THERE ARE NO ORDINARY MOMENTS

NOTHANDO’S STORY

2009-03-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

Notondo and her family. Baby brother in the orange, mama in the middle and Nothando on the side. Before the hospital stay and placement.

In Swaziland there are over 6,000 children that we as Children’s Cup are able to help with basic education, daily meals, medical treatment, and Biblical discipleship. As we seek the Lord as a ministry He then leads us to intervene at a deeper level for certain children that are in desperate need of help.

Nothando’s story is one of those children that the Lord guided Children’s Cup to take a step in faith to help save this little one’s life.

As a sweet vivacious 7 year old girl, Nothando has already been battling HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) for many years. Nothando was unable to finish multiple attempts of treatment for TB because of her home situation. This made her high risk for a multi drug resistant TB that is nearly impossible to cure. Without the TB being addressed Nothando was unable be treated with medicine for HIV, creating a downward spiral of constant disease leaving her body unable to become healthy.

Nothando’s home situation was very abusive and unstable. She lived with her family who were unable to provide her with basic necessities like food. Nothando’s mother is mentally challenged and her father has drug issues that made them unable to give Nothando her life-giving medicine on the consistent basis needed to cure her TB. This dangerous situation continued to go on for months before her CarePoint teacher Lindiwe and the Children’s Cup nurse, Jessie, were made aware of the situation.

As Children’s Cup began to watch this precarious situation unfold, Nothando was admitted to the hospital due to several days of extremely high fever. Through consulting with the doctors and with the family’s consent, Children’s Cup began assisting in finding a better home situation for Nothando. It was determined that without a change in her living situation this precious girl would not live much longer.

In the 5 weeks she stayed in the hospital we watched Nothando blossom as she grew healthy and strong. The miracle of what consistent medicine, food, and shelter will do for the life of a child. With the help of doctors, social workers, and Children’s Cup missionaries we were able to find a safe home for Nothando. With the support of her family and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ on our side, Nothando was placed in a loving group home that could care for her body and soul.

Nothando not only is physically healthy but has the carefree glow of a girl her age not having to worry about beatings or when she will eat next. With a couple of months of caring attention to her health and the love of a supportive family, Nothando is a different child. She is attending school now and loves to learn. She is laughing, playing and chatting like a normal 7 year old.

We praise the Lord for His provision and guidance so that this beautiful child of God would have a chance to live and glorify the One who loves and saved her.

Notondo eating KFC after being placed in her new home. What a doll!

2008-11-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Sawbona! It has been a long time since I've posted a blog. I've been crazy busy but the Lord has been doing amazing things! I am learning how to deligate to others from Children's Cup so that I can continue on with clinic and do things like update my blog ;)

Here is a story of one of the precious children that we are caring for medically. Mike Pier, a missionary with Children's Cup, with Lori, another missionary in Swaziland, were able to take Lomasontfo to South Africa for medical care. I had previously blogged about her before but here is the update.

Here is their adventure with Lomasontfo.....

UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES

What an amazing week it has been here in Pretoria. God has taken me on another unexpected journey, revealing Himself in so many ways day in and day out. Have been here since last Wednesday with a precious little 9 year old girl from Swaziland named Lomasontfo. What began as a simple trip to South Africa has really turned into another great “God” adventure. Lomasontfo has a rapidly growing aneurysmic bone cyst on her left mandible that has grown to the point of needing immediate attention if she was to survive. (look at all the fancy words I’m learning too)

Our medical team at Childrens Cup has been working for months to get the Swazi government to pay for her treatment in South Africa as the Swazi doctors are simply not equipped to deal with her condition. Long story short, the progress was coming to a halt so our medical team and Cup staff went to work to find a way to get Lomasontfo some help. As always, after much hard work God came through in the form of help from Mission of Mercy who granted a substantial sum of money in order that her life could be saved.

So here I go to Pretoria, South Africa with 3 people I don’t know and only one that speaks English as a native language. Along with Lomasontfo was her older sister, who initially was not too happy about the whole thing(had to bring a family member as we were transporting a minor across international borders as well as for medical consent) and Lori Schweighardt, a missionary who works with the church and CarePoint near Lomasontfos home. Lori is just an incredible lady who has worked with Lomasontfo for quite some time and really has a gift for children. She’s also pretty good at reading a map, keeping my directionally challenged self from getting hopelessly lost!!

In the midst of all the medical procedures and occasional frustrations that go along with such things (especially in Africa!!) God has been our constant comfort and companion, always paving the way in front of us and showing up just at the right time. There are way too many examples to try to capture them all here, but from providing a 3D CT scan at no charge, to finding a safe place to stay He has just blessed us beyond belief.

My heart was heavy for this incredible little girl as we started this journey, not knowing for sure whether she could be helped, or even the grim reality that she may not survive the surgery. Even though she is so severely afflicted she still has that childlike joy and innocence. You can see the smile in the pictures. She got her very first Barbie doll (well sorta, it was a knock off Barbie, coconut scented doll with a big sticker that said “smell me”) as well as her first trip to Macdonalds on this trip. I was pretty excited about Macdonalds too!

She doesn’t talk much but she loves to sing and dance, both of which she is very good at. It’s been so cool to watch her and her sister too as they really open up to the love that God has for them both. I can only hope that in some small way to be an example to them of the unending love of Jesus. These are ministry opportunities that are just priceless, I don’t want to miss a single one.

My prayers have gone from those of healing to those of simple love and thankfulness to God for the life of this beautiful child that He has so graciously allowed me to be a part of. God is in the healing business. He can and will heal her completely as He sees fit. As we continue to embrace His love, we are embracing His presence in our lives and if nothing else that’s the “Romans 8:38” kind of love I want them both to experience.
And after all….If God be for us, who can be against us? Thanks for your love and prayers.

Meet one of the King's Daughters...by Sarah Bethune

2008-10-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a post from my associate and partner in crime Sarah. Sarah has a public health background and is doing a ton of organizing related to the clinic. She helps me with clinic by running our pharmacy and assisting in anything that needs to get done!

I love the title that she gave. So get ready to...

Meet One of the King’s Daughters…

This is Sindi, one of the King’s precious baby girls. Both her earthly parents have passed and she lives with her 6 year old brother, 9 year old sister, and teenage brother.

Just over a week ago, Sindi was sleeping next to the fire when her jacket caught fire. Not only did she receive 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her shoulder and right arm, her leg was also badly burned when pieces of her jacket melted and dropped onto her leg. Her siblings were able to get her to RFM (a hospital – with a definite 3rd world feel) where they were able to clean her wound. What breaks my heart is that she was sent home with an injury that would grant you a certain hospital admission in a 1st world nation. It was that next Monday that we received a call from her CarePoint teachers that she needed care.

It was such a blessing to have the River Valley Church team to love on her and sit with her until we got there. One of the girls from RVC held her the whole trip to the clinic and while she was waiting for Jessie to see her. Precious Sindi had wet herself in the meantime, so we were able to bathe her – you all, God is so faithful. After I had finished, I realized I had nothing to put her in…and started praying that God would provide something for Sindi. I found a shirt in one of our closets that I was able to cut an arm hole in to avoid it from sticking and even a fleece vest – an incredible blessing to help her regulate her body temp, which would be very difficult with her injury.

