Our Thailand trip is less than three weeks away. Last weekend, in our team meeting, we heard details of where we will be and what we'll be doing. We'll be spending the first part of our trip in Bangkok and then heading to a more rural region where we will stay in a small village. While in the village, we'll be living with local families and learning more about their daily lives. It's my impression that the villagers make money farming and we will be learning more about their trade.
Mike was in town last weekend and went with me to our team meeting, which was exciting for me. I'm glad he got to meet some of the people with whom I'll be traveling. I was also happy to introduce him to my team since I'm sure I'll be talking about him during our trip.
On Monday night we have our first fundraiser for The Well. The proceeds we make will go directly to The Well and furthering their mission of transforming the lives of women. I'm really impressed by the organization and can't wait to meet more of the people behind it. I'm encouraged by what they've done and how God has moved through their work.
I confessed to my fellow Thailand team last week that I'm not sure what to pray for during this trip. Sure, I am praying for safety and the people at The Well, but I don't know how to pray specifically. I do believe that the holy spirit intercedes for us, praying for us in ways we don't even comprehend. So, when I think about that, it makes me feel a little better.
I'm excited about the trip, learning, becoming closer to my fellow church members and seeing what God has in store. Thanks for praying for us as well!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Two Highlights of the 2012 Year
On Tuesday, I received my plane ticket details for Thailand.
On Wednesday, I ordered my wedding dress.
The year is rocking so far. Just saying.
Reflections on 2011
On New Year's Eve my mom did a pretty cool "exercise" at our party. She passed us each a piece of paper with a verse from Isaiah (9:6) on it: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will
be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." She then asked us each to reflect about how God had touched our lives in 2011 and shown Himself in one of those names. How had God been a Prince of Peace? A Wonderful Counselor? We didn't have to share, but everyone did. Cuz when people start thinking about how God is working in their lives, people have to talk about it!
A year ago from today I was sitting in pretty different circumstances. I was really unhappy with my living situation. Not many people like to live with four other people in a shabby rental house that's falling apart! I was unhappy and unfulfilled in my job. I didn't feel recognized and knew that my potential was far greater than the role I played. The big 3-0 was around the corner and I felt unprepared. Wasn't I supposed to have it all figured out by 30?
But.. as the year went on, I started to see some changes and looking back I can see God's fingers in them all.
In the spring, I moved. And not only did I move. I moved UP!!! My gracious sister and bro-in-law moved into a brand new, hot off the press house on the NE side of D.C. Guess who got to tag along and live in the basement apartment for a really affordable price? This girl! I think I had perma-grin after moving for about three months.
I also turned 30. Thanks to the organization skills of my dear sister and my friend Marie, I had a fabulous surprise birthday party at Hains Point. My mom and grandma drove up for the weekend and my closest friends in D.C. all braved the cool weather and came out for a cookout. Thirty started off with laughter, fun and great memories with some of the dearest people I know. My parents also gave me the special gift of the diamond necklace that my dad gave my mom as a gift when she had me.
In mid summer there was sadness as love was lost, but joy soon replaced it with THE love of my life. After years of no communication, Mike and I reunited and sparks flew (again!). I still can't believe how awesome God is. For years Mike and I were on separate paths and growing as people. I don't know all the answers as to why God saw it fit for us to grow while also not together, but He definitely brought us back together at the right time. In July, we hit the ground running and started dating again. Tender hearts were soon replaced with full hearts and joy as we watched God at work in our relationship.
In late summer I got a call from a dear friend and mentor who wanted me to come work for him. So I did. Oh, and did I mention that the job is with a team of people that I already knew from my graduate school and that they all love Jesus? Also, my boss sees the potential in me, encourages AND challenges me.
The fall was fun too. I signed up for the mission trip I'd been wanting to go on for over a year. I didn't know in 2010 what trip I wanted to do, but it became apparent as soon as I looked at the options. I've never been to Asia (and honestly it wasn't high on the list of places to explore), but I'm looking forward to the work that we'll be doing in just over a month from now. I'm looking forward to learning.
I also ran in the Marine Corps 10K, which is quite a race! It was inspiring to be running with veterans, military spouses, family and friends of people in the Marines- some of whom wore t-shirts in memory of their loved ones. Some were cheering on someone thousands of miles away. It was a cold day for a run, with ice on the bridges and overpasses, but it was heart-warming.
The winter showed God's handiwork as well. You know that mission trip? Thanks to my dear friends and family, I was able to raise all of the funds for it. I didn't start raising the money until November. By the end of December, all $1950 of it was raised. I am blessed.
