Melissa Wright

quick update

2012-01-19T22:31:00.001+01:00

Well, Mailchimp that I use for my Musings is having issues for these hours that I set aside to work on an update. I will try again when I am in the US. Yes. I am flying in less than 12 hours to California. I will be joining my family as we celebrate the life and mourn the death of my grandfather. I will be in the LA area from Saturday until Tuesday and then back to Rome. Your prayers are appreciated.

Also... I am again working for Agape Europe not just Agape Italy!!!! I am so excited! more news on that coming soon.

In other news, my roommate and I are moving out of our apartment the 1st of March, so I have been packing up my belongings again. I just unpacked the last bits of them this past June. It seems strange to be packing up again. Please pray for us. I will give more details on this when I get to write my January Musings. :-)

It is more than the taking down of Christmas decor that makes my apartment feel empty

2012-01-13T20:05:00.001+01:00

Not only are the Christmas decorations down, but most of my roommates things are in boxes.

Mine will soon follow.

The only thing that is taking more space on the walls is the mold that continues to advance.

Two days ago, I sprayed an incredibly powerful mold-stop spray 4 times and there is still a lot of mold in that area.

My dear roommate is in the USA seeking those who would join her financially so she can return to Italy and continue the impact she has had here.

We are moving out of the apartment by the end of February. It is kind of funny (ironic) to me, that it is time to pack up my things again. Another chance to see what is really important.

In other news... Students are returning to classes and exams, so ministry is picking back up with them! Fun times. :-)

Grandpa is with Jesus

2011-12-26T12:38:00.003+01:00

Last Christmas time I was with my grandparents in southern California.

I asked them if I could take this photo.

In February my grandmother went to be with Jesus and last night on Christmas day my grandfather joined her.

My grandparents are so precious to me. Grandpa was ornery and feisty even before dementia began to take over his brain... but he also was funny and laughed and taught me many things about life. The last time I saw him was at my grandmother's memorial service in February.

I am grateful for the moments in the last year of his life, that I got to see him in person. I look forward to one day seeing both my grandparents in Heaven.. with no more pain, sorrow, or sicknesses.

Sights of the Season

2011-12-18T15:43:00.000+01:00

My mother and I drove up to Kandern a couple of weeks ago and since then, I have been taking in the sights of the season. It was while we were up there that I really felt like the Christmas Season had begun.

Lights hung all over the place...this is the Via del Corso.

Christmas colours.. are also the colours of the Italian flag.

Christmas cookie parties with students. We had a lot of fun.

Decorating sugar cookies is not an Italian tradition.

Decorating my apartment a little bit. Last year my Christmas decorations stayed in their storage container so it has been fun to pull them out and decorate... even though I will be packing up all my things to move out of this apartment in a couple months.

Attending a children's Christmas concert at a church across the Piazza from my apartment.

Fun to hear Italian children singing Mele Kalikimaka-the Hawaiian way to say Merry Christmas.

Something I love in Europe is the way so many people use Advent wreaths. I carried this one from a Christmas market in France back down here to Rome on the road trip with my mom. The Advent wreath helps me to remember the true meaning of this season.

Deutschland here I come! Deutschland, Ich Komme!

2011-11-29T09:30:00.001+01:00

My mom arrived yesterday!

Yay!!!!! :-)

Tomorrow I am driving us up to Kandern, Germany where I used to live. I am so excited for the following:

Time with my mom

the beautiful drive

a haircut by my favorite German hair guy

German Christmas markets

Seeing good friends in Kandern

Maybe we'll get to see some snow!!!
Please pray for us for safety and a sweet time together.

Thanksgiving Here and There

2011-11-27T10:30:00.001+01:00

The week before Thanksgiving we had a massive Thanksgiving event for all of our Italian friends. We were praying for about 150 and we ended up with 160 in attendance. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

Over 140 people who do not yet know Jesus personally, heard the gospel from students who have trusted Christ in the past couple of years.

160 or so people enjoyed turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin or apple pie! -Our teams cooked it all ourselves. I have the burns and cuts to prove it on my hands. :-)

Two days after this event, I flew to Birmingham in the UK for the week leading up to Thanksgiving Day. I was blessed indeed that my Northern Irish hosts, baked a pumpkin pie and a pecan pie for dessert that day. I should have taken a photo of the pecan pie. It was stunning!

Two days after my return from the UK, I was invited to the home of some staff friends here in Rome who were having Thanksgiving at their house with some of their closest Italian friends. Butterball Turkey (we thank God for the American commisary) Everything was delightfully delicious..including the conversation.

I am thankful indeed for the variety of ways that I got to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.

Encountering People

2011-11-14T09:00:00.001+01:00

This came out longer than I intended....

Yesterday I was on a train coming from Bologna back to Roma.

Car 5, seat 95. Car 5 seat 95. I memorized where my reserved seat was located for the trip back to Rome. The train arrived and I watched car 7 pass where I stood, then car 6 and amazingly car five stopped right in front of me! I had a choice-to enter from the right or the left. I chose the left.

Choosing the left entrance meant that once inside I had to make my way to the opposite side of the car at the far end... I should have chosen the right side. But it was quite an adventure to pass by people going the opposite direction. Babies, large suitcases, Big men, pregnant women, irritated Americans. It was an interesting journey just from one end of the car to the other!

Once I made it to the seat, I kindly informed the man sitting in the seat that the seat was actually mine. He was most gracious and moved over to the aisle seat.

As the train began to move, Mario asked in Italian if I am American. I learned a lot about Mario on the trip. He lives a monastic life and travels from Naples to Bologna often for a weekend with other monastic brothers. He also told me several time how he had purchased a train ticket but lost it and he did not want to spend more money for a new ticket... This also resulted in Mario disappearing when the conductor came by... It made me wonder how much penance Mario would have to do for that...

He had me look at several books he had acquired while in Bologna. One about the history of the Italian language which fascinated me. Three books about the saint who is in the centre of what he follows. And one book about three of the foundations of their order. We talked a lot about faith and living by faith.

The man across the seats was reading a book about Argentina. We began speaking in English. He was going to Rome to see if he could meet some ladies. Something about a TV show here that he was invited to participate in. At one point, he commented at how beautiful I am, but that I must hear it all the time. I laughed to myself as I replied with a "thank you".

I was struck by the difference in these men. One wanted to connect with me on our values of faith. Mario and I exchanged phone numbers and if I go to Naples he wants to get me a coffee. The other man, wanted to connect with me over english and my outward appearance. They both really need a personal relationship with Jesus.

As I left Mario at the train station and made my way to the Metro, I was thinking about the encounters I have with people. Those people whom God puts in my path.

Jesus on the Walls

2011-11-12T11:47:00.001+01:00

So often in Rome, I find my soul longing for Jesus. The buildings are beautiful. The people are inviting. The food is delicious. The nature is stunning. But all over the city Jesus in depicted on the cross. All over the city Jesus is on the walls. He is not in the hearts of the people.

I have a temporary roommate who has been working with refugees. She met one this past week who had never met a follower of Christ. They had a good conversation and after they said goodbye, he came back and asked, "is Jesus dead? In Rome I see him always on the crosses."

What a privilege to share with others that Jesus is not dead! He is alive! I was reading the crucifixion and resurrection acccounts in the Gospel of Mark last night and was struck again by how amazing the love of God is for us!

Just another week in Rome, Italy

2011-11-05T10:28:00.001+01:00

This past week... Next week will be almost completely different. I think it is a good thing that I like variety. :-)

Monday-

*early morning meeting with my coach
*grocery shopping
*mid morning meeting with my team leader
*house cleaning
*pay bill at the post office
*late afternoon meeting with my city leader
*prepare living room for a guest to stay overnight on Tuesday

Tuesday-All Saints day in Italy. It was a holiday for us!
*sleep in a little bit
*meet friend at metro stop and walk home with her
*late afternoon go to a staff party for Autumn. We called it a Pumpkin Party and skyped in a girl who STINTed here for a couple years. We made sugar cookies and molasses cookies. We ate pumpkin gnochi, pumpkin soup, pumpkin roll, etc..
*8:30pm downtown with my friend. As we sat in the Piazza of the Pantheon, a girl started talking with us. She is from Brasil and is alone in Rome for one month. My friend and I ended up helping her get back to where she is staying as she was very drunk. Pray for Luana.
*One am... sleep

Wednesday-

*Went with my friend to find some things she was looking for in Rome. We had lunch together at a great restaurant I recently discovered.
*late afternoon I took her out to where her conference was going to be held in Rome. 1 long metro ride, 3 bus stops down and a short walk.
*I got back to my side of town in time to have dinner with some of my staff friends and a couple students we know.

Thursday-

*20 minute walk to 9am language class
*20 minute walk home
*12:20 leftovers for lunch
*12:40 to a staff meeting
*4pm home
*laundry, dinner, time with roommate

Friday-

*Morning work on staff training
*Lunch with staff team
*The ZOO! once every six weeks we have a team fun afternoon so we went to the Rome Zoo. It was so fun to see the animals.

Saturday-

*today I am going to join the conference that my friend went to. It is a gathering of youth workers from Europe. People who have a huge passion for the teenagers. I have several friends from all over Europe who will be there.

on the train

2011-10-25T08:51:00.003+02:00

Yesterday I took the train back to Rome from Bologna. I took the slow train because it is cheaper and I could use the down time. About 1 hour before arriving in Rome, a group of American's got on the train and took seats right behind me.

I love listening to accents to figure out where people are from. This group sounded like West coast. When I stood up.. sure enough, one man had a Portland Timbers hat on! It was so fun to hear how the team is doing. They described what the games are like. They said the feeling is more european with the waving flags and the way the fans act. They said that the games are always sold out. Soccer has always been my favorite sport. I so hope to be able to go to a game when I get to Portland the next time... of course that depends on which season I am in Portland.

The people in the group all live around NW 23rd. So it was fun to meet them briefly. They had a tour guide who was telling them about a restaurant to try which happens to be right next to a restaurant that many of the Agape staff enjoy... so I put in my two cents. :-)

It is just fun sometimes to hear news of culture and life from Portland.

The commonplaceness ness of life

2011-10-18T18:15:00.000+02:00

We had a group of counsellors here in Rome from RTS in Orlando Florida.

During one of the times that my team met with some of them, the leader was telling us about some of the things that challenge a team and some of the things that challenge missionaries.

One thing he called "commonplacenessnesness" When the common things of life pile up.

We have two apts here amongst our staff who had to replace their front door locks within the first weeks of ministry starting. One because a key was accidentally put in the wrong lock and the other because someone tried to break into the apt and damaged the lock and door. These are not simple american locks.. they are a very intricate locking system that cost each apt hundreds of euros to replace.

Many of us are dealing with a range of colds and flues right now. So common but it takes on a new depth when you are finding ways to combat your illness in a different culture.

To pay our bills, we must go to the post office with cash. It potentially takes a whole morning.

Riots and strikes are pretty common in Rome.

Grocery shopping generally requires walking to the meat store then to the market then to the small grocery. A couple of hours could go by before I return home with heavy bags.

Personally, I am processing the loss of a dear friend's husband to cancer, the deteriorating health of my dear grandfather, not being able to hold my neice who was born in April, and the very poor health of my biological father. These weigh on me and cause me to lean into Jesus even more.

Ah the commonplacenessness...

They are the things that wear us down in the midst of our call to mission here in Rome.

But we persevere.

We trust God.

2011-10-02T19:49:00.000+02:00

My beautiful niece Ava in the top that I got to send to her from Roma. I can't wait to hold her someday.

Napoli and Roma

2011-09-12T22:12:00.000+02:00

This past weekend I went to Naples Italy. I was so blessed to be with the DELTA ministries group down there. Since 1998 they have come over to Casoria and Arzano to partner with churches for an evangelistic festival. God has blessed their efforts and grown the churches in the area through people newly giving their life to Christ. I went on my first mission trip with DELTA in 1993. God used them to change my life.

I loved getting to hang out with Brian Heerwagen-CEO of DELTA and all the others who were there. I saw people I have not seen for years. I saw people I had not seen since last year when I was stateside. I met people I had only heard about from others. I met dear Italians who are sold out for Jesus!

Federica is the daughter of dear family in Christ who live in Casoria.

I would have stayed through the end of the Festival but our ministry for the Autumn in Rome has begun this evening.

Staff friends are returning from the states and other places so our gathering for dinner tonight was the first time I had seem some of them since June. My heart is full of joy! I have had so many dear friends visit me in Rome this summer and now many of my staff friends have returned. God is good. I am excited and expectant about this coming year!

Sabine and her husband Andreas came to Rome from Germany. Sabine and I became good friends when I lived in Kandern. We are enjoying the offerings of Insalata Ricca. :-) A great place to eat in Rome.

my grandfather Robert Elston Sale

2011-08-21T21:40:00.000+02:00

Today I heard from my mother that my grandfather recently had a heart attack. Last Thursday he had wandered away from the care facility he was in with my grandmother until she passed away in February. He showed up in a hospital after falling while trying to get onto a bus. I thank God for the people who called 911 and helped him. He is often confused about current reality these days.

