Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday
One more day of conference! Today the conference members are attending a day of site seeing at a nearby island. I heard there was some nervousness about the ferry ride there but hopefully all went well. Its been unusually rainy this week but hopefully they were still able to enjoy their time. I finished reading the book 'Leadership Paradox' which gave excellent principles for anyone in Christian Leadership (really in any leadership position). I also had a good talk with Jeremy, the man leading my 'equip' leadership training. He has asked me to be a part of the track that is geared towards those who are going to lead DTS or a base, it includes one extra night of classtime and extra reading. I'm up for the challenge and can definitely see that part of God calling me here is to use the time to sharpen my ministry skills and tackle those personal issues that need growing/healing etc.... Ive sprayed my room for cockroaches after another exciting episode including a cockroach. Only this time my fellow staff , Luke, stepped in to try and save the day. Unfortunately the cockroach took up house in my underwear drawer -AKWARD! So the spraying took place yesterday and I haven't seen any since then. I guess the 'trailer' is known for them. I also saw a lizard in the living room today.... i may be closing my door more regularly from here on out. I'm looking forward to my leadership training starting Sunday night! Here is one more picture from St Croix, near Fredricksted.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Attack of the killer cockroach
Okay so maybe I exaggerate a bit. The cockroaches here cant kill but they are big! So last night was my long day of serving but everything went really well and God gave me super duper energies. After an awesome worship time with everyone here for the conference (from all over, Jamaica, st Lucia, Trinidad, Turks and caicos, puerto rico, Haiti, Dominica, Dominican republic.... the YWAMs from all over), I entered my bedroom and saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen. I calmly went to get a paper towel to get rid of it and that's where the trouble began. It had disappeared. Keep in mind my room is very small and narrow and it seemed unacceptable to think that I could sleep in the same room with it and not wake up to it on my face in the middle of the night. For the next twenty minutes Dani and tore my room apart amidst of few screams and FINALLY managed to chase it out of my room where we could more easily get to it. I squeezed a bit of free time in today to rest and run to Kmart. There are three horses now grazing in the field next door, I hadn't noticed them before. They stand right by the fence to try and get the shade from our trees. I've met quite a few interesting people this week and had conversations about the advantages and disadvantages of cross cultural ministries, different types of counseling practices, new visions for reaching the youth etc. One of the main themes seems to be addressing a 'loss of identity', especially in our younger generations. A few more days left of the conference so will be using the opportunities to try to talk to as many people as possible. Tomorrow is housekeeping in the morning and preparing supper tomorrow (and of course anything else in between)
Quote for the day: If at first you can't succeed, swallow all evidence that you tried
Quote for the day: If at first you can't succeed, swallow all evidence that you tried
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Review of Historical Tour on our Diamond Ruby plantation
The YWAM St. Croix base began in September 1986 with a focus on Coffee house ministry, and towards facilitating short term teams to the island. In early 1989, YWAM purchased it’s present home; the historically beautiful Diamond Ruby plantation with it’s sugar mill and 300 year old Danish great house. We hosted a historical tour given by the historians here on the island (called a rumble) and were suprised at the amount of people who attended. In the background is our 'chimney'.
This is Maurice.He spoke at our historical tour of the YWAM Base and he grew up on the property, both his mother and grandfather were workers for the previous owner. He had some tales to tell of how during hurricanes the villagers would tie themselves together and make their way over to the 'Great House' (we still call it that today) to spend time in the basement. He was able to add insight into the way the water well worked as well as what he had heard about the steam engine that was supposedly in use. He was never allowed in the 'great house' and it was a wonderful opportunity for Mark, our director, to 'WELCOME' him into the Great House and to let him know he was welcome here anytime. The effects of slavery are still felt today. It lead into Mark updating about what goes on the base now with YWAM emphasizing sending people out to show God's love. We had a time to mingle afterwards and the previous owner and daughter were able to share some 'ghost' stories, again allowing us to assure them that God now owns the property and angels watch our gates ( a former tale included a giant cat guarding the gate as well as the previous owner coming back as a warewolf. Maurice believes this was to keep the workers in during the day and out in the evenings).
