Dan and I with some kids in the bush while a bunch of us were on a hike
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Elijah
This is Elijah. Isnt he such a beautiful little boy! They call children pikinini's here... its not "Tambu" (Taboo) to say that here as it is in the U.S.
Suicide Rocks, Elijah, Ishmael, Robert's Village, etc
So the past two days have been eventful and this is the first time I have had a chance to sit down and write. I actually added some more photos to my other entries so make sure you go back and look sometimes bc I am slowly getting pics up. However, the pics did load but for some reason there is an error on my page... so hopefully you all can see them.
Ok well the other day I worked in the office on some more projects for the upcoming hospital dedication. I am apart of the management team now and went to the meeting the other morning which was cool to be apart of even though half of it I couldn't understand but they caught me up. A few times a year patients from other parts of PNG are flown in. Kudjip Nazarene Hospital is not the largest but definitely the best- so they came here and it was quite a show.
Bill is awesome and he let me leave work to go on a hike to the Suicide Rocks!.... Ya I jumped and I we took some awesome pics! I met Dorothy at the Rocks and sat and talked with her a little and jumped a few times with her. She lives somewhere out by the rocks and often goes there. She said up to 10 people can jump at the same time... I think that would be crazy! You should see the little space you have to jump through! You land in a river and it takes you down 30 yards or so and then you have to climb back up. I met a little boy name Elijah on the way home and played with him and talked to his dad who is a Nazarene pastor. Elijah was the sweetest little boy and he also lived out of the hiking trail in a little village surrounded by coffee trees and banana trees.
I also had the opportunity to meet a little boy by the name of Ishmael in the hospital. He is Dr. Erin's patient who has leukemia. When he walked in Erin explained to me that he was swollen bc of the steroids they had to give him. The connection here between Ishmael and I is not originally between the two of us. The reason I wanted to meet him is bc the medicine he needed was donated by my Uncle Ken and I was able to bring it over for him. I kno
w that people help, send donations, sponsor children, etc. But to have the opportunity to actually meet those who are on the receiving end is such a blessing. To look into their eyes and see their pain. To meet the mother and talk to her and see how grateful she is that there is someone who cares enough to help her little boy. It may seem like there is an overwhelming need in the world that is far to hard to overcome but even if we can all help just one person we can make such a difference. Another example that I saw first hand was when Marsha knocked on our door and had two women with her. It was a mother and daughter. The daughter is sponsored by the Conner's and was home for her once a year visit from school. They were so grateful and excited to meet Katie and the mother began to cry as she hugged Kate and expressed her gratitude. Thank you Lord for your many blessings. You are a loving God.
Ok so today was awesome. I woke up and hung around for a while before joining the Mt. Vernon team for a bride price ceremony. We drove to Pastor Roberts home village and we
re able to join in on the fun. UNREAL! They met us in song and dance and took us to the center of their village where they thanked us for coming and we gave the bride and groom a gift the Professor Randy had made. Then they presented us with gifts and we stood and shook hands and gave hugs to all of the people. Next they took us into there homes. Mary a local women took me and she dressed me with every
thing she had been wearing and put paint on my face. When we were all dressed we joined in on the song and dance and it was a blessed time! I have all kinds of video to show you all when I get home. At the end of the ceremonies they actually named a baby after one of the Mt. Vernon girls Aubrey, bc they loved how she sang and danced! This is a huge honor. They sometimes don't even name a baby right away, Aubrey was deeply touched. As we were leaving
my friend Mary ran up to the window and gave me a paper that had her name and address on it. I cant wait to show everyone the pics of all the people in their dress. Right now we are at Becky's hanging out playing games. Mom you have to find this game called Banana Grams... its like speed scrabble haha you would love it! Dad, Mom I wish you could meet the people here they are so interesting.
The other night we got a call from the missionaries that there was a little boy missing and they were going to drain out the Hydro (a man made stream) to see if he had fallen in. Thank you Lord he was not in there! We all prayed and I was happy to find out the next day that he had wandered off and eventually was returned. The details were a little shaky but either way he is safe and home.
