I don't have the energy to write what's on my heart. To keep it simple, yesterday I celebrated a birthday of a little boy who's not yet in my home. And today along with my dear friends Bonnie and Tony, we remember the devastating loss of my friend Scott (their little boy) 14 years ago.
The emotions are many today.
Today I will fill my day with friends for at least two hours as we help some good friends of ours raise support for their upcoming mission trip to Belize.
Showing posts with label missions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label missions. Show all posts
06 February 2010
13 August 2009
Thoughts on Mexico
How I do condense 9 amazing days into something short enough to keep your attention??? Sometimes I write on my blog as a means of journaling and having something to reflect back on later in life. For this trip, I journaled in my actual journal each day while I was gone. Let me try to capture a few things that I learned about myself, about God, about missions in general and about life in a foreign country:
[myself]
There is no doubt that I like to know what's going on and what the schedule will be. It wasn't so much a control issue. Our last afternoon was spent in Mexico City. I knew the shops closed at 6pm and was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get off the bus. After 6pm, I had no clue what was next. I'd heard that the Pastor had a surprise for us. Later, after walking, travelling by subway, then by bus, and then walking a long while more, I asked where we were going. It was closing in on 8pm and we hadn't eaten; my feet were tired and my belly was hungry. From the time we left the shops until the time we arrived at our suprise meal place (they thought we wanted American food our last day... how sweet), there was no communication about what was going on. I enjoyed the adventure but would have done so well if I knew up front that we were meeting after 8pm for supper with the Pastor.
Having a schedule helps keep me sane but so does quiet time with God. This is a constant struggle of mine as I wear many hats. I typically get 3 decent quiet times each week (when Ryan leaves to work out in the morning) and then some sporadic prayer and quiet time in between. Prioritizing time with God was awesome and I realized how much I'm missing... how much I'm cheating myself. Reading through 1 Thessalonians was a perfect fit for the week and I'm treasuring that still.
I continued to learn that I need to constantly check my attitude and also need to constantly be thinking about how I'm portraying Christ. Both of these came as reminders from Isaac when he'd playfully tell me that I needed Jesus or that I need to change my attitude.
[God]
He will use whatever means necessary to bring glory to His name. Even if its through a fun skit that has no biblical meaning. Our translator tied it back to God's love some how.
God wants us to pray for our leaders. That seems so far removed for me. Sure I know who our president is and what he looks like but I don't know him. I've never walked in his shoes or sat in his chair. One evening during our trip we were taken to the state political offices where we were taken right inside. No metal detectors, no police guards. Just people working hard at what they do. We were taken to the Senator's cabinet room where they meet to make the laws that affect their state. And while there, I took time to specifically pray for the man whose seat I was occupying. It was so personal and such an honor to do so. After our speaker, our group gathered together and did the same thing. They believe in praying for their leaders - the ones who can have big and quick impacts on their community.
God gives us love and discipline when needed. When I was struggling with my thoughts and attitude on multiple occassions, God gave me the perfect passage each time. Some of those times it fit right into where I was reading in first Thess and one time it was out of proverbs where I happened to turn. But none of those times did I have to dig and search for something fitting, God brought it right up to the surface.
[missions]
I thought I knew the exact definition of missions. Turns out that I'm wrong about a lot of things, including this. Because of my past experiences, I thought missions meant construction work and VBS. Interestingly enough, I've done at least one missions trip that wasn't related to either of those. Still, I had my preconceived ideas. Missions can in fact be used to encourage the believers and support them. Not knowing the details of our trip until right before we left, I prayed and prayed that God would use me to encourage the believers who are serving there. I think that did happen (in addition to the VBS). I was able to get to know and encourage the youth and a few of the adults. It was so great one day to just sit and massage our translators shoulders. She loved it. Another evening, I massaged the Pastor's wife's shoulders. She loved it.
Missions looks differently to different people. I would have loved to participated at an orphanage with the children, and to enter into more people's lives. I'm prayerfully considering how God would have me involved in Huixquilucan missions in the future - will it be through veterinarian work and Ryan, through conservation, through children... we'll see.
