War in Dallas

Last summer I was in Deutschland being trained by an M (whom we will call 'Heif') along with 20 something other students my age. Heif taught us the seasons of the Harvest. He taught us how to plow, how to get the field ready for the crop. Then he taught us to sow, the act of placing the seed in the fine and well-prepared ground. Then the reaping came at the perfect time, when we picked the fruit of our labor. And finally, he taught us what vintaging was - as in vintaging wine for a better taste.

Each of these had spiritual parallels. We didn't literally go into a hard field and plowed the ground physically. But we did enter a hard territory in which spiritually we had to plow it by PR-ing over the land and the people and the culture and ourselves. At the right season, Father allowed us to sow, the act of taking the seed of the Gospel from our hearts and placing it in the hearts of others within the context of a relationship. We made friends, we had picnics, we went to dinner and played soccer together, we built relationships which then led to spiritual conversations and the sharing of the good news. In Father's perfect time, he allowed reaping. The point of conversion. The moment in which a soul is saved. After the reaping, immediately one begins to vintage... which is to disciple those that have come to the knowledge of truth and the Father.

This summer something similar is happening in Dallas Tx. I have found myself teaching what Heif taught me in Deutschland to students here.. these I would like to call.. The Family. For two weeks we looked at the Seasons of the Harvest during a time we call The Upper Room on Friday nights. We meet with the Father as a family having dinner together, then worshipping, and pr-ing and reading the Word. The first week we covered Plowing and Sowing and discussed ways we could do these things on our campus, in the apartment complexes, where we are already located with people we already know or are to meet. The second week we were all over Reaping and Vintaging and we saw how those things are being presented to us.. especially discipleship amongst the Family. We want this discipleship chain that we have started to be endless. We want the family to be disciples making disciples making disciples making disciples. After all that is what the great commission is all about. "Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations..." Wouldn't it be amazing if Father allowed this to cover ALL nations?!

This afternoon we are gathering to pr-walk the campus, the apartments, and the places where we socialize. I am so excited. I am excited that this is happening. I am excited that we are living out Acts. I know that the enemy will attack because we are being obedient. He has already begun. He has set things in the way that could distract. For me, there are voices in my head discouraging me constantly when I am alone. If I am not thinking of the Father, those voices come. It has been a constant attack since I started teaching the seasons. Pr against that please. I am learning from this. At least I know who my enemy is and I'm starting to realize his strategy. Hitting every possible weakness. Even weaknesses I didn't know I have. ESPECIALLY weaknesses I didn't know I have. But now those are coming to the light. I am recognizing his strategy.

Pr for the Family as we enter into this spiritual war. Pr against attacks from the enemy. We know we are not safe. Anything can happen. Pr for the Father's shield over us. Pr against unholy distractions but pr for distractions from the father.

This is hardcore.

Joyful Panic

I was just reading Jordan's December Blog. A line about half-way through her post brought back an intense memory that made me laugh and cry instantly. We were at a park, about four of us. There were two younger girls in a tree nearby. It was raining so we ran towards the tree for shelter. We began talking to them and played soccer with them, then sat with them and got to share scripture with them... we ended up sharing the gospel with them. When asking them, "Would you like to receive this gift today?" One of the girls responded enthusiastically, "I do!" I looked at Jordan and she looked back at me.. I looked at Wes and at Rassi and they looked back. I looked back at Jordan who chuckled nervously and I'm sure we were all thinking.. Good! What do we do now? It was quite comical. This was the first person that had been this open to the gospel. This was the first person whose heart had been so softened by the Father's hand. I will never forget that moment... especially the look on Jordan's face. It was definitely a moment of panic and joy.

Haha.

I feel the Caffeine in my Blood

Hii!! I haven't written in quite a while, and I figured, while I wait for my French class to start - why not start a blog?

In my last entry, I didn't have a job, I didn't have money, and I was probably starving. Now, I work at Starbucks, I have money, and I cool Indian ankle bracelets I bought from a beautiful indian lady. There is a lot to learn when Father keeps us on our toes, and one can fall deeper into love with Him! Not because he provided - that's a given - but because He took away.

I have learned oh so much. I am not sure what to write about, except I wish I was a foreigner right now. Because foreigners are cool. I'm just brown. Paha!

Ummmm.... that is all. Ok. The end. Oh and danke for your PRs. It is much appreciated!

