January 2009 missionary update

Here is my January update letter, sent out to supporters:


Holiday greetings!
The new year is here and as we make goals, or maybe even resolutions, I wanted to update you on my missionary journey. I currently have a commitment of donations for just over half of my required amount (my goal is 600$/month). I am so thankful for this support; however my departure date has been pushed past January....hopefully only until the end of February. I am trusting God’s timing but also I continue to look forward to buying my plane ticket and making last minute plans to join the on-going work in St. Croix.

During the past couple of months, I can’t help but fight an urgency to be back on the missionary field. God is teaching me lessons in the meantime (as He is faithful to do). When my disappointment in the delay starts, I am reminded of Isaiah. I do want to be available for God, to answer His call, as in Ezekial when He seeks someone to stand in the gap (Ezekial 22:30). I often think "What about the lives I could be touching....pick me.....I need to not waste time and get down there!" . Although it is true that God calls us to serve, Isaiah 59:16 sums up God’s control of His kingdom: " Then His own arm brought salvation to Him.’ And this was AFTER He declared that there was not one person available to intervene for Him. The Holy Spirit doesn’t ‘need’ me and my spiritual gifts in St. Croix to fulfill His purposes there. These are His people and He is caring for them through His own wisdom, power, and timing. It reminds me to be grateful, and honored, to be called to experience more of what He is doing across the world. In the meantime, I continue to learn the ongoing lesson of seeing God in what appears to be the ‘mundane’. Opportunities to interact with people come up every day, whether a relative, neighbor or someone through work (in my case at a Christian bookstore which hasn’t become boring). So, in the meantime while I prepare to head to a new missionary field, I trust God to use me equally, if not more, right where I am.

I’ve decided to include a few ‘fun facts’ to get all of us a bit more acquainted with the island of St. Croix and will include this section in each update letter.
- No US passport is required to travel to and from St. Croix as it is a United States territory
- St. Croix is 1100 miles southeast of Miami, in the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix is the largest island of the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix has a Kmart, McDonald’s, and most importantly a Wendy’s!
- Wish me luck as I adjust to driving on the left side of the road

As I continue to seek God’s next step for me, I ask that you reflect on how God is working in your life, and the people He is placing along your path. Please also remember me, both in your prayers and financially, as I strive to meet my monthly financial goal and prepare myself for another transition.
Some of you have asked for some further information about sending your monthly donations. If you prefer to make one donation for the year, instead of remembering a monthly pledge, please feel free as I will then break it down into 12 months. Please follow these instructions if you would like to receive a tax deductible receipt for your monthly support. Make the checks out to "YWAM St. Croix" (not my name) and in a letter or in the note section please indicate my name. The checks will be processed through the YWAM account and accredited to me. I will be notified of your gift as soon as a check is received. Every three months I will be sending out a receipt for those financial gifts. These checks can be sent directly to the accounting department at:
YWAM St. Croix
#4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, VI 00820
This will also be my address so if you wish to simply include it in a letter addressed to me, I will route the payment for you.
I am very interested in hearing your personal stories of what God has been doing in your life, prayer requests and even stories of your travels to the Carribean. Please feel free to keep in contact either by mail (100 Hollywood Ave, Waterloo IA 50701) or by email (skillet25@gmail.com or alkennedy@excite.com ).
May your New Year be filled with blessings and drawing closer to God!

Slowly but surely

Support has been coming in slowly but surely and I am thankful to all those who have contributed! Also some have asked about one time donations. I am absolutly accepting those also as I have a plane ticket and health insurance to pay for before I leave, not included in the estimated base support.
This week I worked full time hours at my part time job but have enjoyed the change of pace in working at the Family Christian Store in Waterloo,Ia. Its fun hearing about people's ministry and help them choose christmas gifts.
Happy Thanksgiving (okay, so its a few weeks early.....)