[life in a foreign country]
Culture shock is to be expected. It wasn't shocking to me but that may be because I've been in those environments before. What I didn't realize was that reverse culture shock would affect me for days after returning home. I loved being in a foreign country, having to depend on God when my Spanish failed and there wasn't a translator nearby. I loved seeing how others lived, the meals they ate, the games they played, etc. What I loved most about the times I just got to hang out was playing soccer. No words needed but relationships and trust was being built. Those high school boys and girls who really didn't have anything to do with me early in the week were my little buddies by the end. I also realized the importance of patience when translating and learned first hand how understanding the differences in language can be embarrassing and funny. In the spanish language there is no "th" sound. When Isaac commented about my teeth and left the "H" off the end, he had no clue the impact of his choice of words. You can imagine. I thought it was hilarious and gently let him know to use the spanish word for teeth in the future.
When you stay in a town with a firework factory, its good to know that. Its also good to know that the loud noises in the morning are not gunfire - they are fireworks. At 5am. I still don't understand why, but that's how it was every single day.
Toilet seats are a guarantee in every American bathroom that I've been in. Not so much in Mexico. At the Pastor's house I was surprised to see no seat and only used that bathroom one time to squat and pee. It was way to much work on my lazy legs. I determined it must be a guy only bathroom. Several days later when I inquired about the toilet seat issue, Isaac explained that a bathroom for women only has no need for a toilet seat since they don't stand to urinate and get it dirty. If a guy is using the bathroom, there is a toilet seat so that it can be lifted and then put back down when a woman needs to sit. Who knew. All week I sat on a skinny rimmed seatless toilet!
To say that I had a great time is an understatement. I loved the entire experience. I loved that 12 of us girls could share a bathroom and manage. I loved that at least half of us were having monthly issues yet there were no arguments. I loved that the people were so friendly. I love that the Pastor and his family became like my own family. I don't love that I miss it so much but I love that God gave me a love for a people and a place that I thought I was only going out of obedience and not expecting to like it.
Did I mention that Sunday night we're presenting to the community about our trip? The eldest son of the Mexican Pastor, Israel (and his wife Paola), are living just 2 hours from us. They're coming up to meet us and listen to our presentation. I'm so stinkin' excited to meet them and to share with our community. Join us Sunday night at 630 at the FBC in Elgin if you want to hear about the others' stories and see some amazing pictures (a photographer was on our team). Enough for now... maybe more later.
[myself]
There is no doubt that I like to know what's going on and what the schedule will be. It wasn't so much a control issue. Our last afternoon was spent in Mexico City. I knew the shops closed at 6pm and was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get off the bus. After 6pm, I had no clue what was next. I'd heard that the Pastor had a surprise for us. Later, after walking, travelling by subway, then by bus, and then walking a long while more, I asked where we were going. It was closing in on 8pm and we hadn't eaten; my feet were tired and my belly was hungry. From the time we left the shops until the time we arrived at our suprise meal place (they thought we wanted American food our last day... how sweet), there was no communication about what was going on. I enjoyed the adventure but would have done so well if I knew up front that we were meeting after 8pm for supper with the Pastor.
Having a schedule helps keep me sane but so does quiet time with God. This is a constant struggle of mine as I wear many hats. I typically get 3 decent quiet times each week (when Ryan leaves to work out in the morning) and then some sporadic prayer and quiet time in between. Prioritizing time with God was awesome and I realized how much I'm missing... how much I'm cheating myself. Reading through 1 Thessalonians was a perfect fit for the week and I'm treasuring that still.
I continued to learn that I need to constantly check my attitude and also need to constantly be thinking about how I'm portraying Christ. Both of these came as reminders from Isaac when he'd playfully tell me that I needed Jesus or that I need to change my attitude.
[God]
He will use whatever means necessary to bring glory to His name. Even if its through a fun skit that has no biblical meaning. Our translator tied it back to God's love some how.
God wants us to pray for our leaders. That seems so far removed for me. Sure I know who our president is and what he looks like but I don't know him. I've never walked in his shoes or sat in his chair. One evening during our trip we were taken to the state political offices where we were taken right inside. No metal detectors, no police guards. Just people working hard at what they do. We were taken to the Senator's cabinet room where they meet to make the laws that affect their state. And while there, I took time to specifically pray for the man whose seat I was occupying. It was so personal and such an honor to do so. After our speaker, our group gathered together and did the same thing. They believe in praying for their leaders - the ones who can have big and quick impacts on their community.
