Liz Froba - Running Hard After Him

Hope In Haiti

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm not really sure what to say to do justice to the mass destruction I saw today as I drove through the streets of Port-au-Prince today. Smells wafted through the air, buildings were destroyed, people were everywhere, tent cities seemed to be every 500 feet, trash and who knows what else burning and there was nothing I could do but pray. We saw the Capital Building and even though I saw the image a million times on CNN it was different to see it live and take it in. It is amazing the amount of destruction and lives that can change in a mere 45 seconds. That isn't a real long time in the grand scheme of things, but then again, imagine shaking uncontrolably for that long. Not something I want to try anytime soon.

Haiti has always been an extremely impoverished country. This is my sixth time in Haiti and the need here has always been great. I think the question many have asked is why God? Why would you allow this to happen? I know you are sovereign and working, but what are you doing? You could've stopped this and you could clean it all up with the snap of your fingers if you wanted, so why? Why are you allowing your people that you love to suffer and starve while I live in a comfortable home in America with far more than I actually need.

We visited 2 towns on the outskirts of Port today. We went to Leogane and Petit Goave. Both were hit pretty hard. A 25 year old girl who was trapped after the earthquake in her house gave us a tour around the local refugee camp. The children ran and hugged us as we walked through the tent city; like any other kid they begged for their picture to be taken and giggled every few seconds. One thing that rings true everywhere in the world is that kids will be kids. It gave me HOPE. At both locations we were able to bless the people with bags of food and money. Every person got a bag with: rice, beans, sugar, tomato paste, oil, sardines, and oats. They also got canned food, toothbrushes, toothpaste and money. Even though it seems trivial to give out 300 food bags when so many people have needs it gave me HOPE. That is what God gave us to give out, so we obeyed. Sister Gladys is pretty unreal. To watch her give and give and give has challenged me more than anything else this week. She is a cheerful giver and loves to bless others. Every word out of that women's mouth is another ounce of wisdom and truth. I'm just trying to soak it all in while I'm here.

This blog is kind of random. I don't really have a point and I haven't processed much at all. I'm stuck on why. It is still the question I'm trying to figure out and I probably won't get an answer anytime soon, which I'm okay with. As we drove home tonight I was praying and I thought about the times in my life I've asked that same question. There have been several times actually. I remember when my father died suddenly the day before I turned 17. I was so angry and didn't understand why God would allow that to happen and especially in the manner that it did. But 14 years later even though I don't know WHY it happened I have seen God use it in my life and in others. I am a different person because of what I went through. So as I was listening to worship music, looking at stars and praying, I again felt a sense of HOPE for Haiti. HOPE that because of what they have gone through they will be different people. HOPE because God is sovereign over all things, even this earthquake. HOPE because every single person in all creation has a Father who loves them. I'm thankful to be here with my friends. Please keep praying for them and giving as you feel led. You can give at http://www.canaanorphanage.org - I can assure you your money will go to help those in need.

PS - For all you Canaan lovers, the kids are HUGE. They boys are taller, the girls are 16 going on 25. CRAZY. Even the little ones are growing up. They are still full of smiles and joy too! Come visit them, they miss you and would love to see you!

I will post an album on Facebook with a lot of pics soon...for now this will have to do!

A Trip to the Hospital in Swaziland

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Trips to the hospital are always unique and always seem to produce tears and brokenness in my heart. Be it America or a third world country the picture of children in pain and suffering will break you. You can't look at a suffering child and not want to do something about it, or at least I can't. We weren't allowed to take pictures on Saturday when we visited the Children's Ward at the Church of the Nazerene Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland, but I will try to paint a picture for you of what we saw.

We entered the hospital easily with no problems. Unlike America there aren't a lot of policies in third world countries. You don't have to sign in or wear a badge and you don't have to know the person to go visit, talk with, or pray for them. When we arrived, the first room we entered had a girl in a beautiful white dress. Unlike the girl pictured here, she was covered in bandages with wounds all over her face and arms. Despite her obvious pain we were greeted with a HUGE smile as we handed her a bag full of candy and toys. Our prayers were wanted and received. Next we saw two little baby boys, one whom's mother spoke English. She asked me to pray for her son who was suffering from nausea, diarrhea, and sores in his mouth. It was heartbreaking to watch this one year old suffering. I continued down the hall and entered a large room with many children. I was stopped immediately by three mom's of infants all under 5 months. They were layed out on a table, 5 in a row hooked up to IV's and oxygen tanks. The mother's spoke fairly good English so I began to converse with them about their lives and why their children were in the hospital. It was encouraging to see the mother's there alongside the children, although you could see the exhaustion and desperation all over their faces. One of the mother's told me she would give me her son to take back to America so he could get better and have a good life. It broke my heart that she thought just because I was from America I had more to offer her son then she did. I could never love that kid the way his birth mother could. It was sad and her desperation hit me hard.

That wasn't it though. Next I strolled down to the malnutrition unit, which was all babies. There are 2 abandoned kids in that unit. There charts read like this: Child One - No Name; Child Two - Abandoned. Imagine your name being abandoned; I can't. No one deserves that and especially not this precious child. From there I headed back towards the exit and encountered an image that will stick with me for the rest of my life. In my 30 years of life, I have never seen someone dying of AIDS, let alone a 13-year-old boy. We were about to leave the ward, when 60-year-old grandmother grabbed us in desperation. She wanted us to come see her grandson who is dying. I'm not sure why she thought we may be able to help, but she dragged us into a room with him lying naked on the table. She began to show us his sores and my eyes welled up with tears. Why Lord, I asked. Why does this young boy have to suffer like this? It is not his fault. We began to pray and everything in my flesh was scared to touch this kid. His eyes pierced me, but I still couldn't bring myself to do it...sad, but true. So instead I began to rub the back of the grandmother who was sobbing. As she sobbed and we prayed the tears came faster and more abundantly. There was nothing I could do, but cry out to God on his behalf and return home and tell people what I saw. So I am telling you, I have no pictures to prove it, but the image will forever be in my head. I'm sure if you are a parent the feeling would be intensified. Imagine your son or daughter laying covered in sores and no one helping them or knowing what to do. It wrecks you. It causes you to ask questions you have never even thought about. And it leaves you ready to do something. I'm ready to do something and I will spread the word about what I saw in Swaziland to everyone I know. I'm so thankful God brought me here to see this.

If you would like to know more about how to get involved with work in Swaziland, please contact me. I also have some sweet shoulder/messenger type bags available that are comparable to Vera Bradley available to buy for $18 if you are interested....or change purses for $7. The proceeds go straight to work in Swaziland. If you want to learn more about Timbali Crafts, click here. Thanks for reading my story. I head to Canaan Oprhanage in Haiti on Sunday, please pray for our trip if you think of it. THANKS!

What is Normal?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What is normal? I have been asking myself that question for the last 2 days since I landed in Johannesburg, South Africa. Immediately, I was thrown into the chaos of last year, not knowing why my ride wasn't at the airport and having to use skype to contact him. I loved it and the rush of adrenaline that took over as I began the task of getting in touch with him felt so normal to me. Shortly, after Sabelo arrived we headed to my friends, the Gooch's house. We shared a meal and time of fellowship and it was great to catch up and hear what God is doing. Amazing how it had been 6 months, but yet it felt so normal to sit around their table, share some time together and then say goodbye until next time.

That evening I settled in a nice bed and awoke the next morning to board an all day van ride to Nsoko, Swaziland. Funny part was the nice hotel didn't feel normal, but being in a van for 9 hours did. I talked, read, and caught up on sleep as we drove through the African countryside. Why that feels so normal and comfortable is kind of crazy to me, but it is. We arrived and spent time getting to know each other and settling into our rooms for the next couple of nights.

Total normalcy hit this morning though when we headed to the Nsoko Project run by Pastor Gift. It is pretty phenomenal what God is doing in this place through the faithful service of this one obedient man and his family. This community is overrun with AIDS and Tuberculosis, but Pastor Gift is set on instilling hope in this place and sharing the love of Christ. They have established 8 Carepoints in the area that are feeding and educating children. A Carepoint that is fully sponsored consists of 2 meals a day for the children, basic education, health care and other activities. An unsponsored carepoint provides food when by the grace of God it becomes available. Four of the Eight Carepoints in this area are sponsored, but as always in Africa, there is still so much need. If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring children, let me know and I will put you in touch with the right people. It is $34/month to sponsor a child at one of the Swaziland Carepoints.

So why was today so normal? It wasn't because of the warthog, ostrich, empalas, and zebras I saw roaming out front of my thatch cabin today. It wasn't because of the South African Brie I had this evening and the beautiful smiling waitresses. It was because my only job today was to love and hold orphans. We laughed and played and spun around. They sung songs and did dances and we attempted to teach other slap games. We sat under a tree and asked questions about their families through a translator and then we prayed for them and gave them some rice and beans. We saw a simplicity of life that I long for and have so quickly forgotten since returning from the World Race. It is so easy in America to get distracted and forget that life is about loving God and loving others. Normal is waking up and meeting with my Savior and then spending my day loving and getting to know the people He has put in my path for that day. I can't believe He loves me enough to take me halfway around the world and remind me of that. Whatever you're doing today, slow down, close your email, turn off your cell phone and go love the person who is next to you. It doesn't have to be an orphan, it can just be whoever is next to you.

(This is the sweet people we met on our Home Visit - please pray for them - the 2 women

are Zanali and Topsali - they are in need of food, work, and a solid home!)

Africa then Haiti then NJ - BIG UPDATE!

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I feel like so much has happened in the last month that I'm not sure where to start, what to share, or if I should simply sing the praises of a God who loves us and PROVIDES for our needs. My life has been a whirlwind and I have literally gone from one side of America to the other, moved all my belongings to NJ, worked a slew of odd jobs, raised awareness and money for Canaan Orphanage in Haiti, and in 48 hours will hop on a plane to Swaziland, Africa. People have joked telling me they can't keep up with where I am and honestly some days I can't either. That is why I truly believe that it is only by the grace of God that I am still going strong and that everyday I wake up full of joy and overwhelmed by His love and goodness to me.

So here is a quick update on what I've been up to and what I will be up to in the upcoming weeks. Obviously anyone that knows me or talks to me has heard about Haiti. It is pretty phenomenal what God is doing through Canaan in the midst of this tragedy. They have been able to network and connect with people, including the military, for things such as food distribution. They have been able to get medical teams in from the states every week. They have been able to have 3 children adopted, including 2 babies. (Read about the story of Joseph and my good friends Chris & Sarah Hlavacek here - http://therollingbrick.blogspot.com/2010/02/story-of-joseph.html?spref=tw ) They are connecting with, visiting and providing financial assistance to Pastors and families they knew in the Port-au-Prince area that have lost everything. And literally they have turned into a medical relief and refugee center. Many of the kids at Canaan speak English, the advantage of that is they are able to serve as translators in local hospitals for medical teams. Pretty sweet, huh? God's hand is all over this and the beauty is Canaan is connected, ready, and willing to be used by God. They are the light of Christ to a hurting nation and they are there. I can pray and raise awareness, but I am not physically there. Your support has enabled them and empowered them to help their people. THANK YOU! Please pray that commercial flights will resume in 2 weeks as planned and we will still be able to go on February 28th. If you would like to follow specific updates, please join the group on Facebook - Pray For Haiti & Canaan Orphanage. To give financially, visit http://www.canaanorphanage.org.

