Update on the Accident!

Well today I woke up with the attitude that God has a sense of humour and today felt like a good day to be blessed!

Well, I went for my meeting about the damage to the car, it went well...to I was happy with the outcome but also still see God in it.

I found out that I would have to pay about $600 for the damage, looking back on it...it only need the hood of the car replaced...nothing else was badly damaged.  The headlight...was solid and did the most damage to the other car, came loose.  The sad news is that I just terminated the lease by choosing to be in an accident.  So when God takes away one thing He is usually is quick to provide, right?

Well the good news is...that I am borrowing someone else's vehicle for the next month and a bit, this was all previously arranged two weeks ago! 

When I was told today that I would have my car taken away, I was like sure I think that it is good decision, as I was already willing to do that, if that was the final decision.  The guy thought I was being fake and asked me several times, after telling me I was like his daughter, that I was sure I was ok with it.  I was like...yep I am fine!  He is letting me keep a car until after Easter, not to ruin my plans.

Now I still highly recommend this guy for leasing a car from, he is great and it is his ministry to help the Christian's in this country serve, so it is God that we all serve together.

So...when God deals the bad cards, I still see it as God is able to work at this for all good!

I am thankful I am not hurt, I am thankful that the damage on the car was almost well planned out, by managing to only hit the bonnet (hood) and not the bumper!

Please continue to pray for this...I might have this one over my head for a while with insurance companies.  If all goes ok, then I will never have to hear about it again!  God is in control, and call me weird, but I think that God is in this, His timing and ways are not ours!

God bless you!

Happy 10th Birthday Cassidy!

Ok...so the fun part of the day!

Our Birthday Girl celebrated in style today, sporting a tshirt that says...I Love Horses she started her day at the Karen Riding School, getting to go horseback riding with her friend Emily!  It was great as they were learning all that they could for an hour.  Cassidy's smile on her face...was plastered there...she was so excited to spend the time on a horse.  She wasn't even upset that we didn't make it there until late...she said that they had a great time in the back seat of the car waiting.

We then made our way to have Sushi...ok...Cassidy asked for Japanese...just so you know...she isn't a fan of raw fish.  But the adults got to experience sushi and Cassidy and her friend got a chicken and rice dish.

Next on the list...shopping!  Every 10 year olds dream!  As Kylie stood back and let Cassidy get things, I stepped up to help out

We ended our afternoon with Mocha Frosties...mmm licious! 

Happy Birthday Cassidy!  I hope your day was a memory made and be blessed this year as you experience life in the double digits!

Love Aunt Joelle

Accident and Spilled Milk...all in one day!

Ha!  Seriously...here is a Joelle story...only one that can go from a car accident and then spilling milk in the grocery store, it really can't get worse and God has a sense of humour!

Yes, I had my first car accident in several years...ok it has been over 10 years...so I think I was doing well, until today.  Now don't worry...my gimped finger survived...just kidding! I did not get hurt nor was the other guy!  My car on the other hand didn't fair so well.

So what started as a fun day, got worse before it got better.  It was such a God moment...ok I know what you are thinking but how can you make a bad thing good but it was.  I no sooner got in the accident, I called all the necessary people that needed to come, before I could even call my sister in law, they pulled in behind me as they were lost.  It was God's perfect timing.

As everyone else showed up, at one point there was 9 of us there discussing the accident, at one point there was myself and four kenyan talking...ok four kenyan's talking swahili and me...

So basically I need prayer right now, I have a meeting set for tomorrow morning as I learn what I am responsible for in the damages.  I am not injured so there is another Praise God moment!  I was able to settle with the other guy but that still leaves me with all the damages on the car.  I have been given a new car to drive...a Mazda...another God moment???

So anyways...as I was in the grocery store later, I was carrying a few things...and I dropped the milk I was carrying...it exploded across the floor.  I just stood there, look at the girl next to me and we laughed. 

Anyways!  Prayers are appreciated once I find out more I will share more details with you...actually this makes a good story to come home with.

What does the Equator...Mud...and Indian Food have in common?

Well, it is hard to believe that it is Monday already!  You know that it is a good weekend when...you come home in pain...or with an injury!  Ok..not necessarily, but it was a fabulous weekend out of town for me!

This last weekend was a great trip out of town, a month ago I was talking with another family here in Nairobi and we both said that we wanted to go up to Eldama Ravine, so we thought it would be a great opportunity for us all to go up together, and have a few others come along.  Well, it ended up starting out at the beginning of the week with the six singles (minused two by the time we left) that are here right now, and two families planning to head out on Saturday.

