moments of breathlessness, cramps, and minor pain, you can usually do a lot more then you think. There were times (right before mile 3 to be exact) when I became convinced of my need to walk. But, I reminded myself of how disappointed I would be if I did. So I kept on.

Although determination is an admirable quality and needed to get through life's normal hardships, there are many things that pop up that are completely out of our immediate control. Relationship issues, (and lack of relationships), or health problems are just a couple of examples. You might possess the desire to change something in the problem, but yet there's something elusive which keeps the action steps out of reach. The conclusion of that part of our story is left frustratingly wide open.

There are times in our lives where we get to write certain paragraphs of our own stories. We can enter a 5K race, train for it, and accomplish the goal. There are also times where the unexpected happens, and the goal cannot be accompished no matter how much effort is put forth.

Ultimately, it is only God who writes our story, with prayer as a means of communicating to God and telling Him what is on our minds. Admittedly, prayer for me often turns into reminding Him of how I want my story written. It takes a different level of determination to pray and then rest in God's complete authorship. I definitely have some more training to do in that area.

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

Get fired up- only 5 more days!

This just in from race coordinator Jenny:

Hello All,
As many of you are aware (because you have already signed up) this Saturday is the RUN FOR THE RIVER 5K Race (www.runfortheriver.org). The race begins at 8, so we should probably meet there at 7:30 ish. If you haven't signed up yet, it is not too late. You can register online or at the race site!

If you are interested in carpooling, please let me know. For whoever is interested, we will probably be meeting at the Glenrose House around 7. I know - it's an early morning, BUT it will totally be worth it. After the race, Lesley, Lisa and I will be hosting a pancake breakfast for all those who participated in the race.......well, not everyone - just the ones we know, of course.

It looks like it will be a bright and brisk morning on Saturday. I hope that you'll be able to make it!

Let me know if you if you signed up, if you want to carpool, if you are going to meet us there, and if you plan on coming for breakfast.

Thanks!
Jenny

It's hopefully more then just the repo committee

Living in a townhouse has brought about a new role for me which is being a part of a townhome association. I had an opportunity to meet the other members of this unique place a few weeks ago when I attend my first association meeting.

The meeting afforded some intriguing news such as how the ducks will be removed in November, although miraculously will not be harmed in the process. Also, I found out there is nothing the association can do about the ice cream truck that plays the most annoying music ever and comes through our neighborhood at least once a week.

In addition to personally hearing more about the newsworthy happenings of Spring Harbor, I also got to see my fellow Spring Harborites in action. One woman was so distraught over the duck removal that she ran out of the room with her hands over her ears and singing so that she couldn't hear the details. I think she's an animal lover.

We also got to vote on the new board members, and I had the privilege of electing my friend and coworker Kendra to the board. Kendra now has been asking me to join up and come to the board meetings and head one of the committees. I said I would think about it, as long as I didn't have to be on what I call the repo committee which goes around and nails people who haven't paid their dues. I like speaking the truth in love but that's a little much. Kendra's suggesting I help with the community newsletter or the welcoming committee, the latter involving just going around and meeting people and finding out what language they speak. I can do that. Buuuuuut I don't know we'll see.

Interesting week

This week has proven to be quite interesting thus far.

It's been stressful at work dealing with some issues that came to a head especially Monday with a missionary I was working with, in addition to some other minor deadlines I had. When I get stressed out or think about something a lot, I tend to chew on things; mostly pen caps and occasionally my cell phone antenna. However, that day while I was on a phone call trying to get some last minute information from someone, I was chewing on my Sharpie marker. Suddenly I heard a "crack" and an ooze that tasted absolutely horrible hit my tongue. Not only was I ingesting marker but it was permanent and black- double whammie. Fortunately I was about finished with the phone call so it wasn't too long before I was able to wipe off my mouth before serious damage was done. Only the tip of my tongue was black for a while. Also, to my relief, it says right on the marker "nontoxic" so I am still alive today to blog about this story.

I also had my friend and coworker Allie cut my hair this week. She's been cutting hair on the side for quite some time. I told her I would pay her full market value and she could do whatever she wanted because it doesn't matter to me too much and it's hard to screw up curly hair. We did it in our storage room after work, which was extremely convenient until someone walked in and noticed what we were doing. Fortunately it was someone who just thought it was funny. My hair, is quite short now. I've gotten a ton of compliments and I think it looks good, but I'm still getting used to it. It's a bit on the poofy side, but Allie says it gives me personality. I can work with that.

Both of these incidents were also recorded via cell phone picture. Our HR director heard about the marker incident and came by to take a pic for "workman's comp" reasons/proof for further jokes at my expense around the office =). The person that walked in on my haircut also took a picture, and he also happens to lead my bible study on Wednesday nights, so that's circulating around as well.

I also gave out my third homeless pack to a woman who's often seen on my exit. She seemed the most grateful so far. After I gave it to her she thanked me profusely and walked away slowly, looking at the bag in wonder at all it's contents.

I never thought my life was so interesting.....

What's in a pack

Ok, several people on my "My name is Jimmy" post asked me what was in a homeless pack.

First off, I will give credit to where credit is due for the idea. It's actually Christy Norwood's brainchild.