Please pray for the family of a little girl that was on the way to the hospital with bloody diarrhea and was stopped on the road and not allowed to cross. Bc of this by the time she reached the hospital she had passed due to dehydration. Very sad. It seems to me that she could have easily been saved but bc of the selfish people on the road she lost her life. Lord I don't get it but I trust you please be with her family.
Ok well the other day I worked in the office on some more projects for the upcoming hospital dedication. I am apart of the management team now and went to the meeting the other morning which was cool to be apart of even though half of it I couldn't understand but they caught me up. A few times a year patients from other parts of PNG are flown in. Kudjip Nazarene Hospital is not the largest but definitely the best- so they came here and it was quite a show.
Bill is awesome and he let me leave work to go on a hike to the Suicide Rocks!.... Ya I jumped and I we took some awesome pics! I met Dorothy at the Rocks and sat and talked with her a little and jumped a few times with her. She lives somewhere out by the rocks and often goes there. She said up to 10 people can jump at the same time... I think that would be crazy! You should see the little space you have to jump through! You land in a river and it takes you down 30 yards or so and then you have to climb back up. I met a little boy name Elijah on the way home and played with him and talked to his dad who is a Nazarene pastor. Elijah was the sweetest little boy and he also lived out of the hiking trail in a little village surrounded by coffee trees and banana trees.
I also had the opportunity to meet a little boy by the name of Ishmael in the hospital. He is Dr. Erin's patient who has leukemia. When he walked in Erin explained to me that he was swollen bc of the steroids they had to give him. The connection here between Ishmael and I is not originally between the two of us. The reason I wanted to meet him is bc the medicine he needed was donated by my Uncle Ken and I was able to bring it over for him. I kno
w that people help, send donations, sponsor children, etc. But to have the opportunity to actually meet those who are on the receiving end is such a blessing. To look into their eyes and see their pain. To meet the mother and talk to her and see how grateful she is that there is someone who cares enough to help her little boy. It may seem like there is an overwhelming need in the world that is far to hard to overcome but even if we can all help just one person we can make such a difference. Another example that I saw first hand was when Marsha knocked on our door and had two women with her. It was a mother and daughter. The daughter is sponsored by the Conner's and was home for her once a year visit from school. They were so grateful and excited to meet Katie and the mother began to cry as she hugged Kate and expressed her gratitude. Thank you Lord for your many blessings. You are a loving God.Ok so today was awesome. I woke up and hung around for a while before joining the Mt. Vernon team for a bride price ceremony. We drove to Pastor Roberts home village and we
re able to join in on the fun. UNREAL! They met us in song and dance and took us to the center of their village where they thanked us for coming and we gave the bride and groom a gift the Professor Randy had made. Then they presented us with gifts and we stood and shook hands and gave hugs to all of the people. Next they took us into there homes. Mary a local women took me and she dressed me with every
thing she had been wearing and put paint on my face. When we were all dressed we joined in on the song and dance and it was a blessed time! I have all kinds of video to show you all when I get home. At the end of the ceremonies they actually named a baby after one of the Mt. Vernon girls Aubrey, bc they loved how she sang and danced! This is a huge honor. They sometimes don't even name a baby right away, Aubrey was deeply touched. As we were leaving
my friend Mary ran up to the window and gave me a paper that had her name and address on it. I cant wait to show everyone the pics of all the people in their dress. Right now we are at Becky's hanging out playing games. Mom you have to find this game called Banana Grams... its like speed scrabble haha you would love it! Dad, Mom I wish you could meet the people here they are so interesting.The other night we got a call from the missionaries that there was a little boy missing and they were going to drain out the Hydro (a man made stream) to see if he had fallen in. Thank you Lord he was not in there! We all prayed and I was happy to find out the next day that he had wandered off and eventually was returned. The details were a little shaky but either way he is safe and home.
Please pray for the family of a little girl that was on the way to the hospital with bloody diarrhea and was stopped on the road and not allowed to cross. Bc of this by the time she reached the hospital she had passed due to dehydration. Very sad. It seems to me that she could have easily been saved but bc of the selfish people on the road she lost her life. Lord I don't get it but I trust you please be with her family.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Baby Mama!!!
