G'day mates! Ahhh yeah, I got my Aussie 'accent' back :)
I'm back on the good 'ol Sunshine Coast... well I've been here for a week now. And it has been overwhelming- good overwhelming, for sure. We're all just wanting to soak up every minute with everyone back from all the crazy places we've been! Hearing all the stories; amazing, heart-wrenching, funny, embarassing, life-changing. So needless to say, time on the computer has been limited... remember that free time I was talking about... haha.
So, our last week of outreach we spent in Bali [which is a island in Indonesia- a very popular vacation spot for Europeans]. And it was very interesting. A whole lot of miscommunication within the team/leaders and some solid testing of the character on God's part... whew. The last time I posted the whole "God is way more interested in our character than our comfort" was only the beginning....
Okay, I am being a little dramatic, but honestly God taught me SO [PRACTICALLY] about relationships. And how to deal with issues and little 'speed bumps' that can potentially turn into major problems. What a learning experience. I feel like I am ripping God off by not explaining all the details, but I would seriously write a full out [maybe best-selling!] novel if I attempted!
So, I am going to be praying for Jesus to go ahead of me and prepare all of your ears and your listening capabilities before I get home, because let me tell ya:
I HAVE SO MUCH TO SHARE.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have absolutley blown my mind. Between traveling, lecture content, speakers, friends, dating relationships, praying 24/7, living in community, cultures, and I could just go on and on, I feel like I have just lived 10 years of life in just 5 months!!! :)
Last week, Neville Stracher, as I'm typing his title I'm realizing that he does everyone, so I'm going to call him one sweet, walking-[Bible]encyclopedia, funny old dude. He's from Byron Bay. And he presented some absolutely amazing truths about MISSIONS, which was really awesome to have AFTER coming back from outreach.
The highlight for sure was having so many things being confirmed from my heart to my mind. By that I mean, God was teaching me so much in Indo just by me listening to what He was saying, then coming home and Neville teaching, Biblically, all the 'facts' if you will about what I already knew. It was awesome to say the least. :)
This next week is DEBREIF [which we have certainly started already this past week]. I am excited, yet sad. It's going to be very bittersweet...
More to come soon!
Love and miss you all and thank you for all the prayers.... I can feel 'em! :)
<3 Jade
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Suka suka Mu Tuhan!
Hello all!
Saying goodbye to our Nias family was tough, but praise Yesus Kristus! He blessed us with the most amazing farewell gift possible...Herman's brand new baby boy! Teti, his wife, went into labor wednesday night at 11 p.m., the night before we left. She delivered him at 1:30 a.m. yesterday :) So we got to meet him and hang out for a few minutes before we left for the airport! His name is Jessa Waruwu. And I can't wait to show you pictures of him.
I am certainly going to miss them.
But our last few days were great with all the youth and our new friends. And the last two weeks God definitely turned things up a little and challenged me big time. For the sake of time (internet is very limited...) I will share all the good stuff when I get home... or back to Australia when I have some spare time (a foreign concept) to really write it all down :) But let me tell ya- He is definitely more interested in our character than our comfort! Can I get an Amen?!?
Well we are off to Bali for a little debreif action :)
Please pray for safe travels and for everyone to really soak it all in and reflect on these past two months together as a team. Thank you!
I can't even express how excited I get when I think of talking and sharing EVERYTHING with all of you!!! Looooooooove you!!!!!!
<3 Jade
p.s. Suka suka Mu Tuhan means 'Have it your way, Lord!" in bahasa Nias. :) And it is a really fun song I hope I can attempt to sing for you!
Saying goodbye to our Nias family was tough, but praise Yesus Kristus! He blessed us with the most amazing farewell gift possible...Herman's brand new baby boy! Teti, his wife, went into labor wednesday night at 11 p.m., the night before we left. She delivered him at 1:30 a.m. yesterday :) So we got to meet him and hang out for a few minutes before we left for the airport! His name is Jessa Waruwu. And I can't wait to show you pictures of him.
I am certainly going to miss them.
But our last few days were great with all the youth and our new friends. And the last two weeks God definitely turned things up a little and challenged me big time. For the sake of time (internet is very limited...) I will share all the good stuff when I get home... or back to Australia when I have some spare time (a foreign concept) to really write it all down :) But let me tell ya- He is definitely more interested in our character than our comfort! Can I get an Amen?!?
Well we are off to Bali for a little debreif action :)
Please pray for safe travels and for everyone to really soak it all in and reflect on these past two months together as a team. Thank you!
I can't even express how excited I get when I think of talking and sharing EVERYTHING with all of you!!! Looooooooove you!!!!!!
<3 Jade
p.s. Suka suka Mu Tuhan means 'Have it your way, Lord!" in bahasa Nias. :) And it is a really fun song I hope I can attempt to sing for you!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Back to Nias!
Hello everyone!
Our week in Medan was great. The pastor's conference was presented by New Covenant Ministry International [NCMI] at a theological school/church . We actually got to sleep at the school [in the classrooms!] which made for an interesting week. Very hot! And many frantic wake-ups in the middle of the night for cochroach alerts! ... I will definitely be asking God the purpose of those creatures when I get to heaven. They don't die! Anyway, the week was filled everyday with speakers from NCMI from 9a-5p. These guys are amazing. They're pumped to see unity in Indonesia among the churches and are so dedicated to really help the church structure. We were pumped to see more boolays too! :) They are mostly from New Zealand and Oz, but a few South Africans too. We had the opportunity to really spend time with them, too, which was awesome. Many dinners and even a badminton tournament. They love badminton here! But that was heaps of fun.
We were responsible all week to clean-up after each day, which was actually quite a task. Not to clean so much [although Indonesians have a very different attitude toward trash, cleanliness, etc.], but to persuade them to allow us to serve them! Indonesian culture is very hostess-oriented, so the church family didn't understand why we wanted to clean their facility. They wanted to clean it for us!
Yesterday, me and a few others had to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in order to get a new 30-day visa back into Indonesia. We flew out at 8 pm and flew back to Medan at 8 am. The night in the airport was very interesting :) We looked like fools trying to sleep. All the airport seats were taken by other passengers trying to sleep, so we ended up 'sleeping' in The Coffee Bean. We got a few weird stares. Typical missionaries :) haha.
So we're off tonight, driving back to Nias. A 10 hour haul! Woo! I am stoked to get back to our friends though :) We only have two and half weeks once we get back! Time is tickin'... and God still has lots in store!
Well hope all is well back on the homefront!
<3 Jade
Our week in Medan was great. The pastor's conference was presented by New Covenant Ministry International [NCMI] at a theological school/church . We actually got to sleep at the school [in the classrooms!] which made for an interesting week. Very hot! And many frantic wake-ups in the middle of the night for cochroach alerts! ... I will definitely be asking God the purpose of those creatures when I get to heaven. They don't die! Anyway, the week was filled everyday with speakers from NCMI from 9a-5p. These guys are amazing. They're pumped to see unity in Indonesia among the churches and are so dedicated to really help the church structure. We were pumped to see more boolays too! :) They are mostly from New Zealand and Oz, but a few South Africans too. We had the opportunity to really spend time with them, too, which was awesome. Many dinners and even a badminton tournament. They love badminton here! But that was heaps of fun.
We were responsible all week to clean-up after each day, which was actually quite a task. Not to clean so much [although Indonesians have a very different attitude toward trash, cleanliness, etc.], but to persuade them to allow us to serve them! Indonesian culture is very hostess-oriented, so the church family didn't understand why we wanted to clean their facility. They wanted to clean it for us!
Yesterday, me and a few others had to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in order to get a new 30-day visa back into Indonesia. We flew out at 8 pm and flew back to Medan at 8 am. The night in the airport was very interesting :) We looked like fools trying to sleep. All the airport seats were taken by other passengers trying to sleep, so we ended up 'sleeping' in The Coffee Bean. We got a few weird stares. Typical missionaries :) haha.
So we're off tonight, driving back to Nias. A 10 hour haul! Woo! I am stoked to get back to our friends though :) We only have two and half weeks once we get back! Time is tickin'... and God still has lots in store!
Well hope all is well back on the homefront!
<3 Jade
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Indo continued.........
So we finally caught our flight to Nias Tuesday morning on a 30-passenger airplane! My hour flight was filled with lots of prayer. We were met by Jeremy and Herman at the airport, and we off on a four hour journey to Sorake Beach- our home for the next two months! Finally!
Nias is gorgeous. I have to admit, I imagined something like Fraser Island- lots of sand, flat, etc. Nope. It looks like Jurassic Park, and Scotland. It’s beautiful- lots of mountains covered with palm trees. And the weather is great. It does rain, but like just like any other coastal place, it just pours and then stops. It’s about 85 degrees on average, very humid, and sunny! The people are great. They still love boolays, but are super friendly.
Our house, or losmen as they call it in Nias, is on the beach. I know what you’re thinkin’… rough life, huh? It is amazing, however the ‘beach’ is about 100 yards of dead reef and stagnant water, then is cuts straight to 5 foot barrel waves. [That’s where the surfers drool.] Sorake Beach, which is actually on the edge of a bay, wasn’t hit by the tsunami in 2005, but the earthquake damaged the reef. Major detriment to the reef, major plus for the waves and surf life- not sure if that’s a good deal or not? I have yet to surf. I’m not too sure I want to ‘learn’ on 5 foot waves. However, there is a crack in the reef, which is cleverly named ‘the crack’, about a ten minute walk down the beach which is amazing to snorkel. Not tons of wildlife, but lovely little fish, crabs, sea cucumbers and crystal clear water. So we’ve been snorkeling a few times. Our first trip, me, Reba and Susie were pleasantly surprised by about ten 8-10 year old NAKED boys. Oh it was a joy. They just stared and so did we, so it was all good.
Alright, now for the good stuff… Let me give you a little information on our church, Banua Keriso Protestan Nias [BKPN] Taluk Dalam. BKPN is the denomination- there are tons of BKPN’s in Nias. Taluk Dalam, the town in which the church is, distinguishes ours. And Taluk Dalam is about a 20 minute ride from Sorake Beach. [If you’re at all interested, you can check it out on a map. Sorake is on the southern tip of Nias. And Taluk Dalam is north east of Sorake.]
So, as you all know discipleship is the heart of this outreach. But I need to give you a little background info… Jeremy met Herman about a year ago. The two of them clicked right away and their visions for the youth of Nias, too. Since then, they have been trying to bridge the gap between the elders and the youth of the church. The gap is saddening. There is just no connection. The elders are very stuck in religion [and like most, are oblivious to it]. The church is pretty liberal in song and dance, but very conservative in thinking.
So Herman and Jeremy’s main mission, and of course our team for this short while, is for the kids to really meet and know and love and live for Jesus. Not to just live traditions and rules and participate because their parents do, or because they’re told to. The good news is: they are pumped! They are stoked to learn and listen. They love to ask questions and hear testimonies, etc.
Most of our time is spent with a group of about ten of them who are the ‘leaders’. And I use leader for the shear fact that most are cell group leaders, but also because they are really stepping up the plate for God, to really dig into having a personal relationship with Jesus. They are going to move mountains in this church and for the next generation. It’s so fun to share the same journey with people so different from me!
So our week nights are filled with lots of hanging out, getting to know them, and cell groups, prayer groups, youth group. Lots and lots of relationship building. It’s amazing the kind of friendship you can build with someone who can’t even speak the same language as you! Our days are very open, which has been one of the biggest challenges here. Sounds weird at first, but it’s not hard to figure out. Free time = lots of discipline. Which ultimately = good! It’s been an amazing opportunity to really let the Holy Spirit lead us in what to do for the day. Of course, He led us to great things. We’ve been able to pray for so many people and just see God working in so many new ways.
One Sunday afternoon we were all swimming at the bay and there were heaps and heaps of kids there. One of the older ones, Harrison, who we’ve met a few times here and there, started talking to me and Susie about this and that. He was clearly feeling a little tipsy. I guess it’s important to note that there’s a bar on the beach where we can actually swim. [Its mostly occupied by surfing tourists.] But as we talked, he began to really open up and shared with us some pretty intense stuff about his life. He’s very heartbroken and told us that, “he’s been way too bad.” And Susie and I said, “Well let us tell you about a guy we know…” He of course had heard who Jesus is but didn’t know a single truth about who he was and what he did for us [a lot like most of America]. It was a very sobering [no pun intended!] moment. Susie and I prayed for him right there in the water, waves and all. We left the rest up the Jesus. It was sweet.
We had the chance to speak at a high school and a middle school in a village nearby. Becaa and Bree shared a little mini-sermon on Characters of God. I shared my story in front of an entire school! Herman translated for me. Having a translator is fun, too. It really allows you to collect your thoughts [takes the edge off, too!]. We answered some questions, sang songs, and hung out with them, which mainly involves lots of smiling and nodding because you can’t hold a conversation. It was fun.