I just found myself tearing up... deep tears and sadness. I remember how strong he always appeared to me. I remember how sharp his mind used to be... even when it caused him to be too sharp to others. I remember how when my biological dad walked out of my life, how my grandfather became a strong male in my life. He taught me (and my brothers) so many practical life skills. And he taught me that it is normal for me to be treated like a lady.

As I became old enough to think about marriage, I decided that I wanted my grandfather to have a key role in the ceremony.

It hit me by surprise this past year when I saw my grandparents, how much their bodies were failing them. I knew they were getting older, but because it had been a few years since I had last seen them, it was kind of a shock.

Hearing the news today of how my grandfather is doing has caused me sadness. I know that when the Lord allows me to get married and have children it is most likely that my grandfather will not be around on earth. And that brings tears to my eyes. I already lost my grandmother... losing my grandfather is inevitable, but I am already mourning some of that loss.

Permesso di Soggiorno

2011-08-06T12:33:00.000+02:00

This past week I obtained my Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) and my Codice Fiscale (tax code). I am fully aware of how easy this process was for me in comparison to how difficult it has been for my other friends here in Rome. I thank God for this small respite in the midst of the challenges of this transition.

Gingerbread Scones

2011-07-24T12:24:00.001+02:00

So, I have made Gingerbread Scones a couple times now. When I was in the UK I bought a small container of Treacle which has been wonderful to use! These scones are so simple and so delicious!

Somewhere along the way I obtained a small book called "Biscuits and Scones" by Elizabeth Aston. I have used several recipes but this one I want to share with you.

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup molasses

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut up

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.

Measure milk in a glass measuring cup and add molasses to the 2/3 cup mark. Stir to blend

Mix dry ingrediants together in a large bowl

Add butter and cut in with a pastry blender or rub in with your fingers until the mixture looks like fine granules.

Stir the milk mixture and add to the dry mixture.

Stir together with a fork to form a smooth, rather soft dough.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and give it 10-12 kneads.

Cut the dough in half.

Knead each half briefly into a ball, turn the smooth side up, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Pat each piece of dough inot a 5-inch circle; cut into 6-8 wedges; leave the sides touching.

Bake about 10 minutes, or until medium brown. Do not overbake.

Cool, loosely wrapped in a cloth, on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

time flies when you are having fun

2011-07-17T09:49:00.000+02:00

Two of the waiters at a restaurant we enjoy.

And sweet Rebecca who finished up two years of STINT this year.

There is a story here... if you want to hear it, just email me.

	I saw Denise Stone in Rome!	Denise worked at Multnomah when I worked there. :-)	Also, her husband and their three sons Andrew, Matt and Tim.	It was so fun to to see them all even though they were exhausted from their mission trip in northern Italy.

	I thoroughly enjoyed my day with the Ralph and Myrna Alexander, David Alexander and their tour group.		There were so many connections with people I know from the states.

		I was privileged to be at the wedding of my dear friend Claudia in London and then I went to Birmingham and Oxfordwhere I saw good friends and worked with people on Heartbeat Tallinn (Agape conference next summer)

I returned from the UK to the company of good friends. Tori, Bekah and Kristin are friends from Oregon. It is so good for my heart!

This week

2011-06-27T09:04:00.000+02:00

I am anticipating this week.

I am excited!

Friends will be here

Friends from Portland who are currently in Northern Italy will be coming to Rome on Wednesday!

YAY to see the Stones and Tori!

and

Thursday I am privileged to spend some time with the Alexanders.

I get to hear Ralph's insights about Rome for a day!

and

Friday I fly to London for the wedding of my dear friend Claudia!

yes

I am excited for this week

World Beach Volleyball Tournament

2011-06-19T10:19:00.000+02:00

A student who came to know Jesus a few years ago through some of our staff offered some tickets for the World Beach Volleyball Tournament. I love sporting events when I can be there in person! So I was excited to go.

We watched a women's semi-final between Czech Republic and Brasil

Then we watched a men's semi-final between Latvia and Brasil

Then we watched a women's semi-final between China and the USA... Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh! It was thrilling to watch this team that has been playing together for about 10 years!

I love this photo... can you see the woman on the side whose mouth is WIDE open? :-)

They won the semi-finals. Today we get to go see if they win the final... again. :-)

Summer Reading

2011-06-18T13:33:00.000+02:00

Often thoughts of summer conjour up visions of rest, relaxation, holidays-vacations and in that...time to read. My work here in Italy and in Europe does not in any way stop during the summer months, but the pace does change.

9 summer project students, one lovely Italian (it was Pia's birthday) and a visiting friend. I made up a pasta dish which the students helped to make, They cut up a ton of fruit for a fruit salad which was delicious...We laughed a LOT!

The 13 lovely people who were here from the US for summer project departed this morning. I am sad to see them go-their passion and tenacity for sharing Christ is powerful...

but their departure also means I get to go to bed before 1pm. :-)

So this morning I began to think about what I might want to read this summer. I have always been a reader. I moved multiple boxes of books over to Europe with me. Many of them I have not yet read.

So... in all the options...a thought came to me...how about the New Testament?

I found a reading plan online and hope to follow it.

The New Testament in 90 days.

I have never done this.

I am excited!

So much to experience in Rome

2011-06-04T14:33:00.001+02:00

I was privileged to experience a massive track meet last week. The Samsung Diamond Series, Rome Athletic Meet. :-) I LOVE this stuff!

I went with dear friends who also work with Agape Italia and we got to see athletes from all over the world competing in races, hurdles, javelin, pole jump, long jump, triple jump, high jump, steeple chase, 4x100 relay...

and in that mix was Usain Bolt (the fastest man in the world right now) racing and wining the 100m race. We were sitting on the 100metre line.

That is always a strange thought to me....that someone who is considered the fastest man in the world.. is only considered that until someone else beats him.

But it was so thrilling to be there! thousands of Italians and other nationalities all amazed and impressed by the strength, agility and power of the athletes!

I cannot go to school today... said little peggy ann mckay...

2011-05-16T11:50:00.000+02:00

I learned a Shel Silverstein poem for drama class in eighth grade... entitled "Sick".

Most of the poem I still have memorized after almost 23 years... And as I sit on my bed now feeling like I could just lay down and sleep because my head hurts, my throat hurts, my skin hurts from too much sun, and I have irritatingly itchy mosquito bites... this poem enters my mind. The only difference is that it is Monday and I have lots to do!

'I cannot go to school today, '
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.

'I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash and purple bumps.

My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.

My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more-that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?

My leg is cut-my eyes are blue-
It might be instamatic flu.

I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke-

My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.

My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.

My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.

My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.

My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.

My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.

I have a hangnail, and my heart is-what?

What's that? What's that you say?

You say today is...Saturday?

G'bye, I'm going out to play! '

rest

2011-05-15T17:10:00.001+02:00

The busyness of the city, the spiritual battle, the long days of ministry... if I don't rest as the Lord calls us to rest... I am not able to give the energy necessary for the work God has called us to here in Rome. I am grateful for times set aside for rest.

Sperlonga at sunset. ... yeah.. beautiful.

When God created the world... He rested on the 7th day. Sounds like a good model for us!

In Rome, the leadership has set aside designated weekends as sabbath weekends.

This past weekend was such a weekend.

Sperlonga south overlooking the sea.

So I, along with a co-worker, went to a nearby seaside town. We both feel rested by sunshine at the seashore and this weekend was exactly what we needed.

I don't have a photo of the sandy beach I got to sleep on... probably because I was so rested I did not think of taking any photos. :-) I swam in the sea, and rested with good music on the beach.

I feel rested... even though I did take in too much sun. Sigh... everyone who knows me knows that I get too much sun at least once a year.

my new Niece

2011-05-06T23:29:00.000+02:00

I became an aunt on the 19th of April.

Welcome to Ava Mae Wright

this photo of her just made me smile. :-)

I find myself with tears in my eyes often these days.

Wishing I could meet her in person.

And longing for the day I get to hold her.

I am so excited for my brother Matt and my sister-in-law Monique!

2011-05-04T14:36:00.000+02:00

Psalm 27:13

"I remain confidant of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

My recent time in Germany brought me joy and a renewed confidence that I will see the the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

This photo is near where some dear friends live in Kusel, Germany.

Happy Birthday to my brother Michael!

2011-04-10T12:49:00.000+02:00

I am so blessed to have the brothers that I have. Today is the birthday of my youngest brother Michael James Wright.

several years ago...

a couple years ago... but this really embodies some things that I love about Michael...

He serves with a smile.

He is a person who cares for others and works hard.

He connects easily with people in any age or stage of life.

Happy birthday Michael!

Rome in March

2011-03-23T09:46:00.000+01:00

When I returned to Rome in early March, I encountered Carnivale. It began the night I arrived. Throughout the week we encountered Carnivale events and remnants. The 10 students and three staff from Miami University in Ohio were a great group to work with. Reminds me of when I took my spring breaks and summers to go on mission trips.

Part of Missional Team Uno.
Three lovely ladies from Miami University in Ohio joined the first week I was back. Their passion to share the hope of Jesus with students was delightful.

Children in the midst of a Carnivale event. They go around showering each other with confetti.

On the left is Courtney, she was a STINTer in Rome this past year. She helped to lead the group from Ohio. The group from Ohio reminded me how much I love to invest in the lives of University students.

This little girl just wanted to play with the pretty confetti. :-) Smart girl.

after the confetti party.... the confetti blows in the wind....

Spring Break

2011-03-14T18:20:00.000+01:00

Last week we had 12 staff and students come from Miami of Ohio University to spend their Spring Break sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with Italian students here in Rome. It was a delight to see these students and their hunger to know God and to help others know Him too.

We began this week with 54 students and 10 staff from Ole Miss University who are here to also spend their Spring Break sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with Italians.

We are praying that God will do great things through them here!

I will write more on this when I have a working laptop with photos available and can put together a Musings for March. ... Melissa's March Musings... hmmm.. I like the sound of that. If you do not receive my monthly updates... you can sign up here.Melissa's Musings Sign Up

Changes

2011-03-06T12:36:00.000+01:00

Sometimes a lot of changes happen in a short period of time.

...

In the two weeks that I was in the states...

The direction of the streets around my flat changed Via Imperia and Via G. Baglivi swapped directions. Imagine my surprise when I could not turn on Via G. Baglivi. But it is actually more convenient this way. :-) My roommates say it happened in a 12 hour period... new signs, new painted parking spots, etc...
My roommate Amy got engaged to Joel. I am so excited for them! This also means changes in our flat
And my missional team structure changed. A change in the leadership and one team member moved to a different team. One thing I love about the team of staff here in Rome... they are not afraid of changing things around for the best fit of people.

Change is rarely easy to navigate... but I find that when I trust the Lord to navigate... it is much easier for me. In fact, I think the fact that there is now and has always been a lot of change in my life has caused me to cling to Jesus more consistantly!

in memory of my grandma

2011-02-28T05:02:00.000+01:00

This is what I shared at the memorial service for my grandma today:

Reflections of a granddaughter:

My grandmother has gone to be with Jesus. When I saw her this past December, she told me she was looking forward to Heaven. She had lived a full life.

She was a great example to me of a woman who never stops learning. The sheer number of magazines, leaflets and books that she owned was a testament to her desire to learn all she could on a subject.

I cannot fathom the number of new inventions that my grandmother learned to use in her life:

Band-Aids, frozen food, traffic signals, spiral bound notebooks, stereo records, ball point pens, silly putty, the microwave oven, Tupperware, Teflon cooking pans, audio cassettes, the food processor, computers and cell phones... to name a few.

As is typical of those who grew up through the great depression she was very very careful to save and re-use everything. This seems strange for my generation.. While I may not wash and re-use plastic bags 10 times before throwing them away... I do take from this a principle of not wasting resources.

My grandmother was intelligent, gentle and strong. She knew her Bible and was always willing to help others. Her example of helping others is also in my mother and I hope and pray that it will always be a priority in my life.

I have never doubted that my grandmother loved me. She was not an "out of sight, out of mind" person. Whether it was sending settings of silverware or a note of the latest health newsletter or information about a subject she knew you were interested in... She was thinking about others a lot.

Because of her care for others, there is always room for one more person at

the dinner table. I wish I knew more stories of all the people who had dinner over at the sales house. And I am grateful that this practice continued with my mother so I could meet many interesting people.

Several years ago I found her notebook that had a list of all of her grandchildren, their birth dates and their children's birth dates. No grandchild or great grandchild was left off the list. Family was very important to grandma.

I loved that grandma and grandpa would both get on the phone when I called them. I loved knowing that I was important enough to warrant their time on the phone talking with me. Even when I moved overseas and the time zones were more challenging, they would both get on the phone when I called and want to know how I was doing.