Timeline of my next few weeks and months and game plan for the future (yup, I actually have one):

February 15-24 - Swaziland, Africa - This is a partner trip with Adventures In Missions and Children's Hopechest. This trip was made possible through excess support from World Race. It is a vision trip to go be a part of and see what God is doing with Aids orphans in this country. If you didn't read my last blog, basically the most staggering statistic is that by 2050 the UN predicts this country will cease to exist. CRAZY. Please be in prayer for this trip in whatever way the Lord leads. Most important prayer request right now is my health as I seem to be coming down with a cold and I leave in 48 hours.

February 26 - March 5 - Montrouis, Haiti (Canaan) - If commercial flights resume, which they are saying Feb 19th, then me and a team of about 10 folks will spend 5 days in Haiti. I have no idea what that will entail after the events of the last month. I assume we will show them love, serve and be of assistance in whatever way they need. The schedule appears longer b/c a fellow world racer, a high school student, and I are driving to Fort Lauderdale to decrease our expenses. Should be fun and we are visiting some friends of mine along the way.

March 8 and beyond - Moorestown, NJ. I can't wait to be around my family and finally in one place. The big news is that God has birthed a vision in me and a very close friend from the World Race, Emily Hunnicutt. We are in the process of developing a detailed business plan of a non-profit that would serve other non-profits in the areas of marketing, fundraising, donor relations, and development. If the Lord continues to open doors and the counsel we receive advises us to move forward we will aim to start this organization in May. Please pray for clear direction, open or closed doors and all of the details to move into place. This is HUGE, EXCITING, and WAY BIGGER than us, so we know that is of God. We are taking some risks, trusting Him, and trying to keep up. We welcome your prayers. If you want to learn more just shoot me an email and I'd be happy to share.

Again, thank you for your prayer, support, encouragement, finances and being a part of my story. I am in awe of God and the way money continues to show up and/or He provides opportunities and energy to earn it. I will never doubt God's provision because I literally see it EVERY SINGLE DAY. It is pretty unreal...to Him be the glory. Beyond March 8th I will post all blogs to http://lizfroba.blogspot.com. My email will remain the same: eafroba@yahoo.com and my new address will be: 712 Lippincott Dr Moorestown, NJ 08057. Please keep me posted on your lives and thank you for following my journey. I believe this was just the beginning and preparation for all that God has for me in the future...one step at a time. THANK YOU!

(Billy turned 1 last weekend and I love this pic!) (Got to reunite w/ most of BLING in Atlanta!)

Update on Haiti, Life, & More....

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm on a plane between San Diego and San Francisco as I'm typing this blog. (side note - everyone should fly Virgin America - they have outlets and wifi) With all the chaos in Haiti, I'm not sure where the month of January has gone. It feels like just yesterday I was leaving Charlotte, NC to come spend the month with a family I love here in San Francisco, California. Even in the midst of tragedy in Haiti and trying to raise funds and bring awareness the Lord has been gracious and allowed me to see this state and many people I love and care about. California is by far one of the most gorgeous states I have ever spent time in. I have seen everything from Tahoe down to San Diego, it is unreal...the mountains and the beach in one and sometimes even on the same road. In my opinion, everyone should drive the Pacific Coastal Highway before they die. Road trip anyone?!?

Anyways, I wanted to give a brief update on Canaan and share some updates on my life as well. The funds continue to come in and people are literally stepping up all over the country. Schools and youth groups are adopting Canaan and it's awesome. PRAISE GOD. A second medical team arrived a few days ago to relieve the first and more medical trips are being planned. PRAISE GOD. There is still so much need, so if you feel led, please continue to give here at http://www.canaaanorphanage.org. At this time, we are not taking teams, however if you join Pray For Haiti & Canaan Orphanage on Facebook or email me, we will continue to keep you in the loop. If Spirit is flying in 5 weeks, I still intend to go with the Dental Team from February 28^th-March 4^th. Please continue to pray, that is the most important way you can help, no matter where you are. God is doing great things at this place and I know He will use it to be a light in this time. (The women pictured on the right I met in Cambodia on The World Race, while serving with Water of Life...it was a blessing to see them here in California.)

Also, I wanted to share briefly about a trip I will be taking to Swaziland, Africa from February 15^th-24^th. It is a vision trip working with the Nsoko Project, which you can read more about here. Adventures in Mission is partnering with Children's HopeChest, also an amazing ministry. I'm very excited about this opportunity God has given me and the funds were provided through excess from my World Race account. PRAISE GOD. Here are some stats about Swaziland to get your heart moving in prayer and compassion for the people I will be spending time with in 3 weeks: 1) Life expectancy is only 30 years. 2) 15 year olds have less than a 10% chance of living to age 35. 3) More than 50% of the population lives on about 28 cents a day. 4) Half of the country's population is under the age of 15. 5) In some parts of the country, 80% test positive for HIV. 6) According to UN statistics, the entire country will cease to exist by 2050.

Cease to exist by 2050...that is ABSOLUTELY mind boggling to me. If the world hasn't ceased to exist by then I will be 70 and still alive and Swaziland will be gone. CRAZY. Please cover this trip in prayer as well as my remaining time in CA, my move to NJ and my precious friends in Haiti at Canaan Orphanage. Thank you to all of you that have given above and beyond in the last 2 weeks to me personally and to Canaan. Your money will be used wisely, with discernment and will bring healing to a hurting nation. I'm thankful for you all.

(Pictures - One of my favorite people, Jerah, in Coronado, Skiing at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe and sunset on Laguna Beach after our drive down the PCH)

VIDEO SHOWING TANGIBLE NEEDS & WAYS TO HELP IN HAITI!!!

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone, I threw this video together tonight to show a group of middle schoolers and it had a tremendous impact. I will be sharing it next week with a group at a public HS here in Danville, CA where I am currently living. This is DEFINITELY worth 3 minutes of your time. Please be praying for Canaan and that Samaritan's Purse would adopt them or we would find someone who has access to a plane. THIS COUNTRY IS IN GREAT NEED...WATCH THIS VIDEO AND CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! For donations, please visit: http://www.canaanorphanage.org - for immediate questions and ways to get involved, please contact me or join our group on facebook - Pray for Haiti & Canaan Orphanage. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN. WE CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU! WE HAVE RAISED CLOSE TO $50,000!!!!

Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts Through Canaan Orphanage

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted all who read this blog to see a letter being sent to former and current donors of Canaan Orphanage. The most important report is that three Canaan kids that were in Port during quake have been located and are safe and ok. THANK YOU JESUS! Second of all, THANK YOU to all who have given generously over the last few days. Since, the crisis occurred 3 days ago we have raised $15,000 at our website - this does not include the amounts that we know are en route via snail mail. We have had US Army Black Hawk Helicopters approved to deliver aid to Canaan tomorrow and evacuate some of our US team (3 college students). We also have one of Canaan's Doctors slotted to land in Port-au-Prince tomorrow morning. Pray for all of these details to occur and happen smoothly, as well as Sister Gladys (Director of Orphanage) to make her way back to Haiti from Santo Domingo, where she has been stuck since the Earthquake occurred. At this point I am telling you most of the letter, so I will stop and allow you to read. I promise to keep you informed of our efforts. At this time we are unaware of what that will look like and where we will be involved. I can assure you we WILL BE HELPING in whatever way we are needed and can. We can assure you funds will go to those we trust on the ground, who know the most immediate needs. Below the letter, I have included two videos about Canaan Orphanage. One of the videos was made last February when my world race team spent time there. The other one is made by friends of mine who run the Haiti Nutrition Project. God is doing big things at Canaan Orphanage and I have no doubt they will be a light of Christ to this nation during this time. The man who helped start the non-profit side of Canaan Orphanage, Chris Hlavacek once reminded me in a tense situation that "you can't change the circumstance or situation...what matters is how you respond." It is our time to respond and give them the aid that they need and the prayers that they need...what we CHOOSE to do matters. The Canaan family is eager and ready to help! Keep reading please...

Galatians 6:9-10 "So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people ..."

Dear Friends of Canaan Community,

If you are receiving this letter, at some time you have partnered with us in our work at Canaan Community. We come to you today with a heavy heart. Everyone in the world has seen the horrific images coming out of Haiti. This earthquake registering 7.0 has ravished the country, leaving Port-au-Prince in shambles, thousands dead, and close to one million people homeless. Haiti has always been a country with many needs and now they need us, the body of Christ, more than ever.

As you may know, Canaan did not suffer any damage from the earthquake. Three of our children were in Port-Au-Prince, but survived by the grace of God. We prayed and waited for news, and slowly, it came back that they were all safe. However, some of the family members of the children here have been lost. Our hearts are broken for them.

Last year Hurricane Hanna left parts of the country in despair. We handed out food and medicine from the $15,000 you gave. As of the time of this writing, our website has collected approximately $12,000 to help in the relief efforts.

It is impossible to know how we might be called to serve in the coming months. By the time you receive this letter, one of Canaan's doctors from the US will have arrived in Haiti with his medical team. We anticipate people coming to stay in Canaan as they migrate north. Our main concern will be money for food, fuel and medicine. Port-Au-Prince is the financial and political center of the country. With it in shambles, what will happen to the Haitian economy? What will the next few months or the next few years entail? We are writing to ask for your help.

God is working through this place. Canaan has a fully established medical clinic with nurses on the ground and doctors rotating through on a monthly basis. We have a malnutrition clinic that has served over 400 babies through the Medika Mamba program. One of our children is attending college (Erve Joseph) in the US. We have several students earning their GEDS. We have 90 children that are being loved every day. Please continue to pray for our team as we deal with the emotional trauma and the devastation consuming this country. Pray for wisdom as we begin to help, serve, clean up, find loved ones and bring aid and healing to our people.

Canaan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations can be given online through paypal at http://www.canaanorphanage.org. If you would prefer to send a check, you can use the self-addressed envelope included with this letter. We will continue to update our efforts, upcoming relief trips and stories of how God moves in the midst of this tragedy online at http://www.canaanorphange.org and http://www.haitinutritionproject.org/blog/. Thank you for your support of this ministry. Thank you for your prayers. God help Haiti.

To God be the Glory, Your Family at Canaan

Enjoy the videos below. They share hope for a country that was already in great need and now needs our help more than ever! Feel free to contact me at the link on the right if you would like to know more about how you can help. Godspeed to all helping and aiding Haiti. We must now more than ever unite as the body of Christ and bring hope to a desperate and hurting place. Let's pray for restoration, healing and redemption for the beauty that God created Haiti to be.

HAITI IN CRISIS!!! READ HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO HELP!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you have followed my blog you know i have a heart Haiti and have spent a significant amount of time there. What you may have not known is I am planning to return in 6 weeks and now hope to return sooner. Despite the tragedies that have occurred in the last 24 hours I have every intention of still going at the end of February and if I can come up with the money to get there and put a team together I will go sooner. Here is an email you will probably be receiving if I have your email, but just in case I knew this blog would hit a lot of people. Please pray about helping. Please pray for this country and these people. Please pray for God to move in a mighty way in the midst of this tragedy and for people to turn to Him. God is in control, I believe that...and He will be glorified in this mess. Contact me with any questions via the email me link on the left. Read how you can help below.