Our day started early Saturday, you all know that early is not my strong point and I had to remember everything, not just myself, but since I helped out with lots of the preparation, I had made food for a couple dinners and done all the shopping for the list that they were responsible for, there was lots of stuff!

Destination...Eldama Ravine, about 221 km or 3 hours outside of Nairobi, in Western Kenya, in the Northern Hemisphere.  So that is right, we crossed over the Equator, it was so exciting...but we didn't stop for a picture, you just have to believe me!

 this is what the sign looks like with a random kid next to it!

What we did before the Equator was quite fun...now what is your first reaction to what activity you can do when you put two guys that own Land Cruiser's together?  The goal was to find the best off roading trails available to man!  We did this incredible terrain drive up a mountain, and over the hill and through a field.  We were so entertained by it at one point I looked out the window to see at least 100 kids following and chasing after us.  A few of the older adults actually came out to watch us, and laid down on the grass laughing at us Crazy White People "Mzungu" in Swahili would drive over and through anything that we could find.  It was a blast...the best part was this amazing puddle in the road...that covered the entire road for 1/4 of a km and it was deep, one of the trucks half disappeared into the muck it was great.  Then it was our turn to go through that, it was just as much fun doing it as it was watching it.

 This is Kate..she jumped in the driver's seat when the guys went out to 

assess the path we were on...she started by revving the engine...

the guys quickly came running back up the hill to 

see what us girls got ourselves into....ha ha ha!  We really scared them!

(And no...I didn't put her up to anything...she thought of it all on her own ;) )

Lets just say...that everything made it there in one piece except that the watermelon...didn't really taste good on one side, I made the comment without thinking.  It's funny, the watermelon is really good on one side and then it seems that it is bruised on the other.  Then it clicked that the watermelon didn't survive the ride.

One of the stops was at the Elma Barrett Children's Home on the way there, our friends have been helping out there short term for the last 8 months.  It was a great experience to see and meet all the children there.  When we got there...they were all busy with Saturday chores.

This was the boys dorm...the girls dorm was to my left

and just finishing up on construction

As you can see everything is green and lush...

Kenya has been blessed by rains throughout the country...almost ending a five year drought.

I learnt a new game this weekend, called Hand and Foot, it is great I am eager to teach it to anyone that is willing to play.  We also played Dutch Blitz...I was in my element, but with the worse migraine that night it was hard to concentrate but you know me...I play hard no matter how tired, how sick, or how much in pain I might be.

Sunday morning we set out for a Sunday morning stroll....ha!  That was what we were misinformed about.  It was great.  One person thought we were out for a hike, another thought we were on the search for a waterfall.  Neither knew what the other knew.  So we hiked for a bit, also with three young girls that were 5, 6, and 7, so then our hiking turned into a game of tag in the forest.  Now I have to clarify this forest had trees that were spaced out by three meters and all in a direct line, so this forest had wide open spaces.  So we ran around for a while playing tag with the kids, but then the kids got smart and saw that I would protect them, so we hid out together.  They were tired and ended up heading back home.  Well the other still wanted to search out the waterfall, so smart me said...I think I hear it!  It has to be close.  Me the Canadian, can also hear a tree fall in the forest when no one is around!

So since I got these guys convinced, my mistake was that I forgot that we had three MK's (missionary kids) with us, they all grew up in a third world culture.  So, we set out on an adventure, we ran up a hill and into the forest, went through the forest, found what looked like a sink hole at the top of the hill some thought it was a crater??? (not sure what they were thinking).  Then we decided we needed to head back for lunch...so these guys thought, there has to be a shorter route back down through the forest...a whole other way.  So headed down the hill, and over left and then back over right, and then back up, and then back over left, and down again, to head up, please note while we were in the forest we had Kenyan children running and giggling at us.  About half way through our adventure and we really seemed that we were just bush whacking and mud sloshing I thought out loud, does anyone have good enough swahili to as the children how to get out on a path?  No one answered, but the last trek back up one of the guys thought to ask.  They lead us out of the nasty bushes, and mud, but not before I ended up with a branch stuck in my finger and one of the girls ended up siding down a hill with mud, as she was trying to go back up.  I ended up bleeding profusely and it was the smallest cut ever but also scrapped up my fingers really well.

But through all that we ended up losing the 3 MK's, two of them thought they would continue through the trees instead of around, and the other remembered he had the keys to where lunch was and ran ahead.  Leaving a California, a Virginian, and the Canadian to get out on their own.

So all in all, it was a pretty good hike, I survived to tell you all about it so it wasn't all that bad.  I am just a little cut up, have a swollen finger, and a little sunned by it all.  Yes, randomly I have a swollen finger that shouldn't surprise us at how random it is.  But as the day went on my finger just was getting sore and now I can't seem to bend the top knuckle of my fore finger on my right hand and it is swollen.