We had her drinking lots of water and eating lots of protein. Then….I just held her as she cried in my chest as Jessie dressed her wounds (for those that care: we used B.A.P., which is an antiseptic cream– wrapped in cling wrap, Ace bandages, and some tape to secure the bandages). After finishing, I totally pulled a Brittney Spears and had her sit on my lap while I drove her back to her CarePoint, then had to drop her off with her siblings and gave them instructions for her care.

I went to go check on her the next day and bring her some new clothes, thankfully, the bandages on her arm looked great and I only had to fix the one on her leg. She cried when we came close, so I was DREADING having to come in two more days to change the dressings on her arm….but – this little girl has a lot of people praying for her, and God totally showed up!

That day, I had little Sindi sit in my car when I was taking off her bandages…it was an incredibly tedious process, taking over an hour to remove the bandages – at times, cutting them thread by thread. I had prayed so hard that we wouldn’t hurt her, that she wouldn’t feel the pain, and about half way through, Jacci had to hold her head up because she was FALLING ASLEEP! Yes!!! Holy Ghost anesthesia!! An hour and a half later…she had new bandages, new clothes, lots of water and protein, and rubber glove balloons for the whole family.

I have been able to see her again since then, and she is doing wonderfully. She is more active and is finally smiling again. Pray for her, she still has a lot of healing to do. Pray for her brothers and sister, for their protection; pray for her CarePoint teachers, Treasure and Make Peggy.

Thank you for your prayers and thank you for your support that makes it possible to serve here. God is so good.

I find rest in God

2008-10-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

I find rest in God;

only He gives me hope.

He is my rock and my salvation.

He is my defender;

I will not be defeated.

My honor and salvation come from God.

He is my mighty rock and my protection.

People, trust God all the time.

Tell Him all your problems,

because God is our protection.

PSALMS 62:5-8

Pictures of clinic

2008-09-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

Sarah has been a wonderful addition to helping with clinic. She has a public health background, has organized my pharmacy beautifully, does tons of administrative things so that the clinic can still continue to run, and she keeps me in line ;)

Love ya Sarah!

2 cuties with medicine in hand. I see a lot of kids with eye infections that they have had since they were born. I've been able to give eye drops to help with the chronic eye infections.

Here is a glimpse into the kombi (van) of people taken to clinic. On a clinic day I will see kids from 2 to 3 different carepoints. A teacher from that carepoint will come to interpret for me and to be able to tell me more about the child.

Benson and Glory weighing a child before she is to see me. This was my biggest clinic by myself so far. Benson is helping me in the clinic and drives the kombi.

Perfection

2008-09-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

Perfection does not refer to the full consummation of one's powers, it simply means perfect fitness for doing the will of God; a perfect adjustment to God until all the powers are perfectly fitted to do His will.

Oswald Chambers

"So Send I You"

The word of the year is "OVERWHELMED"

2008-09-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

This is my "I'm here at the hospital trying to discharge my kid...don't know quite where to go...I think someone told me to sit here, I think? Ahh, someone will tell me if I'm in the wrong spot...I hope..."

I'm not sure how to do any of this...but I'm here. Lord, I rest on You cause there is nothing and no one else to rest on. Plus You have walked this road, You know what I need to do and where to go.

So I CHOOSE to trust and rest and listen intently to Your Holy Spirit, Your voice, that continues to direct me to where You would have me go and what You would have me say and what You would have me do.

I CHOOSE TO REST ON YOUR TRUTH!

God did NOT GIVE us a spirit that MAKES US AFRAID but a SPIRIT OF POWER and LOVE and SELF CONTROL.

2 Timothy 1:7

The LORD says, "I will make you WISE and SHOW you WHERE TO GO. I will GUIDE YOU and WATCH OVER YOU."

Psalms 32:8

All you who put your HOPE [confident expectation] in the LORD BE STRONG and BRAVE.

Psalms 31:24

And since we have a GREAT HIGH PRIEST over GOD'S HOUSE, LET US COME NEAR TO GOD with a SINCERE HEART and a SURE FAITH,

because WE HAVE BEEN MADE FREE from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been WASHED WITH PURE WATER.

Let us HOLD FIRMLY to the HOPE that we have confessed, because WE CAN TRUST GOD to do what HE PROMISED.

Hebrews 10:21-23

Medical Training

2008-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Teresa and I taught a 2 day medical course based on the book "Where there is no Doctor" for the new teachers with Children's Cup. We taught them basic human anatomy, how to identify simple illnesses like scabies, and how to help us identify which children may need HIV testing.

Teresa and I had a wonderful time tag teaching and getting to know all the new teachers. It was such a great experience to learn more about Swazi culture and I was able to get a glimpse into their experiences with HIV in the community.

All the teachers where quick learners and I appreciated getting to know them all. I loved sitting with them and listening to their stories. A part of me feel as if I got just as much knowledge from them as they got from the course.

THINGS I LEARNED DURING THE MEDICAL CLASS:

1. The Swazi Heimlich Maneuver for a boy who is choking is to hit him in his privates until he coughs up whatever he is choking on.

2. Dirt is it's own food group...people eat it all the time.

3. If someone is bleeding and you don't have any gloves then you should use grocery bags to protect your hands instead.

Here is the class of new teachers Teresa and I taught the medical course too.

We had class in the waiting room of the clinic.

I have officially taken over the clinic. I have appreciated Teresa's help and input...I will be able to call her for help and wisdom. She may regret letting me know I can call her cause I'll be calling her a ton with questions! ;)

Thanks you Teresa for your help and for continually being there as someone I can call and talk with about anything. I know you have been there and appreciate your support and encouraging words. God bless you! Love ya Teresa!

Gogo Sanmaria

2008-09-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Gogo Sanmaria came to church with her neighbors Solomon and Precious. Solomon and Precious had just moved from South Africa and had befriended this gogo (grandma). She had been fighting an ear infection for a couple of weeks so Zinty and KB went with me after church to her homestead. I had already given Solomon a weeks worth of antibiotics earlier that week to help with her ear infection.

I brought my medical bag with a blood pressure cuff, otoscope, and Tylenol to assess Gogo Sanmaria. Zinty, KB, and I drove down some steep dirt roads and came upon her homestead. She was sitting on the ground as we came up to her with her grandson clean dishes on a metal sheet that was modified to work as a sink sending the water down the hill.

I did my nursing thing discovering that her ear infection was still present. I gave her some Tylenol for the ear pain and her constant arthritis. I instructed her through Zinty to continue to take the full dose of antibiotics that Precious was helping her take daily and to take the Tylenol once in the morning and once in the afternoon for pain.

There wasn't much I could do medically to help her BUT I could love her and show her she care and mattered. The fact is that I can't do much on my own BUT the Lord comes through and shows His love in a mighty way when we obey what He has called us to do.

Gogo Sanmaria now complains of no more pain and I'm hoping her ear infection has gone away. Gogo Sanmaria is a light in this community feeding kids who go without food when she can.