Beautiful Day

I found a comfortable patch of grass to lie on and read. The ducks glide along serenely in the creek beside me. The sun is setting and the cool breeze swims soothingly against my face. The colors on the water are as graceful as its tiny ripples. This is my park. This is the place I have found to meet with Father. I walked along the sidewalk and looked off to the water and the dancing ducks and giggled. Something inside me felt overwhelmed with joy. For the last three days I have been going there - in the afternoon, between classes. I spend time in prayer and I read scripture. Sometimes out loud. Because no one can hear me, even though there's always people around. And if they can, so what.

I am excited about this because I hadn't done this in a couple months. I hadn't disciplined myself and moved myself physically to a place where I could regularly meet with God. I had lacked much in the area of self-discipline, and that is something I will continuously need prayer for. I will continue to work on this.

Another thing... God is testing my faith as he has been for the last couple years. My bank account is in the negatives right now, I am running on a little bit more than half a tank of gas, and I am hoping that my financial aid money has not gotten lost in the mail. I know Father is faithful to provide. Please pray that my trust may remain in Him. He works in mysterious ways, and I know know know His is faithful.

A New Year, A New City

Here I am in yet another city, another apartment, another school, another year.
I love it.
I love newness. I love change. I love adventure.
I am learning from it.
I am learning to trust and to rely on Father alone. It's amazing how much smoother it is for me when I place my faith in Him.

For those who are unaware, I'm living with my older brother in Plano. I cleaned my bathroom today and bought candles to make the place smell nice. Oh how wonderful it is now.

I went shoe shopping today. I hate shopping. Especially for the kind of shoes I was shopping for. Nice professional looking ones. Not chucks. Not flats. Not flip flops. But nice shoes. I managed to find some brown boots. They're alright. I got depressed because I struggled for a long time. And I just hate shopping. But I got 'em.

Something happened that cheered me up though. I met two high school girls that worked at a store. They started talking to me. They commented on my hair and that just sparked conversation. We exchanged numbers and we plan to hang out. I am so excited because it reminded me of what we did in Germany. I am looking forward to meeting up with them soon. Their names are G and N.

Time flies. School starts Tuesday.
Obedience, this semester... Obedience.

A Summer Thing...

This mornin I got sick and was at work for no more than 5 minutes. I've spent the entire day at home and have had lots of time to sit in silence and think. I read Gina's blog just a while ago, in which she mentions the JSI's and our deep longing for each other. I am reminded of the many times Paul write to certain churches about his longing to see them. I can relate with Paul so much now in that sense. Just the other day, I read Jordan's blog where she shares similar aches in her soul and memories that fill me with nostalgia.

I have done what Jordan did and went back to our Summer blog and read through some of the June archives. Most of them consist of seeking guidance and his face. As I read about our pr-walking and our HC's, I long for that. I long for that so much. As I write, I want to escape to a starbucks and sit and read and pray and maybe meet someone and share my story. It was Jeff's goal this summer to share his story everyday where he lived. I can't think of one time that i've shared my story with an unbeliever since I've been home. I hate that this can turn into a "summer thing".. that's when we're M's. But its not true. I am an M. Today. Tomorrow. Everyday. Where I am.

I am not just a college kid trying to get by. I have a purpose right now. PR for me.. PR for the JSIs.. PR for believers in America.. PR for believers in Europe.. in Latin America.. in Africa.. in Asia.. and in the ends of the earth.. that we may not forget. That college kids won't make it a "summer thing". That it will be our life. That it will be where we find our satisfaction. That we may embrace each moment and radiate the Father's glory.

Next summer, I am going to America.. and I am going to live life and share my story.. as I will from this point on. Hold me to it. Please.

He said "eat & drink"

The night before Finals. It's that time of the year again. I've studied my portion for the evening and now I recline on this worn leather chair listening to the hum of the refridgerator and whatever else decides to make noise in this kitchen.

My Bible lays next to my laptop on this kitchen table, open to the book of Acts, the book of the first Christians. I glance over at it and I think about the question that has been repeating itself in my head these last few days:
Who am I?

Not necessarily "who am I" as in what are my goals, desires, dreams, etc... Rather... what kind of a Christian am I?

I know that sounds like a terrible question, but hang with me here for a bit. From recent conversations with my nonbelieving coworker, I have come to the conclusion that there are several types of Christians. Obvious? Yes.

