Friday, May 15
Off to the Jungle...
Tomorrow I am off to the jungle again for more training. It will be about 2 more months of communication. Please be praying for strength to keep going and physical endurance as we live in very hot conditions. Wisdom and knowledge in learning more bible stories in Spanish, and understanding of the new concept of house church. Unity with our team mates but most of all LOVE from the Lord to over flow into the people around me. Love you and see you in 2 months!
Spiritual Warefare is real...
Well my life has been extremely crazy for the past few days. I have seen spiritual warefare a little bit in Thailand growing up and had bad dreams but never like this. On Monday, May 11th was when it started.
I woke up completely tired from having alot of bads dreams, and told my friends to pray for me because I was so tired. Then I went into the bedroom and read the whole book of 1 John, and fell asleep praying. I then saw some really crazy things that I do not care to describe, and was told by this demonic man to get out of here and that I had to get on the floor. I was terrified and got on the floor, and that is all I remember. Well my friends tell me that they came in the room and tried to wake me up because I was lashing around on the floor and crying. They then called my boss and his wife and they came over and tried to wake me up as well. They were praying over me and trying to talk to me but I did not respond. Then after about 15 minutes they tried to sit me up and I woke up. I then remember waking up to everyone looking at me, and then I started to cry because I was scared of the man that yelled at me. I had a terrible headache and was completely exhausted, and was sweating really bad.
Then that evening after alot of prayer and a long time for me to finally go to sleep I woke up and wasn´t having any dreams but I could not breathe. It felt like someone was on my chest or was choking me.
This was just a start of terrible dreams I have had for the past 5 days. I KNOW that God allows things to happen to us for a purpose and that He is always right there with me when these things are happening. But it has been extremely hard right now. I have talked with my parents about this and some other people about why and what I need to do in this time. God is teaching me alot about who I am and what sin I need to confess. I also know that Satan does not want me here on the mission field and sees me as a threat. But who cares what Satan thinks, he is a toothless liar and I am going to keep fighting for my Lord Jesus.
The missionfield is a battlefield and Spiritual Warefare is real. But God is in control and has won the VICTORY over all!!!
I woke up completely tired from having alot of bads dreams, and told my friends to pray for me because I was so tired. Then I went into the bedroom and read the whole book of 1 John, and fell asleep praying. I then saw some really crazy things that I do not care to describe, and was told by this demonic man to get out of here and that I had to get on the floor. I was terrified and got on the floor, and that is all I remember. Well my friends tell me that they came in the room and tried to wake me up because I was lashing around on the floor and crying. They then called my boss and his wife and they came over and tried to wake me up as well. They were praying over me and trying to talk to me but I did not respond. Then after about 15 minutes they tried to sit me up and I woke up. I then remember waking up to everyone looking at me, and then I started to cry because I was scared of the man that yelled at me. I had a terrible headache and was completely exhausted, and was sweating really bad.
Then that evening after alot of prayer and a long time for me to finally go to sleep I woke up and wasn´t having any dreams but I could not breathe. It felt like someone was on my chest or was choking me.
This was just a start of terrible dreams I have had for the past 5 days. I KNOW that God allows things to happen to us for a purpose and that He is always right there with me when these things are happening. But it has been extremely hard right now. I have talked with my parents about this and some other people about why and what I need to do in this time. God is teaching me alot about who I am and what sin I need to confess. I also know that Satan does not want me here on the mission field and sees me as a threat. But who cares what Satan thinks, he is a toothless liar and I am going to keep fighting for my Lord Jesus.
The missionfield is a battlefield and Spiritual Warefare is real. But God is in control and has won the VICTORY over all!!!
Wednesday, May 13
My dreams...
Demon Dreams
Douglas Palmer
When I dream
Walking through hell
It seems some one has cast a spell
Demons in my head
Shut up
Im paralyzed now
Curse the demon
And im free
But only for a moment
Then im stuck again
But there is a light
I glimpse at it
And I see you
The demons
Are screaming now
For they have no power how
Douglas Palmer
When I dream
Walking through hell
It seems some one has cast a spell
Demons in my head
Shut up
Im paralyzed now
Curse the demon
And im free
But only for a moment
Then im stuck again
But there is a light
I glimpse at it
And I see you
The demons
Are screaming now
For they have no power how
Monday, May 11
Mixed Emotions...
Well I have been out of the jungle and life here on the mission field is really hard. There are so many times I wonder why I got myself into this. I really do miss my friends and family alot, and pray for them all the time when I miss them. I just really want to be real about what is going on in my life. So here is goes... I really feel when people say I am going to the mission field that they are going into a serious battlefield. I am daily on my knees talking to the Lord about everything in life. I have had so many attacks from Satan as far as sickness, friendship problems, bad dreams, sin, my own sinful self, and the list goes on. It is these times I just want to leave the frontline of the battle field and go home and just be loved on. But it is in these times that I know I am going through the struggles and hard times. I seriously feel beaten and hurt, and just want to leave. But I know the Lord has called me here and I am going to keep fighting in the battle for my Lord Jesus. The verse that I have been praying over daily in my life is Jeams 1:2
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever face trails of many kinds, because you that the know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
God has been so good but it truly is so hard for me to be here on the missionfield at times. But I just have to keep fighting for my Lord.
Also alot of changes have happened on the extreme team and somtimes it is really hard to obey my leaders in times. But it says directly in Hebrews 13:17 "obey your leaders and submit to their authority". It is not like I don't like my leaders and respect them at all, I just am having a hard time with some of the decisions.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever face trails of many kinds, because you that the know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
God has been so good but it truly is so hard for me to be here on the missionfield at times. But I just have to keep fighting for my Lord.
Also alot of changes have happened on the extreme team and somtimes it is really hard to obey my leaders in times. But it says directly in Hebrews 13:17 "obey your leaders and submit to their authority". It is not like I don't like my leaders and respect them at all, I just am having a hard time with some of the decisions.
Thursday, May 7
Jungle Struggle...
Well I am out of the jungle again, and so much is going on. I can't even explain what I am going through. I so badly just want to just sit down with all of you for days and share with you what the Lord is teaching me about my sins. Wow I have never been attacked so much by Satan in my life. I have learned that I am at WAR daily with dark forces and my own self. God is good and I truly have learned to just fall on my face before Him when no one else is there and run to Him! There are so many times I feel alone and not loved but God is all I need. The number one thing that is hard is the relationships, and I am always crying and broken over that. I have learned that I struggle so much with wanting so bad to be close to one person and have such a strong desire to have a best friend always in my life. Or even just to get married and always have my husband there with me. Which is weird because I have never struggled with being single. But that is wrong because I should run to God and have Him be my best friend, and human love is NOTHING compared to God's love over me. I love you all and miss you so much, and pray for you all the time.
Monday, February 16
Off to the Jungle!
Hey Friends and Family, I am going to be in the jungle for the next 3 months! So I just wanted to tell you I love you all and will be thinking about you in the JUNGLE! Love you!
Here is a video of my time in Guatemala!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOpq4-NQJAQ
My Teacher- Magaly!
For my last two weeks of class, I decided to switch teachers because I thought my Spanish would improve by listening to a different teacher and being exposed to different types of teachings. Little did I know, what the Lord had planned. My new teacher, Magaly, is pregnant and we have had a lot of fun conversations because my older sister just birthed her third child. One day, we began talking about baptisms, as I eagerly wanted to learn more about Catholics. She told me a lot about the steps of being a Catholic and what she believed. Then as soon as she was done, she asked me, “Lori tell me what you believe!” As soon as she said that my heart started to beat really fast, because I knew this was time for the Lord to speak through me. I started talking about baptism and then ended up sharing pretty much the whole plan of salvation with her. But the biggest part of it all is that I shared it all in Spanish!!! God is so good and I truly felt Him speaking through me! I feel so blessed to be His servant in these times. It is also amazing how the Lord prepares and equips us for exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. My old teacher, Diana and I had multiple conversations about the Lord, which helped prepare me for this time with Magaly.