This is one of many stories of the experiences I'm having in Swaziland. As I continue to get on my feet and settle in what I'm doing I'll be sharing more of my experience with the Swazi people and the Lord.

Thanks for all your love and support and prayers!

I could not be here without you!

Love ya all!

Clinic Days

2008-09-09T01:41:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday Sarah and I hold clinic.
This Wednesday and Thursday we are holding a medical class for the new teachers at our care points. Dr. Beyda has written us ciriculum based on the book "Where there is no doctor".

I hope to soon tell you my experience in admitting a child to the hospital with pnemonia and nephrotic syndrome. It took 9 or so hours with many interesting experiences! I kept track of the day as a timeline so you will know what a day would intell when I need a kid admitted to the hospital.

Love you all!

Sarah and I at the care point!

Hlabelela!

2008-09-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

One aspect of the Swazi culture I greatly enjoy is how much they enjoy to sing and dance.

It seems to be a way they can freely express themselves and to have a fun time!

One of the songs I've been learning in Siswati is called Bonga. It becoming one of my favorite songs so far so I thought I'd share it with you!

The words are a little tricky to say but I'm getting it.

These are the words to the song Bonga:

Bonga (Praise) x4

Njenge nyoni enhle (Like a beautiful bird)

Hlabelela (Sing praises)

Ukuhlabelela (Singing praises)

Kuyamthokozisa (Brings joy)

Odabuki leyo (to the grieving)

Hlebelela (sing praises)

I love how this song reminds us that even as we grieve and are sad we can still experience the joy of the Lord when we praise Him. What an amazing God we serve!

Here are a couple of pictures from our time at the clinic. The clinic building is at a care point. They were passing out Christmas Boxes from Operation Christmas Child on afternoon after I finished with clinic. It was so much fun to see them get the boxes and open them up!

For a couple of years along with my youth kids we have filled these boxes in Denver. How exciting to see my kids receive this blessing!

2008-08-25T01:51:00.000-07:00

We have not been given a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and selfcontrol.

Mozambique

2008-08-25T01:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the noblogging!

Heading out to Mozambique for the week so I'll be catching you all up on life in Swaziland when I get back!

Love you all!

The rainy days of Swaziland

2008-08-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

HELLO EVERYONE!

I arrived safely in Swaziland on Thursday!

Went straight to the clinic from the airport to get ready to hold a mobile clinic on Friday. Clinic went well and I've been having a grand time getting to know everyone with Children's Cup in Swaziland!

Some Swazi highlights:

1. Within 5 minutes of being in the country I saw a man peeing on the side of the road...literally...just right out in the open.

2. I saw 3 elephants during my first sunset in Africa...amazing I know!

3. In my first mobile clinic I heard a 6 year old who has a very irregular heart beat and ran a couple strings of V fib (aka ghost holding hands...not a very good thing) while I was listening to his heart.

4. I finally started feeling normal...more myself...when I was able to participate in vocal worship practice after church on Sunday.

5. I've now learned how to kiss my teeth...a form of expression or input in a conversation...no idea when to use it though.

Love and miss you all!
I'll be writing an update soon and a prayer email update as I continue to get settled.

Love ya!

Just hangin out in Heathrow

2008-08-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hello family and friends!

I'm sitting in the Heathrow Airport in London, England, waiting to board my flight to Jburg, South Africa. For lunch I bought some fish and chips with a cup of tea...which I thought was the proper thing to do when waiting in the London airport.

Took a short one eye open nap on the bench while laying on my back pack...so refreshing. Did what I could to get refreshed and smelling pretty so that those around me aren't repulsed.

Here is a quick photo journal of my amazing 7 hour layover in Heathrow:

Oh my goodness! 20 pounds for shower?! That's $40USD!!!
I'll use the wonderfully free sink facilities in the toilet thank you very much.

What gate are we supposed to go to? It's said "Please wait" for 30 minutes and we leave in 1 hour!

Ready for another kick you in the pants hysterical 9 hour night flight?!

You betcha!

Here's our plain and we're ready to board!

Day 1 of Forty Days of Prayer with Children's Cup!

2008-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Come join us as we specifically take time for the next 40 days to pray for the work Children's Cup is doing! Join us on the web at http://www.childrenscup.org/v2/fortydays/ . It's also not to late to order the booklet if you haven't gotten one yet in the mail.

Come join us as we go before the Lord to seek His heart and pray for those we are reaching!

Psalm 10:17-18
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Day 1:

Jesus, we ask that you do something OUTRAGEOUS…AIDS is such a huge problem, especially in Africa. We are asking for you to heal people from this disease that, for man, is incurable. It is too big for us to handle, but nothing - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - is too difficult for you.
Do this your way, for YOUR GLORY.
In Jesus’ name, AMEN

Kinda my life summed up!

2008-07-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It's a nonfiction book on the Trinity...very thought provoking book.

Before each chapter he has quotes. When I found this quote it verbalized how I feel into words I'd never have been able to produce...until now:

Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping for the known to the unknown.

-Author Unknown

Pretty much sums up my life!

God is calling me out to move (aka make a CHANGE) to Swaziland to GROW more into the likeness of Him. I've always felt as if moving me to Africa is God's way of fully getting my attention. He is moving me so much out of my comfort zone (there is huge RISK in this) and out of the "KNOWN" that I can do nothing but fully with my whole being depend and trust in Him.

Nursing school was one of those times that I was fully aware that I was unable and incapable of doing life on my own. Nursing school was beyond me...and I was fully aware of my short comings. BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL! He provided me with the strength and wisdom and knowledge to endure the school load. He gave me amazing friends that came around me and supported me and uplifted me. Without God's provision I would have been unable to make it through nursing school!

Now comes Swaziland...I am fully aware that I am unable and incapable of doing this life...African life on my own. Being a missionary to Swaziland is beyond me...and I am fully aware of my short comings.

(2nd verse same as the 1st).

BUT HE IS FAITHFUL and WORTHY OF MY TRUST!

He desires for me to continue to GROW in my relationship with Him...which involves some RISKS. Ya know? The risk of stepping from the KNOWN to the UNKNOWN?

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit..."

2 Cor 3:5-6

"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

2 Corinthians 3:18

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved.."

2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Praise be the One who is a God to be Known intimately!

Be strong and courageous...

2008-07-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Be strong and very courageous.

Be careful to obey all the law

my servant Moses gave you;

do not turn from it to the right or to the left,

that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law

depart from your mouth;

meditate on it day and night,

so that you may be careful to do

everything written in it.

Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the LORD your God will be with you

wherever you go."

Joshua 1:7-9

Mission Medicine Intensive with Equip Inc.

2008-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the 2 week medical intensive in Victoria, Canada. It was created as a program that medical and non-medical people can take to acquire some medical knowledge to use when medical help is far away while living as missionaries in rural communities.

As Barry liked to remind us, "If you didn't come into this course a nurse, you're not coming out of here a nurse." But when the time comes and their is no one around to diagnose or treat an illness or accident you will be able to do what you can.

We learned how to make splints for broken bones, how to treat dehydration, how to place foleys, how to put in a feeding tube through the nose (NG tubes), how to suture a wound closed, give shots, and many many more skills!

