Patterns

Pickup game of soccer.

Watching 'Hop' at Carlos and Elizabeth's house.

      It seems I'm developing a routine for blogging on Wednesdays.  I suppose that's fine.  It's the middle of the week, "hump day" as some like to call it because once you get over the Wednesday hump, it's all downhill- easy sailing.  There is something about a good Wednesday that everyone likes.

     Well once again, it seems that I only have a few major things to report on - and when I say major, I mean somewhat eventful.  That's kind of how it is down here... somewhat eventful, never too eventful though! That would just be too much to handle.  I think I'm adjusting to that - at least I'm hoping I am.  I think that the biggest feat is adjusting my attitude to it over anything else!  I feel I'm doing a decent job.  Everyone can always improve though, no matter what your feat is... there is always someone out there who is doing it better than you.  There's a lesson! Don't compare yourself to others!  It's not fair.  And God doesn't do it.  He loves us all completely equally; no matter how much better I get at managing my attitude and finding joy in Him, He won't ever love me any more.  What an amazing thing, really.

     So onto my week... you know... I am really having to think about what I have done this past week.  Memories are so forgetful!

    Thursday we went Siparia, Trinidad for a day of family/church fun and fellowship called FamJam.  It's goal is to get families from churches from all over Trinidad to come.  Sadly, there were only two other churches besides ours to show.  It took me by surprise also to see the lack of families.   For a family day, there was a definite lack of grouped father, mother, and children.  I think I'm seeing a bit of communication errors, or lack of will to have effective communication, as a pattern here.  It's frustrating for not only me, but the locals here too. 

     Anyway, the day consisted of a worship time then competitive games.  The 3 churches competed against each other for points in 5 different events (3 of which I was in!).  I got to participate in a march to kick off the games (we won), a tug-of-war (we won), and a water-balloon toss (the only event we lost).  I passed on the football (soccer) and the cricket games.  It was a really hot day and even just watching them run around made me sweaty.  Then the kids got to take a swim in the pool to cool off.  It was a full day of fun and competition (they are far too competitive for me!).  Yes, I did end up with a sunburn on my face, and all the little Trini kids wondered "why my face was pink like a cherry." 

     Friday, we got to relax and recover from the previous day's activities.  I also got to meet with my girls for our first Bible study!  What was 3 girls turned into 4, and maybe more to come!  It went relatively well.  They all are intrigued by me and have respect for me so behavior problems weren't an issue at all!  What was difficult was that I was really hoping they would have more questions about the passage that we went through together.  It seemed I was doing most of the talking- practically begging them to ask even questions about me and my life.  In the end, a few started to come out of their shell!  All I have to say now is that within a day of that Bible study, they all added me on Facebook and I am so excited to meet with them again!  (P.S. I decided to go through James with them also!)

     Saturday and Sunday were more days for 'relaxation'.  However, Sunday was very enjoyable because we went to visit some family friends in Arima.  They have a little boy, so all the kids played together.  We even got to watch a movie on a projector screen and eat popcorn!  

     On Monday, the church held a "couple's night".  They showed the movie Fireproof and brought in a speaker from the States to talk about healthy marriages.  I was on babysitting duty so I didn't get to sit in on that.  It sounded like it was really successful though.  Something like 25 couples showed up and the speaker, Pas. Tony Hart, had a great message.  He's also doing a 3-day seminar in Calcutta about good marriages.  We went up to that tonight.  I actually really enjoyed it.  He had great things to say, that applied to all relationships, not just marriage.

     So....here are just a few more accounts of my daily life right now.  I hope that I'm not boring you too much, but I'm doing the best with what I'm being given! 

     You can pray once again for my attempts at capturing a positive attitude always.  Also, keep pray for the girls I'm meeting with weekly (Britney, Caitlan, Reann, and Ralista) and also for Trisha.  One more thing,  I'm a bit nervous about some interviewing that I'll be doing shortly.  I have quite a few people on my list that I'm supposed to interview and learn things from.  Just pray that I'll have courage to ask questions that prompt good conversation.  The goal is for me to learn more about missions and discipleship here in Trinidad and things like that.

     Okay, well thanks to those of you who are reading this and extra thanks to those who read and also pray for me.  I covet your prayers!!

Simplicity

     Hey guys!

     Since I last wrote, a lot has happened, yet hardly much has happened.  I'm coming up on it being 2 weeks for me in Trinidad.  THAT is hard to believe, but I have to be honest and say that I am still anxious for home as much as I may love what I'm learning here.  I think that I am discovering that I am just a homebody or maybe it is that I just relish in the comfort of the States.  Probably both are true.  

