Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday 18th of March
Safe and sound in Iowa.... The rental they gave me is a 2007 Grand Prix- drive wasn't bad. Goodbyes at work were HARD but everything is packed up and am finishing up last minute details here in Iowa. Next week will be meeting with grandparents, getting my immunizations, finish last minute shopping and packing... It's finally hitting me ! Its here!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Thurs March 15
Despite the day being hectic it was a great day. My workplace threw me a nice, laid back lunch and it was great to get to share what I know (which is somewhat limited) about my future adventures. Also on the good news:
- I am able to get my shots in Iowa so will postpone until Tuesday. They were nice enough to squeeze me in despite a full schedule
- I walked into Rolling Meadows court house and got my driver's license back after deciding to pay the ticket from my accident (anyone else get nervous around an excessive amount of police/cops or is it just me?)
- Arranged to get a rental car that I can take one way, dropping it off in Ames Iowa next week
Etc Etc... I could go on and on :)
- I am able to get my shots in Iowa so will postpone until Tuesday. They were nice enough to squeeze me in despite a full schedule
- I walked into Rolling Meadows court house and got my driver's license back after deciding to pay the ticket from my accident (anyone else get nervous around an excessive amount of police/cops or is it just me?)
- Arranged to get a rental car that I can take one way, dropping it off in Ames Iowa next week
Etc Etc... I could go on and on :)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wedn March 14
Just an update: feeling blessed with finances
Unfortunatly the details of my immunization is falling through the cracks (Satan is that you?)... SO I will be scrambling to try and get them done by the end of the week, so far no luck
**Update (later same day) - found out my benefits coverage go through April so i will try and get them done while in iowa next week and not add to the list for the last few days in Illinois
Unfortunatly the details of my immunization is falling through the cracks (Satan is that you?)... SO I will be scrambling to try and get them done by the end of the week, so far no luck
**Update (later same day) - found out my benefits coverage go through April so i will try and get them done while in iowa next week and not add to the list for the last few days in Illinois
Monday, March 12, 2007
Monday, March 12
Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you who you are. - Houssaye
God has created me to do some special service; God has committed some work to me, which has not been committed to another. I have a mission. - J.H. Newman
Lots of details rattling around in the head to get done this week. Some updates: This weekend was a sad time of saying goodbyes to friends; this week should be more focused on wrapping things up here at work.
Estimates for my car came back at around 4000 and I'm thankful for insurance :) Unfortunately it sounds like it will take at least two weeks to repair and am unsure the details of picking up the car etc....
Very generous and supportive friends, G & T, blew me away this weekend with some unexpected financial support and I am so THANKFUL at the encouragement that has been coming my way. I feel I left this weekend feeling very much like my time in Samoa has been confirmed by others and their excitement not just for the ministry but also for me personally. I'm sure more updates to come. Thanks again, most importantly, for the prayers!!
God has created me to do some special service; God has committed some work to me, which has not been committed to another. I have a mission. - J.H. Newman
Lots of details rattling around in the head to get done this week. Some updates: This weekend was a sad time of saying goodbyes to friends; this week should be more focused on wrapping things up here at work.
Estimates for my car came back at around 4000 and I'm thankful for insurance :) Unfortunately it sounds like it will take at least two weeks to repair and am unsure the details of picking up the car etc....
Very generous and supportive friends, G & T, blew me away this weekend with some unexpected financial support and I am so THANKFUL at the encouragement that has been coming my way. I feel I left this weekend feeling very much like my time in Samoa has been confirmed by others and their excitement not just for the ministry but also for me personally. I'm sure more updates to come. Thanks again, most importantly, for the prayers!!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Good News/Bad News
Friday March 9Good news: After speaking with the Traffic Court I can walk into the court house and pay the ticket and receive my driver's license while onsite. WHEW!
Bad News: They have not yet received the ticket information from Schaumburg Police Department....So i am going to call them and get an estimate on what time they will be sending it over (prayers are that its by the end of next week!)
Also I picked up a rental car yesterday (Malibu) and am thankful as I have quite a few people to see and things to wrap up before I leave. I haven't heard back from the collision repair shop yet....
Thanks for your prayers! Besides a sore knee everything is going well and thankfully many of you have offered words of encouragement. Keeping my eyes on what God has already done helps to know that He doesn't plan on stopping now:
2 Timothy 1:12
"I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me."
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Thursday March 8
PRAYERS:
So many of you may already know I was in a car accident on Tuesday night. Thankfully no one was hurt but the timing is terrible.... my car went into the shop today and after being smootched between two cars the repairs most likely won't get done before next Friday, the 16th when I am scheduled to move back to Iowa (unless our prayers speed it up!). ALSO another prayer request is that they took my license until I either pay a ticket, appear in court (which wouldn't happen until April after Im gone to Samoa) , or do an online drivers education class thing. Ill be calling the Traffic Clerk to see if there is a way to speed all this up as Id like to have everything settled before I fly out on the 27th.... Does anyone else agree that the timing on all these seems a little bit like Satan's work??