This was such a wonderful course to be taking. I learned a ton and have increased my medical knowledge when in a jam. I would recommend this class to anyone who is moving overseas for any length of time or who plans on going on short term medical trips.

The medical information and classes where great, but I believe I was more blessed by the people who I took the course with. To be living with and surrounded by people that are mission minded, following where God was calling them overseas, was such a wonderful experience. I will forever remember and pray for them. And hopefully I'll be able to visit a couple overseas...

Here is our class of people with Ann, the nurse, who helped teach the course. I believe it was about half Canadians half Americans.

Crystal and Dena working hard on their case studies.

Nurses had to finish 50 case studies and non-medical people had to finish 40. The case studies where scenarios of people who are sick from around the world. We had to figure out what was wrong then decide how to treat them...not as easy as if sounds...sometimes they might have club feet! (That one's for you Tilley...thanks for all your help! ;) Many had worms, vitamin deficiencies, Malaria, and the strangest diseases you've probably never heard of!

Barry and Tilley are the directors of Equip International. Barry did devotions every morning and Tilley, a Nurse Practitioner Midwife, cook amazing meals for us and taught us how to help deliver babies.

Thank you for all that helped to make this trip possible!

Love you all!

Splints, NG's, and stiches...oh my!

2008-07-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

2008-07-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Andrea was such a trooper. They attempted 4 times before they were able to get the tube down!

2008-07-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

My hearts cry

2008-07-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Lord, guard me from the power of wicked people; protect me from cruel people who plan to trip me up. The proud hid a trap for me. They spread out a net beside the road; they set traps for me.

I said to the LORD, "You are my God." LORD, listen to my prayer for help. LORD God, my mighty savior, you protect me in battle. LORD, do not give the wicked what they want. Don't let their plans suceed, or they will become proud...

I know the LORD will get justice for the poor and will defend the needy in court. Good people will praise his name; honest people will ive in his presence.

PSALMS 140:4-8, 12-13

My Swazi grass hut...

2008-07-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

I thought that you would be interested to see where I'll be living in Swaziland and who my roommate will be!

I will be living in Mbabane the capital of Swaziland. I will have three other roommate. Sandra and Natalie have been living in Swaziland for the last year. Sandra helps at the care points and with some clinic things. Natalie has been working in the Children's Cup office, helping with the youth group, and is involved in Swaziland Healing Place Church.

Sarah will be moving to Swaziland a week before I do. It will be nice to have someone else who will be new at this whole Swaziland missionary thing! We also have people who come stay with us on shorter 4-6 week trips.

Can't wait to finally meet you my future roomies and do ministry with you!

Praying for you guys!

Sandra and Natalie are living their currently.

Here is my running water, electricity pulsing, flushing toilets house!

Sarah is moving to Swaziland a week before I am.

Lomansotfu preperation for the trip to South Africa!

2008-06-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is an update about Lomansotfu porgress by Teresa:

Good News!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!! At long last, after 3 or 4 weeks, we finally have all of the documents necessary to send Lomansontfu to for her surgery to have the tumor removed. I saw the letter from the senior medical officer today, and it states that she will go to South Africa on Monday the 30 of June. Abraham came up from Maphiveni today and took the sister and the child to get the travel documents. He said that it was just God, because when he got here, he realized that one of the certificates he was bringing was not correct. So he prayed and asked the Lord to make a way where there is no way, and He did!! He said that they took them into an office and corrected the document and they were able to get the travel documents without even waiting in the line! We were rejoicing and praising God right there in the corridor of the children’s ward at the government hospital! Prayer works!

When I visited her earlier in the week, I felt led to just pray and agree with the child, and the sister that this paperwork would be gotten quickly and that the doors would be open to get her to I could hear the other care givers in the room agreeing with me in prayer, and God did hear us, and answer! The tumor is getting bigger every day and causing her more and more pain. One of the care givers in the room told me today that it causes her much pain and she cries at night.

Now we must get her older sister to Mbabane to travel with her on Monday.Please help us pray that this goes smoothly, they travel safely, and that the surgery goes well.
God is a good God!!

August 12 baby!

2008-06-26T22:15:00.001-07:00

I'VE BOUGHT MY ONE WAY TICKET TO SWAZILAND

FOR AUGUST 12!
CRAZY?!

I'll be flying out of Denver, CO at 8pm on August 12 to England. Kick it in the Hethrow airport for a 6 hour layover (ya know, to give my arms a break...hahaha). Fly from England to Johannesburg, South Africa, arriving early in the morning (and try to find the most comfy cozy corner to catch some zzz's). Then in the early afternoon hitch a ride from Jburg, SA, to Manzini, Swaziland!

I'll be arriving in Swaziland around 3 pm on August 14.

Now get out your calculators...how long will I be traveling?

Drum roll please......Brrrrrrruuuuuuuummmmmm bump.

34 hour of kick you in the pants exciting international travel! YEAH!!!!

(Actually I really do enjoy international travel...we'll see what I'll say after 34 hour it ;)

My financial support is at 80%!
Praise the Lord!

I've got 91% of my moving/car costs covered!
($1500 still needed)
I've got 76% of my monthly covered!
($475 of month still needed)

Thanks you for everyone who has been donating one time and monthly financial gifts. This would not be possible if it wasn't for you and your wonderful giving hearts! Thank you for becoming a part of the ministry God has called me to in Africa for you have now become a part of a ministry that touch the hearts of needy children in Swaziland with the love of Christ! Thank you all who have been in supporting me through prayer! I greatly appreciate and feel your support!

I'm excited to see how God brings the rest of the money in...He continues to reveal His character to me in these times when I have to fully depend on Him (I'm learning it's in all time and all things I am to depend soley on Him ;). Times when He's apparently made it quite obvious I could not do it without Him and His Provision. So I learn to actively rest and watch as He provides all that I need not only financially but physically and emotionally and socially. What an amazing God we serve!

If you would like to financially contribute with a one time gift or monthly gift (any and all money helps!) then you can either contact me by email/phone and donate by mailing in the money or by donating on line on the Children's Cup online donation website!

I've also put in my 2 weeks notice at work so my last day at Longmont United Hospital on the cancer floor will be July 11...right before I'll leave for my Third World Nursing Course in Canada!

Quiting work was exciting and scary and kinda sad.

Exciting because it means I'm another step closer to moving to Swaziland! Something that I've wanted to do for a long while. I've had about 5 false starts...5 different times when I thought I'd be leaving work at the hospital and move to Swaziland.

Quiting work is scary cause it means I no longer am "providing" for myself with a secure job with awesome benefits and coworkers. The security of having all the medical equipment and extra nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, clowns (love those visiting clowns ;), and doctors for extra insight and support.

I'm sad to no longer be a part of the 5 west staff. I love everyone who's there and will miss their encouragement, laughter, and commodore when we all need to crab about such and such a patient. "Can you believe that he..." "He is driving me up the wall!" "If she does...one more time I'm going to..." Love you guys and will dearly miss you!

Thank you all again for your love and support! Can't wait to see where God will take us in the journey called life.

Love ya all!