What you do is get a large gallon size baggie (I feel like I'm about to describe how my dad's makes UFO's, except the main difference is that homeless packs shouldn't be on fire or you're making them wrong) and put all kinds of things in it that you think a homeless person would like. I guess we hit the mark because both Jimmy and then Tommy last Friday were excited to get them. Here's what we put in them:
-travel size toothpaste and toothbrush
-purell wipes and hand sanitizer
-kleenex
-gift certificates for grocery stores
-high protein granola or cereal bar
-wet ones
-MARTA passes (bus/train in Hotlanta)
-phone card
-travel size first aid kit
-Bible verse
-phone numbers for homeless resource centers in Atlanta

I'm sure there are many other good items out there. Anyway, I just got a bunch of people together and asked them to bring something and help me make them. I've got about 25 of them. I keep about 4 in my car at all times. When I encounter someone while I'm driving (I only do this during the day) I just roll down my window and ask them if they would like one. I try to get their name and shake their hand and strike up a small conversation. Now Jimmy was real nice and polite but Tommy proceeded to compliment me first on my hair and then my legs so I was like..umm..but he said to take it like a compliment and I said ok and he was nice outside of that. Anyway, who knows what you'll encounter, but I've been enjoying it so far. We'll see what God does with it.

Ok I got the retreat group pic, but this one is still cute of Jamie & I at the retreat. Plus I'm wearing one of my fave shirts.

ALF retreat

Last weekend we had our annual Abundant Life Fellowship (formally known as singles fellowship) retreat at Camp Mac in Alabama.

This was my sixth retreat so naturally I was initially wondering why I should go to another one. I obviously qualify to go by my marital status, but beyond that I was doubtful of what my personal gain would be.

God really worked in my heart and used the teaching by Jeff Ashby in major ways. He discussed four "F" words: foundation, form, follow, and flourish. The retreat theme was "Finding your Focus" in order to stay strong in the Lord for a lifetime.

One thing that really struck me was how naturally I allow my singleness to define me, instead of who I am in Christ as His child. I could blame this on society or whatever it is that reminds me that I am lacking something as a single person. It was refreshing and convicting to digest the truth about how in Christ I have everything and He is my foundation for what is true and what I should be doing. I lack nothing.

I'll also include here a good quote from the weekend by Henri Nouwen: "I have called you by name, from the very beginning. You are mine and I am yours. You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths of the earth and knitted you together in your mother's womb. I have carved you in the palms of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Wherever you go, I go with you, and wherever you rest, I keep watch. I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from you. You know me as your own as I know you as my own. You belong to me."

His name was Jimmy

I finally got to hand out a homeless pack yesterday.

I was pulling off 85 south on the ramp to Pleasantdale Rd which leads to my house when I saw an older looking man with a sign. Of course my pack was covered by my other stuff from the day so I frantically searched with my right hand to grab it while maintaining driving in the lane.

Fortunately the light turned red because I thought I was going to have to give it to him real quick as I drove by. My window was already rolled down and he saw my bag hanging out the window. He walked slow up to my car and I said "you're welcome to have this" and handed it to him. He said, "thank you. This will help so much. God bless." His sign read "travelling to a new job, any help you can give. God bless". Pretty unique I would say.

I leaned out the window with my right hand to shake his and asked "what's your name?"

"Jimmy," he said.

"I'm Jessica," I said.

"God bless you," he said again, with much appreciation.

Jimmy, I hope you enjoy it.

Ok I get the message loud and clear

I am an idiot. So you know how I blogged earlier about how 2 Peter 1:3-8 really spoke to me after this weekend.

Tuesday when I was rearranging my cube I noticed that I had already printed out 2 Peter 1:3-8 and it was posted right by my phone.

Today I noticed that these verses were already referenced right here on my blog.

Wow. Ok God..I get the point =).

Ch..ch...changes

Things at work have been changing a whole lot lately.

Carrell was married on Sept 23 and got back to work finally this week after crusin' around Mexico. Now she walks to work, packs her lunch in a backpack, and her husband picks her up after work to go to the gym (aka after school program). Yes, she has reverted back to elementary school. She's got it all except for recess.

Ron started work this week and so he took over Daniel's place on our team. He's definitely not like Daniel, but a good pick for us for sure. We welcomed him by eating some sweet CFA and passing down Daniel's coveted cublicle dice to him.

Allie was in Daniel's old/Ron's new cubicle, so she moved to the empty one across from me. Allie has a humungous plant that hangs into my cublicle now and blocks out the light that was illuminating my workspace. I know what it must be what it's like to live on the Amazon rain forest floor.

I have been accused lately of having a cubicle that is too "over stimulating". I'm not sure how that is possible. That's like saying a decorated rock is over stimulating. So Tuesday I rearranged it and cleaned. I still think it's pretty sweet. At least my Vikings flag is much more prominant.

Pictures from Matt and Shannon's wedding

Here are some pics from the wedding!

I might be bias but it was probably the funnest wedding I've ever been too. And the fall colors were so pretty. Flying over Minnesota this time of year is amazing.

The picture of Matt holding Shannon is in front of the H2 Hummer limo they rented to take us from the church to the reception. It was SWEET.

Congrats to my bro and sister-in-law!!

Everything we need for life

I rode the MARTA train home after spending the weekend celebrating with my bro and sister-in-law and once thing that I always like about the train is that it's a great place just to sit back, relax and think.

I was boogie-ing out to my ipod (with earphones of course- MARTA regulation) and one thought that popped into my head was a phrase from the bible that talks about having everything you need for life and Godliness. But I couldn't remember where it was.

I had my handy pocket bible and looked up "Godliness" and found this. My thoughts mainly were reflecting on the weekend which was so much fun and delight in their new marriage but at the same time difficult emotionally in some ways. I had some good conversations with family that I hadn't seen in a while that were encouraging but also heart-wrenching to hear about what God is calling some of my family members to do.