Support Letter November

the following is my updated support letter that Ive sent out last week :

Greetings! It has been about one year since I returned from my missionary trip to Samoa withYouth with a Mission and I wanted to send an update letter. I have some much anticipated plans for the new year so I will also update you on my preparations to become part of the staff at the YWAM base in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
My time since returning to the United States has been spent with family and then work. I returned to the Chicago area and have been working two jobs (part time as a direct support personnel for adults with disabilities, and also part time as a nanny). Recently, the beginning of September, my Grandma Kennedy passed away after a few months of illness. On October 14th I moved back to Waterloo, Iowa to live with my grandfather and mom. I see Dad once a week, too, as he travels down for a few days every week. I am currently looking for a job to support myself the next few months.
Psalms 138:8 ""The LORD will work out His plans for my life—for Your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever...."
Having these unexpected transitions has not deterred me from my heart for missions. I have been in contact with the Youth with a Mission base in St Croix over the last four months and have officially been accepted on board as staff. I originally requested to help staff the DTS (discipleship training school). This is the same program that I finished during my time in Samoa. Wisely, the director requests that staff wanting to be involved in the DTS first spend 6-8 months serving generally on the base. Some of the areas of need include the day to day needs (kitchen, transportation, office work, cleaning, etc.). St Croix YWAM also has a huge heart for children and runs a children program called ‘Jericho Kids’. They work closely with a local organization that ministers to the homeless of St Croix. All these offer me many opportunities to serve and reach out to the people of St Croix.
I’ve included some highlights from the base but please feel free to browse their internet website if you would like further information at www.ywamstcroix.org
St Croix is the most populated island of the US Virgin Islands (there are 50 islands) and has been nicknamed "The Gem of the Caribbean". St Croix has a rich history, but also a tainted one that has struggled under the effects of slavery. This history includes sugar plantations that exploited slaves for their own greed, passing down the ramifications through the generations. The reason I bring this up is that the St Croix YWAM base (started a little over 20 years ago) holds to its mission of freedom, healing and restoration. Some of the strongholds that remain are hopelessness, shame, anger, abuse, abandonment, prejudice, depression etc.
2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Freedom stays close to the heart of the staff serving in St Croix as we want to spread the freedom found only in Christ. The story of our Jesus is not simply about salvation for the afterlife, but also for freedom and peace amidst our current struggles. We can have healing and joy in this life, too, and God never runs out of His abundant love .
Galations 3:22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
*As I write this letter I am struck by God’s sense of humor as I have ‘Wheel of Fortune’ on in the background and a contestant has just won a trip to.....guess where!..... St Croix, Virgin Islands. What are the odds?
I would like to ask if you would participate in my life and the lives of the natives of St Croix as a financial or prayer supporter. If you are interested, I ask you to return the enclosed slip with your financial, or prayer support commitment. Please feel free to ask me further questions and I will continue to keep you up to date. The base is requesting that I raise a commitment of 600 dollars a month for two years. This money is to be used for my housing, electricity, food etc... I am not discouraged by this amount as I have seen God remain faithful throughout my life and ask that you prayerfully consider your part in this process. I cannot stress enough how having faithful prayer warriors will impact my journey and the people I encounter. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Thank you!
* The money donated is tax deductible. I will include instructions on sending the financial support directly to YWAM St Croix in my next letter.

John 21:15-16 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these? " "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "You know I love You." "Then feed My lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "You know I love You." "Then take care of My sheep," Jesus said.

If you would like to be a prayer partner or financial supporter please email me at alkenndy@excite.com or send me an update at Alissa Kennedy, 100 Hollywood Ave, waterlooIA 50701. Also feel free to give me a call! God bless!

" He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy" Job 8:21

Updates:
-Living in libertyville Il and working
- Grandma Kennedy recovering well; still in hospital with my mom helping grandpa
-broke off engagment to Junior
- researching possible missionary organizations in the Caribeean

SOOO if you hear of any exciting opportunities please let me know as I am praying God guides me to a place to serve!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

So it's been forever since I blogged,I guess not traveling doesn't allow for as many unusual updates. I am now living in Libertyville, IL and working part time at Lambs Farm (a residential for adults with developmental disabilities) and also as a nanny/babysitter with the fabulous family I worked for before leaving for missions. It seems a good opportunity to catch up on some finances and explore future options. I wont be home for christmas (so sad!) but mom and dad might stop in next weekend for a few days.