Hi Friends & Family,
If you are in my address book, you are receiving this email. If you would like to help, I will give you a few ways you can as well as update you on my current situation. I am sure by now you have heard of the tragedy that took place yesterday in Haiti. The capital Port-au-Prince where approximately 2,000,000 people live has been destroyed. It is truly heartbreaking, whether you have spent time in the country or not. Some of you received an email a couple weeks sharing about an upcoming trip I am taking to Haiti in February. This trip is still scheduled and if I can get there earlier to help then I will do so. As long as a plane will land I have every intent of going. I am currently unemployed and in in transit so whatever I can do to help this country and people I love, I will. Unfortunately, being unemployed limits my ability to help financially so that is where I need you to help. I am sending this email to 700 people. If everyone gave $10, that would be $7000 towards relief efforts. Let's be honest..$10 is one meal at Panera, I'm broke and I can afford that. I think the pictures all over the web and facebook will give you the motivation to do so. (Click here to see the one on my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3835952&l=8ea943f420&id=502501431) There are two ways you can go about helping. Keep reading.

You can send the funds to me at: Liz Froba 2066 Weddington Lakes Dr Weddington, NC 28104. You can make the checks out to me or if you want a tax receipt to Canaan Orphanage. Canaan is a 501(c)3 organization run by my friend Chris Hlavacek. You can also give through the Canaan Orphanage webiste: http://www.canaanorphanage.org - this is set up through paypal. The money will be funneled to where it is needed and use it to get help down there along with food and medical supplies.

I will continue to send updates via my world race blog, my new blog: lizfroba.blogspot.org, and facebook...I still don't understand Twitter yet.

The reports from Canaan are good. They are safe. There were 3 kids that I know of who were in Port that they have been unable to get in contact with. All cells in Haiti are down. Pastor Henry has also had no contact with his family, who all lives in Port. This morning Pastor Henry and Elsie went in to Port to try to find them. Please pray for Pascal, Stepenson and Yolnide...as well as many former Canaanites and their families who live in PAP. I have also received updates from Dony St. Germain and the orphanage connected with Christ Covenant. They are pretty far from Port and reports are good. Some damage, but not devestating.

This country needs are help. Even $5 makes a difference. Thank you for reading this. God is in control and He will help His people.

Peace-Liz

PS - If you live in the Charlotte area, please keep reading: Two needs: Going to try and collect extra supplies to take down in Feb. If you have medical supplies or clothes you would like to donate, please contact me via email. I will be back in Charlotte on Feb 2nd. Also, this is a request outside of Haiti. I am really in need of a truck or suburban to move stuff to NJ. The rental trucks are outrageously priced for my current financial situation. If you can help or know someone that can, please let me know. Looking to move stuff in Feb or early March. Can give a honda accord in exchange for a truck. THANKS!

Home.Holidays.Transition.

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well, I have officially been on US soil for 2 weeks tomorrow and it has been a whirlwind. I have seen more people then I ever could have imagined. I met my adorable nephew (who I instantly fell in love with), I spent Thanksgiving with my family, I had a beauty and shopping day in Atlantic City with my mom, I went to an Eagles/Redskins game with HS friends, have eaten buffalo chicken almost daily and then I arrived in the place I consider home on Wednesday, Charlotte, North Carolina. As we drove home from the airport, everything was familiar: familiar streets, familiar places, familiar clothes and belongings and many familiar faces.

I was home finally, but to be honest, I knew I really wasn't. I am only visiting NC for a short time because I know God is calling me somewhere else. But that won't be home either. The 15 countries I spent significant time in this year aren't home. Maybe I am making sense, maybe I'm not, so I will explain. I can't put this year into words yet, but one thing I can tell you is I learned a ton about my identity in Christ and who I am. This world is not my home. I am a stranger here, "God's elect" as Peter would say and I am here for a time and purpose to love and serve those whom God puts in my path. I assure I won't do it perfectly, but I can promise you it is how I will strive to live the rest of my life. There is a song a that describes some of what I'm feeling right now. It talks about how Jesus' love has come one step closer and how He will never let me go. It talks about how He has won me over...He has completely. It talks about how nothing compares to His beauty and declaring His love. That is what I want my life to be about. It's called, "Beauty of the Lord" and you can click here to go listen to it...it's worth your time, I promise. I personally think my friend Hollis Lewis sings it way better, but she would destroy me if I put the recording I have of her and the H-Squad up.

Continuing...top 3 questions I have been asked: 1) How was your trip? 2) What is next? 3) What is your favorite country? I will shoot straight, the only question I can answer is my favorite country and you will actually get 3 or 4 countries...I really loved Europe and Botswana :) These questions are hard to answer. The World Race wasn't a trip...it was my life for a year. The best way I can explain it, is if you have an hour I can show you a video of pictures and clips I made of my team, who was my family and as we watch I will tell stories prompted by pictures, their faces and memories. I am sure if we sit down for coffee or a meal and you ask questions I will share things I've learned. What's next? I don't know. I'll give you a quote from one of my favorite authors, Brennan Manning, that kind of explains where I am at. "The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. The next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of God acting in the desert of the present moment. The reality of naked trust is the life of the pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future. Why? Because God has signaled the movement and offered it his presence and his promise." I am waiting on the Lord with this one. I have some dreams and I have some leads, but I don't know how it will all unfold. I'll share some of that when we sit down face to face. Please be patient with me, please continue to pray for me and the 51 others that traveled the world with me as we transition "home" and look to God for our next steps. Pray that we would cling tightly to truth and trust Him with reckless faith. I cannot wait to see you all. Be looking for something in the mail in the next few weeks! Oh and I am going to continue to blog at http://lizfroba.blogspot.com. So please keep reading, following and praying for the Lord's work in my life!

Here is a snapshot of the next couple months: (If I'm in your area and you want to see me, call me. There are a lot of people I want to see and I may not think to call you all...please call, I do want to see you, my cell is the same as when I left.)

-Charlotte, NC - Dec 2-16th

-Making my way to NJ with visits along the way - Dec 16-21st

-Christmas with the fam - Dec 21st-28th

-Charlotte, NC - Dec 28th-Jan 4th

-San Francisco, CA - Jan 4th-Feb 2

-February - a week or 2 in Charlotte and then move to South Jersey/Philadelphia Area

(This was and still is my family from the last year!! Please continue to pray for us!)

Final Video, Final Everything...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Final...that has been a frequent word in my vocabulary this last week. I have been enjoying Vienna, Austria, but mostly I have been enjoying the 52 members of my family I have traveled the world with this last year. It is absolutely mind boggling to think we only have three days left together and one of them will be in the air. There were days I never thought this year would end and the last couple months have flown by. It is no lie and you can probably tell from my blogs I have fallen in love with every aspect of Europe. And many have already started the questions of what's next? Where are you going to live? What are you going to do? Those are great questions and to be honest, at this moment I can't and don't want to answer them. I have seen the world this year, my heart has broken and my life has been forever changed. I am not the same women I was when I left and I know and understand my heart and who I am in Christ better than I ever have. I am in love with my Father and whether I work in full time ministry or the business world for the rest of my life, I can promise you what I do will be about Him. I listen for His voice and I do my best to obey. Life is just different. So with that said, I cannot wait to see you all and I have PLENTY of stories to share. I have stories that will make you laugh, stories that will make you cry and stories that will make you rejoice in the God that we love and serve. I will be in NJ for Thanksgiving week with my family (and my precious 9 month old nephew Billy) and then in NC from December 2-20th or so. My cell is the same as when I left or you can drop me a line if you want to hang out. After that the only plan I have is to travel a little in the states and then move to the South Jersey/Philadelphia area to be near my family. Other than that I have no plans, just prayers and dreams. My dreams are big though and I am confident God is going to show me when, where and how they will all play out. I really just want to enjoy the holidays with family and friends and not think much about the future. I welcome any prayers and words of wisdom you might have to offer.

Here is a video from our last month on the race. Our team was split up a little and Ash and Kris were in Berlin participating in a worship ministry and the rest of us traveled Europe and built future contacts for the World Race. Shannon captures their month a little as well on this video. So give props and a big thanks to Shannon for all these videos and sit back and enjoy a glimpse of what God is doing in Poland, Germany, & Czech Republic! Thank you for all of your supports & prayers this year! I look forward to seeing you soon! PEACE.

Prague - A Beauty of the Lord

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here I sit at 12:30am in the home of a Scottish family here in the Czech Republic. The Clarke's are one of the many blessings we have experienced this month. It is the night before we head to Vienna for our last week on the field. Next week at this time I will be on a plane in route to JFK, which seems surreal. I have fallen in love yet again with another European city. Prague is gorgeous...the art, the culture, the history, the parks, the cathedrals, the people...everywhere I look I see beauty. I think I was made to live in Europe. I can assure you I will be revisiting books and movies on the Holocaust and Communism upon my return. My heart is breaking for this continent and I believe I will return here one day. For now let me tell you a little bit about the people I have met this week and what God is doing here in Prague. (Forgive me, we've met A LOT of people).

First, meet Phil Davis. Phil is the Pastor of Faith Community Church and he lives here with his wife Shanna and their 3 children, Lucy, Clark & Piper. Phil was our original contact here through friends of mine back in Charlotte. Though we had never met till a week ago, we know a lot of the same people and in my book that makes us friends. Phil is a man of God and a natural networker. He connected us with tons of ministries here in Prague to meet with and found us a place to stay for free. Click here to read more about his church.

Next, meet David & Daniel. They are currently managers of the Czech Inn Hostel/Hotel here in Prague and they are set to open their own hostel, Mosaic House in Spring 2010. There story of how this all came to fruition is pretty amazing. Their dream and how they have sought after it and God has blessed them gave me a lot of hope personally to follow my own dreams. Sometimes I am so quick to give up on dreams. These guys inspired me and I love their heart to minister through this place. They don't want to do it in a way that shoves the gospel down people's throats, but they are about the gospel and people coming to know Christ. Their life is their ministry and they intend to live it out with their staff and guests of Mosaic House. Click here to check out Czech Inn and click here for Mosaic House. These are definitely the places to stay if you come and visit Prague!

After that we met with Scott Koch. Scott is an independent missionary here in Prague. He formerly resided in Nashville, TN and managed Audio Adrenaline. The past few years he has been in Prague reaching out to the solicitors and prostitutes. Scott is in this world and pursuing people. He shared his heart for leadership development and making people believe in their worth and value. Scott was intentional and I believe that is an attribute God uses. It is a unique call to do ministry in brothels. I have a lot of respect for this man and believe God is going to do big things through him.

Next their is Laurie Barnes and I believe this woman knows every missionary in Prague. Her husband and her moved here a few years ago and started a Christian Library. They have over 5,500 resources in Czech and English. It's a pretty sweet place. She is a networker and knows EVERYTHING and EVERYONE here in Prague. She is a great resource and connecting point and has a HUGE heart for the Lord. Click here to learn about their ministry.