We also had the chance to speak at the university in Taluk Dalam. One of Herman and Jeremy’s friends teaches an inter-cultural class there and he invited us to come speak on sexuality. Yes, sexuality. We all sat down, beforehand, to discuss what we wanted to share. It even invoked an interesting conversation amongst us and the four nations we represent on our team. So, needless to say, we were a little overwhelmed at first. We finally decided [and learned!] that even among a group of western Christians there were differing views and opinions of sexuality, but a common thread is that sexuality is NOT what is depicted in Hollywood. Movies, singers, rappers, magazines, etc. is all Indonesians know of how we ‘boolays’ present ourselves and our sexuality. So, as a team, all we wanted to do was simply share ourselves and our views and how they differed greatly to what Hollywood portrays. It was amazing. They were thoroughly surprised, intrigued, and challenged, by our information and our lives. Mission accomplished.
We left yesterday for Medan. [I am currently on an island in Lake Toba… don’t ask me how they have internet!] We are helping out with a Pastors’ conference. We’re actually not too sure of what that entails, but we were asked to come and we said yes! So, please be praying for this week. It’s an amazing blessing for the Pastors to get together in Medan! Pray for His light to shine, shine, shine over an Islam city this week!!
I could really write on and on and on sharing more stuff. But for the sake of internet, or lack thereof, I will have to say goodbye for now. Hopefully I’ll have at least one more update by the time I get back to Australia.
I miss you all… AND LOVE YOU MORE!
♥Jade
p.s. In case you haven’t heard, I have resigned from my job at Dauphin County. A very scary step forward, but I know I have heard the Big Man upstairs loud and clear. So some prayers for what my future holds would be sweet… don’t worry I’m praying heaps, too! Any insight, words, etc. is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Nias is gorgeous. I have to admit, I imagined something like Fraser Island- lots of sand, flat, etc. Nope. It looks like Jurassic Park, and Scotland. It’s beautiful- lots of mountains covered with palm trees. And the weather is great. It does rain, but like just like any other coastal place, it just pours and then stops. It’s about 85 degrees on average, very humid, and sunny! The people are great. They still love boolays, but are super friendly.
Our house, or losmen as they call it in Nias, is on the beach. I know what you’re thinkin’… rough life, huh? It is amazing, however the ‘beach’ is about 100 yards of dead reef and stagnant water, then is cuts straight to 5 foot barrel waves. [That’s where the surfers drool.] Sorake Beach, which is actually on the edge of a bay, wasn’t hit by the tsunami in 2005, but the earthquake damaged the reef. Major detriment to the reef, major plus for the waves and surf life- not sure if that’s a good deal or not? I have yet to surf. I’m not too sure I want to ‘learn’ on 5 foot waves. However, there is a crack in the reef, which is cleverly named ‘the crack’, about a ten minute walk down the beach which is amazing to snorkel. Not tons of wildlife, but lovely little fish, crabs, sea cucumbers and crystal clear water. So we’ve been snorkeling a few times. Our first trip, me, Reba and Susie were pleasantly surprised by about ten 8-10 year old NAKED boys. Oh it was a joy. They just stared and so did we, so it was all good.
Alright, now for the good stuff… Let me give you a little information on our church, Banua Keriso Protestan Nias [BKPN] Taluk Dalam. BKPN is the denomination- there are tons of BKPN’s in Nias. Taluk Dalam, the town in which the church is, distinguishes ours. And Taluk Dalam is about a 20 minute ride from Sorake Beach. [If you’re at all interested, you can check it out on a map. Sorake is on the southern tip of Nias. And Taluk Dalam is north east of Sorake.]
So, as you all know discipleship is the heart of this outreach. But I need to give you a little background info… Jeremy met Herman about a year ago. The two of them clicked right away and their visions for the youth of Nias, too. Since then, they have been trying to bridge the gap between the elders and the youth of the church. The gap is saddening. There is just no connection. The elders are very stuck in religion [and like most, are oblivious to it]. The church is pretty liberal in song and dance, but very conservative in thinking.
So Herman and Jeremy’s main mission, and of course our team for this short while, is for the kids to really meet and know and love and live for Jesus. Not to just live traditions and rules and participate because their parents do, or because they’re told to. The good news is: they are pumped! They are stoked to learn and listen. They love to ask questions and hear testimonies, etc.
Most of our time is spent with a group of about ten of them who are the ‘leaders’. And I use leader for the shear fact that most are cell group leaders, but also because they are really stepping up the plate for God, to really dig into having a personal relationship with Jesus. They are going to move mountains in this church and for the next generation. It’s so fun to share the same journey with people so different from me!
So our week nights are filled with lots of hanging out, getting to know them, and cell groups, prayer groups, youth group. Lots and lots of relationship building. It’s amazing the kind of friendship you can build with someone who can’t even speak the same language as you! Our days are very open, which has been one of the biggest challenges here. Sounds weird at first, but it’s not hard to figure out. Free time = lots of discipline. Which ultimately = good! It’s been an amazing opportunity to really let the Holy Spirit lead us in what to do for the day. Of course, He led us to great things. We’ve been able to pray for so many people and just see God working in so many new ways.
One Sunday afternoon we were all swimming at the bay and there were heaps and heaps of kids there. One of the older ones, Harrison, who we’ve met a few times here and there, started talking to me and Susie about this and that. He was clearly feeling a little tipsy. I guess it’s important to note that there’s a bar on the beach where we can actually swim. [Its mostly occupied by surfing tourists.] But as we talked, he began to really open up and shared with us some pretty intense stuff about his life. He’s very heartbroken and told us that, “he’s been way too bad.” And Susie and I said, “Well let us tell you about a guy we know…” He of course had heard who Jesus is but didn’t know a single truth about who he was and what he did for us [a lot like most of America]. It was a very sobering [no pun intended!] moment. Susie and I prayed for him right there in the water, waves and all. We left the rest up the Jesus. It was sweet.
We had the chance to speak at a high school and a middle school in a village nearby. Becaa and Bree shared a little mini-sermon on Characters of God. I shared my story in front of an entire school! Herman translated for me. Having a translator is fun, too. It really allows you to collect your thoughts [takes the edge off, too!]. We answered some questions, sang songs, and hung out with them, which mainly involves lots of smiling and nodding because you can’t hold a conversation. It was fun.
We also had the chance to speak at the university in Taluk Dalam. One of Herman and Jeremy’s friends teaches an inter-cultural class there and he invited us to come speak on sexuality. Yes, sexuality. We all sat down, beforehand, to discuss what we wanted to share. It even invoked an interesting conversation amongst us and the four nations we represent on our team. So, needless to say, we were a little overwhelmed at first. We finally decided [and learned!] that even among a group of western Christians there were differing views and opinions of sexuality, but a common thread is that sexuality is NOT what is depicted in Hollywood. Movies, singers, rappers, magazines, etc. is all Indonesians know of how we ‘boolays’ present ourselves and our sexuality. So, as a team, all we wanted to do was simply share ourselves and our views and how they differed greatly to what Hollywood portrays. It was amazing. They were thoroughly surprised, intrigued, and challenged, by our information and our lives. Mission accomplished.
We left yesterday for Medan. [I am currently on an island in Lake Toba… don’t ask me how they have internet!] We are helping out with a Pastors’ conference. We’re actually not too sure of what that entails, but we were asked to come and we said yes! So, please be praying for this week. It’s an amazing blessing for the Pastors to get together in Medan! Pray for His light to shine, shine, shine over an Islam city this week!!
I could really write on and on and on sharing more stuff. But for the sake of internet, or lack thereof, I will have to say goodbye for now. Hopefully I’ll have at least one more update by the time I get back to Australia.
I miss you all… AND LOVE YOU MORE!
♥Jade
p.s. In case you haven’t heard, I have resigned from my job at Dauphin County. A very scary step forward, but I know I have heard the Big Man upstairs loud and clear. So some prayers for what my future holds would be sweet… don’t worry I’m praying heaps, too! Any insight, words, etc. is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Traveling to Indonesia
Hi ya’ll!
Yes, this is an update! I have SO much to fill you in on… I’ll start from the top.
PRAISE JESUS we got here after a five day journey! When we arrived at the airport in Brisbane Friday night [you know, all the way back in March] we were greeted by Malaysia Air employees informing us that our flight was cancelled and that is actually never even left Malaysia because of engine issues. So, as they took our information and gave us new itineraries, Becaa realized she forgot her passport and tickets on our living room floor! [Thank you Lord for lining that one up!] So they gave us taxi and hotel vouchers and put us up in a horrible little ‘hole-in-wall’ hotel- just kidding! As Kodan put it as we waited in the five star hotel in downtown Brisbane, “Oh we’re the sorry, you’ll have to live in luxury for the night.” [He’s funny.] Man, God really hooked us up… we each got our own rooms with queen-size beds! It was such a nice little gift.
In the morning, the taxis took us back to the airport where we met the Africa team for Becaa’s passport, which worked out so perfect. Then we flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was a really nice eight hour flight. [p.s. I definitely recommend Malaysia Air.] We arrived in KL pretty late and realized that our departing flight to Medan wasn’t for two days! So we “talked” to the Malaysia Air employees there and finally after about two hours they switched our flight to the next day and gave us more taxi and hotel vouchers! So we were off to downtown KL expecting that ‘hole-in-wall’ hotel and to our delight we stayed in another really nice hotel, The Blue Wave. [Very tourist-friendly!]
Then the culture shock set in… with the call to prayer. One of the five pillars of the Islam faith is praying five times daily. At which times the mosques announce, which is more like singing prayer on a loud speaker so that all the devout Muslims know it’s time to get on their mats and pray towards Mecca. And in case you’re not sure where Mecca is, they have an arrow on the ceiling of each hotel room pointing towards it. Weird. I honestly felt a spiritual heaviness. So I prayed my little butt to sleep. J
In the morning the taxis took us back to the airport, which was about an hour ride, so we got to actually see a bit of Malaysia- gorgeous. Then we boarded our flight to Penang, Malaysia; then another flight to Medan, Indonesia [on the main island of Sumatra]. In Medan we were greeted by friends… well friends of friends of friends. Friends nonetheless! Moulia and Jennie were a HUGE blessing. We were bombarded in the airport by Indonesians, urging and pleading with us to let them give us a ride… so overwhelming [definitely more culture shock]. They love boolays [white people]! Moulia is an employee of Herman, who is Jeremy’s main man in Nias. Herman is the youth pastor at the church we work with. And Jennie is Moulia’s friend. They carted us around Medan, fed us and helped us buy tickets for our little flight to Nias, which wasn’t leaving until Tuesday. So we just chilled out [ha!] in Medan for two nights. Medan is like a tiny New York City with the same amount of pe!
ople!
And the same driving skills, add in motorbikes! Craziness. And I’ve come to find, that is a very good picture for most all of Indonesia.
Yes, this is an update! I have SO much to fill you in on… I’ll start from the top.
PRAISE JESUS we got here after a five day journey! When we arrived at the airport in Brisbane Friday night [you know, all the way back in March] we were greeted by Malaysia Air employees informing us that our flight was cancelled and that is actually never even left Malaysia because of engine issues. So, as they took our information and gave us new itineraries, Becaa realized she forgot her passport and tickets on our living room floor! [Thank you Lord for lining that one up!] So they gave us taxi and hotel vouchers and put us up in a horrible little ‘hole-in-wall’ hotel- just kidding! As Kodan put it as we waited in the five star hotel in downtown Brisbane, “Oh we’re the sorry, you’ll have to live in luxury for the night.” [He’s funny.] Man, God really hooked us up… we each got our own rooms with queen-size beds! It was such a nice little gift.
In the morning, the taxis took us back to the airport where we met the Africa team for Becaa’s passport, which worked out so perfect. Then we flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was a really nice eight hour flight. [p.s. I definitely recommend Malaysia Air.] We arrived in KL pretty late and realized that our departing flight to Medan wasn’t for two days! So we “talked” to the Malaysia Air employees there and finally after about two hours they switched our flight to the next day and gave us more taxi and hotel vouchers! So we were off to downtown KL expecting that ‘hole-in-wall’ hotel and to our delight we stayed in another really nice hotel, The Blue Wave. [Very tourist-friendly!]
Then the culture shock set in… with the call to prayer. One of the five pillars of the Islam faith is praying five times daily. At which times the mosques announce, which is more like singing prayer on a loud speaker so that all the devout Muslims know it’s time to get on their mats and pray towards Mecca. And in case you’re not sure where Mecca is, they have an arrow on the ceiling of each hotel room pointing towards it. Weird. I honestly felt a spiritual heaviness. So I prayed my little butt to sleep. J
In the morning the taxis took us back to the airport, which was about an hour ride, so we got to actually see a bit of Malaysia- gorgeous. Then we boarded our flight to Penang, Malaysia; then another flight to Medan, Indonesia [on the main island of Sumatra]. In Medan we were greeted by friends… well friends of friends of friends. Friends nonetheless! Moulia and Jennie were a HUGE blessing. We were bombarded in the airport by Indonesians, urging and pleading with us to let them give us a ride… so overwhelming [definitely more culture shock]. They love boolays [white people]! Moulia is an employee of Herman, who is Jeremy’s main man in Nias. Herman is the youth pastor at the church we work with. And Jennie is Moulia’s friend. They carted us around Medan, fed us and helped us buy tickets for our little flight to Nias, which wasn’t leaving until Tuesday. So we just chilled out [ha!] in Medan for two nights. Medan is like a tiny New York City with the same amount of pe!
ople!
