A Scary Night.

We had just gotten home from our Antallya trip.  My health had been improving.  In fact the bleeding had nearly stopped.  I was drinking me teas, using the crème from the states and felt at peace that I would indeed see healing.  I woke up that night in pool.  I was mad, at the devil.  Not sure if the neighbors heard me, but I stood up praying, furiously rebuking the enemy. 

It was a hard day at school I was in pain (first time since all this started that I experienced intense pain.  A few days later the pain and other symptoms were worse.  I fell apart, started balling and told the family here,  I wanted to go in.  So we canceled school and went into the emergency room.  Actually we went to three hospitals, at each one my friend would ask for a female gynecologist, to which they hospital would reply we not longer have one, try this other place.

We ended up finding a female doc at a hospital specifically for women and children….not sure why we didn't start our search there.  I must have looked a sight cause being terrified that the diagnosis would be cancer or worse yet that my womb was disintegrating I was near tears.  A kind word would have and did push me over the edge.

So they nurses kept assuring us all would be fine.  We were told the wit maybe long we were like 30 on the list but as soon as we walked in the waiting room and say down a nurse walked up, and told us to please follow her.  We were rushed to the front of the line.  the doctor did an ultra sound but it was inconclusive so she sent me off to have my blood drawn and drink a ton of water.  that being done we returned to the room and were rushed ahead of the long line of people.  a second ultrasound the doctor looked at me and smiled, no cancer, no tumors and your womb is fine

She went on with a diagnosis.  I have a severe hormone imbalance, that is causing the constant bleeding.  I have probably had it since puberty, and it has worsened each year, the stress of this year is probably what put it over the edge.  It seems my body dislikes insulin and so I gain weight and produces more testosterone than a woman should produce.  This causes my body to grow those annoying hairs on my upper lip and to try to make more estrogen then normal….somewhere in hear it also causes my ovaries not to released their eggs, so My ovaries are full of cysts of old eggs that never got released (highest cause of infertility among women.)  Disappointing yes, but this is a syndrome not a disease, which means it can be reversed.  Their are several natural means that have proved to have great results.   And I have always planned on adoption so that to is no big deal.  So in the meantime I am taking some progesterone to balance out the extra estrogen and if I loose weight and watch my sugars and starches that should take care of the root of the issue. which would be the resistance to insulin and the excess Andro whatever it is called.

Traveling to a Greek Island!

  Well the family we were visiting also had a teacher who had to renew here visa around the same time as I did.  So we went together.  The Dad of the family drove us a couple of hours away to a place where you get on a ferry and travel to a Greek Island.  You eat lunch or walk around hop back on the ferry and come home with a renewed Visa for another three months.

On Greece soil we decided to have a pork-chop, since you cant eat that over here, It was big and tasty…and we payed in Euro….thought afterwards when I figured out the price in US I decided that pork chop was not nearly as good as it claimed to be by its cost.  That was a 20 dollar plate. 

Exploring Greek Ruins

Wow so much has happened and I left you all wondering whether I would get my visa renewed or not.  So the girls and I flew to Antallya where I met a wonderful family!  They had served in another nation for years till the doors of that country closed, and so they moved here cause the language is similar.  I spent days picking their brains.  They told me of some fruit they had had (doesn't sound right) in that other nation and how God prompted them to put responsibility in the hands of the locals ASAP.  I really appreciated their philosophies and the things they had to share.    I asked some questions about how they were finding things here in this nation.  For so many people have said it is really hard, people that is.  They are closed off.  The mom of that family is very wise about natural healing and so I picked her brain to and she prayed for my health issues.  I cried, I have felt so alone in this.  Back home I could go see Sarah and she would pray with me, here, I haven't had that.  If I talk to the family here to much all they do is worry and I’m worrying successfully well all by myself.

I also really enjoyed my stint in the big city, we went to the store like Costco, where you could find anything you could imagine in Bulk.  I saw a bread maker and if I had the money and wasn't traveling by plane I would buy it for I long for the taste of good homemade wheat bread!  The bread I can buy here is either soft and fresh white bread or dry and stale cardboard with a 6 month shelf life.  We went to an international church, it was fun to worship in my own language to hear a message I actually understand to to meet a bunch of other forefingers here for various reasons.  The guy MC the service (they had a guest speaker) was from Wales, so I also enjoyed his nearly Scottish sounding accent.

The family we stayed with didn't live in the city thought, they lived in this small village, with a large yard, lots of trees in their yard, room for a big dog and a garden spot.  Their neighbors were hundreds of feet from them, with large yards, chickens, goats, sheep, cattle. I felt free, it was incredible to walk about hearing livestock, seeing space, not concrete buildings.  I loved it.  And to be honest I found a part of this country I could call home!!!!   The family lived at the base of a hill, the kids and I hiked up the hill to see the sight.  We spent a few hours exploring the ruins of an ancient Greek city.   It was cool, I took a few pictures but my camera doesn't work very well these days so I didn't take many pics.  I did pick up a piece of broken pottery.  I was told that I probably wont be able to take it out of the country….but we will see.    Here are some of the photos I took of the things we say.  

this first one is the chimney hole of a cave people lived in.  The girls walking alongside of a Greek building down what was a street I would assume.

 

Cool archway of the door of the building you see in the above picture. Don't know what it says, or even if you can see the script carved in the little pillar like thing.  This is about where I found the pottery too.

A well, most were covered, which is scarier then uncovered cause I can see this hole and no to avoid falling in.

 

One of my students posing in a  tomb!  and the girls posing on top of another tomb….

Visa Run and Creative Concoctions

Well tomorrow morning I hop on a plane and fly to a city along the southern seaboard of this nation.  The purpose of this excursion is to allow me to leave the country and return with a renewed visa.  It should be a nice adventure.  The girls are flying with me as they have friends in the city I depart from who they can visit for a few days.  Meanwhile I and another lady will take a ferry ride to some Greek island (On Monday).  It sort of sounded like we stay on the ferry boat the whole time….I hope not cause I wouldn't feel right about claiming to have been to Greece unless my foot actually touched Greece soil!

May package from the states arrived so I have some good medicinal herbs and a cream that should alleviate those nasty symptoms.  Speaking of which I best keep this short as I am brewing just such a herbal tea.