And you know that guy I mentioned earlier? The day after Christmas, he and I hiked up Hanging Rock and he made me the most elated woman in the world when he proposed. I still can't believe how God "showed us". His ways aren't our ways, and man... sometimes they are mind-blowing.
So, here I am with another year under my 30-year-old belt. 2011 was fantastic. And it was that way because it truly was a year of "wows" where I got to see God's handiwork. He's truly an artist and I'm pleased to be part of His design.
A year ago from today I was sitting in pretty different circumstances. I was really unhappy with my living situation. Not many people like to live with four other people in a shabby rental house that's falling apart! I was unhappy and unfulfilled in my job. I didn't feel recognized and knew that my potential was far greater than the role I played. The big 3-0 was around the corner and I felt unprepared. Wasn't I supposed to have it all figured out by 30?
But.. as the year went on, I started to see some changes and looking back I can see God's fingers in them all.
In the spring, I moved. And not only did I move. I moved UP!!! My gracious sister and bro-in-law moved into a brand new, hot off the press house on the NE side of D.C. Guess who got to tag along and live in the basement apartment for a really affordable price? This girl! I think I had perma-grin after moving for about three months.
I also turned 30. Thanks to the organization skills of my dear sister and my friend Marie, I had a fabulous surprise birthday party at Hains Point. My mom and grandma drove up for the weekend and my closest friends in D.C. all braved the cool weather and came out for a cookout. Thirty started off with laughter, fun and great memories with some of the dearest people I know. My parents also gave me the special gift of the diamond necklace that my dad gave my mom as a gift when she had me.
In mid summer there was sadness as love was lost, but joy soon replaced it with THE love of my life. After years of no communication, Mike and I reunited and sparks flew (again!). I still can't believe how awesome God is. For years Mike and I were on separate paths and growing as people. I don't know all the answers as to why God saw it fit for us to grow while also not together, but He definitely brought us back together at the right time. In July, we hit the ground running and started dating again. Tender hearts were soon replaced with full hearts and joy as we watched God at work in our relationship.
In late summer I got a call from a dear friend and mentor who wanted me to come work for him. So I did. Oh, and did I mention that the job is with a team of people that I already knew from my graduate school and that they all love Jesus? Also, my boss sees the potential in me, encourages AND challenges me.
The fall was fun too. I signed up for the mission trip I'd been wanting to go on for over a year. I didn't know in 2010 what trip I wanted to do, but it became apparent as soon as I looked at the options. I've never been to Asia (and honestly it wasn't high on the list of places to explore), but I'm looking forward to the work that we'll be doing in just over a month from now. I'm looking forward to learning.
I also ran in the Marine Corps 10K, which is quite a race! It was inspiring to be running with veterans, military spouses, family and friends of people in the Marines- some of whom wore t-shirts in memory of their loved ones. Some were cheering on someone thousands of miles away. It was a cold day for a run, with ice on the bridges and overpasses, but it was heart-warming.
And you know that guy I mentioned earlier? The day after Christmas, he and I hiked up Hanging Rock and he made me the most elated woman in the world when he proposed. I still can't believe how God "showed us". His ways aren't our ways, and man... sometimes they are mind-blowing.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Women Hold Up Half the Sky
Derek Bok, the former president of Harvard University once said that, "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance." This is the mentality of our small team heading to Thailand. Our time is short while we're there and one of our main goals is to learn about Thai culture in general, but also learn about the culture specifically related to the red light district. Sure, we'll do mission work and share the love of Jesus, but as I've learned from my 4.5 years of counseling at our local crisis pregnancy center, often the women just want to be heard. There's something special about listening, sharing stories and laughing together. Aren't those qualities that set humans apart from all other creatures on earth?
Our small team met on Sunday as we will be every two weeks to prepare for our trip. We're reading through an amazing book that I promise will change your world if you read it. The book is called Half the Sky and it's part of a larger movement world wide. The book highlights true stories of women entrepreneurs, fighters and survivors who are able to rise above their circumstances (either on their own or through the help of others) to better themselves and those around them. Here's a cool fact about women- they pull others up with them when they rise.
There's an African proverb that says, "You educate a boy and you're educating an individual. You educate a girl and you're educating an entire village." The United Nations and World Bank did studies in the 1990s and their studies were paraphrased this way: "Women's empowerment helps raise economic productivity and reduce infant mortality rate. It contributes to improved health and nutrition. It increases the chances of education for the next generation."
The Well in Bangkok is doing just that. They focus on areas of education, social services and job training to help women who want to get out of the sex industry and make better lives for themselves. These are women who want to be independent and integrate back into society (and often their families). Our team had the opportunity on Sunday to meet two women, Corey and Jupe, who work at The Well who are in town for the Thanksgiving holiday. They shared stories of hope and also told us more of what to expect on our journey, which will take place half in the city of Bangkok and half in the rural region, where we will be exposed to how The Well teaches women how to farm and create income for themselves.