At this point in our week the reunions began as I met people who knew friends from back home. Again I am amazed at the body of Christ and how we are all interconnected in different ways. We got to sit down and talk with Tim Lyle who is professional basketball player here in the Czech. His wife and him have been here for about four years. She teaches at Riverside Christian School and he works with Athletes in Action. Tim looks A LOT like Keith Dickerson from Charlotte. It was weird...feel free to comment if you agree.

Our last meeting was with Martin & Jane Hasik who serve with Young Life International here. This was one of my favorite meetings because Martin is Czech so I not only learned about their ministry, but I learned more about the culture, the people and communism. They are doing life with people and that is ministry. They have a big heart for the families and HS kids living right in their building. I have definitely learned about living your life as a ministry this year. Young Life might look different here from the states, but it is about relationships and Christ bottom line. How it is done doesn't really matter in my mind. God is using this couple immensely here in Prague. We heard about them all over the place before finally getting to sit down with them. It was a privilege. Click here to read about their ministry.

It has been yet another AMAZING week! I have been humbled, encouraged, broken, challenged and met some pretty quality people. There are too many to list honestly. We were able to get involved with some hands on ministry with Teen Challenge, as well as prayer walking the famous Wencsias Square. This square is covered with Caberet's and solicitor's. It was heartbreaking and eye opening. My teammate Blair wrote an incredible poem from that night that I think everyone should read. Please click here to go to her blog and read it. We were able to share at International Church of Prague and their Pastor was very excited about the World Race. And finally we were able to reunite with our teammates who had spent the month in Berlin and that was great! Tomorrow morning we head to Vienna. It will be an amazing, yet emotional week. Please keep us in your prayers as we celebrate and rejoice in all the Lord has done and at the same time say goodbye to the family we have traveled the world with this year!! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL IN ONE WEEK!!!!!

(apparently touching this gold means we're coming back!!!)

(this is Jen Nolan (Riverside School) who we stayed with some)

Ridiculously BLESSED in Germany!

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am sitting in KFC in Prague, Czech Republic after spending last week in Germany and I am speechless. I have seen God show up, bless us and provide in more ways then I could ever ask for or imagine. Germany became our first destination when we prayed about our ATL month because my mom told me about a cousin's cousin who owned a bed and breakfast in a small village near the Czech border who wanted us to come and stay. We began to pray about ministry contacts in Germany and here's where God led us.

Meet Robert & Bethany Millar serving with Young Life College in Munich, Germany. They both have incredible hearts for the Lord and a desire to reach University Students in Munich for Christ. University is very prestigous in Munich and really most of Europe. It has a different focus then the states and not everyone just goes. It is taken very serious and intellectualism is a HUGE battle. Robert is a Northern Ireland native and Bethany is from St. Louis, but they have both spent the last 7 years in Munich serving in various ministries. They are definitely gifted at relational ministry and perfect for Young Life Staff. Their hearts and lives are committed to the people of this city and I believe God is going to do big things through them. If you would like to learn more about their ministry please visit Young Life Mid-European Region.

Next meet Michael Dean. He also is serving with Young Life in the International Schools. He is a Charlotte, NC native and graduated from SMU in Dallas, TX. He has been in Munich for 3 years and just signed up for 2 more. He has a big heart for the Lord and HS kids. He reminded me of many friends back home serving on YL staff. His picture alone can show you his personality and ability to connect with kids of all ages. Click here to learn more about what he is doing in Germany.

During our time there we also had the chance to meet with a Pastor Matthias Lohmann from the Evangelical Free Church in Munich. He shared astounding statistics about the lack of evangelical Christians in Munich; in a city of 1.2 million there are only about 5000 evangelicals. We only spent an hour with this man, but it was clear that he is a mover and shaker and desires to bring Christ to this city. I am confident God is going to use this man to preach truth and reach many people in this city.

And last but not least I need to mention Julia Graf. This women in my opinion could've joined Team B.L.I.N.G. We absolutely loved her. She opened her apartment to us and treated us like family. She was sick the entire time we were there and because of that we got to see her a ton! She serves as a volunteer for Young Life and is a full time nanny as a job. She has lived all over the world and is super fun to be around. And she makes me laugh A LOT. We are so thankful for her and that the Lord allowed our paths to cross.

After our week in Munich, thanks to my mom, we were dropped in World Race heaven in a small village: Lam, Germany. We spent the weekend at a beautiful bed and breakfast where we were completely spoiled and treated like queens. King sized beds, our own bathrooms, chocolate on our pillows and plates, endless supplies of soft pretzels and lots of good food. It was amazing! We saw a few more cities in Germany and were blessed with great company by Andreas! (please see pic below with Andreas on our visit to Regensburg)

Yesterday we took a train to Prague, Czech Republic and will be here for one week. We are working with a man named Phil Davis from Charlotte, NC who knows many of my friends back home. Phil is the Pastor of Faith Community International Church and I think he knows everyone in the city. We have tons of people to connect with this week and I think it's going to be great. There is a lot of kingdom work going on in Prague. In my opinion, both Prague and Munich are great future stopping points for World Racers. Please continue to pray for us! I can't even believe that 2 weeks from today I will be in the States! Thanks for your support!

Meredith Grey Speaks Again...

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So I know it's kind of ridiculous that I keep writing blogs off of Grey's Anatomy, but the writer's have some valid, good thoughts that are speaking to me so I figured why not. The episode I just watched was unlike any Grey's I have ever seen. The entire show was looking back over the case of a patient to see who in the chaos of the ER was responsible for their death. It felt like a crime scene investigation and the purpose was to find out what in the world happened and ultimately the truth. No one wanted to own the mess or admit their faults out of fear of losing their job. My favorite thing about Greys Anatomy and why I continue to watch this show is Meredith Grey's closing thoughts. As this episode closed here is what she said: "When we're headed toward an outcome that's too horrible to face, that's when we go looking for a second opinion. And sometimes the answer we get just confirms our worst fears. But sometimes it can shed new light on the problem and make you see it in a whole new way. After all the opinions have been heard and every point of view has been considered you finally find what you were after, the truth."

Now you may be wondering where I'm going with this blog. You may be even thinking what is so horrible that I don't want to face it? Truthfully, there isn't anything horrible in my life right now. Life is good, I have had an amazing year. I traveled around the world literally and been a part of God's work on 4 different continents. I am more at peace and feel more joy in my life than I ever have. I am in love with the Lord and I want my life to be about Him and pleasing to Him in every way. However, something that is coming is another big transition. I hate the word transition. It is an evil word. Even after moving every three weeks this year, I don't like transition. It is scary and unknown what will come of it. I mean don't get me wrong, I know that transition and change is good and it causes growth, but I still don't enjoy it. For the last 2 months I have sought numerous opinions regarding my future. I have sought the Lord and wrestled with Him. I have sought opinions from trusted family and friends. I have sought opinions and discussed my future with godly missionaries I have met all over the place. God has spoken truth to me through them. This past week God revealed how much I fear commitment. This was something I have known, but as I have discussed this transition and re-entry it has confirmed my worst fear. For many reasons, I am scared to commit to anything overseas beyond a year. I am afraid of what that will mean and what dreams I may sacrifice in that commitment. It has shown me how much I still desire to control things and how little I trust God at times. At the same time light has been shed and I am glad I can verbalize these fears. I am thankful for the new ways God is allowing me to see and deal with things. At the end of day, TRUTH is what I want, His will for my life is what I want, He is what I want and nothing else really matters. I know that I know if I seek Him the rest will fall into place.

I loved how Meredith closed out this episode. She said, "But the truth isn't where it end, that's just where you begin again with a whole new set of questions." I am confident God will show me where I need to be next year and the years to follow. I believe He will walk with me through the transition. And I know that I will still have questions. It will be a different set of questions, but there will be questions. God has a plan I know that. He has determined and guided my path for the last 30 years. It has been a pretty amazing journey with many ups and downs. I have faced tragedy and dealt with loss. I have experienced joy and I have felt pain. I have seen the world and served amongst the poorest and richest of His people. Through every experience I have learned, grown and become the women He created me to be. In Isaiah 30:21 he says, "Whether you turn to the right or the left your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it.'" Until I hear that voice clearly in regards to my future, I will continue to seek Him with all my heart and I will keep saying, "Here I am, send me!" When it is clear, I will walk and continue to ask questions along the way.

Quick Update: For those of you who saw part 1 of Stephen's testimony on my blog...click here for the rest. It is at the end of this video. Enjoy! We are safe in Munich, Germany and loving it! We have been spending a lot of the time with the Young Life staff here and it is great. God is doing big things through them in Munich! There is so much history all over the place and I think I was born to live in a city. Your prayers are felt, so please keep praying! We head to a little village, Lam, Germany on Thursday to see a family friend. Then we will head to Prague, Czech Republic on Monday. Time is flying by!!!

(Caleb & Noah from the Czech Republic - just b/c I know they want to be famous!)

God Is Doing Big Things In Poland!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Four days ago I boarded a train in Kyiv, Ukraine and my mind is scattered thinking of how I can tell you about all the incredible things that have happened, God's provision and people I have met since Monday. I rode on a train from Kyiv to L'viv and met some funny Ukranian men (please see Day 1 video for more). I met up with some friends in L'viv that work for Mission To The World, who bought our tickets and grabbed dinner with us. I rode a midnight train to Krakow, which Blair named the Polish Express. At the 11th hour God gave us a free place to stay in Krakow with this sweet girl Lee G, who works for IMB and is just fun. Our friend Jeremy with Compass International who we have only known about a week set all of this up. We were able to visit Auschwitz and learn about the tragedy that occurred there during the Holocaust. We found an amazing cookie shop owned by missionaries. Click here to check out 'More Than A Cookie'. We then moved an hour outside of Krakow with Dan, Laura & Jacob Hash from Josiah Venture. Last night we met friends of theirs, Greg & Erin who work with Kings Kids, a ministry off of YWAM. Tonight we are going to a Sports Outreach with some of their other friends. I am currently sitting on a king-sized bed in Katowice, Poland in their home and I am forgetting where I am. Tomorrow I will get on a plane to Munich, Germany where I get to see Young Life, a ministry that has impacted my life greatly. Is this a dream? Am I really getting to see all this work going on in Europe to further the Kingdom of God? People say Europe is a dark place and I believe them, but God is moving in this dark place and there are people all over the place doing His work! Read below about some of this work!

In the picture to the left meet Jeremy and Lee. They are full time missionaries in Krakow, Poland working with IMB and Compass International. Click here to see Compass's website and click here to see videos of what they are doing. Lee does a lot of the media side of the ministry and Jeremy works with and plays on the American football team. The heart behind all they are doing is to make disciples of Christ. They are both involved in Bible studies and various forms of discipleship and reaching out to the people of Krakow. Krakow is a SWEET city and we had a blast spending time with them and hearing their stories. Please pray for these two and their ministry in Krakow, Poland.

We are currently staying with Dan, Laura & Jacob Hash with Josiah Venture. Josaih Venture's mission is "to equip young leaders throughout Eastern Europe to fulfill Christ's commission through the local church." The Hash's have been in Poland for over 15 years and their ministry is solid and established. In less than an hour of conversation it was clear this family is on fire for God and how their heart beats for young people to know the gospel. If I ever come back to Poland I will for sure visit them. Click here to see Josiah Venture's web page and click here to read the Hash's personal blog. Please pray for their ministry in Katowice, Poland.

