Well, tomorrow my boxes and I will be on the road again. They have taken quiet a journey from Omaha, NE to New London, WI. Now, I will be taking them to Cedar Rapids where they will stay with my friend Christy so I do not have to take them all the way back to Omaha again. When the papers are ready for me, I will drive back to Cedar Rapids, IA, pick them up, and take them to the container in Chicago. I can not wait until they are finally on the container and I can forget about them.
Tomorrow, I'm traveling to Sully, Iowa to give a presentation at Sully Community Church. There is a very kind and generous woman there I met at camp named Sandy Grey. I'm so thankful for all she has done for me so far! This church is so very kind. They supported my parents when they were raising support at camp. (My parents were the managers of East Iowa Bible Camp for 5 years.)
Monday, I meet with the Pastor and the head of the mission board of the church I grew up in. Please pray that the Lord's will will be done in both of these encounters.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Packing and driving, driving and packing...
I'm so thankful for the past few days with my family. We celebrated my birthday and then celebrated Alex's birthday (my brother's fiance). I got to look at wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses in anticipation for Dustin and Alex's wedding.
But now, it's time to get back to preparations for Austria. I'm elbow deep in boxes. I've been living out of them...I've been moving them from place to place. I've been packing and repacking changing my mind a million times on what to take and what I can live without. Today was my trial run to see what all would fit into my car to drive to the container in Chicago. While I'm there I hope to start the process for my Visa. I hope to drive there early next week.
But before then, I have the opportunity to go to Sully to speak at a church there. This is the first church besides my home church that has said yes to allowing me to come! Praise the LORD!!! I'm so excited to share about the ministry there in Vienna and hopefully share my passion with them.
Reesa and I hope to leave in 45 days! I still have 55% of my support to raise in 45 days! It's coming down to the wire! Please pray for me as often as you think of me!
But now, it's time to get back to preparations for Austria. I'm elbow deep in boxes. I've been living out of them...I've been moving them from place to place. I've been packing and repacking changing my mind a million times on what to take and what I can live without. Today was my trial run to see what all would fit into my car to drive to the container in Chicago. While I'm there I hope to start the process for my Visa. I hope to drive there early next week.
But before then, I have the opportunity to go to Sully to speak at a church there. This is the first church besides my home church that has said yes to allowing me to come! Praise the LORD!!! I'm so excited to share about the ministry there in Vienna and hopefully share my passion with them.
Reesa and I hope to leave in 45 days! I still have 55% of my support to raise in 45 days! It's coming down to the wire! Please pray for me as often as you think of me!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Fear...
When I admitted I was scared, my friend Dan reminded me that courage isn't being brave with a lack of fear but being brave even when you are scared. This was encouraging because lately I have been fearful.
This week, my recruiter called and told me the school had not gotten the exemption that they needed. The school used to automatically get visas for everyone who worked at the school but not getting that exemption meant one of three things: the school would be shut down by the end of the week, the school would be open one more year with a limited number of visas, or the school would stay open but each person would apply for a visa individually. We prayed hard and the Lord granted us the last option. So, you would think that fear would have subsided.
However, now is the decision on whether or not to ship my things overseas. I'm at 41% of my monthly support. I've been raising support since Christmas. I've watched Reesa slowly grow in support and my support stay the same. Many questions fill my mind. Am I praying enough? Am I working hard enough on support? Is this truly where God wants me next year? If not where do I go next?
Along with this exemption issue the school found that they owed some back taxes which cost the school $10,000. This meant that our Pre-Field Orientation training was canceled. Although I was sad about that, I really could use the extra two weeks to support raise.
On top of all this, John Janet (my principal next year at Vienna Christian School) called to ask me how I felt about possibly teaching kindergarten/first or second grade general education next year. I was thrilled! I would love to! I'll work wherever they need me to! I just want to be there. Mr. Janet would teach one of my subjects so that I could get out and help those students who need my help. Where this wouldn't be my first choice, I would still be in the school giving advice to teachers who need it and getting a little bit of time with students with special needs. The school really needs me there.