So today was a great day! Very eventful. I could do "best" and "worst" but for now lets stick to best. I went to the market in town today and saw so many things. The fresh open market is unreal! I have never seen so much quality produce in one place! I will tell you more about it later bc what I really want to tell you about is what I did tonight when we got back to the compound. We were invited to the Dooley's house for a nice dinner with their kids and some other friends. Scott Dooley the father is a doctor and he was on call tonight. So when he got called in at the dinner table to perform a C section he invited us to come and watch!!!
So of course I went! It's not everyday I get to go in with a doctor and observe a C section! It was amazing and they aske
d the women if we could take some pics and she said yes so I have all these crazy pictures and video of the baby being born. Who would have ever thought that we would get to witness that! God is good. Mom that was my joy gem for the day. By the way a joy gem is comparable to the web gem on ESPN but my mom made up joy gem for things that happen that are so great, you know a gift from God. The doctor and staff, mother and baby are definitely a gift from God!
OK bummer, I just tried to upload a pic of it for all of you but it won't do it. I have a feeling that I am going to have a hard time getting pics up. Also, family bad news Skype is very slow and I haven't even had a chance to get anywhere I can try it. Maybe I will try it in Bill's office on my lunch if he will let me. Problem is that too many people are on at the same time so its makes it very slow. So I will have to write a ton so you know what's going on.
Tomorrow morning I get to shadow two of the doctors as they make their rounds. Dr. Erin and Dr. Becky invited me to do so. I am hoping to meet a little boy by the name of Ishmael that is a patient of Erin's who has Leukemia. I will detail his story later. I also have to present a draft of the hospital dedication brochure in a meeting in the morning. Then I assume Bill will put me to work in his office or on the job site. They are doing a number of things from planting flowers as I had mentioned to pulling out fences and building a wall. We were blessed to hang out with our new friend Michael who took us to town. He is very nice and taught us some Tok Pisin and told us about his family etc. We just really enjoyed his company.
Oh we went to a hotel in Mt. Hagen to eat and Kathy Radcliffe who took us and bought us breakfast which was very kind of her. But what was so great was the way she witnessed to our waiter. The contents of the PNG flag have been used to tell the story of Jesus (which I will post for you someday soon). Kathy used it to talk to the man about Jesus and he told us that he was raised Catholic but bc of the fighting that was going on in his village the people had stopped church and anything like that. I couldn't understand everything that was said but as we left he pulled her aside and told her he would like to know more. I was very touched by all of this bc to me it was a very simple thing that Kathy did. She took the opportunity to tell a man about Jesus. She could have easily continued talking to Katie and I but she made a decision and look what it did! I really enjoyed her today and learned a lot from her. She didn't have to say much bc she lead by example and I saw how much she really loves the Lord and people.
Family I am so sorry that I have been unable to talk to you. But just keep checking this and also Dad, Mom, Nick, Kris start checking your emails so I can send you personal ones. I will try to do that tomorrow. Kris I don't know if I have your email so you should send it to me on my email. Ok its is late here and I am at Dr. Becky's house and need to go to bed so I can get up early enough to read and workout before I start my day. Kate and I are having dinner at our house and then dessert and games with some friends after. I love you all very much... P.S. I think you can comment on my posts so you should so I can here back from you...but since I'm new to this you'll have to figure it out. Maybe you have to click the thing at the bottom of each post?
So of course I went! It's not everyday I get to go in with a doctor and observe a C section! It was amazing and they aske
d the women if we could take some pics and she said yes so I have all these crazy pictures and video of the baby being born. Who would have ever thought that we would get to witness that! God is good. Mom that was my joy gem for the day. By the way a joy gem is comparable to the web gem on ESPN but my mom made up joy gem for things that happen that are so great, you know a gift from God. The doctor and staff, mother and baby are definitely a gift from God!OK bummer, I just tried to upload a pic of it for all of you but it won't do it. I have a feeling that I am going to have a hard time getting pics up. Also, family bad news Skype is very slow and I haven't even had a chance to get anywhere I can try it. Maybe I will try it in Bill's office on my lunch if he will let me. Problem is that too many people are on at the same time so its makes it very slow. So I will have to write a ton so you know what's going on.