It isn't serious but it has provided a few laughs so far, for instance...I can't write...I learnt that as I tried to pick up a pen to write, in front of someone I wrote like a gimp with two fingers and a thumb with my sore finger sticking out.  I also can't open anything, or carry anything.  And my finger just points out because it can't bend.  It is stinkin hilarious because it is so random but it does hurt but the good news is that I can type with little pain.  I just have a fat finger that doesn't bend so well.

Other than that...the weekend was great, it was relaxing.  We started off the weekend with a trip to Diamond Plaza on Friday night with some great Indian Food and a trip to the DVD store.  Can I just comment...the guy at the store is hilarious!  He always likes to sell us movies, and his claims that they are the best quality is sometimes funny.  Like the last movie I got from there...people in the movie got up and down and walked in front of the camera during the movie, one the movie was in German, with German subtitles, and Swahili spoken was in English subtitles or something like that.  I have always enjoy the DVD experience itself, rather than the movie that is on it.  It is hilarious!

When you feel God in It

Ok...all these last weeks I have been learning to trust and I feel pretty good about it.  But have you ever just felt God prompting in things that you just can't ignore?

This last week it has happened numerous times, when I just felt that God was prompting to say something to someone, encourage someone in their walk, email someone, or pursue something that you feel God is there with you in.

This morning God has encouragement me in a few things, more than I could've realized or imagined I could've realized at the time.  At the time I kept thinking...well it doesn't hurt...right?  I didn't even have time to think of what could be the worse part of this or outcome could be.

Now you would think I am all crazy, but last week I emailed a perfect stranger.  Ok to me she wasn't quite a stranger anymore, I had read her blog and got to know her and her husband and her family of 5 children, expecting the sixth one any day (ok as I write this she is 42 weeks pregnant and is hoping today is the day).  Well as I got to 'know' them I laughed with them and most recently by a blog post felt that I was their friend that sat beside them in church.

They shared their journey about how God was calling them to do more, that He had given them a passion for missions but still praying about what this means for their lives.  I read the post, and then I prayed about sharing my story with them.  I felt that I my recent experience, minus the 6 children and husband, could relate of sensing God in a bigger way, to the "The Call".  Well, long story short...I got a reply from them to sharing my story, they sensed that sharing their story would inspire someone to share their wisdom, and then...I emailed.  Can I say or describe how God works in a more amazing way!

The other God moment I had was in planning the conference for our Kenya missionaries, I was really just got excited about a speaker that came to mind.  Now, I am use to just going and planning things, running my thoughts and ideas by someone and going with the flow.  This time, I am accountable to a few people in my decisions, so makes it hard when I feel God in it...and they are a little more conscious.  Well I emailed the contact for this speaker, prayed about it...thinking it was a long shot but that this is what we need to Relax, Reliance and Rejoice in God (our theme for the weekend).  Well, next thing I know this person is interested, not that the appeal to Kenya was in it...but that God directed him here.

I only share this with you as an encouragement, not to ignore the feelings that you have when God prompts you, nudges you and your heart to say more or to do more.  You will be blessed in all you do for the good of others and the good of yourself.

All in a Weekend!

As most of you know, last year in coming here I didn't have lots of notice to quit my job, pack, and organize my life in the short time span of two weeks notice that I had my funding in place and my plane ticket booked.  As I think about it...this is no cause for me to be alarmed, right?  Like I did it much worse...so I can do it again, no problem I can do anything.  Yeah, this last weekend's freak out moment was more like I need to write a to do list...after the initial thought of all that I want to get done and need to get done.  I need the to do list!
The to do list, is my life saver when I feel overwhelmed.  The funny thing is that I don't feel overwhelmed just whelmed if that is a feeling and the over comes if I think too much.

When I look at the calendar, I think ah its March...there is so much time left...but did you know even when you flip the calendar just to look at April...it doesn't set in either.  Until today, I looked at the countdown of how many days were left...50...tomorrow that is 49...did you know 40 is a freak out number that means that I am approaching the last month that I am here.  that means in just over 30 days...I will be home.

But let me tell you ...this isn't a freak out of coming home...it is wondering what is left of what I wanted to do, to make sure I get everything taken care of that I need to.  All in a day...my thought process went from over active...to freak out...to shut down and not think about it...ok...to not overly think about it.

It was a funny weekend overall, not that I had too much fun but the way it started...the new rooster...that sounds like the cockadoo sounds like a rooster being strangled.  And this new found rooster, likes to rooster at not 6 am when normal roosters go on but get this...it was 4 am.  I thought it was a joke, it was still dark, pitch black dark.  As I rolled over and pretended it wasn't real I went back to sleep.