I listen to her talk and she tells me all the terrible thoughts she has about the Christians she has known... none of which seem to display the Love of God. I associate with these people she speaks of in my work, and I can't help but agree with her. I wonder what she thinks of me, and in the words of Preacher & Village Pastor Matt Chandler, "I don't want to be painted with the same brush as those guys." (in this case.. ladies.) I know, I know, I know we are not to seek praise from one another, but to obtain the praise that comes from Father, (John 5:44) however, I do not want to be among those who combine the self-centered, egocentric, lofty American culture with the Christian lifestyle.

I do not want to be an American Christian. I am tired of wearing the Jesus shirt, I want to wear his flesh... no.. I want to eat his flesh and I want to drink his blood. (John 6)

The multitude listened in disgust as he said "eat my flesh and drink my blood", and many no longer followed him after this speech.

I know because I desire to be a New Testament Christian, many will look at me in disgust and refuse to be a part of this. I am not speaking of unbelievers, but of believers. Lara.... they will even pray for us! Haha! Which I find hilarious.

Then Jesus turned toward his twelve and asked, "Are you gonna walk, too?"
Simon Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

It's Been a While...

Was it September last time I blogged? It is unbelievable all that the Lord has done since then. It is a week away from being the end of my Fall Semester at North Lake. The leaves have goldened and fallen, the crunch and cold have set it, and with the end of the year, we press on towards another.

I look back and I see so much change. Like a change of Seasons in my Spirit. I recall coming home from Germany and being in a state of loneliness for the months that followed. I discovered much in my loneliness. I discovered an intimate friendship with the Father, and a desired dependence on Him. God brought me to a place where my spirit cried out for companionship and He provided it first-hand. And it was beautiful.

When it comes to human friendships, I have found those are extremely hard to make. Coming from a small town where I lived 13 years, where everyone knew Damaris, where I always had something to do on the weekends to a BIG city with traffic, with a high crime rate, with no one I know... it's been had making friends. In fact... I have made none. Just about the only people I associate with are my coworkers who are all much older than me or have their own children and families and lives.

On occasions I get to see Sarah B, my beautiful friend and one-weeker who lives in Mesquite... I would pull the 30-40 minute drive to see her and we'd hang out in Dallas or do dinner in Mesquite. One weekend she came to Irving and we went to a Superchick concert, and true to Diehard tradition, stuck around till we met all the bands, and even got "proposed to" by band member of Last Tuesday. I really, really wish we were closer to each other.

One day, however, I was talking to my lovely friend Lara (a JSI), whose originally from Garland but is presently going to ASU in San Angelo (far away), and she reminds me that one of our friends, Dwayne, who was a one-weeker to Germany this summer lives in Arlington (only about 15-20 minute drive in good traffic) and suggests we hang out. After discussing our passions for Internationals, and seeing that there are an abundance of Internationals in this area, we decided we'd go Intie Hunting... as in, looking for internationals to be friends with. So we did. So after a fun evening of Intie Hunting and having in-depth spiritual conversation, I had a friend nearby. Yay! And we, too, went to a concert, but we didn't get proposed to at that one. He definitely didn't get proposed to.

I am VERY extremely thankful for Sarah B and Dwayne who have both contributed to my retained sanity. Of course all those who have been kind enough to talk to me through AIM or give me a call. However, face-to-face-ness is always an extreme blessing!

I don't know what else to say. Thanksgiving break was more than I could ask for. My best friend Jessie came home from Nashville, and we enjoyed seeing everyone in Belton. I'm so glad Belton's a small town. I can't wait to go back for round 2 a couple weekends.

I'll be home for Christmas.....

Sailing...

It's funny, I try so many things to make me happy, and make me feel unlonely. This week I spent alot of money on such a small thing - an ipod. Though I absolutely love it, I find myself secluding myself even more from the rest of society, captivated in my own little world... still alone.

Material possessions do not provide satisfaction. Maybe for a little bit, I got excited. I was very excited the morning I ordered it and as I got it and put songs in it. But the excitement was soon over. (I am not trying to get rid of my ipod.)

What will bring me joy? What will satisfy me? Yes, the Father. Oh how I love Him, and oh how I love meeting with Him. He does provide me with a peace that passes all understanding. I am not asking for more. Because there is nothing outside the Father that could possibly do more for me. But I continue to be lonely.