And the same driving skills, add in motorbikes! Craziness. And I’ve come to find, that is a very good picture for most all of Indonesia.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
and we're off!
We're flying out tonight at 9 p.m. from Brisbane> layover in Malaysia> fly into Medan> then a little flighter plane to Nias! Wooo! More traveling, and thankfully this time I have other people to help me keep my head on..... :)
See you in Indo!
<3 YOU ALL
Jade
See you in Indo!
<3 YOU ALL
Jade
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
t-minus 72 hours.... :)
Wow.
The staff were 100% correct about that flying by business! We'll be in Indonesia in only three days :)
We still have lecture this week. Our base director, Rob [him and his wife spoke on relationships week 3] is speaking this last week of lectures on 'Overview of the Bible' but as boring and mudane as that sounds he has managed to really get us thinking about actually having a Bible view, seeing God's big picture, not just our personal lives- my Jesus, my salvation, my relationship with God, etc. But actually seeing the world how God sees it and how He portrayed that to us thru His word.
"The Bible tells us HOW to think, not WHAT." - Rob.
This morning we had a nice chat on covenants. Soooooooo interesting. I highly suggest you check it out. I could write a book right now, but for the sake of time I'll wait to share that good stuff until I get home! :)
Please lift our team and all the other teams in your thoughts and prayers as we're packin' and preparin' and headin' off this weekend, oh! FYI the other three teams are going to -Uganda and South Africa [Ashlee's leading 12 students! :) Pray for her!]- Cambodia and Thailand [all girls!]- Philipenes [wakeboarding ministry]- Darwin, Australia [Titus and Ester's family and the other family here, The Geltch's]. Thanks guys!
<3 ya'll!
Jade
The staff were 100% correct about that flying by business! We'll be in Indonesia in only three days :)
We still have lecture this week. Our base director, Rob [him and his wife spoke on relationships week 3] is speaking this last week of lectures on 'Overview of the Bible' but as boring and mudane as that sounds he has managed to really get us thinking about actually having a Bible view, seeing God's big picture, not just our personal lives- my Jesus, my salvation, my relationship with God, etc. But actually seeing the world how God sees it and how He portrayed that to us thru His word.
"The Bible tells us HOW to think, not WHAT." - Rob.
This morning we had a nice chat on covenants. Soooooooo interesting. I highly suggest you check it out. I could write a book right now, but for the sake of time I'll wait to share that good stuff until I get home! :)
Please lift our team and all the other teams in your thoughts and prayers as we're packin' and preparin' and headin' off this weekend, oh! FYI the other three teams are going to -Uganda and South Africa [Ashlee's leading 12 students! :) Pray for her!]- Cambodia and Thailand [all girls!]- Philipenes [wakeboarding ministry]- Darwin, Australia [Titus and Ester's family and the other family here, The Geltch's]. Thanks guys!
<3 ya'll!
Jade
Thursday, March 13, 2008
I'm speechless.
Of course this week just as amazing as I knew it would be.
Sooooo many breakthroughs for people; myself included :) God performed some major heart surgeries allllllll week long! If I could sum up the week in a word: FREEDOM. Freedom in every sense of the word.
Freedom of guilt, lies, pride, stupid thoughts, expectations.
Freedom to be who we were created to be!
Freedom to rest the fact that Christ has won the battle.
Freedom to proclaim His victory!
Yesterday morning we probably looked like the craziest group of people everrrr, but everyone was just filled to the brim with Christ's love that it was uncontainable. The unity was saaweet. The Africans taught us to dance, the German chanted, the Korean sang, the New Zealander did this sweet tribal dance/chant- incredible passion. Hopefully someone caught part of this action on video :)
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5: 13- "IF WE ARE OUT OF OUR MIND, IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF GOD; if we are in our right mind , it is for you. For CHRIST'S LOVE COMPELS US, BECAUSE WE ARE CONVINCED THAT ONE DIED FOR ALL , AND THEREFORE ALL DIED. And he died for all, that those who live should longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
Woooooooooooo! :)
I'm sure you're feelin' the craziness.
More to come! But gotta go...
<3 Jade
Sooooo many breakthroughs for people; myself included :) God performed some major heart surgeries allllllll week long! If I could sum up the week in a word: FREEDOM. Freedom in every sense of the word.
Freedom of guilt, lies, pride, stupid thoughts, expectations.
Freedom to be who we were created to be!
Freedom to rest the fact that Christ has won the battle.
Freedom to proclaim His victory!
Yesterday morning we probably looked like the craziest group of people everrrr, but everyone was just filled to the brim with Christ's love that it was uncontainable. The unity was saaweet. The Africans taught us to dance, the German chanted, the Korean sang, the New Zealander did this sweet tribal dance/chant- incredible passion. Hopefully someone caught part of this action on video :)
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5: 13- "IF WE ARE OUT OF OUR MIND, IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF GOD; if we are in our right mind , it is for you. For CHRIST'S LOVE COMPELS US, BECAUSE WE ARE CONVINCED THAT ONE DIED FOR ALL , AND THEREFORE ALL DIED. And he died for all, that those who live should longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
Woooooooooooo! :)
I'm sure you're feelin' the craziness.
More to come! But gotta go...
<3 Jade
Monday, March 10, 2008
don't stop 'til ya get enough!
Hello everyone!
So this week is 24/7 prayer :)
Okay, actually it's 24/5, but 24/7 sounds cooler...
We have alloted 2 hour time slots [mine is 8-10 p.m.], with three other people [my girl Leanne, Tucker and Titus!], starting monday morning at 6 a.m. and we'll finish friday night at midnight- that's a whole lotta prayin'! And I am really excited to see the way God is going to 'rock up'. I'm sure I'll have lots of good stuff to report!
This weekend we went to a movie premeir in a lovely little town called Noosa. Noosa Fest was happening- sort of like a sunny, surf culture Lampeter Fair. haha. Okay... so it wasn't like the Lampeter Fair at all... no animals, milkshakes, or mud :( But it had that same feel :) But anyway, there is sweet group called Chrisitan Surfers [I think they're international] that lots of YWAMers are involved in here on the Sunny Coast so they were giving away cool stuff at the festival. And one of the ex-pro surfers filmed this movie called Walking On Water which was being premeired alongside Chrisitan Surfers. It was AMAZING.
Bryan Jennings, the producer, took two grommets [a nice little name for kids around here :) don't ask??] Tyler and Luke from California on a surfing trip around the world- Hawaii, Peru, South Africa, France, Australia and Indo! Bryan was taken on a trip when he was a teenager and it changed his life. And not the surfing- but being mentored by a man he looked up to and learning the love of Jesus :)
The movie has some absolutely incredible [to the point of jaw-dropping] footage of the ocean and the crazy people that surf it... there were lots of pro-surfers in the movie too :) But what was awesome was seeing the grommets realize the similarities with people all over the world and the love they shared for surfing. And their realization of the hugeness and importance of God no matter where you are in the world.
Bryan and his crew are working on it being released in states as an actual cinema! So please be praying for that to happen :)
Well it's about time for my first prayer slot... giddy up!
<3 ya'll!
Jade
.... don't know where that southerness came from- I think I miss America :)haha.
So this week is 24/7 prayer :)
Okay, actually it's 24/5, but 24/7 sounds cooler...
We have alloted 2 hour time slots [mine is 8-10 p.m.], with three other people [my girl Leanne, Tucker and Titus!], starting monday morning at 6 a.m. and we'll finish friday night at midnight- that's a whole lotta prayin'! And I am really excited to see the way God is going to 'rock up'. I'm sure I'll have lots of good stuff to report!
This weekend we went to a movie premeir in a lovely little town called Noosa. Noosa Fest was happening- sort of like a sunny, surf culture Lampeter Fair. haha. Okay... so it wasn't like the Lampeter Fair at all... no animals, milkshakes, or mud :( But it had that same feel :) But anyway, there is sweet group called Chrisitan Surfers [I think they're international] that lots of YWAMers are involved in here on the Sunny Coast so they were giving away cool stuff at the festival. And one of the ex-pro surfers filmed this movie called Walking On Water which was being premeired alongside Chrisitan Surfers. It was AMAZING.
Bryan Jennings, the producer, took two grommets [a nice little name for kids around here :) don't ask??] Tyler and Luke from California on a surfing trip around the world- Hawaii, Peru, South Africa, France, Australia and Indo! Bryan was taken on a trip when he was a teenager and it changed his life. And not the surfing- but being mentored by a man he looked up to and learning the love of Jesus :)
The movie has some absolutely incredible [to the point of jaw-dropping] footage of the ocean and the crazy people that surf it... there were lots of pro-surfers in the movie too :) But what was awesome was seeing the grommets realize the similarities with people all over the world and the love they shared for surfing. And their realization of the hugeness and importance of God no matter where you are in the world.
Bryan and his crew are working on it being released in states as an actual cinema! So please be praying for that to happen :)
Well it's about time for my first prayer slot... giddy up!
<3 ya'll!
Jade
.... don't know where that southerness came from- I think I miss America :)haha.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
It's funny how He works :)
Hey all!
I love how clever God is... I love the way He justs lays something in your heart [my last post], then reaffirms allllll His blessings. Reading those comments and my e-mails just made me heart swell :) It was like God was like, "Here learn this and know this in your heart, but here, listen to all of your fantastic friends and family who love and support you!"
Well this week was so interesting. I'm not sure if I've told you guys about the African couple that is here or not, but Titus and Ester Henry hail all the way from Nigeria, with their son, Glorious. It has been such an amazing experience getting to know them and learn from them and their lives. Very different and fun! Titus has an amazing sense of humor and Ester is just this incredible prayer warrior.
Titus spoke this week on Evangelism. Him and Ester have a fishing ministry on the Maroochy River [I've gone once :)] And they are those typical, crazy missionaries :) I honestly say that in the most loving way... because their boldness and love is incredible. God has definitely equipped them for Australia culture.
Titus has stretched me so much on Evangelism. And from the first minute on Monday I just squirmed at the sounds. EVANGELISM. Such a scary word. First thing I think of: BULLHORN. You know, the crazy guy on the corner damning sinners to hell.
I think Jesus begs to differ.
It made me think of The Purpose Driven Life, when Rick Warren talks about those words that just have lost their intended meaning... I think I touched on this earlier with the word 'worship.'
REAL evangelism is sharing the Good News. What Good News? ALL and ANY of it! That's what the gospel is- Good News. And it is NOT just damning people to hell. What kind of Good News is that anyway? And when did Jesus ever just yell from street corners trying to scare people into following Him? Not my Jesus :)
My friend, Leanne and I were strolling in the Plaza [mall] this morning and were discussing how Satan, that jerk, tries to persuade us to be afraid to share that sweet news to people. And I thought to myself maybe we should try to talk to some kids 'cause they aren't scary and I don't care what they think [sorry kids!] and just as I thought that, Leanne says, "I just feel like I want to talk to some old people 'cause they need Jesus too." HELLO. God said, "Jade, get a grip. Talk to everyone." :)
So we were walking out to the parking garage and Leaanne noticed a sweet older gentleman who was having trouble finding his car. After contemplating whether or not we would irritate him for thinking he was losing his mind... old people can get a little testy sometimes... we asked if we could help him with his groceries and then he told us that he couldn't find his car so we said, "Oh, we'll help you!" So for the next thirty minutes...! we searched the parking garage for his NEW Mitshubishi Lancer [which he was thrilled about]. It was so nice to chat with him. We found out that he was 87 and named his new car Kenny :) haha. But when we finally found it [on another level] he thanked us and gave us some chocolate. And he was on his way.
We didn't speak the gospel to him.
But I think we shared it nonetheless. :)
Well thanks for reading my book...
<3 ya'll!
Jade
I love how clever God is... I love the way He justs lays something in your heart [my last post], then reaffirms allllll His blessings. Reading those comments and my e-mails just made me heart swell :) It was like God was like, "Here learn this and know this in your heart, but here, listen to all of your fantastic friends and family who love and support you!"
Well this week was so interesting. I'm not sure if I've told you guys about the African couple that is here or not, but Titus and Ester Henry hail all the way from Nigeria, with their son, Glorious. It has been such an amazing experience getting to know them and learn from them and their lives. Very different and fun! Titus has an amazing sense of humor and Ester is just this incredible prayer warrior.
Titus spoke this week on Evangelism. Him and Ester have a fishing ministry on the Maroochy River [I've gone once :)] And they are those typical, crazy missionaries :) I honestly say that in the most loving way... because their boldness and love is incredible. God has definitely equipped them for Australia culture.