With each meeting and through our readings, I'm becoming more excited about this opportunity to learn. Thanks for your support, encouragement and for listening to my stories as I embark on this journey!
To give or follow my fundraising, check out my page and my teammates' pages as well!
Our small team met on Sunday as we will be every two weeks to prepare for our trip. We're reading through an amazing book that I promise will change your world if you read it. The book is called Half the Sky and it's part of a larger movement world wide. The book highlights true stories of women entrepreneurs, fighters and survivors who are able to rise above their circumstances (either on their own or through the help of others) to better themselves and those around them. Here's a cool fact about women- they pull others up with them when they rise.
There's an African proverb that says, "You educate a boy and you're educating an individual. You educate a girl and you're educating an entire village." The United Nations and World Bank did studies in the 1990s and their studies were paraphrased this way: "Women's empowerment helps raise economic productivity and reduce infant mortality rate. It contributes to improved health and nutrition. It increases the chances of education for the next generation."
With each meeting and through our readings, I'm becoming more excited about this opportunity to learn. Thanks for your support, encouragement and for listening to my stories as I embark on this journey!
To give or follow my fundraising, check out my page and my teammates' pages as well!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Ms. Moore
I first saw Ms. Moore last week on my bus. She looked sharply dressed wearing a pale green suit, white dress shoes and a green and blue headband to match her suit. Her purse was also white and sat beside her cane. Her skin was dark and her spine was slightly curved. She had a smile on her face for anyone who met her gaze. She seemed kind, gentle and grandmotherly. I admired her spirit and thought I hope I dress that sharp at her age and give off vibes of kindness. My bus stop approached and I exited, walking past her and leaving any thoughts of her on the bus.
Today was different. Today I met Ms. Moore.
I saw her again this morning, in a baby blue suit and white beret. She was (again) on the bus before me and I could see her a few seats in front of me. She smiled at the oncoming passengers and the baby dozing beside her. I sat there and watched her and thought that if I were closer I'd talk to her. But when my stop came, I exited without a word.
It wasn't until I saw her again at the bus stop this evening, however, that I felt led to introduce myself. It was 9:30 and dark. She walked slowly up the hill to our stop, leaning on the bus sign when she stopped. She was wearing the same outfit as I'd seen on her this morning and I thought she's had a long day. I almost didn't say anything to her, but then realized I was being ridiculous. She's right here. You wanted to talk to her earlier- now's your chance. So, I walked up to her, introduced myself and complimented her attire.
I didn't know those words would be the first that we'd share for the next 1.5 hours.
Ms. Moore is 80 (as of April 2nd) and has lived longer than anyone in her immediate family. She told me this with a grin on her face as she clapped her hands together. When we got on the bus, I noticed that her eyes were a little lighter blue than her suit. She's the only one in her family with blue eyes and blames someone "messing in her cabbage patch", which I translated as a white ancestor in the mix along the way through history. "I have the darkest skin in my family and the lightest eyes. It doesn't matter though. One day, we'll all be the same race. In the Kingdom. One day it won't matter." I nodded.
She'd been at the hospital all day while her doctors examined her heart. All she'd had was some cranberry juice and graham crackers. "Denny's has the best salads. I've been thinking about one all day. They are SO good. Fresh. They have delicious tomatoes and onions. Crisp yellow peppers too." Her sparkling blue eyes were in another place... at a booth at Denny's with a fried chicken salad in front of her.
When I learned that she'd be waiting for a connecting bus to take her home after a full day at a stale hospital, I knew that wouldn't do. This lady needed some Denny's! Call me crazy, but I told her I'd drive her there.
And I did.
Our bus dropped us off, we slowly walked the three blocks to my house (she wouldn't wait at the stop though I offered to come get her) and got in my car shortly after ten p.m. Crazy, right?
Anyway, I learned about her grandchildren, the "mother-in-law from hell" that she had for three years, about her "baby sister" who is a survivor of skin cancer and her church, the first black Lutheran church in DC, which was established by her mother who didn't want to christen her baby (Ms. Moore) in the YWCA where they used to meet. We chatted about Denny's, the waiters and waitresses there who have come to know her and bring stuff by her house. More about her great-granddaughter who looks like a little doll. She told me about "friends and family" day at her church and said she wanted me to come.
She asked me my name again. "I'm related to some Duncans. They intermarried with the Fergusons." She said this like I knew the Fergusons as well. I nodded. Maybe one of my distant relatives messed in her family's cabbage patch? Maybe we were even related.