Also in Katowice, we got to spend the evening with Greg, Erin and their two beautiful little girls. They work with a ministry called Kings Kids through Youth With A Mission. Erin is originally from Alabama, but Greg grew up in Poland in this very city. Their ministry is a continuation of something started from Greg's family many years ago. It involves English clubs, Hip hop classes, Bible studies and much more. You can visit this blog to learn more about what King's Kids is doing here in Katowice. Last night we were able to participate in one of their English clubs and share about our year. Please pray for their ministry also!

As you can see, we have been really busy!! The busyness continues and tomorrow we fly from Poland to Germany. I am in love with this month because we are simply hearing stories of God at work and getting to share our own. Please pray for safe travels and an extra dose of energy. Pray for health too as some of us are fighting off sickness. If you are really bored and want to be entertained, click on the links below. These are daily videos we have been sending to the two BLING members, Kristen and Ashley that are apart from us. They are quite humorous & informative in my opinion! Thanks for your prayers!!! Stateside in 24 days, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!! Oh and most importantly, GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!

Day One - Travel from Ukraine to Krakow, Poland

Day Two - Krakow, Poland

Day Three - Auchwitz and a little more of Krakow

Day Four - Saying goodbye to Krakow & and part 1 of an amazing testimony

A Memorable Month, A Video and Traveling Europe!!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 48 hours I will be on a train like the one pictured on the left and preparing my heart for 4 FINAL weeks of travel. I have been on the road for 44 weeks now, on 4 continents, in over 20 countries and lived out of my back pack. I have been on every form of transportation and some that were pretty scary. The next 3 weeks I will travel by train, bus, and plane to Krakow, Poland; Munich/Lam Germany and Prague, Czech Republic. Our purpose and prayer is to share our story about the World Race in hopes that missionaries in these locations will want to work with World Racers in the future. With the path God has laid before us and the contacts He has lined up that we didn't even know one week ago, we are confident this will happen.

However, as I leave Ukraine in 48 hours my heart is heavy. I am tired of saying goodbye to people I love. This has hands down been my favorite place and best month on the race. The relationships built at Child Rescue and with friends from English Club will not be forgotten. The people here are etched in my heart and make me long to one day return to Kyiv. The city is gorgeous and the history is all over the place. The city is busy and full and I love it. I never thought I would enjoy city life...I do, a lot. And despite the alcoholism and materialism that consumes this culture, I have been encouraged my the presence of Christ I see in the lives of so many people I have met. Whether they are missionaries who have given their life to serve God here, or they are first generation Christians who now know Truth; I see Christ in them. They are a light in this dark city and God is using them. Whether the Lord allows me to return one day or not, Kyiv, Ukraine and the people pictured on this page will stay with me.

Below is the video Shannon made for our team this month. It captures all we have done and is well worth your time. Please pray for our last 4 weeks on the field. After 3 weeks, on Nov 17th we will join the rest of our squad in Vienna, Austria for a final debrief. It feels surreal to even say those words and to know that one month from today I will be sitting with my family in Cherry Hill, NJ apart from the family I have spent the last year traveling the world with. Pray we wouldn't miss a second of what God has for us this last month. Pray that our eyes would stay fixed on Christ and in the present moment. Pray that we would love well and continue to show grace and be transformed more into Christ's likeness. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!!!!!

Click here to see Blair Brendle's blog for a video interview with Victor from Child Rescue...pretty cool story of God at Work!

A Day In Uman, Ukraine

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday was quite possibly one of my most favorite days on the race. It felt like a field trip back in elementary school, except it was for adults and I had a blast. We woke up pretty early and headed downtown to meet up with some of our Ukrainian friends and American missionaries. We have been helping out for the past few weeks with an English club through SPRC (not sure what it stands for) Church and have built some relationships with the people involved. They were headed to this famous park, Sofiyivka (pronounced Sofia) about 3 hours from Kiev and invited us to tag along. We gladly accepted!

The day didn't consist of anything extraordinary, but there were a little things here and there that made it memorable. First, was the beauty of God's creation. The leaves were changing and it was gorgeous. Everywhere we looked there was red, gold, orange and green. It was awesome. There is something about being in God's creation makes me feel relaxed. I felt overwhelmed with peace all day. There were people everywhere and several weddings, it was clearly the place to be in Uman. Second, was Zachary. He is our contacts son, that was adopted here in the Ukraine. He took a liking to me for some reason and had me laughing all day long. Zach brought me joy yesterday. He made me long for the day God gives me a son. I am thankful God has placed Zach with a family that loves Christ. I will continue to pray for him. Third, was the students...Dara, Katia, Dima, Dima, Vlad, Jama, Dennis...the list could go on and on. I have really loved getting to know these students over the last few weeks. I have heard some of their stories and can see the transformation that has taken place in their lives. Their love for Christ is evident. Even though English is not their first language, many of them speak English better than most places we have been this year. It has allowed us to move past the surface. Fourth, is how much fun you can have with a camera. We have discovered that my camera does this burst thing and will rapidly take pictures for however long you hold it down. We had so much fun taking pictures in the leaves and rolling down hills and jumping up and down. I haven't laughed that hard in awhile. I felt like a little kid and I loved it. Sometimes we need to be silly and act like a child. I have learned that this year. Fifth, was dressing Victorian style. This was just funny. Blair, Shannon and Ashley did it first and then Kara, Kris and I decided to do it next, Team BLING didn't think I'd pay to put a dress on, but for $2.50 and good laughs, it was a no brainer. I think we looked pretty good and would've been able to hang in that error, what do you think? Please let us know your thoughts. Lastly, is our contacts - Jon, Kristen and Garrett. They are on staff with Mission to The World. Jon has been here for 10 years with his family and Kristen & Garrett have been here about a year. They have been great and a blessing to our team. I have loved being a part of the English club, Mafia nights and just watching them interact and build relationships. They have been obedient to follow God to the Ukraine and their hearts for this nation is obvious. I fully support everything they are doing here.

So as you can see nothing life changing happened yesterday. It was a day of simple fun, in the beauty of God's creation. Sometimes I think it requires so much to have a good day. I am so wrong. Really all it takes is God's creation, good company, a camera and a spirit that is willing to laugh and have fun! I'm thankful God gave us yesterday, it was a good day and one that I won't forget. Maybe one day the Lord will let me return to the Ukraine.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them.'" Psalm 126:2-3

(BLING enjoying the Fall...I love these girls & can hardly believe it is coming to an end!)

My Friend Meredith Grey...

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recently on The World Race, due to some ITunes credit and gift cards, we have started watching Grey's Anatomy. It's a great way to bond with the girls, well really just Blair and Ash. We watched a few episodes and the finale from last season and have even almost caught up to the regular schedule at home. What can I say? The internet in Europe is good. Some people think Grey's is trashy, and truthfully I agree, but I still enjoy it and Meredith Grey has good thoughts. Some of her recent ones fit perfectly for situations I am currently facing, so please read on.

In 38 days I will be back on US soil. Just when living out of a backpack has become normal, when the constant change of cultures, languages and food is all I know, it is hard to imagine life at home. What will it be like to return to a place where English is the first language? Am I really going to be able to buy what I want to eat again? Where will I live? What car am I going to drive? Do I want to go back to school? What happened to those 5 girls I have been around every day for the last 11 months? How long can I visit people and tell them about my year before I have to get a real job? What kind of job do I even want? Am I ever going to get married? WHAT THE HECK DOES MY FUTURE LOOK LIKE????

Here are Meredith Grey's thoughts on the future and I think they are fantastic. She says, "We spend our whole lives worrying about the future, planning for the future, trying to predict the future, as if figuring it out will somehow cushion the blow, but the future is always changing. The future is the home of our deepest fears and our wildest hopes. But one thing is certain, when it finally reveals itself, the future is never the way we imagined it." I couldn't tell you in January and I can't tell you now what my future looks like. Even if I try to plan it and figure it out, it will most likely change. This year I have faced some of my deepest fears and I have experienced and seen things beyond my wildest hopes & dreams. I would never have predicted half the things that have happened this year or that God has done. I believe that will be true of next year and years to follow, wherever He puts me and in whatever I end up doing. I trust Him completely. His faithfulness and hand has been all over every step I have ever taken. Why do I allow myself to worry that it would be any different at this point in my life?

So for now I am done worrying. I am not going to try and find a car on craig's list before I get home or a job through some website. The only future I can talk about is the holidays with my family and friends in NJ and NC. I mean I do have some plans for a stellar road trip across the US...and I promise a blog in the future about that. For now though I am going to chill and listen to my friend Meredith: "Because all the worrying and all of the making of plans for things that could or could not happen...it only makes things worse. So walk your dog, or take a nap, just whatever you do, STOP WORRYING! Because the only cure for paranoia is to be, here, just as you are." Today, October 15, 2009, I am here in Kiev, Ukraine. I am hanging out with university students and young professionals, helping them with their English. I have met some of the coolest kids in the world, who have been rescued from the street and love to play foosball, uno, and wrestle. I am living in an apartment right off the Metro with 14 girls and I love it. As for my future, I trust God completely. It'll probably be something crazy and unexpected, but if God tells me to go, and His presence and promise is evident, I will go where He tells me. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

God's Network

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So my blog title is a little cheesy, but you'll understand why I chose it after you read this blog. Our squad leaders really had a desire for all of the H-Squad to be in the Ukraine this month. At the time God gave them this desire we didn't really have ministry solidified for 8 teams. Here's a testimony to how God has shown up.

By the time we left Brasov, Romania we knew that 4 teams were coming to Kiev, 3 to Luganks, and 1 to Odessa. After 2 full days of travel, including an overnight train, Team B.L.I.N.G. arrived in Kiev last Wednesday. We had no ministries solidified, but we were working with a great former World Race guy, Clinton, who had some leads for us. He had found us an apartment to live in with the Gentle Warriors, but that was it. The ball was in our court to pray and put the word out. On the first day here, the two teams without housing found a place to live off of Clinton's leads. Tikvah connected with Teen Challenge and are living and working with them. Manna found an apartment to live in and have been able to connect with InterVarsity and I believe some other ministries. The GW's are helping with some English classes and Bible Studies and are still looking for some more leads.

I know the specifics of Team B.L.I.N.G. though and I want to share them because I believe it is a great testimony of how the body of Christ can work when we are first willing to ask and second willing to connect with those who desire to see Christ made known and God glorified. On my last blog and my facebook status I asked if anyone knew people serving in Kiev. Within a day or so I received several leads. THANK YOU! Through that we have been able to connect with a church plant through Mission To The World. We went to their English Club the other night and we our planning to go to their Mafia game night on Saturday with University Students. We have been able to connect with and encourage some of their American staff, which has likewise been an encouragement to us. And we met a University student, Dima, who is eager to practice English and is translating for us! The staff guy for MTW gave us the number of a woman who heads up Kiev Christian Academy and supposedly has connections to over 150 different ministries. We also received a number of a couple that works for Send International and were able to pass that on to another team. But that's not all. Our third day here, through one of Clinton's leads, Ash, Shannon, and Kris went to love on and pray with some children suffering from AIDS. The women in charge gave them the number of a lady, Michelle, who worked for a street kids center called, Child Rescue. God knew the heart that exists on B.L.I.N.G. for those kinds of kids and put us right where we needed to be. We are wall papering, hanging wood slats, loving kids, playing soccer and hanging out. It couldn't be a better fit! God knows, God knew and He used His people to lead us there.