I do not want to go home. Every time I go home, I feel odd. I already feel a sense that I don't belong there. I enjoy spending time with my Sarah... she is so wonderful. However, not always will I be able to see my Sarah when I go home. I feel that people at church think horrible things of me though I know that's not true. I hate these terrible thoughts that come to my head that tell me what a loser I am and that no one wants to be my friend.

My friend. I want a friend. How can I possibly make friends that are my age that have the same heart as I do that love God that are open-minded that are willing to DIE for Father.

I'm being a lonely loser again. I am not going home this weekend.

Tschus.

He Answers

I am so tired. But I thank God for the reasons why I am tired. Thank you so much for all your prayers. Truely. I have seen Father once again provide. And I am quite in awe of Him.

1 - A Job. I started working at a small church daycare last week. They pay me $8 an hour and I have a great daytime schedule. I am very very grateful because this will provide for all my essential necesities and more! (like a Hawk Nelson concert)

2 - A Church. I'm not quite sure yet, but I really really like FBC Irving. I'm gonna visit some more before I make my decision. There's a worship service on Saturday nights designed for people that are 20's-ish. I visited Sunday and a few days before visited their offices and they were so kind and family-like.

3 - The Reunion was amazing. I was so glad to see everyone again, though my heart broke after everyone left.

4 - Divine Appointments. Like I was saying when I visited the church office, the people I met were pretty much amazing, and I'm praying that I get to know them more.

God has blessed me. However, this week I've been dealing with a different struggle. Loneliness. After everyone from the reunion left, my emotions kinda went downhill from there. I am still cheerful, and excited to be here, and I am glad to be serving in a daycare where the children I care for are faced with great needs, and I have been faithful to meet with Father daily... but I continue to have no friends here. Those I love and understand me are far from me. I am not complaining. I like being alone most of the times. However, my soul has started to cry out for companionship. I need a friend. Just a friend.

Be Blessed.

Needs & Words

First off - I appreciate all those of you who continue to read this. I have moved to Irving (though I am in Belton for the Labor day Weekend) and -in my loneliness- I become encouraged when I receive emails and comments from all of you. Thanks!

Second - I have lots of PR needs, and since you are all my siblings, I ask that you PR for the following:

1. A Job - it is more urgent than I realized. I'm slowly running lower and lower on funds, and I have important bills to pay- car, insurance, and one of my main methods of communication: my phone. I am starting to feel really guilty because my parents have been taking care of those for now, and it shouldn't be that way, though I am grateful.
2. A Church - This morning I visited The Vista here in Belton, last Sunday I went to the Heights BC with my brother in Plano, and next Sunday I'm hoping to visit Plymouth Park BC in Irving. As we worshipped this morning, and fed from the word, I realized how desperately hungry I am for fellowship with the Body, and not just that, to be able to worship intimately with other believers in scripture and through pr.er. I am starving!
3. The Reunion - This weekend in Dallas, there will be a Reunion of all the iW people that went to all parts of the planet this summer. I am so excited because I will get to see most of my JSI's again! I know it will be a blessing to see everyone; I can't wait!
4. Friends - I guess this goes along with #2, but I get really lonely sometimes. And there's an abundance of restaurants that I want to check out in Irving, and it is a shame that I have no one to experience the new food with.
5. Sleep - The last couple of nights in the apartment have been hard because these apartments are very different from the last apartments I lived in... Germany. See, in Germany, we were the loud ones, and the Germans were silent. In these ones, I'm the quiet one and the people who live about me like to move their furniture in the middle of the night. I haven't gotten to rest much at night.
6. Divine Appointments - I know that in this "foreign country" of Irving, TX Father has so much planned. Pr that in my classes, at my future job, in stores and restaurants, someone is set in my path that will be of some kind of impact that will be a blessing.
7. To Be Desperate - this is a scary one, but I need to be so desperate that I have no where else to turn, no one else to go to, but that I might find my only peace and truth in Father, and that my only response to Him would be: Where else can I go?
8. Direction for Summer '07 - Just pr.

I'm excited, guys! This week I came to understand why you want to PR-Walk with at least two people. It is so hard to do by myself. My mind wanders so easily, I wish I had someone next to me to keep me in check. I am surveying the land, and I'm pr-ing for a Partner in the ministry - someone as hungry as I am. Pr for that too. This is a war, I know I am not alone, I know Father has many people in this city, I am so excited to visibly fight with them.