Me, Renee and Hannah at the Denver Aquarium...here fishy fishy fishy...

Lomansontfu - Teresa's blog insight

2008-06-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a blog from Teresa the nurse I'll be working with. She writes on some of the kids we care for so I thought you would be interested in seeing one of the kids I'll be caring for. You can check out her blog stories by clicking on this link: Rehmeyers in Swaziland

By Teresa Rehmeyer:

"This is a little girl named Lomansontfu (name means Sunday), which probably means she was born on a Sunday. She is from our Maphiveni CarePoint. She is about 10 years old, and she is an orphan. She lives with her older brother and sisters. She is not treated very nicely by them, because she is just an extra mouth to feed. She has a large tumor growing on the side of her face. The doctors think that it is a myeloblastoma. She needs a major surgery to remove the tumor and probably plastic surgery because the tumor is eating into her jaw bone. This surgery can’t be done here is Swaziland. She has been in the Mbabane Government Hospital for 3 weeks waiting for the Senior Medical Officer to approve her case and provide the money through a government fund to send her to South Africa to have the surgery done. We are also waiting for her family to get her certificate of birth from the chief so they can get travel documents for her trip to South Africa.

Each time I see her, the tumor is bigger and bigger. Sometimes, she drools because she can’t keep her mouth closed. She is having a lot of pain, especially at night, and her gums are beginning to bleed. In spite of all of this, she manages to still have a beautiful smile that lights up her whole face! I pray that we can get the help that is needed for this little girl. Please pray that the funding, the paperwork and the approval will all come quickly so that she can get the medical care that she needs and deserves!"

World Vision Experience in Colorado!

2008-06-25T20:14:00.002-07:00

I've been hearing of this World Vision Experience for the last year or so randomly from different people. Then I got a phone call from Scott (Thanks Scott!) who received information in the mail and he gave me their website!

The World Vision Experience takes you through the life of an AIDS orphan in Africa. It's an interactive, walk through exhibit that will transport you into the heart of Africa...and the life of one child.

I highly encourage all that can make it to go through this Experience. Many times I think I've got a grasp on the AIDS crisis in Africa. Then I realize that I have no idea what's going on. This Experience will start to give you an idea of what is going on in Africa, what I'll kind of kids I'll be taking care of, and what you can do to help!

For my Colorado peps Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, CO, is holding the World Vision Experience in July. 7/6 - 7/15!

They also are holding them in Loveland and Fort Collins later in the year!

You can make your free reservation to get a specific time allotment or just show up and get placed when they can!

Event States and dates.They are holding these Experiences in California, New Jersey, Georgia, Colorado, New York, Illinois, and North Carolina!

So check them out!

World Vision Experience: AIDS

2008-06-25T20:14:00.001-07:00

Three little monkeys sitting on the bed...

2008-06-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is a story of three girls, one hotel room, and a 6 night 7 day trip working at the Denver Rescue Mission...

We were all peachy and friends. Loving one another and singing silly song together.Then Tasha was laying on the bed texting Mr. Rogers on her phone.

An overwelming temptation to push her off the bed came over me...

So I pushed her off the bed! I thought it hilarious!
Hannah didn't want anything to do with it.
And, well, Tasha was upset.

THE END

I wish I hadn't turned from my relationship with Jesus...

2008-06-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Mr. Mitchell, a man who live on the street and is a patron at the Denver Rescue Mission, shared his story with us today.

He told us about his wife and three kids and how much he loves them. He told us of his wonderful job he used to have and the houses he was able to provide not only for him and his wife, but also a house paid in full for each kid.

He spoke of how he lost it all when he became addicted to drugs and alcohol...job, family, money, health all down the tubes. Now he lives with Parkinson's and fights daily with his addictions while he live out on the streets.

Someone asked him if he could change one thing in his life what would that be?

Mr. Mitchell replied, "I would have never turned my back to my relationship with Jesus that first time".

He didn't say I would have never drank or done drugs or change this or that.
He sincerely knows the importance and life changing simple fact...a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is all that matters.

Do you know this simple fact as well?

Denver Rescue Mission Trip day 3

2008-06-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

These are my girls in my room on the Denver Rescue Mission Trip. This is Tasha and Molly up top and Hannah and me on the bottom. We have a group of 20 teens from our church for the week as our mission trip.

This week we are staying at a hotel in Denver and working at the many different sites of the Denver Rescue Mission ministry. What a great time to be able to not only serve those who are in need but to get to know them and hear their stories.

I'm greatly blessed by their stories of how God has touch their lives in a personal up close way...

More to come on what we experience....

African Chriatian Youth Group Praising God!

2008-06-12T12:56:00.001-07:00

Here is a video of some kids sing from one of Children's Cup care point in Swaziland.
Mark and Kay are from the Children's Cup family.

In the not to distant future I will be joining Children's Cup in Swaziland...

Praise the Lord!

Truth and Shadows

2008-06-12T12:51:00.001-07:00

Dissection...yeah!

2008-05-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things ever since I was young was to dissect things. I can remember in first grade when my dad brought home his catch after he went quail hunting. He would have my sister and I watch and help him clean the birds. My favorite part was when we would look in its stomach to see what its last meal was...yummm.

I was so intrigued and excited by the quail dissection that I begged to be able to take it to class for show and tell...strange I know. Through out high school we dissected pig hearts and voluntarily helped the 5th graders dissect cow eyes for science class. Even into college I had Hector the Cat, he had a mouse for his last meal, who we dissected for a whole semester in Anatomy and Physiology.

Yes...I admit it. I'm kinda a dissecting freak. I guess it's a good thing I'm not overly squeamish, considering what I do day in day out as a nurse! ;)

So I got kinda excited when I saw a blog about Dr. Beyda teaching a science class in Swaziland where they dissected some pretty cool stuff...oxen liver, kidney, and heart.

what struck me as funny is that after they were done inspecting those organs they cooked and ate them, having a wonderful feast. WOW. Even with my cast iron stomach I had a moment of ozziness. But ya know, I but they really enjoyed that meal! Kudos to them!
Check out Dr. Beyda's report with Mission of Mercy on what he did in Swazi! There will be many more enlightening stories on all the people they were able to reach out too. People who were able to not only be physically check out and cared for but also spiritually cared for!

Also check out Teresa's blog. She talks about all the kids we reach through the clinic!

Check it out!

Mars - the new mission field for the Lord

2008-04-01T21:08:00.001-07:00

So after a day of thinking I decided not to go to Africa but instead move to Mars through the organization Virgle.

As you know I have a heart for those less reached and I believe Mars will be the best place for me. Not only will I be ministering to those who are moving their but I might also be able to minister to those cute little green aliens!

As the song goes:
"Jesus love the little children, all the children of the world (or in this case the universe). Red and yellow, black and white and GREEN. They are precious in His sight. Jesus love the little children (and aliens) of the world (and in this case universe)!"

Here is some more information on what I'll be doing in Mars! http://www.google.com/virgle/index.html

(Don't you love Google's April Fool's jokes?!)

Oww, my eye!

2008-03-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow friends! Just a quick up date from Mexico. We have be traveling around Guatalajara taking in the sites and culture. We have the adventures of rushhour traffic, strolling along cobble stone streets, and taking a taxi around town. We even got to see cow tongue in the market...yum.