Friday, January 30
Mi Familia en San Juan!
The other day I was playing the card game Uno with my brother, Fabio and his cousin, Jessi. Since I still can’t say complete sentences in Spanish, its always funny so we just laugh and have a good time. During the game my mom, Olga, was making dinner in the kitchen and came out and said, “I just had to tell you that I have been listening to you guys talk, and Lori you’re speaking so good in Spanish.” This made me smile and I was really encouraged. The next day, as I was eating dinner with my mom, she shared that there have been a lot of students that have come and lived with them in the past, and that Fabio, my brother never talked to them. She continued, saying that he loves me, is always excited to see me, and wants to talk to me all the time. She also said that Jessi, Fabio’s cousin also loves coming over to see me and hang out, too. I love playing cards with them and it’s always a great surprise to come home to find cards and bracelets and candy they’ve made for me! The Lord is truly working through me and building strong wonderful relationship with people here like my brother.
Another HUGE blessing is my relationship with my mom, Olga! Some of the best times I have had here are sitting at the table and just speaking Spanish with her. We have such a precious relationship, and I thank God so much for it! One day she told me that she prayed for me to learn Spanish fast so that we could talk together more. Another day she was not feeling well, so I mopped for her while she shared stories with me in Spanish. Sometimes we pass each other and don’t say anything but just giggle and smile. My dad, Vinicio, is a teacher at my Spanish school and always asks me if I need help with homework. He also has the funniest stories to share and I can’t tell you how much I love them!
Please pray for my family here in San Juan! They are Catholic and I am still trying to learn enough Spanish to share more with them about my beliefs in the Lord. My family here is wonderful and I praise God for them and His amazing faithfulness!
God's Provision!
Right now I am listening to one of my favorite songs and wanted to share it with you…
“If I never get to see another rainbow, or share another laugh with a friend. If I never have another prayer that’s answered, or have another blessing come my way, Father I will still have to say… You have been good! Yet I am in wonder how could it be? In SO MANY WAYS YOU’VE Been GOOD TO ME!” If suddenly it all were ended, and your blessings disappeared, looking back over a lifetime, the evidence is clear! You have been GOOD! Yet I am in WONDER how could it be! In so many ways you have been good to me!”
There are so many things that I am thankful for right now, and I am truly in wonder of God and His PROVISION! God is so good and I am so blessed to be here in Guatemala learning a new language! I feel like I have waited my whole life for this time to serve my Lord Jesus as a missionary. I so believe that being a missionary is the BEST job in the world! It is such a joy to be the Lord’s servant and have Him work through me in so many different ways! I feel the POWER of prayer daily over me, from when I wake up in the morning, until I lay down at night. Seriously, I have tears in my eyes thinking about the support that I have and I praise God for each of you.
The biggest story I want to share is about the LORD’S PROVISION! Yesterday during class my Spanish teacher, Diana, shared with me some things that were really difficult to hear. First of all, my teacher is the only Christian teacher with the school we attend. She has an incredible testimony and has shared powerful stories about how the Lord has worked in her family’s life and provided in times of incredible need. A few months ago God told my teacher’s dad to start a project for children with no food. Their whole family fasted and the Lord revealed to the family through dreams and visions how to start the project. Now this dream is a developing ministry feeding nearly 150 kids daily who otherwise would not have food.
Yesterday Diana was telling me that her family is experiencing spiritual attacks from the devil and some financial difficulties as a result of her husband recently loosing his job. Diana has had dreams of demons chasing her in a forest and stabbing her in the back, and her younger brother has also had dreams of demons attacking in the night. One morning Diana’s daughter came to the breakfast table and said, “Mom, look God provides for us, I just found $3 in my room.” This made me cry. But, the whole time my teacher was sharing she was smiling and telling me that God is good and that He is our Provider. Well, I wish I could share ALL the details but let me just say that some people and I came together and were able to help my teacher. And when I gave her this gift, I looked into her eyes and said “Dios es Provider!” Wow, I have read so many times in the Bible about how the Lord has provided for His people, and have shared how He has provided in my life. But the power of saying, “God is our Provider” in another language and another culture was truly powerful. God can use anyone, in any culture all over the world! I just feel so blessed to be used by Him, and be apart of the mission field and GOD’S PROVSION!
Sunday, January 25
Mi Cumpliano!!!
Así que solo tenía mi cumpleaños el 21 de enero, y quería compartir ¿por qué un brithday en un país diferente es tan divertido! Aquí están los top 10 razones de por qué me encantó...
10. Me desperté en petardos fuera de mi puerta a las 6:00 de la mañana en mi cumpleaños!
9. Me golpeó un pollo piñata y sudado porque era tan duro en mi cumpleaños!
8. COMÍ chocolate cake con mis profesores de español en mi cumpleaños!
7. Mi maestro traducido Christian español canciones para mí durante la clase de mi cumpleaños!
6. Todos mis amigos y yo alquila scooters y obligaron a alrededor de la ciudad y tuvo algunas aventuras locas el fin de semana de mi cumpleaños!
5. Me fui a hablar con mi familia en skype sobre mi cumpleaños!
4. Me da una dulce cuchillo de Misty y un imponente camisa de amy de Gaute sobre mi cumpleaños!
3. Salí y tuvo un último spegetti cena con algunos de mis mejores amigos nunca!
2. Hablé con Jessica Sorrel sobre Skype (uno de mis mejores amigos, quien se encuentra en Perú ahora)!
1. Y la mejor parte de mi cumpleaños fue deslizarse en la montaña en mi scooter y frenado para estimado vida en la noche oscura!
Okay here it is in English! :) So I just had my birthday on January 21st, and I wanted to share why having a brithday in a different counry is so much fun! Here are the top 10 reasons why I loved it...
10. I woke up to firecrackers outside my door at 6:00 in the morning on my birthday!
9. I hit a chicken pinata and sweated because it was so hard on my birthday!
8. I ate chocolate cake with my spanish teachers on my birthday!
7. My teacher translated Christian spanish songs for me during class on my birthday!
6. All my friends and I rented scooters and drove them around town and had some crazy adventures the weekend of my birthday!
5. I got to talk with my family on skype on my birthday!
4. I got a sweet knife from Misty and an awesome shirt from Amy from Gaute on my birthday!
3. I went out and had an amzing spegetti dinner with some of my best friends ever!
2. I talked to Jessica Sorrel on Skype (one of my best friends, who is in Peru right now)!
1. And the BEST part of my birthday was sliding down the mountain on my scooter and braking for dear life in the dark night!
Monday, January 12
Life in Gaute...es muy bieno!
So I've been in Guatemala for a little over a week now and it's been awesome! I've already learned a few things and was inspired by one of my friends to put them into a top ten list... so here it is!
10- If you don't eat everything on your plate- they start to give you less food...
9- It's no big deal to see chickens wandering around the school...
8- Pedestrians do NOT have the right away...
7- Buses have NO maximum capacity...
6- Dogs are everywhere and fight constantly!!
5- If you aren't fluent in Spanish (like i) you do a lot of charades to communicate with the people you live with, especially at dinner...
4- As you learn Spanish, your English gets worse!
3- Fireworks go off often- anytime of the day or night... and sometimes right outside your door!
2- ¨Papas Fritas¨ are the best words in Spanish that I have learned...which means french fries.
1- The best time to take a shower is the middle of the day because hot is relative.. meaning it's not exactly a hot shower but more like an almost lukewarm shower (and when i say almost lukewarm- i mean on the cold side...)