So these passage really ministered to me there at that time and place.

Next station, Doraville.

2 Peter 1:3-8
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It's almost time...

My brother will be in his own wedding in less then two days!!

(caption- my brother as the ring bearer and I as the flower girl in a neighbor's wedding in 1984. He carried that monkey the whole time and then when he walked down the aisle he caved halfway through and ran to my parents!)

I think I love coaching

The present use of the word “coach” came from the 1500’s when people used coaches to get from where they were to where they wanted to be. As a coach in your particular context, you are helping people to improve their skills to reach the goals they have so they can be where they want to be.

PSI, the graduate school that I am currently attending in has several different tracks that you can choose to emphasize in which is sort of like choosing a minor in undergrad. About two weeks ago I was able to take the Intro to Coaching class which is the first class in the “Leadership and Coaching” track at PSI.

The class was taught by a premiere Christian coach, Gary R Collins who’s written over 50 books and is a clinical psychologist who has also studied the coaching profession.

I learned rather quickly that coaching is different in counseling. Mainly, coaching focuses on the client’s personal goals and getting them to the next steps in their lives as opposed to digging in the past and doing more with diagnosis and pathology. It was neat to see though how counselors make the best coaches because of the vital listening and reflecting skills you learn along the way. So I can see how the two are connected for sure.

It would be neat for me to be able to use this degree with missionaries who are often faced with big decisions. There are also some exciting programs being developed with MTW mission fields in Europe that focus primarly on the younger generation and short-term missions with which I have a lot of experience. This summer in Kenya I saw myself in a coaching role many times as my teammates who were college-aged primarily worked through questions of what they wanted to do with their lives and how they wanted to change. There are also probably countless ways to use these skills on many different mission fields (including Kenya), which is really exciting.

I was especially intrigued by the questions that coaches often ask:
What are you passionate about?
What is something that you would die for?
What would you do to sabotage this process?
What are some of your core values?
What is something that you can't not do?

This pumps me up to be able to help someone think through these questions.

So, we'll see. The coaching track has five classes total I think so there is still much more to be explored. I'm loving my other counseling classes too so I have been so thankful lately for the opportunity to learn this stuff!

An awesome week

After a couple of hard weeks at work with change and transition seemingly everytime I peek out of my cubicile, this week afforded some awesome, awesome times.

It began last weekend with my dad coming to visit as you read in the previous blog. I also took a class that weekend called "intro to coaching" which will be my emphasis in graduate school. I'm going to write another blog dedicated just to that because it made such an impression on me.

Basically my birthday lasted a week as well. The highlight was Monday night when I had a bunch of people over to make homeless packs.

About six weeks before I left for Kenya I moved into my townhouse and began to commute to work via I-85 and Pleasantdale Rd. This interchange frequently has panhandlers out there asking for money or whatever you can give them. It got me wondering if there was anything I could do for these people while still keeping my own safety in mind. My friend Christy suggested making homeless packs which consists of large ziploc bags full of things that a homeless person may need.

On Monday then everyone brought something to add to the pack. As you can see from the pictures we had quite a lot! It was so neat. Now I've put about four in my car and will be looking for opportunties to hand them out. So stay tuned because I'm sure there will be a blog or two about those interactions.

Last Thursday night Jamie took me out to dinner at Seasons 52 which is a new restaurant in Atlanta that changes its menu based on the season and everything is under 440 calories. It was the most flavorful, delicious food I've had in a long time! They have a huge wine list and they have desserts in shot glasses! It was really fun and definitely something I have not done before so of course I loved it.

I also got a ton of txt messages, phone calls (Andy, your family's message was soo sooo funny. I saved it so you can hear it), emails, e-cards, and normal cards. So yeah, I felt like the most loved 27 year old in the world!

I need to brag on my dad a little bit

It only takes fifteen hours to drive from Lincoln, Nebraska to Atlanta and about 1000 miles, so my dad found out in his drive down to see me last Friday.

He left at about 4:30 am and got to my house at about 10:00pm, after a little detour through spagetti junction, which apparently confuses not only Atlanta motorists but also GPS systems.

The main purpose of his visit was to drop off my birthday present- these adorondak chairs and table shown in the pictures. He handmakes chairs like this and lawn gliders in his spare time. Model numbers 153 and 154 are mine! They look awesome on my deck and match my house really well.

Although his trip was sort of a whirlwind tour (he only was able to stay about 10 hours) it was so worth it getting to visit with him and getting the chairs of course. I'll see him again in two weeks for my brother's wedding.

Today the weather again was beautiful in Atlanta so I was out there sitting on them for three hours while I studied. Side note- while I was studying a group of boys marched straight up to the lake which is just feet from my deck, counted to three, and whipped two Sunday papers still in the bags into the water. They didn't see me until I accidently knocked my cell phone off the table right after the papers splashed on the surface. Then they all looked up at me with REALLY guilty looks on their faces. I said nothing and they got the heck out of there. Weird. They're still floating out there with a forgotten soccer ball.

Anyhow, what an awesome present, huh?

Ultimate Comfort

In my Interpersonal Skills class today my professor posed this question: "What are some verses in the bible that show the importance of empathy to others?" It was really cool to see what my classmates and I came up with.

Here is a passage from 2 Corinthians chapter one that was one of the answers to that question: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

It was especially encouraging to me as I am working through some changes at work, with some of my relationships with friends, and I still miss Kenya an awful lot. It seems like many times these days I experience anything but comfort. I also found out that one of my dear Kenyan friends, Martha Makuku, is going through a really hard time because one of her best friends suddenly died in a car accident last week.

