During the candidate week at The Mission Society we participated in a ropes course. The events were fun, and I enjoyed the team building exercises, although, at one point, I was sitting around waiting for other people to make some decisions. I found myself completely bored, wanting to move on, better things awaited us, and I could hardly stand it!
I was vocal, I stated that I was bored, but when my part came along, I gladly helped out and added my piece, although, I really just wanted to move on. Two big observations about myself; one, I was vocal, and two, I have this need to be doing something, pretty much all the time.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ethiopian Food
One of the nights of missionary candidate week, we took a trip to a local Ethiopian Restaurant--Queen of Sheba. We did not know where we were going, other than to eat an international meal. We were told upon arrival of one caveat, we could not speak English, nor could English be spoken to us! This was by far one of my favourite experiences I had all week.
To order our food we could act like animals and point--to find out what type of meat it was, we could make faces, but under no circumstances could we speak English. I did cheat so that I could drink some sweet tea, but seeing a bunch of adults trying to figure out what to eat and choosing the most random of items (the menu was give to us in another language), was quite difficult, and absolutely hilarious!
The food was excellent. Ethiopian food is served on one big platter, "sponge" bread at the bottom, each persons meat order on top of the bread. We would take a piece of sponge bread and meat, and then eat off of the platter, each of us trying each others special dish! And yes, we ate with our hands! =)
At the end of the meal we celebrated Jennifer's birthday with a coffee ceremony. We were brought coffee beans to smell, before the coffee was brewed. The coffee was served in tiny--maybe 2 oz. cups, with popcorn. In Ethiopia coffee is typically served at breakfast. Popcorn or nuts are given with the coffee, because people do not want to eat a heavy meal, before manual labor. I did eat a little bit of popcorn and coffee--even though I do not care for either, it was a cultural experience that I enjoyed.
To order our food we could act like animals and point--to find out what type of meat it was, we could make faces, but under no circumstances could we speak English. I did cheat so that I could drink some sweet tea, but seeing a bunch of adults trying to figure out what to eat and choosing the most random of items (the menu was give to us in another language), was quite difficult, and absolutely hilarious!
The food was excellent. Ethiopian food is served on one big platter, "sponge" bread at the bottom, each persons meat order on top of the bread. We would take a piece of sponge bread and meat, and then eat off of the platter, each of us trying each others special dish! And yes, we ate with our hands! =)
At the end of the meal we celebrated Jennifer's birthday with a coffee ceremony. We were brought coffee beans to smell, before the coffee was brewed. The coffee was served in tiny--maybe 2 oz. cups, with popcorn. In Ethiopia coffee is typically served at breakfast. Popcorn or nuts are given with the coffee, because people do not want to eat a heavy meal, before manual labor. I did eat a little bit of popcorn and coffee--even though I do not care for either, it was a cultural experience that I enjoyed.
Real worship!
While I was in Atlanta, GA, for The Mission Society candidate week, I had some fantastic opportunities to try and experience new ways/things. Among them, my favourite had to be going to a refugee church--Celebration Fellowship.
Our group arrived at church a few minutes late and took some seats in the back of the school auditorium, where the church meets. Immediatly we were welcomed and became active participants of the service. Sitting next to me was a Thai man and his family. As I would sing in English, he would sing his praises in Thai. In front of me were some Bhutanese, and behind me were some Asian people. I was surrounded, right here in America, by a wealth of different nationalities and each of them were praising God in their heart language, and in their own way.
A Bhutanese man, who was sitting a couple rows in front of me started singing, in his native language, in his chair. He continued to sing, making his way up to the stage area, his three year old son following, where he began to lead the worship in song and praise. After this man and his son had left, another black woman, walked up to the stage to lead songs of praise and worship. A father came up to the stage, playing the guitar, his young daughters singing. No one ever questioned if they were good enough, or if they belonged on the stage, people responded to Christ, without fear of rejection, without wondering if they would be accepted! The praise and worship was amazing, heartfelt, they glorified and exalted God, showing their loyalty and admiration to Jesus Christ!