Haven't heard much news from YWAM Samoa; alot of the staff have left. I believe there is a focus on a dance team that would do outreach to other countries.

right now is to be connected with a church nearby. I wouldnt mind going to a few different churches if necessary but want to make sure that I am serving somewhere.

Merry Christmas everyone.... remember Jesus is the reason to celebrate, all year round actually....

Here is a picture of the pond from the window of my apartment (before snow and after).

Moving

So Good news all around- I got the part time job in Libertyville, just north of chicago, that will provide me with a free apartment. I also have an interview set with another company for another part time job. Am praying GOd continues to lead me where he wills....
I am also now LEGAL again and can drive. They extended the emissions and I am officially valid again, and my car registration is updated, and I have insurance (I find great joy in small things!)
I dont have orientation until the 26th which leaves me some extra time with family.
My newest deal: facebook on the internet. Its facinating to catch up with people I haven't talked to in years and wouldn't otherwise have a way to trace! Some are now married with new last names, with kids etc.... Its great!!

Sat- looks like Chicago

First of all my driver's license: Apparently while I was away they sent an emissions notice and in the state of chicago they can apparently suspend your license if you dont have it tested!! So I spent hours on the phone figuring out who to contact (believe it or not even the local police departments in a nameless suburb in Chicago couldn't tell me who to go to in order to figure out why it was suspended-that doesn't make any sense to me). Finally got it figured out, explained my out of the country situation and they gave me an extension. I should be legal by now, will check it later today.
In the meantime I had interviews on Monday in Chicago so mom drove me out. Despite complaints of traffic she had a good time. The interviews went well and I should know by middle of next week. Its just a part time job but offers a free apartment in exchange for some 'oncall' time, which would leave my day open to another part time job.
I also got to see my two godsons; jayden and josiah. Jayden is almost walking now and has a crazy head of hair. Josiah is talking very well and I can't believe what a big boy he is!! Six months during the life of a child under four is ALOT of change!
My newest time filler: facebook. Its addicting trying to track down old friends. If only my internet connection were better I could upload more pictures.
Anyways, so Im back in Iowa, just waiting for the green light , and if I dont get it IM back to square one in the job search!! God is good right?
Verse for today is from Galatians: I will boast in nothing but the blood of Christ. Really I see so many people trying to find their worth or purpose in their relationships, in their career, in their 'stuff', in their activities....but really it boils down to one thing: discipleship with Christ. All else in meaningless, just take atrip around the world and it will set it in stone for ya.
Have a great weekend!!

Kink in the plans...

Sooo after having a good time with Meg and Matt again (thanks for the hairdo meg) we hit a snaffooo. I am scheduled to be in CHicago On monday for some interviews, with the plan to drive on Sunday. However it was discovered that my drivers license is legally suspended!!! I had no idea. Id rather not go to jail so am now trying to find out why my license is suspended when Ive been out of the country for six months, and also Plan B for heading to Chicago. Prayers please :)

The 'itch'

So its here again... the itch to keep moving on. 'on the road again.....' Only this time I dont have a place to go yet!!! Im still praying about moving either to Chicago or Colorado Springs but as of yet do not have a confirmation on a place to live.... But having been home one month now it's time to start working. Its a weird position to feel like I have numerous options available to me but without money it's not easy to just jump into one (always good to be wise). The only place I REALLY want to be is back in the islands but that will have to wait!

I was able to present a brief overview of my time in Samoa last Sunday during my church's Sunday School hour. Showed some pictures, how to tie a lavalava, answered questions about the lizards.... It was really good. I wish there more time because there's so much to say about a six month experience but hopefully they've been able to check out the blog every once in a while too. Its nice to have this record cause Im not very good at taking the time to journal.

Ive always wondered.... "Love covers a multitude of sins". Does that refer just to my sins being covered? Or does that also mean that MY love has the power to cover someone elses' sins? Ultimatly Im sure it refers to Christ's love and sacrifice for us and the freedom found in that but it makes me curious as to if we are missing out on something BIG in our communities (families, churches etc) by not grabbing hold to that concept enough- and extending our grace onto each other.