Once I got up...I learnt important lesson number two of the day.  One word, WATER.  Oh yes, I have learned lots about water lately but this one was key.  Before I go and explain the difficult process of getting water.  Lets just say that each property here has a tank that gets filled up from the city with water five nights per week.  My lesson was ...the release valve needs to be open to receive the city water...sadly...my release valve has been closed...for the last two months.  Smart thing...I only go through under 200 gallons of water every two months. 

So the fun part of this is that the city only has water running at certain times during the day, so my choice of doing laundry was based on if I would get enough water during the morning to do it.  Thankfully I did get it all done, except for running out of water in the last rinse cycle of the last load.  But innovative me, found a bucket and started dumping water in.

Lesson number three...I really don't like black fuzzy caterpillars!  I found another one in the house...close to my shoes.  So I set out to capture this creature...it wasn't easy but it found its way to the toilet.  Victory!

Lesson number four...My I Love the Newsboys t-shirt...that really looks like I love Boys...gets you in trouble even when you just wear it around the house.  Ha ha...this one was funny.  I happen to be wearing my I love boys shirt, I saw someone I know out in the neighbourhood so I stopped to say hi.  She said that she was going to the neighbours house for a prayer meeting and BBQ that was to be held that day.  I wasn't thinking...until all the people started to show up...and my shirt was a little more obvious...I did the quick arm cover and I got to go move swish!  After I had a family stop by to visit, and part two of the lesson...don't wear the shirt where there is a camera around.  Yes...there is a shot of me that should be appearing on a blog someday soon...that is ok...that makes it more funny!  (So yes...you can post it!)

Lesson number five...never plan an event that requires the weather to cooperate.  This weekend we had rain...rain and more rain.  It was great, but the singles had planned to go swimming Sunday afternoon and it was too cool to go.  So that is being rescheduled...adding to my list of things to do before I leave.

Lesson number six...and you think that I could possible not learn anything new in one weekend...well you are right...not much else happened of importance.  Oh unless you count the morning crow of the rooster this morning at 4 am to be exact...once again...this is going to be a long week.

Trust

So I noticed that in recent weeks that my trust in God has grown dramatically in the last year.  Certain things that I would worry about or try to control are not a concern to me now, because I know that God is going to direct my path, to continue to lead me on the journey that He has planned for my life.

Explaining faith to any one is complicated, trusting that the door you choose to open doesn't necessarily determine your fate but that as a time in your life, to embrace the changes and the challenges that God has set out before you.  A Christian's journey relies on freedom to make the choices that you do, and trust that God will be with you in all circumstances. 

Freewill lets us decide what to do and how to do it, some choose to take God on that journey, other choose to forget God and do it all themselves, wondering where God is as they go along.  Many that call themselves a good person don't experience the joy of God's blessings in their journey.

Many questions have plagued me these last few weeks, not in the essence that I am burdened by them but I am seeking out God on direction and for perfect will for my life.  I have chosen to see God in all circumstances.

One of those questions is about ministry and if I am sensing direction on what to do.  I have the application for full term ministry in my desk at the office, but there is no urge to fill it out.  No passion of returning here full time.  But this is not my final decision, my heart has been changing from week to week, day to day, hour by hour.  This is different in my heart of sacrificing my life but now I look to the passion within my heart.

One of the things that I feel God is directing me to do, is to be open, open to what He will bring my way this year.  I sense more than what I can foresee or possibly imagine for my life.  I hope that makes sense without giving away details of what God has been preparing me for.  There is something more...more of what God has been giving me a peace about.

The next question is, where am I going to work for the next year?  Having time to think has allowed me to think of opportunities that I can change the industry in which I work.  Having experiencing learning about aircraft has allowed me to move from passing gas to being up in the air.  Ok...bad play on words but it is true, I know more about airplanes than I had ever cared to imagine.  But that makes me versatile in adapting to different situations.  I have thought about doing something completely different, from being a Nanny to selling Tupperware.  Who would've thought...I don't need to do the same thing for the rest of my life.

Do I want to settle down?  There has been the underlying thought that maybe it is time to settle down, continue growing my roots in Calgary, investing my time in people that I know there.  A year ago I would've laughed at that, ok I did, but I am still young for another year or two.  Why would I?  But why do I have a strong sense to do it?

Those are a few of the deep questions that I have been praying about sensing direction from God on and need continued prayers on from you.  I know and trust that God will lead me to where I need to be in His timing.  Like I have said I am not worried about where or when or how, I know that I can trust God to lead, bless and continue to be along side of me in this journey.