Our sermon was preached in three different languages--thus we received three sermons over one text. I loved worshiping with people in Thai, Bhutanese, Swahili, English, and other various languages!
Our group arrived at church a few minutes late and took some seats in the back of the school auditorium, where the church meets. Immediatly we were welcomed and became active participants of the service. Sitting next to me was a Thai man and his family. As I would sing in English, he would sing his praises in Thai. In front of me were some Bhutanese, and behind me were some Asian people. I was surrounded, right here in America, by a wealth of different nationalities and each of them were praising God in their heart language, and in their own way.
A Bhutanese man, who was sitting a couple rows in front of me started singing, in his native language, in his chair. He continued to sing, making his way up to the stage area, his three year old son following, where he began to lead the worship in song and praise. After this man and his son had left, another black woman, walked up to the stage to lead songs of praise and worship. A father came up to the stage, playing the guitar, his young daughters singing. No one ever questioned if they were good enough, or if they belonged on the stage, people responded to Christ, without fear of rejection, without wondering if they would be accepted! The praise and worship was amazing, heartfelt, they glorified and exalted God, showing their loyalty and admiration to Jesus Christ!
Our sermon was preached in three different languages--thus we received three sermons over one text. I loved worshiping with people in Thai, Bhutanese, Swahili, English, and other various languages!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Another book donation!
I will be receiving my 2nd book donation shortly! Yay! :) Neighbors and friends from church are the best! =)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Get busy living, or get busy dying!
My headphones broke about a month ago. They are still under warranty and I am waiting on a replacement set. In the meantime, I run on the treadmill and use the Nike+. I am also training for the San Antonio half marathon. Today was a 14 mile run. Due to my lack of headphones, I chose to watch Shawshank Redemption while running. Perfect movie to watch!
What struck me interesting was in the past, my favourite part of the movie was when Andy Defresne had escaped, his moment of glory, the first taste of freedom in 19 years. That is no longer my favourite part.
I am now most excited at the very end when Red rejoins with his comrade Andy. Red was not just free from prision, he was redeemed--set free! Red made a conscience choice to get busy living! Another character in the movie, Brooks chose to get busy dying, and later committed suicide. It was through Andy, that Red had the hope, the dream, the vision, to get busy living! I want to be like Andy, the person that shares the hope, the dream, the vision, of living for Jesus Christ!
What struck me interesting was in the past, my favourite part of the movie was when Andy Defresne had escaped, his moment of glory, the first taste of freedom in 19 years. That is no longer my favourite part.
I am now most excited at the very end when Red rejoins with his comrade Andy. Red was not just free from prision, he was redeemed--set free! Red made a conscience choice to get busy living! Another character in the movie, Brooks chose to get busy dying, and later committed suicide. It was through Andy, that Red had the hope, the dream, the vision, to get busy living! I want to be like Andy, the person that shares the hope, the dream, the vision, of living for Jesus Christ!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Book Donation
I received my first book donation today! And as always, perfect timing from God. I finished my last book, on Thursday afternoon, and Saturday evening a friend brought "Basic Christianity" by John Stott for me to read. =) Yay for blessings!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Help, I’m taking Pre Calculus!
One of my students, from four years ago, texts me every morning to say, “Good morning!” Occasionally I will respond, although, not every day. On Thursday morning, I happened to respond with a “How’s math?” Her response, “Bad.” My reply, “Call me, tonight.” Her response, “Okay, I will :).” Come later that evening, she had not called, but I know she is a smart girl and it can be hard to take the initiative, especially when you need help with something.
I called her and asked if she was busy, and if she had time to work on her math. She dropped what she was doing, and over the phone we discussed her math problems. I was pleasantly surprised at what she remembered from my math class and future math classes. In speaking with her, I discovered it was not the math that she did not understand; rather it was the steps and the process. Once she realized that it was a bunch of algebra in one big package, she was excited and well on her way!