When God called me to be a full time missionary, Grandma was one of my biggest supporters. She wanted everyone to know what God had called me to do. She prayed for me and called others to pray for me. Her support for me is already greatly missed.

Most of all...I am so grateful to the Lord for a grandmother who loved Jesus. And I look forward to seeing her in heaven where she is not experiencing any more pain.

My grandma

2011-02-15T16:54:00.000+01:00

Today my dear Grandma Sale went to be with the Lord. She would have been 92 this year

Church history

2011-02-12T16:52:00.000+01:00

I have spent the past week in Florence, Italy with staff from Italy and some friends from Kandern, learning about church history.

It is incredible to have lived and worked in the very places that defining moments in church history have occurred. I find myself so grateful for the people who fought and gave their lives so that that I can read the Bible in my own language and so that I am free to go to an evangelical church.

I just moved from the country where a majority of battles and arguments between protestants and catholics were held. The effects of the centuries of battle are still obvious today in Germany.

I am also overwhelmed at the weight of the history that I step into in Rome.

I am sure I will write more on this in my next Musings.

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Andiamo a Firenze

2011-02-06T10:48:00.001+01:00

Today we are going to Florence, Italy. I am so blessed to be able to drive up there with one of my roommates and a couple who has become dear to my heart.

Why are we going to Florence?

Because we are going to be taking a seminary level class on Church History this coming week.

Campus Crusade requires that those of us who join staff will take seminary level Bible classes. We are also required to take a day with the Lord each month. I feel so privileged to work with an organization that requires and provides space for me to be more grounded in truth.

It will be a challenging week but it will be different than the challenges of learning a new language.

I am looking forward to the week not only because of the chance to learn, but because I get to be with dear friends from all over Italy and some friends who will be coming down for the class from Kandern. God is good!

New Roommates

2011-02-06T10:48:00.000+01:00

I am blessed to have two new roommates. Amy (on the left) and Beth Ann (on the right). It struck me yesterday as we discussed cleaning the flat before we are all away this coming week. It has been 5 years since I had other people to share cleaning with! GREAT!

And Beth Ann's cat Amelia adds lots of exciting moments to our lives.

an amusing day in language class

2011-01-24T14:45:00.000+01:00

in my language class we come from a variety of countries and are a variety of ages. Today one girl who is 18 said that her mother is only 3 years older than me.. I about had a heart attack. I don't feel old. And I know that it is physically possible that I could have a child who is 15 now. But for some reason is shocked me and we laughed for a long time in class about it.

then we went to our coffee break (15 minutes to get a cappuccino and something to eat).

upon returning to class, this same girl offered me some gum. The gum had a very strong minty flavour and she got my attention to show me that she had tears in her eyes from the strength of the flavour. We laughed about that too.

If you don't recall, one of my most favorite things to experience is multiple cultures at once. So class with 3 from Brazil, 1 from Poland, 2 from Libya, 1 from the USA by way of Morroco, 1 from Cyprus and myself... is a wonderfully fun mix and entertaining daily.

and

I am learning Italian.

Sto imparando Italiano

I arrived

2011-01-21T16:52:00.000+01:00

Io sono arrivata a Roma 2 settimana fa.

Really! it has already been 2 weeks since I arrived in Rome. And they have been full weeks. Full weeks of language, unpacking, sorting, connecting with people, getting papers in order... Much to do. I sleep hard every night. I am writing my January Musings today so there will be more detail in those.

Last day in Portland for awhile

2011-01-05T21:18:00.000+01:00

Wow.. the day is finally here. In less than 24 hours I board a plane for DC, and from there to Rome, Italy. I have no planned trips backed to the USA at this point. That feels strange, because I have been back and forth across the Atlantic many times in the past year and a half.

I grateful to the Lord for the time with so many of you. And I am also sad that there was not time with many of you. One of the most challenging things to my heart in being an international missionary is that I only get momentary face to face times with those in the USA who are dear to me. I miss your weddings. I miss the first joys when you have a new baby. I miss walking through daily life with you. I miss you!

God is so gracious to put such dear people in my life. Your prayers, your friendship, your giving.. they all remind me that God is providing for me. I feel so unworthy so often. And this reminds me that God gives unmerited favour.

And so, I follow where God calls me to go, holding you dear in my heart and looking forward to when we can meet again face to face.

Pray for me would you? I arrive to Rome Friday morning and will try to stay awake and get settled a bit in my new room. Saturday will be my first day of Italian language class.

Philemon 6

2010-12-20T23:48:00.000+01:00

some thoughts on

Philemon 6

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ".

I was reading Philemon the other day and was really struck by this verse.

I read it in the NIV and when I looked it up on Bible Gateway in the NIV 2010 this was the verse:

"I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ."

hmmm.. well, either way... I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith and I pray that your partnership with me in the faith will lead you to a deeper understanding of every good thing we have in Christ!

It is true isn't it?

the more we actively share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, the more we understand every good thing we have in Christ.

and the more we partner together in sharing this hope, the more deeply we understand how God created us to be in relationship with Him.

It is actually happening!

2010-12-20T23:36:00.000+01:00

My Italian visa arrived and I am moving to Rome, Italy!
The visa arrived 5 days after I applied for it in person in San Francisco
God is good!

traveling up the 101

2010-12-14T18:23:00.000+01:00

I chose to drive up Highway 101 as I made my way back from Sacramento. I have random memories of Hwy 101 from childhood, and I realize that I am enjoying revisiting places like that.

The first day I drove from Sacramento to Kelseyville in California and stayed with dear friends. I got to see their daughter again and meet their new son. And her mom and dad were visiting too! These people are such a blessing to me! here is an amusing clip of an evening. The adults getting dinner ready... the dog running on the treadmill.

Then Sunday morning I began the drive up Hwy 101.

As I drove past the amazing redwood trees I kept marveling at the variety that God has given us. Seriously! How many different variety of trees do we have?

In the drive up Hwy 101, I saw a couple rainbows, loads of Redwoods and a lot of mist and fog, I drove over the tallest bridge on the west coast.

#I drove through Crescent City and I think that is where I stopped at Starbucks. Actually I went through the drive through. The barista asked me where I was from. He did not recognize my accent. :-) I shared that I am from Portland, went to college in the midwest, and have lived 5 years in Germany. He concluded that he really liked the combination. Aw... that was nice.

I stayed in Gold Beach, OR on Sunday night. (I remember a girl in a pageant that I was part of, came from this town). I love the place I got to stay! Pacific Reef Resort. The room was fantastic! The staff were great! I recommend them to anyone needing a place to stay in Gold Beach.

I realized that Waldport whose tag line of "Where the forest meets the ocean" was quite possibly founded by Germans.. because Wald means forest. And when I looked it up this morning... It was indeed founded by Germans.. in 1879.

I drove off the Hwy to the entry level for the Heceta lighthouse. I did not go up to the lighthouse but I did love the ruggedness of the area.

Last night I got to stay with a dear girl in Newport. A crazy storm battered the windows overnight and when I was woken by the sound, I marveled at how God gives humans the ability to know how to make windows that don't just break into a thousand pieces when battered by storms.

There are some great bridges on Hwy 101. And there are amazing scenes... even when there is heavy fog. I am so glad that I got to drive up Hwy 101.

Today I will finish the drive turning toward Portland near Lincoln City. Wow... I just thank God for allowing me to do this.

Applying for my Italian visa

2010-12-10T21:05:00.000+01:00

Last Friday I drove my car from Kandern, Germany to Rome, Italy. this was the moon the morning I left Kandern.

In my car were 3 suitcases, 7 houseplants, 2 paintings (1 from spain, one from a great aunt) and some other breakables. Also in the passenger seat was my dear friend Shelly Gilmore. That was a blessing! We had a 12+ hours drive that day.

Then I came back to the states on Monday because I needed to apply for my Italian visa in San Francisco. So, I landed in Portland, Oregon on Monday night after about 18 hours of flying.

Wednesday morning I began the drive down to Central California. I thank God for the ministry partners who lent me a vehicle to make this trip. That was a good 10+hour drive. Through snow, rain, sun, fog, I saw three rainbows, crossed multiple rivers (The Sacramento river 3 times), and traversed the highest point on I-5.

I arrived at the home of my dear friend Cheryl and her husband Matt that evening. Jet-lag and drive-lag set in.. but I was so thankful to be with a dear friend.

Thursday morning I said goodbye to Cheryl and Matt. And drove to the home of Lina Hughes, the amazing attorney who worked on my visa application. Once there we went over the application and I realized that I left my Oregon ID card in a box at my mom's house in Portland. Oops...Well, the copy was in the file so we decided to try anyway to apply.

We drove the hour and half from her house into downtown San Francisco and had great conversations on the way. You know how sometimes you just connect with someone? I am so thankful to God for Lina! We found parking in a 30 min meter parking spot... walked across to a french style cafe and had lunch.. Lina went and fed the meter 1/2 way through lunch. I had creamy mushroom soup and we split a delicious lemon tart.

Then it was on to the consulate...The line was already forming… I could guess why each person was seeking an Italian visa. Some people seemed nervous while others seemed cocky. We all lined up alongside the building.. in front of three motor cycles. After a moment a woman from inside the consulate came out to tell us that we needed to make sure we had a money order for the fee and our driver's license and passports to show them.

hmmm... my German driver's license is not needed here. And my Oregon ID card is in Oregon. Also...I had cash not a money order because on their website it stated that cash is accepted. I would be lying if I said that slight panic did not set in. :-)

We were finally allowed inside the consulate and as is typical in America we eventually were all talking with each other. What are you going to Italy for? Where is the nearest place to get a money order? You have tried how many times to get the visa?

We were about 5th in line. And as the people in front of me went one by one up to the counter and were turned away, I got more nervous. Over and over people were asking to get an extension of the 90 day maximum you can (as an American) be in Schengen countries. Marco (working at the counter) kept having to tell people "there is nothing I can do to change this for you."

My turn... I walk up and smile at Marco. And as I hand him the packet that Lina has put together, she explains that she is the attorney representing the organization that is sending me to Italy. Marco is more than impressed by the packet she has put together. We joke back and forth a bit. He enters info into the computer, tells me that it will be ready in 10 days and they would send it to me. I say grazie and arrivederci we smile and leave the consulate. WHAT? No issues?! No need for me to show my original ID card?! No missing forms?! A smile?! Friendly banter?! AMAZING!!!

The live tree in Union Square San Francisco.

I think it went so smoothly because of Lina's amazing preparations. She said it was my blue eyes. Can we call it a good partnership?! :-)

Today I begin the drive back to Oregon via the homes of some dear ministry partners. I am just in awe of God. Time with good friends, new friends, favour with the consulate, oh... and I got to see my brother Michael in San Francisco because he was visiting there too. God is good!

sigh

2010-12-02T20:48:00.000+01:00

Tonight I went to the Kandern Weihnacht Aktion in the Blumenplatz. I took it all in... snow, fires to warm by, choirs singing, friends around, grillwürst to eat glüwein to drink. And some last goodbyes. Sigh.. I am so sad.

Today I had the help of great people who have helped me move a few times in the past 5 years. And they helped get everything down from the attic that is going into the moving truck Monday morning. One pile for the moving truck, one pile for my car, and one pile to be given/sold to others.

So tomorrow. 7am, my dear friend Shelly and I will drive from Kandern. I am so thankful that main roads are kept very clear because we have had a lot of snow over here these days.

Pray for me... for safety in driving, for no car issues. For my breaking heart as I leave people I love again...

Six years ago today...

2010-11-28T15:37:00.000+01:00

Six year ago today I went to church with Rick and MaryBeth Holladay here in Kandern. At the end of the service they introduced me to Deb Heefner, and the following week they took me to see the area, had me take a personality/strengths inventory test and prayed with me a lot. That week changed my life. I am always amazed at how God works things out.

Now 6 years later, I have said goodbye to many dear friends who moved from Kandern to other places, welcomed in new people and now I am moving to Rome. Leaving the people who are so dear to my heart brings me many tears, but I am eternally grateful for that day 6 years ago that has given me so many dear friends here.

a few photos of some of the people who are dear to my heart here.

thanking God for a flat tire

2010-11-25T14:20:00.000+01:00

Well, today is Thanksgiving Day for Americans. I have not been privileged to be in the right place at the right time to celebrate Thanksgiving with anyone this year. But I am thanking God for a flat tire today.

This may seem odd, to thank God for a flat tire. But last night when I heard the hissing sound and saw the tire losing its roundness quickly, all I could think was that I am so thankful it was not on my winter tires!

The reason this is so important? Here in Germany it is an issue with car insurance that you must have winter tires on your car in the winter. And because I am driving from Germany, through Switzerland and into Italy next weekend, it is important that my car be wearing its winter attire.

So... I guess I will just wear out my winter tires and when I need new tires... I will have three great ones.. and will need to get the 4th repaired.

Yes... this is a detail that is challenging in the midst of all the other details I am trying to sort through at the moment. It looks like I will be contracting a moving company to get my things to Rome. We shall see how much they need to charge me. I find out on Monday.