Tomorrow morning I get to shadow two of the doctors as they make their rounds. Dr. Erin and Dr. Becky invited me to do so. I am hoping to meet a little boy by the name of Ishmael that is a patient of Erin's who has Leukemia. I will detail his story later. I also have to present a draft of the hospital dedication brochure in a meeting in the morning. Then I assume Bill will put me to work in his office or on the job site. They are doing a number of things from planting flowers as I had mentioned to pulling out fences and building a wall. We were blessed to hang out with our new friend Michael who took us to town. He is very nice and taught us some Tok Pisin and told us about his family etc. We just really enjoyed his company.
Oh we went to a hotel in Mt. Hagen to eat and Kathy Radcliffe who took us and bought us breakfast which was very kind of her. But what was so great was the way she witnessed to our waiter. The contents of the PNG flag have been used to tell the story of Jesus (which I will post for you someday soon). Kathy used it to talk to the man about Jesus and he told us that he was raised Catholic but bc of the fighting that was going on in his village the people had stopped church and anything like that. I couldn't understand everything that was said but as we left he pulled her aside and told her he would like to know more. I was very touched by all of this bc to me it was a very simple thing that Kathy did. She took the opportunity to tell a man about Jesus. She could have easily continued talking to Katie and I but she made a decision and look what it did! I really enjoyed her today and learned a lot from her. She didn't have to say much bc she lead by example and I saw how much she really loves the Lord and people.
Family I am so sorry that I have been unable to talk to you. But just keep checking this and also Dad, Mom, Nick, Kris start checking your emails so I can send you personal ones. I will try to do that tomorrow. Kris I don't know if I have your email so you should send it to me on my email. Ok its is late here and I am at Dr. Becky's house and need to go to bed so I can get up early enough to read and workout before I start my day. Kate and I are having dinner at our house and then dessert and games with some friends after. I love you all very much... P.S. I think you can comment on my posts so you should so I can here back from you...but since I'm new to this you'll have to figure it out. Maybe you have to click the thing at the bottom of each post?
Monday, January 19, 2009
My First Workday
Today was a great day! I set my alarm for 6am and for sure hit the snooze when it went off. After all, they said I could sleep in :) . I got up about 7 and had breakfast with Kate and then we went on a walk. A
fter I decided it would be smart to get in a routine of working out so I ran a few miles and went back to our house and did a little workout inside. Guess what though... they have a weight room and it's pretty cool! A lot of the doctors work out and from what I hear they like to play basketball! Ok so after I showered I went and found Bill and Big Al...and of course they were trimming trees! Bill had me work out of his office today. It was nice to get right to work. Ask my parents what happens when I have no job :) I rearrange! The whole house... but Dad, Mom you like it dont you? I was able to work on some projects in regards to the new hospital dedication on January 30th. There will be 5,000 people at the dedication! I'm excited bc they let me work on the dedication plaque and the brochures. Ha hopefully I dont mess it up... you know the main plaque for the huge event. I looked it over a billion times so If I missed it dang. Mom, they are moving flowers to the new hospital, you would love that job! I will take pics bc the flowers and plants here are amazing!
Umm I'm trying to hurry so I will tell you that I have lots more to say about the people and my experiences and I cant wait till next time! Tomorrow morning which they say "moning" we are going into town to get groceries... and then I have to get the brochure ready to present at a meeting wednesday morning.
'lukim yu bihain' (see you later)! Love, Meghan
fter I decided it would be smart to get in a routine of working out so I ran a few miles and went back to our house and did a little workout inside. Guess what though... they have a weight room and it's pretty cool! A lot of the doctors work out and from what I hear they like to play basketball! Ok so after I showered I went and found Bill and Big Al...and of course they were trimming trees! Bill had me work out of his office today. It was nice to get right to work. Ask my parents what happens when I have no job :) I rearrange! The whole house... but Dad, Mom you like it dont you? I was able to work on some projects in regards to the new hospital dedication on January 30th. There will be 5,000 people at the dedication! I'm excited bc they let me work on the dedication plaque and the brochures. Ha hopefully I dont mess it up... you know the main plaque for the huge event. I looked it over a billion times so If I missed it dang. Mom, they are moving flowers to the new hospital, you would love that job! I will take pics bc the flowers and plants here are amazing!Umm I'm trying to hurry so I will tell you that I have lots more to say about the people and my experiences and I cant wait till next time! Tomorrow morning which they say "moning" we are going into town to get groceries... and then I have to get the brochure ready to present at a meeting wednesday morning.