It makes me wonder how often we miss a step in the process and God is saying, “Silly, girl!” Maybe we were too hurried, or too busy. It also makes me wonder how often we really do know what to do and how to do it, but we are so caught up with what we do not know that we are not moving on. I often tell my kids, “Don’t tell me what you cannot do, show me what you can do!” Are we not moving on because we cannot, or is it because we are not asking for help, when it is directly in front of our face? Once my former student got past that sticky step in the problem, she was golden! God showed me through this situation that I am still connecting with these students and He can and will use me, even if it is not in the way I “planned.”
I called her and asked if she was busy, and if she had time to work on her math. She dropped what she was doing, and over the phone we discussed her math problems. I was pleasantly surprised at what she remembered from my math class and future math classes. In speaking with her, I discovered it was not the math that she did not understand; rather it was the steps and the process. Once she realized that it was a bunch of algebra in one big package, she was excited and well on her way!
It makes me wonder how often we miss a step in the process and God is saying, “Silly, girl!” Maybe we were too hurried, or too busy. It also makes me wonder how often we really do know what to do and how to do it, but we are so caught up with what we do not know that we are not moving on. I often tell my kids, “Don’t tell me what you cannot do, show me what you can do!” Are we not moving on because we cannot, or is it because we are not asking for help, when it is directly in front of our face? Once my former student got past that sticky step in the problem, she was golden! God showed me through this situation that I am still connecting with these students and He can and will use me, even if it is not in the way I “planned.”
Friday, September 26, 2008
Pythagoras and other fun people...
Monday afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with my friends, Derek and Claire, and their daughter Noelia, to discuss their upcoming trip to Bolivia. This was a great time of encouragement and excitement for me. This family will be joining a ministry in Bolivia with Food for the Hungry. Derek and Claire are 99% pledged fund raised for the next three years! I had the pleasure of learning about the different trainings they have gone to and will be going to, as well as the the joy of spending time with people I love most dearly.
Today was another Habitat build day! I spent the morning and afternoon on the roof. I helped measure, draw chalk lines, shingle, and hold down stuff so people could nail. The less vibration the better. And YES, we used Geometry! Pythagorean triples--3, 4, 5 triangles, and 6, 8, 10 triangles were used to make straight lines on the roof! See, isn't math cool? I used it on the roof today. Who would've ever thunk? You never know when those classes come into use.
God continues to show me his faithfullness. I should start substitute teaching next Monday. Yay for a job! :)
Today was another Habitat build day! I spent the morning and afternoon on the roof. I helped measure, draw chalk lines, shingle, and hold down stuff so people could nail. The less vibration the better. And YES, we used Geometry! Pythagorean triples--3, 4, 5 triangles, and 6, 8, 10 triangles were used to make straight lines on the roof! See, isn't math cool? I used it on the roof today. Who would've ever thunk? You never know when those classes come into use.
God continues to show me his faithfullness. I should start substitute teaching next Monday. Yay for a job! :)
Monday, September 22, 2008
HFH and Piedras Negras
On Friday morning I went out to work at the Habitat House for a couple hours, before I went to lunch with a good friend. Chuck and I worked on some roof decking. Mom made a comment to another worker about me going up on the roof. "Faith's just in her natural habitat, literally. When I was pregnant with her, I was on the roof."
Saturday morning, I woke up extra early, went running, and then left for Piedras Negras, Mexico, with five other men at the church. Our job: Install AC ducts. Token young person and female: myself. Person up in the rafters: myself.
We first took wire and pieces of wood to make "trapezes". Once up on the "scaffolding," Rick and I took the wire and looped it through a rafter. Myself on one side, Rick on another side about 2 feet away from me. Once looped around the rafter, we placed the bottom of the wire, Mexican proper, belly button height high, through a piece of wood, and then looped that to create the "trapeze."
I am thankful for the opportunity I had to go bouldering (rock climbing without ropes) at Austin Rock gym over labor day weekend. I learned how to trust my body. As I was climbing up the ladders and onto our "scaffolding" I remembered some of the ways that I was able to move and maneuver my body while climbing, thus it played a role in my ability to help out in Mexico. You never know when a day of fun will come into use! :)
In Piedras Negras I ate the smallest tacos I have ever had, drove past the largest brewery ever--Corona is building it, helped move furniture, made AC vents, helped hang the vents (as told above), cut pieces of tape, and picked up quite a bit of trash. Oh and I went through the shortest border lines I have ever seen or been through!