I emailed her these verses this morning and continue to pray for her. And, I too need to remind myself daily of the amazing comfort that comes only from an perfectly loving, comforting and empathetic Father.

Any more good verses you can think of about the importance of empathy for others?

One of my fave pics from Kenya

This is Fouk and I enjoying a bite or two of maize (called corn in the US), which is grilled and sold by street vendors all around Nairobi. If you look closely I have paprika on mine, which you can flavor to taste. I actually regretted the paprika decision. However, it was good at least halfway through until my mouth was on fire!!

Also, Fouk, my grandmother, and I all have the same birthday on Monday! So I am posting this in honor of that glorious day as well. I will be 27, Fouk will be 20, and my grandmother....70 something?? Can a Rausch help me out?

What happens if you get to a toll booth and have no cash

Jennifer and I got to Columbia, SC around 3:30pm yesterday and got to hang out with our teammate Amanda for a couple of hours before I had to drive back to Atlanta.

We went to Rockaway's for linner (lunch/dinner) which is this awesome hamburger place right by Amanda's house. We walked there, actually. They have a pamento cheese burger there that was incredible. Apparently George W spoke at the USC graduation a few years back and asked where in Columbia he should eat and Rockaway's was the recommendation and that burger is what he ate. So I like to think I ate a piece of greatness, somehow. I certainly was in the presence of greatness (don't gag Amanda and Jennifer =).

Anyway, I used the rest of my cash to pay for dinner and on the way out it started POURING. We decided to wait a few minutes in the lobby to see if it would stop. As we were waiting we got into a conversation with a man in his 30's who was also waiting in the lobby. He had quite a story about his life and how he was in need of money. It seemed like the right thing to do so we gave him a few dollars and I gave him the rest of my change.

Fast forward about 3 hours. I'm driving on I-385 about to merge onto I-185 and I notice (and remember from the drive up to Columbia which was a mere 3 days earlier) that I-185 is a toll road. Of course, just as I merged, the scene from dinner replayed in my head and realization sunk in that I would soon be screwed when I got to the toll booth.

I tried to comfort myself with the hope in a possible chance to exit before the booth. But of course, going this way on that highway back to Atlanta afforded no such opportunity. "Maybe they take debit cards" was my final fleeting thought.

I approached the booth; first car in line. I told the lady that I had "zero cash." She looked at me for a minute (seemed like 5), and then explained I'd have to fill out this form completely and as legibly as possible with all my identifying information. I also had to pull off to do this which I was super thankful for because by this point as about 4 cars were waiting behind me.

So I pull over and fill everything out, dodge the traffic stopping to pay the toll, and get to her window and hand in the form. Fortunately this form ended up not only getting me through this booth but also was my pass for the next and final one.

I now have 30 days to send in my $2.00 which is what I owe the state of South Carolina for unpaid tolls.

The best idea ever

One of the biggest blessings of my time in Kenya was the intern team I was leading. All of us were from different parts of the country and came with different backgrounds, issues, families, longings, dreams, and goals. Our one common link was that we were all children of God. Our Father did answer our prayers BIG TIME for unity and love for one another. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35). These verses were on our minds a lot.

I am writing this blog from beautiful and fall-like Harrisonburg, Virginia. Jennifer and I drove up here to visit Carly for Labor Day weekend. Carly is the one with the dark hair and blue bag in the front of this picture and Jennifer is in the back partially covered up by Dido's face. Jennifer was planning on coming a couple of weeks ago and presented this idea of me driving up to Columbia, SC to meet her and then driving together to Harrisonburg. From the moment this adventure began we have said over and over what a great idea this was!!

Being here though does remind us of how much we miss the Kenyans and the rest of our team. So I wanted to give a shout out to Steven (Univ of Florida), Jessie (VSU in Georgia), Rachel (Missou), Lesley (youth ministry in AL), Fouk (Belhaven College in Mississippi), Amanda (the other USC), Matthew (Univ in Cairo, Egypt) and our friends in Nairobi!! Kimiso!! (Swahili slang meaning "missing you beyond words")

From l to r in this pic: Fouk, me, Jennifer, Dido, Carly, Rachel, Steven, Lesley, Amanda, Caroline, and Jessie (Matthew left that morning for Ghana so he is not pictured) at the Nairobi Giraffe Centre where we kissed the giraffes and fed them!

If your salvation is secure...

One of my favorite parts of living in Kenya was taking the matatus to get around Nairobi. These vans would take you basically anywhere for very low cost. Technically there is a limit of 14 passengers per van. However, on one particular trip we counted 24 all packed in there!!

Most foreigners have cars there so we were usually the only white people on them. Riding them not only gave us a sweet discount on transport but it really helped us to build repore with the Kenyans we worked with who have no other option but to ride them.

Today I found a website with good pictures of what they are like. The second picture shows a pretty typical matatu. The other ones they show are the more "trendy" ones and would sometimes even have like "Dallas Mavericks" or "Dr. Dre" on the side! Those ones too had really loud squealing mufflers. We didn't ride those very often.

Halfway through the summer I realized that sitting in the front of a matatu is quite a rush. If your salvation was secure you could sit up there and enjoy the ride!!

Here's a description from the website about what they are like:
Tatu is a Swahili word meaning three. Minibuses got the name matatus from the fare they used to charge back when this means of transport was first introduced. With time due to the use of Sheng [mixture of English and Swahili] they are known as mathrees among the younger generation. Today there is what we call the matatu culture. Matatus are not just a means of transport but a form of expression - a statement- which show energy, vibrance, attitude and creativity at its best in the young and middle aged of this day and age in Kenya.