Overall things are going well but wanted to share the latest as much thought, time and prayers are being put into the aftermath.
One blessing to report through all this: Allstate insurance has been VERY helpful and they are waiving my deductible since the man who hit my also carries Allstate insurance. I hope to send an update letter out by mail soon
Saturday, March 3, 2007
SATURDAY MARCH 3
' leaving on a jet plane, don't know when ill be back again....'
Okay, so not quite! I did finally purchase my expensive ticket to Samoa, leaving Los Angeles on Tuesday March 27. I can't believe I only have two more weeks here in Illinois. I feel like there is still lots to do and people to see!
I did some packing today, and pulled out my backpack that I am taking on the trip. I plan on being in Iowa for ten days before I leave and its getting tight trying to fit everyone in.
I still have a few immunizations to get: Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A & B.
Did you know that Samoa is technically the last place on earth to see the sun set?? Cool!
Another fun fact: medical services are free for residents of Apia, the nearby town to the base (and quite a low fee for visitors) unless you opt for the more upscale private hospital and even then the fees don't come close to the Americans... maybe we could learn something ....
Okay, so not quite! I did finally purchase my expensive ticket to Samoa, leaving Los Angeles on Tuesday March 27. I can't believe I only have two more weeks here in Illinois. I feel like there is still lots to do and people to see!
I did some packing today, and pulled out my backpack that I am taking on the trip. I plan on being in Iowa for ten days before I leave and its getting tight trying to fit everyone in.
I still have a few immunizations to get: Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A & B.
Did you know that Samoa is technically the last place on earth to see the sun set?? Cool!
Another fun fact: medical services are free for residents of Apia, the nearby town to the base (and quite a low fee for visitors) unless you opt for the more upscale private hospital and even then the fees don't come close to the Americans... maybe we could learn something ....
Friday, February 23, 2007
Friday Feb 23
RELIEF!!!
I finally was able to tell my coworkers yesterday of my departure. Bitter sweet... so sad to leave as we see each other more than we see our family's most of the time! People are excited for me but also expressing their sadness at seeing me go..... I feel a large burden has been lifted and I can now better focus on equiping coworkers before I leave and also focus on what needs to be done before taking off to Samoa.
In case you would like to see what my living situation will be like please take a look at this link to a picture of our base and our 'fales' where we will be staying: http://www.ywamsamoa.org/slideshow_building.html
The bathroom and kitchen appear to be enclosed but the rest is more traditional.
Finances have been weighing a bit on me but I am learning to trust that it will be provided (even if not in my own timing)....
I finally was able to tell my coworkers yesterday of my departure. Bitter sweet... so sad to leave as we see each other more than we see our family's most of the time! People are excited for me but also expressing their sadness at seeing me go..... I feel a large burden has been lifted and I can now better focus on equiping coworkers before I leave and also focus on what needs to be done before taking off to Samoa.
In case you would like to see what my living situation will be like please take a look at this link to a picture of our base and our 'fales' where we will be staying: http://www.ywamsamoa.org/slideshow_building.html
The bathroom and kitchen appear to be enclosed but the rest is more traditional.
Finances have been weighing a bit on me but I am learning to trust that it will be provided (even if not in my own timing)....
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Weather in Samoa
From Lonelyplanet.com
"This region of the southwest Pacific is typically tropical. Conditions are almost perpetually hot and humid - the average annual temperature is 26.5°C (80°F) in coastal areas, with a decrease in temperature as the land rises inland. But the even temperature and fresh sea breezes means conditions are never too stuffy. The region's wet season (ostensibly its low season) lasts from November to April. December and January are normally the wettest months. Remember, though, that most precipitation occurs at night and the main discomfort will be caused by a rise in the lethargy-inducing heat and humidity.
The Samoan islands unfortunately lie squarely within the South Pacific's notorious cyclone belt. The season for tropical storms and cyclones is between November and March. Cyclones seem to occur, on average, every 10 to 15 years. The last big storm to hit the region was Olaf, which blew across the islands in early 2005."
"This region of the southwest Pacific is typically tropical. Conditions are almost perpetually hot and humid - the average annual temperature is 26.5°C (80°F) in coastal areas, with a decrease in temperature as the land rises inland. But the even temperature and fresh sea breezes means conditions are never too stuffy. The region's wet season (ostensibly its low season) lasts from November to April. December and January are normally the wettest months. Remember, though, that most precipitation occurs at night and the main discomfort will be caused by a rise in the lethargy-inducing heat and humidity.
The Samoan islands unfortunately lie squarely within the South Pacific's notorious cyclone belt. The season for tropical storms and cyclones is between November and March. Cyclones seem to occur, on average, every 10 to 15 years. The last big storm to hit the region was Olaf, which blew across the islands in early 2005."
Thursday, Feb 22
Romans 15 :4-6
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
Friday, February 16, 2007
REJOICE
Oh my heart is so full of joy right now. I received an email this morning from a childhood friend that was a neighbor while my family lived in Quebec. She received Christ three years ago and can tell about His 'amazing love'. My heart is so blessed right now to know she is now part of the family :)
"Réjouissons-nous, frères et sœurs dans le Christ, car, aujourd’hui, le Seigneur a ouvert les portes de sa Maison pour accueillir une nouvelle fille dans sa Famille."