I have been trying to make a real point of eating lots of veggies most of them raw.  I have made some great discoveries along the way….veggies aren't so bad, and I don't need ranch to get them down

First recipe I tried was a Green smoothie, a recipe I gleaned from Above Rubies.  You take one banana, and as many green veggies as you want, a table spoon of honey and some filtered water and blend them.  (I used lettuce and parsley the first time, added dandelion and spinach the second time)  I don't like the texture but the taste is just fine

The second recipe I tried and I really like this one!!!! Also came from Above Rubies, it was called Grapple Sauce.  Take apples, and as many greens as you like and blend together (I had to add some juice as my blender is not powerful enough to blend with out liquid)  I even through in some of the apple seed.

I have made a splendid salad using all those veggies, mentioned above, plus tomatoes, a few almonds, some olive oil and a smidge of tahini (sesame seed paste)  stir together and walah….however it taste best if you also add a hard boiled egg!

Steamed broccoli for dinner the other night tasted good, add a little chili pepper and it is even better.  Cucumbers and yogurt mixed together made a decent breakfast…….I even made chicken noodle soup from scratch…. I had never don't it before but I started with a few pieces of chicken that were leftovers from a dinner I had been invited to.  I took the meat off the bone and boiled the bones to make broth…..I was guessing that was how it should be done,later I added a little of the meat, some carrots potatoes, onions and more red pepper….I added a few noodles, but they were weird and could have been left out. 

The only concoction that I have created that I could not stomach was the pumpkin soup.  I have made butternut squash in the  past and I love is, so I made this much the same way.  Of course I could not read all the spices in the cabinet so I was guessing based on smell….I should have tasted cause I added something really salty and the soup was disgusting!!!!  I mean really, really disgusting!!!!!  I took one bite and offered it to Asia, who so far loves anything and everything I have offered her.  I have never seen dogs eat veggies like she does.  She even prefers them to the hotdog type things I regularly feed her (I refuse to spend money on dog food to feed some stray street dog, that will only be with me a few months!  Besides dog food is ridiculously expensive here where I can buy eggs, noodles and those hotdogs which last her for days all for less than 3-4 USD

Learning to live with Unmet Expectations!

In planning to come I envisioned myself, teaching the girls who would be enthusiastic about every new unfamiliar concept.  I hoped my love for discovering something new would be contagious.   Often it seems like I’m pulling teeth.  I ask them “So what did we learn yesterday?” and they say half heartedly “Dunno.”  One consistently walks in and scowls all morning long till she wakes up enough to be sociable.  The other is almost always in a good mood, but a bit absentminded and oh so very messy!!!. I spend most of my time repeating myself, cleaning up after them or waiting on them….they are late to school slow to get stuff out for the next subject or always tuning me out so I can say, “Next I want you to get …..out” and not 5 seconds later they go “What do we need now?”  I guess the good way to look at is  I have the opportunity to grow in patience.  Or to learn to correct with out being harsh and critical.

I felt my being here was a great opportunity to prepare the girls for the upcoming experience of attending school in states.  I know I'm doing that, but it is frustrating when I continually here, “Why are we studying this, or I know this already or what does it matter?” They may not see the value now, but I have no doubt they will see it when they get stuck in a American public school and force fed the new truths that are commonly taught there.  They will always have in the back of their mind, “Wait, that isn’t accurate.  I learned this but…..”  Additionally I have no doubt the girls will be well ahead of their peers in both world and American History.  I hope I can also say that about their ability to write and express themselves…but so far we are still struggling in those areas. 

  I imagined myself spending my days discovering alongside of the girls, and my evenings working on my writing.  I have a story I'm editing and one I'm hoping to finish while here.  Not only would I have plenty of time to write my stories but I would have ample time to read, study and work on my teachings for speaking in DTS’.  Instead I quickly learned that if there isn't going to be a test, they wont apply themselves, so now I spend my evenings writing out tests and exercises to help them think through the concepts we are studying, in hopes that it may sink in.  So as soon as they leave each day I prepare for the next day or the next week…  So far I have edited one of my stories a little bit,  but I haven't written a single line.  That and it seems I never get a day off! On the flipside I now know more about American and world history, geography, English grammar and vocabulary then I ever knew before.  All this repetition and studying is good for me! 

When I learned that we had to take two weeks off of school, during the end of January, I thought ‘Cool! maybe I can take that time and do some traveling either here in the country or in  Europe.  I wanted to ride a train!  See the 7 churches or go to Ireland.  Instead I'm to spend those two babysitting the kids while their parents travel to speak in a D school out of the country. It is a great opportunity for the parents!!  I'm happy for them.  I came wanting to be a blessing to them and their kids, so I will smile and nod and never let on that I had hoped to make other plans.  Besides it is an opportunity to serve My Lord Je*us and say  “Not my will but Thine be done.”

I assumed that after spending 10 months in this nation I would really learn the language.  I would get plenty of chances to talk to my neighbors, get to use it….Instead I spend all my time alone.  I read my language books, when I have time…..I set up a study program for myself but truth is I have been here 3 months and I've only done two weeks worth of my studies.  In fact the only time I even hear Turkish is when I go to the grocery store or to the Sunday night meetings,   I don't usually catch what is being said, but I try.   I just learned this week I'm not going to be able to attend the fellowship meetings anymore cause their oldest daughter needs help babysitting the toddlers. I'm going to go home knowing little more Turkish then I came knowing.   I know that needing help with the little kids is a  good problem to have, it means they have new people coming who are seeking truth.  That is important and a worthy cause.  I will keep studying my books,and I have TV here, maybe I will start watching the Turkish channels and see how much I can understand.  and I can always practice by speaking to Asia, my dog.  If I spoke only Turkish with her I would at least learn to use it more naturally.

I envisioned myself using this time to get in shape, and to play guitar so that when I get home I look better and play better.  Instead the guitar had to be left at home cause I could not afford to bring it and all the books I was brining to bless the kids with.   Books they actually don't seems to care about.  And as far as working out…My body started this health issue two weeks after being here, and I can keep the symptoms under control most days but I tell you a long walk or a good work out and it gets bad……I can always make a point of mastering the guitar some other time, in some other season!  As far as the health issue this a season to learn to pray and stand.  this is a season to seek Dad, and when it is all over it will be an awesome testimony!  I will be stronger physically, spiritually and emotionally.  I may not go home weight 120 lbs….but If I eat right and work out faithfully (symptoms or no symptoms) will go home closer to that ideal then I was before.  I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday!!!!

I sort of hoped this would be a blessed time of friendship with the family and team here.  Truth is I spend most my time alone, preparing for the next day’s class, playing farm town, or being homesick for friends and the culture of Wyoming.  I often wonder, why I’m here?  My closest companion is that silly puppy that I’m going to have to leave behind when I go home.  This seems to be another desert time.  You know those dry seasons of life where things are hard and you have no one to turn to but God!  Yet when you emerge form such a season your roots are more deeply embedded in the One who provides all truth and nourishment.