Seriously, Guatemala is great! It's beautiful here! The family I'm living with is really amazing! My mama cooks the best food, and knows exactly what I need, it truly is a blessing. I don't have a whole lot of time today to tell everything but God is so good!! He has been teaching me so much!! I have been reading in my chronological Bible and LOVE it. Sometimes I don´t want to study Spanish and just read different stories from the Bible!
Some things to pray for are...
-For fluency in Spanish! I'm picking it up and can understand a whole lot more than before so that's good!
-My family that I'm living with! They are not Christians and every meal time I sit down and just talk about everything, and we have already talked about God, which is awesome for as little as Spanish I know right now.
-My health!
Love you Family!
Thanks Ellen!
10- If you don't eat everything on your plate- they start to give you less food...
9- It's no big deal to see chickens wandering around the school...
8- Pedestrians do NOT have the right away...
7- Buses have NO maximum capacity...
6- Dogs are everywhere and fight constantly!!
5- If you aren't fluent in Spanish (like i) you do a lot of charades to communicate with the people you live with, especially at dinner...
4- As you learn Spanish, your English gets worse!
3- Fireworks go off often- anytime of the day or night... and sometimes right outside your door!
2- ¨Papas Fritas¨ are the best words in Spanish that I have learned...which means french fries.
1- The best time to take a shower is the middle of the day because hot is relative.. meaning it's not exactly a hot shower but more like an almost lukewarm shower (and when i say almost lukewarm- i mean on the cold side...)
Seriously, Guatemala is great! It's beautiful here! The family I'm living with is really amazing! My mama cooks the best food, and knows exactly what I need, it truly is a blessing. I don't have a whole lot of time today to tell everything but God is so good!! He has been teaching me so much!! I have been reading in my chronological Bible and LOVE it. Sometimes I don´t want to study Spanish and just read different stories from the Bible!
Some things to pray for are...
-For fluency in Spanish! I'm picking it up and can understand a whole lot more than before so that's good!
-My family that I'm living with! They are not Christians and every meal time I sit down and just talk about everything, and we have already talked about God, which is awesome for as little as Spanish I know right now.
-My health!
Love you Family!
Thanks Ellen!
Wednesday, December 31
Leaving so soon...
I leave my family and friends in 29 hours right now. And I have sooooo many emotions going through my head right now. First of all I want to crap my pants I'm so NERVOUS. Second, I want to jump over the moon I am so EXCITED! Third, I want want to cry for hours I'm so SAD to be leaving my family! But I just keep thinking about God and the future work in South America! He is Sovereign! This picture symbolizes alot of my emotions...it's of my beautiful sisters and Marisa (my older sister) is 37 weeks pregnant. Which means I will not be able to see my precious niece until she is 2 years old.
Monday, December 29
My Christmas, Birthday, & Good-bye!
My arrival Home!
This Christmas has most definitely been very different for me this year. It first was really emotional coming into after saying good-bye to some wonderful friends that I made at training in Richmond, Virginia. I truly had a wonderful time learning about being a missionary and just growing close to people that have the same passions as me over a 2 month period. Then seeing my family was just overwhelming because I had not seen them in so long. But it truly has been a blessing. At first I was so stressed about all the things I needed to get done before leaving that I even had a stress rash. It was kind of weird. There was a lot of financial things that I have had to take care of before leaving the country, and alot of miscellaneous buying and packing before leaving for 2 years. So with the stress of all that I have been trying to have a wonderful last 2 weeks with my family. I don't want to sound like I am complaining because God is so good and it truly is a blessing to have this time with my family it just has been hard to find special times with everyone.
The first Sunday back we went out to breakfast and broke down and cried about sacrifices that I am going to be giving up. And the reality of my extreme conditions that I am going to be living in. It was a special time for me to really share with my family about truly how I feel about this new unknown adventure that is going to take place. I truly appreciate my family and all of there sensitive spirits and encouraging words. This of course makes it even harder to say good-bye to my loving family. But Jesus Christ gave up so much for us and in return I can give up my crazy wonderful wild family.
I say wild because tonight was my early birthday party. Since my birthday is on Jan.21th, my family gave me an early birthday so they could be with me. We had spaghetti, my favorite meal, and then had a wild crazy birthday celebration with popping streamers, blowing horns, and a silly cake. Everyone kept blowing the horns into each others faces and laughing really hard, including Collin and Summer. Then we played battle of the sexes, phase ten, and then Dictionary.
This Christmas has most definitely been very different for me this year. It first was really emotional coming into after saying good-bye to some wonderful friends that I made at training in Richmond, Virginia. I truly had a wonderful time learning about being a missionary and just growing close to people that have the same passions as me over a 2 month period. Then seeing my family was just overwhelming because I had not seen them in so long. But it truly has been a blessing. At first I was so stressed about all the things I needed to get done before leaving that I even had a stress rash. It was kind of weird. There was a lot of financial things that I have had to take care of before leaving the country, and alot of miscellaneous buying and packing before leaving for 2 years. So with the stress of all that I have been trying to have a wonderful last 2 weeks with my family. I don't want to sound like I am complaining because God is so good and it truly is a blessing to have this time with my family it just has been hard to find special times with everyone.
The first Sunday back we went out to breakfast and broke down and cried about sacrifices that I am going to be giving up. And the reality of my extreme conditions that I am going to be living in. It was a special time for me to really share with my family about truly how I feel about this new unknown adventure that is going to take place. I truly appreciate my family and all of there sensitive spirits and encouraging words. This of course makes it even harder to say good-bye to my loving family. But Jesus Christ gave up so much for us and in return I can give up my crazy wonderful wild family.
I say wild because tonight was my early birthday party. Since my birthday is on Jan.21th, my family gave me an early birthday so they could be with me. We had spaghetti, my favorite meal, and then had a wild crazy birthday celebration with popping streamers, blowing horns, and a silly cake. Everyone kept blowing the horns into each others faces and laughing really hard, including Collin and Summer. Then we played battle of the sexes, phase ten, and then Dictionary.
Saturday, December 20
Week Nine of Training for the Mission Field!
FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) Training!
Day 56: Monday, December 15th- Our talks in the morning were amazing they were all about strengthening relationship. Then for lunch we dressed up to thank the cooks and have desserts. Then after lunch the strengthening relationship talks were amazing but Brittany and I had to talk about some things, and so I missed some of the meetings.Then I picked up mom and the airport at 3:00pm. We then went out to dinner together and then she came back and meet some of my friends. We hung out in my room a long time with Amy before bed time.
Day 57: Tuesday, December 16th- We had our last small group time together and Adam shared a funny story and we sang some songs. Then we had leadership meetings in the morning. After lunch we then had a wrap up session and then it was all over. As soon as we were done with our last class everyone cheered. I just felt really sad, but was also excited. There are so many emotions going on as a missionary and really is hard. I was truly torn between spending time with my mom and hanging out with my friends. It is sooooo hard to say good bye to people that I have grown so close to over the past 2 months. We had cross-cultural worship sound check meeting. Then we hung out dorm 2 that night and played games.
Day 58: Wednesday, November 17th- We had sound check in the morning at 8:00am. Then we had a walk through for the Commissioning ceremony. Then we had the mapping ceremony, and when I went up and shared a funny prayer request to endure eating monkey brains. But also to seek the Lord in every situation! Then we had a really fast lunch and mom went to the dialogue with family member and she said she cried the whole time. Then the service started. It was really good and I help lead worship then there was a video also of Evan and I that Kyle made about "Who wants to be a missionary", and I was the contestant and I was Lottie Moon. Then after the commissioning I saw the Hammack's, Wolfe's, and Pegues! I was SOOOOO emotional to say good bye to everyone, and just kept crying. I think the hardest part was saying good bye to Lauren and Jess! Brittany, Courtney, Jess and I all went outside and took pictures and hugged Jess a really long time and cried and then said good bye. This was extremely hard for me. Then I had dinner with a bunch of people at Chilli's and I was just so exhausted I barely talked at dinner. Then I meet Alisha's sister and shared with her about what I am going to be doing, and she prayed with me. It truly was a blessing. Then we went back and I was not feeling good at all and I threw up, and fell asleep for a little bit. Then I walked around and said good bye to people. Then I went to Courtney's room and laid in her bed and watched her pack with Brittany. We stayed up till 3:00am.