Maurice, the previous owner (after Maurice was here- he was owner during the time a fire damaged a part the Great House and they had to rebuild) and Mark (YWAM Director) as well as the historical tour guide.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The sun, the hot hot sun
Another work day here. Yesterday was a bit grueling for me. I guess I need to adjust to two things- the warm weather (already Ligia keeps telling me to drink lots of water), and being on my feet working all day. I did a lot of cleaning, dusting (it blows around a lot right now, its extra dry. They mow and all you see is a little man on the mower with a bandanna over his mouth engulfed in a cloud of dust). I also tried my hand at raking and while that wasnt hard, they put the leaves in a large garbage holder with a small ramp leading up to it. Guess who fell, screaming, with a wheelbarrow. Needless to say they came up with a new routine that does not include a small ramp. I was nervous about it but figured I might as well try it! No harm done. Today was a bit better. Did a lot of cleaning getting the cabins ready for guests, lots of laundry, made tags for welcome baskets etc (not including lunch and dinner clean up). Tomorrow will be an even tougher day as its called 'work day'. Apparently up until now we have been doing 'conference prep'. I can't even imagine what 'work' will look like if what I have been doing isn't it! I almost cuddled with a lizard. They really are more skittish than the ones in Samoa. It was gone before my mind computed what it really was. I guess tomorrow there is somesort of 'jump' festival that includes men dressed up walking on stilts (a native practice). I don't know if anyone is going but I sure hope so cause that sounds like a once in a life experience (actually I think they have them four times a year here so I guess there may be another day). Im off as I am tired from my day and may need to veg out a bit. Till the next time!
budget
I will be soon redoing my budget and looking at the funds that have come in to better prepare for this year. I understand better how the money gets paid out here and am finding extra expenses(of course!). The main reason for the update is a reminder that if you want a receipt for tax deductible gift please continue to send it made out to YWAM St Croix. If you do not care about a receipt than you can place it in my name (long story short, i receive a check from YWAM for the amount the collected and then I pay them back my room and board, funny I know). I now have a bank account here on the island so I will be able to cash my own checks. We are still offering a direct withdrawal from your account if thats easier.
On a less business like note , I sure got sunburned on my fun trip to the beach the other day! It took a whole day to set in but my back really turned red and was painful (thankfully I dont sleep on it!). A security officer at the store today came up to me to warn me of the 'hot sun' here. I told him once I get burned a few times it will turn into tan and I will be all right. I can't avoid working outside, especially now that prep for the leadership conference is underway (thats next week). All for now, thanks for all your prayers as I continue to adjust and find my place in ministry. Alissa
On a less business like note , I sure got sunburned on my fun trip to the beach the other day! It took a whole day to set in but my back really turned red and was painful (thankfully I dont sleep on it!). A security officer at the store today came up to me to warn me of the 'hot sun' here. I told him once I get burned a few times it will turn into tan and I will be all right. I can't avoid working outside, especially now that prep for the leadership conference is underway (thats next week). All for now, thanks for all your prayers as I continue to adjust and find my place in ministry. Alissa
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday
Well my hair is still frizzy, not quite sure what to do. But if that's my biggest problem than I guess I am doing okay! Im not sure if I updated you on the historical tour that was given on base on Sunday but it was powerful and Ill have to update again another day if I haven't.
Intercession/prayer time was last night and that was really good to focus in on the heart of God for the people here and really feel the affect that slavery has taken on it's people. Yesterday a prominent judge was found dead (suspicion is murder) as well as a witness to a high profile case. His two sons had recently attended a YWAM summer outreach and were baptized so we are praying for their loss and their family, as well as for justice in the matter. Also we heard that a 7 year old boy on the island committed suicide because he was being bullied at school. As you can see there is a lot of reasons for us to pray continuously for the people and children of St Croix and to seek out opportunities to help in any way we can.