Ah.. details.... I sure am thankful that God holds the world in His capable hands.

Estonia

2010-11-22T13:48:00.000+01:00

I have spent the past 18 days in Tallinn, Estonia. I want to share some photos and thoughts with you about this time:

i fell in love with the chocolate pistachio basket at Komeet.

the view of the city.. old town from up top the Oleviste Church (Oleviste Kirik)

... the highest building in the world during the Medieval times

as we walked around the top of the church this was the spire as I looked up

During my first set of meetings... we in the Next Generation Leader Development group were working on how to present what we learned during the past 2.5 years together.

The Swiss explained it this way... :-)

finishing details for the presentation

working hard

beautiful coffee

another beautiful chocolate pistachio basket... this time with a gooseberry on top.

Some of the dear women in Europe. left to right:

Nicole (Italy) Becky (Latvia) Daire (Estonia) Renata (Lithuania) Eva (Spain)

Dear Rut (Portugal) I love this girl!

of course I was wearing tall heeled boots... makes her look so much shorter and me SO much taller.

the hotel preparing for the long dark days of winter in Estonia.

a great view from a popular viewpoint overlooking Tallinn

I was privileged to attend a concert ... of which I understood only 10% of the words sung or spoken... but the music was great! Anyone who knows me well, knows that music and art feed my soul. This was a soul-feeding experience and I got to enjoy it with a dear friend.

the night view of Tallinn.

18 days is a long time, but Tallinn is a beautiful city and the Estonians that I know are lovely.

Next Generation Leadership Development Initiative

2010-11-15T16:38:00.000+01:00

Is that a long title? It is the name of the programme I was part of with Agape Europe the past 2.5 years. We shortened the name to NGI (Next Generation Initiative) but the memories we have from these years will long be with us.

I am eternally grateful for Mike, Boppi, Daniel, Brian, Nicole, Eva, Mar, Samuel, Mariona, Nacho, Raphael, Kevin, Lehari, Matthieu, Aaron, Emmanuel, Duncan, Arjan, and Adri. These people from 9 different western European countries are so dear to my heart. We have laughed together, cried together, questioned and came to conclusions together.

When we began the group, we were challenged to consider the future and what we would need to lead into the future with Agape Europe. And at the end of this programme, some of us have been entrusted with more challenging leadership roles than we ever thought possible.

We were challenged for our last gathering in Tallinn, Estonia to make a presentation to the current Agape Europe leadership team of what we see are necessary changes to see multiplying movements of winning, building and sending people in Europe.

It is always a challenge for a younger generation of leaders to present idea for change to an older generation of leaders, but we saw God at work. The things God had put on our hearts as critical to the work we are called to in Europe, are similar to the things God has been putting on the heart of leadership team.

My heart is to work with all of Europe, that is why I moved to Europe in the first place with Campus Crusade for Christ (Agape Europe) I am passionate that people be grounded and growing in Christ. I am passionate that people know who they are in Christ and know what He calls them to do. And I am passionate that Europe would once again be a sending continent of the gospel to the world!

I am excited to move to Rome in a few weeks to join with the others in proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel there. One of the other NGI participants is the leader of the ministry in Rome and this makes me very happy!

And I am excited to use the principles learned in NGI as I lead the programme team for our all Agape Europe gathering in 2012.

I am so thankful for the time with NGI. I know I have life-long friends and life-long co-laborers.

a few days in Kandern

2010-11-03T07:56:00.000+01:00

Arriving in the Basel Euroairport this past Thursday, it felt like coming home. Maybe because of all the travel I have done in and out of that airport... :-)

My friend Brad also flew back from the United States via Frankfurt on Thursday so we came into Basel on the same flight. And as we exited the airport and found Karin who graciously came to the airport to retrieve us, I found myself feeling so grateful for the friends I have found in Kandern. God is good.

I arrived in time to attend a goodbye party for the Miller's dear people who have been in Germany since 1989 and are now returning to Colorado. They have been an integral part of my time in Germany.

At the goodbye party I looked across the room and took it all in... It is amazing how God creates family (the joys and the pains) within a group like this. Most everyone in that room has left their country of origin to follow God's call on their life. Being outside your country of origin creates a bond with others who have done the same. These have become my family over the past 5 years.

Across the room were my dear friends John and Shelly Gilmore. They were sitting with some other dear friends of mine and I was struck with a collision of worlds and how precious it is to me that I know my "family" here in Germany will take these dear friends into the family too.

Sunday, I went to church and saw several people I love and hold dear to my heart. And that night I got to join in with a small group of friends for an evening of good conversation, laughter, and nourishment. I feel so blessed!

Throughout the days in Kandern, I was looking for my real winter clothes. winter coats make great padding for breakable items in boxes... so I had to find those boxes and then I found my winter coats... and sweaters and trousers. But not my winter shoes... hmmm..

Autumn in Kandern. The tree I used to see out my bedroom window

And then Tuesday morning I got on a plane to Estonia. It was a short time in Kandern. Full of precious moments, and the acknowledgment that saying goodbye in the end of November when I move my things to Rome, Italy... will be hard.

airports

2010-10-27T15:22:00.000+02:00

I am sitting in the Portland airport waiting for my flight to Washington Dulles which is the first leg of my trip back to Germany. I woke up this morning at 03:45 with a song in my heart about how great God is and how He is mighty and how He provides and how He holds my future.

I have a couple hours in the Dulles airport before I board the flight to Frankfurt. Dulles is full of international people. I love it! And almost every other corner holds a Rossetta Stone kiosk for the traveler to learn a new language.

I arrive in Frankfurt at 07:30. And I am grateful that airlines have chosen to reward all the miles I travel with access to a lounge with free food, comfortable chairs and free water! I will hang out there a couple hours then go find a friend who arrives around 09:30. We are on the same flight into Basel Switzerland departing Frankfurt around 12:50. And then I will be home in Kandern.

I get to see dear people and I am excited to drive my own car again. :-) little things make me happy.

It is a strange feeling when I am leaving Portland. It is so familiar and there are people in Portland who are home for me, but home itself..really feels like Kandern. And in the next month, I have to say goodbye to that home and those people. Sigh...

I am glad to be reminded over and over that God is in control. That God is!

the oregon coast.

2010-10-22T22:28:00.001+02:00

Today is Friday, the 22nd of October, 2010. In 5 days I am boarding a plane back to Germany. As the reality of this is sinking in, I am praying to use the time remaining very intentionally.

Thus, I took a couple days and went to the Oregon Coast. I LOVE the Oregon Coast. there is something magnificent and wild about the way the rocks and sand and trees and mountains collide on the Oregon coast.

A very nice lady stopped and asked if she could take my photo... since I was not getting it trying to do a self portrait... I need Jenn Abel training!

I am grateful for the time in the states. I will write more about that in my next Musings I am sure, and I am so excited to return to Europe. To my friends and loved ones there.

Stay tuned for more info...

another gem from "Jesus Calling"

2010-10-13T17:36:00.000+02:00

"Imagine the pain I feel when My children tie themselves up in anxious knots, ignoring my gift of Peace. I died a criminal's death to secure this blessing for you. Receive it gratefully; hide it in your heart. My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within you as you trust in Me. Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it."

I am daily going from anxious thoughts to remembering this truth.. that Christ Jesus is my rock and my strength, my Deliverer, my Shield and my Peace. Oh to live daily grounded in the Peace that passes all understanding...

life is not simple by human perspectives

2010-10-11T00:59:00.000+02:00

I find it amusing how I live a complex life and yet I long for simplicity. Does that make sense?

For example:
My living in Germany the past 5 years has made life for me in the states more complex. Have you tried getting a mobile phone contract when they can't verify your credit? Not possible. So I pay a monthly fee to use my mobile phone.

I have a visa allowing me to live and work in Germany that is good through the end of this year. I am applying for a visa to live and work in Italy. It would be more simple if I had lived in the USA the past 5 years instead of in Germany for this process.

It takes 1 month to receive my Italian visa after applying in person in San Francisco. I need to be at meetings in Estonia the first 2 weeks of November. And if I apply for my visa now, they will have my passport and I will not be able to travel. So, I am praying a lot, seeking the Lord's direction in this seemingly complex situation.

I am raising support so that I can live and work in Italy. The move from a small town in Germany to a large city in Italy is not simple. It is complex on many levels. One of which is that it costs more to live and work in Rome, Italy than it did to live and work in Kandern, Germany. So I am seeking the Lord's direction for who will be part of my ministry team. He really does have it all planned out.

In moving to Rome, the complexity is that my belongings (bed, clothing, books, etc) are in Kandern along with my car... so I have need of a moving vehicle and saying goodbyes in Kandern. Kandern has been home to me for the past several years. So this is a hard move emotionally. I have made many hard moves and transitions in life... And it is amazing how God works it all out.

But really... all that complexity is simple in God's economy... He is the master of scheduling and finances. I have seen Him provide over the past 35 years of my life in so many ways.. I know that He will continue.

October, Oktober, Ottobre, Octubre 3

2010-10-04T06:02:00.000+02:00

the 3rd day of October is significant to me for 3 reasons.

1. It is the birthday of my adopted Dad Dr. Barry Gridley. The one who shows me how a father is supposed to love and care for a daughter. The one who prays for me daily. The one who is cancer free now! The one who loves to read great books. The one who cares deeply for others and gives wise counsel whether paid for it or not. I am so glad that he was born ( ) years ago. :-)

2. It is the day I flew to Germany 5 years ago when I began working with Campus Crusade for Christ (Agape Europe). I remember that day in 2005. God put that date on my heart months before and as the date came nearer I remember it was about 1.5 weeks away and I still needed just over 1,000 dollars/mo. in support. And wouldn't you know it?... over $1,000/mo. came in that first week and I got on the plane and went to Germany. I am so grateful for the ministry partners that God has given to me. They help me know that I am not alone in this ministry that God has called me to. 5 years ago, on this day, I moved to Europe and I have not regretted it for one second!

3. It is the day of German Unity From Wikipedia "The Day of German Unity (German: Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is the national day of Germany, celebrated on 3 October as a public holiday. It commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990." And after living in Germany for 5 years, and getting to know the culture more, I am in somber observance of the separation and utter amazement at the reunification of Germany.

Aquarium, Market, Passport

2010-09-29T17:42:00.000+02:00

I went up to Seattle to renew my passport Monday.

I drove up Sunday, and was delighted for quality time with a dear friend of 17 years.

Then Monday I drove through the heavy Seattle traffic to find a parking garage and walked to the US Passport office. I had a 9am appt to apply for my passport.

After handing in all my paperwork and paying all that money, I was told I could return after 2pm and before 3pm to obtain my new passport.

So... 4 hours in Seattle... It was lovely! I walked along the waterfront until I got to the Aquarium... and I went inside. I am always amazed by God's creativity when it comes to fish and other sea creatures. It was a delightful time in the Aquarium. Between the amazing sea creatures and watching the children who were amazed by the sea creatures... I was so happy!

starfish. I can't help but be amazed at how they can grow a new arm if they lose one. And their colours!


calm puffer fish. Fascinating! It kept coming over and showing off. :-)

I saw fish yawning, I saw otters playing.

I learned that sea otters swim on their backs and river otters swim on their stomachs.

So fun!

Then a walk through the Pike Place Market and lunch of Salmon chowder while sitting at a table overlooking the bay. That feels like Northwest to me!

And a walk down the street past a gelateria that also served Illy coffee. I had to stop. Lemon Gelato and Illy coffee cappuchino. And... a significant conversation with a woman who has never met a Christian who displayed grace and love with the truth. So sad!

Then back to the passport office to wait for my new passport to be ready.

Good day. I am thanking God for that day!

quick update

2010-09-28T18:32:00.000+02:00

I am often asked by many of you how my support is coming along. As God brings me new ministry partners, that answer changes. Yay! :-)

I don't know if I am more excited about the new people who are partnering with me or watching the remaining monthly amount decrease.

So, as of today, if all those who have committed to partner with me financially will begin their giving, I have just over $500 per month to come in.

There you go. please keep praying and if God calls you to be part of the solution financially, please act on that.

The Tangibles and the Intangibles

2010-09-25T00:21:00.000+02:00

I find it fascinating in life how we always are faced with things that are tangible and intangible.

Here are the tangibles in my current situation of returning to my job in Europe and moving to Italy.

I need a visa from Italy to move there
I need to renew my passport before I obtain my visa
I need 100% of my support coming in monthly before I am freed to return to Europe.
There are set tangible dates of meetings and conferences coming up that it would be beneficial for me to be part of.

Oct 29-Nov 1 is the kick of gathering for all the people working in Italy...a time of vision casting and preparing for the year ahead.
Nov. 5-14 is the final gathering of the Leadership Development group I have been part of for the past 2 years. It is the culmination of all we have learned. This is in Estonia
Nov. 11-17 is the meeting of all the national leadership teams for Agape Europe. Here is where I will be able to connect with people face to face to talk about the upcoming all Agape gathering. This is also in Estonia.