It has been wonderful exploring Guatalajara but most of all I've enjoyed being with the Shepard's. They are the kind of people and missionaries I want to be so it's been wonderful to do life with them for this short time!

Renee, April, and I goofing off at the two storie Starbucks in Guatalajara.

The semi small red spot above my eye brow is where the dart poked me.

Not bad I know but I almost poked my eye out!

Thanks for all of you have been praying for me in general and while I'm here. We were playing darts this afternoon and as typical clutzy me I dropped a dart on my face and was close to hitting my eye! YOUR PRAYERS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, THANKS YOU FOR YOUR PRAYS!

Love you all!

Trip to Guadalajara, Mexico

2008-03-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hello amigos! I'm writing from Guadalajara, Mexico. I'm going to be here until Saturday visiting a missionary family from church. They just recently moved here after living in Peru for 13 or so years.

While they were on sabbatical in the States their daughter April was in my Bible study for those 2 years. One of her close friends Renee and I decided that we should go visit them!

Be in prayer for protection and that we may be able to encourage and up lift them in their life and ministry in Guadalajara.

Here is Renee and April drinking Inta Juices...I just love these girls!

Nursing in the dirt for Jesus

2008-03-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

God began to show me His heart and the needs of Swazi children as I served in Swaziland in the summer of 2005. One day, we went throughout the rural villages and homesteads inviting all the children we met to come to a Kid’s Club. Expecting about 75 kids at most, we were blown away when 200 kids showed up!

For the next couple of hours we taught a Bible lesson, sang, and danced; but most importantly, we gave love to these kids in desperate need of love. During this time, six boys with injured toes from walking barefoot in the bush were brought to be cared for by nurse Jessie.

As I sat in the dirt with these boys examining their hurt toes, I realized I could not only help care for them physically but I could introduce them to the One who made and knows them intimately, the King of kings. God has given me nursing as a tool to reach those in need and to expand his kingdom!

Nurses in Swaziland

2008-03-19T07:29:00.001-07:00

I ran across this article about how the nurses are doing in Swaziland called "SWAZILAND: Enough is enough, say nurses" . They have a pretty interesting nursing culture.

The nurses in the hospitals and clinics are taking care of a dying population many times with not enough room, medication, or staffing. Sometimes they are even with out the basics like running water and electricity.

Yet they continue to care for those hurt and sick the best they can. With the limited experiences I've had visiting the clinics and hospitals in Swaziland, I find that they are worn out. Family member are to stay with the patient to help prove meals, assist with basic care, and to be an advocate for the patient.

Isn't this an interesting way to create traction for a hurt leg?

I was able to talk with a nurse in the hospital in Big Bend, Swaziland, once and you could see that she loved nursing and was very medically knowledgeable for the resources and technological equipment they have. But she was tired of being so understaffed and having little to no supplies.

We talked about switching jobs, she would take my job in America and I'd take her job in Swaziland ;)

I find myself blessed and privileged for being able to nurse in America. The hospital I work at is well stocked with medical supplies, the pharmacy is rarely in want, and we are staffed well. Our hospital building, I tease, is like the Hilton Hotel. Beautiful artwork adorns the walls at every bend, the color choices are soothing and fresh, patients have grand one patient rooms with individual bathrooms (could you imagine sharing one toilet with 30 other sick people in Swazi?), and we have security guards who come within a minutes notice.

Sometimes I catch myself as I sit in front of my personal nursing pod with computer and telephone at hand, day dreaming about how many people I could treat in Swaziland with a hospital overflowing with medical supplies, medications, and staffing.
In my minds eyes I have knocked down many of the walls in our wing (keeping all the glorious bathrooms intact ;) making it one big corridor.

I see the lines of people resting in comfortable, clean beds. People that we could treat and care for. I see the nutritionists making sure they are fed properly with our delicious selections of hospital food (although some may think delicious and hospital food should not belong in the same sentence ;).

But alas, this will never be.

I'm excited to be learning to care for people medically in Swaziland! I know that God is preparing me now in known and unknow ways in the hopsital. I will be taking a class sometime this summer for two weeks that will teach me how to nurse in a third world country.

Some consider me crazy to move to Swaziland to nurse. Maybe they're right. All I know is that God has placed on my heart and called me to go help care for His people not only physically but spiritually wherever He leads. It just so happens that He is leading me to Swaziland right now!

This is His promise:

Isaiah 58: 10-12

If you feed those who are hungry and take care of the needs of those who are troubled, then your light will shine in the darkness, and you will be bright like sunshine at noon. The LORD will always lead you. He will satisfy your needs in dry lands and give strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has much water, like a spring that never runs dry.

2008-03-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

Sex, Sushi, and Salvation

2008-03-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

Did I catch your eye with the title? ;D

I periodically will walk the shelves of Borders aimlessly wandering with no clear goal in mind. It's a time I can escape and be caught in my own thoughts as I browse books I'll never buy.

At random I blindly pulled the book "Sex, Sushi, and Salvation" out among the masses of books on one of my Borders escapades the other day. The title caught me off guard. As I glanced behind my back to see if anyone was around who could see the title of the book in my hand, I thought to myself, "I'm in the Christian section, ya?"

I read the first couple of pages becoming lost within the book. I was hooked.

The author, Christian George, a young mid 20's something wrote his thoughts on intimacy, community and eternity. He is a vivid writer painting an authentic world of beauty among the grit and grime.

I've been searching for a book that talks of my generation and our desire for anything authentic no matter what the cost, the good mixed in with the bad.

I related when he wrote about how our generation at times wants God but wants nothing of the Church. He talked of the dangers of being, in a sense, a decapatated Body of Christ. He also wrote a great chapter on worship.

There is so much I would love to share from this book, so much that I'm continuing to digest and mull over.

In the chapter entitled "Back to the Future" he is talks about Heaven and how we must look back at what God has done for us as we walk forward with Him. Community with God is what we seek...

"But heaven will be better than that. Instead of having an inner itching for sinful behavior, we'll yearn and burn for Christ. God will suck the poison from His people, and we'll be consumed with a passion for worship. We will applaud God for redeeming us, pulsing and praising His name... Heaven will be a place where Christians adore the Christ who sacrificed Himself to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

For now, we are pilgrims in a land that is not our home. We press on toward our final destination as strangers on this earth. Instead of living for the weekend or partying your life away, give yourself to something great. Abandon the American dream of health and wealth and risk your life for the kingdom of God. Let's pray a little harder and love a little more. There are already too many wasted lives in this world. Nothing is more gratifying than soaking up the Savior and splashing others with His glory. Nothing is so rewarding as sleeping with a clean and forgiven conscience. C.S. Lewis wrote, "We are halfhearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us." Why settle for less than perfect communication with Christ? Why settle for Hershey's Kisses when the chocolate factory is ours for the eating?" An excerpt from "Sex, Sushi and Salvation".

Check it out!

Pick one up for yourself and continue to explore the vastness of our God!

Blogger am I?