'lukim yu bihain' (see you later)! Love, Meghan
Saturday, January 17, 2009
We made it
Just wanted to let everyone know we made it safely to Kudjip! It is beautiful here and have already met some awesome people. Kate, Dan and I are off to lunch with the Chapmans so I have to run! Love-Meg
An Internet Cafe In Tokyo!!!
Hey everyone! I landed in Tokyo and found this Internet cafe which is great bc I cant call! Dad, Mom hopefully you get on soon so you can feel better about not talking to me! It has been great so far. Surprisingly I only slept for like 45 min. I met this cool man from Taiwan who has been living in Boston and owns a restaurant called 'Fortuna'. He gave me great advice about running your own business... we talked coffee shop talk :) He and his wife have been in Boston for like 30 yrs. and he gave me his info and told us to come by his restaurant in Boston if we make it out there and he would treat us... don't worry he wasn't a creeper and Kate had actually thought she had heard of his restaurant. Plus Big Al had our backs!
So the toilets here are hilarious... each door holds a new surprise. Ha my fav was the one Kate got, lucky door number 1... it had music and different noises you could press like a fake flush... hmmmmm? :)
Big Al is great! Everyone we meet always leaves with a smile after talking to him. We met these American boys who were going to Thailand to build a school called "TALK". They were pretty cool, I think they were Christians bc they said they would pray for us and asked for us to do the same.
This one Japanese security guard was pretty funny. He walked up right in front of me looked up and smiled and then walked next to Kate and stood next to her. I guess my height was a little intimidating lol. Everyone working here at the airport is very friendly and polite. I like that.
Its 7pm Sat. the 17th here in Tokyo which is the same time zone as PNG. I believe its 2am Sat. the 17th in CA which makes it 4 am in NE. Hmm I wonder who is getting up to serve coffee in York? I know its not CCobb :( We board at 9pm and will arrive in Port Moresby at 4:30am Sunday. We are having lunch with one of the doctors and his wife once we get there. Oh ya there is a guy that is going to be on our next flight that is going to Kudjip to work. He is family friends with a doctor there. After lunch, I believe we will have an orientation. I'm not sure what all that involves but I'm sure we will see and meet alot of people and go into the hospital etc. Somebody has already filled our house with food so we will be set when we arrive. By the way this keyboard here is ridiculous I keep hitting the Japanese button and its taking me forever! Well I'm not sure when I will have access to a computer next but I love everyone very much! Dad, mom how was Ikea? I miss you. Nick and Kris I am glad I got to talk to you this morning. Hope to talk on Skype! 誤尾dビェ！I think that meant goodbye!
So the toilets here are hilarious... each door holds a new surprise. Ha my fav was the one Kate got, lucky door number 1... it had music and different noises you could press like a fake flush... hmmmmm? :)
Big Al is great! Everyone we meet always leaves with a smile after talking to him. We met these American boys who were going to Thailand to build a school called "TALK". They were pretty cool, I think they were Christians bc they said they would pray for us and asked for us to do the same.
This one Japanese security guard was pretty funny. He walked up right in front of me looked up and smiled and then walked next to Kate and stood next to her. I guess my height was a little intimidating lol. Everyone working here at the airport is very friendly and polite. I like that.