Titus has stretched me so much on Evangelism. And from the first minute on Monday I just squirmed at the sounds. EVANGELISM. Such a scary word. First thing I think of: BULLHORN. You know, the crazy guy on the corner damning sinners to hell.
I think Jesus begs to differ.
It made me think of The Purpose Driven Life, when Rick Warren talks about those words that just have lost their intended meaning... I think I touched on this earlier with the word 'worship.'
REAL evangelism is sharing the Good News. What Good News? ALL and ANY of it! That's what the gospel is- Good News. And it is NOT just damning people to hell. What kind of Good News is that anyway? And when did Jesus ever just yell from street corners trying to scare people into following Him? Not my Jesus :)
My friend, Leanne and I were strolling in the Plaza [mall] this morning and were discussing how Satan, that jerk, tries to persuade us to be afraid to share that sweet news to people. And I thought to myself maybe we should try to talk to some kids 'cause they aren't scary and I don't care what they think [sorry kids!] and just as I thought that, Leanne says, "I just feel like I want to talk to some old people 'cause they need Jesus too." HELLO. God said, "Jade, get a grip. Talk to everyone." :)
So we were walking out to the parking garage and Leaanne noticed a sweet older gentleman who was having trouble finding his car. After contemplating whether or not we would irritate him for thinking he was losing his mind... old people can get a little testy sometimes... we asked if we could help him with his groceries and then he told us that he couldn't find his car so we said, "Oh, we'll help you!" So for the next thirty minutes...! we searched the parking garage for his NEW Mitshubishi Lancer [which he was thrilled about]. It was so nice to chat with him. We found out that he was 87 and named his new car Kenny :) haha. But when we finally found it [on another level] he thanked us and gave us some chocolate. And he was on his way.
We didn't speak the gospel to him.
But I think we shared it nonetheless. :)
Well thanks for reading my book...
<3 ya'll!
Jade
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Every single penny is His.... thank God!
Hello all!
Well it's monday of week eight. I'm not sure if I've mentioned monday morning tea to you all yet. But it is definitely the hightlight of my week! We have an ALL base worship led by our very own DTS students... it's like a mini-YWAM church :) But the sweet part is the morning tea- literally. We have lots of goodies; pineapple, bannanas, apples, sometimes pears, caramel mudcake [i wish i could bring some home!], shortbread cookies, etc. It is a wonderful way to start a week let me tell ya!
Today we added something extra sweet to our monday morning... giving! We took the time as a base today to hear all the needs that people have here preparing for outreach or other ministry and then let God move to meet them. And 21,000 dollars later, we are in a sweet place to move forward with what He's called everyone to do! And here is Aussieland that is what they call, 'rocking up.' That's a phrase people use when something comes in like a force. So today God totally 'rocked up.' [I'll have you know that I don't actually use that in my speech... just thought you guys would like a little Aussie-ness]. So how awesome is that???!!!
Don't know if anyone at home knows anything about surfing... but this weekend just a few towns south there was a surf competition- the Quikie Pro [Quicksilver]. One of my friends, actually my outreach leader Jeremy, got to meet Kelly Slater. And for those of you who actually do know anything about surfing are saying, "what!" And it's true. A couple people went down and had an amazing time.
I stayed right here on the Sunny Coast and had a really great weekend to reflect. God is teaching me so much about people and, for lack of words, what I like to call social-ness. About my dependancy on people. And by that I don't mean that I put my expectations in them, but rather my need and desire to be social and be with people and having/making friends. Basically, I think God is getting through to me that my surroundings will change for the rest of my life; and that means that people that I have available to me to confide in, laugh with, cry with, etc.
But He won't.
And if I'm good with that, then I can do what He's calling me to do.
I love love love how God works with me on things. Just little preparations :) Because I have not a clue what I'm going to do after outreach. And I'm completely okay with that!
But I would defintely love for you guys to start/continue to pray that I would trust Him in whatever that next step is and that I would be obedient to it.
And speaking of outreach... only 18 more days!!!! Whoa. I can't believe it. So excited :)
Well that's all for today.
I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL DEARLY!
<3 Jade
Well it's monday of week eight. I'm not sure if I've mentioned monday morning tea to you all yet. But it is definitely the hightlight of my week! We have an ALL base worship led by our very own DTS students... it's like a mini-YWAM church :) But the sweet part is the morning tea- literally. We have lots of goodies; pineapple, bannanas, apples, sometimes pears, caramel mudcake [i wish i could bring some home!], shortbread cookies, etc. It is a wonderful way to start a week let me tell ya!
Today we added something extra sweet to our monday morning... giving! We took the time as a base today to hear all the needs that people have here preparing for outreach or other ministry and then let God move to meet them. And 21,000 dollars later, we are in a sweet place to move forward with what He's called everyone to do! And here is Aussieland that is what they call, 'rocking up.' That's a phrase people use when something comes in like a force. So today God totally 'rocked up.' [I'll have you know that I don't actually use that in my speech... just thought you guys would like a little Aussie-ness]. So how awesome is that???!!!
Don't know if anyone at home knows anything about surfing... but this weekend just a few towns south there was a surf competition- the Quikie Pro [Quicksilver]. One of my friends, actually my outreach leader Jeremy, got to meet Kelly Slater. And for those of you who actually do know anything about surfing are saying, "what!" And it's true. A couple people went down and had an amazing time.
I stayed right here on the Sunny Coast and had a really great weekend to reflect. God is teaching me so much about people and, for lack of words, what I like to call social-ness. About my dependancy on people. And by that I don't mean that I put my expectations in them, but rather my need and desire to be social and be with people and having/making friends. Basically, I think God is getting through to me that my surroundings will change for the rest of my life; and that means that people that I have available to me to confide in, laugh with, cry with, etc.
But He won't.
And if I'm good with that, then I can do what He's calling me to do.
I love love love how God works with me on things. Just little preparations :) Because I have not a clue what I'm going to do after outreach. And I'm completely okay with that!
But I would defintely love for you guys to start/continue to pray that I would trust Him in whatever that next step is and that I would be obedient to it.
And speaking of outreach... only 18 more days!!!! Whoa. I can't believe it. So excited :)
Well that's all for today.
I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL DEARLY!
<3 Jade
Sunday, February 24, 2008
It's week seven! whoaaaa.
This weekend is was 40 degrees celcius! That's 104 degrees farenheit! And we went to a rugby game in it!!! Smart kids we are :) But we had to support our fellow YWAMer. One of the staff guys, Cam [he's from New Zealand] plays for the Sunshine Coast Stigrays. Just a minor league, but I'd say it puts American football to shame.... whoaa!! I bet I got some reactions on that :) But seriously, those guys are nuts! No pads or nothin'!
Monday I was priviledged to attend [and serve at] the funeral of the woman, Donna McDermid who founded [her and her husband Merv] our YWAM base. She passed away last Monday of a long illness [15 years]. Pastor Tim led the service, and a couple other crazy YWAM Pastor's spoke. It's such an awesome feeling to be part of this YWAM family. It was the best funeral I ever attended. Such an amazing celebration of life and a healthy mourning of a woman who touched so many lives- including mine! I never met Donna, but in the past few weeks have been praying for her and her family. How amazing to be able to touch someone's life who you've never met. I could only hope and pray for Jesus to use me like that! :)
This week we're learning how to actually READ our Bibles... no, we aren't stupid. haha. But our speaker, Bryan Hunsberger is teaching on Inductive Bible Study. He's petitioned to name the week: A Week of IBS with Bryan. I vote yes! :) He is like a walking movie... just sheer entertainment. He's from Canada and he is praying to be part of the starting of a School of Biblical Studies [one of the another things YWAM does] here on the Sunshine Coast.
More to come soon.
<3 Jade
Monday I was priviledged to attend [and serve at] the funeral of the woman, Donna McDermid who founded [her and her husband Merv] our YWAM base. She passed away last Monday of a long illness [15 years]. Pastor Tim led the service, and a couple other crazy YWAM Pastor's spoke. It's such an awesome feeling to be part of this YWAM family. It was the best funeral I ever attended. Such an amazing celebration of life and a healthy mourning of a woman who touched so many lives- including mine! I never met Donna, but in the past few weeks have been praying for her and her family. How amazing to be able to touch someone's life who you've never met. I could only hope and pray for Jesus to use me like that! :)
This week we're learning how to actually READ our Bibles... no, we aren't stupid. haha. But our speaker, Bryan Hunsberger is teaching on Inductive Bible Study. He's petitioned to name the week: A Week of IBS with Bryan. I vote yes! :) He is like a walking movie... just sheer entertainment. He's from Canada and he is praying to be part of the starting of a School of Biblical Studies [one of the another things YWAM does] here on the Sunshine Coast.
More to come soon.
<3 Jade
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's week six!
Hey all!
Well it's been a little while.
Apologies.
I've gotten on here a couple times to update but have been struggling what to write about. Not that nothing has been happening! Exactly opposite actually. So much stuff- fun stuff, lecture stuff, holy spirit stuff, people [girl!] stuff, deep stuff- I just don't know where to start!
The reality of this whole YWAM thing and what I expected it to be is setting in- basically I can now compare what I thought this was going to be like and what it is actually like. Nothing negative to report :)
Like I shared before, I was taken aback by the different lives that showed up here... and of course how that is playing out both positive and negative is still amazing me. Last night one of the guys [24 from Norway] shared with us last night that He actually decided to become a follower of Christ three weeks ago! He shared with us, even before, about his girlfriend and how she was the first thing in his life and that she was what he basically lived for... and how that has all changed. And the best part is that he told her. That is confidence :)
But, one the girls [18 from Canada] is going home in two weeks. I'm not too sure of all the details... but my heart hurts for her. Please pray for her and whatever is getting in her way of being able to open up to what God has in store... But I am certain that He has defintely revealed Himself to her in just some sort of fashion. I mean she got here :) It's still just an disappointing situation. But hey, I'm not God [whew!] so I don't know the plans :)
So Tim Lovell, the Pastor of GoodLife [the church we've been attending], is speaking this week on the Character of God. INTENSE! He is so real. He gave an awesome disclaimer monday that he's not sure where we come up with the idea that we can understand God, [and told us that he feels completely inadequate to do so] because as soon as we think we have figured something out we realize that we haven't a clue! Which is a good thing!!!
"We can question all we want why things happen the way they do and why God does what He does, but God says [in His word] that He is faithful- so He is." - Pastor Tim.
We just had a meeting this morning about Indo! We have our itinerary set- lots of connections- but it'll be fun traveling with people this time :) Maybe I'll even make it there smoothly! Please be praying for Jesus to go ahead of us and prepare their hearts, to make those diving appointments and for us to be aware of where the Holy Spirit wants to lead us. Of course for all the other logistical preparations that need to be made. I think I want to purchase some Bibles and maybe some soccer balls for kids or something cool like that?? Any suggestions?? I am so excited!!!!!
Love and miss you all dearly! :)
<3 Jade
Well it's been a little while.
Apologies.
I've gotten on here a couple times to update but have been struggling what to write about. Not that nothing has been happening! Exactly opposite actually. So much stuff- fun stuff, lecture stuff, holy spirit stuff, people [girl!] stuff, deep stuff- I just don't know where to start!
The reality of this whole YWAM thing and what I expected it to be is setting in- basically I can now compare what I thought this was going to be like and what it is actually like. Nothing negative to report :)
Like I shared before, I was taken aback by the different lives that showed up here... and of course how that is playing out both positive and negative is still amazing me. Last night one of the guys [24 from Norway] shared with us last night that He actually decided to become a follower of Christ three weeks ago! He shared with us, even before, about his girlfriend and how she was the first thing in his life and that she was what he basically lived for... and how that has all changed. And the best part is that he told her. That is confidence :)
But, one the girls [18 from Canada] is going home in two weeks. I'm not too sure of all the details... but my heart hurts for her. Please pray for her and whatever is getting in her way of being able to open up to what God has in store... But I am certain that He has defintely revealed Himself to her in just some sort of fashion. I mean she got here :) It's still just an disappointing situation. But hey, I'm not God [whew!] so I don't know the plans :)
So Tim Lovell, the Pastor of GoodLife [the church we've been attending], is speaking this week on the Character of God. INTENSE! He is so real. He gave an awesome disclaimer monday that he's not sure where we come up with the idea that we can understand God, [and told us that he feels completely inadequate to do so] because as soon as we think we have figured something out we realize that we haven't a clue! Which is a good thing!!!
"We can question all we want why things happen the way they do and why God does what He does, but God says [in His word] that He is faithful- so He is." - Pastor Tim.
We just had a meeting this morning about Indo! We have our itinerary set- lots of connections- but it'll be fun traveling with people this time :) Maybe I'll even make it there smoothly! Please be praying for Jesus to go ahead of us and prepare their hearts, to make those diving appointments and for us to be aware of where the Holy Spirit wants to lead us. Of course for all the other logistical preparations that need to be made. I think I want to purchase some Bibles and maybe some soccer balls for kids or something cool like that?? Any suggestions?? I am so excited!!!!!