Day 59: Thursday, November 18th- Woke up and cleaned the room and checked out at 6:30am. I said good bye to Brittany then went to the airport. It was so good to see Courtney again and the airport and then pray with her before we said good bye again. I cried really hard when I said good bye to her. Then flying to Arkansas was so sad and I slept the whole way, and the times I didn't sleep I cried. I just wish that some of my close friends could go with me. But I know that God is good and that He will give me exactly what I need on the mission field!
Day 56: Monday, December 15th- Our talks in the morning were amazing they were all about strengthening relationship. Then for lunch we dressed up to thank the cooks and have desserts. Then after lunch the strengthening relationship talks were amazing but Brittany and I had to talk about some things, and so I missed some of the meetings.Then I picked up mom and the airport at 3:00pm. We then went out to dinner together and then she came back and meet some of my friends. We hung out in my room a long time with Amy before bed time.
Day 57: Tuesday, December 16th- We had our last small group time together and Adam shared a funny story and we sang some songs. Then we had leadership meetings in the morning. After lunch we then had a wrap up session and then it was all over. As soon as we were done with our last class everyone cheered. I just felt really sad, but was also excited. There are so many emotions going on as a missionary and really is hard. I was truly torn between spending time with my mom and hanging out with my friends. It is sooooo hard to say good bye to people that I have grown so close to over the past 2 months. We had cross-cultural worship sound check meeting. Then we hung out dorm 2 that night and played games.
Day 58: Wednesday, November 17th- We had sound check in the morning at 8:00am. Then we had a walk through for the Commissioning ceremony. Then we had the mapping ceremony, and when I went up and shared a funny prayer request to endure eating monkey brains. But also to seek the Lord in every situation! Then we had a really fast lunch and mom went to the dialogue with family member and she said she cried the whole time. Then the service started. It was really good and I help lead worship then there was a video also of Evan and I that Kyle made about "Who wants to be a missionary", and I was the contestant and I was Lottie Moon. Then after the commissioning I saw the Hammack's, Wolfe's, and Pegues! I was SOOOOO emotional to say good bye to everyone, and just kept crying. I think the hardest part was saying good bye to Lauren and Jess! Brittany, Courtney, Jess and I all went outside and took pictures and hugged Jess a really long time and cried and then said good bye. This was extremely hard for me. Then I had dinner with a bunch of people at Chilli's and I was just so exhausted I barely talked at dinner. Then I meet Alisha's sister and shared with her about what I am going to be doing, and she prayed with me. It truly was a blessing. Then we went back and I was not feeling good at all and I threw up, and fell asleep for a little bit. Then I walked around and said good bye to people. Then I went to Courtney's room and laid in her bed and watched her pack with Brittany. We stayed up till 3:00am.
Day 59: Thursday, November 18th- Woke up and cleaned the room and checked out at 6:30am. I said good bye to Brittany then went to the airport. It was so good to see Courtney again and the airport and then pray with her before we said good bye again. I cried really hard when I said good bye to her. Then flying to Arkansas was so sad and I slept the whole way, and the times I didn't sleep I cried. I just wish that some of my close friends could go with me. But I know that God is good and that He will give me exactly what I need on the mission field!
Week Eight of Training for the Mission Field!
FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) Training!!!
Day 49: Monday, December 8th- We were at the gym at 6:00am and did the Indian run in the cold around the campus. We also did some push ups and sit-ups. Then we went into the cafe and ate breakfast. Then we had group talk with Elbert as a large group in the KGC. Then we had some Regional time and then had our exit interviews with Amanda! She is always so easy to talk to, and it was really good to talk to her about my time at FPO. Then our Group B went and debriefed what we learned at Contingency training. Then the rest of the afternoon was with Jeremy. After dinner we worked on the Creation story in Spanish. This was extremely hard for me because I don't know any Spanish compared to all the other extremers! But God taught me alot about struggling through, and asking for wisdom and words from Him. Even if it is in another language!
Day 50: Tuesday, December 9th- Today we meet in the gym at 6:00am and did suicides for a long time. Then after breakfast we had small group and I kind of fell asleep in it. I was just so exhausted from Jeremy's training. By the way, we could only use a small a cup each day to bathe, and had to wear the same clothes all week to prepare us for the mission field. During our focus time in the morning with Elbert I sat with Jess! Then for lunch we meet with Amanda and Jeremy. Then before dinner we went to the gym again and did leg raises, dug a hole, made a fire, and walked up and down a hill for a long time. While we were walking up and down the hill I reviewed the Creation story with Misty. Then after dinner we did 100 lunges, and then learned more of the Creation story. I then went to bed early again. Amy was sleeping my my room with me to keep each other warm because I also had to sleep with the windows open, and it was freezing out.
Day 51: Wednesday, December 10th- This morning we meet in the gym at 7:00am and stretched and then went to breakfast and talked about how we were feeling about all the training. Then we had worship in our small group. I was really stressed this whole morning in the meeting because I was trying to get the Creation story word perfect because Jeremy said we had to say it perfect or there would be consequences. So in the morning meetings Amy helped me work on it. Then we said it before lunch to Jeremy and he said that he was really impressed. After lunch I quilted a little bit, and then we had worship time with all the Extreme members, and Taylor and Ryan came as well. It was really good. This is the night that Jeremy also informed us that we could only use the swatty-potty for the rest of our training. This night I talked with Courtney in the gym and it was really good. I love her so much and she has blessed me in so many ways. I seriously wish so bad that we were going to the same area or that we were partners. She is so encouraging and I am always blessed after talking to her.
Day 52: Thursday, December 11th- Today we meet at the gym at 6:00am and did the Indian run in the rain all the way to the entrance of the ILC. Misty was not feeling good and it was hard for her to do. Then we had worship in our small groups, then Lottie Moon came and shared with us about her life. It was really interesting for her to talk about her past. Then after lunch all of the singles broke out into group and there were about 12 girls in my group and Amanda was the leader. Brittany, Ellen, Jill, and I were all in the same group. Then this night Jeremy gave us a break and we able to go to bed early, and have a long time with the Lord.
Day 53: Friday, December 12th- Worship in small group in the morning, then more T4T seminars. This also was the last day of shots! yeah! Then we went to Amanda house with Jeremy and had pizza and shared stories. Well Adam shared all the stories and they were hilarious.
Day 54: Saturday, December 13th- This was my first day for me to sleep in! It was so great I woke up at 11:00am! Then ate lunch and just hung out for the rest of the day with friends!
Day 55: Sunday, December 14th- Worship in small group was really good, we all shared about how we love each other and am going to miss each other alot. Then our whole small group went to a Mexican Resturant! Then Jess, Amy, and I went on a hike It was amazing we climbed a tree of the river. Then we tried to start a fire with our flit starters but it was way to wet then we saw a beaver. Cross-cultural worship was the BEST one ever because it was the deaf service. So many of us cried and had so much compassion for the deaf people. There is such a huge need all over the world that so many people over look.