And for you, my family in Him, I leave you with these words-

And This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
Phil. 1:9-11

Pray in the Spirit on ALL occassions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Eph. 6:18-20

M: Irving

I have arrived. I got here last night without much of an expectation of what my life here is gonna be like... except for the joy of having a Starbucks in my very own town.

I had sort of an expectation of how large the town was like. All that mattered to me was it had a Starbucks. Dad gave me a tour of the city last night, and oh my gosh, it is huge! (in my small-town eyes, of course.) This place is stinkin' massive. There is even a buddhist temple here. (that excites me.) No where in Belton or Temple do we have a buddhist temple! And we drove by the Family Christian Bookstore... that place is the size of my church back home! There are major roads and highways everywhere- I will get so lost trying to drive around here. I just hope I don't get into any wrecks. Please PR against that.

Wow, if I think this city is big, I can't even imagine Jessie all by herself in freaken Nashville!!!

Nonetheless, I like it here. Last night, I was just a little tired from the drive, and trying to remember all the streets and major roads was a little overwhelming. I am excited. I have to remember my purpose here. Pr that I do. Pr that I will remain faithful to that purpose.

What would it be like if everyday I left this apartment with the thought of - I'm out to save the world today! What if every C left their homes each morning with that thought- that goal, that challenge... What would happen?

These Words

Conform
Accomodate
Adapt
Adjust

All of these words have been running through my mind these past few days, as I've been working, hanging out with friends, living with my family, and going back to church. I have thought about letting me go back to being the way I used to be where I fit in perfectly to the world around me. But my entire being cries out against that thought. "BITTE, NEIN!" (that was for the JSI's.)

Conformity - similarity in form or character; accepted behavior in correspondence with socially accepted standards.

After being ruined this summer, and having time to think about it, and talk about my experiences with few people, I have discovered several things. But this one thing came to me today after having a conversation with a very interested being about my summer.

For a believer there should be no difference in behavior when it comes to an M-lifestyle and this thing I've heard people call "Reality". I have gone on many M-trips with my church and I find myself being one way on the trip, then coming home to being the same person I was while I was gone... except with pictures and a temporary "Spiritual High". I hate Spiritual Highs. I hate the concept, and the word itself makes me cringe. Because a High means there is a low or moderate scape. When I get back into "Reality", the excitement leaves, the pictures fade, and I not once live life the way I was on that M-trip. I am two completely different beings.

Reality. What is that? Is Reality the idea of struggling to get good grades in school? Is it working to pay bills? Is it having to deal with things not going our way as the day goes on?

I firmly believe that Reality is the fact that there are Souls dying and Believers are living flippantly doing absolutely nothing about it. I think I saw Reality this summer. When all other distractions of school and work and fun and games were put aside and I stood face-to-face with the enemy on the Front Lines.

Think about that.

She Said It All -

Ever since I got home my heart has been aching to be with the JSI's again. Never before in my life had I shared such a spiritual intimacy with others... ever!!! When you are able to sit in prayer with brothers and sisters for hours, seeking Father's heart, and to listen intently to the Spirit and it's groans... you share more than a friendship... more than a brotherhood. Could there be a unit stronger than a family? More intimate than a marriage? A bond too firm to break? I think I found it this summer.

When people ask me about my summer, my first thoughts go to the people whom I spent it with rather than the fact that I lived in Europe for two months. Honestly, sharing a room with Tara, listening to Sarah and Laura making noise in the kitchen in the mornings and laughing with them at night, getting Gina's nightly "Russian love", listening to Taylor's deep insight, watching how Jenn maneuvered so well in her organizational skills, admiring Jess's nose ring, having to put up with Lara's amazing randomness, getting polish kisses from Amanda, kickin it with Jordan on the train, laughing at Linley's madness, sharing my heart with Chelsey, being Kelli's mom, laughing at the boy's silliness, chatting online with Spenser, crying to Wesley at night when I had a rough day and I just didn't feel good enough, and having deep conversations with Josh the last two weeks... are all more exciting to me than standing at the top of the Swiss Alps.

Looking back... I didn't find God's beauty gazing off into the snow-covered Alps. I found it sharing two months with these imperfect yet indescribable human beings.

But everything that I wanted to say, Gina said it all in her blog which I recommend people to read if they seek to understand me... if that's even possible.