Saturday morning, I woke up extra early, went running, and then left for Piedras Negras, Mexico, with five other men at the church. Our job: Install AC ducts. Token young person and female: myself. Person up in the rafters: myself.
We first took wire and pieces of wood to make "trapezes". Once up on the "scaffolding," Rick and I took the wire and looped it through a rafter. Myself on one side, Rick on another side about 2 feet away from me. Once looped around the rafter, we placed the bottom of the wire, Mexican proper, belly button height high, through a piece of wood, and then looped that to create the "trapeze."
I am thankful for the opportunity I had to go bouldering (rock climbing without ropes) at Austin Rock gym over labor day weekend. I learned how to trust my body. As I was climbing up the ladders and onto our "scaffolding" I remembered some of the ways that I was able to move and maneuver my body while climbing, thus it played a role in my ability to help out in Mexico. You never know when a day of fun will come into use! :)
In Piedras Negras I ate the smallest tacos I have ever had, drove past the largest brewery ever--Corona is building it, helped move furniture, made AC vents, helped hang the vents (as told above), cut pieces of tape, and picked up quite a bit of trash. Oh and I went through the shortest border lines I have ever seen or been through!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Hurricane Evacuee Shelter
This morning between 4AM-11:30AM I worked the Special Needs Hurricane Evacuee Shelter at First Presbyterian Church. For the first few hours I made a puzzle, played with some dominoes, and made myself available. Between 8AM--11:30AM I took care of some organizational needs, and created a rules poster (8x)! It was a neat opportunity and I might take the chance to go volunteer at the shelter later this week.
One of the men, who wears a size 15 shoes, was without shoes. God is so good. He provided a pair of shoes for this man, through a member of the congregation!
One of the men, who wears a size 15 shoes, was without shoes. God is so good. He provided a pair of shoes for this man, through a member of the congregation!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Where do you serve?
On Friday, I was given the opportunity to serve either at the Habitat House, or with the shelter down at the church, for people evacuating Galveston due to Hurricane Ike. I chose to go down and work the Habitat House. A group of four of us, Tammi, Steve, Eric, and myself worked on roof decking together. We also did some blocking. Other people worked on installing windows, and siding.
I enjoyed working at the Habitat House, especially with the group of people I was with. We made a positive and encouraging team, making sure to say things such as "good job", "high-five", and "way to go" as we were working with one another! Everybody likes encouragement along the way! I don't know which would have been the "better" choice, but it looks like I might have another opportunity to work the shelter on Monday, if people are still evacuated.
Funny, but true story. As I was climbing down the ladder, off of the roof, at the end of the day, I hit my knee! I have a pretty bruise now.
I enjoyed working at the Habitat House, especially with the group of people I was with. We made a positive and encouraging team, making sure to say things such as "good job", "high-five", and "way to go" as we were working with one another! Everybody likes encouragement along the way! I don't know which would have been the "better" choice, but it looks like I might have another opportunity to work the shelter on Monday, if people are still evacuated.
Funny, but true story. As I was climbing down the ladder, off of the roof, at the end of the day, I hit my knee! I have a pretty bruise now.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Arn-Man!
My cousin, Arnie Chycoski passed away at 1:20 PST, September 10, near Olympia Washington. I had the honour of visiting the Fairmont Empress hotel with Arn-man when I was visiting Sher and Arnie a few years back. It's one thing to go to a hotel, it's another to go to a hotel and hear stories about playing in different areas at the Fairmont Empress. I was blessed by his generosity on many different occasions. I specifically remember walking around Victoria, and Arnie dropping money into peoples cases, as we were enjoying the music. I have loved Victoria since my vacation with Arn-man! I love you too, Sher! be blessed!
Bowling
I went bowling with a good friend on Sunday night. What struck me as incredibly uncanny was the pure fact as my friend and I would encourage and lift up one another, those around us were doing so as well. Our "neighbors" became much more fun to be around, and their comments to one another were wholesome and appropriate, rather than tearing down!
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