2008-02-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Hello family and friends! Time quickly goes by and I have produce only a few blogs. Here is my commitment to you: I will be posting at least once a week, most likely on Tuesdays.

So keep checking me out...I mean...keep checking out my blog ;)

Come here to be updated on the fun, furry, and fantastic frazazle of my life and what God is up to!

Taken during a crazy cold hike up Rabbit Mountain!

UN article on Children's Cup

2008-02-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Here is an article that the UN Integrated Regional Information Networks wrote about the work of Children's Cup in Swaziland. It has been posted on the website allAfrica.com

Check it out!

(They mention the clinic I'm going to be working...isn't that great?!)

Swaziland: Giving Orphans 'Some Time of Real Childhood'

Pure Religion

2008-02-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

Learning to walk on water...

2008-02-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

I am a child of God, a dirty dank sheep that has been cleaned anew by his blood, love, and grace.
He has burdened and widened my heart for his people around the world.
He has taught and shown me I am a missionary wherever He has placed me.
He has called me to ministry to other through my nursing care and relationships.

I am continuing to learn who He is...I AM, the Protector, Jealous God, Savior, Slow to Anger, Lord, Son of God, Father, Husband, Place of Refuge, Sacrificial Lamb...the list will forever go on for eternity as he continues to reveal himself to us.

God calling me to move to Swaziland Africa feel as doable as if He would ask me to walk on water, something that is entirely impossible for me to do...I can't even fake it.

Isn't that the point?

I am learning to trust in the I AM. God has not called us to this life to do it alone, in fact He know we (the Body of Christ) can't really LIVE without Him. Oh for a short time I can sometimes fake it in life but am I really fooling anyone? For that matter do I think that I'm fooling the One who knows all?

God calls us to depend on Him is all things...small and big.

When looking at how to trust in the I AM, Matthew 14:22-33 (Amplified Bible) comes to mind when Jesus and Peter have a little water walking lesson. First things first, if you want to walk on the water you have to get out of the boat...someone should write a book on that! Oh wait...they did ;)

Matthew 14:26-29 says:

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright. 27 But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! 28 And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. 29 He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.

Right now Africa looms half a continent away, oceans away...and He is asking me to walk on the water. My initial response to His call has been, "Yes! Send me! I trust in the I AM! Send me to Africa!" Just as Peter did when they were out on the sea. But just as Peter who was walking toward Jesus got overwhelmed by the waves so have I...

30 But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!

As the towering waves of fund raising threaten to crash on me...
the whipping, whirling winds of anxiety and preparedness tonsil my hair and pull at my clothes...
and as the deep, dark water of medical knowledge and readiness lap at my ankles wetting my legs and face as I walk...
I become frightened and begin to sink no longer walking in the Truth of the I AM.

31 Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

LORD SAVE ME FROM DEATH! SAVE ME FROM MY ANXIETY AND FROM THOSE WHO WOULD WANT TO HARM ME! TEACH ME TO BATTLE MY FLESH! SHOW ME HOW TO FIGHT AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS!

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob reaches down and brings me to the surface as He holds me in His rock solid embrace. The threatening waves still loom, the wind whips back and forth, and the water dept frightens me still but I am now resting in God's eternal truth and enfolded in the presence of my loving Father.

Lord may we continue to surrender our lives to You more and more. May we learn to fully trust and depend on You in all things.

Philippians 4:8

2008-01-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Sledding in the Rocky Mountains

2008-01-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

My friend Beth and I spent some time in the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado, over the holidays.

We had our third annual sledding fest! It starts by driving around Rocky Mountain Nation Park scooping out a good hill to sled down. When the most spectacular hill is found we pile on the clothes and head out with our blue plastic sleds.

Second to importance to the choosing of a perfect sledding hill is deciding on what path has the least amounts of trees to run into. And before we take the plunge we say a quick pray and hope there aren't may jagged rocks buried in the snow...we have the holes in our sleds to prove our encounters with those sneaky suckers.

When I'm in the mountains surrounded by God's creation and glory I can do nothing but marvel at how amazing He is. The beauty and the majesty of snow covered hill tops brings me into a place of awe and surrender.

I think of Psalms 121 and not only know but sense His protection and guidance. Our God is great and forever to be praised!

Psalms 121
I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you be defeated. He who guards you never sleeps. He who guards Israel never rests or sleeps. The LORD guards you. The LORD is the shade that protects you from the sun. The sun cannot hurt you during the day, and the moon cannot hurt you at night. The LORD will protect you from all the dangers; He will guard your life. The LORD will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Merry Chirstmas!

2007-12-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has had a great Chirstmas with family and friends!

I had a great time with my parents and my sister and her husband. It was a day filled with presents, fellowship, a classic delicous Californian lunch, and a couple eposides of "Merry Christmas Mr. Bean".

And yes...as a matter of fact in Colorado we did have a white ~freezing cold~ Christmas!

Here are a couple of pictures from a Chirstmas party I went to with friends. My friend Beth is back from Hawaii, ya! I bet you can't pick her out...

(Can you tell who lives in Hawaii and who lives in lilly white Colorado? ;)

My November Support Letter!

2007-12-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

As some may know I am in the process of raising support to move to Swaziland for 2 years God willing! I will be going with Children's Cup to work in the clinic as a nurse in addition to working in the CarePoint's.

I've just recently begun support raising and am absolutely humbled and in awe of my God!

Here is a link to my support letter. It explains what I'll be doing in Swazi and the journey God has used to bring me to minister in Africa. I LOVE talking about what God is doing in Africa so if you have questions about Africa or what I'll be doing there let me know!

Check it out!

December News Letter

(Give it a minute or so to load up if it's moving slow ;)

There's a first time for everything...

2007-12-09T21:37:00.000-08:00

Today I am proud to say is the first time I truly dumpster dived.
(I really don't count the time when my parents had us dumpster dive at a construction site for scrap wood in Colorado Springs...it's a great experience when your in 3rd grade. Thanks mom and dad! ;)

Me and my roommate were having a little cleaning spree this weekend. When I finished vacuuming I did the responsible thing and went to empty the vacuum canister outside in our dumpster.

Now Colorado has just had a day or so of snow, about 8 inches of beautiful serenity, and the temperature is hanging around 25 degrees and dropping. It was going to be a quick out and in deal.

No mess, no hassle.

In my hurried, freezing trip I forgot that in the vacuum canister was a filter that I had to take out before dumping out all the goodness that I collected while vacuuming.

As I'm mindlessly banging the canister over the dumpster thinking of nothing more that just getting back to the warmth of inside I realize...wait, was there something I was supposed to take out before I did this?

A moment of looking at the empty canister brought the dreaded sense that I had effectively thrown the filter away.

In an attempt to rescue my vacuum filter I climbed up the side and was able to hang half way over grasping at air and was naively optimistic about how far I could reach...but no dice...rats.

As I jumped down from the dumpster hoping no one was watching me and wishing I had "Go Go Gadget Arms", I scrapped my arm against the germ infested, tetanus covered, rusting corner of the dumpster...yikes.

Great...not only will I have lost my vacuum filter but now I'm going to get a massive infection that is going to require hospitalization, then it's going to go septic, the bacteria will settle on my heart valves, and then they are going to have to amputate my arm!