GINA'S BLOG: www.silenceisdead.blogspot.com

Tscheus!

Update on BBG

Yesterday was my last day at BBG.
Being there from the start, it has been amazing to see the incredible change that has occured in that community. There used to not be many people there and now there is, and there are conversations sprouting up everywhere. And yes, we have a new little Sister there now. So many pr's that were raised with the first team have been answered. Remember you pr-ed for young girls? Yes. Young people in general? Check.

g2g

tschuss

Final Team

The final week has begun
The last team came in today
130 of them I believe.
I'm still in the same OTA
Please PR for this area.. let's call it BBG
I am not the main leader this time.
I'm glad.
Tchuss

The Jist of It

So the second team has come and gone.
Wow,... its all I can say. It's amazing the way things can change in a week, the way your mind and heart and thoughts and views and perspectives and even the Kingdom can change in a week. Just a week.

I know I can't really explain to anyone back home exactly what happened. I wish I could have one of the kids on my team with me every time someone asked and be like "Talk to him." (he knows who he is.)

Guys, we have 2 new siblings! TWO new siblings in one week... plus the one 2 fridays ago. Please rejoice with me! Please PR with me for more! for the soil! for the souls!

Two more weeks. One more team.

Tchus!

ABOUT MIDTERM BREAK

You’ve read my blogs about the last week with the team here and you know how tired I was. I don’t understand how leading a group can consume so much of my energy. I am not complaining because I loved every minute of it. I loved especially leading the S group of girls. S is sort of like my family. It was S who introduced me to iW and through them I came to Deutschland for the first time. And I fell in love. (with the country)

Midterm break was fantastic. S-boy, K-girl, and I went to Switzerland and stayed with K-girl’s friend. Okay- this family that we stayed with was super fab considering they cooked a Swiss Specialty for us each night, along with Swiss desert. If I told you what I ate, you’d hunt me down and kill me cause you’d be so jealous. We arrived Sunday evening in Zurich, and like I said, we had an amazing dinner. I can’t exactly remember what we did that night.

Monday we went to Zurich and shopped and visited a cathedral and everywhere I was at I took like a gazillion pictures. You can go to facebook for those. I know, I’ve been terrible at posting pics on here. Maybe I should do that today. Post one or two.

Moving on- On Tuesday, we went to the Alps and went up Mount Titlis. (I guess that’s what you call a mountain… Mount whatever.) I cannot express to you how beautiful it is here. I don’t think G realized how overwhelming it would be for me when He created this part of the world. Ok – so maybe he did. I just wish more of you had been with me in order for me to enjoy it more. How much more beautiful it would have been if you were with me. Maybe this is a good time to post a picture.

I am back in the City now. I really missed it here. I am doing my laundry as I speak (I am typing this blog first on Word). I am alone. I look out the window and I feel the beautiful breeze… and I feel right at home. I love it here.

I am ready for more. Bring it on.

Owww

So the week with the first teams is basically over. Yesterday I played an intense game of Ultimate Frisbee with 9 other guys for over an hour. I found I was actually rockin' good at the game, I never thought I'd be. Anyway, It started out that there were other girls playing too, but they quit, and I was not going to.. so I stuck out the whole game (the only girl playing with 9 guys), and I was having so much fun.

However, that was yesterday. Today I am MASSIVELY sore in all places of my body! I hurt. And I had a headache all this morning. But hey, it was worth it, because I had fun!

Well, I have got to go get some starbucks to wake me up and take the pain away. I love you all!

Peace.

PR!!!

I am so tired. The first teams have arrived and we basically hit the ground running and I am soooo tired. Pr for strength.

I lead my own team of 8 girls on my own in Bonn (a city I'm not to familiar with). Please just PR!!!

Ready to Rumble?

Better be.

Tomorrow is our last day as just us interns and it will be a free day.
Saturday we get two teams- Sage and Artesia. I am so excited- especially about sage coming in because that is how I came the first time. It was through Sage that I became acquainted with the JSI movement, or whatever you wanna call it. Anyway, I am excited.

I will not be living in Cologne all of next week, I will be in Bonn working there, leading the Sage team. We will travel by train everymorning to Cologne, have teaching time, and then travel back to Bonn after lunch to our OTAs. I am very excited, but I know that I will be so tired, just because of the amount of energy it will take from so much travel. Its about a 45 minute train ride. But I am SOOOO excited about getting some teams up in this joint, and especially seeing some of my SAGE buddies... you know who you are.