The Coliseum

an evangelical church in Estonia

And the intangibles:

How all my support will come in
When all my support will come in
How long it will take for my Italian Visa to come through
When I will move my things from Germany to Italy

Funny isn't it? the hows and whens are really in God's hands. And the truth that He is the Provider and that He is in control... is very tangible! so while things seem intangible to me... They are really not.

Psalm 90

2010-09-14T18:56:00.000+02:00

I love that no matter how many times I read the Scriptures, God opens my eyes to see new aspects each time. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

This morning I was reading Psalm 89 in which I was amazed at the how the author extolled the greatness of God, then reminded God of the promises He had made, then asked how long God would forget those promises-detailing all the hard things that were happening and then ended the Psalm with "Praise be to the Lord forever!"

After pondering the magnitude of that process and the end resolution, I continued to Psalm 90.

As I read, I was struck with the depth of thought regarding how fleeting our lives are and how much we need to live each day intentionally abiding in Christ. "Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom"

A prayer of Moses the man of God

¹ Lord, you have been our dwelling place
       throughout all generations.
² Before the mountains were born
       or you brought forth the earth and the world,
       from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
³ You turn men back to dust,
       saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."
⁴ For a thousand years in your sight
       are like a day that has just gone by,
       or like a watch in the night.
⁵ You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
       they are like the new grass of the morning-
⁶ though in the morning it springs up new,
       by evening it is dry and withered.
⁷ We are consumed by your anger
       and terrified by your indignation.
⁸ You have set our iniquities before you,
       our secret sins in the light of your presence.
⁹ All our days pass away under your wrath;
       we finish our years with a moan.
¹⁰ The length of our days is seventy years—
       or eighty, if we have the strength;
       yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
       for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
¹¹ Who knows the power of your anger?
       For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
¹² Teach us to number our days aright,
       that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
¹³ Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
       Have compassion on your servants.
¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
       that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
¹⁵ Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
       for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶ May your deeds be shown to your servants,
       your splendor to their children.
¹⁷ May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
       establish the work of our hands for us—
       yes, establish the work of our hands.

Panic and peace

2010-09-12T19:58:00.000+02:00

This morning I had a moment of panic realizing the major things that must happen before I can go back to Europe and the time constraints that are present in the process.

Major things to have happen:

Just under 900 dollars per month in financial support coming in.
About 4,000 dollars in special needs for moving and getting settled in Rome
Obtaining my visa to live in Italy... from the consulate in San Fransisco.

Time constraints that are present:

I hope to move to Rome before the weather turns.. driving from Kandern to Rome is more challenging in winter weather.
The final meeting of the Leader Development program that I am part of in Europe is the beginning of November.
at the end of the Leader Development meeting we transition into the meeting of the new Round Table for Agape Europe. This is a meeting with all the national leadership teams. These are newly formed teams in many countries. At the Round Table I have a large responsibility of presenting vision for our All Agape gathering in 2012. It is at this Round Table meeting that I will be able to connect with the national leadership teams face to face!
My visa to live in Germany expires October 7th.

I am really glad that God is in control of all time and all circumstances.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

2010-09-02T21:25:00.000+02:00

I was introduced to a little devotional book last Autumn called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. She wrote it from the Lord's perspective using scripture. I am finding that each day I read it, I am drawn into the truth of who God is and who He wants me to be. I wanted to share what I read today:

"Living in dependence on Me is a glorious adventure. Most people scurry around busily, trying to accomplish things through their own strength and ability. Some succeed enormously; others fail miserably. But both groups miss what life is meant to be; living and working in collaboration with Me.

When you depend on Me continually, your whole perspective changes. You see miracles happening all around, while others see only natural occurrences and 'coincidences'. You begin each day with joyful expectation, watching to see what I will do. You accept weakness as a gift from Me, knowing that My Power plugs in most readily to consecrated weakness. You keep your plans tentative, knowing that My plans are far superior. You consciously live, move and have your being in Me, desiring that I live in you. I in you, and you in Me. This is the intimate adventure I offer you. "

2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Acts 17:28; Colossians 2:6-7; John 14:20

2010-09-02T07:04:00.000+02:00

Here is what I wrote today as my Facebook status: Looking for people who will partner with me in prayer and people who will partner with me financially as God allows/calls. Is that you? $10/mo? $25/mo? $50/mo? $70/mo? $100/mo?

And a friend I met last year, when we were both in Rome, wrote this in response: If you've ever thought about supporting a missionary, this would be a great opportunity for you. Purpose to pray weekly or daily or choose to give a financial gift - every little bit helps. Don't think that what you have to give isn't enough. If your not even sure what Melissa does, then have her over for coffee or dinner and give her the opportunity to tell you how God is using her!

numbers

2010-08-20T07:08:00.000+02:00

Today I was thinking about numbers and percentages.

I was thinking...

If everyone I know on Facebook partnered with me financially at $5/mo.

I would be over 300% supported

If everyone who receives my Monthly Musings (not including those who already partner financially with me) partnered with me financially at $5/mo

I would be over 100% supported.

If 50 people partnered with me financially at $25/mo

I would be at about 100% supported

If 30 people partnered with me financially at $50/mo

I would be over 100% supported

If 15 people partnered with me financially at $100/mo

I would be over 100% supported

And 100% support means that I get to move back to Europe and do my jobs there!

It seems crazy to think that way. On the one hand, I know that God is a God of order and logic so if He chooses to go by these numbers.. He can. On the other hand, I know that God's ways are not my ways, and His order and logic do not necessarily follow my logic and order, so if He chooses to bring in my support with other logic and numbers, I trust HIM!

Sharing the vision

2010-08-12T21:32:00.000+02:00

tonight I get to meet new people and share the vision of what God has called me to in Europe. This makes me VERY excited on multiple levels. I want to share two of those with you.

1. meeting new people is something I love to do. It gives me a bigger view of God when I get to see the way He has created people. It gives me a bigger world view when I get to see the cultures that people are living in. It gives me a better understanding of all people.

For example: this past week, I met a woman on the plane ride from Phoenix, AZ to Dallas, TX. We talked for the entire plane ride and that connection proved to be one of the ways God took care of me in Dallas. She lent me her GPS and invited my mom and I to stay her place instead of a hotel. I got to visit her church and meet some of her friends. I now get to pray for her as she grows in her relationship with Jesus and helps her kids grow to know and love God. God is so amazing!

2. Sharing the vision of what God has called me to in Europe is one of my most favorite things. Because God has put the vision and passion in my heart to send the Gospel to the world through investing in Europeans, it is something I can talk about with excitement and joy! People tell me that I come alive when I start to talk about Europeans falling love with Jesus and getting a passion to change the world for Christ. That does not surprise me...because helping Europeans fall in love with Jesus and getting a passion to change the world for Christ.. GIVES ME LIFE!

For example: so many times when I share what God is doing in Europe, people are surprised that there is evidence of God as work in Europe. There are youth, students, business people, atheletes, government officials, and more who are falling in love with Jesus! And I often get to help Europeans see the truth of who God has designed them to be! And God is amazing!

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

2010-07-31T19:33:00.000+02:00

"Give our Lord the benefit of believing that His hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete."

This quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin impacts me in more ways than one. Being in the suspense of not knowing when I will have all my support in so I can move to Italy and feeling incomplete as a single can derail me at times. But the truth that God is in control and that God is leading my every conversation is what keeps me on the right track.

friends

2010-07-26T22:26:00.000+02:00

I have had a group of girlfriends that has been pretty consistent for over 7 years. I do not really remember when we started meeting together as a group.. but all of us have either been roommates, known each other since we were children, went to high school together, and/or worked together. Annie got married a few years ago and moved to Chicago. She comes back once in a while to see family and friends, but I have missed these times since I live in Europe. Well... on Friday we got to hang out together! It was so good! I love these girls for their honesty, their love, their care, their encouragement, and the fact that there is no need to explain myself with them.

Feedback

2010-07-21T00:56:00.000+02:00

What do you think when you hear the word "feedback"?

Are you excited?

Are you afraid?

Do you enjoy giving feedback to others because you want to fix them? Or because you genuinely love them and want them to be all that God intends them to be?

When someone gives you feedback do you accept it graciously and thank them? Or do you lash out at them in retaliation?

Are you afraid that they just mean to cut you down?

Do you wonder if they think they are better than you? Do you think that you are better than them?

In Agape Europe we are striving to be a "feedback culture" in a healthy way.

We are striving to give feedback and to receive feedback in love and truth.

We are not asking that everyone looks for ways to criticize each other.

We are not asking everyone to begin offering feedback whenever and wherever they desire.

We are asking that everyone genuinely care about the growth and development of the other.

We are asking everyone to lay aside pride and to ask for specific feedback in order to grow into the people that God has designed us to be.

We are asking that everyone gives feedback with grace and truth, not to smash the other, but to encourage and exhort the other.

Can you imagine if your group, team, family, organization, church, class, etc... developed a culture of healthy feedback? What if every time someone asked for and received feedback it was followed by prayer?

Or what about "feedforward"? Try this in your group... have everyone write down an area that they want to improve on a piece of paper. Then everyone approaches 3-5 people (one at a time) to ask for their ideas in how to grow in that area.

How often do you get to ask for help in growing in an area?

these days

2010-07-16T00:51:00.000+02:00

I had a lovely time in Estonia and it is hard to believe that I returned over 2 weeks ago. I thought it was less than 2 weeks ago until I just looked at a calendar. Wow... Here are a few photos... The first one:

we had our main meeting in the press room used by the mayor and other top officials for press releases. The two with raised hands as if to ask a question are Hans Pruis and Javier Garcia. Javier is the Agape Europe area team leader and Hans is his very necessary Associate leader.

The second photo is from a viewpoint over Tallinn. It is a beautiful city of over 410,000 people.

And lastly, a photo of me in the Baltic Sea. I can never resist going into the water.

I put a lot more photos of my time in Estonia on Facebook... click me!.

I am learning a lot about the Lord and myself in these days. And more than anything I am seeing more and more evidence of how He provides for me and guides my life.

2012 seems a long way off...

2010-06-21T00:07:00.000+02:00

Do you have things planned for 2012 already?

Planning for 2012 is the reason that I fly to Tallinn, Estonia on Monday 21, June. Estonia is one of the Baltic Countries. It is above Latvia which is above Lithuania. Estonia is also just a short boat ride across from Finland.

Tallinn, Estonia is where we will be having our Agape Europe all staff conference in July of 2012. I have the role of program director for this conference.

My heart is that the staff leave the time knowing that their time and money were well spent. So I pray that the program will contain key elements that help them connect with God, connect with others, and be united in a vision for what God is doing and will do in Europe!

So... tomorrow morning I get on a plane and fly to Estonia to begin planning for 2012. Seems like a long way off.. but it will be here more quickly than we think!

the challenges of a single female raising support

2010-06-14T04:12:00.000+02:00

So, I find that there are some pretty big challenges to being a single female raising support. Feeling alone in the process is just one of them.

A dear friend shared some insights from a book this past week. She told me of a book that a man wrote in which he spends a chapter each on the unique challenges that various different groups face when they are called to find financial support to do the work that God has called them to do.

Later that day I was given a copy of the book by another dear friend. And today I read a lot of it. The things I read about in regards to being a single female missionary

1. There is a bias amongst most American evangelicals against single female missionaries.

I feel this... especially when I pursue churches to partner with me. In general, churches seem to give first priority to couples when is comes to a missionary to partner with. And as much as my home church would not do this intentionally, I know I am not the only single female to feel that prioritization. I do not doubt that I am loved, but I do feel that I am often passed over as a viable missionary simply because I am single and female.

This hurts me because I have no doubt that God has called me and that He has already used me in HUGE ways in Europe and that He will continue to use me in Europe. I get to do things as a single that I will not have the freedom to do when I am married with children.

2. Single female missionaries get smaller financial pledges.

I read that this has been shown to be true as well as the fact that we receive more one-time gifts than monthly pledges. I am not sure why this is true. I can surmise that people just don't think single females will be on the field very long. I have never heard that from anyone. But I do experience the results.

3. Single females face unique challenges in one-on-one meeting with potential ministry partners.

NO KIDDING! I don't have a husband to meet with any single man who might partner with me in this ministry. I know that God is with me every step of the way... but that does not keep me and other friends of mine from awkward situations. The author suggestions that it might be good to take a friend along with me when I meet with people. That would be wonderful for so many reasons! Any one wanna go with me?

So, I share this with you so that you will know more how to pray for me. I get drained emotionally as I try to reach people by phone or email and as I try to meet with people. The American culture trains us to fill up our schedules so that there is not room to make a new friend nor time to hear how we can partner with a missionary.