     Well, in this last week, we had Father's Day (I guess I never realized it was a international holiday until now) and Labor Day (Monday the 20th was Trinidad and Tobago's national Labor Day).  So it made for an eventful weekend and the length of it provided us with extra background music due to the fact that there is a bar about a block away from the house and Trini's love to party!

      For Father's Day, the church service was devoted to fathers and men in the church.  I had a good talk with Mitch about men and how we, the church, are almost assisting in societies encouragement for men to step aside from their God-given authority and leadership.  It's really a problem.  A quick thought for you:  think of all the problems we face in society today.  Now, to fix them, we NEED to fix the church! But to fix the church, we need to fix the families inside, and to fix the families we MUST fix the marriages!  And in order to fix the marriages, we need to fix the men and restore godly leadership.  

       I really think this is quite true -- not that women are perfect.  We most definitely have things to work on too.  But I do think there is a movement in society against the men....and I think it is of the Enemy.  He loves to do that kind of thing...inconspicuous destruction.

     On to Monday.  The kids got school off and I think we were planning to go to the beach (!), but the weather wasn't so permitting.  It was a rather rainy day.  So instead, we made a trip to Calcutta and visited some family friends.  It was a very fun day!  I got my toenails painted and I got to make 4 new pairs of earrings -- there were a couple of ladies really into that stuff.  We also played Scrabble and other games!  Before we left, I got to try an Indian pancake...made from rice and stuff.  What a joy to get to spend time with such warm people!  They were also World Team missionaries.  The couple moved here from India almost 20 years ago (I think).

      But before the weekend came the week.  It was rather uneventful and I think I can even use the word dull.  After our 7-hour traffic jam on Tuesday, the days of Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sat were filled with lots of reading, TV-watching, cooking, eating, playing with the kids, and drinking tea.  I was, to tell you the truth, almost feeling imprisoned in the house because I was unable to leave alone (for safety) and I'm unable to drive, and I haven't met anyone willing to be a chauffeur.  I made it through though and actually it has given me great time for myself.  I truly enjoy getting to read books for pleasure at my own pace so that has been wonderful!  Just the latter part, about me having no chauffeur, is sad because it means that I haven't yet found friends here.  

     It has been very interesting to find that there really aren't any people in the church in the age group of 18-25 (any who are single at least).  And because I have only been to church and to elderly people's houses to bring them encouragement, I haven't had many chances to interact with people my own age.  This could be something that God has up His sleeve though. I know that the reasons for this is probably great in His plan for me being here....so I'm not too worried.

     Right now, I'm just trying to focus on the things I see that He has set before me -- the woman/ girls he has assigned to me.  I met with Trisha today!  It went so well...again! God is so good.  Today we started our little Bible study.  I'm just hoping to introduce her to an effective way of not just reading, but studying the Bible...in groups.  It's really neat to see her enthusiasm for the Word and her new outlook on faith.  She completely understands that our Christian lifestyle is really all centered around faith....faith in Jesus!  It was she who brought that subject up tonight!  She really helps simplify Christianity and the Gospel for me.  Sometimes, I think that we who have grown up with the Truth, often overlook the simple wonder of it all.

     So my goal for us is to go through the book of James at a slow pace so we can really delve for all that the Word can tell us.  Today we spent an hour and a half in James 1:1-18...only half the first chapter.  Seeing that James has 5 chapters, and if we go at the same pace, I'm hoping we can get 10 sessions out of my stay here.  That would mean we need to meet twice a week.  I am up to it, but it's on her because she does have a job and a husband and is involved in other things too.  However, even if we don't get to finish James, I hope to just teach her one method of study so she can continue and hopefully introduce it to other of her believer friends and they can grow in their walks together!  That's the ultimate goal -- developing disciples who can go forth and make more disciples.

     I'm sure I could write more, but I have an early day tomorrow!  We leave at 6 AM for FamJam, a church-organized day of fun and fellowship for families from churches all over Trinidad.  

     Love from Valencia!

Peace

Playing shopping with the girls!

     Today was a wonderful day!  I pretty much got to do nothing all day and I loved it!  Woke up in time to see the kids go off to school and had some oatmeal and coffee with my morning Bible reading.  I got to taste roasted corn on the cob with lime and salt for flavor (really wasn't bad!) and had a delightful bowl of corn/potato/noodle/ pumpkin soup.  I really liked it and also I liked getting to watch Vidia prepare the fresh garlic and onions and potatoes and corn and put it all together.  There is just something about watching people cook that I love!

     I got to read a couple chapters out of my book, mess around on my laptop, and do a few dishes for Vidia.  Then when Ellia and Emily came back from school, we played a little shopping.  I got to be the seller and the shopper!  For supper I had a burger of all things (ketchup and lettuce) and a banana and some sliced cucumbers.  Yum, yum.