Anyway, everyone did so good with my last post- I was truely encouraged by all your comments and emails that I received. I cant emphasize enough, that THAT is what keeps me going sometimes. Yes, I have Dad. But words of encouragement from my family back home are like G breathing me back to life after a heavy day. Keep it up, brethren. Heh heh.

Much love-
D

Adventures

I met a lady today! She's from Mexico and she's 20 years old. We spoke in nothing but Spanish. I was so excited. Her name is S. She's Jehova's Witness. Pr for our future conversations. She wants to meet back up with me tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be back in time to meet with her.

Oh! Right now I'm spending the night at a family's house, their kid had a graduation dinner and I came with my suitemate. Its so much fun, and the german food is great! I should be back in K by tomorrow at noon. Nobody worry about me- I'm in a safe place. Cause I know that immediately, some of you are gonna start thinking "oh my gosh! where is she!" and freak out. Chill. And guess what, I rode the train by myself today. Nobody fear, its completely safe. I know my way around this city -the size of chicago- pretty well now and as long as i don't act like some ignorant american i'm ok. and my german is pretty good to get me by. or i can just look at people like germans have looked at me and they'll leave me alone. I've got it!

Anyway, we get our first one-week team from the US on saturday. Pr that we may be rested enough to take this challenge on. I hear its stressful and tiring. Pr that we may be filled with the HS at all times, and that we may continually remain focused!

Okay, have a great day, friends!

Plow and Sow

We have begun to study the seasons of the harvest.
Yesterday (sunday) was Plowing.
Plowing is basically preparing the field, making better the soil, Pr-Walking basically. Pr-walking is pr-ing on site with insight. That's all I did yesterday. I pr-ed my Outreach Target Area (OTA) for several hours. All it is is constant diologue with G. My OTA for the week is the University. The park area is huge and there are so many people there. Plowing this field is like trying to plow a parking lot. Give me a jackhammer.

Today was Sowing.
Planting the seed. Sowing the word. At my OTA I found it difficult to find boldness and to approach people. I think it would be less difficult if my mindset was "Let's be friends" rather than "Let me convert you". Pr for me and that. However, the boys in my group, SB and TP met two guys B and PS, whom they were kicking a soccer ball with. These dudes were pretty cool. We went to a beer garden with them and we had a very interesting conversation with them about church in germany and life after death. They basically believe church is boring, and they don't like it because they have to pay a tax to the church which is 10% of their income. And its getting old cause the church in germany is doing now what it has been doing for the last 900 years or whatever they said. And they also don't believe there is any life after death although if they did they say everyone goes to heaven. And they wander, why do we even exist? Just to have fun?

It reminded me of the great need there is here and how so many people here believe that very thing and how hard the soil still is.

And I continue to Plow.

Rough Summary of Last 4 Days

I am finally here. After much praying and crying and stressing and breathing, I am finally here. It's been four days, I believe. I'm not gonna go through the details of everything that has happened because it has been so much. However, I will tell you right now I'm super pumped about everything that's going on this summer.

Wednesday, we basicallly had the whole orientation and re-familiarization of the city. I was soooooo tired and jetlagged, basically cause I'd been awake for over 35 hours that day. I really don't remember much, except my group and I were trying to sleep every chance we could. One time, one of the guys in my group and I crossed the street before our leader and the rest of the group did, and the first thing that came out of my mouth was: "*gasp* Now we can run and go to sleep!" Haha! Laugh.

Thursday, gee, I can't remember what happened that day.

Friday was yesterday and we P-walked... i think. My memory is terrible. I really love my teammates. They are hardcore. I've adopted the youngest girl on our team, Kelli, who's 16, as my daughter. I love her! Today I did something stupid, however. A few of the kids on my team and I went to a playground after our morning devotional thingy. And there was this flat circle thing that spun, and 2 of our guys, W and J were like, d, lay flat on it and we'll spin you. So, because I am not a person of good reason, I laid on it and they spun me, and there's nothing to hold on to,.. and so for a while, I was like, this is pretty sweet, but then i started to slip off. And it was spinning really fast. And I finally slipped off completely and I hit my foot on the metal, and I thought it would bruise.. except it swelled a little. It pretty much hurts, but I'll be fine. I put ice on it tonight.