BUT GOD... I love that phrase.. because it changes everything! But God is the great provider. But God reminds me that I am not alone and that He is with me. So even when I begin to be discouraged at the realities I face... I realize that God's view is more real than my view.

my age group

2010-06-08T02:00:00.000+02:00

I heard something the other day that has stuck in my mind... I heard that it is not common for people my age and younger to give to missions. The person who told me this, asked if I support missionaries. When I said that I did, the person attributed my giving to the fact that I am a missionary and I understand the need.

This makes me wonder... is it true that people my age and younger don't feel a need or call to support missionaries? And if so... why is that?

Are you willing to walk through my thoughts on this here?

Is it because we don't think that the small amount we could give is worth it?
Is it because we value our freedom to go out to dinner whenever we want?
Is it because we don't understand the need to send missionaries or to have missionaries?

Anyone who has been or is relying on the financial support of others to do their work understands that every little and big amount makes a difference.

The people who give 5 dollars a month allow me to get a new pair of socks when my get holes in them.

That is just as important as those who would give 1400 dollars a month which would cover my rent!

In scripture we are called to give according to what we have been given.

Do we value our freedom to choose what we want, when we want it more than we value the gospel spreading to the whole world? When did our priorities get messed up? I think about this all the time actually. If I want to support the missionaries that I support, it means that sometimes I cannot buy that sweater I want right now. Sometimes it means that I need to have my friends over for dinner and we all contribute to the meal instead of us all going out and spending double or triple the money on a meal. What am I choosing to make a higher priority in my spending?

I remember that when I was in my early twenties it was talked about a lot that it makes more sense to support a national in their country to be share the gospel with their nation. I wonder if that still sits with my age group as we think about the value of sending missionaries. It costs more to send me to Rome than to support a national in Rome. But how will we find nationals if we don't go share first? It is because the Christians went to Rome in the first place that Romans came to know Christ as their Lord and began to share the message themselves!

I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I know that one of my greatest joys is investing my prayer and my finances in specific places in the world to see the gospel spread all over the world... so I don't understand why anyone else would not want to be part of what God is doing in the world.

Expectations: letting go and holding on

2010-05-28T02:50:00.000+02:00

You usually do not realize how strongly you hold to your expectations until someone or something forces you to let go of your expectations.

I have a return ticket to Germany for 3 September 2010.

In order for me to use that ticket...

There is the expectation I have...

that I can use that ticket to return to Kandern, say goodbyes, join some meetings I need to be part of and then return to the states if needed or move to Italy if at 100%.

There is an expectation that others have for me...

that I will use that return ticket only if I have 100% of my monthly support coming in.

And I have come up against other unmet expectations recently...

The question I hear lately: Does God really want you to move to Italy?

The question usually follows talk about how I am still looking for ministry partners and not yet in Italy.

It reminds me of the unmet expectations I encounter to the fact that I am not dating or married yet. My own expectations and the expectations of others.

If I am not married yet does that mean God does not want me to get married?

I have full confidence that my desire for marriage and children is from the Lord.

I hold on to my expectations that God will provide in all areas of my life.

He will provide the money for support.

He will provide the wisdom and direction needed for that return ticket and the meetings in September.

He will provide a husband for me.

I hold on to my expectations that God's timing is perfect.

He will provide the money for support when His timing is right.

He will show me when to return to Europe and how to approach it.

He will bring me to my husband and my husband to me when we are ready.

I hold on to my expectations that no one, not even me, can determine my steps better than God.

A great thing about being in the states is time with friends and family... I had a lovely lunch with my brothers yesterday.

Birthdays

2010-05-24T22:56:00.000+02:00

I have spent my birthdays in some pretty random places... Morocco, Cyprus, Germany, Austria... And this year I get to spend it in Portland, Oregon. There are a couple things about my birthday this year that gave me pause to think.

1. Facebook has made it possible for hundreds of the people in my life to wish me a happy birthday without needing to pay postage or phone bills. I was so blessed to hear from so many! And, of course, if it wasn't for Facebook... would we even know that a birthday was coming? I have Facebook to tell me birthdays, my mobile phone to keep phone numbers and emails... What does my brain need to remember for me? I am fascinated by how technology changes our culture.

2. I received a few actually birthday cards in the mail. SO fun!!!! My favorite?! Disney Princess's collection Sleeping Beauty with hand drawings inside by some of the dear little people in my life. Thanks Ems and Josh! and Thanks Lisa and Kevin! Actual cards are fun to hold on to. I will treasure the words in the cards that were sent to me. They won't disappear under countless other wall postings as the greetings on Facebook do.

3. There is a group of ladies that God has put in my life since years ago... and they are so wonderful to celebrate each others birthdays. And this year they gathered together to celebrate with me, my birthday! So great! I was thinking...the men who marry these amazing women... are really lucky... incredible cooks!.. and so much more! Kristin, Bekah, Sara, Jamie, thank you for blessing me! The food and drinks were perfect!

4. On my birthday I had the pleasure of the company of two other dear friends, lunch at a great Lebanese restaurant, ice cream at Cold Stone, lots of laughter, and it ended with some sweet time with the Lord and dear people at the Good Shepherd night of Soaking in His Presence. I do love variety... and the day was a great mix of things... dear people in person, dear people on the phone, dear people on facebook, dear people in church...red roses, fun e-cards, etc. God is good.

Eastern Oregon

2010-05-21T01:37:00.000+02:00

I have never spent time in the North Eastern part of Oregon... until this past week. I landed in Portland on Tuesday evening and went with my mother Wednesday morning to Eastern Oregon. It was a privilege to see what my mom does when she is teaching home health care workers about the being heart-healthy.

As we drove from Portland to Elgin and then from Elgin to Enterprise and then from Enterprise to Ontario and from Ontario to Baker City... I was amazed.. over and over again at the beauty that God has created over there!

So I want to share some photos with you... they do not really even begin to capture the grandeur of what I saw... but it is a glimpse.

Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Oregon...when I saw this.. I thought.. I have some photos of areas in Switzerland like this! Then my mom pointed out this sign...

Thanks Mom!

More views of the amazing mountains...

And as a bonus... we got to hang out for a short time with dear Christina. What a treat!

Back here in Portland it has been raining a lot. Today I drove through a hail/thunder/rain/wind/lightening storm.

Muttertag/Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:07:00.001+02:00

Heute ist Muttertag in Deutschland und in Amerika. Meine Mutter ist wunderschön. Ich wartete den ganzen Tag, um meine Mutter anzurufen, weil es einen 9-Stunden-Zeitzonenunterschied von mir zu ihr gibt. Und ich danke Gott für Technologie. vor 15 Jahren, als ich in Österreich wohnte, könnte ich nicht so leicht benannt haben.

Today is Mother's Day in Germany and in America. My Mother is wonderful! I waited the whole day to call my mother because there is a 9 hour time zone difference between she and I. And I thank God for technology. 15 years ago when I lived in Austria.. it was not so easy to call.

The In-Between Moments.

2010-05-06T23:10:00.001+02:00

A lovely day in early Spring in the hills and vineyards around Kandern

In between my home being in Germany and my home being in Italy...

I am without a place to call home. I know that home is where the heart is. I know that this world is not really my home.

The old song, "this world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through. My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore." keeps going through my head.

I have moved at least 20 times in my life. I have become quite the pro at packing, and even better at making a place a home quickly.

But this time.. I moved out of my flat in Kandern... and I do not yet have a home to move into. So.. my paintings are boxed up, my plants in foster care, my kitchen is in pieces and scattered amongst boxes, my bed is taken apart and my rugs are rolled up. Everything is in storage, waiting. Waiting for the day when I can put it all in a truck and drive down to my new home in Rome.

And in the in-between times... I wait on the Lord. He hears my cry and He answers me!

I actually moved out of my flat in-between meetings in Spain and a conference in Italy. 2.5 days. If it had not been for the help of dear friends in Kandern..it would not have happened. God is good.

the shore of Sitges, Spain where the Next Generation Leader Development group I am part of had our meetings recently. I am amazed at the places God let's me see in this job He has me doing.

Beginning to get excited...

2010-04-21T19:13:00.000+02:00

I think it has been awhile since I was actually excited to be in the states. Not because of the people. I love my friends and family in the states and I miss them a lot when I am not there... but home for me is in Europe. And you know when you miss home... yeah.. that is what it feels like when I am in the states.

This time.. I am beginning to get excited! I am looking forward to fun food places, great hiking opportunities, fantastic camping possibilities and all with people I love. Maybe I will get to go white-water rafting...maybe I will get to go to the coast and hang out...maybe I will get to bike ride along one of the rivers...Maybe I will get to see the Rose Festival in person for the first time in years.

There are so many fun things to do in the Portland area.

I pray that people will respond to the call God puts on them to partner with me in the ministry that He has called me to so I can move to Rome soon. I look forward to how God will orchestrate the whole thing.

I wonder where God will take me in the states to find more ministry partners. Where are the people whom God wants to increase their passion for Europe and their faith in Him?

And what great things will I be blessed to experience?

I arrive in Portland the 11th of May.

Bangladesh

2010-04-10T13:04:00.000+02:00

Some sights and sounds from my recent trip.

Six days is not a very long time to see a new country and culture but we experienced a lot in those 6 days. Many children in rural villages learning to read and write. Many women in these same villages learning to read and write. Crowded streets... they say that you can never be alone in Bangladesh. Beauty amongst the dirt and pollution.

learning to write numbers in English and Bengali.

some of the amazing staff who work in the rural areas of Bangladesh to help the people.

A building project....hundreds of bamboo pieces holding up the recently poured roof

Rice fields as far as the eye can see... in the rural areas of northern Bangladesh

Fresh green coconut juice anyone?

The ever crowded and busy streets of urban Bangladesh

Nicole and I in our traditional clothing with some new dear sisters in the Lord.

The most stunning flowers I have ever seen. I was mesmerized by the detail of these!

Some rural women learning to read and write... and because we were there... the whole village came to see. For many of the villages...we were the first foreigners they had ever seen!

Reflections on my recent time in the states

2010-03-20T11:08:00.150+01:00

So I wrote a great blog post under this title just about a week ago... and lost it after working on it for an hour. I still want to write these things for you so here I will start again. :-)

I want to share all the ways I was overwhelmed by the goodness and grace of God.

1. I got to spend Valentine's Day with some very dear friends. Here is a photo of some of the decoration and these are the friends I got to spend it with.

I am amazed at the goodness of God for friends like these. This photo was taken several years ago.. and since then... I moved to Europe, Kristin survived some health scares and went back to school and has a new job; Sara spent 3 years in Burundi, Africa; Jamie got her degree in Interior Design, Bekah lived in Prague, Czech Republic for a couple years, then got her teaching certificate and is now teaching. All amazing women whom no men have snatched up yet! The men are missing out! And I am so blessed to have dear friends like these.

2. I got to be up on Mt. Hood on a sunny day as I drove over to Prineville, Oregon. I am amazed at the majesty of the mountains.. and even more amazed that God gave man the ability and creativity to figure out how to play on the mountains. God did not have to do that.. but for our enjoyment He did!

In Prineville, lives my adopted Dad Barry and his lovely wife Pam. I am so blessed to have them in my life. My biological father left our family when I was 12 years old. And although that is still a great loss that I feel in my life, I am so amazed that God has given me a father figure who shows me how a father should treat a daughter. It is a great physical representation of what God the father does for us. I am amazed again and again at how God fathers me!

3. I was privileged to attend the woman's retreat from my home church in Oregon. It was one of the two times that I got to see the Oregon coast this time in the states! The theme of the retreat was the Goodness of God. And I was asked to share about how I see God's goodness in the pain of being single longer than I desire to be.

I shared how I recognize the lies that Satan tries to get me to believe and how I combat them. I shared how God has shown me how He delights in me and how He comforts me and walks with me when I am just plain sad. It was so good to connect with the women in this way. We all have unfulfilled longings in our hearts and we need each other to help lift our eyes to truth.

4. I got to see the Oregon Coast TWO TIMES! There are few places more compelling for me than the Oregon coast. The ruggedness and the power of the scene draws me into praising the Lord. This photo is in Newport.

Where do you feel most drawn to praising the Lord? Do you stop and marvel at His creation?

5. My grandfather turned 90 years old in early March and I was with him on that day. 2 days later, he and my grandmother celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. There marriage is not and has not ever been perfect. But 68 years???!!! That is a long time! I could not help but stop several times and thank God for them and for my being able to celebrate with them.

One of the things that I love about my grandpa is that he very intentionally taught me how I should be treated like a lady. To the point of making me get back in the car if I got out before he could open the door for me.

Living overseas, I do not know when I will see them next this side of heaven.. and that is sad to me. So I am thoroughly grateful to the Lord for the precious time with them.

6. Also in Southern California are my Uncle Bill and Aunt Bev. Several years ago when I was wondering what God had in store for me, I seriously considered moving down to be near them. It has been two or more years since I last saw them, so it was a huge blessing to spend some time with them. Here is a photo of us, with my brother and my mother. I love it when God gives us time to connect with those we love!