Sorry I just had to vent.  I will got back to telling good news.   In fact I'm going to start by going back through this post and find the good news in each obstacle.

Speaking of Students….

YJ was just here for her English lesson, she does really well, although she does not like words with TH…  Have you ever seen the clip about the sinking ship requesting help from a German sub station.  the German soldier manning the radios confuses sinking with thinking.  I always think of that clip as I’m trying to encourage her to pronounce words that start with “th”.  (if you have never seen the clip go to YouTube, I know you can find it there)

I had one more great experience at YJ home last week that really thrilled me.  She was telling us how one day she wanted to take me and the mother of the kids I'm teaching, out for a cultural experience of some sort.  Something like the smoking gardens. –(They smoke apple leaves or other fruit type things mixed with or with out tobacco in those contraptions  the caterpillar smoked in Alice in Wonderland). 

My friend said “but I have only seen men there.”  Yj agreed that here it is only men who go but she went to one in Saudi where her husband is from and loved it.  She then went on to explain how in Saudi you can go to this cafe and smoke.  There is a family section where women may go, or there is a men's section for single men only; as they would  not allowed to mingle with women who are not their wives or other close relatives.  At this point in the conversation my friend turned to me in order to  translate Yj’s words.  I listenedd to the English translation then proudly proclaimed “I got that!  I understood the Turkish or most of it anyhow.”

You know that verse about pride coming before a fall or the superstition about knocking on wood….well that was the last phrase I actually grasped out of the whole conversation…but still it was a start!

Tea Time

I was invited to have tea at my English Students home last week (We will call her YJ).  It was nice to be invited into the culture.  I am here in a foreign land but it seems I spend all my time in my house teaching or preparing to teach.  the only language I hear or use is the once a week fellowship meetings or when I walk to the grocers.

Anyhow YJ asked me and the mother of the family whose kids I teach over for tea one afternoon.  We went and were warmly welcomed into her home.  Almost immediately we were served chai and a plate full  of goodies.  Since I was fasting I offered my cookies to  Hannah the American families youngest (the baby whose birth I got to be a part of last time I was here – 3 years ago)  With out intending to I hurt YJ feelings as I was refusing her hospitality.  So through my friend translation I explained I was fasting. 

The Muslim culture fasts for 40 days every year.  During that holy month they abstain from food, water, sex, smoking etc during daylight hours but once it is dark they feast.  In fact they consume more food during that month than any other time during the year.   Special food are sold then too that aren't offered at another time.  They fast out of duty, as it is a requirement of Allah. 

So I started off by explaining that for Christians, if they fast they may abstain from food and still consume juice or tea, or some fast on only water or some fasts are abstaining from media or outside distractions.  YJ was bewildered, she had never considered a fast could look different, she was also shocked that this was a fast I had chosen, not out of duty or obligation.   This allowed me to share about hearing the voice of God and about not relation to Him as some distant cool deity but as a loving Dad.

At this point of the conversation a friend of mine (who had joined us) from Sweden jumped in. she speaks the language because as a child she and her family had fled Iraq as refuges, lived here for  few years before seeking solace in Sweden.    Any how she shared her story of growing up in a mus family, being a refugee in three nations, of her terrible home life, witnessing her father murder her mother, turning to alcohol for comfort.  She was placed in the foster system, bounced from home to home for years, and eventually being rescued by an encounter with J-s-s. 

I know YJ was hit with a lot of new ideas that are outside her box, but I hope it inspires in her a real hunger for TRUTH.  I also hope that we who visited her home were salty enough to cause her to thirst after Living Water.

We have an enemy!

As some of you many know I have been fasting for some time (for physical reasons) though I always enjoy the deeper spiritual connection that naturally comes.  So I woke up one morning drank some water and had my quiet time.  I then took out the email a friend had sent to me of verses and prayers to pray and speak over my body.  I felt confident that this was a mere trial and would soon pass with no lasting harm to my body.  It was a beautiful prayer time, where I really sensed the power and presence of my heavenly DAD. 

In fact my prayer time didn't end until I was interrupted by the kids who had arrived for school.  So we started school, however during their math time (I am not needed as they have videos to teach that subject) I decided to grab my iPod, tennis and go pay some bills, Knowing I had enough in the account to pay the two due that week.  It was a cool morning so I put a light sweatshirt on and headed off to the place to pay bills.  Along the way I listened to the Joyce Meyer message about not doubting  or giving into fear.

As I walked I began to notice the strange symptoms I have been experiencing for the past few months were getting worse.  Trust in God I reminded myself and continued on my way.  I got to the place to pay bills, showed the lady the bills I needed to pay and she went into some detail why I could not pay them?  She soon passed my understanding of the language and I left a bit confused….I could not pay my bills…..  On the way home I ran into my friend, (the mother of the kids I teach).  Before I could tell her about the unprofitable trip to the bill paying place she told me how they had been looking for me, it seems the water guy came to read my meter discovered that the water had no been paid in this house since 2007 and decided to shut the water off.  My friend was in a panic over the matter so I became really calm.  “Don't worry, we will work it out”  I was thinking of my prayer time that morning, of the promise God had given before this trip about the flour and oil not running low, how I had already seen that to be true. and lastly reminded my friend that up until 4 months ago this house stood empty, so the water cant be that bad.

A few hours later the electric man came by with the same story, the electricity was to be shut off.  My friends started calling the landlord for me, demanding he take care of this (We have been asking him for the water and electric bill all along but it was never a pressing need for him.  I had a peace about the finances……

All the while the symptoms my body is going through was getting worse, embarrassingly so.   I suppose I had better explain for those reading this whom I did not email some weeks ago to ask for prayer.  I have been having my period for almost 3 months now.  Some days are light, most are medium to heavy.  This day was ridiculously heavy, in fact not just was I loosing blood but large fist size clots.  When I had put the symptoms into Web MD I got terms like cancer, tumors, and cysts….thus I started a 21 day fast, knowing that fasting often allows our bodies to detox, cleanse and heal.

So the landlord found out the electric bill for us (the water will have to come next month as we needed to install a meter)  I pulled nearly 400 US out of the account to pay the bills, leaving only a hundred in there….that bothered me…..my peace began to waiver.  I began to worry, what will I do about the water bill next month, the diesel fuel I need to for my hot water heater and the firewood I have to buy?