Day 49: Monday, December 8th- We were at the gym at 6:00am and did the Indian run in the cold around the campus. We also did some push ups and sit-ups. Then we went into the cafe and ate breakfast. Then we had group talk with Elbert as a large group in the KGC. Then we had some Regional time and then had our exit interviews with Amanda! She is always so easy to talk to, and it was really good to talk to her about my time at FPO. Then our Group B went and debriefed what we learned at Contingency training. Then the rest of the afternoon was with Jeremy. After dinner we worked on the Creation story in Spanish. This was extremely hard for me because I don't know any Spanish compared to all the other extremers! But God taught me alot about struggling through, and asking for wisdom and words from Him. Even if it is in another language!
Day 50: Tuesday, December 9th- Today we meet in the gym at 6:00am and did suicides for a long time. Then after breakfast we had small group and I kind of fell asleep in it. I was just so exhausted from Jeremy's training. By the way, we could only use a small a cup each day to bathe, and had to wear the same clothes all week to prepare us for the mission field. During our focus time in the morning with Elbert I sat with Jess! Then for lunch we meet with Amanda and Jeremy. Then before dinner we went to the gym again and did leg raises, dug a hole, made a fire, and walked up and down a hill for a long time. While we were walking up and down the hill I reviewed the Creation story with Misty. Then after dinner we did 100 lunges, and then learned more of the Creation story. I then went to bed early again. Amy was sleeping my my room with me to keep each other warm because I also had to sleep with the windows open, and it was freezing out.
Day 51: Wednesday, December 10th- This morning we meet in the gym at 7:00am and stretched and then went to breakfast and talked about how we were feeling about all the training. Then we had worship in our small group. I was really stressed this whole morning in the meeting because I was trying to get the Creation story word perfect because Jeremy said we had to say it perfect or there would be consequences. So in the morning meetings Amy helped me work on it. Then we said it before lunch to Jeremy and he said that he was really impressed. After lunch I quilted a little bit, and then we had worship time with all the Extreme members, and Taylor and Ryan came as well. It was really good. This is the night that Jeremy also informed us that we could only use the swatty-potty for the rest of our training. This night I talked with Courtney in the gym and it was really good. I love her so much and she has blessed me in so many ways. I seriously wish so bad that we were going to the same area or that we were partners. She is so encouraging and I am always blessed after talking to her.
Day 52: Thursday, December 11th- Today we meet at the gym at 6:00am and did the Indian run in the rain all the way to the entrance of the ILC. Misty was not feeling good and it was hard for her to do. Then we had worship in our small groups, then Lottie Moon came and shared with us about her life. It was really interesting for her to talk about her past. Then after lunch all of the singles broke out into group and there were about 12 girls in my group and Amanda was the leader. Brittany, Ellen, Jill, and I were all in the same group. Then this night Jeremy gave us a break and we able to go to bed early, and have a long time with the Lord.
Day 53: Friday, December 12th- Worship in small group in the morning, then more T4T seminars. This also was the last day of shots! yeah! Then we went to Amanda house with Jeremy and had pizza and shared stories. Well Adam shared all the stories and they were hilarious.
Day 54: Saturday, December 13th- This was my first day for me to sleep in! It was so great I woke up at 11:00am! Then ate lunch and just hung out for the rest of the day with friends!
Day 55: Sunday, December 14th- Worship in small group was really good, we all shared about how we love each other and am going to miss each other alot. Then our whole small group went to a Mexican Resturant! Then Jess, Amy, and I went on a hike It was amazing we climbed a tree of the river. Then we tried to start a fire with our flit starters but it was way to wet then we saw a beaver. Cross-cultural worship was the BEST one ever because it was the deaf service. So many of us cried and had so much compassion for the deaf people. There is such a huge need all over the world that so many people over look.
Week Seven of Training for the Mission Field!
FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) Training!!!
Day 42: Monday, December 1st- We woke up and had Regional Time and talked about language and what the culture is like in South America. It was alot of fun to hang out with the SAM Region!
Day 43: Tuesday, December 2nd- We had worship with our small group in Quad 22! Then I had about an hour with our Regional Office. Then I took Steppie to the Doctor to get her Jaw closed shut. It was quite an experience. I had to go into the room as she was coming back to after being drugged. I then walked her to the car and her eyes were closed because she had a hard time after being drugged. I then took her to get pain reliever and she just stayed in the car. Then I took her around Walmart to get some things before going back to the ILC. It was funny because I pushed her around in a wheel chair. Then we went back and I went and talked to Sandi Hammack about taking care of Steppie! Then I hung out in the Sam James building that night with Jess, Court, and Brittany! I love those girls! We couldn't hang out in the KGC because of Contingency Training.
Day 44: Wednesday, December 3rd- Worship in Small Group in the morning! Then we had Regional Time and then went to the Brazilian Restaurant for lunch. Then Misty and Amy went with me to go pick up Martha at the airport. It was really good to hang out with my Extreme girls and build that bond with them. I was really tired after so I took a nap, and then hung out later.
Day 45: Thursday, December 4th- Worship in our small group. Then we had a few minutes with Elbert and read some scripture. Then the torture finally began... it was the first day of Contingency Training! I was so scared and heard alot of scary stories about what they might do to us. I can't explain and describe some the things that they did to us but it definitely was helpful and I learned alot about what to do in many different situations. I truly feel trained and know what to say and how to deal with terrorist attack, kidnappings, robbery's, government issues of getting into closed countries and other extreme situation!
Day 46: Friday, December 5th- Worship in small group, and then time with Elbert with group B! Then a long seven hours of Contingency Training! Each night I was exhausted from the stress of the day and learning during contingency time. So I went to bed earlier.
Day 47: Saturday, December 6th- Our last day of Contingency training as Group B! It was hard to get up on a Saturday but I knew that it was really great training. As soon as we graduated from our Contingency Training I was excited to see my friends I hadn't seen in a long time. But as soon as I was about to hang out with them and go to dinner, I found out that Jeremy Taliaferro had arrived! He was one of the first Extreme Team members and helped start the Extreme Team. He was there to kick our butts into shape and help to prepare us for intense future of being on Extreme Team. Amy, Misty, Jess, Adam, and I were all the people that were going to be serving on the Extreme that were at our FPO Training. We all went out to eat at Chipotle with Jeremy, and then went back to his hotel. It was really good to talk about what really the Extreme Team was about and we were able to ask him ALOT of questions.
Day 48: Sunday, December 7th- We woke up early on a Sunday before house church to talk to Jeremy more about Extreme and the expectations of us. Then we had small group church, and ate lunch! Then we went back and talked with Jeremy until dinner and Cross-cultural Worship. It was good to share with Jeremy about how God called us all to Extreme Team and where we were spiritually! Cross-cultural worship was from the South Asia Region! Katie and Bernard led it and it was awesome! There was a little bit of dancing and an awesome time of prayer and laying hands on people in need.
Day 42: Monday, December 1st- We woke up and had Regional Time and talked about language and what the culture is like in South America. It was alot of fun to hang out with the SAM Region!
Day 43: Tuesday, December 2nd- We had worship with our small group in Quad 22! Then I had about an hour with our Regional Office. Then I took Steppie to the Doctor to get her Jaw closed shut. It was quite an experience. I had to go into the room as she was coming back to after being drugged. I then walked her to the car and her eyes were closed because she had a hard time after being drugged. I then took her to get pain reliever and she just stayed in the car. Then I took her around Walmart to get some things before going back to the ILC. It was funny because I pushed her around in a wheel chair. Then we went back and I went and talked to Sandi Hammack about taking care of Steppie! Then I hung out in the Sam James building that night with Jess, Court, and Brittany! I love those girls! We couldn't hang out in the KGC because of Contingency Training.
Day 44: Wednesday, December 3rd- Worship in Small Group in the morning! Then we had Regional Time and then went to the Brazilian Restaurant for lunch. Then Misty and Amy went with me to go pick up Martha at the airport. It was really good to hang out with my Extreme girls and build that bond with them. I was really tired after so I took a nap, and then hung out later.