(Rejoice brother and sisters in Christ because today the Savoir has opened the doors of His house to welcome a new daughter into His family)
Also starting today I will be fasting for a few days.
"Réjouissons-nous, frères et sœurs dans le Christ, car, aujourd’hui, le Seigneur a ouvert les portes de sa Maison pour accueillir une nouvelle fille dans sa Famille."
(Rejoice brother and sisters in Christ because today the Savoir has opened the doors of His house to welcome a new daughter into His family)
Also starting today I will be fasting for a few days.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Thursday February 15
Well today brings work news..... yesterday my work made an organizational decision and fired my supervisor, Scott who will be missed. Not only does that change the dynamics of our workplace but it postpones my announcement that I am leaving. I was 'hoping' to be able to start telling people on Friday, tomorrow, but the co-owner of my company requested that I wait for their cue before announcing anything. Its agony really....I will really miss this place and feel valued.
Financially I am now at 2500 which is just over the half way point for my goal. I know I still have a need but am counting on God to pull through this next month with the rest of the finances.
Did anyone notice we got hit with the snow this week? Brrrr... my saving grace was knowing that i would be serving God on the ISLANDS in just over one month....
I guess my thought for the day is a quote from Desmond Tutu:
"Without forgiveness, there is no future."
Taking that a step further than the humanitarian implication is the truth found that without God's forgiveness there is no everlasting life. A life without the hope of heaven is dreadful enough but a life without the hope of being in the presence of God is far worse. Im thankful for a merciful God, that without exceptions grants His forgiveness and fellowship on those who ask. I love this verse in 1 Timothy that expresses Paul's thankful heart towards our God who forgives graciously
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Financially I am now at 2500 which is just over the half way point for my goal. I know I still have a need but am counting on God to pull through this next month with the rest of the finances.
Did anyone notice we got hit with the snow this week? Brrrr... my saving grace was knowing that i would be serving God on the ISLANDS in just over one month....
I guess my thought for the day is a quote from Desmond Tutu:
"Without forgiveness, there is no future."
Taking that a step further than the humanitarian implication is the truth found that without God's forgiveness there is no everlasting life. A life without the hope of heaven is dreadful enough but a life without the hope of being in the presence of God is far worse. Im thankful for a merciful God, that without exceptions grants His forgiveness and fellowship on those who ask. I love this verse in 1 Timothy that expresses Paul's thankful heart towards our God who forgives graciously
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Monday February 12
Muamua ona si’i le fa’afetai i le Atua…
Translation: "I would first like to give thanks to God…"
This familiar phrase reveals an insightful fact about all Samoans; they love and openly recognize the hand of God in their lives. It is used as greeting and even in politics.
The public seal for Samoa bears the following motto: Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa (God be the Foundation of Samoa). The Amerika Samoa motto states: Samoa Muamua le Atua (Samoa, God is first)
Im certainly learning alot about the culture!
Translation: "I would first like to give thanks to God…"
This familiar phrase reveals an insightful fact about all Samoans; they love and openly recognize the hand of God in their lives. It is used as greeting and even in politics.
The public seal for Samoa bears the following motto: Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa (God be the Foundation of Samoa). The Amerika Samoa motto states: Samoa Muamua le Atua (Samoa, God is first)
Im certainly learning alot about the culture!
Update on FINANCES: 550 dollars came in this weekend putting me just over 2300 dollars.... VERY encouraging
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
Monday February 5
1 Samuel 3:10
"The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening.""
Things to focus on while preparing for missions: pure heart, attentive ears (wow minimizing distractions is so tough!), open mind, busy hands and ready feet....
Financially I am up to $1800 - thank you so much!
Prayer request update: I did tell the co-owner of my company last week that I would be leaving mid-March. Her first response was to ask for more information on my opportunity to serve overseas! As of right now the rest of the company will find out approximately February 15th.
Also I met with Missions Director (my friend Kirk) at my church ( check out my link to Harvest Bible Chapel- I really appreciate Pastor James and his teaching).... and he was so encouraging. Not only being prayed for but also resources for insurance and knowing that prayer requests can be sent from the field....
"The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening.""
Things to focus on while preparing for missions: pure heart, attentive ears (wow minimizing distractions is so tough!), open mind, busy hands and ready feet....
Financially I am up to $1800 - thank you so much!
Prayer request update: I did tell the co-owner of my company last week that I would be leaving mid-March. Her first response was to ask for more information on my opportunity to serve overseas! As of right now the rest of the company will find out approximately February 15th.
Also I met with Missions Director (my friend Kirk) at my church ( check out my link to Harvest Bible Chapel- I really appreciate Pastor James and his teaching).... and he was so encouraging. Not only being prayed for but also resources for insurance and knowing that prayer requests can be sent from the field....
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