Then out of curiosity I got online to find out about those large clumps I'm passing.  The words I read threw me into a full born panic.  they may not be blood but the actual wall of my uterus?  I need that, I want to have kids one day!!  Peace went out the window.  I cried, pleaded with God, worried and emailed some friends back home….I was terrified.

One of the calls home I made was to Sarah.  I told her in detail all that was happening.  she prayed for me, and then asked me about words Dad has spoken to me about my future, about missions, teaching in D-schools, Alaska, CWAM, marriage, having children, homeschooling them.  Have you fulfilled those purposes yet?  So far all of them are somewhere in the future.  So I cant loose my uterus to cancer and still have children.  There is a lot God wants me to do with my life…that is no where near happening yet.  She also told me her first impressions were to tell me to add calcium back into my diet.  True I haven't had much, not just because of the fast but I dislike the taste of the milk and cheese here.  So I bought some Ayran (drinkable yogurt)

And you know what a few ounces of Ayran a day keeps the bleeding down and the clots away!  I pulled out a large some, but the electric bill turned out to be lower then we anticipated.  We went to the bill paying place and got the bills paid….I still don't know why it didn't work when I went but it is done for now.  I went to the pharmacy and bought some vitamins and minerals that promote healing and I still pray  and speak truth over my symptoms, trusting God for healing.

Meet Asia

A car raced over the bridge, and a little black fluff ball was seen flying through the air.  The kids watched horrified, had the car just ran over the black yelping puppy or tossed it out the window.  She lay helpless on the road, occasionally yelping painfully.  Before the kids could get closer an old man walked by, yelled at the pitiful creature and then decided to toss it over the bridge to it’s death.  Kids being a bit morbid as they were are , were drawn to stare at the dead dog, and could see her laying in a pool of water amidst the concrete and stones, totally lifeless.  Or so they thought, until two days later they crossed the bridge again and looked to see the dead dog, only this time it was gone.  Searching more earnestly they could see a black shadow with eyes, hiding amidst the garbage.

The little creature ended up in my care, to see if I could nurse her back to health.  She was covered in fleas, and sewage, so my first  thing was to wash her, then to get a little food in her, some milk and hotdogs mixed with pasta.  she ate greedily and I took it away lest she cause herself to vomit.  After that we ventured outside where I could observe and probe, she was swollen, her poop blood red,  her torso bulged and twisted and she could hardly walk.  She slept for two days, woke up, ate, pooped, peed and slept some more.  Everyone kept asking for her name.  I bounced around a few ideas, but truth is I wasn't naming this one till I knew she was going to live.  Saturday morning I set her down on the ground so I could put my shoes on and while I slipped my foot into one shoe she viciously attacked the croc my foot had just left.  She was going to live! 

Took her to a vet, a new concept here in southern Turkey, her left front foot has chips in the bone but no breaks, and her hip has twisted muscles, hopefully they will come back into alignment.   Some fleas spray, wormer pills and she is on her way to a better life.

I was torn, what should I call her, I was drawn to names popular amidst the Wyoming/cowboy culture,  such as Shelby, Riata, Saige, Bailey, as was I drawn to some cool Irish names: Kierra, Rylie: Regan  or Kenzie which sounds both scot-Irish and very  western both……but nothing fit.  Then one my students looking at the atlas says “How about Cairo or Africa or Asia? 

Always enough Flour and Oil.

Remember the story of Elijah and how God commanded him to go ask the widow for food.  Her initial reply was “I only have this tiny bit of flour, which I'm going to use to make my son and I a meal and then we will die.”  Elijah challenged this woman to trust God by first making him some bread, and then making some for herself and her son.  She obeyed and sure enough there was enough to feed the prophet, the widow and her boy.  In fact she lived like this for several days.

Those last few weeks or preparing to come here I did not want to come.  I didn't have the committed support base.  I have worked as an M for 10 years, back home I can always take a job for extra cash, here that is not an option.  But I had committed and the plane ticket was bought so I came.

I needed money to buy boxes to store my belongings in back home, I need to replace my tennis shoes, and I needed to pay hefty overweight and extra baggage fees to get all these books here.  It was there when I needed it! (you may recall the cool story of the overweight fees being waived in Billings and cut in half on this end.)

I had to attend a camp with these guys, on my first arrival.  The money was there.

I came home with a severe ear infection none of my home remedies' worked.  I had to see a doctor and get medication…the money was there.

Time and time I have needed groceries, or pay bills and always I have enough.

I needed to get a plane ticket for my first visa run, I had to pay some back bills that the lady who lives here for real didn't get the chance to pay before she left and cold weather came earlier then usual, my friends kept pressuring me that I needed to buy firewood, diesel  and get my wood stove installed. I was looking at 800 dollars. 

Well the day came I could no longer put off the plane ticket, but the money was there.   The warm weather returned, buying me an extra month or more before needing to prepare for winter.  I sent word to my land lord that I needed to know the amount owed for the water and electricity….he hasn't gotten back to me yet…but I am confident, that when he does, the money will be there!

Thank you to all who have been obedient to give!  The oil has not ever run dry

Death Sentence

Would want to make a proclamation of faith, being immersed in water; if in the explanation your friends told you was “It is the point in your walk where by law (in some neighboring nations) you can be put to death? “

Back home babies are sprinkled in some fellowships, others older children or adult step up wanting to be dunked, as a step of obedience to the L.  Yet it has lost its meaning, it is common.  In fact at Rodeo camp I have seen the same kids get up year after year asking to be re-baptized.  But life for the newly washed follower does not drastically change.  They go on much as they had before.  sometime you cant tell them apart from the lost around them.

In most nations where believers are persecuted for their faith, they really have to count the cost before saying “I want to be baptized.”  It is more like a conversion experience, a life changing moment. For at that point they are saying “Come hell or high water, this is the road I’m walking.  There is no turning back.”  In countries who put followers of J to death, it is the ones who have taken that step, that can be condemned.  It is at that point when a young believer says I want Him above all else, that they are mostly likely to be disowned by families, friends, loose their jobs, be tormented by the law.  I wonder sometimes if I would have the courage. 

I have been privileged to witness 5 new friends take that stand, since coming here.  Three of those were locals.  One was a very dear woman, who had a lot of fear coming to that point.  Yet she stepped forward knowing she wanted nothing else but Him.  One of the things she was worried about was the possibility of rain, she did not want to get wet in the rain and potentially get sick.  We hadn't seen any rain yet, so were not too worried, but that morning when I awoke the sky was heavy with clouds.  “Please Abba, don’t let these clouds deter this lady.”  I pleaded.  We loaded up in the van, drove to the sea and rejoiced as our friends took a stand for what they believe.  I took some pictures of the clouds that day….my camera (or the one behind the camera) did not know how to capture what I saw, but on one side of the sky it was brilliant, sunny and hopeful while the other dark, looming and threatening.  Yet the Light prevailed. 