Day 45: Thursday, December 4th- Worship in our small group. Then we had a few minutes with Elbert and read some scripture. Then the torture finally began... it was the first day of Contingency Training! I was so scared and heard alot of scary stories about what they might do to us. I can't explain and describe some the things that they did to us but it definitely was helpful and I learned alot about what to do in many different situations. I truly feel trained and know what to say and how to deal with terrorist attack, kidnappings, robbery's, government issues of getting into closed countries and other extreme situation!
Day 46: Friday, December 5th- Worship in small group, and then time with Elbert with group B! Then a long seven hours of Contingency Training! Each night I was exhausted from the stress of the day and learning during contingency time. So I went to bed earlier.
Day 47: Saturday, December 6th- Our last day of Contingency training as Group B! It was hard to get up on a Saturday but I knew that it was really great training. As soon as we graduated from our Contingency Training I was excited to see my friends I hadn't seen in a long time. But as soon as I was about to hang out with them and go to dinner, I found out that Jeremy Taliaferro had arrived! He was one of the first Extreme Team members and helped start the Extreme Team. He was there to kick our butts into shape and help to prepare us for intense future of being on Extreme Team. Amy, Misty, Jess, Adam, and I were all the people that were going to be serving on the Extreme that were at our FPO Training. We all went out to eat at Chipotle with Jeremy, and then went back to his hotel. It was really good to talk about what really the Extreme Team was about and we were able to ask him ALOT of questions.
Day 48: Sunday, December 7th- We woke up early on a Sunday before house church to talk to Jeremy more about Extreme and the expectations of us. Then we had small group church, and ate lunch! Then we went back and talked with Jeremy until dinner and Cross-cultural Worship. It was good to share with Jeremy about how God called us all to Extreme Team and where we were spiritually! Cross-cultural worship was from the South Asia Region! Katie and Bernard led it and it was awesome! There was a little bit of dancing and an awesome time of prayer and laying hands on people in need.
Sunday, November 30
Week Six of Training for the Mission Field!
FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) Training!!!
Day 35: Monday, November 24th- Today the Perkins talked with us about the persecuted church. It was really good and made alot of us cry. Then for lunch we had another mystery meal. It was Goulash from Hungry and I LOVED it! I ate alot of noodles. Then after lunch we heard more about the persecuted church. Then I had my entrust meeting, so now I have a bank account with them and will get all my paychecks with them now. Then Amy Givens, Brittany, Sarah and I went to Wendy's for dinner! It was awesome! Then we went to the gym and hung out.
Day 36: Tuesday, November 25th- Worship with small group in the morning and we talked about what we were going to do for thanksgiving. Then we went to the kgc and heard more about the persecuted church. Then after lunch a lady came and talked to all the girls about Women Health Issues on the mission field. The lady that was talking reminded me of one of the nuns in sister act! I was not really focused in this meeting because I was upset about some relationship problems. But it was a funny session while all the women. Then we had our last language session with Greg and watched some silly culture videos. Then a group of us went to Chick fa lay, and then went to Walmart. Kerri, Jess, Amy and I and we shopped for warm clothes for Washington DC, and all the things we needed to cook for thanksgiving. It was fun!
Day 37: Wednesday, November 26th- This morning Steppie, Brittany, and I took Martha to the airport and comforted because her grandfather died. It was really good to encourage her and pray with her. Then we ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant and took her to the airport. Then we made it back in time for regional meeting. Then after that we had our last Church Planting Movement Wrap Up meeting with Elbert Smith. Then I went and prayed with Steppie a really long time, and read scripture with her. Then it was time and it was just eating me up.....I had to talk to Ellen about what was going on. I felt like she hated me, and so we talked and prayed together, and it was really good. Then Amy, Kerri, Miss Patty, and I practiced and acted out the story of the good Samaritan, and Martha and Mary. It was alot of fun, and Amy and I took turns being Jesus and telling the story.
Day 38: Thursday, November 27th- We told our stories in the morning in small group and then went to lunch in the cafe. It was okay. Then I talked on the phone for a long time in the afternoon. Then started cooking for our big regional Thanksgiving Day Dinner! The food was great, we had alot of fun together and just enjoyed one another. Then we watched Santa Clause with Tim Allen and went to bed.
Day 39: Friday, November 28th- Washington DC Baby!!!
Day 40: Saturday, November 29th- I slept in really late till 10:30 and then went to lunch and to Bass Pro Shop and Gander Mountain with Kerri, Jess, and Misty. I bought rain pants and a fire starter. Then I went to a old dinner with Dave, Jill, Brittany, and Courtney. Then just the girls went to Starbucks and talked a really long time together. Then we went back to the kgc and talked alot more and then went to bed.
Day 41: Sunday, November 30th- Worship in small group, and Misty shared the story of Zachezuis, and Jess, Ellen and I acted it out. I was Zachezuis of course. Then the Constantes shared there testimonies, and Michael talked a long time and Rebekah cried. It was really great!
Day 35: Monday, November 24th- Today the Perkins talked with us about the persecuted church. It was really good and made alot of us cry. Then for lunch we had another mystery meal. It was Goulash from Hungry and I LOVED it! I ate alot of noodles. Then after lunch we heard more about the persecuted church. Then I had my entrust meeting, so now I have a bank account with them and will get all my paychecks with them now. Then Amy Givens, Brittany, Sarah and I went to Wendy's for dinner! It was awesome! Then we went to the gym and hung out.
Day 36: Tuesday, November 25th- Worship with small group in the morning and we talked about what we were going to do for thanksgiving. Then we went to the kgc and heard more about the persecuted church. Then after lunch a lady came and talked to all the girls about Women Health Issues on the mission field. The lady that was talking reminded me of one of the nuns in sister act! I was not really focused in this meeting because I was upset about some relationship problems. But it was a funny session while all the women. Then we had our last language session with Greg and watched some silly culture videos. Then a group of us went to Chick fa lay, and then went to Walmart. Kerri, Jess, Amy and I and we shopped for warm clothes for Washington DC, and all the things we needed to cook for thanksgiving. It was fun!
Day 37: Wednesday, November 26th- This morning Steppie, Brittany, and I took Martha to the airport and comforted because her grandfather died. It was really good to encourage her and pray with her. Then we ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant and took her to the airport. Then we made it back in time for regional meeting. Then after that we had our last Church Planting Movement Wrap Up meeting with Elbert Smith. Then I went and prayed with Steppie a really long time, and read scripture with her. Then it was time and it was just eating me up.....I had to talk to Ellen about what was going on. I felt like she hated me, and so we talked and prayed together, and it was really good. Then Amy, Kerri, Miss Patty, and I practiced and acted out the story of the good Samaritan, and Martha and Mary. It was alot of fun, and Amy and I took turns being Jesus and telling the story.
Day 38: Thursday, November 27th- We told our stories in the morning in small group and then went to lunch in the cafe. It was okay. Then I talked on the phone for a long time in the afternoon. Then started cooking for our big regional Thanksgiving Day Dinner! The food was great, we had alot of fun together and just enjoyed one another. Then we watched Santa Clause with Tim Allen and went to bed.
Day 39: Friday, November 28th- Washington DC Baby!!!
Day 40: Saturday, November 29th- I slept in really late till 10:30 and then went to lunch and to Bass Pro Shop and Gander Mountain with Kerri, Jess, and Misty. I bought rain pants and a fire starter. Then I went to a old dinner with Dave, Jill, Brittany, and Courtney. Then just the girls went to Starbucks and talked a really long time together. Then we went back to the kgc and talked alot more and then went to bed.