My favorite one was called "Bobo Train". After seeing it around only twice all summer, I actually got to ride it in when I went to Wangechi's house! It doesn't get much better then that.

Hot dish on a stick

Last weekend was spent in a whirlwind in Minnesota, and it was oh so much fun! I was able to spend some good times with my bro and his fiance and attend two showers for her and her bachlorette party. It was such a treat for me to be able to go since once of the bummers about me living so far away is that I do miss out on things.

Here were some of the highlights:
-swapping stories and insights about my trip to Kenya with my aunt Sherrie, who was also there the last two weeks of my trip with a medical team that came down.
-hearing stories about my brother's cat Caddie who will eat anything including, but not limited to, dry broccoli and jalapenos.
-having a very "macho" time at the bachlorette party.
-learning what a "credit card" move was at the bachlorette party (this was not so much a highlight, but just an educational moment, maybe more for my cousin Jamie who was the victim of the credit card. I fortunately escaped. This time.)
-eating at Red Robin with my brother and hearing about his recent promotion, while eating a sweet Turkey burger and wondering at the same time why we don't have Red Robin's in Georgia and why I did not get into the security business as a career.
-going to the Minnesota state fair with my uncle Andy and his oldest daughter Maddie who is 6.
-riding the realllllly big slide with Maddie and legimately asking her on the way up if it was ok if I was scared.
-eating a pronto pup, a fried snickers bar, a spagetti dinner on a stick and some fried pickles with dip at the fair.
-watching Andy eat more then that and still be alive today (to be fair, he did share his cheese curds, corn on the cob, and ice cold milk with me but since I'm writing this blog I choose to omit how much of these things I had)
-wishing I had room to try the hot dish on a stick and fried alligator.
-sending personal phone calls from Samuel L. Jackson to people who really appreciated it I am sure.
-spending some quality time on the plane reflecting, journaling and praying.

Worst fears realized

This year I was invited to join an NFT fantasy football league. The official draft was last Saturday and I couldn't participate because I was in Minnesota, so I had to let the computer make my picks. I was reassured by two very reliable resources that in the end, it's quite likely I would end up with a better team this way.

I was on MARTA yesterday heading home from the airport when I got the news from Heather about how the draft went.

I ended up with Brett Favre as one of my two quarterbacks.

Back to work/back to school

Daniel ordered this mini-cubicle off of EBAY last spring, complete with stick-on pics of family and a computer screen for the little worker man. I of course thought it was hilarious and quite an accurate representation of how it feels to be workin' in the cube, or the hole, as I call it. I never found a way to get this pic on the blog until now because this sums up how I am feeling to be back in the hole after being out of it for two months!!

There's so many good things about my job, but sitting in a desk all day answering emails and phone calls was not something I totally missed. There's something about being with people and out walking during the day and having only tasks to do that are rarely on a deadline or specific time frame that never really got old.

I do think at some point I'll be back in a job like the one I had this summer. And I think that's a big part of why I'm going to counseling school, which started back up this week. I think I'm going to really love my classes this semester which is awesome. So I know there's going to be a cumulative purpose to the temporary walls and homework for the next 2 years.

At least my temp walls now are decorated with some pretty snazzy Kenyan facades!!

Like the best Kenya movies ever

My teammate Fouk posted some of her videos on this website that you can view for free. When you click on the link you'll see the one she did to show her supporters and prayer partners and the others she filmed with her camera while she was there.

They are soo good!!

Link to MTW streetchild

Here is a good link with more information about what the church we worked with is doing in Kibera to help streekids and people with AIDS. There's also a neat picture of Pastor Imbumi and Martha Makuku with Kibera in the background if you click on "an interview with Pastor Imbumi". Enjoy!

Braids with a "piece" (extentions)

This is what we did with part of our last free day! Mine took four hours.

25th anniversary

2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the first people found with HIV/AIDS. This global epidemic began in Africa, and today in Kenya alone 1 out of every 5 people are HIV+. In the slums it is 1 in 3.

I had never made friends with someone who was HIV+ until this summer. Little did I know that these people by August would become so dear to my heart.

In these pictures are my friend Wangechi and her sons: Bendeson, 10 and Churchill, 6. And then me with Mary Angela, a woman I made in the Kibera slum AIDS support group. Mary Angela and her husband Michael are HIV+ and so is their youngest daughter, Sylvia. As you know, Wangechi is HIV+ and so is Bendeson.

If you ask Wangechi what her prayer requests are, she always says "for health!". She has a deep desire to do what she can to stay healthy so that she will be able to continue doing the this work. By leading the support groups the Lord uses her to allow people to come to terms with their HIV status and to have the tools to be able to move on with their lives.

When I think of Romans 8:28, I think of Wangechi. She is someone who took a horrible thing that happened to her and trusted God to use it for the good. I always told her she was the most popular person in Kibera. If you walk around the slum with Wangechi, so many people come up to greet her it's like being with a celebrity!

Story of Niva

One of my team's favorite ministry spots was at the girls shelter, Shurname, which was started by the main church we worked with.

The girls shelter consists of 17 girls and 3 boys, mostly rescued from abusive situations or from being forced into marriage at a very young age. Primarily they come from a slum called Kibera, the second largest slum in Africa and the main slum we worked in.