My other topic for today: gossip. Its so deadly. Its like poison- it may stay under wraps for a moment but pretty soon the effects are felt all over the BODY. And in the case Im speaking of the body is actually the Body of Christ. Taming the tongue truly is one of the most difficult things for most of us and Im not surprised the Bible talks about it often, refering to it as a double edged sword. Having felt the negative effects of gossip it makes me sit back and watch my own tongue. If its not edifying or truly out of a genuine concern than there is no need to be talking about others. I pray I can find that balance in my life too. And forgive those who are on the same journey!! (love covers a multitude of sins right?)

Hopefully next time I blog Ill have GOOD NEWS about where I am heading.....

spending a few days with sister Meg and brother in law Matt! Right now hanging at the PD (police department). Enjoying time resting and catching up , some more, with them! And of course continuing to send out resumes!

Since I missed Matt and Meg's anniversary (ONE YEAR WOOHOO)- here is a shout out! and a big congrats!

Friday Oct 19

Just a quick update: I MISS THE ISLANDS!! Its absolutly wonderful having visited all my family. I spent a few days with the Kennedys and the highlight was helping grandpa pick pears off his pear tree. I will get to see a high school friend tonite and it will be good to catch up. Otherwise I feel a bit caught in a dilema. Do I return to what I know, who I was by returning to Chicago (despite not having housing). Or do I start over? And if I start over do I do it close to relatives, or start again in a new state? Obviously prayers would be helpful so God can open some doors for me. Any suggestions on cheap phone minutes to call Samoa would also be helpful! :)

Time in Iowa

A few shots of Iowa landscape:

The past few days Ive felt blessed to be able to serve. I enjoyed babysitting for a couple boys that I used to while I was in high school, so seeing them be 'young men' now was so much fun. Boys are terribly energetic but also lots of laughs. Ive been down visiting grandparents the past day and we've enjoyed catching up. Today I helped out at a clothes pantry (organizing, setting up, sorting) with grandma (she volunteers) and mom. Above are some pictures of setting up the clothes we sorted. We should be returning to Belmond tomorrow after visiting my uncle. Also picked up the classifieds from Des Moines to look at when I get home ! Yikes....

Recent

Matt (brother-in-law) with dad getting ready for the gun education outreach the next day. The guns were 'big', like I've only seen on TV. They had a good turnout!




Reuniting with my 'pawppy' Ricky.











Megan in the 'lavalava' I gave her

Friday

Well I still have jet lag and my body hasn't quite figured out how to get its usual sleep and stay on schedule. Im still working on trying to upload pictures and figure out the cheapest way to make copies. Yesterday a couple from church invited mom and I to go out to eat (dad had a meeting) and what a blessing it was to have steak and potatoes! Good ol' american food! I drank too much pop last night though and couldn't sleep, my body is not used to so much caffeine and sugar (mom had to make chocolate chip cookies for my return!). Last night I almost got up to open a window cause Im used to sleeping with fresh air and the coolness of night (my guess is it would have been too cool!!). Mom comments on my tan which is funny because I always felt so WHITE compared to the islanders! Ill probably update the blog again after this weekend and Matt's gun seminar (we girls have going to have 'girl' time). ~alissa

Im back in America!

Being back in America means culture shock, the other way! My flights were good except i did not sleep, even on the NINE hour one (nine some hours to Los Angeles and then another three some to Minneapolis)! So once I got home I slept at least ten hours.... Went up to the base to say my goodbyes on Monday before flying out. The new DTS has started with at least ten or twelve students. Lots of changes still going on with staff changes etc... It was hard to say goodbyes. I will miss the island culture. Once I stepped off the plane in Minneapolis I realized I was back to the coolness of the midwest. My parents were there to great me and I had to remind myself i didn't have to share ALL my stories with them in one night! Ive been sharing some of my island music, some pictures, stories to my parents while doing laundry. Already talk of me going to a job fair next week. I get to see my sister and brother in law, Matt and Meg this weekend as Matt is coming up to do a gun education thing at my church (outreach).