I want to close with one of my favorite quotes. I was given this quote 8 years ago by a good friend from Kanakuk, but I never knew until yesterday that it was written by Henri Nouwen. It sums up my heart and desire for ministry, what we're doing this month and what we have been doing all year. "More and more, the desire grows in me to simply walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time and the freedom to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or be a part of some impressive project is so strong that my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around the urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social or spiritual progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them." Be present, show up, and love people. That's it.

(Team B.L.I.N.G. with our friend and translator, Dima, outside of Child Rescue)

ALIVE

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am going to just start typing, which could potentially be dangerous because there is so much floating around in my heart and mind that I may lose you. Here we go: This week we joined 3 other World Race Squads, Alumni and the World Race staff and founders here in Brasov, Romania. Honestly, it was really the last place I wanted to be this week. I was not excited about being around that many people, about sleeping in a tent in the cold, the strange meat and cheese they were serving for breakfast or any of the "Awakening" they were praying for to happen in each of us. My attitude flat out stunk and I knew it. My tendency when I get that way is to buck the system, to do something stupid, to be reckless, and to just not care. There was a lot of potential for that the first day and a half and I was choosing to walk in that attitude. I was knit picking things being said, I wasn't engaging in worship, I was allowing situations from back home to distract me from entering into the presence of the Lord and I wasn't making great choices. I knew I was allowing the enemy to win and I also knew he was trying hard to distract me because God wanted to do something big in my life this week. We serve a God that will not relent until He has every bit of our heart, but once again the choice was up to me. He gives us that freedom. Was I going to change my posture and allow Him to move in and through me or was I going to walk in my own sinful pride and waste another opportunity to meet with my Father?

Here's what happened: Day 2 - God spoke truth to me in a simple conversation with a friend at McDonald's. In love she shared some similar feelings on my issues, but pointed me back to Christ. I listened because over this year, she has earned my trust and respect. I have seen Christ in her life and I value the words she speaks. That night several people prayed over me...people who knew the struggle and people who didn't. God spoke to me through their prayers. I was reminded that prayer is not only to God, but also for the edification of the person you praying for. Note to self, pray for others more to build them up. Day 3 - I felt alive. I felt like the person I know God has created to be and I was able to walk in it. I love people and as my team claims I will talk to anything that talks back. I love to hear their stories and to share my own. I believe every conversation happens for a reason. I had an amazing belated birthday lunch with 2 of my favorite people on this trip. And then I got to sit and chat with a new friend, Hollie, for over 2 hours about this crazy journey we are on. She is 2 months in and I am 9 months in, but we sat and talked about the things God was doing in our lives like we had known each other for a long time. I believe it is because our heart beats for the same thing. We desire to seek the face of our Father, see His kingdom furthered, and claim the inheritance He has for us. The night was more worship and teaching. I could write a whole blog about songs this year, but as I sang the words of Jenn Johnson - "Where you go, I'll go, what you say, I'll say, what you pray, I'll pray," I knew in my heart, those were my words and my prayer. Andrew Sherman told us that night, "He is the Word, you are the voice." We are the voice that has been sent out to proclaim truth to the nations. I still can't believe He has chosen me to be a part of that. Day 4 - A day I will never forget. The morning started with worship. I was late, as usual and as I walked in looking for my friends on the squad, I recognized the voices up front. H-squad was leading worship and I knew God's presence was going to fall on this place. A sister I have grown to love this year sang "Revelation Song" and tears streamed down my face as she sang. God was in this place. He was speaking to each person in this room. That afternoon our squad leaders prayed over us and prophesied. Don't freak out - by prophesy - I mean edify, encouraged and built up. They affirmed things they had seen in our lives this year and the direction they believed God was leading us. It was a powerful and encouraging time. Later that evening we gathered as a body and we prayed for the nations. They had flags all over the room and I knew Haiti was the flag I was looking for. As I prayed, I wept, God was laying things on my heart for people I don't even know...I know He was the one weeping through me, He was the one burdening my heart. I was pretty overwhelmed. A year of traveling and seeing the world and my heart still beats for that country. They will experience freedom one day and I want to be a part of it. As the night continued on, He was asking me for a deeper trust, He was confirming calls on my life by those who came to pray and He released things from deep within me. I know there is stuff inside of me that I have not even begun to scratch the surface on and God knows I want them. I have been crying out for them all year. That is why I abandoned everything I knew and signed up for this crazy journey.

There is so much more I could tell you, but I will stop here. This week God woke me up. He reminded me that we can argue theology into the ground like great fathers of the faith have since the beginning of time, but at the end of the day it is about a relationship with God and people. We can and should be grounded in truth, but we are called to worship in Spirit and truth. God is teaching me new things everyday this year about walking in the Spirit. Praise Him, Praise my Father, who has chosen me, who has called me out of darkness and into His wonderful light. It is an honor and a privilege to tell the nations about Him.

Travel Update: We are departing at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning to get on what we believe to be a 36 hour train ride to Kiev, Ukraine. We're still unsure of exactly what we are doing or if Kiev is even right where we will be, but that is where we're headed. Pray for safe travel and direct leading into ministry opportunities. More to come soon! My final pic is 2 of 7 Camels that will forever be close to my heart. I'm praying for you all you Camels!!!

(Left to Right: Matt Patch, Kristen McKee , me, and Jodi Greenlee

Check out their blogs!!! )

Romania Video

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Shannon is once again on top of the video, so here ya go. I can say I started one this month...whether or not it will ever get finished, that is a whole other question. For the time being enjoy. We are in Brasov for the next week or so and from first impression, it appears to be a pretty sweet city. Definitely one of the coolest this year. It appears next month is real up in the air as to where we will be, so please be praying for that and if you have any contacts in Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Ukraine, Greece, etc.)...please send them our way. Love and miss you all.

Still More To Go....

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have spent the last 2 weeks or so in a small village named, Viile-Tecii. This has been an atypical month for a number of reasons. For one, our entire squad is doing ministry in this village. This has never happened in our 9 months on the field. It has been a blessing to be able to spend time and serve with others on the squad. We have also been serving alongside 3 other teams from the August squad. It is great to talk with and encourage those who are only 2 months into the process of refinement, and to likewise be encouraged by their newness and excitement. I mean let's be honest, if you have followed this journey at all, you know it is about refinement. I thought I was coming to serve, but really, I signed up to be changed or as C.S. Lewis puts it, killed. In Mere Christianity, Lewis says: "The Christian way is different: harder and easier. Christ says, Give me all. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you. I have not come to torment your natural [false] self, but to kill it. No half-measures are good. I don't want to cut off a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down...Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked - the whole outfit. I will give you a new [true] self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours."

By the time I get this blog posted, there will only be 9 weeks until I am back on US soil. It is kind of a weird feeling. It is exciting because there is family and friends I am anxious to see and a precious nephew I can't wait to meet. It is scary because I have no clue what I'm doing, how I'm going to buy a car and how the little money I have to my name is going to last till I get on my feet. It is sad because the 5 girls I have spent every day with 24/ 7 since January 4^th will no longer be a part of my daily life and the refinement process the Lord is taking me through. That is a little glimpse of the thoughts and possibilities that funnel through my mind on a daily basis.

I wish I could write you a blog about Romania and the people of this village. The creation leaves me speechless every morning when I go for a walk...and the conversation is always good with whomever I am walking with. I have met many women, played with lots of kids, attempted to do laundry by hand, picked apples and even swept dirt for a lady (that was a first). But the truth is, I haven't been engaged here. I have been distracted. There are so many people, it is easy to sit back, do your own thing and not be noticed. I haven't pushed myself and dealt with the distractions; instead I have indulged in TV Shows on my computer and food. I'm not proud of the way I've responded, but it has been a good indication of old tendencies that still exist and it has reminded me there is still so much that needs to be killed. I have spent a lot of time in 1 Peter the last two months. He talks about the process of refinement. It is a painful process, not a one-time deal. It takes time and continues on and on until your faith is "proved genuine and results in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." Please pray that I will continue to give Christ my all, so that He can continue to cut off branches, His will shall become mine and I will be conformed more into His image. One of the biggest lessons I have learned this year is about being present. I want to be as present and engaged the last few months as I was the first 8. Pray for all of us, that our eyes would be fixed on Christ and all He still wants to do. We will be at a conference for the next week and then onto the Ukraine, at least that is the latest...really who knows where we'll end up. That is the beauty of the race. More to come from the next destination.

I Turned Thirty!

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of my latest goals on The World Race has been too watch all 10 seasons of Friends. Yes, not everything we do out here is spiritual. Some days we have a lot of down time and this is one of many ways to pass it. Just this past week I watched an episode where Rachel was turning 30. Throughout the episode they did flashbacks of all their 30^th birthdays. It was quite humorous. My favorite was Joey because he just kept saying, "God, no why!!" Let's just say I can relate.

If you have read some of my blogs over the last month you know that my 30^th birthday was approaching. I wasn't super excited about it because life isn't really what I thought it would be at 30. A lot of the middle schoolers and kids I used to work with are now in college (some even married), I'm still not married, I have no secure job or steady income and I have not a clue what this upcoming year holds. Plus my birthday is just hard. I experienced the biggest lost in my life, my father, 13 years ago on my birthday. It is a hard day every year. I still remember every detail of that day like it happened yesterday. But every year God is faithful and the people I am with love me well and do all they can to make that day special.

Let me share a little bit about what Team BLING did to make this year pretty special. Well, it started 12 days before my 30^th with the 12 days of Liz. For 12 days they sang to me and gave me a little gift every day, starting with my favorite, buffalo wings and bleu cheese and ending with another of my favorites, a cold beer (if they could've found yuengling in South Africa, they would have). Throughout the middle I received some white chocolate, pretzels, diet coke, pens, a moleskin, a travel mug and more. It was pretty sweet. On my actual birthday we were traveling to Romania. Travel days are never fun, although flying is much better than a long, overcrowded bus ride. Again they went above and beyond. Sabelo, our friend at the camp we were staying at, had the kitchen ladies bake me a massive cake. Emily and Chiu, wrote me poems and blew up a picture that I can't post here because I'd probably get in trouble, but it was funny. And Team BLING knowing I'm the sentimental one and being that we were with the whole squad, got a bunch of people to write me notes of encouragement that were given to me throughout the day. The day ended with the BLING tradition of 30 humorous reasons they love me and a poem constructed by our very own Kristen McKee. I definitely felt loved, honored and celebrated.

I mentioned in the last blog I posted that I was inspired by a friend and a girl in Africa to make a list of 30 things I want to accomplish in this next year. I would much rather show you that then the poem and list of 30 reasons Team BLING loves me. Some are ambitious, some are ridiculous and some are super fun. I hope and pray that somehow they all are accomplished by the time I turn 31. I already accomplished number 30 on my birthday! Enjoy the list!