 

 

Home Sweet Home

As promised here are some pictures of my home for the next 10 months.  As you can see Dad really has blessed me!  The greatest blessing is I don’t have to pay the rent on this place :) and it is truly a lovely home!

This is the entry way, we are facing the bathroom and the front door.  Notice my cowboy boots sitting by the door.

From the entry way you can enter into the bathroom or a closet type room that holds a water heater type thing used in winter months (right now my water is heated by solar power).  Straight ahead from the outside door your looking into the kitchen and if you walk towards where I was standing to take this picture you will enter into the living room/dinning area.

My living Room, this and the dinning room table is where the majority of our school takes place.  Doesn't the furniture make you think your in the past somehow? 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the kitchen and the view outside my kitchen door.

 

Next we go upstairs to the second floor.  Immediately on our right is the bedroom of the lady who normally lives here (she is in the states for the next 6 months).  As she has a TV with a VCR, it is also the 6th grade math room (Both girls are using video/DVD teachers for Math, much to my relief!!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what  do you think of the shower?  no curtains just tile walls and floor.

Also the washer and dryer.

 

The photos below are the guest bedroom (technically it is larger then the house I lived in back in Meeteetse.)  For now it is where I am sleeping since it is too hot upstairs.

 

  Now it is time to walk to the third floor.  the shelf you saw in the kitchen hold the school books we are currently using, this one hold the stuff we will use.  See the carpet, I commented that it looks like something from the Southwest US in design.  It is a tribal design from here, Small world isn’t it? 

This is my bedroom, and yes I brought all those books with me!  The bottom two shelves are the novels I’m incorporating into this school year.  

The hallway just outside my bedroom door….what is with the yellow line you ask?

 

 

 

 

It  is a time line.  The top half shows the development of mankind  around the world while the bottom half reveals the history of the US.

 

At the end of the hallway is what they call the prayer room, it is set up with carpets on the floor and pillows as chairs along the walls, this is a little more what a typical living room may look like. 

 

 

 

 

This last picture is of my view looking down the stairs, from the third floor I think it is kind of cool, if I could draw it I would!   Later perhaps I will add a picture of my front deck (yard) and a view of the house from the outside…. but It is a weekend and well everyone is outside and they already think the “American is out of place” I don't want to prove them right by taking pictures of my house.

Hit the ground running

Wow I’m lousy at keeping this updated!!  There is so much to catch you all up on!  In short I have been in the country for 5 weeks.   I arrived, unpacked, repacked and went camping for a week along the Mediterranean sea.    It was a local gathering of believers.  Not 20 years ago there were no known B, 10 years ago a handful in this region and yet I stood next to probably 200 people singing Praises to our King.  That was awesome. 

We came home, I shook the sand out of clothes, did my laundry and repacked again so I could go live at the neighbors house……this time cause my house was the center for a conference and a bunch of men would be living here (What would the neighbors think)  I cooked, cleaned and supervised the kids during the conference. 

For some reason in the planning of this school schedule we decided to start the Monday after the conference…I came home, unpacked again, stripped the beds from all my guests and the next day started teaching.  The first two weeks of school have been great, hectic, but fun.  I didn't realize how fast things had gone till yesterday afternoon (Sunday) I realized I was just now putting away the sheets from two weeks before.  (does not say a great deal about my housekeeping skills)  For that matter I only recently had time to find the grocery store!

The Locals can’t grasp the concept of homeschooling, in fact they all seem to think the girls have dropped out of school all together.  We have been contemplating naming our little school.  That way when the neighbors and former classmates question the girls and parents about why they are not enrolled in the local school system, they can reply “Oh I am going to Hope Academy, the new American school in our neighborhood.”

My ideal day is to get up at 5 am and work out….I have successfully done that twice.  A typical day for me is I get up about 6:30, shower, eat breakfast, have a quiet time and start teaching at 8 am.  Our first class is American History, followed my math (the girls are using video teachers for that subject ) After Math we come back together for English, then Geography and world History  (I had to explain the term Dictator 7 times last week, and the girls were shocked to discover Iraq and Iran both touch Turkey…..I probably should not of put the D word and the I word together in the same sentence….big brother may be watching :))  We break for Lunch, sometimes they go home because their teacher is craving peace and quiet, other times they stay here, and I have them watch an educational film -can you say Drive Thru History!  Eventually we will add a cooking class to our day once a week or every other week which is my preference.  After lunch, we have our Bible class, followed by Science.  Which basically looks like me going from one room to another reviewing their reading assignments with them.  Re-explaining it to them in words they are more familiar with (Remember their education thus far  has been in another language)Telling them about cool experiments we could do to illustrate this point, if only we had the materials….and then saying don't you recall I explained this word yesterday…only to remember it was the other one I had explained it too.    Wow that is a Run on sentence!!!  I taught on that today…but obviously failed to apply it.  Lastly we finish with computer class.  Then they go home.

I sit down grade papers, read science textbooks and prepare for the next grammar lesson.  Usually I also do whatever writing assignment I had given them so they have an example of good writing (wow that sounded arrogant!!!)  then I cook dinner, eat it and ideally study Foreign language (it would be awful to spend a year here and not learn the language!)   On Saturdays I  read the history texts and write discussion questions in the margins, underline points I want them to get because I plan to include it on the test I will write.  I get online and snag images to build PowerPoint's to use during teaching.  While on Sundays I print everything I will need for the upcoming week (I don't have a printer here) We start allover again Monday.  Oh yeah, on Mondays and Thursdays I teach English, right now I have one student, a Muslim lady whose name starts with Y….can’t pronounce it yet.  It is good because it forces me to use the local language as well.  I am supposed to be adding a second student, hoping she can come at the same time as the first lady…but more likely it will end up being another day and another time.  Fun fun….In future episodes, I want to take pictures of my house and show it off.  Tell you about the puppies I have adopted, the cute, little girl who comes and jabbers at me, despite the fact I don’t understand her.  Lastly share some fun stories from school…Hopefully that will happen in the next few days.

good night all this is me signing off and going to wash the dishes….I'm sure the kitchen is a disaster the power had gone off while I was cooking so I went ahead and cooked my meal by my single candle light….learning to cut veggies and peel carrots much as a blind person may have to do….it was a scary sight when the lights came on, I had veggie tops all over the counter.