But the one question that haunts me is, what do I do next to raise support? I guess the next step is calling individuals and asking for support. The thing that scares me most. Pray that God would give me boldness as I try this approach and wisdom on who to call. Pray that my faith and trust would be strengthened as I wait on Him.
This week, my recruiter called and told me the school had not gotten the exemption that they needed. The school used to automatically get visas for everyone who worked at the school but not getting that exemption meant one of three things: the school would be shut down by the end of the week, the school would be open one more year with a limited number of visas, or the school would stay open but each person would apply for a visa individually. We prayed hard and the Lord granted us the last option. So, you would think that fear would have subsided.
However, now is the decision on whether or not to ship my things overseas. I'm at 41% of my monthly support. I've been raising support since Christmas. I've watched Reesa slowly grow in support and my support stay the same. Many questions fill my mind. Am I praying enough? Am I working hard enough on support? Is this truly where God wants me next year? If not where do I go next?
Along with this exemption issue the school found that they owed some back taxes which cost the school $10,000. This meant that our Pre-Field Orientation training was canceled. Although I was sad about that, I really could use the extra two weeks to support raise.
On top of all this, John Janet (my principal next year at Vienna Christian School) called to ask me how I felt about possibly teaching kindergarten/first or second grade general education next year. I was thrilled! I would love to! I'll work wherever they need me to! I just want to be there. Mr. Janet would teach one of my subjects so that I could get out and help those students who need my help. Where this wouldn't be my first choice, I would still be in the school giving advice to teachers who need it and getting a little bit of time with students with special needs. The school really needs me there.
But the one question that haunts me is, what do I do next to raise support? I guess the next step is calling individuals and asking for support. The thing that scares me most. Pray that God would give me boldness as I try this approach and wisdom on who to call. Pray that my faith and trust would be strengthened as I wait on Him.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
There's no place like home...
There really is no place like home! As I drove into town and saw Mays Island, the bridges, the City Hall, and the Court House my mind was filled with old memories of the 4th of July. I drove past the history museum where a project I did in photography class hung. I went to Christy's (one of my best friends and roommate) house and we reminisced about old times and stayed up late watching chick flicks. The next morning I drove past both of my old houses and what used to be Drug Town (where I worked in high school). Ahhhhhh...the memories...
I had a home presentation to share about the ministry at VCS. Jenna and Jeff came with Riley and Mrs Grey came as well. They all had many questions and it was a fun time to catch up. After that, Christy and I went to a graduation party where I saw many old friends from camp. I was also able to share about my upcoming plans to many there as well. The Lord is good!
I am now up to 46% of my set up costs! Praise the Lord! And 40% of my monthly. All though the Royal's game fell through, the Lord continues to show me that He is in control and he will provide the way...He often needs to remind me that I'm not in control. :-)
Well, I'm off to go to Faith Bible Church this morning (my ol' stompin' grounds). Keep Reesa and I in your prayers!!!
I had a home presentation to share about the ministry at VCS. Jenna and Jeff came with Riley and Mrs Grey came as well. They all had many questions and it was a fun time to catch up. After that, Christy and I went to a graduation party where I saw many old friends from camp. I was also able to share about my upcoming plans to many there as well. The Lord is good!
I am now up to 46% of my set up costs! Praise the Lord! And 40% of my monthly. All though the Royal's game fell through, the Lord continues to show me that He is in control and he will provide the way...He often needs to remind me that I'm not in control. :-)
Well, I'm off to go to Faith Bible Church this morning (my ol' stompin' grounds). Keep Reesa and I in your prayers!!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Jeans Day
Jeans day was a success! Our principal allowed us to wear jeans this Tuesday if they donated $5 to my ministry. I raised $170! I also had a chance to share with some people at work about my ministry and what it was all about.
Next Wednesday is the Royal's game concession stand. Pray that lots of people would buy food and that it would be a success. I will get 10% of the proceeds.
Next weekend is the Rummage Sale Fundraiser. Lots of people have already donated. Come and check it out if you live in the area. I don't just need people to donate I need people to shop too!
It's hard to believe that I move out of my apartment in less TWO WEEKS! Woo hoo!!!
Next Wednesday is the Royal's game concession stand. Pray that lots of people would buy food and that it would be a success. I will get 10% of the proceeds.