Love and miss you all dearly! :)
<3 Jade
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
<3 <3 <3
Love <3 love <3 love <3
Happy Valentine's Day!
This has been the best Valentine's Day/Eve ever! [and there isn't even a boy involved! whooo!] Last night two of my roommates, Christine and Bree, guided me and Becca [one of my other roommates] along a trail of chocolates and notes which led us to our laundry room door with more chocolate, Valentine cards, and a note to 'come inside'... inside they sat with their guitars and sang us a hand-written song about the both of us to 'Can't take my eyes off of you'. There was a bowl of flowers [from the neighborhood of course] and incense burning to set a romantic mood :) THEY LOVE US! It was sooooo sweet.
And! It's Ashlee's birthday. She's 22! We made her breakfast in bed [chocolate chip pancakes] and Christine and Bree wrote and sang her a special birthday song... they are soooo thoughtful. We're suprising her tonight too at dinner with the whole gang!
Hope everyone has a wonderful loving day!
<3 Jade
p.s. I wrote this poem for the girls:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Yes, a boyfriend might be neat,
But, thank God! only Jesus makes us complete.
:)
Happy Valentine's Day!
This has been the best Valentine's Day/Eve ever! [and there isn't even a boy involved! whooo!] Last night two of my roommates, Christine and Bree, guided me and Becca [one of my other roommates] along a trail of chocolates and notes which led us to our laundry room door with more chocolate, Valentine cards, and a note to 'come inside'... inside they sat with their guitars and sang us a hand-written song about the both of us to 'Can't take my eyes off of you'. There was a bowl of flowers [from the neighborhood of course] and incense burning to set a romantic mood :) THEY LOVE US! It was sooooo sweet.
And! It's Ashlee's birthday. She's 22! We made her breakfast in bed [chocolate chip pancakes] and Christine and Bree wrote and sang her a special birthday song... they are soooo thoughtful. We're suprising her tonight too at dinner with the whole gang!
Hope everyone has a wonderful loving day!
<3 Jade
p.s. I wrote this poem for the girls:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Yes, a boyfriend might be neat,
But, thank God! only Jesus makes us complete.
:)
Sunday, February 10, 2008
That stupid snake...
I bet you can't guess what we talked about today!
Our speaker this week is Andrew Merry, and he is presenting what he calls: The Essentials to Life. Basically, who we are in Christ, our Father and the Holy Spirit.
And today we chatted a bit about Creation and the Fall; that we need to understand who we are regardng both perspectives. Something I never thought about. Good stuff [are you getting the hint yet that I think everything is good stuff!].
He put the Big Bang theory in a really good statement today:
If we were established from material- accidental and random placement of matter- we would be satisfied by material.
[But we all know that we're not!]
We were made by God so He is the only thing that will satisfy us. And this is Good News, because He is eternal and everlasting. That is real hope. :)
Hope all is well at home! Someone fill me in on Mississippi, please! :)
<3 ya'll!
Jade
Our speaker this week is Andrew Merry, and he is presenting what he calls: The Essentials to Life. Basically, who we are in Christ, our Father and the Holy Spirit.
And today we chatted a bit about Creation and the Fall; that we need to understand who we are regardng both perspectives. Something I never thought about. Good stuff [are you getting the hint yet that I think everything is good stuff!].
He put the Big Bang theory in a really good statement today:
If we were established from material- accidental and random placement of matter- we would be satisfied by material.
[But we all know that we're not!]
We were made by God so He is the only thing that will satisfy us. And this is Good News, because He is eternal and everlasting. That is real hope. :)
Hope all is well at home! Someone fill me in on Mississippi, please! :)
<3 ya'll!
Jade
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I think I was in heaven... !
I’m back!
Fraser Island was nothing short of amazing, hootttt, but amazing. [My apologies for no pictures... I tried at least 7 times!] At one point I was certain I had died and gone to heaven! Aqua-blue freshwater lakes with white sand, humungous sand dunes, tropical bush [a.k.a. ‘woods’] with sand trails [walking through the woods in bare feet, no problem], driving Land Cruisers on the beach listening to country music :) … definitely two thumbs up to God for creating such a naturally beautiful place.
… for all the not-so-good feelings of jealousy, there were also; wild dingos [aggressive, sneaky little buggers- they actually almost ran off with someone’s bag- clothes, food and all!], enormous horse flies [the size of a quarter at least!], and constant perspiration [we glistened all weekend!].
All in all I think God gave me a small reminder that when I’m obedient to what He’s asking, He’ll make it worth my while…
This week’s lectures are on RELATIONSHIPS. Gooooooooood stuff. [I know I keep saying it’s all good. But seriously- it just keeps getting better!] Rob and Trisha Hensser, our base director and his lovely wife, are just sockin’ it to us. Everyone is like so blahhh at lunch ‘cause our brains are just overflowing. It really makes for some awesome and intense conversations.
On day one they shared their amazing/hilarious/crazy story:
He was an agnostic British man who moved to Texas after high school… major culture shock. She was a native-Texan, shall I say, a “southern bell’ and they met at Target. Romaaaantic. Well after a few dates, she broke up with him because he didn’t know Jesus…which Rob tells us he was glad about at first. :) [when these speakers tell these stories in accents, especially cynical British ones, they are certainly 20 times better] But anyway, Rob was pretty much relieved about their “break up”. But He was also actually inspired by the fact that she was the first person who claimed Christianity and actually stood up for something.
Needless to say, he became really curious. Being from England, Christianity was something from the past. Cathedrals and religion were all that he thought of when he even heard the name Jesus. God cleverly jumped on his British fundamentalism and saved him in an awkward, funny, and fitting spot- on the toilet. Yes, on the toilet. He was actually reading a Bible he had “dug up”, and God just rocked his world while he was going to the bathroom. [And we get scared to tell our stories!]
After this crazy experience, Rob called Trish and told her [add British accent] “I think I’m a Christian.” I think you can assume her response. But Rob was persistent and Trish is just incredibly sweet and they got engaged three weeks later…!!!! …then married just five months after that. They just celebrated their twentieth year anniversary. :)
As all you married people know, it wasn’t sugar plum and fairytales, but they honored God through the good, the bad and the ugly, and for that have sooooo much experience, knowledge, and humor to share with us.
This week’s major thing:
EVERY PROBLEM IS A RELATIONAL ONE.
Crazy to actually put that statement in perspective.
But Jesus fills us in on it when He sums up it allll up for us:
“'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
<3 <3 <3
Jade
p.s. I’m praying for you Team Katrina! Rock on. :)
p.p.s. To answer the question I’m sure you’re all asking, No, I have not seen a kangaroo yet! Soon enough…
Fraser Island was nothing short of amazing, hootttt, but amazing. [My apologies for no pictures... I tried at least 7 times!] At one point I was certain I had died and gone to heaven! Aqua-blue freshwater lakes with white sand, humungous sand dunes, tropical bush [a.k.a. ‘woods’] with sand trails [walking through the woods in bare feet, no problem], driving Land Cruisers on the beach listening to country music :) … definitely two thumbs up to God for creating such a naturally beautiful place.
… for all the not-so-good feelings of jealousy, there were also; wild dingos [aggressive, sneaky little buggers- they actually almost ran off with someone’s bag- clothes, food and all!], enormous horse flies [the size of a quarter at least!], and constant perspiration [we glistened all weekend!].
All in all I think God gave me a small reminder that when I’m obedient to what He’s asking, He’ll make it worth my while…
This week’s lectures are on RELATIONSHIPS. Gooooooooood stuff. [I know I keep saying it’s all good. But seriously- it just keeps getting better!] Rob and Trisha Hensser, our base director and his lovely wife, are just sockin’ it to us. Everyone is like so blahhh at lunch ‘cause our brains are just overflowing. It really makes for some awesome and intense conversations.
On day one they shared their amazing/hilarious/crazy story:
He was an agnostic British man who moved to Texas after high school… major culture shock. She was a native-Texan, shall I say, a “southern bell’ and they met at Target. Romaaaantic. Well after a few dates, she broke up with him because he didn’t know Jesus…which Rob tells us he was glad about at first. :) [when these speakers tell these stories in accents, especially cynical British ones, they are certainly 20 times better] But anyway, Rob was pretty much relieved about their “break up”. But He was also actually inspired by the fact that she was the first person who claimed Christianity and actually stood up for something.
Needless to say, he became really curious. Being from England, Christianity was something from the past. Cathedrals and religion were all that he thought of when he even heard the name Jesus. God cleverly jumped on his British fundamentalism and saved him in an awkward, funny, and fitting spot- on the toilet. Yes, on the toilet. He was actually reading a Bible he had “dug up”, and God just rocked his world while he was going to the bathroom. [And we get scared to tell our stories!]
After this crazy experience, Rob called Trish and told her [add British accent] “I think I’m a Christian.” I think you can assume her response. But Rob was persistent and Trish is just incredibly sweet and they got engaged three weeks later…!!!! …then married just five months after that. They just celebrated their twentieth year anniversary. :)
As all you married people know, it wasn’t sugar plum and fairytales, but they honored God through the good, the bad and the ugly, and for that have sooooo much experience, knowledge, and humor to share with us.
This week’s major thing:
EVERY PROBLEM IS A RELATIONAL ONE.
Crazy to actually put that statement in perspective.
But Jesus fills us in on it when He sums up it allll up for us:
“'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
<3 <3 <3
Jade
p.s. I’m praying for you Team Katrina! Rock on. :)
p.p.s. To answer the question I’m sure you’re all asking, No, I have not seen a kangaroo yet! Soon enough…
Friday, February 1, 2008
Giddy up!
Hello everyone!
Well the heat is getting intense down here. And so are our lectures. This week was awesome. Everyone is just so hungry to see God move and ready for Him do big things! Dave was great. He has an amazing ability to be super super funny, but super super serious... without being awkward or face. His genuine spirit really touched everyone; he is definitely blessed by the Big Man upstairs. :)
'Fear of the Lord' definitely looks a lot different to me now... all good things of course. Along with reverential awe, Dave helped us understand what is means to fear the Lord by hating evil. When you start understanding who Jesus was and is and who you are in Him, He begins to shape and mold your heart. And the fruit of that involves not just loving what He loves. but hating what He hates. Which of course is a process, but a fun one. Giddy up! [these are Dave's infamous last words...and He's not even a cowboy!] :)
I am so excited [and grateful] for the incredible people that I've become friends with here. We've been growing so close, which is amazing for a group of 30! [I really need to get a group photo up here for you all to see]. We've just been having so much fun entertaining ourselves [no t.v.!] and that also leaves lots of time for us to talk. And I mean so good, solid, dare I say, life-changing conversations... so many good brains around here :)
One conversation this week honestly blew my mind. Hopefully it does yours....
We were talking about Christian 'jargon'. Allow me to explain. By that I mean words and phrases that Christians say that when they use them they just basically sound like they're 'flappin' their gums' to be quite frank. Not because they're frauds, but because we start to hear and say things so much that we forget the power and truth behind them. Ya follow?
...This example got to me the most: Jesus bore our sins, so that we could have eternal life.
Yes, this statement holds solid truth. Actually more truth than our puny minds can comprehend. So we were talking about what that actually means; how did Jesus "bear" our sins? Yes, we know that he died a horrid and terrible death on the cross. But Jesus actually FELT our sins, all of them- past, present, future. Can you imagine? This is where is gets good. We've heard this so many times, but in Mattew 27: 46 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" At this very moment, Jesus was SEPERATED from His Father so he could pay the price of our debt, in order to be delivered. One girl here put it this way, He tricked Satan at his own game. Because, before Jesus died on the cross, Satan held the keys to death and Hades. But since Jesus was a perfect and innocent man, He won! BUT, he had to be seperated from God to do so.
How amazing that we are loved by a God like that. :) :) :)
Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend! We're going to Fraser Island tomorrow... and island of sand! We ride 4x4's around all weekend and sleep in tents! Bound to be pure fun, I'm sure.
Lots of love,
Jade
Well the heat is getting intense down here. And so are our lectures. This week was awesome. Everyone is just so hungry to see God move and ready for Him do big things! Dave was great. He has an amazing ability to be super super funny, but super super serious... without being awkward or face. His genuine spirit really touched everyone; he is definitely blessed by the Big Man upstairs. :)
'Fear of the Lord' definitely looks a lot different to me now... all good things of course. Along with reverential awe, Dave helped us understand what is means to fear the Lord by hating evil. When you start understanding who Jesus was and is and who you are in Him, He begins to shape and mold your heart. And the fruit of that involves not just loving what He loves. but hating what He hates. Which of course is a process, but a fun one. Giddy up! [these are Dave's infamous last words...and He's not even a cowboy!] :)
I am so excited [and grateful] for the incredible people that I've become friends with here. We've been growing so close, which is amazing for a group of 30! [I really need to get a group photo up here for you all to see]. We've just been having so much fun entertaining ourselves [no t.v.!] and that also leaves lots of time for us to talk. And I mean so good, solid, dare I say, life-changing conversations... so many good brains around here :)
One conversation this week honestly blew my mind. Hopefully it does yours....