God gives us love and discipline when needed. When I was struggling with my thoughts and attitude on multiple occassions, God gave me the perfect passage each time. Some of those times it fit right into where I was reading in first Thess and one time it was out of proverbs where I happened to turn. But none of those times did I have to dig and search for something fitting, God brought it right up to the surface.
[missions]
I thought I knew the exact definition of missions. Turns out that I'm wrong about a lot of things, including this. Because of my past experiences, I thought missions meant construction work and VBS. Interestingly enough, I've done at least one missions trip that wasn't related to either of those. Still, I had my preconceived ideas. Missions can in fact be used to encourage the believers and support them. Not knowing the details of our trip until right before we left, I prayed and prayed that God would use me to encourage the believers who are serving there. I think that did happen (in addition to the VBS). I was able to get to know and encourage the youth and a few of the adults. It was so great one day to just sit and massage our translators shoulders. She loved it. Another evening, I massaged the Pastor's wife's shoulders. She loved it.
Missions looks differently to different people. I would have loved to participated at an orphanage with the children, and to enter into more people's lives. I'm prayerfully considering how God would have me involved in Huixquilucan missions in the future - will it be through veterinarian work and Ryan, through conservation, through children... we'll see.
[life in a foreign country]
Culture shock is to be expected. It wasn't shocking to me but that may be because I've been in those environments before. What I didn't realize was that reverse culture shock would affect me for days after returning home. I loved being in a foreign country, having to depend on God when my Spanish failed and there wasn't a translator nearby. I loved seeing how others lived, the meals they ate, the games they played, etc. What I loved most about the times I just got to hang out was playing soccer. No words needed but relationships and trust was being built. Those high school boys and girls who really didn't have anything to do with me early in the week were my little buddies by the end. I also realized the importance of patience when translating and learned first hand how understanding the differences in language can be embarrassing and funny. In the spanish language there is no "th" sound. When Isaac commented about my teeth and left the "H" off the end, he had no clue the impact of his choice of words. You can imagine. I thought it was hilarious and gently let him know to use the spanish word for teeth in the future.
When you stay in a town with a firework factory, its good to know that. Its also good to know that the loud noises in the morning are not gunfire - they are fireworks. At 5am. I still don't understand why, but that's how it was every single day.
Toilet seats are a guarantee in every American bathroom that I've been in. Not so much in Mexico. At the Pastor's house I was surprised to see no seat and only used that bathroom one time to squat and pee. It was way to much work on my lazy legs. I determined it must be a guy only bathroom. Several days later when I inquired about the toilet seat issue, Isaac explained that a bathroom for women only has no need for a toilet seat since they don't stand to urinate and get it dirty. If a guy is using the bathroom, there is a toilet seat so that it can be lifted and then put back down when a woman needs to sit. Who knew. All week I sat on a skinny rimmed seatless toilet!
To say that I had a great time is an understatement. I loved the entire experience. I loved that 12 of us girls could share a bathroom and manage. I loved that at least half of us were having monthly issues yet there were no arguments. I loved that the people were so friendly. I love that the Pastor and his family became like my own family. I don't love that I miss it so much but I love that God gave me a love for a people and a place that I thought I was only going out of obedience and not expecting to like it.
Did I mention that Sunday night we're presenting to the community about our trip? The eldest son of the Mexican Pastor, Israel (and his wife Paola), are living just 2 hours from us. They're coming up to meet us and listen to our presentation. I'm so stinkin' excited to meet them and to share with our community. Join us Sunday night at 630 at the FBC in Elgin if you want to hear about the others' stories and see some amazing pictures (a photographer was on our team). Enough for now... maybe more later.
08 June 2009
Weekend Report
I spent Friday night and Saturday morning at Beulahland Bible Camp hanging out with the Mexico City team. It was great to bond with old and new friends while we did some cultural presentations, shared what God's doing in our lives, prayed with our partners and studied God's Word. It was exciting to hear two of our team mates express a desire to be baptized. Both of them had been baptized at a young age but want to be baptized now as a public statement regarding their faith. What a cool end to our time together.