We have been working pretty hard getting things ready for district conference next week. Lots of cleaning, organizing etc.... Its helping me to see the grounds more. I ventured off (permitted of course) to check out the shopping center across the street (oh yes, Kmart is over there too!). I did buy a cell phone (feel free to ask me for my number, Im not about to post it on the net) partly because the staff here use it to call each other. I also opened a bank account. The way things are run is that YWAM writes me a check for the amount of support that came in, and then I turn around and write them a check for my monthly fees (that cover housing, food, laundry etc). Silly but I guess if you don't want a receipt its easier to send it straight to me now. I met some nice people but overall i just get a sense that a lot of the natives are 'tired', maybe weary is a better word. So many opportunities to reach out. There is a clothing store Id like to check out as it seems more cultural and not as 'americanized' as the rest of the areas. Although in Kmart I noticed they were playing a lot of gospel music. And Yes,things can be more expensive here. Not necessarily unmanageable but it makes me gulp and be thankful that I brought along some extra things.
I am getting to know more of the staff here, especially the ones I will be working with (Luke, TJ, V, and Ligia) and we all get along really well. We finally have children on the grounds as the West family arrived (two boys under 7 and one girl). Jeremy will be leading the Equip part come May 10th but they both will also be attending the leadership conference next week. It gets dusty fairly quickly so more of our cleaning is in vain but its nice to see that they value what they've been given and want to make the most of it.
We look forward to meeting the rest of the regional leaders....
Intercession/prayer time was last night and that was really good to focus in on the heart of God for the people here and really feel the affect that slavery has taken on it's people. Yesterday a prominent judge was found dead (suspicion is murder) as well as a witness to a high profile case. His two sons had recently attended a YWAM summer outreach and were baptized so we are praying for their loss and their family, as well as for justice in the matter. Also we heard that a 7 year old boy on the island committed suicide because he was being bullied at school. As you can see there is a lot of reasons for us to pray continuously for the people and children of St Croix and to seek out opportunities to help in any way we can.
We have been working pretty hard getting things ready for district conference next week. Lots of cleaning, organizing etc.... Its helping me to see the grounds more. I ventured off (permitted of course) to check out the shopping center across the street (oh yes, Kmart is over there too!). I did buy a cell phone (feel free to ask me for my number, Im not about to post it on the net) partly because the staff here use it to call each other. I also opened a bank account. The way things are run is that YWAM writes me a check for the amount of support that came in, and then I turn around and write them a check for my monthly fees (that cover housing, food, laundry etc). Silly but I guess if you don't want a receipt its easier to send it straight to me now. I met some nice people but overall i just get a sense that a lot of the natives are 'tired', maybe weary is a better word. So many opportunities to reach out. There is a clothing store Id like to check out as it seems more cultural and not as 'americanized' as the rest of the areas. Although in Kmart I noticed they were playing a lot of gospel music. And Yes,things can be more expensive here. Not necessarily unmanageable but it makes me gulp and be thankful that I brought along some extra things.
I am getting to know more of the staff here, especially the ones I will be working with (Luke, TJ, V, and Ligia) and we all get along really well. We finally have children on the grounds as the West family arrived (two boys under 7 and one girl). Jeremy will be leading the Equip part come May 10th but they both will also be attending the leadership conference next week. It gets dusty fairly quickly so more of our cleaning is in vain but its nice to see that they value what they've been given and want to make the most of it.
We look forward to meeting the rest of the regional leaders....
Saturday, April 25, 2009
St Croix journey
Have been in St Croix for two days and am finding it very different from the Pacific culture. Everything seems very 'western'. Driving around the vegetation and building seem similar to Samoa except then I find out that the best place to buy fruit is the grocery store and no open market. No one uses the bus system but you can get most places for 2.50. The 'cruzians' have their own accent and dialect that will take some getting used to. I'm impressed with the base, the staff are few but there seems to be great teamwork. I found out that the Ironman triathalon is being held here in a week, around the same time our people are coming in for a district conference. Here is a quick overview of my actual trip here (no one warned me of a nine passenger plane being a part of the package!).