Day 41: Sunday, November 30th- Worship in small group, and Misty shared the story of Zachezuis, and Jess, Ellen and I acted it out. I was Zachezuis of course. Then the Constantes shared there testimonies, and Michael talked a long time and Rebekah cried. It was really great!
Witnessing in Washington DC!!!
Day 39: Friday, November 28th-
This day was CRAZY!!!! And I loved it! The entire orientation group headed up in tour buses on a mission to explore DC, meet some people from the country where we will serve, pray, and spread love. When we first arrived my group for the day decided to take part with some other groups in going to a large catholic church there. We went and walked around in the church and it was a gorgeous church with ornate architecture and detailed murals and mosaics throughout. But it almost gave me a sick feeling at my stomach because there were people praying to saints and there were mostly statues of Mary and praise to here rather than to God and to Christ. While there we sat and began to pray for the people who were part of this idle/saint worship and also the misinterpretation of Mary within the catholic church. Amy and I meet some nuns, and were able to talk to them about what we believe as Christians, then we realized everyone was waiting for us to go and eat some lunch.
After we left the church we journeyed across town to go to a Peruvian restaurant called "El Pollo Rico" or "The Rich Chicken". We had a delicious meal of chicken and steak fries! I had expected it to be a sit-down type restaurant but it was more like a fast-food place with a really small menu, but it was very tasty so we all enjoyed ourselves. I love the drink Inca because it reminds me of Fanta. I can't wait to drink it everyday when I am in Peru. Then Ellen, Misty, Amy and I decided to branch off from the South American group and start seeing the sights. It was fun trying to figure out the subways and get around but we made it to the Washington memorial. But before we got there I said, "man this day is about sharing with people when is that going to happen?" No one really responded.
Then we started to run up this little hill and I saw that it would be a great place for a group picture, so I turned to these 4 guys standing there and asked them to take a picture of us. They did and it was a great picture! :) Then we noticed that these guys had a french accents, and we asked them where they were from. They said they were from Quebec, and I started to say everything I knew in French, and then Misty said the phrase from Moulin Rouge, "Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir", and I said Misty don't say that, that means will you sleep with me in French. By this point Amy had already started talking to one of the guys about Jesus and said that we were Christians. As soon as we meet them my heart started to beat really fast and I knew that this is why we were in DC, and so I said a really quite prayer to God for him to give us the words to say. I also God to give us an opportunity to share with them. And so it was Misty, Ellen and I talking to these three other guys. They said well are you all virgins because you are Christians. Then I don't know why I said this but responded right away with yes, and then so did Ellen. Misty then said you know I am not a virgin but I used to be into drugs, alcohol, and sex but realized that those were things that can't bring joy and love to life, and that ONLY Jesus Christ can. Then we learned after great conversation with these guys that Alex was atheist, and the other two guys were catholic. They asked us about what we believed and it was just a powerful time that the Holy Spirit worked through us and gave us the words to say to these guys. I asked Alex what he believed and shared that life was just something we must live to the fullest and then I asked him well what happens after you die, and he said nothing its just over. Then we were sharing some more and talking some more and then Alex looked back at me like he was a little confused, and said, "You know I am afraid to die because I don't know where I am going to go, and it's cool that you know where you are going to go". Then we shared with him that it is only through Jesus we know where we are going to go after we die. Then we talked alittle bit with the two Catholic guys about how we don't have to go through the priest or Mary to talk to God but we can talk to Him directly. So it was really cool to share and plant some seeds with these guys. So please be praying for these three guys we shared with as well as the guy Amy shared with. Then after talking with them a really long time we went and saw the Lincoln Memorial, and then rushed back to the Union Station so we wouldn't miss the 5pm departure time.
This day was CRAZY!!!! And I loved it! The entire orientation group headed up in tour buses on a mission to explore DC, meet some people from the country where we will serve, pray, and spread love. When we first arrived my group for the day decided to take part with some other groups in going to a large catholic church there. We went and walked around in the church and it was a gorgeous church with ornate architecture and detailed murals and mosaics throughout. But it almost gave me a sick feeling at my stomach because there were people praying to saints and there were mostly statues of Mary and praise to here rather than to God and to Christ. While there we sat and began to pray for the people who were part of this idle/saint worship and also the misinterpretation of Mary within the catholic church. Amy and I meet some nuns, and were able to talk to them about what we believe as Christians, then we realized everyone was waiting for us to go and eat some lunch.
After we left the church we journeyed across town to go to a Peruvian restaurant called "El Pollo Rico" or "The Rich Chicken". We had a delicious meal of chicken and steak fries! I had expected it to be a sit-down type restaurant but it was more like a fast-food place with a really small menu, but it was very tasty so we all enjoyed ourselves. I love the drink Inca because it reminds me of Fanta. I can't wait to drink it everyday when I am in Peru. Then Ellen, Misty, Amy and I decided to branch off from the South American group and start seeing the sights. It was fun trying to figure out the subways and get around but we made it to the Washington memorial. But before we got there I said, "man this day is about sharing with people when is that going to happen?" No one really responded.
Then we started to run up this little hill and I saw that it would be a great place for a group picture, so I turned to these 4 guys standing there and asked them to take a picture of us. They did and it was a great picture! :) Then we noticed that these guys had a french accents, and we asked them where they were from. They said they were from Quebec, and I started to say everything I knew in French, and then Misty said the phrase from Moulin Rouge, "Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir", and I said Misty don't say that, that means will you sleep with me in French. By this point Amy had already started talking to one of the guys about Jesus and said that we were Christians. As soon as we meet them my heart started to beat really fast and I knew that this is why we were in DC, and so I said a really quite prayer to God for him to give us the words to say. I also God to give us an opportunity to share with them. And so it was Misty, Ellen and I talking to these three other guys. They said well are you all virgins because you are Christians. Then I don't know why I said this but responded right away with yes, and then so did Ellen. Misty then said you know I am not a virgin but I used to be into drugs, alcohol, and sex but realized that those were things that can't bring joy and love to life, and that ONLY Jesus Christ can. Then we learned after great conversation with these guys that Alex was atheist, and the other two guys were catholic. They asked us about what we believed and it was just a powerful time that the Holy Spirit worked through us and gave us the words to say to these guys. I asked Alex what he believed and shared that life was just something we must live to the fullest and then I asked him well what happens after you die, and he said nothing its just over. Then we were sharing some more and talking some more and then Alex looked back at me like he was a little confused, and said, "You know I am afraid to die because I don't know where I am going to go, and it's cool that you know where you are going to go". Then we shared with him that it is only through Jesus we know where we are going to go after we die. Then we talked alittle bit with the two Catholic guys about how we don't have to go through the priest or Mary to talk to God but we can talk to Him directly. So it was really cool to share and plant some seeds with these guys. So please be praying for these three guys we shared with as well as the guy Amy shared with. Then after talking with them a really long time we went and saw the Lincoln Memorial, and then rushed back to the Union Station so we wouldn't miss the 5pm departure time.
Week Five of Training for the Mission Field!
FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) Training!!!
Day 28: Monday, November 17th- In the morning we had T4T (Training for trainers). It was actually really boring, but I really liked what we were talking about. They were teaching us how to teach Bible stories, and then have the people we are teaching it to repeat it back to us. Then in the afternoon we went to the meetings about taxes and payroll. It was boring as well, and was kind of a long day of meetings. Then after supper they asked us to have family church with our roommates. So Amy and I got really excited and had family Worship together. She brought communion and it was funny. Then we had Church for 4 hours and just shared about what God is teaching us and how we can independently pray for each other. Then Amy was sharing with me about how she wanted to fast but didn't know and wasn't sure. Then after praying and talking about it we felt like God was telling us to fast together and keep each other accountable. This was a really awesome time with Amy!