So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Interesting Week....the adventures of JDubb

Stung by a Bee
Yes, it is an interesting story!  I was on my way to Java House to use their internet, I was in the process of a large download and I usually go there once a week to view pictures that people have posted on Facebook, as the upload speed is usually faster.  Java House is a pretty popular cafe here in Kenya, that the American like menu and the safe handling of food is popular among everyone!  They also have free wireless, that is perfect for transients like me, and it just usually requires a late night coffee but well worth it.

Well I no sooner sat down and got my computer out, when I feel something down in my bra area (between the sisters).  This 'thing' was on the move as I felt it come up and then land on my neck.  Now at the moment, some complete stranger is sitting across from me, so my freak out...was less dramatic then if I knew him.  So I do the graceful neck to shoulder swipe, hoping whatever was on me...was coming off.  Well no such luck, as I do that...I get stung and the mild freak out took place as I frantically flicked off where the pain was coming from.  Meanwhile the guy across from is intent with his computer (thankfully) didn't notice.  I then had to ask him to watch my things as I ran to the bathroom to make sure I was swelling or there was a stinger stuck in me.  Thankfully it didn't really hurt and I was brave, meanwhile it had left a two inch mark that finally went away after a week.

Airport
Tuesday night, I was at the airport!  Have I told you how much I like airports!  Any airport?  It is my underlying thing that you just don't know about me.  I love getting people from airports, welcoming them back after long trips.  Seeing others come back after long trips...not knowing their story but seeing the longing to hold loved ones in their arms and then the gasp of I can't believe it is you!  I always think that when we get to Heaven, our loved ones that are waiting for us there is going to be like that!  It is truly amazing!

This time, I went along with friends to pick up another friend from Montana.  It was actually Hannah from Montana, but not Hannah Montana.  The trip out to the airport here is such an adventure.  You really don't know what to expect, how long it will be to get there, and obstacles.  This time, it was just traffic and the big blue bus that was aiming at a target of the passenger side of the car we were in.  Thankfully we narrowly escape the Land Cruiser Sandwich experience.  Made it to the airport in one piece and eagerly waited for Hannah. 

Only in Africa, do you see someone get off the plane with motorbike tires, and not pay customs for them, then out in the parking lot see them go home on the motorbike.  No joke!  It was quite the site!

The other interesting site is seeing Europeans come to Africa...with no regards to the culture of dressing modestly...no need to say more.

Petrol
Yes, petrol, is the new word for gasoline or fuel.  I might have a slip of the tongue with this one when I return to Canada.  I got my British complement with this one too.  I went to fill my car up with Petrol, I told the attendant to fill it up.  The guys always get wide eyed and excited, it is interpreted like...this girl is rich!  Cha-ching!

So, you all know that I have a small car, it only hold about 20 litres of fuel.  So a fill up is not as dramatic as filling up a Land Cruiser. 

Well when I went to fill up the tank, I happened to look out the side mirror and notice fuel bubbling out of the tank and the attendant...proceeding to 'fill' it up even more.  I stuck my head out and was yelled 'stop' it is full already, my tank is very small (even my little Swahili came out in my reaction).  He was like, I don't understand and continued to 'fill' up the tank.  I was like no, just stop, I don't need anymore.  Next thing I know, I have the manager out at the side of my car asking what is wrong and I told him.  Well then I asked them to clean the side of my car off considering it was more then just a 'bit' of fuel that got on it.  Well they didn't understand why but also wanted to make me happy.  So I got a mini car wash out of the deal.  I now know I am not going to let them take the liberty of 'filling' up the tank or if I do, it will be under a close eye (like me standing beside them). 

At the end of it all the manager asked if I was British...I guess my Kenyan accent got a little too English on me and I should've gone for tea instead!

Amani Ja Yuu
Well that was the start of my adventure of the day, I also made it to Amani Ja Yuu on Saturday, avoiding housework and things that need to get done to do some shopping and a quick trip out of town.  Ran into friends there and had a great visit!  Also got a few gift ideas and some fabulous handbags that I had to limit myself to!  It is a great place to be...

RVA
I then made my way up to RVA to see the kids and family of course, it was a great visit.  The kids had fun making their slip and slide on Saturday.  Ella was all giggles as she learned how to spray the hose in different directions with the use of her foot blocking the valve.  Cassidy and Titus soaping up the slide with bubble bath to get extra sliding speeds.  Ending off the weekend babysitting and getting an indentation of butterfly on my face. 