Its 7pm Sat. the 17th here in Tokyo which is the same time zone as PNG. I believe its 2am Sat. the 17th in CA which makes it 4 am in NE. Hmm I wonder who is getting up to serve coffee in York? I know its not CCobb :( We board at 9pm and will arrive in Port Moresby at 4:30am Sunday. We are having lunch with one of the doctors and his wife once we get there. Oh ya there is a guy that is going to be on our next flight that is going to Kudjip to work. He is family friends with a doctor there. After lunch, I believe we will have an orientation. I'm not sure what all that involves but I'm sure we will see and meet alot of people and go into the hospital etc. Somebody has already filled our house with food so we will be set when we arrive. By the way this keyboard here is ridiculous I keep hitting the Japanese button and its taking me forever! Well I'm not sure when I will have access to a computer next but I love everyone very much! Dad, mom how was Ikea? I miss you. Nick and Kris I am glad I got to talk to you this morning. Hope to talk on Skype! 誤尾dビェ！I think that meant goodbye!
Friday, January 16, 2009
BEARRRRRRR'
Ok I will try not to stick a ton more of her on the pg. but this pic is of a game we play called "bear" you can achieve this same look with "kill" haha. The key and fun part for the human is acting like a bear! Too bad I cant take her with me for protection...good news is grandpa gave me his Buck knife...grandpa don't play! :) Thanks grandpa for the knife... I hope the only action it will get will be to peel an orange or maybe cut some rope...maybe at worst kill a small animal j/k ...Hey grandpa... what was that made up name you had for my imaginary native boyfriend? Maybe it will protect me from him! lol.
Mighty Dog!!!!
Ok this pic is hilarious to me. Krissy I know you are laughing! My camera takes pics really fast and I love it. I spent like 30 minutes taking pics of Maggie Mae swimming in the pool... well flying over the pool. And she's got a hurt leg. What an athlete! She is so cool!
Relaxing last day!
Check out my awesome dog! I took this pic sitting down on a blanket in the yard. Look at her legs... I thought it was pretty cool. She's like doing the praying mantis or somethin'. So I had a great day today! It was 81 degrees and clear skies it actually broke the record! I hung out outside all day with my mom, Jordy, and all the animals :) Poor dad had to work inside! Love you dad :(
Cutting Weight!
So my whole life I have always traveled with a sports bag... you know duffel bag. Well for some reason I thought I would try out some actual luggage this time. So I packed my stuff, it didn't fit of course. I took some stuff out and took some more out....still wouldn't fit. So I reevaluated the situation. Do I really need all of this stuff? I mean 3 months its not that long who cares if I only have a few outfits... so I talked myself into getting rid of so much... it was great! And guess what it fit. I was so proud! Then I weighed it.
WAY TOO HEAVY!!! Now what right!? What the heck is in there that is so freakin' heavy lol. I took it all out! My next thought... WRESTLERS! I almost had to call up Coach Smith to ask him how he makes his team cut weight and if he had any ideas for my bag. I was in a jam! So I left. Yep, it's always been the small things in life that get me worked up. Thankfully, my mom didn't leave and when I got back she told me to weigh the suitcase empty. It was 10 lbs. all by itself! That's what I get for trying to "roll" into PNG with a bright red suitcase. Guess I'll carry all 85 lbs and go back to the ever so trusty duffel bag and thanks to Lori hiking bag!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hmmm gadget issue
Ok so the little weather thing on the top side of the page is supposed to be set for PNG but idk why it keeps going back to New York so if you edit it and type in Mt Hagen it will let you check the weather in Mt. Hagen which is not exactly where I am but close enough :)
The time has come...
Hello everyone!
Thanks for checkin' out my blog! I have been in Oroville hanging out with my fam and friends... having a great time but it is now about that time to say goodbye! I leave Friday morning (the 16th) out of Sac and will miss everyone! I am very blessed to be able to have two amazing travel partners! One being my dear friend Kate and the other is the one and only Big Al! From what I hear my dad named him that back in the day and it stuck with him!
I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me in this trip and ask that you continually pray for "our" journey. We will fly to SF then to Tokyo. From there we will board Air Nuigini and fly to Port Moresby, PNG which I believe is a coastal town. Next, we will fly into the highlands landing in Mt. Hagen where we will make our final part of the trip on the ground to Kudjip where we will live!
So the last few months have been a journey and it's really important never to forget how God has put his hand in everything. My mom always encourages me to write down the things that I see God doing. What great advice mom, thank you! Here is some of that...