At noon Ryan, the kids, and our friend Elaine met me at the camp for a picnic and fishing. It was cold and rainy but we were prepared for lunch and Scott was determined to fish. It was a light rain so we managed that but were cold. Scott caught a big fish right away but after that Elaine was the only one who caught fish. As an international student from Malaysia, this was her first fishing experience and she loved it. I also paddled around the big pond with the kids and they loved it but my quads didn't!
Saturday night we did a quick run to Ryan's folks and grabbed some pizza in town before getting to their house. We ate our "diet" pizza [I think thin crust pizza is like being on a diet cause I love bread] had a quick tour of the remodel project, helped them move some things, showed them the waiting child list for adoption and picked a little girl that I want to get some more information about, stopped at WallyWorld on our way home and got in bed late.
Sunday was a full day at the church. I was home at 3pm and had a lazy afternoon with the family. Ryan left to work on the train that he and a few guys are building for vacation bible school, and eventually I got the wild indians in bed. [I seriously wonder how differently they would act if they didn't have sugar in their diet.] I popped two tylen0l pm's and headed to bed!
At noon Ryan, the kids, and our friend Elaine met me at the camp for a picnic and fishing. It was cold and rainy but we were prepared for lunch and Scott was determined to fish. It was a light rain so we managed that but were cold. Scott caught a big fish right away but after that Elaine was the only one who caught fish. As an international student from Malaysia, this was her first fishing experience and she loved it. I also paddled around the big pond with the kids and they loved it but my quads didn't!
Saturday night we did a quick run to Ryan's folks and grabbed some pizza in town before getting to their house. We ate our "diet" pizza [I think thin crust pizza is like being on a diet cause I love bread] had a quick tour of the remodel project, helped them move some things, showed them the waiting child list for adoption and picked a little girl that I want to get some more information about, stopped at WallyWorld on our way home and got in bed late.
Sunday was a full day at the church. I was home at 3pm and had a lazy afternoon with the family. Ryan left to work on the train that he and a few guys are building for vacation bible school, and eventually I got the wild indians in bed. [I seriously wonder how differently they would act if they didn't have sugar in their diet.] I popped two tylen0l pm's and headed to bed!
02 June 2009
Mexico Update
For those who want to know a Mexico City update:
- I'm currently taking a spanish class and listening to podcasted spanish lessons.
- I have raised all my financial support for the trip. If you feel the need, you can give to the general group fund or to our adoption.
- We're meeting semi-regularly to get the details worked out about the trip. Please pray for those details.
- Concern for safety. Really, I don't watch the news so I'm not real aware of the issues going on in Mexico. From what I understand, the issues are at the border crossings and border towns. Since we are flying into Mexico City, we understand that it shouldn't be a problem.
- Prayer is essential for our group as we prepare until we get back home. If you have not already let me know that you would be praying for me, and you are willing to do so, please let me know ASAP. I would love to know that people are praying for me. Beyond that, I'm also required to have a list of 20 people praying for me so if you would pray for me, that's one less person I have to ask (aka beg). Thanks.
11 May 2009
Another Affirmation
This morning on my way to work I wondered about the Mexico letters I'd sent out. I sent them asking for prayer and financial assistance. I got a few replies from people with financial donations. I definitely appreciate those. But while driving I thought aloud to God that I hadn't received any replies of people telling me that they would specifically be praying for me. Well guess what, God cares!!! This afternoon I got a reply from a dear friend who said that they weren't willing to give but wanted to let me know they'd be praying. I was so excited! Seriously I was thrilled they weren't giving me money and when you're raising funds, you wouldn't think that would naturally be the case. I was just so excited to see how God provided. Jehovah Jirah, my provider!
04 May 2009
Leavin' on a jet plane
Tickets were cheap so I bought one. Actually, the husband of one of my team bought them for all 12 of us. Stepping out in faith that I'll be able to sell more things or raise more support, I purchased my ticket for $331 plus another $40 in insurance. That's cheaper than it is to fly to CA! I'm super excited. This trip is becoming more of a reality each day. I've also been communicating with the local newspaper about doing an article. We'll see what she comes up with.