When the girls come to the shelter, they are cared for by house moms Caroline and Dido, who were also two of our translators. At the house, the older ones also care for the younger and they work hard to keep the place clean and even cook for one another. They all go to a really good school and most are in the top of their class. In this house is usually the first time they also hear about the gospel of Jesus, and all of them are now Christians.

One of the hardest things about ministering here was hearing the girls' stories. Niva is the girl featured in this picture who has on the pink and blue hat. When Niva was brought to the shelter, she had been sexually abused for at least three years. She walked with a limp and had many infections. At the shelter, her and her sister Sundae (right of Niva), received love, medicine, were cleaned, and started to get an education. As you can see here doing their "monkey faces" with Jessie, they are quite happy now. For the time being the courts have ruled that they can stay at the shelter away from their abusive stepfather.

The goal is to eventually raise enough money to build a bigger home that includes a boarding school. Right now, most of the donated dollars go towards the children's school fees because education is not free in Kenya at any level. With a boarding school, they could provide adequate education and a larger facility to rescue more girls. It will be neat to see how God answers our many prayers about this!!

New perspective

I didn't anticipate how much my perspective on life in America would change after coming back from Kenya. I find myself noticing the most random things. Like I am amazed by the ease of the toilet flushing and how much water it uses to flush. It's a ton. I guess we need to use that much water? I'm not really sure.

Everything also smells really good. I told Jamie like three times my first day home that she smelled good and that the house really smelled good. I think the first two times she thought it was sweet but by the third time I think she thought I had a problem.

Some of the difficult things to readjust to has been the new sounds in my house at night and to how technology driven we are in our society. A good example of both of these things happened last Saturday night. I awoke at 2:30am to a loud screeching beep downstairs that would go off about every 30 seconds or so. I remembered that we had a carbon monoxide detector and maybe that's what it was and we were about to die. So I ran down there and discovered it was the smoke alarm. I stared at it for awhile and then it occurred to me that smoke alarms do that sometimes if the battery is low. I'm not totally sure if we had smoke detectors or not in our house in Kenya or not but if we did they probably don't beep when the battery is low. I was able to fix it though the next day and by God's grace it only took me about 15 minutes.

Here is also the first of the pics. My teammate Jennifer emailed this to me and so it was super easy to post. This was us explaining Ephesians 6 to the kids in Muthiga (where we were the bubble and crayon police) which talks about putting on the armor of God. I was the soldier as you can see and the others are putting on my armor and explaining it.

I feel like for me even more so now I need the armor of God. If you've never read Ephesians 6 check it out. It can help us to get through anything we may face.

update #7- final one folks

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on this side of truth listen to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked..
~John 18:36-38

So I am back in America safe and sound.
When I am hungry I can eat right away.
When I am thirsty I can drink straight from the tap.
When I have to go to the bathroom there's one nearby that's clean w/toilet paper.
I can go to my favorite restaurant, Cresent Moon.
I will get free refills and ice in my drink while I'm at Cresent Moon.
I can get real ketchup and not lame Peptang tomato sauce at Cresent Moon.
I can drive.
I can go places at night.
I have money to buy what I need.
I have a beautiful house with my own bed and bathroom.
I can go back to holding, petting, and annoying my cat.

America so far has been a mix of relief to be back in my own culture with my friends and family around me and general overwhelmingness of how fast paced and technology-driven we are. I've already had a couple of re-entry feux pas with customer service people at the apple store and kinkos. Why does everything have to be done with a credit or debit card here I ask?? =)

I'm sure that in about a week things will hit me that I've really left and I'm not sure when I'll get to see my new Kenyan friends again or my team. I hope that when I miss them it will drive me to pray for them and encourage them via email and letters as much as possible. Like the above verse says I have learned again that really as Christians we long for the kingdom that is in heaven and not in this earth. As we hope in the truth found in Jesus, we long for a time where we can be with him in heaven, where there is no more pain, sadness, suffering and tears.

I hope to continue to post things on my blog including pictures as soon as I can get my computer fixed. My blog is http//:jessrings.blogspot.com. I can't wait to show you what some of these adventures look like.

I look forward to sharing these experiences also in person as time allows.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support! You all were so incredibly encouraging and I couldn't have done it without you.

Talk to you all soon,
Jessica

---

Do you Yahoo!?
Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

update #6 written originally on July 27 but wasn't posted for some reason

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat...for my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts....you will go out in joy and be led in peace." ~excerpts from Isaiah 55

 

We really felt our final days creeping up on us today as we spent our last day in the Kawangware slum and then took Jennifer to the airport as she is leaving 4 days early. Pastor Makuku and his family came over and we all prayed for her and then rode together to drop her off and say goodbye. Although it was a pretty sad car ride it became quite exciting when Steven and I spotted our favorite matutu, the "Bobo Train" for only the second time since coming to Nairobi. I'm going to miss Jennifer and the random matatus a lot.

 

We had our last days in Kibera and in the Mukuru Kiaba slums earlier this week and then Saturday is our last day in Muthiga. Muthiga is where I have to play crayon police because we always let the kids color after our bible lesson. We actually ran out of crayons a few weeks ago and so we've moved on to bubbles and the bubble police. So I am super grateful for some packages that came from home this week stocked full of awesome cards and more crayons!!!!! So I will be thinking of all of you back home this Saturday as the kids get so stoked to have their color time.