You ask 'a butterfly' indentation.  Why yes, not a tattoo or face paint.  I went all out and got hit in the face with a bobble elastic in Cassidy's hair (four bobbles to be exact) that left four indentations in the shape of a butterfly in my face.  It is a little tender so I think it left some bruising, as I still have the mark today.  Let's just say it is all fun and games when you tickle someone...until someone gets a face bash by a head adorned in bobbles.  Dangerous I tell you...just dangerous!

In Music...

So I know that I usually find a great song and post the words of it here, especially songs that have touched me.  But in this post I thought I would just capture all the songs, music, albums, and artists that have come to me this past year.  As I am far away from the current music scene and not as easy to go out and just buying the newest hits isn't quite an option for me, I have done some research online to keep up to date with everything.  So don't be surprised that as a missionary working in the depths of Africa is up to date on her music.

So with that I am going to post some of my favourites during this past year that I have found here, and even some that I am looking forward to hearing on the radio when I get home, did I mention that I miss getting free things from Shine, I will be refining my phone in skills to score in on some fun free things!

So now starting in no particular order

Awakening by Passion Worship Band
Now these guys I have never heard of until this morning, they do some of the top worship songs from our favourites of Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman, and many more.  Bringing together a worship experience like no other.  Even incorporates some newer songs...definitely a time of worship with our King.

Tonight by Toby Mac
Now...I haven't listened fully to the album...but I have gotten snipets of it and I tell you ...Toby Mac you are an artist gifted and talented through God...

 Forgiven by Sanctus Real
Ok...this is only one song that I listened to today...I have heard this band in concert and didn't really care for their music...this song...is amazing!  Check it out!

First verse

Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

Now this song...is one of the songs that got me through a hard time, a good reminder of what Faith can do, and made me remember times when I relied on God through Faith to get through the hard times...truly was a great message spoken in a song!

How He Loves by David Crowder

So mix these two songs together and you get an excellent time with God, another great message in a song and definitely God Loves You!

Rediscover You by Starfield

Ok, another one that I haven't listened to the whole album but if the rest is as good as this song...I am impressed, it is great and Starfield has come out with some great tunes this couple of years, their last album is replayed over and over in the stereo.

You are with Me by Anne Iacovone

This one is a little of a private songwriter that I know from back home (and she was also my hairdresser and she was the worship leader at the church I grew up at), she and her husband write and compose music together, don't get confused, you can listen to this song on http://www.cmt.ca/Artist/AnneIacovone and it is classified as country...and I know...I say I strongly dislike country music but this is different and has a great message in it!  A great song of encouragement!

There is more, and I think I will post another time, but this is all that I have in my listening device that gets the repeat button over and over again.

Oh, and the song of the week....Stayin' Alive...I like to think of it as a theme song...that I am Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gee's.

Some wise words!

I got this great article forwarded to me by a great friend and I thought I would share this with you.  It is a good reminder of Trusting God, we all know the fact that we can trust Hiim but do we really have the faith to trust Him fully with everything thing big or small. 

I know that this last year for me has been a great faith builder, people ask me if I am worried about the unknowns at home, a job, a place to live, but I am happy to say that I have embraced it, and I am going to make the most of my time and enjoy it.  I do know that God will provide in His timing.

Sometimes it is just like Him, to strip us of our comforts to being able to receive the next will for our lives with open arms.  He is refining us like pure Gold!

We are all held in the beauty of God's Faithfulness!

Trusting God when I don't understand

by Rick Warren

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

 

When the children of Israel were finally set free from Egypt after 400 years of slavery, they started marching out to freedom and the first thing they came to was the Red Sea. There were impassable mountain ranges on two sides of them, the sea in front of them.

Behind them, in hot pursuit, was the Egyptian army because the Pharaoh had changed his mind about letting them go. The path before the Israelites looked like a dead end. 

But God knew exactly what He wanted to do. He had not made a mistake. He could see what they could not see. He opened the Red Sea and they walked through to safety. Years later, the Israelites looked back and sang, "Your road led by a pathway through the sea—a pathway no one knew was there!" (Psalm 77:19 LB). 

You may be facing a dead end right now—financial, emotional, relational—but God can see a path that you don't know about. If you will trust God and keep on moving in faith, even when you don't see a way, He will make a way.


It will become more understandable as you head down the path he sets before you, but understanding is not a requirement for you to start down the path. Proverbs 4:18 says, "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter till the full light of day" (NIV). One day you will stand in the full light of eternity and view the big picture. You'll see God's purpose behind the path He specifically chose for you.  

What do I do in the meantime? You do what Proverbs 3 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." What does He mean "don't lean on your own understanding"? You don't need to try to figure it out. In truth, you're not going to understand most of the things that happen in your life until you get to heaven.  