After Denny's, I had to stop for some gas on the way to my new friend's house. A homeless man approached me and asked to pump my gas for cash. I handed him some cash, dismissed his offer and he walked away. I turned back around and saw that Ms. Moore was standing on her side of the car. She was looking in the direction that he had gone.
"I was going to hit him on his head with my cane if he tried anything," she said solemnly as she met my gaze.
I smiled with raised eyebrows. "You were going to protect me?"
"I'm not really much of a fighter. I prefer to negotiate. But sometimes you have to fight. I was ready." I looked at her face and saw her determination. She could probably mess the wrong person up with her cane!
I dropped her off at her house and made my way home, feeling blessed by her company. We exchanged numbers and she insisted I call when I got home to let her know I'd made it safely (which I did!).
"I want you to meet my grandchildren," she said. "I'm going to call you for friends and family day."
I hope she does.
Today was different. Today I met Ms. Moore.
I saw her again this morning, in a baby blue suit and white beret. She was (again) on the bus before me and I could see her a few seats in front of me. She smiled at the oncoming passengers and the baby dozing beside her. I sat there and watched her and thought that if I were closer I'd talk to her. But when my stop came, I exited without a word.
It wasn't until I saw her again at the bus stop this evening, however, that I felt led to introduce myself. It was 9:30 and dark. She walked slowly up the hill to our stop, leaning on the bus sign when she stopped. She was wearing the same outfit as I'd seen on her this morning and I thought she's had a long day. I almost didn't say anything to her, but then realized I was being ridiculous. She's right here. You wanted to talk to her earlier- now's your chance. So, I walked up to her, introduced myself and complimented her attire.
I didn't know those words would be the first that we'd share for the next 1.5 hours.
Ms. Moore is 80 (as of April 2nd) and has lived longer than anyone in her immediate family. She told me this with a grin on her face as she clapped her hands together. When we got on the bus, I noticed that her eyes were a little lighter blue than her suit. She's the only one in her family with blue eyes and blames someone "messing in her cabbage patch", which I translated as a white ancestor in the mix along the way through history. "I have the darkest skin in my family and the lightest eyes. It doesn't matter though. One day, we'll all be the same race. In the Kingdom. One day it won't matter." I nodded.
She'd been at the hospital all day while her doctors examined her heart. All she'd had was some cranberry juice and graham crackers. "Denny's has the best salads. I've been thinking about one all day. They are SO good. Fresh. They have delicious tomatoes and onions. Crisp yellow peppers too." Her sparkling blue eyes were in another place... at a booth at Denny's with a fried chicken salad in front of her.
When I learned that she'd be waiting for a connecting bus to take her home after a full day at a stale hospital, I knew that wouldn't do. This lady needed some Denny's! Call me crazy, but I told her I'd drive her there.
And I did.
Our bus dropped us off, we slowly walked the three blocks to my house (she wouldn't wait at the stop though I offered to come get her) and got in my car shortly after ten p.m. Crazy, right?
Anyway, I learned about her grandchildren, the "mother-in-law from hell" that she had for three years, about her "baby sister" who is a survivor of skin cancer and her church, the first black Lutheran church in DC, which was established by her mother who didn't want to christen her baby (Ms. Moore) in the YWCA where they used to meet. We chatted about Denny's, the waiters and waitresses there who have come to know her and bring stuff by her house. More about her great-granddaughter who looks like a little doll. She told me about "friends and family" day at her church and said she wanted me to come.
She asked me my name again. "I'm related to some Duncans. They intermarried with the Fergusons." She said this like I knew the Fergusons as well. I nodded. Maybe one of my distant relatives messed in her family's cabbage patch? Maybe we were even related.
After Denny's, I had to stop for some gas on the way to my new friend's house. A homeless man approached me and asked to pump my gas for cash. I handed him some cash, dismissed his offer and he walked away. I turned back around and saw that Ms. Moore was standing on her side of the car. She was looking in the direction that he had gone.
"I was going to hit him on his head with my cane if he tried anything," she said solemnly as she met my gaze.
I smiled with raised eyebrows. "You were going to protect me?"
"I'm not really much of a fighter. I prefer to negotiate. But sometimes you have to fight. I was ready." I looked at her face and saw her determination. She could probably mess the wrong person up with her cane!
I dropped her off at her house and made my way home, feeling blessed by her company. We exchanged numbers and she insisted I call when I got home to let her know I'd made it safely (which I did!).
"I want you to meet my grandchildren," she said. "I'm going to call you for friends and family day."
I hope she does.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)