 

I am very much looking forward to tomorrow. Four of us, including me, are going to get our hair braided in the morning and then we're going to make a final souvenir stop at the mall. After that the Makuku's are taking us to the new home they are building that they've talked about the whole summer but we've never been able to see it. Then we are having debriefing with them over Martha's sucumaweke for dinner. Sucuma is the kind of food that I normally don't like when they serve it in Kibera but Martha insists that hers is much better. So I am super stoked. I think Martha's Sucuma Debriefing night is going to be a new annual tradition for interns. I am looking forward to looking back at the summer and talking through the strengths and weaknesses to continue to develop a good internship here in Kenya.

 

For me I still have a lot of mixed feelings about leaving. Realistically I have no idea if I will ever be able to come back. But I know that it is in God's hands. I know that in my wildest dreams I would have never pictured doing this with my summer. But I have been shown over and over again that God's ways are not ours and that's a good thing. It has been a good gift to be here and I have been blessed and humbled by what a good experience it was. I pray that the Kenyans have too been blessed.

 

My aunt Sherrie and the rest of the medical team has done a tremendous job this week. It's been surreal being in Africa with one of my relatives. Such a treat for me. It will be fun to compare stories with everyone when I go to Minnesota at the end of August for my future sister in laws' shower.

 

Instead of ancedotes (I will save those for next week so I can do them in person) I will end this update with one of the worship songs that my whole team knew before coming here except me. Now I have learned it too and it's one of my favs.

 

Pray for us next Monday around 4:00 or so your time as that is when we are flying out.

 

Talk to you soon for real,

Jessica

 

You Said

 

You said

Ask and you will receive

Whatever you need

You said

Pray and I'll hear from heaven

And I'll heal your land

 

You said

Your glory will fill the earth

Like water the sea

You said

Lift up your eyes

The harvest is here; the kingdom is near

You said

 

Ask and I'll give the nations to you, Oh Lord

That's the cry of my heart

Distant shores and the islands will sing your light

As it rises on earth

---

Do you Yahoo!?
Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

update #5 written originally on July 20 but wasn't posted for some reason

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his imcomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." ~Ephesians 1:18-21

 

I was sitting in the KRPC church office in Kibera last week talking with Martha Makuku (the pastor's wife) about ministering in Kibera, and she shared the above verses with me. She said that they are words of great encouragement for the people of Kibera, who do often seem quite powerless to overcome their life situations. I've been reading over this passage a lot as well and thinking about my time and ministry particularly with KRPC and the Makuku's. Although I have greatly enjoyed all of the places where we have worked here in Nairobi, Kibera has been my favorite, and I have loved getting to know the Makuku's, especially Martha.

 

Kibera is the place where the movie "The Constant Gardener" was filmed. There is about 1 million people who live in 1 square mile in one-room houses made of tin, straw and mud. This is where the Kibera Refored Presbyterian Church (KRPC) is located and where Pastor Makuku and his wife minister alongside other Kenyans who help with the AIDS support groups, drop-in streetchild program, school, feeding program, etc.

 

At first walking into Kibera every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday seemed a bit daunting. We are always greeted by kids who shout "wazungu" (foreigners) and "how are you??". We always greet them by shaking their little hands or by glenching our fists to smack knuckles with them and saying "go-ta" which is like slum slang for hello. The sewage streams add to the anxiousness because we cross three of them just to enter Kibera and you cannot always see the rocks you have to step on. Steven found out the hard way one day that the sewage river is about 1 1/2 feet deep. I don't think he'll be wearing those pants again.

 

Once we're in KRPC we get together with the pastor and the other church staff to sing a Swahili song, an English song, and pray. Then we all head to our various ministry activities. As I am in the KRPC "health dept" I work with Mary Wangeshi mostly as I mentioned in a previous update. Wangeshi, as she is called because everyone is named Mary, and I have gotten to develop a neat relationship. I have loved getting to know her and her life and how much she knows about health and HIV. She leads the AIDS support group and also does a feeding program for mothers and children who are HIV +. So depending on the day we might visit people in their homes, attend the support group, distrbute food, and talk with anyone that comes by with a need.

 

Wangeshi has an amazingly difficult job as everyone she ministers too is usually quite ill amongst having many other concerns. So it can get quite draining. For example, one woman named Evelyn this week shared in group that in addition to being HIV+ some tests showed that she has breast cancer. She also has 7 kids, three of which are triplets, and she has a difficult time finding enough food for everyone and to have enough good to take her ARV meds. So clearly it can be overwhelming.  I have enjoyed encouraging Wangeshi and providing her with a laugh or two when I can. She's also usually askes me to share a word of encouragement from the bible with people in the support group while she translates. This week I got to share my testimony and talk about my mother's passing away, and how even though it was incredibly difficult, God is still using that in my life. One of the main ways he does that is to minister to others who also suffer. I think it went well but it's always hard to tell in cross-cultural scenarios =).

 

My friend Mary Angela and her husband Michael attend the KRPC support group. I believe I've also mentioned them before. Please pray for them as Michael has been very ill and bedridden for the last 3 weeks. Both of them are HIV+ and one of their daughters is as well.

 

One neat thing to mention is that my aunt Sherrie and the rest of the medical team is joining us tomorrow and are staying through the time until we leave I think. So they are in the air as we speak. Sherrie will be able to stay at the same guest house but just down the driveway from where me and my team are staying. So I hope to get to see her bunch. I'm so excited!!

 

We also had a chance to go on a safari in Masai Mara (where Survivor Africa was filmed) July 13-14. It was the best one ever. We saw cheetas, hippos, elephants, buffalo, and lions, including one male lion that walked right by our van. Nightime was a little scary b/c we stayed in a lower budget place in tents where you could hear hyenas and other unidentified animals from the distance. It was really cool though and you could see a TON of stars.