My friend Greg dropped me off at OHare early in the morning and was glad to find out my bags should go straight through to St Croix. First flight was very short to Atlanta. There was a little girl with her mom sitting behind me and I overhead they were also making the connecting flight to Puerto Rice. I thought 'how fun' only to realize twenty minutes later that the young girl was a sing at the top of your lungs kinda gal. Fortunatly they were in the front of the next plane. I sat down on my four hour flight to Puerto Rice, next to an elderly lady who was a native of P Rico. I asked if she had been on holiday and she said her husband had passed. I had not even fastened my seatbelt when she started talking about how we all die but its important to know where we are going. She was Catholic and we had a good conversation on the afterlife. God wasn't even going to give me a few minutes to settle in before an opportunity to share His love was in my face ! Bought the cheese and fruit tray (for 6 bucks!) because my meals were all off. Finally decided to use the bathroom (dont usual partake in the 'plane bathroom' experience) and just my luck, the seatbelt sign comes on when its my turn. Turbulance and potties don't mix. I just had to laugh. The ride over the ocean was beautiful. The plane was low enough to see the different shades and islands along the way. I wouldn't even be able to say the water was blue because it's closer to green (maybe a teal, no not even, so hard to put into words). I checked into my next flight right away after arriving in Puerto Rice and was glad because they had me on an earlier flight. They made sure my bags would be on this one, called my base director, grabbed a snack and had a few minutes before they loaded. I talked to two men. The second was a supervisor for the department of homeland security in St Croix so he had a lot of information to give me and was able to answer most of my questions. There is crime here and occasionally we can even hear gun shots (we are tucked away down the street from a major shopping area). He suggested snorkeling and diving and 'must dos' while I am here and also encouraged me to visit St Johns. He (not so politely) laughed at my shock at seeing the plane. I felt like a true missionary, risking life and limb to get to my remote island. Ha! Apparently the small plane route is common. When the lady (who turned out to be from here) plugged her ears I knew I would be in for a ride. It was plenty noisy and quite bumpy but again the view was spectacular. My island has mountains on it and a few beaches. They seem rockier than Samoa (although Ive only been to one). The downtown area has a 'historical' feel to it and can't wait to spend more time there. Some of the Ywamers were there to meet me so I said goodbye to my now close friends from the plane ride and headed 'home'. The base is a former plantation (the city is actually doing a historical tour here on Sunday) and has a pool and a basketball court (the local boys come almost every day for bball). I live in a trailer. It is small :) But i feel blessed with running water, hot water, electricity, a kitchen area AND a living room area. Who could ask for more? Right now I am sharing the space with three other short term missions workers (ladies) but I have my own room (hmmm about the size of a large closet). No worries because all I own fits into two bags so there was room for everything. Ill try to upload some pictures. Last night we went to the pier in Frederiksted and saw a couple sea turtles . The water is so incredibly clear. There were some guys fishing and they didn't have poles, only big spools of string. We could hear jazz music coming off the ocean front. Another place to come back to. Today, Saturday we tried to sleep in (I keep waking up at 630 , maybe its cause of the rooster we have on base!) It started to rain so ran around closing windows so we wouldn't soak our 'trash trailer'. Ha its all said in love. We left for the beach around 1030 and headed back towards Frederiksted (we live close to Christiansted downtown). It takes about twenty minutes or so. The beach was nice, clear water again, very few people. I walked down the beach quite aways until a 'preserve' and the beach was even better there (are some rocks for the first thirty feet). It did rain but God blessed us and the rain staid near the pier and missed us. Our taxi driver named Guadalupe came back for us at three (not usual for taxi drivers) and we all just paid 2.50. I didn't get burned (although I did have sport block sunscreen on....smart). Came back and took a shower to get the salt and sand off. Tomorrow will go to church with the rest of the group. Am getting to know some of the staff Ill be working with, a couple of them will be my staff for Equip (leadership) and then will be my fellow staff when i start working with DTS. Ill be working in the kitchen and housekeeping in a week for the conference time and my days with be PACKED. With little staff we often will have to multitask and there is a lot to be done. Enough for now ! Im liking being back in the warm weather (I have a fan in my room for sanity purposes cause no air conditioning). Miss friends and family back home!