Be patient. God knows what He's doing. God knows what's best for you. He can see the end result. You can't. All those problems, heartaches, difficulties and delays -- all the things that make you ask "why" -- one day it will all be clear in the light of God's love.

But for now, we're learning to trust God. 

Be blessed,

So this week...the poll is!

So, I was wondering if anyone has some great advice of what to see in London!

I have a short but long enough layover there that I would love to get out to experience some sights that are worth seeing.

I have added a poll to my blog of some of the things that I found.  Just to note I have seen all the BIG sights like Westminster Abbey, London Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral (which I didn't get a tour of, we just went in for a church service), London's famous Fish and Chips, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Castle and I think that was all.

Some of the ideas I had were, Celebrity Wax Museum (I can have my picture taken with Brad Pitt), London Transport Museum (mind the Gap, explains the maps and tunnels of the Tube throughout London), Walking Tours of South Bank (along the Thames River) or Hyde Park (where there is Princess Di memorial) or London Museum (which explains the history of England from Roman times).

All of these sound fascinating to me and I totally would love to do them all.  If you have suggestions of something else that you have seen, experienced, or have always wanted to do.  Please email me with ideas!  I would love to be able to get out of the Terminal of the airport, even though I have some fun traditions of my own!  Like the desperate need of a Starbucks Coffee, and the fun experience of getting my make up done at MAC, but I still have time for those ones!

The Booty Check

Ok, so this story qualifies for it's own post!  There is nothing like the booty check in Kenya!

So the start of this week wasn't so great, one day I forgot my phone, which when I thought was a good time to go and get it...it wasn't, no sooner I got home and my boss was looking for me.  He forgot his keys in the office and I locked it when I left.  After I sent him a message about suggestions, there was no choice in the matter that I had to make my way immediately back to the office.  I was a little frustrated as there was a few errands that I had to run for him and I thought I would take care of them all while I was out.

So as I grumbled in my bad day, Wednesday came.

Wednesday was a better day!  I managed to remember everything I needed in the morning and set off for work.  But I also had to rescue Gwen and her kids, they slept in that morning and it was a dress up day for school, so I was transporting a butterfly and a nerd.  We even had a funny moment as one of the butterfly antenna's got caught in the door.

Once I made it to the office, it was actually quite a tense day, we were awaiting word of a court decision, it would affect our leadership to the point that I was a key contact person that day.  As I was awaiting the announcement I thought it would be a good time to go and get pictures that I had sent in to be developed.  As I was leaving the airport, things were different this morning.  They had police searching vehicles, so as I came up in the que the officer asked me to "get out of the car so we can check my booty together" well seeing that the car in front of me got searched I knew what he was referring to, but I tried hard not to give him the "are you serious look?".  But I complied, got out of the car, opened up my boot as instructed.  He didn't even look inside as he told me to take off.  But let me tell you, I laughed all the way down the road and back to the Hangar, it was so funny!

I got back to the hangar and told the Kenyan receptionist that the police officer wanted to check my booty, she was confused, then I explained the boot of my car that was.  She laughed too, as well as the guys that I gave a ride home to, the Kenyan's thought it was the funniest thing.  I continue to laugh at the slip on words, it isn't every day a police officer stops you to ask to check out your booty!

So along with the other stories I get to tell you when I get home, that might just be the number one story of the year!

So, have you had your booty checked?

The sad reality!

So, the harsh reality comes true for some people but to believe that people would misuse the name of Jesus to better and further for their own personal good.

Check out this link, a missions organization is under fire here in Kenya for smuggling bullets in a box of bibles through the airport that I am working at. 

Please pray for them, that they would be honest about what they were doing and take responsibility in smuggling dangerous goods.  This behaviour does not further the Kingdom of Heaven, only tarnishes it.

Favourite Olympic Sport

Well as my random blog this week I am going to say what I love to watch during the olympics.  Since I didn't get a chance to watch any of the competitions yet I think that I can change the question to be, after all the olympics are over what is the one sport or match or game that I wished I got to see.

Well, I am a true Figure Skater fan, I have watched the great ones as Elizabeth Manley, and Brian Orser competed in 1988.  The Kurt Browning and Elvis Stoyko.  Nothing beats the anxiety of watching and waiting for excellence or a little slip.  The heart breaking story of Joannie got me here, I read stories of the tragic news that her mother died and how she continued skating.  Yes, there is a tear in my eye even as I recall the moments.  Way to go, to a wonderful woman, with the strength and courage to go on and win a medal for our country!  I also, wished I got to see the ice dancing pairs as they gracefully glide on the ice, I remember Shaelynn Bourne and her partner do it last!