He did that a lot for me this time in the states. A lot of old connections and some really great new connections. While in Southern California, my mother and I got to go to the 60th birthday party of friends that we have not seen in ages! We kids were all young together years ago. :-) So good to see you Kirkpatricks!

7. have I mentioned the amazing beauty that God gives us to see all the time? So much creativity and so many different colours! Have you ever stopped to realize that every new shade of lipstick or paint or the new season clothing colour.. is simply an imitation of the variety and brilliance of the colours that God created in nature?!

8. On my last night in the states, I went to a worship service at my home church. During my time in that service, I was completely overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I could not stop crying. Several people came and prayed for me. I was overwhelmed by the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. I was overwhelmed that I get to share this message of hope with Europeans! I was overwhelmed by the numbers of people who love me and pray for me. And how precious of the the Lord to allow me this experience before getting on a plane back to Germany.

9. And this photo is because I went to church with my grandparents and this scene struck me. The bread and wine of communion and the offering bags, all laid on the table that is inscribed with these words, : "In remembrance of me." Whew... What an privilege to have a tangible way to remember what God did for us.!

Team

2010-03-03T20:58:00.000+01:00

I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who are confidant that the Lord will bring in all the financial support I need to move to Rome by May. I need those people in my life. I am continually striving to remain faithful to trusting God for His timing and His provision and sometimes it does feel impossible. But GOD....

God

Who is in control of all time and circumstances

Who is more than able to bring in the finances tomorrow if He desires.

Who knows what I need and when I need it

Who knows each person who needs to be part of the ministry team He is putting together for me.

There are so many times in life when we are faced with burdens that are too much for us to bear alone. In scripture, we are told that we are to carry our own loads and carry each others burdens. I find that being a missionary gives me many opportunities to share the burdens. And it gives me many opportunities to share in carrying the burdens of others.

I am so grateful for all those who pray for me and those who give of their finances! The team that God has put together for the ministry He has called me to in Europe... is outstanding! I thank God for the team now and the new members to come.

Update

2010-02-24T07:41:00.000+01:00

Well, today I am about 35% away from being able to move to Italy and begin my new role with Campus Crusade for Christ.

35% of the monthly financial partnership yet to be revealed.

It is amazing how much my heart longs to be in Italy and working in my new roles.

And as I wait, I endeavor to actively wait.

I endeavor to be faithful to share the passion and vision in my heart.

I endeavor to be faithful to pray and trust.

35% and waiting, with hope and great expectation.

Even when my voice is gone.. as it has been the past couple days. :-)

The Path the Lord directs.

2010-02-06T12:40:00.001+01:00

I am reading through the Bible this year. Not at a continually rapid pace, I am savouring it so much as I go. For instance, I read past Exodus 15 a few weeks ago and today I glanced at Exodus 13:17 and was blown away by a truth of the Lord.

Because so many of us are in transition or waiting for transition, I thought I would share with you what God taught me this morning.

Exodus 13:17

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "if they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

How many times have I read that without pausing?

God did not lead them on the shorter path, because what they would have encountered might have made them turn back and not press on to the promised land. Instead He took them the longer way and it was this way that gave them more opportunity to see God do amazing things!

Sound familiar to your life situations? It rings true in my life over and over and over again.

So I remind myself and you...

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14

New things on the blog!

2010-02-04T15:10:00.002+01:00

I was so excited today when I discovered that I can add pages to my blog! this means I can use it more as a complete website than simple a place to share my thoughts! I would love to show you around the new features on my blog. :-)

You will find pages to the left side. Below I have listed the pages and what they contain.

"Home"-that is where you are. Here. This is where I put new postings weekly or more.

"a little bit about me" -if this short history leaves you with questions, please ask them. :-)

"partnering in prayer" -this contains up to date prayer requests. If you want to pray for me, please check this at least weekly.

"partnering financially"-here is information you need to be a financial partner in the ministry God has called me to do.

"CCC/Agape Europe" -Want to know more about Campus Crusade for Christ and the part I work with in Western Europe? click on this page. :-)

Under those pages, is a link for Pray Europe.com Please, please, please check this out!

And below that, I have a twitter account and because it is easy to post updates on that, I have included those updates here. Such as the most recent one as of this post... does anyone have a car I could use while I am stateside finding ministry partners?

What's in a name?

2010-02-02T19:33:00.000+01:00

One of the things going around on Facebook these days... is to go to urbandictionary.com and type in your name to see what it comes up with . I did this.. as if I really have time to do this..

Melissa is a Greek name.
In Greek, it means "honey bee."
In Persian, it means "red rose."
The feminine version of "Melisseus", legendary "King of Crete."
In mythology, it is the name of a princess of Crete who was changed into a bee after she learned to collect honey.

Melissa is a princess name.

When I was growing up, my mom told me that my name means "honey bee" and that it is Greek. She told me I had a choice..... to be sweet like honey or to sting like a bee. The part about being a Princess of Crete who was changed into a bee after learning to collect honey... that is not something I ever knew. :-)

Two years ago in May, I was privileged to be in Greece. And you know what?! There is a town that is named Melissa. Crazy.

And for most of you... I run across your name on street signs or city signs or company signs. I often see a sign and think.. "oh... so my friend "______________"'s name is German, or Finnish, or French... or... :-)

ah and the second and third meanings of the name Melissa on urbandictionary.com...

2. Hottest girl in the known universe

3. a girl, who takes life as it comes,has relationship issues and falls in love easily.

random...

coming to America again

2010-01-31T13:22:00.002+01:00

On February 8th, I will board a plane to Portland, Oregon. I will be stateside until the 15th of March.

Why am I going to America?

Following the Lord as He leads me to new ministry partners so I can move to Rome, Italy.

Last time when I was in the states, I remember people would wonder if it was me.. because they did not know I was planning to be there. :-)

Would you join me in praying that the time I am stateside would be focused and encouraging and refreshing

Last week I was in Spain for a conference. This photo is of my favorite blooms that are in Spain this time of year.

I love how the Lord uses times like that to remind me of who He has called me to be.

A day of public transport, snow and people in Germany

2010-01-18T15:43:00.001+01:00

Last week I went up to Freiburg, DE to see some of the girls who are long term staff with Campus Crusade. Campus fuer Christus. I drove 20 minutes to the train station in Mullheim and waited on this station for the train. Every time a train went by... all of us waiting huddled against the building to avoid the flying snow. It was COLD!
The beautiful thing was the children that were waiting. I love watching children in snow. There was a tanker train that stopped in front of us for a time and there were two boys.. about 9 or 10 years old who got closer and closer until finally one of them reached out and grabbed a hanging icicle from the train. They were both delighted to have achieved this and repeated the action until the train departed.

I got on the train and used the 20 minute train ride to read in Genesis. After arriving at the main train station in Freiburg, I transferred to the S-Bahn (trolley like trains) rode it about 1/2 hour and then transferred to a bus which took me 3 more stops and then I had arrived.

I had a wonderful time with these 3 girls. I love hearing their hearts and encouraging and challenging them in their faith. They bless me so much! Three of us went to the birthday party for one of the girls in their ministry. I had the privilege of meeting several students that they work with and I was reminded again of how much I love students. We ended with dinner together that we made. Quiche and Salad.

Side note:
Growing up I did not like Quiche... but after having it in the Alsace Lorraine region of France .. where it originated. Which is the part of France I live closest to.
Although quiche is now a classic dish of French cuisine, quiche actually originated in Germany, in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, under German rule, and which the French later renamed Lorraine. The word ‘quiche’ is from the German ‘Kuchen’, meaning cake.

So.. We had Quiche and salad for dinner and some great conversation.

Then I got on a bus.. went three stops, got on the S-Bahn for 1/2 hour and arrived at the main train station. It was COLD! I had about 1/2 hour to wait for my train back to Mullheim where my car was located. So I wandered around the train station. A plethora of interesting people at the train stations after 9:00 pm.

The time came for my train to leave so I made my way down to the platform. Then a voice comes over the loudspeaker.. Passegiere auf Gleis 3... and she went on to explain that the train was delayed 15 minutes... five minutes later an additional 5 minutes were added to the delay. To say that I was cold while waiting is an understatement. The snow was coming down, I was literally shaking in my boots. But I was fascinated by a group of men to my left.

Because I live so close to the Swiss and French borders, it is not uncommon to interact with French or Swiss nationals. Basel on the map... is only about 20 minutes from where I live.

These men, 3 of them, did not know each other prior to meeting on track 3. They were all speaking in Swiss German and were all a bit drunk and smoking.
They migrated toward each other and ended up sharing funny stories, and opened the 6 pack of beers that one man had purchased. So.. when the train arrived, the three men, still smoking, with their bottles of beer, boarded the train on the same car as I.

I had to laugh when the train began to head toward Mullheim... One man, whose cigarette was already lit, stood under the no-smoking sign and tried to lite his cigarette. It was a funny and sad moment.

I returned to Mullheim.. found my car... under the snow, cleaned it off and began the slow drive home... slow because of the snow on the roads and the freezing temps. I made it and as I reflected while warming up in a hot bath... We all need Jesus to save us. We all need Jesus to love us. We all need to trust that God is in control. We all look for acceptance around us.

And I am thankful for great public transportation, snow and the people I get to know and meet along the way.

Lonely vs being alone

2010-01-07T12:34:00.002+01:00

I tend to think that being alone is a choice and being lonely is the result of that choice. Sometimes being lonely is not a choice.. sometimes it happens when you do not chose to be alone. But loneliness is either a result of being alone... or the result of feeling alone. Haven't we all been in a room full of people and still felt lonely?

I have discovered over the past 4 years of working with Agape Europe, that I need more alone time... but it is still true that if I have too much alone time...I get lonely. Where is that balance?

I have been reading and studying a lot about the spiritual disciplines of rest and solitude the past year or so... and I find that when I am intentionally alone.. I don't get lonely.

When I am intentional about rest

and

Intentional about cultivating the relationship I have with the Lord

and

Intentional about time to process the things in life... I don't get lonely.

I wonder... how many areas of our lives we just go through instead of approaching them with intentionality. I have a dear friend who a few years ago when she was turning 29 she said... my goal this year is to live intentionally. I shall never forget that. It made an impact on me.

So each year I look at how I can live more intentionally. The list is honestly quite overwhelming. :-)

But of the highest priority... is to intentionally cultivate a deeper walk with the Lord. Which has all sorts of ramifications doesn't it?!

Birthdays

2009-12-23T09:38:00.007+01:00

I like birthdays. I like that they mean a new life. A day of birth! So many of my friends have had babies this past year. So many birthdays to celebrate!

I like that they give us a time every year to ponder again how God has made us. I like that when you have a birthday I am given an opportunity to stop and thank God for you.

December 2nd is Cheryl and Kendra's birthdays
December 6th is Annie's birthday
December 8th is Beth Ann's birthday
December 11th is my mom's birthday
December 14th is Matt M.'s birthday
December 22nd is Deb's birthday
December 23rd is Christina's birthday
December 24th is Jana's birthday

December 25th is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus who gives us new life! When I was a child we had Happy Birthday Jesus Parties at Christmas. The party was a real party with cake and ice cream and punch and the happy birthday song.

I do not celebrate Christmas with a happy birthday Jesus party cake and ice cream anymore, but I do celebrate the birth day of Jesus. And oh what an amazing reason to celebrate!!!! Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.

Babies always bring joy to those around. I watch it on planes, in trains, in churches, at grocery stores...everywhere! And Jesus came as a baby... that Joy goes all over!

2009-12-22T10:40:00.007+01:00

It is Christmas time... and here are a few things that I have seen the past week.

Here are some photos from the Kandern Christmas party. Some of the people I love and will miss greatly when I move to Italy.

SNOW!!!! It snowed in Kandern and these photos are of the beginning of the snow fall.

I drove through the snowy weather to meet up with some friends who were up from Italy. We met in my favorite city of Switzerland. Luzern.
I had so much fun I forgot to take photos most of the time. which is sad... because Luzern was stunning in the snow!

Here are some photos of Lausanne, Switzerland... French speaking Switzerland.
The International Christmas market in Lausanne where we saw the First Bagpipe Band of Switzerland perform.. this lady was amazing! And from the top of the hill overlooking Lausanne...

And then I drove home... through a lot of snow and cold. It was stunningly beautiful.

And so... tomorrow I get on a train to get to Frankfurt and catch a plane to Riga Lavtia to visit good friends for Christmas! I am so excited to have this time to be amazed at the Gift God has given us and to share it with good friends.

sleeping and eating patterns

2009-12-18T07:31:00.006+01:00

My sleeping and eating patterns are not easily recognizable as patterns these days.

Sleeping:
Some days I am ready to go to bed.. literally falling asleep in my chair or on my couch by 7pm. Some days I cannot go to sleep until 1am. Some days I am awake from 3 am or 4 am or 5 am until a nap later in the day.

Eating:
Some days I am hungry at normal meal times.. 7am, 12ish, 6pm. Some days I am really really hungry at 10am or 3pm, or 11pm, or... And why when I eat a good meal am I hungry not more than an hour later?