My friend Greg dropped me off at OHare early in the morning and was glad to find out my bags should go straight through to St Croix. First flight was very short to Atlanta. There was a little girl with her mom sitting behind me and I overhead they were also making the connecting flight to Puerto Rice. I thought 'how fun' only to realize twenty minutes later that the young girl was a sing at the top of your lungs kinda gal. Fortunatly they were in the front of the next plane. I sat down on my four hour flight to Puerto Rice, next to an elderly lady who was a native of P Rico. I asked if she had been on holiday and she said her husband had passed. I had not even fastened my seatbelt when she started talking about how we all die but its important to know where we are going. She was Catholic and we had a good conversation on the afterlife. God wasn't even going to give me a few minutes to settle in before an opportunity to share His love was in my face ! Bought the cheese and fruit tray (for 6 bucks!) because my meals were all off. Finally decided to use the bathroom (dont usual partake in the 'plane bathroom' experience) and just my luck, the seatbelt sign comes on when its my turn. Turbulance and potties don't mix. I just had to laugh. The ride over the ocean was beautiful. The plane was low enough to see the different shades and islands along the way. I wouldn't even be able to say the water was blue because it's closer to green (maybe a teal, no not even, so hard to put into words). I checked into my next flight right away after arriving in Puerto Rice and was glad because they had me on an earlier flight. They made sure my bags would be on this one, called my base director, grabbed a snack and had a few minutes before they loaded. I talked to two men. The second was a supervisor for the department of homeland security in St Croix so he had a lot of information to give me and was able to answer most of my questions. There is crime here and occasionally we can even hear gun shots (we are tucked away down the street from a major shopping area). He suggested snorkeling and diving and 'must dos' while I am here and also encouraged me to visit St Johns. He (not so politely) laughed at my shock at seeing the plane. I felt like a true missionary, risking life and limb to get to my remote island. Ha! Apparently the small plane route is common. When the lady (who turned out to be from here) plugged her ears I knew I would be in for a ride. It was plenty noisy and quite bumpy but again the view was spectacular. My island has mountains on it and a few beaches. They seem rockier than Samoa (although Ive only been to one). The downtown area has a 'historical' feel to it and can't wait to spend more time there. Some of the Ywamers were there to meet me so I said goodbye to my now close friends from the plane ride and headed 'home'. The base is a former plantation (the city is actually doing a historical tour here on Sunday) and has a pool and a basketball court (the local boys come almost every day for bball). I live in a trailer. It is small :) But i feel blessed with running water, hot water, electricity, a kitchen area AND a living room area. Who could ask for more? Right now I am sharing the space with three other short term missions workers (ladies) but I have my own room (hmmm about the size of a large closet). No worries because all I own fits into two bags so there was room for everything. Ill try to upload some pictures. Last night we went to the pier in Frederiksted and saw a couple sea turtles . The water is so incredibly clear. There were some guys fishing and they didn't have poles, only big spools of string. We could hear jazz music coming off the ocean front. Another place to come back to. Today, Saturday we tried to sleep in (I keep waking up at 630 , maybe its cause of the rooster we have on base!) It started to rain so ran around closing windows so we wouldn't soak our 'trash trailer'. Ha its all said in love. We left for the beach around 1030 and headed back towards Frederiksted (we live close to Christiansted downtown). It takes about twenty minutes or so. The beach was nice, clear water again, very few people. I walked down the beach quite aways until a 'preserve' and the beach was even better there (are some rocks for the first thirty feet). It did rain but God blessed us and the rain staid near the pier and missed us. Our taxi driver named Guadalupe came back for us at three (not usual for taxi drivers) and we all just paid 2.50. I didn't get burned (although I did have sport block sunscreen on....smart). Came back and took a shower to get the salt and sand off. Tomorrow will go to church with the rest of the group. Am getting to know some of the staff Ill be working with, a couple of them will be my staff for Equip (leadership) and then will be my fellow staff when i start working with DTS. Ill be working in the kitchen and housekeeping in a week for the conference time and my days with be PACKED. With little staff we often will have to multitask and there is a lot to be done. Enough for now ! Im liking being back in the warm weather (I have a fan in my room for sanity purposes cause no air conditioning). Miss friends and family back home!
Monday, April 13, 2009
April Newsletter - Time for Change
Please let me know if you want to get my email updates.