Thirty Things I Want to Do While I'm Thirty:

Visit the 14 I have never been to in the US (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Alaska, Hawaii, Michigan, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Washington, Iowa, Nevada, Wyoming)
Keep a journal everyday
Run a marathon
Run a marathon
Do a mini triathlon with Blair
Start dating my husband
Move back to Tri State Area
Get involved working with homeless in Philly or Camden
Have dinner with immediate family members once a month (Mom, Jess, Chris & Billy) (after the race)
Lose 20lbs
Memorize 2 NT books of the Bible
Buy a car with no loan
Read thirty books
Make a decision about school (MBA or MDiv) - to go or not to go, that is the question?
Buy an ipod touch
Visit Canaan
Spend time monthly with Kate, Samantha and Reilly (after the race)
Go to a Phillies Game
Drink a margarita in Mexico with Kara
Go on a road trip with Emily
Go on a road trip with Chiu
Find a job that I enjoy
Try 30 new kinds of beer
Make a photo book from World Race
Go to Canada ( British Columbia , Vancouver )
Learn to surf
Go to Cedarpoint in Ohio
Hike Pike's Peek in Colorado with Jen Den
Visit Kris in Iquitos, Peru
Fly to a new continent on my birthday

Nandi Taught Me to Hope

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During our month in South Africa, we spent two weeks of our time in an area called Delmas. Delmas is unique in the fact, that within a few miles you literally see extreme poverty and extreme wealth. When I left where we lived, a small Christian camp, planted in the middle of Botleng Township and drove less than 10 minutes, I could arrive at estates. It was mind boggling to be honest. I have seen poverty in America and in cities I have seen it in proximity to wealth, but never to the extent it appeared here. I could write a novel on all I learned during our time in Jo'burg about townships and the apartheid, but what I really want to tell you about is a girl God brought in my path one day. I learned a lot from this one hour conversation, but the biggest thing my friend taught me was to never stop dreaming, hoping, asking and believing what God can do in your life.

My friend's name is Nandi and she is 20 years old. I met her at the Feeding Scheme where her and some of her friends volunteer and help out. She grew up on the good side of the tracks in Botleng. By that I mean, the government actually built her family a small house to live in and she received an education. She is the second born in her family and lives with her parents and other 3 siblings. She attended church some as a child, but was always bored. Two years ago a friend of hers invited her to a Church service. That night her life was forever changed. The Spirit of God came upon her and gave her new life. It wasn't smooth sailing though. She lives in a community that runs rampid with AIDS. Most of the water is contaminated and many people are sick. No one in her family believes and many of them are involved in ancient rituals of witchcraft, which they force her to take part in. She is faced with temptations that many reading this faced at her age such as, alcohol, drugs and sex. It is hard to stay strong in this environment and she humbly admitted how she falls short at times. She went on to tell me she goes to church 5 days a week and surrounds herself with the other girls pictured here. She knows that she needs help.

As Nandi shared about her life and answered my many questions, she shared her dreams with me. She told me she wanted to be a software designer working in IT. I must admit, I was kind of taken aback and ashamed of myself at the same time. It wasn't the career path I expected to hear from this girl. When we started talking I was even sure she had been given the opportunity to go to school. Little did I know she had just finished her first college class. I was convicted that I had assumed she would just work in this little township. She told me that she had dreams of having a family, owning her own house and driving a Mazda 2. It was pretty cool to listen to her talk and I was challenged. I wasn't challenged by her dreams, but I was challenged by the fact that she was dreaming and believing that despite the cards that had been dealt to her, God had more for her. She just had to believe and ask.

I turned 30 last week (Team BLING gave me an unbelievable bday - blog to come on that). I confess that a lot of my dreams haven't been answered yet and some of that has deterred me from dreaming and asking big things. Don't get me wrong, my life has been an UNBELIEVABLE journey and I have been ridiculously blessed, but life doesn't look like I thought it would at 30. God used this conversation with Nandi to remind me that anything is possible with Him. It is Him that puts us where He wants us. It is Him that gives us many of the dreams and desires in our hearts. Our job and responsibility is to ask Him and believe that He will answer. We must choose to believe He has our best interests at heart. God used this conversation to remind me of His faithfulness. He has plans to prosper each and every one of His children. He has plans for Nandi, He has plans for me and He has plans for you! Just like our earthly fathers plan before we are born, our Heavenly Father does the same thing. Every one of us has a purpose. This conversation and an email from a friend inspired me to make a list of 30 dreams/things I want to accomplish this year. Some are ambitious, some are ridiculous, and some my friends helped me come up with, but it is the start of some dreams again in my life. I'm excited to see what this new decade brings in my life and I'm thankful that ultimately I am not in control of any of it and I have a Father in heaven that knows it all. I just have to ask, believe, listen and obey!

Quick Update:
Favorite 3 things about Africa: English speaking people, the Bush and Ketchup on everything! We are safe in Romania, living in a quaint, beautiful town. Seriously the landscaping is breathtaking (Please see pictures below). The name of the village we are living in is Viile-Tecii and it is in Transylvania. For the next two weeks 80+ World Racers will be loving on the people of this village. Pray for God to break down language barriers and for the love of Christ to fall afresh on these people. We head to the conference with the other 4 squads from the 22nd-25th and then onto the Ukraine. We will be back in the states on Nov 23rd!

Jo'burg Video and Botswana...

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So Shannon made a great video last month and another good one this month. For some reason I thought I had posted Botswana. I was wrong, so here they both are. Maybe one day I will resume video making, for now enjoy Shannon's. She does a great job! Enjoy! More to come from Europe!

Truth: A Reflection on Africa

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have been stumped on what to share with you about our time in Johannesburg, South Africa. Many days here have felt like I am just back in America living life, which has been weird. I drive a car every day, I usually go into the office, I can grab a diet coke and pretzels whenever I want; believe me that is not normal on the World Race. We have had a lot of freedom and it has shown me that many of my desires that existed before I left are still present. The difference I have seen though is my perspective and who I am is radically different than 8 months ago.

We have done a lot of different things in the last 3 weeks during our time here: partnered with AMOR Ministries and their January launch, hung out with homeless people here in Melville, spent a week out at a camp doing labor and various other things, and spent time at Children of Fire (a home for burn victims and those with disabilities).

There are people who have captured my heart like Doreen at Children of Fire, Aunti Teresa who sells random knick-knacks at the intersection by our house, and Nandi, who lives in the township and volunteers at the feeding center. I see more and more daily how God ordains conversations and peoples paths to cross all in His timing and for specific reasons. For instance, last night I went to a mission's conference and met this man Graham. He asked if he could pray for me, as the Lord had laid me on his heart. The things he prayed were very fitting with where I am at, the Lord spoke to me through this man's prayer.

As I reflect on the last 3 months in Africa I am blown away by what the Lord has done. I have truly experienced His peace, "the peace that surpasses all understanding." I have experienced His love and His grace and He has begun to allow me to see people more clearly through His eyes. My heart has been broken and at the same time been restored. I know who I am in Him and knowing my identity in Christ has brought freedom. It doesn't matter what the world or those around me say, the more I hide myself in Him, the more He purifies my heart and I see Him in every day things all around me. He is the only thing I want to live my life for and really that is all that matters to me. I have begun to hear His voice, even though He has always been speaking, and that voice gives me confidence and strength I need to be bold for Him. I have learned the art of being present and it has changed me.

Quick Flashback: after our three months in Asia, I wanted to go home. I was a walking train wreck and angry with myself for having such a weak faith. I felt like a failure in everyway. I wallowed in self-pity and despair and it controlled me. But the more I read and study the lives of the disciples, a weak faith is really common, failure is really common, and insecurity is really common. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about how He pleaded with the Lord 3 times to take away the thorn in His flesh (his weakness). I think I have pleaded a million times, but God's response to me is the same as it was to Paul. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I am learning to boast in those thorns. The beauty of being weak is that we know our need for a Savior, we know our incapability of doing it on our own. Believe me, I KNOW my need for a Savior. God had and still has so much more for me. I'm thankful for the sisterhood and family He put around me that encouraged me to keep fighting and pressing on. I am thankful for the journey He has given me around the world to learn these life lessons.

I don't know where you're at today, heck I don't even know who will actually read this, but I encourage you to "Keep on Keeping On". I heard that last night and it's cheesy, but it's truth. God has so much for you today, right where you are. I can assure you of that. Quiet yourself, listen and let Him do what He wants to do. He's speaking in ways you probably don't even realize. His kingdom is here and His will, will be done. Thank you for all of your support! We head into debrief in a few days and then onto Romania, September 3rd. Please pray for safe travels and a unifying debrief, as we thank our Father for all He has done in Africa!

I Jumped Out Of A Plane!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, you read right, on Saturday August 22nd, with 4 other members of Team B.L.I.N.G. and Dave Brown from Spectacle I jumped out of a plane. I can easily say it is one of the most amazing things I have ever done and at the same time one of the scariest. Kind of an analogy of this year in ways. Please refer to my face in the picture on the right for a picture of that fear.

I have had a pretty significant fear of heights since I was a little kid. Just last year I was getting certified to work High Ropes at YL's Windy Gap and I climbed up one of those pamper pole things. I got to the top and as embarrassing as it is to admit this, I couldn't bring myself to stand up and jump. I was shaking profusely and refused to go and so I climbed back down to the point that I could safely jump. I remember another time I was in the woods back in South Jersey in college, with my friends Matt and Chris, they had this tree swing they wanted me to step out and I couldn't bring myself to step out. I was too afraid of falling.

Fear holds us back a lot in life. It keeps us from living up to our full potential and all that God has for us. I have a lot of fears that plague me quite regularly: fear of not getting married, fear of not being successful, fear of being rejected, fear of gaining weight, fear of failure, etc. I could list a million fears, but that isn't the point of this blog.

I was pretty nervous as we headed to the sky diving site that afternoon. I even wrote in my journal just in case anything happened. I had told myself I wanted to do something crazy and adventurous before turning 30 and my time was running out, literally...that mark will be here in 10 days. This was it. It was all or nothing. I did pretty good masking my fear until the door opened 11,000 ft in the air. Then I freaked out...both Dave and Shannon said the look on my face was priceless and they weren't sure I would go. Good thing there was a man attached to my back, that didn't give me a choice.

As he said, "1, 2, 3 skydive" and we began to free fall it was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. The only word I can think of to describe what I felt at that moment is exhilaration. I was free and falling and there was nothing in my way. All fear and worry was gone, my eyes were fixed on that which was right in front of me (the cameraman) and I felt only joy and excitement. It was incredible, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The point of this all, the analogy I want to share is this: Sometimes we need a push. I did in this instance and have in the past, even this year. Sometimes we need help stepping out and facing our fears. But when we face our fears head on, when we see that God has His hand on us at all times, when our eyes are fixed on Him alone, we will experience the joy, excitement and exhilaration of doing life with Christ. It's not the popular way, but it is the only way. God created you and he formed you. Fear not, for He has redeemed you; He has called you by name and you are His. When you pass through waters, he will be with you. And though the rivers rage, they will not overwhelm you. Fire will not burn you and flames will not consume you. He is the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (paraphrase of Is. 43:1-3).

Here is a shortened version of my video! Enjoy!