Reasons:

Jetlag... The German word for the reason that you are so tired at strange times after crossing several time zones is... Jetlag. I have seen many beautiful sunsets, sunrises, mountains, oceans and cities from the window seat of an airplane the past few months.

Finding ministry partners...there is a six to nine hour time zone difference between myself and the people I am trying to contact. This means that sometimes, I am actually trying to get up at 3am. I love the people God brings together on this ministry team!

The weather... It is 8am right now. (I have been awake since 5:30am) Outside my balcony window I see a light grey sky. The day is beginning to show itself as day. I love the description in the creation account of day and night. Genesis 1:3-5 "And God said, 'let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night. And there was evening and there was morning the first day." I LOVE the light. I love the day. This time of year the sun does not show itself very much in this part of the world.

faith in all areas of life

2009-11-22T03:28:00.003+01:00

When God calls me to have faith He is calling me to have faith (full stop)

He is not calling me to have faith just during times of raising support or times of waiting for a husband. He is not calling me to have faith just when I plunge into new adventures or travels. He is not calling me to just have faith when my heart breaks over those who do not have hope in Christ. He is not calling me to just have faith when I enter into difficult situations.

He is calling me to have faith in Him through all situations and relationships in life.

Have you ever thought about how your life would be different if you truly entered into all situations and relationships full of faith?

I feel like I am daily processing what this means.

God has given me a deep desire to be married and have children. Yet I will trust that God will provide this life adventure in His timing.

I know God has called me to move to Rome, Italy and this means I need to find the ministry partners that He is providing. I will trust that He knows where the money will come from.

I have friends in many different difficulties and I wish I could ease their pain. I trust that God is the best at easing pain and fixing difficult situations. I also trust that God is the only one who can give me the wisdom to care and listen and offer words of hope and peace.

It helps me to look for the evidences of the things not yet seen. Hebrews 11:1-- do you have that one memorized? :-)

God has allowed me to see evidences of His faithfulness all over the place!

Unexpected people joining my ministry team.
Confirmations that I am marriage material.
Friends growing in their faith.
and more...

Do you see the evidences that God leaves you of His faithfulness?

Book I think every Christian should read

2009-11-21T00:25:00.003+01:00

If you have not read this you need to.

Bo's Cafe is a fiction book about living authentically. I read it on my flights to Omaha from Portland. A quick but impactful book.

the energy and exhaustion of sharing my heart

2009-10-20T01:24:00.004+02:00

so I returned from Northern California this past Saturday night. It was so good to be with dear friends and to be able to share the passion that God has put on my heart to see Europeans know Jesus. My dear friends Mikey and Jamie Shaw and their lovely daughter Mercy Cadence were my hosts for the week. I LOVE them! I did not get many photos of them.. but here is one of Mikey and Mercy. This little family, introduced me to many of their family and friends and arranged opportunities for me to share with several different groups. It is such a blessing to have people like this on my team.
I was blessed to share with the Sparkies and 3-5th graders at AWANA. I even remembered the Sparky theme song... So I got to tell them about being a light to the world like it says in their song.

And with the 3-5th graders, I got to share with them from Proverbs 3:5... a verse they either have or will soon memorize. I also taught them how to count to five in German. My friend Jamie has some of those kids in school...and she said that they next day they were still trying to count in German. I love kids!

Then I got to share with bigger kids.... Jr. High and High school age students.... Isaiah 25:1, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 15:4.... don't we all want hope? And those of us who know Jesus have hope and we need to share that with everyone! And of course... in High school you have crazy games with saran wrap, tin foil and paper towels.
I was blessed to share with adults who were in their early 20s and late 80s and every age in between. I do not know what God plans to do out of that yet... But I do love expanding the vision for reaching Europe!

On the trip back, I was exhausted... but I got to see Mt. Shasta with snow. and many many many amazing fall colours. God is so amazing in His vast displays of nature! I crossed the Sacramento River, the Shasta River, the Shasta lake, the Kalamath River and went up to 4,000+feet high and back down again. I wonder if God ever just stops and admires his creation today? I am continually amazed.
So... while sharing over and over and over is exhausting... it is also energizing and it does remind me that with God... nothing is impossible.

The in between moments

2009-10-13T19:13:00.008+02:00

As I am in the states, it is fun to reconnect with the people I love and the culture I come from. It is also fun to trust the Lord to work out who will be part of the team He is putting together for me to get to Italy where He has called me to go. hmm.. that is a lot riding on the Lord. :-) I am okay with that.

It was really fun to go to the Portland Timbers game with my brother and his wife. the Portland soccer scene was really fun to see!
I got to be around for my dear friend Bekah's birthday! I love celebrating life events with my friends and family.
And then I drove to northern California on Sunday. Some things I saw on the way....

this sign at a rest area made me laugh...

And another beautiful mountain.... Mount Shasta... a lovely view after crossing over the Siskiyou Mountains.
I am in northern California sharing the vision God has given me to reach Europeans with the Gospel and to be part of the development and care of Europeans to be who Christ has called them to be. I pray that God would expand this vision and increase the team.

I am in Portland

2009-10-01T03:46:00.003+02:00

I am in Portland. Arrived last night. Today I helped get my grandparents to the airport and on a plane so they could go back down to southern California. It has been a long time since I could go to the gate with someone to say goodbye. And after being at the airport 2 times within a 24 hour span after 24 hours of being awake.. I am not very coherent. :) I was confused when a friend told mentioned her sister... because I got her sister mixed up with another friend's sister... both of whom I know really well. Ah.. Jetlag. fun times.

going to the States...

2009-09-27T10:48:00.005+02:00

Tuesday I fly to Portland. If you have been there.. you may have seen this sign. I love this sign. It makes me think of all the ways God calls us into different places to fulfill the Great Commission.

My arrival to the states begins a time of discovering whom God has been prompting to join my ministry team for the calling He has given me to work and live in Rome, Italy.

This is an interesting prospect during these economic times. But I have to believe that God is still the master and holder of all finances. He is the one who clothes the flowers in finery and feeds the birds of the air. He is the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is Jehovah Jireh, my provider.I find it humorous how we try to figure things out for God to provide. For example. When I look at how much money it will take for me to live and work in Rome, I can figure out that if all my facebook friends gave 10 dollars, I would have enough to move and settle in. And if all my facebook friends gave 3 dollars a month, I would have enough to live and work in Rome.

But... God does not go by our calculations does He?! And isn't that a good thing?! I do not know how God is going to do this. But I trust that He will.

I am looking forward to seeing so many of you.

"Crazy Love" -Francis Chan

2009-09-20T16:32:00.004+02:00

I am reading a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Special thanks to my dear friend who sent it to me!

page 42:
Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.

Basically these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional.

As I look ahead to the next couple months, I have many opportunities to sin in these areas.

God has called me to work in Italy.
And I see how this could leave me wanting to fall into worry and stress...
It costs considerably more to live and work in Italy than it does to live where I am now. The economy as we see it in the media and in life around us is in crisis. Where is God going to provide the resources for this move and change? Who is He calling to join me financially? Are there people whom God has prepared?
I am in Rome right now for a few days before I go to the states. As I look around, learn about the people, see the need they have for Christ, I know again that God has called me here and I know again that I need to trust that He is the great provider and I need to not worry or stress.. Oh Lord, may I not sin in these ways!

getting rid of junk

2009-08-20T22:04:00.003+02:00

Twice a year there is an occasion when all the residents of Kandern put their junk out on the sidewalk in front of their houses. Everything from potting pots, to mattresses, to mirrors, to couches, to random statues show up on the streets this day. It is the most messy you will ever see the streets in Kandern. But it is for a purpose.
This twice yearly day is a way for the residents to purge the things from their houses. I think it is brilliant! All day, anyone who decides that one person's junk is another person's treasure may take that junk to their house. The following day, the trucks come and take the remaining items to the dump. I put out an old coffee table and someone took it. I could not think of who might need it so now someone who needs it has it... I hope. :-)

The thing that it makes me think of...is how we often hold onto the junk in our lives. The junk we can see with our physical eyes and the junk we can't see with our physical eyes. We all hold onto junk in our lives. Stuff that clutters up our minds and hearts and our homes.

Have you ever cleaned out a room in your house and felt the lightness and freedom and freshness that it brings? Have you ever cleaned out the thoughts in your head or the lies in your heart and felt the lightness and freedom and freshness that it brings?

How often do we intentionally go through the things in our houses to get rid of junk? ...other than the times we need to move.

How often do we go before the Lord to ask Him to go through the junk that piles up in our lives which clutters our relationship with Him?

Something to ponder.. and for me... something to take more action on.

Streams of living water can't flow through my life if it is cluttered with junk.

Thanks for praying!

2009-08-13T13:08:00.002+02:00

I have slept well two nights in a row now. Ah.. sleep is a beautiful thing. Designed by God to give our bodies energy, to remind that each day brings new challenges and excitement.. sleep is a good thing!

Jet Lag

2009-08-08T11:58:00.002+02:00

Jetlag- a temporary disruption of the body's normal biological rhythms after high-speed air travel through several time zones.

I hope this disruption of my body's normal biological rhythms is temporary. I have not been able to sleep normally since my return to Germany.

trusting God to provide

2009-07-27T05:24:00.005+02:00

As a missionary, I am on a constant adventure of finding out who God is preparing to partner with me financially and prayerfully. I love that God does not call me to go out alone into the mission field to which He has called me. He provides ministry partners along the way.

People who pray for me and for the requests that I send out. People who give financially. I am humbled and amazed by the people who give sacrificially so that I can do what God has called me to do.

Especially when I think of the financial crisis that is hitting everyone in the world. It would be easy for us all to stop giving in fear of not having enough. Isn't that what the man who stored up grain in Luke chapter 12 was doing?

I think of that as I tithe and support other ministries and missionaries. It is a temptation for me to stop giving so that I will be sure and have enough. but that is not what God calls me to do. He calls me to give faithfully and trust Him to provide for me.

It is an interesting way of living.. being a missionary. I love it! I love that God opens my eyes to see the world in need as He sees it. I love sharing with my ministry partners what God is doing in Western Europe. I love that I am continually faced with trusting God to provide for me. I love that God puts me on the hearts of others as they pray for me and give to the ministry.

Isn't God good?! I was watching a sparrow today and it reminded me of Matthew 6:26- "look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them."

I can trust the provision of my heavenly Father who even cares for the tiny birds. He will provide people to partner with me. He will provide people who pray fervently for me and the places that God is using me. And He will provide for those who partner with me.
God is good!

it is about God.

2009-07-25T16:27:00.002+02:00

so I am in Colorado right now at the Campus Crusade for Christ US staff conference. This occurs every two years and it is a gathering of all those in the US who are called by God go reach students and faculty on campuses, to reach Athletes, to reach families, etc...

I go because it helps me to understand this organization that I am a part of now.

This year, I heard the Vice President of the Americas speak about how we all need to be more about God than about the organization. This was music to my ears. I have been struck in the recent months with how often we as Christians focus on the the thing that God has given us to do rather than on the Lord Himself. We are called to worship the creator not the created! We are called to give our lives to Christ, not to give our lives to our work!

I go because it is here that I am blessed to see people from all over the organization that are dear to my heart.

Do you ever wish that you could have all those dear to you in one place? I wish that a lot. And here in Ft. Collins, CO, i have the privilege of having many who are dear to me in one place. It is so fun to run into people that I joined staff with, or went through international training with, or met when they were part of a conference that I organized in Europe, or met some other random way. I love hearing stories and sharing the heart that God has given to me too. There is something so sweet about hearing and sharing what God is doing in the world.

So... it is about God. God IS. there has never been anyone like Him there will never be anyone like Him. Amen?! Amen!

life these past days

2009-06-21T15:51:00.003+02:00

I have been blessed with some dear friends over the years and I love that God does not ever leave me alone in that department.
In the end of May, my friend Amy came with her dear mother Sue. As I have written before, it is so pleasant to be in the company of friends who have known you for ages. Thank you both for coming!!!!
May was also a time of Spargel!!!!! Asparagus to the English speakers. SO good! There is a small group of us in Kandern that makes it a point to get together when we are all in town to enjoy some of the local seasonal delights like Spargel.

Also in May I had another Birthday. And even though some key friends were not able to be there, I enjoyed the company of all who came! And a HUGE thank you to Rick and Mary Beth Holladay for hosting it. A beautiful May day for a BBQ!
Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold. ... that song goes through my head any time I am thinking of the people God allows me to enjoy in life. One such person whom I have only known since December of this past year is Kari Sue. :-) She is a delight! She works with the English Camps that are held at Black Forrest Academy each year. I thank God for her! We went to the Alps a week ago and at one point we were saying.. "has it really only been since December?" That is what happens when you have a kindred spirit.

So in the midst of preparing for some time stateside, and planning for the upcoming transitions in my role and living place, I have been delighted by God's provision of friendships.