Day 29: Tuesday, November 18th- This was morning we had worship in our small groups and then learned about Bible Storing in the kgc. Right before lunch I talked with a friend and confronted him on something. It was so clear that the Lord wanted me to talk to him and God even confirmed it through friends and circumstances. I am such a firm believer in encouraging other believers in love about convictions. Then Amy and I went into a room for lunch time and just prayed and gave up so many things to God, and it was amazing. Then after lunch it was Group A's shot time. Then again during dinner time we had such precious times with the Lord and encouraged one another, and grew so close to God and each other.
Day 30: Wednesday, November 19th- This morning I woke up and was feeling terrible and got in the hot shower, and blacked out. It was really rough and I thought about not fasting anymore but I felt the Lord just telling me that He was going to take care of me. I shared with Amy as soon as I got to small group what had happened and she went and got juices for me. Amy is such a blessing and I have learned so much from her about Lord and how to live for Him. Then I shared my testimony that morning in small group and really loved doing that. Then we went into the kgc and learned more about Bible Storing. Then for lunch time Amy and I went into the small auditorium and just laid down and prayed to God about Him giving us strength and relying on Him for everything. This week really has been hard for me because I feel like I am not myself because of not being able to be an energetic with people and crazy. But God has made it clear to me that it just something else I get to give up to Him. This night was awesome because our cross cultural worship team did an English worship service, and it was so good to spend hours just praising God's name through song.
Day 31: Thursday, November 20th-We had worship in our small group in the morning and then had language with Greg Holden in the kgc. Then before lunch member care came and talked to us about conflict and how to deal with it in a Christian way. Then for lunch we got a packed lunch and were suppose to take it to our small groups and talk about conflict. It was hard for Amy and I to watch people eat but was a blessing to give up food for the Lord, and surrender to Him once again. The conflict session was about forgiveness and dealing with confrontation, and it made me think about Ellen and the things we had been dealing with. Ellen is one of my close friends here, and I love her so much but we are TOTALLY opposites. We both have completely different personalities, and there have been many times we have had to deal with some issues. But it is so cool that God is number one in both of our lives and we both want to work it out so that He can be glorified in our relationship with each other. Then after lunch we went back to language class.
Day 32: Friday, November 21st- This was the first morning I have ever eaten breakfast, and it was good. Amy and I went together and prayed and then went and ate for the first time. It was kind of funny because we both were very hunger and silly. And we should have only eaten a little bit to ease our way back into it but we didn't and had stomachs later. We then had language with Greg Holden in the morning and then shots after lunch. This night we went out with our region to Red Robin and it was alot of fun. I sat with Jessica Sorrel and then we all went back to the play Cranium. It was alot of fun to hang out with our region and get close to everyone going to south America. Gabriel is a 20 month old kid that I always play with and have gotten close to him and have bonded with him.
Day 33: Saturday, November 22nd- I slept in and then went to lunch. Then I went and acted for the commissioning video for Kyle. The filming took about 3 hours but was alot of fun! Then Steppie, Brittany and I went to Chili's for dinner and were there a really long time talking. I love those girls!
Day 34: Sunday, November 23rd- We had Small group church in the moring and it was really good. Then after church I ate lunch and then practiced for the worship service that night. The North American Middle East Cross Cultural Worship Service started at 6pm, and there was Arabic songs and prayers. Then there was a the Creation to Christ play. I was the demon in it, and I wore black pants with a black huddie. I really do love acting and really got into my part. After the service an Mk friend, names Emily said that I did a good job because she really did hate me in the play and was frustrated with my character. Then I went to another Mexican restaurant with some friends after the service.
Day 28: Monday, November 17th- In the morning we had T4T (Training for trainers). It was actually really boring, but I really liked what we were talking about. They were teaching us how to teach Bible stories, and then have the people we are teaching it to repeat it back to us. Then in the afternoon we went to the meetings about taxes and payroll. It was boring as well, and was kind of a long day of meetings. Then after supper they asked us to have family church with our roommates. So Amy and I got really excited and had family Worship together. She brought communion and it was funny. Then we had Church for 4 hours and just shared about what God is teaching us and how we can independently pray for each other. Then Amy was sharing with me about how she wanted to fast but didn't know and wasn't sure. Then after praying and talking about it we felt like God was telling us to fast together and keep each other accountable. This was a really awesome time with Amy!
Day 29: Tuesday, November 18th- This was morning we had worship in our small groups and then learned about Bible Storing in the kgc. Right before lunch I talked with a friend and confronted him on something. It was so clear that the Lord wanted me to talk to him and God even confirmed it through friends and circumstances. I am such a firm believer in encouraging other believers in love about convictions. Then Amy and I went into a room for lunch time and just prayed and gave up so many things to God, and it was amazing. Then after lunch it was Group A's shot time. Then again during dinner time we had such precious times with the Lord and encouraged one another, and grew so close to God and each other.
Day 30: Wednesday, November 19th- This morning I woke up and was feeling terrible and got in the hot shower, and blacked out. It was really rough and I thought about not fasting anymore but I felt the Lord just telling me that He was going to take care of me. I shared with Amy as soon as I got to small group what had happened and she went and got juices for me. Amy is such a blessing and I have learned so much from her about Lord and how to live for Him. Then I shared my testimony that morning in small group and really loved doing that. Then we went into the kgc and learned more about Bible Storing. Then for lunch time Amy and I went into the small auditorium and just laid down and prayed to God about Him giving us strength and relying on Him for everything. This week really has been hard for me because I feel like I am not myself because of not being able to be an energetic with people and crazy. But God has made it clear to me that it just something else I get to give up to Him. This night was awesome because our cross cultural worship team did an English worship service, and it was so good to spend hours just praising God's name through song.
Day 31: Thursday, November 20th-We had worship in our small group in the morning and then had language with Greg Holden in the kgc. Then before lunch member care came and talked to us about conflict and how to deal with it in a Christian way. Then for lunch we got a packed lunch and were suppose to take it to our small groups and talk about conflict. It was hard for Amy and I to watch people eat but was a blessing to give up food for the Lord, and surrender to Him once again. The conflict session was about forgiveness and dealing with confrontation, and it made me think about Ellen and the things we had been dealing with. Ellen is one of my close friends here, and I love her so much but we are TOTALLY opposites. We both have completely different personalities, and there have been many times we have had to deal with some issues. But it is so cool that God is number one in both of our lives and we both want to work it out so that He can be glorified in our relationship with each other. Then after lunch we went back to language class.
Day 32: Friday, November 21st- This was the first morning I have ever eaten breakfast, and it was good. Amy and I went together and prayed and then went and ate for the first time. It was kind of funny because we both were very hunger and silly. And we should have only eaten a little bit to ease our way back into it but we didn't and had stomachs later. We then had language with Greg Holden in the morning and then shots after lunch. This night we went out with our region to Red Robin and it was alot of fun. I sat with Jessica Sorrel and then we all went back to the play Cranium. It was alot of fun to hang out with our region and get close to everyone going to south America. Gabriel is a 20 month old kid that I always play with and have gotten close to him and have bonded with him.
Day 33: Saturday, November 22nd- I slept in and then went to lunch. Then I went and acted for the commissioning video for Kyle. The filming took about 3 hours but was alot of fun! Then Steppie, Brittany and I went to Chili's for dinner and were there a really long time talking. I love those girls!
Day 34: Sunday, November 23rd- We had Small group church in the moring and it was really good. Then after church I ate lunch and then practiced for the worship service that night. The North American Middle East Cross Cultural Worship Service started at 6pm, and there was Arabic songs and prayers. Then there was a the Creation to Christ play. I was the demon in it, and I wore black pants with a black huddie. I really do love acting and really got into my part. After the service an Mk friend, names Emily said that I did a good job because she really did hate me in the play and was frustrated with my character. Then I went to another Mexican restaurant with some friends after the service.
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