Alissa Kennedy
YWAM St. Croix
4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820
New updates!!! I will be departing for St. Croix, US Virgin Islands on the 23rd of April. Yes, my time to serve at the YWAM base in St. Croix has finally arrived! I will be flying out of Chicago to Atlanta, from Atlanta to San Juan (Puerto Rico), and then finally to my island of St. Croix. Recently I felt God confirm that I should attend the leadership training being held in St. Croix starting May 10th. After setting my departure date, and buying my travel tickets, I still felt uneasy about the timing due to the fact that my grandfather was ill in the nursing home. I hated the thought of leaving family behind during that time, but trusted that God knew what He was doing. On March 22nd, my grandfather passed away. I was actually at my home church in Belmond that day and had just mentioned to a few people how my ‘ideal’ was to be able to have a month of time with my family to grieve, and help with anything they needed. God’s timing was more than I could ask for. Knowing that grandpa was ready to go does not ease the pain of missing him (and grandma also who passed last September). Please pray for the transition of my parents, in grieving the loss of my Grandma and Grandpa Kennedy and all that comes along with the next few months.
Currently, I am trying to ‘cover all my bases’ and take care of last minute preparations like travel insurance (the US Virgin Islands appears to be a dead zone) and last minute dental appointments. The leadership training (Equip running from May 10-June 20) covers some rich topics that aim to prepare me to help with the Discipleship Training program in St. Croix. Topics include interpersonal and relational skills, public speaking, character building, outreach preparation and debriefing. I look forward to learning more about the island of St. Croix, it’s history and the people who are currently active in ministry.
Please consider becoming a regular prayer partner if you have not already. I will be sending updates via email and occasionally by mail. A huge thank you goes out to those of you who have already pledged or given financially. I am still short on funds but trust that God will continue to provide as the needs arise. Should you have questions about your past pledge, or a future one, please email me or (if before April 23rd) or call me. .If you would like to send a donation please send to the address listed (if you would like to pay another way please let me know). A reminder: please make out the check to YWAM St. Croix (not my name). A new update is that the YWAM St. Croix base is now able to do a direct withdrawal from an account instead of sending checks by mail. Thank you so much for your ongoing support and your blessings , not only to me but also to the ministry in St. Croix. God bless !
Reaching me:A couple ways to reach me are still by email (alkennedy@excite.com or skillet25@gmail.com), the address at the top of this letter (uses regular US postal stamps), or you can get updates on my blog (alissa-2007.blogspot.com). I have looked into cell phone options but don’t have the finances right now (am glad this may be an option!).
Fun Facts Some common fruits found in St. Croix include avacado, banana, breadfruit (which I have been missing from the Pacific), carambola (starfruit),mango, papaya etc. Some of the fruits that I am not familiar with, but looking forward to trying, include sea grapes (similar to our grapes but found by the sea), tamarind (used in beverage and candy-looks like a brown pea pod), and soursop (I believe I tried something similar in Samoa- inner part is a sweet jell-like pulp often used in drinks).
Alissa Kennedy
YWAM St. Croix
4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820
New updates!!! I will be departing for St. Croix, US Virgin Islands on the 23rd of April. Yes, my time to serve at the YWAM base in St. Croix has finally arrived! I will be flying out of Chicago to Atlanta, from Atlanta to San Juan (Puerto Rico), and then finally to my island of St. Croix. Recently I felt God confirm that I should attend the leadership training being held in St. Croix starting May 10th. After setting my departure date, and buying my travel tickets, I still felt uneasy about the timing due to the fact that my grandfather was ill in the nursing home. I hated the thought of leaving family behind during that time, but trusted that God knew what He was doing. On March 22nd, my grandfather passed away. I was actually at my home church in Belmond that day and had just mentioned to a few people how my ‘ideal’ was to be able to have a month of time with my family to grieve, and help with anything they needed. God’s timing was more than I could ask for. Knowing that grandpa was ready to go does not ease the pain of missing him (and grandma also who passed last September). Please pray for the transition of my parents, in grieving the loss of my Grandma and Grandpa Kennedy and all that comes along with the next few months.
Currently, I am trying to ‘cover all my bases’ and take care of last minute preparations like travel insurance (the US Virgin Islands appears to be a dead zone) and last minute dental appointments. The leadership training (Equip running from May 10-June 20) covers some rich topics that aim to prepare me to help with the Discipleship Training program in St. Croix. Topics include interpersonal and relational skills, public speaking, character building, outreach preparation and debriefing. I look forward to learning more about the island of St. Croix, it’s history and the people who are currently active in ministry.