Goodbye Samson, Don't Forget me.

The last few weeks flew by.  So much to do, so many people to see, and so little time.  Mom and John came to visit, that was fun, we took a scenic drive over the Beartooth mountains, went to billings so I could get  shoes, got boxes in Cody and they helped me pack.  Spent time with other relatives in the area.  It was a lot of fun.

The last few days, I kept going to see friends and such and say goodbye, but it didn't feel real.  When Mom and John left after church I waved goody, feeling guilty that I had no tears, it was as if I was saying seeing you in a few days.  The same thing happened when Sarah and the kids drove me to the airport.

However saying goodbye to my German shepherd was another matter all together.  I kept him till pretty late Monday night (I flew out early Tuesday morning.)  I fought the urge to cry as I drove to Mike’s (the guy who found a home for my puppy while I'm gone)  At Mikes I went through the motions of showing them his tricks, telling them about what I expect of him and the best way to walk him and such.  Samson meanwhile is bounding around the yard, smelling and marking everything. 

Mike commended me on how obedient and good natured he was, then he warned me that when I come home it may be very hard to get him back, cause the older gentleman who he will be living with will want to keep him.  (this is a fact I have always known, and deep down I feel that if when I come home, if Samson is better off with this guy, then going with me to Alaska or wherever I may end up, then so be it) however at that moment in time it was the last thing I needed, my hard fought off tears began to flow.    Samson is still oblivious to the fact and running joyfully from me to Mike, to Mike’s kid, to the many things in the yard that smell like deer.

I cried all the way home and for the next three hours afterward.  I came to the conclusion that I did not want to leave the country, that it was not worth loosing my dog.  I think I only got an hour and half asleep all night long.

God’s Faithfullness

 

I was frustrated and feeling like a complete failure.  For two weeks now I have planned to set aside the day to work on finish up support raising.  In less than a month I will be overseas, and yet before I go I need to get $800 more committed monthly finances.  Yet each day comes to a close and still I have not made the dreaded phone calls.  I love the stories where God provides and nobody at all knows the missionaries needs.  Yet every time I ask God to please just send all I need, to send me a miracle, He seems not to hear. 

Often over the past 8 years God has challenged me that I need to be bold in this area, to trust Him to provided and yet not be fearful of asking people to partner with me.  I chided myself, this is not that big of a deal, all  you need is 30 people to give 30 dollars each month…..why are you making this into a mountain?  For the past several days I pleaded asking God for a sign, for encouragement for something to give me the boldness to pick up that darn phone.

Last night full of feelings of overwhelming failure I sadly turned off my light and made my way to bed.  I was startled by the phone ringing…who would be calling me now?  I picked it up to see that Melody was calling.  A bit confused I answered.

“Can you see the Northern Lights? she asked.” 

“Northern Lights really?  Where?  Now?  Gotta go!”  Was my jumbled response as I threw on my shoes, sweater and tried to stumble out of the bus with out turning on the light again.

I ran outside.  Since early childhood, I have loved the Northern Lights, they fascinate me.  That is one of the things I most look forward to about moving to Alaska next summer.  Running into the darkness I scanned the northern horizon, were those the lights?  At first all I saw was a long thin whitish cloud.  Disappointed I watched the grayish fog, then ever so faintly I saw the lights ripple first one way then a wave another.  A light pink hue seemed to grow and glow.

They were not nearly as brilliant as the pictures I have seen nor even as bold as the ones I saw a few years ago.  They didn’t dance  really but seemed to ripple, yet sure enough these were the northern lights!  They were real, They were there!  I sat and watched them in wonder and they were promises of a future more brilliant Northern lights to come.  They were also an encouragement of God’s good blessings to come!  His provision, in the weeks to come!  I felt confident that God had indeed sent me a sign.  I felt bold, ready to climb this mountain!

So what causes those really cool lights?  It is the flares from the sun trying to  penetrate our atmosphere, and getting diverted by our ionosphere.  Just as the lights to me were a reminder of God’s care and provision, in reality we  are seeing the evidence of  God’s protective hand diverting the flares from the earth’s surface.

no the pictures are not of last nights lights but  of some of the more bright and brilliant lights I long to see one day

Good Morning Da

“Good Morning Da.”   were the first words that rolled through my mind when I awoke a few Sundays back.  As I lie there in bed getting my bearings I had to laugh at myself.  Often times over the years I have awoke with a song, a prayer or a simple greeting to the Lord upon my lips.  And over the years I have known my God, as Lord, Savior Friend, Father, Brother, Protector, King, Provider.  In prayer I often refer to him as Dad or Abba, but well Da was a new one.  Obviously I have watched too many Irish films of late.

That morning was Fathers day, and I spent the day with my heavenly Dad.  I had wanted to go to the river or the hills, the places I most enjoy being with God; but instead I spent the day sorting boxes.  The day was not a waste for even in the midst of the tasks at hand He was there with me.

Then earlier this week I got a package in the mail.  I had ordered it weeks ago but it had been backordered for so long I forgot it was coming.  Curious I opened it to find a sweatshirt I had order from Irish gifts.  (I need a sweatshirt to take overseas with me and figured my Marine Corp one was not a good option)  So I had ordered a brown one that declares me to be Irish.  Wrapped along side the sweater in layers of bubble wrap.  Hidden so well I nearly tossed it out was a granite plaque, I had ordered as a gift to give away on Fathers day.  Carefully I unwrapped it and gazed over the words engraved upon it. “Teacher, Protector, Wisdom, Coach, Father, Trust, Strength, Faithful, Inspiration, Leader, Hero, Mentor, Love, Provider, Friend, Counselor, Dignity, Integrity, Dad” 

Originally when I ordered the plaque I considered ordering two.  One for my step dad and another for Jim who has been like a Dad to me over the past ten years.  I ended up ordering just the one, unsure of who I would give it to.  Though with it resting in my hand, there was no longer any question who this belated Fathers day gift would go to.   I gave it to my Da.  My Abba, My Dad, My covering.  It sits alongside of my bible, right next to my computer.   I hope the sight of it every day will remind me just how wonderful He  really is.

“So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore”

That is the title of a book I have been reading lately.  I picked it up in Wal-Mart one weekend cause I was planning to spend the following Sunday with my bible by the lake.  Plans didn't really go as I expected  but the book is proving to be a good read anyhow.  In fact I highly recommend it, that is if you want to read a book that may step on your toes a little.