When I had the benefit back in November, I was amazed at all the doors that flew open. It was very apparent to me that this was the place God wanted me to go. God moved so many people to help… whether it was the dinnerware, silent auction gifts, donations, entertainment, a building, food, invitations, TIME!!! (ask my fam about that lol.) All together it was very successful and I enjoyed the experience. God provided and He provided big time! Thank you Lord for being there for me.
Speaking of being there...I don’t want to be naive about my upcoming journey by thinking that it is going to be some fun and easy adventure, but I would be lying to you if I said part of its appeal wasn't the adventure! I see it as God has given me an opportunity and He wants me to step out in faith. I know God will go before me and prepare a place..."Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared."-Exodus 23:20 He's there now and He's been there. It's my part to believe. It is my choice. I think what is important is that I always keep my eye on Jesus. Let me explain: When I spend time with Him daily letting Him in and calling on Him...when I pray, read, journal, etc. I connect with Him and in return gain a deep sense of inner peace. When I take a day off I begin to drift, loose focus, I begin to live in the flesh instead of the spirit. It's not that I sail through life at all; it’s that I try to stay grounded in Him and the more I get to know Him the deeper the roots grow. It is hard, yes we all know that! But each day is a challenge a test that we can learn from, we can overcome. I don't know what God is going to do in PNG but I know He's gonna rock my world.
As I prepare mentally I think about my own faults. I want to give those to Him through confession so that I can start my journey with a pure heart (1 John 1:9). Also, I think about my goals in life and my goals for over in PNG. In our culture it is so easy to turn to the world for an answer, for comfort, for whatever really. We have so many options, so many ways to mask our own insecurities and problems. What is it even like to live a life where you can barely meet your basic needs? Where the goat in your yard is where you get your milk and eventually your food... the stream 5 miles away (if you’re lucky) is your only source for water or place to bathe and clean your clothes and who knows if the water is safe? I want to see God in these places. No in the faces! To see someone who has close to nothing, be so at peace and in love with God...what a thought. But wait it's a reality. So how does this fit in with my goals? I want to be the best person I know how to be where I am so that I can be a walking example of the power and peace that comes from knowing God to those who are searching. That means whether I have a lot or a little! Because ultimately I have a lot! Way more than I need... I have Jesus! What does that take? It takes a relationship with the Creator, total faith, discipline, and a deep desire to read the word!
This ties in with my faults because in order to meet these goals I must confront what is keeping me from them. I'm sure many can relate to the challenges of being a believer. If you ask my family what area I have an “opportunity” to grow in (Starbucks people you get that lingo :)) I’m sure they would say the barrier I put between myself and others. You know my vulnerability… yes it makes me feel weak but what I’ve learned and continue to work on is that I do the same with the Lord!!!! We can’t compartmentalize His involvement in our life. At some point we have to let God in. I mean to the places that maybe I haven’t even been. He needs to search my heart and purify me and fill it with His Word, love, wisdom, peace, patience, understanding, joy, focus, discipline, strength, energy, effectiveness, efficiency, forgiveness, humility, poise, discernment, and THE HOLY SPIRIT. All of these things and more I will not just need in PNG, I need them in everyday life! We all need healing. We all need strength. What we all don’t know is that we can go to one place for everything. And it’s not a false security, it is very real but like anything else that is good and real it doesn’t happen over night. God knocks and you can sit quietly and hope he goes away, or make so much noise you drown Him out, or you can open the door and say “what up?!!! Come on in.” I want to rip the door off :). It’s the gap between wanting and doing that we all struggle with. As I make my way over there so many thoughts run through my head as you just witnessed having read this lol! What is most important… my number one goal… to do His will, His way, walk in His image and light, and tell others who and what He is about! I am there to serve the Lord.
Thanks for checkin' out my blog! I have been in Oroville hanging out with my fam and friends... having a great time but it is now about that time to say goodbye! I leave Friday morning (the 16th) out of Sac and will miss everyone! I am very blessed to be able to have two amazing travel partners! One being my dear friend Kate and the other is the one and only Big Al! From what I hear my dad named him that back in the day and it stuck with him!