Please consider becoming a regular prayer partner if you have not already. I will be sending updates via email and occasionally by mail. A huge thank you goes out to those of you who have already pledged or given financially. I am still short on funds but trust that God will continue to provide as the needs arise. Should you have questions about your past pledge, or a future one, please email me or (if before April 23rd) or call me. .If you would like to send a donation please send to the address listed (if you would like to pay another way please let me know). A reminder: please make out the check to YWAM St. Croix (not my name). A new update is that the YWAM St. Croix base is now able to do a direct withdrawal from an account instead of sending checks by mail. Thank you so much for your ongoing support and your blessings , not only to me but also to the ministry in St. Croix. God bless !
Reaching me:A couple ways to reach me are still by email (alkennedy@excite.com or skillet25@gmail.com), the address at the top of this letter (uses regular US postal stamps), or you can get updates on my blog (alissa-2007.blogspot.com). I have looked into cell phone options but don’t have the finances right now (am glad this may be an option!).
Fun Facts Some common fruits found in St. Croix include avacado, banana, breadfruit (which I have been missing from the Pacific), carambola (starfruit),mango, papaya etc. Some of the fruits that I am not familiar with, but looking forward to trying, include sea grapes (similar to our grapes but found by the sea), tamarind (used in beverage and candy-looks like a brown pea pod), and soursop (I believe I tried something similar in Samoa- inner part is a sweet jell-like pulp often used in drinks).
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9 update
PRAYER REQUEST:
Dental bill over 2000 dollars~ Aie!! I like to say "unexpected and unnecessary". Although with only two weeks left before I leave for St Croix its only natural to expect the devil to try and frustrate or discourage... so I won't. Ill simply have faith that God will provide the means for it... Right before leaving for my YWAM trip to Samoa two years ago I was in a car crash that caused multiple last minute headaches but , as He is faithful to do, God restored everything in His timing and it did not delay my departure. So the main prayer request right now is for finances but also for protection (now that I think of it!!)...
Also still needing to find a health insurance provider that will cover me in the US Virgin Islands...Right now I am spending a few days in Belmond (partly for the dental issues, partly for Easter break). Ill try and be more faithful at posting on this blog (although I'm sure more interesting notes will be taken once I actually land in St Croix!)
Dental bill over 2000 dollars~ Aie!! I like to say "unexpected and unnecessary". Although with only two weeks left before I leave for St Croix its only natural to expect the devil to try and frustrate or discourage... so I won't. Ill simply have faith that God will provide the means for it... Right before leaving for my YWAM trip to Samoa two years ago I was in a car crash that caused multiple last minute headaches but , as He is faithful to do, God restored everything in His timing and it did not delay my departure. So the main prayer request right now is for finances but also for protection (now that I think of it!!)...
Also still needing to find a health insurance provider that will cover me in the US Virgin Islands...Right now I am spending a few days in Belmond (partly for the dental issues, partly for Easter break). Ill try and be more faithful at posting on this blog (although I'm sure more interesting notes will be taken once I actually land in St Croix!)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Official YWAM ST CROIX
My update for the day. As many of you know Ive been accepted as part of the team for YWAM ST Croix. My grandpa passed away on the 22nd, the same day I presented my missionary updates at my home church. My 'ideal' was to have some time with immediate family after grandpa's passing but felt in my heart God was calling me to commit to the Leadership training (Equip) offered in St Croix starting in May. I bought my ticket for the 23rd of April, and am glad I trusted God's timing as He knew when He would take grandpa. I have two more weeks left and am fine tuning last minute details such as trying to find health insurance and cell phone options. Health insurance is dilema as typical 'travel insurance' doesn't cover St Croix as it is part of the US (a territory) however my normal monthly insurance won't cover St Croix as it is not an official state.....hmmmm a dead zone? Ill do more investigating but prayers would be helpful. I hope to make it to Belmond and home church for Easter weekend then start doing some last minute goodbyes.
Thanks for the prayers, and more regular blog updates to come!
Thanks for the prayers, and more regular blog updates to come!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)