On a different note, G has been showing me alot of things. One thing I saw today as were were p-walking, was all the nationalities, all the people from every part of the world that were in the city because of the World Cup. Everyone was proudly wearing they're colors, holding their flags, chanting with excitement for their soccer team. And there were 3 points that G brought to mind:
1 - All this praise and all this glory that is going to the teams should be going to G.
2 - I can't remember. I should've written it down.
3 - As a 'C', am I wearing HIS colors the way I'm supposed to? Am I representing him like these people are representing a silly soccer team?

Anyway my friends, it's late so I better go to bed. Thanks for all the encouraging comments. Much love and Many blessings.
Remember what kinda of language to use on comments.

Base Camp

So this is the last day of Base Camp, and tomorrow we take off. Can you believe that? I surely can't!

Once again, I'd like to thank all my friends for your pr's. I know I have an amazing three-year-old pr-ing for me every night at 8:00pm. And of course my families are, too.

I wrote the following on my first night (Saturday) here: (Hope you take the time to read it)

So, basically, this base camp has gone a whole lot smoother than last year’s. Perhaps its because I knew what to expect, and I knew I probably wouldn’t have any luggage except my carry-on tonight. Which was definitely true.

Well, the beginning of this whole day was flat out stressful. I knew by their behavior that my family was just nervous about the whole thing. We got to Base Camp, and we hung out for a bit. It was good to see the other kids. My parents unfortunately couldn’t stay for the beginning of it, so we had to bid each other farewell after a few minutes. I’m gonna miss my family. Though I must say, we spent a fantastic evening the day before. I absolutely love those people. We had a blast.

Shortly after my parents left, my amazing best friends who drove all the way up from Belton to Royce City, showed up. I was excited to see Jessie, Sarah, and Lynne. They brought me gifts and I was super excited. We talked and they told me all about their adventures of the previous nights and how a bug attacked Sarah and they had to run to wal-mart at 3am. Wow, my friends are amazing!

Then the most amazing Sunday School teachers ever showed up- Mike and Melanie, and their super cool kids that I love so much- Liam and Noah. I definitely enjoyed the time we spent with them as we talked about the trip and random subjects that came up with my friends. I absolutely love those people. While talking to Father, towards closing, I couldn’t help but think about how much I’m gonna miss these people- Mike and Melanie, Jessie, Sarah, and Lynne. Really, who am I gonna go to when I need a boost of encouragement, who else can see right through me and tell what’s going on in my heart, who am I gonna run to with my frustrations and my fears?

It was hard to say good-bye to them. Liam hugged me and said “I love you.” And as the McCarthy’s walked off, Liam looked off at me and waved. It was super cute. Then… I had to say good-bye to my best friends. Yeah, we definitely cried. Okay, Jessie and I did. I just don’t know if we should bring that up though. I love my girls.

Like I said, I entered the country of Igosia once my families left, and the customs experience wasn’t that hard. I mean, yeah, 2 other friends- Jessica and Kelly- and I got onto a “boat” who gave us a tour of the place then left us stranded in the middle of a field. I know, a boat on a field. It was actually a truck they called a boat. Then an Igosian lady came to us and asked us to teach her songs, so we did. We taught her day care songs, and it was fabulous.

Dinner wasn’t too bad. It was Sushi, and I thought I wouldn’t like it but I actually LOVED it. It made me happy. We then played a fun random game with our team. It really had no purpose except to ask random questions to the person sitting in the middle of the circle.. such as, “Have you peed in your pants in the last five years?” Yeah, interesting, huh?

Well, specific prayer requests? Pray for patience. Patience with others and also that I may stay focused. Sometimes during worship or prayer I find my mind wandering off to other things. Nothing bad, just thinking about back home. When I talk to the kids here, I find myself talking a lot about my friends back home. I find myself thinking about life back home a lot. I know its only been the first afternoon, but I’m already feeling nostalgic. Okay, Patience and focus, please.

I love you. Good night.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now that its my final day in the states, I've gotten to get to know my teammates a little more, and they are amazing people. I am very excited about getting to invest my life in them too, and encourage them throughout the summer. Since the retreat back in April, I felt one of my major ministries this summer was to just minister to my teammates and encourage them. And I absolutely love them! Please continue to pr, not just for me but also for my JSI Family.

Tomorrow I'll be in Germany.