We were talking about Christian 'jargon'. Allow me to explain. By that I mean words and phrases that Christians say that when they use them they just basically sound like they're 'flappin' their gums' to be quite frank. Not because they're frauds, but because we start to hear and say things so much that we forget the power and truth behind them. Ya follow?
...This example got to me the most: Jesus bore our sins, so that we could have eternal life.
Yes, this statement holds solid truth. Actually more truth than our puny minds can comprehend. So we were talking about what that actually means; how did Jesus "bear" our sins? Yes, we know that he died a horrid and terrible death on the cross. But Jesus actually FELT our sins, all of them- past, present, future. Can you imagine? This is where is gets good. We've heard this so many times, but in Mattew 27: 46 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" At this very moment, Jesus was SEPERATED from His Father so he could pay the price of our debt, in order to be delivered. One girl here put it this way, He tricked Satan at his own game. Because, before Jesus died on the cross, Satan held the keys to death and Hades. But since Jesus was a perfect and innocent man, He won! BUT, he had to be seperated from God to do so.
How amazing that we are loved by a God like that. :) :) :)
Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend! We're going to Fraser Island tomorrow... and island of sand! We ride 4x4's around all weekend and sleep in tents! Bound to be pure fun, I'm sure.
Lots of love,
Jade
Monday, January 28, 2008
It's week three!
Hey guys!
So it's week three already! And our speaker, Dave Giltnan from Darwin [up on the north coast], is filling us in on 'Fear of the Lord.' He has been sharing some really good stuff. Good braining feeding stuff. I learned a little Hebrew today, YIRAT ADONAI is the translation of 'fear of the Lord.' YIRAT means reverence and ADONAI is a name for God, with more weight on his greatness [there's lots of words for Lord in Hebrew all meaning something seperate].
In understanding the Hebrew context, the definition of the 'fear of the Lord' can be described as 'reverential awe.' Which is not about rules at all. For face value, people think fearing the Lord is simply following His commands because you're scared of him [of course that is part of it], but when you think of reverence and being in awe of God, it's more of wanting to do what He says because you are completely overwhelmed by His greatness and His love. :) Plus, fear in the sense of being scared is not of God! So, don't be sceeered! haha
Well that's all for today...
<3 you all!!!!
Jade
I love this verse he shared with us from Exodus 33:11-
"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with a friend."
So it's week three already! And our speaker, Dave Giltnan from Darwin [up on the north coast], is filling us in on 'Fear of the Lord.' He has been sharing some really good stuff. Good braining feeding stuff. I learned a little Hebrew today, YIRAT ADONAI is the translation of 'fear of the Lord.' YIRAT means reverence and ADONAI is a name for God, with more weight on his greatness [there's lots of words for Lord in Hebrew all meaning something seperate].
In understanding the Hebrew context, the definition of the 'fear of the Lord' can be described as 'reverential awe.' Which is not about rules at all. For face value, people think fearing the Lord is simply following His commands because you're scared of him [of course that is part of it], but when you think of reverence and being in awe of God, it's more of wanting to do what He says because you are completely overwhelmed by His greatness and His love. :) Plus, fear in the sense of being scared is not of God! So, don't be sceeered! haha
Well that's all for today...
<3 you all!!!!
Jade
I love this verse he shared with us from Exodus 33:11-
"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with a friend."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
"Aussie, aussie, aussie. Oi, oi, oi!"
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!
Today is the observed national holiday, however we actually CELEBRATED it on Saturday.
This picture is with some of my girls down at Mooloolaba beach, just after we cooked [not shrimp] on the 'barbie'... Mmmmm. Then we headed down to the beach for the fireworks [which did not even compare to Long's Park's!] Regardless, it was awesome to see fireworks over the water :)
So let me paint you a picture... lots and lots of crazy Aussie's on the beach, AC/DC in the background [Shout out to you, Matt!], people wearing Australia flags as capes [very fashionable] and random people yelling, "Aussie, aussie, aussie!" [pronounced 'ozzie'] And patriotic friends [me!] yelling back in response, "Oi, oi, oi!" It was the best Australia day I ever had! ;) ...... hahah.
So.... is it snowing back home or what? Someone fill me in!
<3>
p.s. We didn't reverse the flag on purpose... we're just foreigners... what do you expect! :)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Apologies, apologies... this is wayyyy overdue!
Hello everyone!
The staff has been really encouraging us [like everyday] to really TAKE IT ALL IN because DTS is over before you know it. I can definitely start to see why… this week just flew by!
So, where to begin…
Well, Boris was just sheer entertainment and he did and awesome job at really challenging us to think about A LOT more than just hearing God’s voice. We talked about personalities and the way we relate to each other and how that relates to the way we interact with God. To pretty much sum up how Boris feels about our relationship with God is: Keep is simple, and keep it real. Don’t get into all the hype. How’s that for to-the-point?
So, I’m sure you’re all wondering…
I’M GOING TO INDONESIA!
In just 8 weeks I will be heading off to a little island of Indonesia called Nias [pronounced knee-os]. And I am so excited. God definitely revealed to me some major things, good things, about myself and what gets-me-going, so to speak.
So I'll start from the beginning... On tuesday night the leaders of each outreach team presented their locations and details about what their teams would be doing, then we had fifteen! minutes to pray about where God wanted us to go. The options were Africa, Cambodia, Philippines, or Indonesia.
With all this hearing the voice of God business, I sat there and prayed feeling quite 'under pressure'... you know, for something cool and exciting and like supernatural to happen, haha :)
But God simply imprinted ‘sacrifice’ in my mind. And so, the awesome Christian thing to do is look up the word sacrifice in the concordance and go from there… so that’s what I did. And, it wasn’t there. [I’m sure you’re probably all asking what kind of weird Bible I have…]
Then I just felt like God was telling me to go back to the book of Hebrews [which I had finished reading just two hours before we went to the church that night], but I went to Hebrews regardless of my 'know-it-all-attitude' and God gave me this from Hebrews 10:26:
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
Through this verse [which I’m sure most of you are like, “okay…...”] God just revealed to me the times when I am the most on fire, and yearning for more, and growing into a deeper relationship with Him, and it is definitely when I am reading my Bible [not just for a key scripture here and there, but really READING it to learn], when I’m teaching [like in my small group, shout out to my Mizpah ladies!], when I’m reading other books from people who have thoughts to share [Rob Bell! who is just amazingly intelligent] and when I can share with people and talk and debate about the things I’m learning at the moment. That’s when I grow deeper with God.
So how does this relate to Indonesia?
Well let me tell you. Indonesia is an Islam nation. However, a couple of Dutch men started a revival on the small island of Nias over four hundred years ago, which led to the entire island to Jesus. To this day, Nias is the only island of Indonesia which accepts Christianity. So, you might be wondering what we’re going to be doing then huh? Well, at this point, the churches of Nias are similar to the Corinthian church. They most certainly accept what Jesus stands for, but they are just having a horrible time living their lives for Him. The churches (of which there are many) fight and argue about the 'small' things like, how to baptize, who can preach, etc. So our awesome and mighty task is discipleship. Which, at first thought, really freaked me out. But isn’t it awesome how God revealed to me that that is when I’m doing my best work for Jesus!? By learning and sharing and growoing with others. I realized that I need to be probed and questioned and thrown into things to really dig in deeper with God.
How awesome is that! I am super super excited.
So, can you guys please start praying;
For our team [that is Jeremy, Reba < our two leaders! Kodan, Bree, Rebecaa, Paul and me!] that God would prepare our hearts.
For the Indonesian people we will get the chance to grow with.
From now until the day we leave, we meet thursday mornings with our outreach teams to pray and work out details, etc. So I’ll be putting up more specific prayer requests soon!
Well, on a lighter note, here's another thing I’ve learned in the first two weeks… girls can eat!
Each week, YWAM staff [Miss Pattie, a native Texan, to be specific] buys us staple groceries like bread, butter, milk, yogurt, cereal, some fruit, etc. And let me tell you, it does not stick around for long… And let me tell you something else- The way to a woman’s heart may be her stomach too! These girls are getting territorial over some of the goods. haha. Living with these girls is still awesome though. Challenging but fun. :)
There are sooo many things I want to share. But I am seriously beginning to think I can start writing a novel! With that being said, I honsetly want to apologize for the lack of posts. I am going to make it a point from this day forward to at least drop a few lines each afternoon after lunch. So pray for me to be disciplined enough to prepare posts in advance and my laptop [charged!] and keep me accountable... yell at me! :)
<3 and miss you dearly,
Jade
The staff has been really encouraging us [like everyday] to really TAKE IT ALL IN because DTS is over before you know it. I can definitely start to see why… this week just flew by!
So, where to begin…
Well, Boris was just sheer entertainment and he did and awesome job at really challenging us to think about A LOT more than just hearing God’s voice. We talked about personalities and the way we relate to each other and how that relates to the way we interact with God. To pretty much sum up how Boris feels about our relationship with God is: Keep is simple, and keep it real. Don’t get into all the hype. How’s that for to-the-point?
So, I’m sure you’re all wondering…
I’M GOING TO INDONESIA!
In just 8 weeks I will be heading off to a little island of Indonesia called Nias [pronounced knee-os]. And I am so excited. God definitely revealed to me some major things, good things, about myself and what gets-me-going, so to speak.
So I'll start from the beginning... On tuesday night the leaders of each outreach team presented their locations and details about what their teams would be doing, then we had fifteen! minutes to pray about where God wanted us to go. The options were Africa, Cambodia, Philippines, or Indonesia.
With all this hearing the voice of God business, I sat there and prayed feeling quite 'under pressure'... you know, for something cool and exciting and like supernatural to happen, haha :)
But God simply imprinted ‘sacrifice’ in my mind. And so, the awesome Christian thing to do is look up the word sacrifice in the concordance and go from there… so that’s what I did. And, it wasn’t there. [I’m sure you’re probably all asking what kind of weird Bible I have…]
Then I just felt like God was telling me to go back to the book of Hebrews [which I had finished reading just two hours before we went to the church that night], but I went to Hebrews regardless of my 'know-it-all-attitude' and God gave me this from Hebrews 10:26:
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
Through this verse [which I’m sure most of you are like, “okay…...”] God just revealed to me the times when I am the most on fire, and yearning for more, and growing into a deeper relationship with Him, and it is definitely when I am reading my Bible [not just for a key scripture here and there, but really READING it to learn], when I’m teaching [like in my small group, shout out to my Mizpah ladies!], when I’m reading other books from people who have thoughts to share [Rob Bell! who is just amazingly intelligent] and when I can share with people and talk and debate about the things I’m learning at the moment. That’s when I grow deeper with God.
So how does this relate to Indonesia?
Well let me tell you. Indonesia is an Islam nation. However, a couple of Dutch men started a revival on the small island of Nias over four hundred years ago, which led to the entire island to Jesus. To this day, Nias is the only island of Indonesia which accepts Christianity. So, you might be wondering what we’re going to be doing then huh? Well, at this point, the churches of Nias are similar to the Corinthian church. They most certainly accept what Jesus stands for, but they are just having a horrible time living their lives for Him. The churches (of which there are many) fight and argue about the 'small' things like, how to baptize, who can preach, etc. So our awesome and mighty task is discipleship. Which, at first thought, really freaked me out. But isn’t it awesome how God revealed to me that that is when I’m doing my best work for Jesus!? By learning and sharing and growoing with others. I realized that I need to be probed and questioned and thrown into things to really dig in deeper with God.
How awesome is that! I am super super excited.
So, can you guys please start praying;
For our team [that is Jeremy, Reba < our two leaders! Kodan, Bree, Rebecaa, Paul and me!] that God would prepare our hearts.
For the Indonesian people we will get the chance to grow with.
From now until the day we leave, we meet thursday mornings with our outreach teams to pray and work out details, etc. So I’ll be putting up more specific prayer requests soon!
Well, on a lighter note, here's another thing I’ve learned in the first two weeks… girls can eat!
Each week, YWAM staff [Miss Pattie, a native Texan, to be specific] buys us staple groceries like bread, butter, milk, yogurt, cereal, some fruit, etc. And let me tell you, it does not stick around for long… And let me tell you something else- The way to a woman’s heart may be her stomach too! These girls are getting territorial over some of the goods. haha. Living with these girls is still awesome though. Challenging but fun. :)
There are sooo many things I want to share. But I am seriously beginning to think I can start writing a novel! With that being said, I honsetly want to apologize for the lack of posts. I am going to make it a point from this day forward to at least drop a few lines each afternoon after lunch. So pray for me to be disciplined enough to prepare posts in advance and my laptop [charged!] and keep me accountable... yell at me! :)
<3 and miss you dearly,
Jade
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
"And guess who my roommate was? Right, Mr. I-don't-know-where-Europe-is..."
Hey all!
I am so excited that we’re really getting into lectures. Last week was completely necessary (lots and lots of testimonies!)but I am ready to really hear what the speakers have to say and learn and grow, and all that good stuff.