I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me in this trip and ask that you continually pray for "our" journey. We will fly to SF then to Tokyo. From there we will board Air Nuigini and fly to Port Moresby, PNG which I believe is a coastal town. Next, we will fly into the highlands landing in Mt. Hagen where we will make our final part of the trip on the ground to Kudjip where we will live!
So the last few months have been a journey and it's really important never to forget how God has put his hand in everything. My mom always encourages me to write down the things that I see God doing. What great advice mom, thank you! Here is some of that...
When I had the benefit back in November, I was amazed at all the doors that flew open. It was very apparent to me that this was the place God wanted me to go. God moved so many people to help… whether it was the dinnerware, silent auction gifts, donations, entertainment, a building, food, invitations, TIME!!! (ask my fam about that lol.) All together it was very successful and I enjoyed the experience. God provided and He provided big time! Thank you Lord for being there for me.
Speaking of being there...I don’t want to be naive about my upcoming journey by thinking that it is going to be some fun and easy adventure, but I would be lying to you if I said part of its appeal wasn't the adventure! I see it as God has given me an opportunity and He wants me to step out in faith. I know God will go before me and prepare a place..."Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared."-Exodus 23:20 He's there now and He's been there. It's my part to believe. It is my choice. I think what is important is that I always keep my eye on Jesus. Let me explain: When I spend time with Him daily letting Him in and calling on Him...when I pray, read, journal, etc. I connect with Him and in return gain a deep sense of inner peace. When I take a day off I begin to drift, loose focus, I begin to live in the flesh instead of the spirit. It's not that I sail through life at all; it’s that I try to stay grounded in Him and the more I get to know Him the deeper the roots grow. It is hard, yes we all know that! But each day is a challenge a test that we can learn from, we can overcome. I don't know what God is going to do in PNG but I know He's gonna rock my world.
As I prepare mentally I think about my own faults. I want to give those to Him through confession so that I can start my journey with a pure heart (1 John 1:9). Also, I think about my goals in life and my goals for over in PNG. In our culture it is so easy to turn to the world for an answer, for comfort, for whatever really. We have so many options, so many ways to mask our own insecurities and problems. What is it even like to live a life where you can barely meet your basic needs? Where the goat in your yard is where you get your milk and eventually your food... the stream 5 miles away (if you’re lucky) is your only source for water or place to bathe and clean your clothes and who knows if the water is safe? I want to see God in these places. No in the faces! To see someone who has close to nothing, be so at peace and in love with God...what a thought. But wait it's a reality. So how does this fit in with my goals? I want to be the best person I know how to be where I am so that I can be a walking example of the power and peace that comes from knowing God to those who are searching. That means whether I have a lot or a little! Because ultimately I have a lot! Way more than I need... I have Jesus! What does that take? It takes a relationship with the Creator, total faith, discipline, and a deep desire to read the word!
This ties in with my faults because in order to meet these goals I must confront what is keeping me from them. I'm sure many can relate to the challenges of being a believer. If you ask my family what area I have an “opportunity” to grow in (Starbucks people you get that lingo :)) I’m sure they would say the barrier I put between myself and others. You know my vulnerability… yes it makes me feel weak but what I’ve learned and continue to work on is that I do the same with the Lord!!!! We can’t compartmentalize His involvement in our life. At some point we have to let God in. I mean to the places that maybe I haven’t even been. He needs to search my heart and purify me and fill it with His Word, love, wisdom, peace, patience, understanding, joy, focus, discipline, strength, energy, effectiveness, efficiency, forgiveness, humility, poise, discernment, and THE HOLY SPIRIT. All of these things and more I will not just need in PNG, I need them in everyday life! We all need healing. We all need strength. What we all don’t know is that we can go to one place for everything. And it’s not a false security, it is very real but like anything else that is good and real it doesn’t happen over night. God knocks and you can sit quietly and hope he goes away, or make so much noise you drown Him out, or you can open the door and say “what up?!!! Come on in.” I want to rip the door off :). It’s the gap between wanting and doing that we all struggle with. As I make my way over there so many thoughts run through my head as you just witnessed having read this lol! What is most important… my number one goal… to do His will, His way, walk in His image and light, and tell others who and what He is about! I am there to serve the Lord.
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