01 May 2009
Still looking for support
I need lots of prayer and financial support and thought this was another way to ask you for support. Below is my support letter that I'm sending out via email and the post office. Please take a few minutes to read:
and they think I can TRANSLATE
I’m writing to you not because I’ve become fluent in a new language. Nor because I’m off to some African country to adopt a child. Rather, I’m writing to you today to share my exciting opportunity to join my church team on a summer trip. It’s been a prayerful and emotional process to decide to go but I’m glad to tell you that I will be heading to Mexico City this August.
The first week of August I will fly down to Mexico City for 8 days. The purpose of this trip will be to share God’s love. We will be working through Gateway Teams (part of the North American Baptist conference) to serve in a Vacation Bible School setting, with some door to door promotion. Other opportunities might include the churches’ Sunday services for music, testimony and mimes as well as street ministry. Maybe I’ll even find a nearby orphanage to serve at. A local Pastor along with former NAB missionaries will host us.
Though I’m half Mexican, and my friends in the church think I can translate, I have no intentions of translating. I realized last night that my use of the Spanish language is rusty, at best, and I actually had to think of how to translate simple phrases when speaking with a Guatemalan couple. Regardless of how well I can speak the language, I know that I’m supposed to share. I know that God will give me the words to speak, or at least loving arms to hug! As the Message paraphrase says in Psalm 96: 1Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God - worship God! 2-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, take the news of his glory to the lost, news of his wonders to one and all! 4-5 For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs.
The recent weeks have been a journey for me. I have a million excuses as to why I shouldn’t go: small children at home, a career, limited time off of work, etc. Don’t we all have those excuses? However, I have a deep ingrained love for Mexico that started when I was in high school and took my first of many missions trips to Mexicali. Now 14 years after my first trip, I’m excited to go back.
Included in those excuses for not going is a lack of faith that I will come up with the money. You see, Ryan and I are budgeted pretty tightly so that our extra money is getting saved for our adoption that we’re working on (you can pray for that too... siblings from Ghana, Lord willing). How could I find any more money in our budget? I’m writing to you for two reasons:
The first reason is to ask you to pray that my faith increases. Pray that I would love God more deeply each day. Would you pray for my finances, my travel, the people I’ll rub shoulders with, and my family who I’ll leave behind?
Secondly that you would prayerfully consider partnering with me for this trip. I have to raise approximately $1200. Already I have been encouraged in this process. I was able to sell a few things that matched exactly what I needed for my first deposit. Two days later I received a check in the mail for $50 towards my second deposit. Though I’m encouraged, the reality is that I’m a long way from my total. Would you be willing to forego that Starbucks latte a few times? Would you be willing to wear an existing outfit to your next social event rather than buying a new one? Would you take a walk in the park for your date night rather than eating out just once?
I have $600 due May 31st and the remainder due on June 30th. If you would be interested in partnering with me, will you let me know? For a tax deductible gift, make checks may payable to First Baptist Church and mail them to me. If you would like to know more or have questions, please, please, please feel welcome to contact me!
You can leave a comment here or email me at tam4buit at hotmail dot com.
and they think I can TRANSLATE
I’m writing to you not because I’ve become fluent in a new language. Nor because I’m off to some African country to adopt a child. Rather, I’m writing to you today to share my exciting opportunity to join my church team on a summer trip. It’s been a prayerful and emotional process to decide to go but I’m glad to tell you that I will be heading to Mexico City this August.
The first week of August I will fly down to Mexico City for 8 days. The purpose of this trip will be to share God’s love. We will be working through Gateway Teams (part of the North American Baptist conference) to serve in a Vacation Bible School setting, with some door to door promotion. Other opportunities might include the churches’ Sunday services for music, testimony and mimes as well as street ministry. Maybe I’ll even find a nearby orphanage to serve at. A local Pastor along with former NAB missionaries will host us.
Though I’m half Mexican, and my friends in the church think I can translate, I have no intentions of translating. I realized last night that my use of the Spanish language is rusty, at best, and I actually had to think of how to translate simple phrases when speaking with a Guatemalan couple. Regardless of how well I can speak the language, I know that I’m supposed to share. I know that God will give me the words to speak, or at least loving arms to hug! As the Message paraphrase says in Psalm 96: 1Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God - worship God! 2-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, take the news of his glory to the lost, news of his wonders to one and all! 4-5 For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs.