This week’s lecture topic is Hearing the voice of God. All week we have the same speaker- Boris Schaber. He’s from Germany and absolutely hilarious. [I'm sure you're all wondering, that was a quote from him on Monday. Just try to hear that with a German/Aussie accent, funny funny stuff.] Basically, he shared his entire life story so far and how God has spoken to him. Just incredible story/stories… I am definitely going to enjoy hearing what he has to share the rest this week.
To pick just one thing he shared today that stuck out to me:
World’s process
Knowledge Go to college to be a teacher and learn all the theories on
↓ how to educate students.
Understanding Become a teacher, and realize a real live classroom full of
↓ 30 pre-pubescent students has nothing to do with theory.
Wisdom You become old and gray and can criticize all the young
↓ new teachers and give them good words of advice on how it’s done.
God’s process
Wisdom God told Noah to build an arc because it was going t
↓ flood. Keep in mind, it had NEVER rained before, so this
was very special wisdom.
Understanding The rain started to come and Noah said, "Oooohhh. I get it." He
completely understood why God wanted him to build that boat!
↓
Knowledge At the point of the flood, Noah had much knowledge... how to
↓ construct a boat, and every animal of the earth, really good 'people skills'
from having to deal with major opposition to everyone around him, and a
whole slew of other things God taught him in the process.
Basically, you can either be 17 or 70, either way God will use who He wants. He’ll give you the wisdom, understanding and knowledge if you LET Him. And chances are God will speak to you in ways that are of you. By that I mean, if you are a visual learning he might physically show you something or if you are analytical he might make it a very particular process for you to follow.
I am definitely still learning on how God speaks to me, and to be quite honest I feel like a little bit of a crazy person talking about it.
That’s all for today! More to come soon...
<3 you all dearly.
Jade
I am so excited that we’re really getting into lectures. Last week was completely necessary (lots and lots of testimonies!)but I am ready to really hear what the speakers have to say and learn and grow, and all that good stuff.
This week’s lecture topic is Hearing the voice of God. All week we have the same speaker- Boris Schaber. He’s from Germany and absolutely hilarious. [I'm sure you're all wondering, that was a quote from him on Monday. Just try to hear that with a German/Aussie accent, funny funny stuff.] Basically, he shared his entire life story so far and how God has spoken to him. Just incredible story/stories… I am definitely going to enjoy hearing what he has to share the rest this week.
To pick just one thing he shared today that stuck out to me:
World’s process
Knowledge Go to college to be a teacher and learn all the theories on
↓ how to educate students.
Understanding Become a teacher, and realize a real live classroom full of
↓ 30 pre-pubescent students has nothing to do with theory.
Wisdom You become old and gray and can criticize all the young
↓ new teachers and give them good words of advice on how it’s done.
God’s process
Wisdom God told Noah to build an arc because it was going t
↓ flood. Keep in mind, it had NEVER rained before, so this
was very special wisdom.
Understanding The rain started to come and Noah said, "Oooohhh. I get it." He
completely understood why God wanted him to build that boat!
↓
Knowledge At the point of the flood, Noah had much knowledge... how to
↓ construct a boat, and every animal of the earth, really good 'people skills'
from having to deal with major opposition to everyone around him, and a
whole slew of other things God taught him in the process.
Basically, you can either be 17 or 70, either way God will use who He wants. He’ll give you the wisdom, understanding and knowledge if you LET Him. And chances are God will speak to you in ways that are of you. By that I mean, if you are a visual learning he might physically show you something or if you are analytical he might make it a very particular process for you to follow.
I am definitely still learning on how God speaks to me, and to be quite honest I feel like a little bit of a crazy person talking about it.
That’s all for today! More to come soon...
<3 you all dearly.
Jade
Monday, January 21, 2008
PRAYERS please!
G'day everyone! <<< check out the integration.
I really need you guys to be praying for me in the next couple hours about my outreach location. We find out tonight (your EARLY morning tomorrow) so please say a little prayer for God to show me where He wants me to go.
I'll fill you in as soon as I find out :)
I really need you guys to be praying for me in the next couple hours about my outreach location. We find out tonight (your EARLY morning tomorrow) so please say a little prayer for God to show me where He wants me to go.
I'll fill you in as soon as I find out :)
Sunday, January 20, 2008
...the rest of verse 14 and 15
Ok, I've tried numerous times to edit that post but the end of that verse won't show up. So here it is...
...THEIR HEARTS [mine <3!] WILL GO OUT TO YOU, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT!"
:)
...THEIR HEARTS [mine <3!] WILL GO OUT TO YOU, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT!"
:)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Let's get real.
Hey all!
Well this weekend has been really relaxing and a good chance to get to know everyone, although communication and planning things with a group of 30 people is quite a task. I'm definitely going to have to make an effort to really get to know the girls that live in the other house, and the guys too since they live in a different house.
We went back to GoodLife this morning... I really miss my Living Waterians! :) haha what werid label. I know that everytime I walk into that gym and sit in those chairs I am going to think of you guys, which is definitely a good thing.... hopefully it just doesn't make me cry once I realllllly start to miss you guys! Oh well. Cool thing though, we ran into the guy who sang 'Macho Man' in our aerobic video yesterday!!! How neat is that? GoodLife is his church. And even cooler, he remembered us!... I mean it would be quite difficult to forget crazy foreingers from YWAM doing aerobics on a coffee ship balcony! [pictures to come, I promise!].
Tonight we're having a birthday party for one of the staff here so that'll be a good time to just hang out and "have a chat." Australian's "have a 'everything'"... have a coffee, have a go.... so don't be surprised if I come back saying a few quirky things! I'm integrating :)
I really just wanted to take this chance [now that I have some free time to myself.... everyone's at the beach. Not me, because I got a little more lobster-esque than I had planned yesterday :P] to really share some 'good stuff', some good God stories and what He's laying on my heart these first couple of days, rather than give you random details [not that they aren't interesting!]
I found this verse a few days before I left, and I really wanted to share it with everyone the Sunday that Laura preached, but I just couldn't find the strength to get up there, so here it is:
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 & 12-15
6"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will aalso reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound in every good work. As it is written:
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for you generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you THEIR HEARTS [mine <3!] style="color:#6600cc;">
I can't imagine being here not having that support of an amazing, loving, and supportive church FAMILY. Surely, God is so pleased the way Living Waters show their love to one another :)
It was just really on my heart to share that with you all!
I know that I mentioned the wide array of stories and lives here, but I wanted to share with everyone what I have learned [and AM learning] by hearing all of them,
This sums it up: God can not be contained in a box.
I think too often, especially living in the culture and society we live in in Lancaster County, we try to make God make logical and neat sense. But He is waaaayyyyy to big for that.
To be honest, I kind of thought that I would have like the most "radical" [and I say that now laughing... almost histerically] life story. I had assumed that most everyone here would be straight from highschool and with stories maybe of having partied a little or something of the sort but for the most part definitely not being graduated college, having a career as a probation officer, having ALMOST been married, etc., etc. And no one really does, but there are so many people here with some really awesome stories of how God did big things, not the same big things as what He did in my life, but big things nonetheless.
And He is not done for sure. There are people here who don't even know Jesus....... yet :) That blew me away. And made me super super excited at the same time.
Mostly everyone here was raised in a Christian [I use that term lightly] home... going to church, praying, etc. There are only like three of us who haven't been. Which has really made me think, A LOT.
Some of the people here are kind of "falling back" on that foundation. Which is totally awesome. But they've gotten to a point, mostly a point of high school graduation, or had a "job" and needed more, so they're here! For some unknown reason I thought that for someone to apply for a DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL, they would definitely be in a place where they have just had some major realization of how Jesus really wants them to live their life. You know, just like me... But God was like "Umm, excuse me Jade. Please don't try to contain me in a box I don't belong it." [hah, that's what I translated it to :] But seriously, He has definitely opened up my eyes to a major truth.
People are continually searching.
Not just when they know Him and He does big things like save them from making huge "not so good" decisions. But always. And sometimes even when they don't even know that's what they're searching for :)
Well, now that I've taken a good half hour of your day... THANKS FOR LISTENING/READING! I hope you've enjoyed my realness. I just couldn't cheapskate God on the real good stuff that's been going on in this 'ol heart of mine :)
Feedback is more than welcome! My e-mail again, is JLeh108@yahoo.com.
<3 color="#cc33cc">Jade
Well this weekend has been really relaxing and a good chance to get to know everyone, although communication and planning things with a group of 30 people is quite a task. I'm definitely going to have to make an effort to really get to know the girls that live in the other house, and the guys too since they live in a different house.
We went back to GoodLife this morning... I really miss my Living Waterians! :) haha what werid label. I know that everytime I walk into that gym and sit in those chairs I am going to think of you guys, which is definitely a good thing.... hopefully it just doesn't make me cry once I realllllly start to miss you guys! Oh well. Cool thing though, we ran into the guy who sang 'Macho Man' in our aerobic video yesterday!!! How neat is that? GoodLife is his church. And even cooler, he remembered us!... I mean it would be quite difficult to forget crazy foreingers from YWAM doing aerobics on a coffee ship balcony! [pictures to come, I promise!].
Tonight we're having a birthday party for one of the staff here so that'll be a good time to just hang out and "have a chat." Australian's "have a 'everything'"... have a coffee, have a go.... so don't be surprised if I come back saying a few quirky things! I'm integrating :)
I really just wanted to take this chance [now that I have some free time to myself.... everyone's at the beach. Not me, because I got a little more lobster-esque than I had planned yesterday :P] to really share some 'good stuff', some good God stories and what He's laying on my heart these first couple of days, rather than give you random details [not that they aren't interesting!]
I found this verse a few days before I left, and I really wanted to share it with everyone the Sunday that Laura preached, but I just couldn't find the strength to get up there, so here it is:
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 & 12-15
6"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will aalso reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound in every good work. As it is written:
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for you generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you THEIR HEARTS [mine <3!] style="color:#6600cc;">
I can't imagine being here not having that support of an amazing, loving, and supportive church FAMILY. Surely, God is so pleased the way Living Waters show their love to one another :)
It was just really on my heart to share that with you all!
I know that I mentioned the wide array of stories and lives here, but I wanted to share with everyone what I have learned [and AM learning] by hearing all of them,
This sums it up: God can not be contained in a box.
I think too often, especially living in the culture and society we live in in Lancaster County, we try to make God make logical and neat sense. But He is waaaayyyyy to big for that.
To be honest, I kind of thought that I would have like the most "radical" [and I say that now laughing... almost histerically] life story. I had assumed that most everyone here would be straight from highschool and with stories maybe of having partied a little or something of the sort but for the most part definitely not being graduated college, having a career as a probation officer, having ALMOST been married, etc., etc. And no one really does, but there are so many people here with some really awesome stories of how God did big things, not the same big things as what He did in my life, but big things nonetheless.
And He is not done for sure. There are people here who don't even know Jesus....... yet :) That blew me away. And made me super super excited at the same time.
Mostly everyone here was raised in a Christian [I use that term lightly] home... going to church, praying, etc. There are only like three of us who haven't been. Which has really made me think, A LOT.
Some of the people here are kind of "falling back" on that foundation. Which is totally awesome. But they've gotten to a point, mostly a point of high school graduation, or had a "job" and needed more, so they're here! For some unknown reason I thought that for someone to apply for a DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL, they would definitely be in a place where they have just had some major realization of how Jesus really wants them to live their life. You know, just like me... But God was like "Umm, excuse me Jade. Please don't try to contain me in a box I don't belong it." [hah, that's what I translated it to :] But seriously, He has definitely opened up my eyes to a major truth.
People are continually searching.
Not just when they know Him and He does big things like save them from making huge "not so good" decisions. But always. And sometimes even when they don't even know that's what they're searching for :)
Well, now that I've taken a good half hour of your day... THANKS FOR LISTENING/READING! I hope you've enjoyed my realness. I just couldn't cheapskate God on the real good stuff that's been going on in this 'ol heart of mine :)
Feedback is more than welcome! My e-mail again, is JLeh108@yahoo.com.
<3 color="#cc33cc">Jade
It's been three days already!
So much to catch up on!
It's definitely nice that I can't be caught up in the internet or other means of communication but it stinks that I can't tell you more stuff all the time!
Soooo. We shared the rest of our testimonies which of course was great. I went last. Only a few baby tears; it went really well. I was a tad bit nervous because I was afraid that I'd ramble and bore everyone, but it was fiiine.
After the last of the testimonies yesterday morning we went on a really sweet photo scavenger hunt. It was so much fun :) There were three of us girls that live in my house and one lone ranger from Australia, Kodan, who is only 17! But he is super mature for his age. I can't wait to show that pics. We had to go around Maroochydore and take pictures with certain things/people/places. We had to perform an 30 second aerobic video in a prominent public place.... on a second story coffee shop patio that overlooked a shopping mall called the plaza. The stranger that filmed it for us was awesome and say "Macho Man" in the background. We are definitely getting bonus points!!!