God Works Behind the Scenes - To Hope Community Church

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"God is always working behind the scenes, engineering our circumstances and setting us up for success." That is a line out of a book I read this past month, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day (great book to read). When we see God, we are called to testify to it (John 1:3). I have seen God's hand clearly over and over again. This blog is dedicated to Hope Community Church and all the others who have given cheerfully, selflessly and prayed me through this year. Here is what God did before the race even began.

Events from May 2008 - December 2008 that prepared me for Africa and really the year.

May 2008 - Accepted and committed to go on the World Race
June 2008 - Began raising support...far too many stories to tell of God's provision, but people I didn't even know began giving. After much prayer decided to sell my car to save money before the race.
July 2008 - In less than a week on Craig's List my car sold to believers that were perfect strangers. Not only did they buy my car, but they wanted me to present my trip to their church and I became their September Mission's Project. This church proceeded to raise a large amount of support for my trip. They are no longer perfect strangers, but friends and faithful prayer warriors.
August 2008 - I moved from Windy Gap back to Charlotte. I purchased a scooter and was bought a free bus pas through December to get to work in Charlotte. God also provided a free place to live with a family and a great job immediately for those 4 months before the race.
September 2008 - Hope Community Church offered me a car to use for free until I left in January. The car was a stick, which I had no clue how to drive. I had the scooter and bus setup, so there was much to consider and pray about.
October 2008 - My scooter sold in a few days on Craig's List for $200 more than I had bought it for. Jen Guzi and Meredith Ottinger/Newman put their own lives in my hands as they patiently taught me to drive stick. We had some scary and humorous moments. I had 2 yard sales with stuff donated from various families at Hope Church and Christ Covenant and raised close to $2500 for my trip.
October 2008 - December 2008 - Became comfortable driving that little red car around Charlotte and joked that I would probably have to drive a stick shift somewhere this year. All support was in and raised far beyond the amount needed. My gear was covered and all my personal expenses. It was all God.

Two things as you read those events. Last month the only option to get to Botswana for our 2 teams was to rent 2 cars. In South Africa you can pretty much only rent standards. I was one of two people who knew how to drive a standard. God set me up for success when He prompted Hope to give me that car. The second thing, the Lord provides. This is a brief sketch of my story, but I have 51 people traveling alongside that can tell you their stories. God takes care of His people.

After much prayer and seeking the Lord we will not be heading to Zimbabwe this month. This was a difficult decision for everyone involved. We all hope to get there some day. However, the Lord was at work behind the scenes and 2 days before leaving Botswana, He connected us with a ministry from the Church I worked at in Charlotte for 3 years. We will be serving with Neal Gooch and connections through Campus Outreach in Johannesburg. God began engineering this circumstance 6 years ago when I joined the staff of Christ Covenant. I believe He knew. Nothing is a mistake. I will drive a car this month, a stick shift. God knew. Every experience, every thought, every word, every person in your life is for a reason. We need to live that way.

Psalm 139:16 says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Every single day on this race my faith increases because I see God work in ways that only He can receive the glory. There is nothing I can boast in because the way He works is so far beyond my finite mind. I could not have orchestrated those events listed above even if I tried. I pray that this encourages you and challenges you to look back at the specific ways He's working in your life because I promise you He is. To the staff and members of Hope Church, friends and families from CCC, Windy Gap & Kanakuk friends and of course my family in Jersey, thank you for your willingness, faithfulness and obedience to be a part of this year with me. God used you in preparation for this journey and I have felt your prayers and words of encouragement along the way.

Become Like A Child

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month we served in Botswana with Word To Africa. Our base camp was in Lobatse, but Team B.L.I.N.G. spent 10 days camping in the bush in Moralane. Our days were spent helping out around the base, preaching at open air services, walking the village praying for sick people and ministering to the children. The family we served alongside of was incredible and has a HUGE heart for this village. Despite the holds that alcoholism, sexual immorality and witchcraft have on this place, Kumbu and Sandra are confident of their call and continue to persevere and be faithful in this place. This place broke and captured my heart like no other location on this race. Despite the darkness we were living in, I have never felt closer to my Father and more assured of His love and presence.

The second night there we were conducting a service and God spoke to me through this child pictured here. Her white dress symbolized purity, which is something I have been praying for in my heart. As I prayed for her, I felt the Lord whispering that He was going to teach me through the children this week. He told me to pay attention and learn from them. He reminded me of the verse in Matthew 18:3 that says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

I want to share some of the things He taught me as I watched and interacted with the children pictured throughout this blog. Children are pure and innocent. Most of them have not yet been corrupted by the ways of this world. They have not been rejected and they feel loved and accepted. They know how to love and they want to be loved. I believe their purity allows them to see far more than I see in people right in front of my face. Children are content. They know how to be. Usually when they are doing something, it is simply for fun. I watched kids play the same game or build the same fort for hours on end. There was no agenda or purpose. They were making the most of what God had put in front of them and just hanging out. They didn't require much. It was glorious. Children are full of joy. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make a kid laugh or smile? Why do we get so serious and focused when we grow up? There is so much to be joyful and thankful for every moment of everyday and so often I miss it. Children trust easily. I believe this comes from their innocence. They are not yet scarred and wounded. They are curious and believe the best about people. They believe people are for their good and they walk into that goodness. It's hard for me to trust sometimes and I know and have seen that God is for my good. Children know they need help. They realize they can't do everything on their own and they aren't afraid to ask for help. There is no shame or guilt. Pride, insecurities and fear don't trip them up. God tells us to ask and receive, but so often I hold back. When will I let down my guard?

I understand more now why God wants us to become like children. It takes faith like a child to trust God the way He wants us to. For us to fully embrace His love we must rid ourselves of our independent, self-conscious mindsets. I long to really understand the Cross, and the love the Father lavished upon us that day. We are His children, I am His child, but I don't usually live like it. I am praying to become like a child.

The base we lived on in the bush was a safe haven for children. They flocked here daily. The grounds were swarming with kids, babies to teens, all day long. Kumbu and Sandra understand the importance of investing in these kids and are choosing to believe God that they will be the generation to change this village. They will be the ones to rise up as lovers of God and lovers of people and bring His kingdom to this place. Will you join us in praying and believing God for these kids? God is alive and at work in this place. I saw people healed, I saw people confess that Jesus as Lord and I saw faithful servants loving these people where they were. I have seen and I believe like a little kid that God is going to do big things in this place.

Two Things I'll Remember From Botswana

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Our first week in Botswana was spent at the Word to Africa base. Our time was split between hanging out with this amazing family, the Walker's and clearing out this field. The other 2 weeks were spent in the bush, in Moralane, read 'Become Like A Child' for more about our time there.

The Walker's pictured to the right have been serving in Botswana for 5 years. Prior to answering their call to Botswana they served as Youth Pastors at various churches in the states. This family oozes Jesus in all that they do. From precious Charisma to the oldest son Barracka, their love for the Lord is evident. We were even blessed with the presence of time with Heather's parents, who treated us like we were their grandchildren. They welcomed us in and loved us like we were part of their family. We shared meals, told stories, watched movies, played guitar hero, took naps on their couches and worshipped the Lord together. It was truly a gift to all of us, who seven months in miss our families and friends tremendously. My favorite word from Heather was to wait on the Lord and be patient. She told us the story of their adopted daughter Charisma and how the Lord brought her to them. She challenged us to never tire of asking and to know that He hears us. We need to trust in His timing and wait. I needed to hear this from someone who has walked through seasons of waiting on the Lord and seen His faithfulness.

Clearing a Field - What could I possibly have to say of importance in regards to clearing out a field? A lot more than I would have expected. Clearing out a field in Africa looks quite different than back home. It is hard work. You don't have lawn mowers and tractors. Instead you have machetes, rakes and shovels. The field we cleared out was covered in thorn bushes and trees, which made the process even more complicated. When we started you could barely walk through some of the grass and bushes. The roots were the hardest things to get out and the thorns tripped you up along the way. After a few long days and hard work, the ground was cleared. All that remained was the dirt. You could see what the land originally was, what it was intended to be. Here is what I learned in this process and having been learning all year. My heart is like an overgrown field. It is not what God originally intended it to be because there are roots that have been embedded deeply from past hurts and pains. All year on the race I have been pulling out these roots and there have been plenty of thorns (lies) that have tripped me up along the way. The beauty is that like the field we cleared, my heart is being cleared as well and restored to what it was intended to be. 2 Thess 3:5 says, "May the Lord direct your heats into God's love and Christ's perseverance." Direct in the Greek means to clear away the obstacles. The obstacles are being cleared and my heart is becoming a place that God can fully work and His glory can be revealed.

Botswana is a beautiful place and one that I hope to return to one day. I am so thankful for the time God gave us here! Thank you for your support in God's work around the world and the transformation that continues to take place in my heart.

Come to Me

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I usually think out my blogs and have a plan when it comes to posting something, but as I laid awake for over an hour this morning, the quiet voice I heard was saying, "Come to Me..." As I entered into His presence, here are a few of my thoughts. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "'Come to me,' all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I have learned over the last 6 months how hard it is at times, really all the time for me to just come to the Lord, to rest in His presence and to be still. There are so many voices and thoughts that consume my heart and mind that they drown out the voice of my Creator, who is continuously wooing me to Himself. I mean really, how do we stop those conversations that we have in our head on a continual basis? How do we discipline ourselves to be quiet and bask in the presence of our Father who loves us unconditionally? How do we learn and move to a place where we are gentle and humble in our hearts? How do we really let go the burdens we hold on to? How do we stop doing, planning and controlling and learn to just be? How do we really hear His voice?

I think the answer is we don't. Keep reading. In 2 Cor 3:17, it talks about where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. In the greek translation freedom means to run wildly. We were created to run wildly and it is the Spirit of God within us that transforms our hearts. It is the Spirit of God within us that allows us to live in the image we were created in, the image of God. It is the Spirit of God that teaches us to be quiet. It is the Spirit of God that brings peace. It is the Spirit of God that silences our hearts and those voices. It is the Spirit of God that allows us to respond to the love of our Father. It is the Spirit of God that teaches us to let go. It is the Spirit of God that teaches us to trust in a way that makes no sense at all. It is the Spirit of God that teaches us to just be. It is not about what we do. When we let go of the control and let God move, we then begin to run wildly into all that He has for us.

Everyday on this journey I learn more of what that looks like and God is moving mountains in my life, spiritually and literally. Words don't really do justice to the thankfulness that is consuming my heart. He is good and He is faithful. Below are some pics of our journey up Snake Mountain, where God moved and came to our rescue. If you are tired and weary, if you are busy and consumed, quiet yourself today and let Him speak to you. He is there speaking already, sometimes we just have to be still enough to listen.

(This captures a little bit of the steepness of this mountain and a great illustration of what it has taken to overcome the junk in my heart this year. I was scared and fearful, but I knew my God was with me. I still have a ways to go.)

(All smiles at the top, we had overcome...little did we know the darkness would come and we would need to be rescued.)

(The Lord sent Benny to our rescue and we climbed down the mountain and while it was dark, our path was lit by the moon and the Lord was with us the whole way. No matter how dark it gets, His light is brighter and He will illuminate the way.)

(Would you believe we encountered this on the way? Don't, but the picture is just majestic and I wanted to include it...our Safari was sweet! What an amazing God we serve!)