Well, a close tie with Figure Skating a completely different type of sport, Men's Hockey...now there is only a few games that you can ever miss in the world, All Star Hockey, World Tournaments and Olympic Hockey, now if you want to see the best of the best...stay tuned.  All I can say is that I wished that I got to see that game, I was nervous before I went to bed that night, for excitement that was yet to come.  I would like to say the cheering woke me up, but that was not to be this year!

Now, one of those weird sports that I like watching, sometimes not all the time is curling, it is memorizing but also exciting at the same time.  It is a slower sport but is also one of those sports as strategic as it may be, changes at any moment.  Another sport that Canada took Gold in that I am proud to say is a good sport to watch.

That would be all the ones that I would be interested in, others like skeleton and luge, bobsleigh, and skiing...not too much of an art for me...start at the top...slide down.  Oh and try not to get hurt along the way!

Now if you were to ask someone here, Winter Olympics was not much of an excitement on their radar.  The reactions were, oh yeah those are on, hockey? what do you mean?  Curling? that's a sport? So with all that harassment, on top of it not proudly displaying my Canadian flag in the office, who knew?  I continually am being razzed as I am not Canadian, because I don't speak french and I am not a proud Canadian.  If only I know I had to adorn myself in the Canadian Maple Leaf, I would've come much more prepared.

So...as a proud Canadian, and proud of the Vancouver Olympics...hats off to everyone in Canada for making the pride and patriotic excitement reach to Africa, and beyond! 

Beautiful Christian Woman!

Dear Ladies

I found this reminder, take heed and make your life to reflect that of a Beautiful Christian Woman!

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

That a man should have to seek Him first to find her

When I say that 'I am a Christian',

I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.

I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Today is Beautiful Christian Woman's Day.

Pretty is as Pretty does but, Beautiful is just plain Beautiful. 

Fear - Trust - Faith

Sometimes, when we are called to obey, the fear does not subside, and we are expected to move against the fear. One must choose to do it afraid. -Elizabeth Elliot.

So this week I have come across two quotes this week, both speak so true to the journey I have been on. It has been a while since I have poured out my heart on my blog and I think it is about darn time again!

It is like the question of what do you fear the most? Why do you fear it? I am not saying that as Christian's we shouldn't have fear in our lives. I was watching one season of Amazing Race, the girl that was on the show had a fear of heights and of water, and also proclaimed to be a Christian. It made me wonder how does she trust God if she allows these fears to get her in way.

I am not saying that having no fear doesn't mean that what you do is not of God, I think that we all experience fear, hesitation, resistance, and rebellion in some way. We use that against God in what He wants us to do for the great good. What would've happened if some of the greatest Biblical figures did what God called them to do with out some fear.

Fear = Faith

So easily fear can be turned into Faith, to believe that doing this is for the greater good, for a God that we serve.  What if Noah didn't build the ark, for fear that it wouldn't hold, what if Abraham didn't sacrifice his child, for a selfish fear of losing a family member.  What if's could go on.  Doing something about it is putting a full faith and trust in God that He will provide, in more ways than you can ever imagine.

What is it that God is calling you to do?  Does it sound scary?  Is God going to be glorified doing it?

I have the pleasure of having a sense of adventure, not afraid to try something new, change (I love it).

I also have things that I am not so comfortable doing, like I don't know how to swim, so I don't like water sports, but I have gone white water rafting, I have been pulled behind a boat on an inner tube until I have flown off.  Things like that, is like following God in what He wants you to do, things that you are not comfortable with but have a blast doing it and are glad that you tried it once it was over.

I don't think that everyone has been called into missions, mission for everyone is different, for most it means going into all the places of the world and spreading the gospel, for some it is a service opportunity, for others it is just a pure joy in using their gifts that God has enabled them with to serve the people that need love and support and want to see God working through them.

Being on the mission field I have the pleasure of working with all these great people, those that share the gospel, those that come to work for God.

I have also had the pleasure to working with regular people that I know from home too, those that are normal every day people that have a passion to work with children on a soccer team, in ringette programs.  Those that work with seniors, work at a coffee shop.  These people are more than gifted but do it for their own glory.  There is nothing wrong with this, but the point that I want to make is that we all can do something.

Find something that you can do, that you have a passion to do, don't let fear hold you back from discovering a true potential.  I have even been thinking of a career change, wondering if there is something that I love to do that I can turn around as a career, I have thought of becoming a nanny, opening up my own spa, and even an event organizer.

There are so many possibilities, it doesn't have to be life changing but life enhancing, God will use you!

"There is nothing-no circumstance, no trouble, no testing-that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me.  If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment, but as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is."
Alan Redpath