     I also got to talk with my dad on Skype!  What a great day I've had.  Learning to be content is sometimes hard, but I don't think that I'm half bad at it :)  I'm hoping in your day was something to bring you joy!  

     I leave you with this....just because I like it and I believe it.

Do no be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and you minds in Christ Jesus.  
     -- Philippians 4: 6-7

Another update

We took a nap in all the traffic.

Hey everyone,

     It’s almost been a week already.  Wow.  Well, I have to praise God for keeping me healthy this far!  I’m so thankful that I haven’t gotten sick from the water or food or from traveling.  That is a huge blessing.  Please be praying that I will keep healthy for the remainder!!

     I want to let you know that I met with Trisha on Monday.  She’s the older girl that I will be discipling while I’m here.  I wanted it to be a get-to-know-you thing, and it was great!  She really has a heart to grow and learn more.  And I KNOW that I’m going to learn just as much from her!!  I still have yet to meet with the other 2 girls.  Be praying for this whole process!  I’m still a little nervous because of my inexperience.  Pray God gives me wisdom and guidance as I try to help these girls in their walk with the Lord.

     Good news!!  I’m starting to adjust to this place and I’m thinking that my homesickness is leaving.  I’m really hoping that the more I adjust to the culture and the family, the more I will grow to love this place and actually miss it when I have to leave.  There is another prayer request!

     Ready for a crazy Trinidadian story?  Yesterday we all got up early.  The two older kids went to school and Mitch, Vidia, Emily, Michelle (a leader from the church), and myself all packed into the car for an hours drive to San Fernando (the second largest city in Trin).  We went for a prayer meeting that they have on every 2^nd Tuesday of the month.  This time it was in San Fernando. 

     Well we arrived and had a wonderful time of worship through song then spent some time sharing prayer requests.  After our prayer time, we had a fabulous meal provided by the very kind people of the home we were in.  We left at about 1:00 to be back in time to pick the kids up from school. 

     Well, on the way out of San Fern, we came to a roadblock – an oil truck had turned over on the highway and spilled oil all over the road.  It caused a 7-car smash up.  Praise the Lord it wasn’t us, because we arrived to the accident only minutes after it had happened. 

     So we had to turn around and go back into San Fern and take an ulterior route, but once we reached to city again, the traffic was bumper-to-bumper and insane!  Long story short, we spent 7 hours on the road back to Valencia!!  What an experience!

     Looking on the bright side…. Mitch went to pick up the kids from a lady Vidia had to call to get them from school.  But what was sweet, he also brought back with him a freshly baked super of traditional Indian food.  I got to have roti with chickpeas and mango baked in extremely Indian spices ha!  It was not bad, but not what I would choose for my last meal on earth!  It was however, my first experience here with that traditional of food!

     Ok, well I’ve talked enough.  Please keep me in your prayers.  I’m so encouraged to know that I have you all back home lifting me up in prayer!!

Learning, always learning

     Wow.  Sorry it's been a while.  Where to start?

     Well, I arrived in Trinidad on Friday afternoon.  I got through immigration and customs very smoothly! Got my one, burnt orange suitcase, and immediately when I stepped outside of the airport, Mitch found me.  He introduced me to his wife (Vidia), his youngest daughter, Emily (ha), and a few friends they brought along.  Then we drove to Valencia and to the school to pick up his two other children, Joshua and Ellia.  We got to there home, which is now my home for the next 7 weeks, and I tried to settle in.  Later, we went to a neighbor/friend's house and went swimming! They had one of those 5 ft. deep pools you can set up in your yard.  What fun.  Later in the night, I was able to meet some of the church leaders and get to know them and have them get to know me.

      Yesterday was Saturday, their relaxing day, which worked very well for me. Traveling is exhausting!  Today we got up early for church.  It was ironically their "Missions Sunday".  I was asked to share a little about myself and my reason for being here and interest in missions.  Though I spoke for only a few minutes, it went well, despite my fear of public speaking.  

     One little surprise was that Mitch told me yesterday that I would be discipling 3 young women while I'm here...this was there first I'd heard of that.  One girl, probably in her mid 20's is a new believer!  I can tell she is excited for learning.  Another girl I met today is 11.  I think Mitch just wants interaction for her with me, an older girl and believer.  I have yet to meet the third girl.  

     Please be praying for my interactions with these girls!  I'm a little nervous.  I want to be able to minister effectively to them and for them to walk away with something tangible.  (That is also kind of expected of me, because I will be having weekly Skype meetings with leaders on the World Team team, who want updates and to see progress being made). 

     I know God has brought me here for a specific purpose.  I think I am now finding out what that purpose is.  I've always had a fear of preaching to people.  For some reason I think I'll do it badly or mess up or won't end up helping anyone.  I've always been timid because deep down, I don't think that I KNOW enough to be someone who disciples others.  I'm not a very good speaker and I let that be an excuse.  (I remember being terrified of the devotions-time-of-the-day when I was a camp counselor.  Even to girls half my age, I thought I couldn't teach them something valuable.)   