It is all about a pastor (from nowadays) who met and had many encounters with John the disciple of Jesus.  At first the book talked a lot about church as it is and as it could be.  I read enjoying every page, thinking of all the other folks in my life who would also enjoy this book. 

Yesterday I took the book with me to work so while waiting for the boss to arrive and show me what needs done on a new job, I was able to steal a few moments to read.  It talked about how dead and religious most church goers are.  I immediately thought of the church I grew up in and all the traditions of men that are based on Catholicism and the teachings of some dead reformer and not on scripture.  No doubt It was their religion and lack of seeing a real living God that launched me into my search for faith many years ago. I felt sorry for those still stuck in bondage and not even realizing it.   But as I read a little more I began to see dead religion in the lives of people I currently surround myself with.  They dress this way, won’t drink, won’t listen to -or watch, can’t go…etc.  Yet on the flip side, they reach out, pray, preach, go, live…. Although I share many of their convictions, and love much of what I see, there is much I have disagreed with over the years.  I have spent years, watching, learning and dreaming.  “One day I hope to be like so and so, except, I will do this and this differently, my motive in this will be better, and the fruit of my efforts in those areas will prove to be more lasting or more  pure or just improved then the fruit I see in their lives right now. 

I could hardly wait till lunch when I read a few more pages, but this time I found dead religion in my life.  Ouch!!!!!

I love to get up early in the mornings and read my bible, talk with my Heavenly Dad.  A few years ago I decided to commit scripture or other profound quotes to memory.  I have been actively involved in ministry and missions for years.   I may not tithe to a church every week, but I give my tithe and offerings  to God, and his works.  Years ago I made a commitment to remain not just physically  but emotionally pure until marriage.  I long for the day when I can one day be a wife and a mother, when I can home school my own children.  These are my convictions, some of them God given, all of them God honoring I'm sure.  Yet they have also become my religion just as binding and dead as the the things I disdain now or left behind years ago. 

In the book John the disciple began to challenge the pastor about his motives behind his actions, his churches programs, and such.  I realized how much of what I do for God is done out of guilt.  For example I feel guilty when I skip church, I feel guilty when I go a few days with out a quiet time in the mornings.  When things get hard for me, when I'm not seeing God’s miraculous provision, I immediately begin to examine my life for areas of sin, just sure that I have lost God’s favor. 

I love what I do in missions and ministry, but often I forget to do things with God and in His Might, but seek to serve Him in my own strength and abilities, then I get tired and burnt out.  I took a hard look at how I view people around me, I hold them to the same standards I hold myself too.  Just like the Pharisees of old I try to heap my rules and standards on those around me.  When people ask me is so and so a Christian I look at their prayer life their bible reading their heart for the lost, often times saying, their religious but don't really seem to have any relationship with the Lord.  When leading a team overseas for a mission trip a few years back I was always frustrated with one of our team members for never once did I see her crack open her bible.  As I sat on my bead reading my bible in the mornings I would look at my sleeping roommate and pray ‘God help her to be more diligent, to make time with You and priority.” 

Yet where is that first love?  Where is the joy simply in being a child of God?  Where is that awareness of His presence in every area and moment of my day?    When did I begin to earn God’s favor.  why do I so fear loosing His love in moments of weakness in a moment of sin?  when did I trade my relationship with Him for a list of expectations and convictions?

Home sweet Home

Life has been a bit hectic lately, but once again I find myself settled into a new home.  This time it is a large gray bus, that has been transformed into a camper of sorts.  I don't have a way to cook, wash dishes, or keep food cool, but I have a bed, and a table and electricity, as well as a place to store my many books, though how I will read them all before leaving I don’t know.

A few afternoon's ago Melody and I were invited to hang out with David at the hanger where his plane is being rebuilt.  It is fun seeing this young mans dreams coming to fulfillment.   He has wanted to be a pilot since he was a little kid, and now he is taking lessons and helping to fix up his own plane.  Melody took some pictures of me scrapping stuff off the windows.  I think it is kind of cool how only the red appears.  

“Leaving On a Jet Plane” (August 18th)

Every few days I would turn on my computer and go to one of the many sites a plane ticket can be purchased at. I put in my destination and the dates I wanted to leave and waited while a price was figured out. Time and time again I was disappointed to see prices like 1600, or even 3,000 for this one way ticket. ( I cant buy round trip as my return date is too far into the future so I figured that need into my month to month budget)

So the other day I checked in for a second time that day (mornings price was 15,800 and guess what came up $787. Praise the Lord!!! I was so thrilled. It will get me to one of the main cities in the nation….I will still need to get a second ticket to get to my town but that should only be a 17 hour bus ride or an hour long flight for 60-150 bucks.

Just so you know I will be taking the plane for I don’t want to mess with juggling my luggage (two suitcases, packed full of books, a carry on with my laptop, and my guitar as I take two city buses and a ferry ride just to reach the right bus station. All in a language, I don’t speak.

Keep praying all the needs come in!

$60-150 dollars for second leg of journey

1170 committed monthly support. I have 355 committed by word!!!!! though so far I am only seeing 145 coming in each month. So pray that God blesses those who are remembering to give, reminds those who may have forgotten, and speaks to those He has chosen to be a part of this ministry.

Once committed support comes in all the rest of the needs will fall into place $430 worth of books, computer programs and games, a few movies I want to take and give to the girls (and their family) for a detailed list see my last newsletter or email me)

$410-549 for the Complete Rosetta Stone Language course. I did level one a few years back when I first visited the land. It was great, I learned an incredible amount of vocabulary. Which means I actually understood the subject of a lot of conversations happening around me, but I didn’t know enough to converse back. Levels 2 and 3 should really build on that.

One more need, I need to find a temporary home for the next 6 weeks. Ideally a camper, or motor home, parked right here at Nicholson’s until I leave (the camper I’m staying in needs to be used July 1-5 and again in late July and again in Early August. If necessary I can camp out in the back of my truck, but that is not the most ideal option.

Can we command God?

My initial response is “of course not- No Way!!!  He is God, we are not; end of story”.

I heard an interesting sermon yesterday, it was all about faith being like a hinge on a door in our lives.  We can have Faith in God and see the blessings and favor of the Lord upon our lives and circumstances.  The majority of the passages used were the ones usually used in messages on faith, we read the account of Jesus cursing the fig tree, of our faith needing to only be as big as a mustard seed, of saying to the mountain move to the sea,  and of havening confidence that when we ask according to God’s will we can know that we will receive whatever we asked for, of faith being the evidence and substance of what we are hoping for. It was a good message but nothing I haven’t heard before.   He then referred to a verse in in Isaiah 45 that absolutely shocked me.

Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: "Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. - Isaiah 45:11

My mouth dropped open, it seems so arrogant for the creation to command the Creator.  Yet at the same time we are instructed to Come Boldly before the Throne.  I spent most of yesterday and some of this morning pondering those words.  I dug out a lexicon just to see if Command might of meant ask….it doesn't, it literally means to command, to order, to commission, to charge.  God is telling us that we can ask Him of things to come and we can command the works of His hands.    Think about that, will you.

God responds to our prayers, our pleas and even our declarations.  It is because we are His children that we can come to His throne with Awe and with Confidence that He will hear us and He will answer.

There are times in our lives when we don't really know the will of God and so we ask, Father should we?…..will you please….?  Is it Your will….? .  And there are other times where we know the will of God, we never need to ask God “is it His will to bring a lost person to Him.  We know that  is His desire.  We don’t ask in those times we speak forth, we declare, we command.  God open their eyes, touch their lives, set them free.  Lord heal, Lord Save, Father provide.

Is it the Desire of your Heavenly Father, your heavenly King to care for and provide for you, to open doors of opportunity for you, to heal, to protect you and those He has made in His image?. 

What circumstances, and mountains seem to be looming over you.  Speak to the Mountains, boldly charge God to move mightily on your behalf.   Walk in the authority He has bestowed upon you.

For me, it increases my faith, not just in trusting Him to provide for me as I serve overseas, but in trusting Him to bring restoration and reconciliation in the relationships of my life.  In moving the mountains of impossibility that stand between me and some of the desires God has placed upon my heart.

Going Away for the the week

It is rodeo camp week and it still hurts like he** not to be involved.  So I decided to skip town for the week.  It makes it easier and besides this way I don’t seem rude to the parents and instructors who know I’m near enough to swing by.

This next phase of my life will be wonderful, and really I don’t regret anything…it’s just I have invested 8 years of my life into this camp and the families who attend.  I love those kids…and  it hurts to be so near yet so far away……

So I’m off to spend a few days with my friend Anna who is a paramedic in Yellowstone.  What more can a gal ask for then good friends, chocolate, flowers an inspiring movie, plenty of time to be with God and beautiful scenery!

Lessons from MacGyver

“I think if you try hard enough and make the best of a situation, the situation won't get the best of you."

- MacGyver (Birth Day) Season 2

It was snowing yesterday, so I wrapped myself up in a  warm blanket, fixed me some hot chocolate and turned to YouTube to watch MacGyver.  It occurred to me that we all could a learn a lot from this man. 

Like instead of getting overwhelmed by the obstacles he looks for the possibilities.  He has a great can do attitude, and he will fight with everything he has,for those in need and for a cause he believes in.  Last of all anyone who can seal leaks with chocolate bars or make explosives out of pine cones is pretty cool in my book.

here are some other MacGyver quotes I found on line

"Everybody makes mistakes once in a while. The trick is learning to live with it." - MacGyver (Ugly Duckling)

"Another day, a whole 'nother set of fresh possibilities . . . I'm a sucker for mornings." - MacGyver (Slow Death)

“A good relationship is alot like a car. If you want it to work smoothly, you gotta put alot of work into it, and have the right tools." - MacGyver (Three for the Road)

“A man once said, "When you make a friend, you take on a responsibility." - MacGyver (Fire and Ice)

“It's occurred to me that some friendships are like a good game of hockey. The right balance of teamwork and smooth skating generally adds up to a winning combination."               MacGyver (Easy Target)

Pete: Are you okay?
MacGyver: No. But I'll live

MacGyver: Egg whites are good for a lot of things - lemon meringue pie, angel food cake, and clogging up radiators

Expect the Unexpected!

Yesterday afternoon, I sat with the Nicholson kids playing some computer game.  Melody the eldest girl came downstairs modeling two jackets, “Which should be my summer camping jacket?  I don't want to be cold.”  she added as explanation.  She was wearing a lighter-weight, yet still warm Patagonia and in her hands held a bulky camouflage printed winter coat. 

A few moments later she packed the heavier of the two jackets in a large tub with her other winter attire.  She was ready for summer.

This morning I woke up and looked out the window only to see everything covered in a wintery white.  It had snowed.  I was surprised but really nothing should surprise me about Wyoming weather.  I have seen it snow it June many times before.  In fact I can recall snow on two separate 4th of July celebrations.  And of course it can snow in August and September.  The saying goes if you don't like the weather in Wyoming wait five minutes and it will change.

The weather patterns here remind me of  life.  One never knows what to expect.  As a kid I wanted to go overseas and help people.  I had seen some special on feeding hungry children and wanted to join the Peace Corp.   As I grew older and read stories on teaching and teachers who really made a difference in children's lives I decided I wanted to be a teacher or a social worker.  Of course there had always been the love for horses and animals in general.  I longed to find a way to put it all together.  So I enrolled in College taking classes in both equestrian studies and Early education. 

Funny thing is I never finished school, I accepted the Lord and was so hungry for the Word that I had little interest in reading a textbook, besides I hated college.  It was not my thing. 

So I took a year off to do a DTS (Discipleship Training School)  And felt God calling me into Missions.  It was a big decision, for I was sure it would mean giving up all my dreams to pursue Gods.  And as a full missionary is how I have spent the last 8 years of my life.

  Most of time was spent running Rodeo Camps for kids (hmm horses and children)  producing rodeos and reaching out to families across rural Wyoming.  I have been overseas, working on ranches in Argentina, doing dramas in Brazil, playing with village children in Lesotho, helping expecting mothers in Turkey, volunteering in Kyrgyz orphanages, Homeschooling in Tajikistan, teaching English in Pakistan and in about 8 short weeks I will be moving back overseas to teach 6th and 8th grade for two American girls, daughters of missionaries who serve in a Muslim land that will remain unnamed since this blog is online :)

When I left my old life to pursue missions, I thought for sure I was  giving up everything I had dreamed of to follow God.  Yet He has enabled me to fulfill almost all my life goals.  He took me in un-anticipated direction, yet surprised me with the adventurous and blessing placed long that path.

“God Always Gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him”

-Hudson Taylor Missionary to China

Isa 55:9 - Show Context

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope

The New King James Version

New King James Version.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
Used by permission.

Sight under construction

Sorry folks, I still haven’t figured this thing out so I deleted everything and am starting over….any tips?