 

It's really hard to believe that we will be flying out July 31. All of us are pretty sad to leave because we have all grown to love Kenya and the people here. It's been a humbling experience in many ways. I remember how anxious I was to come here and now I am anxious to leave. Such is life I guess. I've been praying a lot about how I will be able to continue to use this experience back in the states as I will still be in Atlanta for a while finishing up school and such. I know God will provide an open door somewhere. I really hope this is not my last time in Kenya.

 

I will end this update again with some fun antedotes. If I get a chance I will try to write again next week. Thanks again for all your notes and prayers and thoughts. They offer much encouragement to us.

 

Jessica

 

Antedotes:

-Being called a man because you can't handwash your clothes or cook very well.

-Seeing a matatu called the "bobo train".

-Watching the World Cup with the nuns who went crazy and even fake head butted each other after that happened in the game.

-Having goat tonight for dinner (I hope it's good!!!!!!!!!!)

-Having your team ask you if it's ok to buy a cow for one of our translators who needs 14 total in order to get married and only has 13 right now.

-Remembering that here, pets are meat.

-Realizing that teammate Fouk has a hidden talent as the "goat whisperer".

-Fitting 24 people into a 14 person matutu.

-Fitting 12 people into the pastor's 5 person suburu hatchback (there's always room in Africa they say).

-Kissing a giraffe at the giraffe sanctuary

-A cat going in and out of the church service and meowing the whole time.

-Seeing monkeys on the ride home.

-Finding hats in the church office that say "Jesus is my Boss".

-The church staff wearing the hats that say "Jesus is my Boss".

---

See the all-new, redesigned Yahoo.com. Check it out.

update #4

"You have multiplied, O Lord my God,your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell ofthem, yet they are more than can be told." Psalm 40:5

Each night my team and I get together for a debriefing about the day and prayer. Normally for debrief we go around and share our highs and lows for the day. These past few days since I last wrote has definitely been full of highs.

Last weekend we celebrated both Pastor Makuku's and Steven and Jessie's birthdays which was a lot of fun. It's always interesting experimenting with cooking here. We managed to get a cake made for the pastor with "chocolate covering" melted on top. I think it's a British thing maybe. For Steven and Jessie we went for ice cream w/candles in it and a trip to Java House which has the best food and mango shakes. I'm really hoping that mango shakes will be in heaven somehow. Man they are so tasty.

We also had a bunch of our Kenyan friends over for the 4th of July. We made peach cobbler, macaroni and cheese and other such American foods. Only the Makuku's who have lived in the states before had ever had peaches. The Kenyans had no clue what they were. They didn't really like the description of it being a fruit with hair. But in the end they all went back for seconds and thirds. We also had some African dancing and singing in Swahili and of course a ton of soccer playing in our gigantic backyard. We had a ton of fun. This culture is a lot of fun especially once you get to know the Kenyas. They are so friendly and enjoy relationships and just hanging out with you. So we all sat around when it was over and decided that it was one of the best 4th's ever for us, even though we didn't even blow anything up. To all my Atlanta friends who ran the Peachtree I hope you guys had a great time and I totally thought about you!! Lesley and I have been running in the mornings which is a whole adventure in it of itself. But it's been good to do it, especially in this altitude.

Last night we had a chance to hang out with a World Harvest missionary family named Bob and Lois Carr who have been ministering in East Africa for many years. It was such a treat. We had tacos with homemade guacamole and iced tea so we all had like eight helpings. We even got a watch a movie and really enjoyed fellowshipping with them. It was the greatest and we hope to get to see them again before we go.

We did have one sobering event of this week. There is a little boy named Brian whom Steven on my team used to walk in with whenever we went into Kibera. Brian would always meet us by the sewage stream and hold Steven's hand. He was in the baby class at the church's school. We found out this week that he died suddenly. It was really hard on all of us. Death unfortunately is not unlikely for some of these kids that we play with and minister to each day. We prayed a lot about it and continue to do so. The church is also reaching out to his family.

Our health as a team has also gotten a bit better. We still have a few with sinus infections and for a couple folks on my team they tend to always go in and out of feeling nausous so thank you for your prayers about this.

It's hard to believe that we only have about three weeks to go. The time is starting to go by quickly. Please pray that we would all make the most of our time here and that we would not forgot what we are learning when we get back. That God would change our lives and teach us how to use it in our American contexts as well.

I'll end this update with a few "things I do in Kenya but not in America" items.

Talk to you all soon,
Jessica

"Things I do in Kenya but not in America":
-turn on an outlet before using it
-put on bug spray before bed
-look right, left, right, before crossing the road
-never go anywhere after dark
-drink a mango shake at least once a week
-talk a lot about CFA
-grill hamburgers with a gicoa, charcoal bought in Kibera, and an oven rack
-never know what the temperature is or what the weather is going to be like (it's not displayed here ever that I've seen plus it would be in C)
-try to get the nuns to make us goat before we go
-wear long skirts and tennis shoes (sorry Allie!!) every day
-share from the word of God to a stranger several days a week
-walk, walk, walk and more walking
-get really excited when I can buy a coke
-get really excited when it's not sucumaweke day for lunch in Kibera
-get really excited when a drink is cold
-purell my hands like eight times a day
-clap most of a church service long
-talk about nuns playing badmitton
-ride public transportation
-start every day with one English song and one Swahili song and prayer
-miss my family and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---

Why keep checking for Mail? The all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta shows you when there are new messages.