(Ok, maybe this is an slight over reaction from the nurse, possibly ;)

As I quickly inspected my arm in the dark I realized I could use my window scrapper to fish out the filter! After a couple of attempts I finally was able to get a hold of the dust and snow covered filter. YEAH!

Now to all my fellow dumpster diving who are smelling what I'm stepping in: keep your head up high and enjoy the adventures of discovering the treasures amongst the trash; and if you ever find a vacuum filter do you mind returning it to me?

Thanks Hannah!

2007-12-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to have a shout out for one of many great friends. Hannah is pretty much an amazing friend, neighbor, and "Director of Young Women's Ministry with Teen Girls/Females" (or whatever they decided on what her title should be ;) at Calvary Church. She is such a blessing to me and to all she is with.

We've led a high school girls Bible study together, have self titled ourselves the "yenta's" of our friends, laughed until we hurt, cried on each others shoulders when life hits us hard and depended on each other when we were learning together hard life lessons.

She was available the other day to help me stuff my support letters and I greatly appreciated her help and encouragement. I love ya sisi!

I'll apologize to her husband now because when I move to Swaziland I'm kidnapping her and taking her with me...
I might compromise and not knock her out and kidnap her only and ONLY IF if they promise to visit me in Swazi ;)

We look a little delusional and giddy...only slightly though ;) This was taken in the morning after a lock-in we supervised for the 30 Hour Famine with our youth kids. This is what 30 hours without food and 3 hours of sleeping on the floor in the church with 20 youth look like. Yikes!

Learning to Hear the Call of God

2007-12-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

I found a book in my parents basement that someone had given to me but I never started reading.
You could say that it was a God thing that I found it cause I'm not usually down in my parents basement any more. If it hadn't been for the stubborn cat that was hiding from me I might have never spotted it ;)
Bless her dear little heart...

The book is compiled of two of Oswald Chambers books on service and the mission field. They are "So Send I You" and "Workmen of God". The chapters are shorter so you can read a chapter a day and use it kinda like a devotional.
Highly recommended if you are searching for your calling, excited and thirst about the things of God, or if you are feeling called to a lifestyle of service and/or missions, whether in your backyard or to the ends of the earth!

Oswald Chambers begins by using Isaiah 6:3-9 as an example of how God calls us into His service. Isaiah was in the presence of God and he overheard the heart of God.

"God does not have to come and tell me what I must do for Him; He brings me into a relationship with Himself where in I hear His call and understand what He wants me to do, and I do it our of sheer love to Him."
--Oswald Chambers in "So Send I You"

The call of God is not necessarily a specific lightening bolt, "This is what I want you to do". It is when we are in His presence and He is calling us to serve Him we see the clarity of what He is calling us all to do...to serve Him. Everyone will serve Him in unique yet unified ways as God has made us the Body of Christ.

"When people say they have had a call to foreign service, or to any particular sphere of work, they mean that their relationship to God has enabled them to realize what they can do for God. Their natural fitting for service and the call of God is identified as one in them."
--Oswald Chamber in "So Send I You"

How amazingly freeing is our LORD? How blessed we are to have a God that loves and cares for us! I wish to continue to dive more into this amazing relationship with my God!

It can be so tempting some times to say with pride and a condescending tone, "Well I am called to be a missionary to Africa" or even people replying how super spiritual you are for being a missionary in the scary jungles of Africa (as if the "country" aka continent of Africa is one scary jungle with ginormous hairy spiders and crazy poisonous snakes...well, maybe they're right about the spiders and snakes, but Africa is a very diverse continent with many different kinds of climates ;). The thing is that when we are in a relationship with Him and following His lead, He calls us all and takes us to where He wants us...that which brings Him glory. There is nothing more spiritual if your ministering in Africa vs being a stay at home mom vs working at a coffee shop vs teaching Sunday School to 3rd graders.

Praise the Lord! Seek Him! Dig deep into a relationship with Him. Dwell in His presence. Serve Him in the ways He has called and gifted you.
Love God, love people...

Children's Cup - CarePoints

2007-11-27T08:49:00.001-08:00

Here is video on what Children's Cup is doing in Swaziland! Enjoy!

Serving God...

2007-11-22T23:07:00.000-08:00

"To serve God is the deliberate love gift of a nature that has heard the call of God."
-- by Oswald Chambers

Good ol' Phoenix Airport

2007-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

It has been marvelous for once in my life that I'm not rushed hopping planes to San Luis Obispo through Phoenix...although now we are delayed because of mechanical issues.

Unfortunately no surprise when your flying America Worst, but yuck.

Many times I have had to make a crazy mad dash run to the other side of the airport, but today I had a two hour layover...sigh...how beautiful. I even purposely walked across the airport to get Starbucks coffee, the tall ginger bread latte.

One of the more hairy connections in Phoenix was when my sister and I had 15 minutes to make it across the airport. She had just had hip surgery so we had called ahead for a wheel chair...which she absolutely despised and protested against.

However, with a gimp hip and 15 minutes to catch our flight I insisted that she use it.

This nice young boy was ready for us with the wheel chair as we walked off the flight. He proceeded to then take his leisurely time getting my sister situated in the wheel chair and started making polite conversation as he slowly made his way across the terminal.

In spite of his slow pace and my sister's death glares, we made it to our gate with 3 minutes to spare. We might have been able to make it sooner without our kind, turtle paced escort. Sorry sis ;) Love ya!

All in God's Timing...

2007-11-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome! I am officially a blogger!

I have just come back from a trip to Children's Cup and am now starting to raise my support to go to Swaziland!
Praise the Lord!!!!!

Through this blog I hope that I can keep you updated on the amazing works that God is doing through this journey He has me on while in Colorado and continuing to Swaziland and beyond!

God has been teaching me patience like none other...how to rest and trust in His unchanging character. That He is worthy of my full trust and of all praise.

In the high school Bible study that I am co-leading in we are studying the Psalms with the eyes of see how we can pray, communicate with God. This week we are looking at Psalms 23. A very well know Psalms, so how can we see it with new eyes? It's amazing what He will reveal to us when we ask for Him to show us more of Him...may it even be in Psalms 23 ;)

Psalms 23:3 says,
"He gives me new strength. He leads
me on paths that are right for the good of his name."

So many times I want God to lead me on the quickest path or the most enjoyable and funnest path or the safest path. Those are my preferred kinds of paths, my criteria for what would be the best path to take.

This is not so for God. For He says:

Isaiah 55:8-9
The LORD says, " My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than you thoughts.

I do not have the big picture as God does. I am His creation, not the Creator. He is the Beginning and the End. He was, is and will always be. This life is about His glory.

Though the path might be difficult and dark He even gives me new strength so I might continue to journey with Him. He cares for me and shepherd's me. He creates a meal full of nourishment for me in front of my enemies. He gives me times of rest and restoration by calming rivers and meadows.

So the next time I start taking a peek down a steep scary path and start suggesting to God the safer, easier, funner path, may I step back and surrender to the One who sees all and knows all. That I may learn to continually be comforted by His loving, shepherding rod and staff.