This weekend is definitely going to be filled with fun and getting to know everyone, and I'm really excited about that. Even more excited to really get started with school next week! Giddy up :)
More to come soon...
<3 Jade
p.s. Big Sal, I definitely felt like a DCP transport :) haha. Miss you guys!
It's definitely nice that I can't be caught up in the internet or other means of communication but it stinks that I can't tell you more stuff all the time!
Soooo. We shared the rest of our testimonies which of course was great. I went last. Only a few baby tears; it went really well. I was a tad bit nervous because I was afraid that I'd ramble and bore everyone, but it was fiiine.
After the last of the testimonies yesterday morning we went on a really sweet photo scavenger hunt. It was so much fun :) There were three of us girls that live in my house and one lone ranger from Australia, Kodan, who is only 17! But he is super mature for his age. I can't wait to show that pics. We had to go around Maroochydore and take pictures with certain things/people/places. We had to perform an 30 second aerobic video in a prominent public place.... on a second story coffee shop patio that overlooked a shopping mall called the plaza. The stranger that filmed it for us was awesome and say "Macho Man" in the background. We are definitely getting bonus points!!!
This weekend is definitely going to be filled with fun and getting to know everyone, and I'm really excited about that. Even more excited to really get started with school next week! Giddy up :)
More to come soon...
<3 Jade
p.s. Big Sal, I definitely felt like a DCP transport :) haha. Miss you guys!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Life is messy.
Wow.
We shared our life stories [testimonies] last night and today. So incredible to hear all the amazing people God has brought to this school... and we're not finished, which is awesome. We still have like 20 more to listen to! There are so many different people here... people with the "perfect" life, people with traumatic backgrounds, people with very different ways of life, people who still need healed, awesome Jesus freaks, people with stories almost just like mine! Just sooo many different walks and so many cool, real things to talk about. I am just overwhelmed by God's grace and His hugeness [if that's a word]. And even more excited about the next couple of months.
With that being said.... MY LUGGAGE ARRIVED! Which is not quite as cool, but pretty close up there [I did a cartwheel!].
So, the schedule seems to be pretty intense. I will definitely have free time, but there is definitely places to be quite frequently. Each morning we have lectures from 8-12 at a church- Maroochy Baptist- which is like a 15 minute drive [each house loads into their van] and then lunch is right after lectures until like 1ish [then we all load back into our van]. Each person has a work duty, which is bascially part of maintaining our DTS, there's lunch clean-up, house/base maintenence, dinner prep, dinner clean-up [which is mine!], church help [they help with things that Maroochy needs done], and house cleaning. There's an alotted time after lunch from 1-3 that is supposed to be used for our work duties, but obviously for some of us [including me!] our work duty falls at a different time, so it's pretty much free time :) Saaweet. However, then I have to stay later after dinner. So, there are definitely pros and cons to each duty! All in all not too shabby.
There are plenty of other things in our schdule too: small groups on wednesday afternoons, base worship on monday mornings, evangelism thursday and friday nights. There's plenty of good stuff that'll be taking up my time :)
So, I think that's all for now!
<3 Jade
We shared our life stories [testimonies] last night and today. So incredible to hear all the amazing people God has brought to this school... and we're not finished, which is awesome. We still have like 20 more to listen to! There are so many different people here... people with the "perfect" life, people with traumatic backgrounds, people with very different ways of life, people who still need healed, awesome Jesus freaks, people with stories almost just like mine! Just sooo many different walks and so many cool, real things to talk about. I am just overwhelmed by God's grace and His hugeness [if that's a word]. And even more excited about the next couple of months.
With that being said.... MY LUGGAGE ARRIVED! Which is not quite as cool, but pretty close up there [I did a cartwheel!].
So, the schedule seems to be pretty intense. I will definitely have free time, but there is definitely places to be quite frequently. Each morning we have lectures from 8-12 at a church- Maroochy Baptist- which is like a 15 minute drive [each house loads into their van] and then lunch is right after lectures until like 1ish [then we all load back into our van]. Each person has a work duty, which is bascially part of maintaining our DTS, there's lunch clean-up, house/base maintenence, dinner prep, dinner clean-up [which is mine!], church help [they help with things that Maroochy needs done], and house cleaning. There's an alotted time after lunch from 1-3 that is supposed to be used for our work duties, but obviously for some of us [including me!] our work duty falls at a different time, so it's pretty much free time :) Saaweet. However, then I have to stay later after dinner. So, there are definitely pros and cons to each duty! All in all not too shabby.
There are plenty of other things in our schdule too: small groups on wednesday afternoons, base worship on monday mornings, evangelism thursday and friday nights. There's plenty of good stuff that'll be taking up my time :)
So, I think that's all for now!
<3 Jade
Monday, January 14, 2008
First day of school
Hello everyone!
Still no luggage. Oh well. God is teaching me so much about material things and possessions. I actually am doing just fine without them. I mean, I would really like to have my OWN things, but it just reaffirms that material things are just that, material and will go away and even when you don't have them, you're still alive! Jesus will never leave or get lost! And that I can count on :)
So we had our first day of school today. Basically it was a lot of introduction stuff. The good old toilet paper tell-us-about-yourself game... it was actually quite fun. And I got to go to the beach today! Kinda of overcast, but who cares. It was fantastic! The sun is a little intense here... apparently there's a hole in the ozone layer? So I got some good sun in just like two hours :)
Hope all is well on the homefront! ... a little prayer for the luggage would be appreciated.
<3 Jade
Still no luggage. Oh well. God is teaching me so much about material things and possessions. I actually am doing just fine without them. I mean, I would really like to have my OWN things, but it just reaffirms that material things are just that, material and will go away and even when you don't have them, you're still alive! Jesus will never leave or get lost! And that I can count on :)
So we had our first day of school today. Basically it was a lot of introduction stuff. The good old toilet paper tell-us-about-yourself game... it was actually quite fun. And I got to go to the beach today! Kinda of overcast, but who cares. It was fantastic! The sun is a little intense here... apparently there's a hole in the ozone layer? So I got some good sun in just like two hours :)
Hope all is well on the homefront! ... a little prayer for the luggage would be appreciated.
<3 Jade
Sunday, January 13, 2008
School starts tomorrow!
Well, my luggage still hasn't arrived... but it's okay. Thank God for Ashlee! My friend from home of course has provided with me with some clothes. I've been wearing this fantastic green skirt for like 2 days now. I'm going to start being known as Jade with the green skirt.... awesome right?
So we went to church this morning. An awesome church called GoodLife. And they meet in a gym! Felt so at home :) It was so nice.
We had a little bar-b-que on the beach. So lovely. Australians are really big on recreation and so there's a lot of free outdoor services. We used these sweet gas grills at a pavillion on the beach at Alexandra Headlands. We cooked up some 'snaggs' on. A snagg is a mix between a hot dog and sausage... very interesting. The food definitely seems to be different, but I don't think I've been here long enough to give you a fair opinion... more info to come, I'm sure.
Anyway, it was really nice to finally have the whole school together. Sooo many people. There are 31 students :) from Canada, New Zealand, England, Switzerland, Denmark, and of course the good 'ol US of A! I'm so excited to get to know so many different people.
We had a house meeting tonight. Basically just to go over what's expected, pretty much all just common sense stuff. All the girls are great, it's going to be a blast living with them!
Well, school starts tomorrow!
<3 Jade
So we went to church this morning. An awesome church called GoodLife. And they meet in a gym! Felt so at home :) It was so nice.
We had a little bar-b-que on the beach. So lovely. Australians are really big on recreation and so there's a lot of free outdoor services. We used these sweet gas grills at a pavillion on the beach at Alexandra Headlands. We cooked up some 'snaggs' on. A snagg is a mix between a hot dog and sausage... very interesting. The food definitely seems to be different, but I don't think I've been here long enough to give you a fair opinion... more info to come, I'm sure.
Anyway, it was really nice to finally have the whole school together. Sooo many people. There are 31 students :) from Canada, New Zealand, England, Switzerland, Denmark, and of course the good 'ol US of A! I'm so excited to get to know so many different people.
We had a house meeting tonight. Basically just to go over what's expected, pretty much all just common sense stuff. All the girls are great, it's going to be a blast living with them!
Well, school starts tomorrow!
<3 Jade
Saturday, January 12, 2008
I'm here!
Hi everyone. I made it! It was a long, frantic, crazy but completely successful journey! And I am so glad that I made it here in one piece! Basically, my flight to Austraila was mysteriously cancelled (not by them, but by me!) so I had to book a new flight. I think it was for the best, because it was a much better airline, and I got here sooner! :)
I met a fellow YWAMer waiting for my bus to the base at the Brisbane airport. Her name is Leann and she is lovely! We talked the whole way to the base! Imagine that. Everyone here is super super nice. And even through all of my traveling fiascos I was definitely reminded that people ARE nice and WANT to help you. Yay!
More to come soon...
<3 Jade
I met a fellow YWAMer waiting for my bus to the base at the Brisbane airport. Her name is Leann and she is lovely! We talked the whole way to the base! Imagine that. Everyone here is super super nice. And even through all of my traveling fiascos I was definitely reminded that people ARE nice and WANT to help you. Yay!
More to come soon...
<3 Jade
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Day 1- Still in Lancaster!
I have a story already!... before I even left my house :)
So, that flight from PHL to LAX... umm, doesn't exist. I booked a flight from PHL to Las Vegas, NV for January 29th, 2008. Yes, I am that... I have no explanation. No reasoning. :/
Well, the bad news is I lost the $104.00 (the outrageously cheap, good deal I thought I got) and cried. But the good news is I reserved a flight from Baltimore that leaves at 6:05 p.m. and arrives in LOS ANGELES at 8:52 p.m.
Please, please, please pray that my luggage makes it! :) And I guess me too.
Some more good news, GOD IS AWESOME. Just as I frantically checked my e-mail for my CORRECT flight information, I received a perfect, one of those "that's exactly what I needed" e-mails:
"...I know that you are probably afraid (I know that I would be) but God's voice is stronger than your fear. I do believe that He is in every moment of our lives but sometimes gets crowded out with all the other stuff. I pray that you see Him in all that you do. I pray that you always feel His presence with you at every moment. I pray that He holds you and keeps you safe..."
Just amazing.
<3 Jade
So, that flight from PHL to LAX... umm, doesn't exist. I booked a flight from PHL to Las Vegas, NV for January 29th, 2008. Yes, I am that... I have no explanation. No reasoning. :/
Well, the bad news is I lost the $104.00 (the outrageously cheap, good deal I thought I got) and cried. But the good news is I reserved a flight from Baltimore that leaves at 6:05 p.m. and arrives in LOS ANGELES at 8:52 p.m.
Please, please, please pray that my luggage makes it! :) And I guess me too.
Some more good news, GOD IS AWESOME. Just as I frantically checked my e-mail for my CORRECT flight information, I received a perfect, one of those "that's exactly what I needed" e-mails:
"...I know that you are probably afraid (I know that I would be) but God's voice is stronger than your fear. I do believe that He is in every moment of our lives but sometimes gets crowded out with all the other stuff. I pray that you see Him in all that you do. I pray that you always feel His presence with you at every moment. I pray that He holds you and keeps you safe..."
Just amazing.
<3 Jade
Day 1- January 10, 2008
The day has come!!! I'm gathering up some last minute things then we're off to the airport around 12:30 this afternnoon.
Here's my route:
1/10 PHL (3:50 p.m.) to LAX (6:37 p.m.)
1/10 LAX (10:30 p.m.) to FIJI (5:15 a.m.... saturday morning!)
1/12 FIJI (12:15 p.m.) to Brisbane (2:15 p.m.)*
Then I'll take a Sun-air bus from the airport right to my doorstep!
*I'll be arriving in Australia Eastern Standard time (our time) 11:15 p.m. friday night.
I'm trying to mentally prepare myself so that I can focus and pay attention to where I need to be... I can not afford any blonde moments! I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories just in the 24 hours of traveling to Australia :)
I just have to thank everyone (again!) for all of your awesomeness! I am so, so blessed to be surrounded by absolutely wonderful people.
Well, here we go! Talk to you soon.
<3 Jade
Here's my route:
1/10 PHL (3:50 p.m.) to LAX (6:37 p.m.)
1/10 LAX (10:30 p.m.) to FIJI (5:15 a.m.... saturday morning!)
1/12 FIJI (12:15 p.m.) to Brisbane (2:15 p.m.)*
Then I'll take a Sun-air bus from the airport right to my doorstep!
*I'll be arriving in Australia Eastern Standard time (our time) 11:15 p.m. friday night.
I'm trying to mentally prepare myself so that I can focus and pay attention to where I need to be... I can not afford any blonde moments! I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories just in the 24 hours of traveling to Australia :)
I just have to thank everyone (again!) for all of your awesomeness! I am so, so blessed to be surrounded by absolutely wonderful people.
Well, here we go! Talk to you soon.
<3 Jade
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