Next weekend is the Rummage Sale Fundraiser. Lots of people have already donated. Come and check it out if you live in the area. I don't just need people to donate I need people to shop too!
It's hard to believe that I move out of my apartment in less TWO WEEKS! Woo hoo!!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Quick Update
Well, believe it or not another month has gone by. God has been teaching me so much through this process. He has shown me that He is the source and my prayer life has been strengthened.
Reesa and I bought our plane tickets and I found myself squealing with excitement like a girl at Christmas time. We were able to get really great prices and we are even on the same flight!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Things are starting to wind down for me. The night class I was teaching is over which has given me my week nights back. There are 2 and a half weeks of school left. I do have 5 IEPs (special education paperwork) to write before then. So, my weekends have been full of paperwork. I'll be glad to see that done! In my "spare time" I have been support raising. I am currently at 39% of my one-time costs and 40% of my monthly support. The Lord is so good!
Up next: running a concession stand at a Royals game where all proceeds go to my ministry, a fund raiser at my church like a dodgeball tournament, a rummage sale where donated items are sold, and a home presentation as well as coffee dates in Cedar Rapids.
Reesa and I bought our plane tickets and I found myself squealing with excitement like a girl at Christmas time. We were able to get really great prices and we are even on the same flight!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Things are starting to wind down for me. The night class I was teaching is over which has given me my week nights back. There are 2 and a half weeks of school left. I do have 5 IEPs (special education paperwork) to write before then. So, my weekends have been full of paperwork. I'll be glad to see that done! In my "spare time" I have been support raising. I am currently at 39% of my one-time costs and 40% of my monthly support. The Lord is so good!
Up next: running a concession stand at a Royals game where all proceeds go to my ministry, a fund raiser at my church like a dodgeball tournament, a rummage sale where donated items are sold, and a home presentation as well as coffee dates in Cedar Rapids.
Monday, April 13, 2009
One month later...
Well, it's been a month since I blogged last. Besides less furniture in my apartment not much has changed. I'm selling my things on Craigslist and Ebay and look forward to having that part done. I have a computer desk still up for sale but other than that and a few more little things I've sold everything I wanted to! Praise the Lord! In many cases, I was able to get asking price and twice I even got more than asking price!!!
New neighbors moved in across the hall and they gave me all their old boxes which will save me lots of money! The Lord provides in so many ways! I'll be moving the things I want to store at my dad and mom's house on June 4th and then spending time with my family until the 20th when I leave for Pre Field Orientation for two weeks. After that, I teach three weeks of Extended School Year (summer school for special education students). Then one more week with family and off to Austria (Lord willing).
Currently, I have 19% of my one-time costs and 36% of my monthly costs. This weekend a man from Reesa's church said he would like to support me and Reesa. The people God is raising up to support me are coming from places I would never have dreamed. He gets all the glory!
The next step is more home presentations and a fund raiser at Great Adventure Ministries (a singles ministry in Omaha). Pray that God would use these to get the word out about this ministry and possibly support me.
If you'd like to contribute to this ministry on a monthly basis or a one-time gift please send checks to: R.C.E. International, P.O. Box 4528, Wheaton, IL 60189—4528 and put #2987 in the memo.
New neighbors moved in across the hall and they gave me all their old boxes which will save me lots of money! The Lord provides in so many ways! I'll be moving the things I want to store at my dad and mom's house on June 4th and then spending time with my family until the 20th when I leave for Pre Field Orientation for two weeks. After that, I teach three weeks of Extended School Year (summer school for special education students). Then one more week with family and off to Austria (Lord willing).
Currently, I have 19% of my one-time costs and 36% of my monthly costs. This weekend a man from Reesa's church said he would like to support me and Reesa. The people God is raising up to support me are coming from places I would never have dreamed. He gets all the glory!
The next step is more home presentations and a fund raiser at Great Adventure Ministries (a singles ministry in Omaha). Pray that God would use these to get the word out about this ministry and possibly support me.
If you'd like to contribute to this ministry on a monthly basis or a one-time gift please send checks to: R.C.E. International, P.O. Box 4528, Wheaton, IL 60189—4528 and put #2987 in the memo.
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