The recent weeks have been a journey for me. I have a million excuses as to why I shouldn’t go: small children at home, a career, limited time off of work, etc. Don’t we all have those excuses? However, I have a deep ingrained love for Mexico that started when I was in high school and took my first of many missions trips to Mexicali. Now 14 years after my first trip, I’m excited to go back.
Included in those excuses for not going is a lack of faith that I will come up with the money. You see, Ryan and I are budgeted pretty tightly so that our extra money is getting saved for our adoption that we’re working on (you can pray for that too... siblings from Ghana, Lord willing). How could I find any more money in our budget? I’m writing to you for two reasons:
The first reason is to ask you to pray that my faith increases. Pray that I would love God more deeply each day. Would you pray for my finances, my travel, the people I’ll rub shoulders with, and my family who I’ll leave behind?
Secondly that you would prayerfully consider partnering with me for this trip. I have to raise approximately $1200. Already I have been encouraged in this process. I was able to sell a few things that matched exactly what I needed for my first deposit. Two days later I received a check in the mail for $50 towards my second deposit. Though I’m encouraged, the reality is that I’m a long way from my total. Would you be willing to forego that Starbucks latte a few times? Would you be willing to wear an existing outfit to your next social event rather than buying a new one? Would you take a walk in the park for your date night rather than eating out just once?
I have $600 due May 31st and the remainder due on June 30th. If you would be interested in partnering with me, will you let me know? For a tax deductible gift, make checks may payable to First Baptist Church and mail them to me. If you would like to know more or have questions, please, please, please feel welcome to contact me!
You can leave a comment here or email me at tam4buit at hotmail dot com.
28 April 2009
Yes, I'm still planning to go to Mexico City
In fact, we just bought our airline tickets tonight for about 1/2 the price we expected to pay. I'm well aware of the Flu issues going on there right now. Be assured that I will be buying the insurance on my airline ticket. If things don't calm down there, we won't be going. Please join me in praying for the people of Mexico City as they endure this nasty flu.
Things left to do this week:
Things left to do this week:
- Send of my passport for an update since I got married. The small print of the paperwork said that snapshots are unacceptable. I did the snap shot to save a few bucks so opted not to send it in when I read the small print. I plan to call and ask today if I can use my snapshot taken appropriately or if I have to spend the extra money.
- Get my support letter out. I will try to post my support letter tomorrow. I sent it out in an email yesterday but I'm not sure if it went through correctly.
- Pay for the rest of my airline ticket.
- Buy insurance on my airline ticket.
- Get the information to the paper, they're interested in writing an article.
20 April 2009
Late Night at the Office
I'm still at my office. I'm not working though. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet while I work on my prayer/support letter for Mexico City. I'm trying to keep it to one page but that looks so boring to me. I'd much rather it be fun looking! We'll see what I come up with by Sunday.
15 April 2009
Mexico City Update
$70 down and $1136 to go.
Last Thursday my coworker needed a bridal shower gift. I had a smelly soaps and lotions from Victoria's so I volunteered for her to use my stash. She paid me for them and I thought it would be a perfect start to my Mexico City fundraising. I was excited, the $20 she gave me on Friday was exactly what I needed to give the church on Sunday for the start of my payments.
Saturday the mail came and we had something in there besides bills and junk mail. A very generous family member who reads my blog and wants to support us in our adoption, also decided to give towards the Mexico City missions trip. He sent $50. How perfect!
This Sunday I have to have $80 in towards my trip and I'm $50 closer than I was a week ago. How else will God provide in the next few days? Will it be a gift? Will I find something to sell? I'm excited even though I'm a long way from the total!
Last Thursday my coworker needed a bridal shower gift. I had a smelly soaps and lotions from Victoria's so I volunteered for her to use my stash. She paid me for them and I thought it would be a perfect start to my Mexico City fundraising. I was excited, the $20 she gave me on Friday was exactly what I needed to give the church on Sunday for the start of my payments.
Saturday the mail came and we had something in there besides bills and junk mail. A very generous family member who reads my blog and wants to support us in our adoption, also decided to give towards the Mexico City missions trip. He sent $50. How perfect!