     The TRUTH is, I may not be the most educated on the Bible, I may not be the most persuasive speaker, I may stumble over words and be scared and intimidated.  But that is NO reason not to speak.  I have the most precious thing inside of me... I have the love of Jesus Christ.  I have salvation.  That alone is more than enough to speak.

     I know that these 3 girls already know that much.  They all already believe the Jesus is God's Son who came to die for our sins.  We share that belief and that love.  Now, it is my turn to depend completely on God to work through me so that I can help these girls in their walk with Christ.  They want to learn and the want me to teach them.  

      Last night, a friend helped me in my mini panic attack.  She was able to encourage me and remind me that "fear is NOT from God."  I praise God for that time that I got to spend talking with her!  Thank you God for giving her to me to tell me that I can do this.  God loves me and all He wants from me is that in all that I do, the glory is His. 

     God knew what He was doing when He brought me here.  He's tricky that way.... giving me this opportunity to learn more about HIM and trust in Him.  Today in church, we heard a message on Philip preaching the Good News to the Ethiopian in his chariot.  But previously in the chapter, Philip and the rest of apostles were scattered throughout the land because persecution broke out in their church in Jerusalem.  They were comfortable in Jerusalem.  But God had to bring persecution to their church so that they would GO.  

     It makes me wonder.  Did God bring me here to face a huge fear of mine because I wasn't listening to Him at home?  Was I that stubborn that God had to place me in this situation with these 3 girls desiring for me to teach them so that I couldn't say "no"?

      I am thankful for every trial because it brings perseverance and perseverance must must finish it's work so that I may be complete, not lacking anything (James 1: 2-4).  I am thankful that I will be learning trust.  I now am truly dependent on God for guidance and wisdom as I try to disciple these girls.  Praise be to God for any good that comes out of whatever will happen in my sessions with them.  I know that I am imperfect, that I will not be perfect in my teaching.  But I ask that God will give me grace as I do my best to help these girls mature.

     Once again, please be praying for me along the way and feel free to ask questions about how it's going and/or give advice!

Arriving

I'm here!

Philly Cheesesteak- I thought it was rather tasty!

     Sooo...!  God has calmed me and given me more peace about this trip than I could have expected!  From arriving and meeting 8 other interns all in the same boat as me, right down to the phone call I just had with Dean (the retired Trinidadian missionary living in Atlanta), I've experienced great calm.  This time with these other kids has really blessed me.  They are all wonderful people who love the Lord and want to see the advancement of His kingdom.  Of the 8, 3 are going to NYC, 1 is bound for Itlay, 1 to London, and 3 to Papua, Indonesia.  What's really been special is hearing all of their excitements, fears, anxieties, and dreams.  I've also been encouraged by other people who work at World Team who've told me all the wonders Trinidad has waiting for me.  

   Another cool thing I want to share is that I will be going to a leadership conference toward the end of my stay in Trinidad. It's in Grenada, an island northwest of Trinidad and Tobago.  I'm excited at the opportunity to travel even outside of Trinidad!  Dean and Mitch both think that this will be a wonderful experience for me.

      I still have uncertainties, but they are no longer fears necessarily.  Through my inconsistent (I have to admit) prayer and my encouragement by friends I've made here, I have gained an excitement for the things I will see in Trin.  God is good.  Sometimes that truth slips my mind.  But I always get to come back to the righteousness and sovereignty of God.

     Hope you guys are getting to experience those qualities of God wherever you may be in the world!

Off to Philly

    This is a post that I started in the airport but couldn't really finish because the airport called my name over the intercom Ha! I think I was the last person to board :)

     I'm just about to start my first leg of my journey to Trinidad.  My flight to Philadelphia for training leaves in about a half hour.  As I sit in the airport with my daddy, I have a great sense of peace as I gaze at my future endeavors.  I'm grateful to have him here to send me off! 

     Thus far, my trip has been smooth sailing.  We arrived in Denver at the hotel last night just in time to watch the 3rd game of the NBA finals (he's rooting for the Heat while I was disappointed to see the Mavs loose).  One thing that I was hung up over for a small fraction of time was that I forgot to grab my copy of the Deathly Hallows on my way out the door yesterday afternoon.  Yes, I am a Harry Potter fan and I might be upset if I have to wait until I get home to see the new and FINAL movie! Ha.  I guess I'll live if I have to wait.  I seriously considered buying the book again in the airport so I wouldn't be left out when everyone is talking about it come July 15th.  I passed though.

 Here's where my name echoed through the airport!