This Sunday I have to have $80 in towards my trip and I'm $50 closer than I was a week ago. How else will God provide in the next few days? Will it be a gift? Will I find something to sell? I'm excited even though I'm a long way from the total!
08 April 2009
Yes, I am Crazy!
Short Story:
I'm going to Mexico City for a missions trip August 1-9.
I'm looking for people who'd be willing to donate towards my expenses totalling ~$1206.
Will you partner with me?
Longer Story (you know I'm detailed and like to write):
I'm going on a missions trip. That's no surprise to most who know me. The crazy part is that I said I wouldn't commit to anything more than I've already committed to this year because I wanted to focus my time and finances on an adoption. Here's why: I've been at my church for over 6 years now and have always dreamed of our church having a group missions trip. Sure, there are individuals who've gone different places, but not where the church as a larger family supports something like this. I know, I know, this is not the best time... I wanted to focus on adoption. Be sure, that I still am focusing on the adoption process. But at the same time, I felt like I couldn't not apply to be on the team. Here are a few reasons why I feel like I should be part of the team:
I'm going to Mexico City for a missions trip August 1-9.
I'm looking for people who'd be willing to donate towards my expenses totalling ~$1206.
Will you partner with me?
Longer Story (you know I'm detailed and like to write):
I'm going on a missions trip. That's no surprise to most who know me. The crazy part is that I said I wouldn't commit to anything more than I've already committed to this year because I wanted to focus my time and finances on an adoption. Here's why: I've been at my church for over 6 years now and have always dreamed of our church having a group missions trip. Sure, there are individuals who've gone different places, but not where the church as a larger family supports something like this. I know, I know, this is not the best time... I wanted to focus on adoption. Be sure, that I still am focusing on the adoption process. But at the same time, I felt like I couldn't not apply to be on the team. Here are a few reasons why I feel like I should be part of the team:
- I have wanted to do a church trip like this for 6 years.
- I have experience doing the types of activities we're tentatively planning (albeit, I did those 8-12 years ago)
- I am half Mexican and might be of some help translating :P
- Lately, I've been trying to focus more on having a real relationship with God and not just reading a chapter a day to keep the devil away. So, God has been prompting me to step out of my comfort zone and little and reach out to people to share about Him. Up until last week, I thought that just meant reaching out to people in my community... go figure it could be more than that.
- God's Word says "How beautiful are the hands and feet that bring the good news."
So here's the deal, we have a short time frame before the trip happens. August 1st will be here before we know it. In the next 3.5 months, I have lots to do to prepare for the trip:
- Ask for time off of work!!!
- Passport updated since it's still in my maiden name, which I need to do anyway for adoption paperwork.
- Interview to be part of the team - I'm feeling pretty confident about that... in a humble sorta way
- Come up with $1206 for the trip (more on that in a bit... keep reading)
- Secure airline tickets with the team
- Attend 8 training sessions
Here's how you can help, and believe I'll need your help:
- Pray for me. If you're willing to do this, I can email you specific things to pray about.
- Donate towards my expenses. I figure if I can get 60 friends and family to each give $20, it would pay for my trip. (I'm not sure if I have that many friends so maybe a few of you strangers would also be interested...). If you're interested in donating, I can email you the details about where to send it for a tax deductible donation.
And a little side note about the crazy part: I have a real issue with asking people for money. Maybe it's the humility in it and maybe it's that I had a lot of people that financially helped me out when I was in highschool and didn't have the financial means to go to summer camps and on missions trips. Because of that, I feel like I shouldn't ask people for help any more since I'm not a needy child any more. But the reality is (and I know this personally) that some of us would be blessed by giving the $20 that they would have otherwise spent on eating out, starbucks coffee or that new shirt. Another reason, I hate to ask is that we're in the process of adopting and unless God chooses to put a large sum of money in our laps in the near future, we'll be asking our friends and family to donate to that cause. I feel like I don't want to ask people to do both. But maybe that's the devil filling my mind with doubt. So, here you have it... just me, the average person wanting to serve and being humble enough to ask for a little help from you. Feel free to leave me comments or questions or if you'd like to email me, you may do so at tam4buit at hotmail dot com and put Mexico City in the subject line please.
(taken on a missions trip to Mexicali in highschool or college)
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