Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas Wishes
As Christmas is just around the corner I want to wish you a blessed Christmas with your family and friends wherever you may be.
Last week I was asked a question that really made me ponder how we celebrate Christmas:
" Knowing the meaning of Christmas- How SHOULD we celebrate?"
He then posed these questions:
1. Should we have an open house and invite people from the community?
2. Should we provide food?
3. Should we just celebrate with family?
4. Should we share the gospel?
This was oddly a question that has never crossed my mind. Perhaps it's because it is my first time away from the United States during the Christmas season--but I began to wonder--why all the presents? What does that have to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus?
Another idea was posed to me was that some Christian's refuse to have a Christmas tree because they feel that it takes away from the real purpose of Christmas.
--Just some food for thought--
My family has a tradition of going together to cut down our Christmas tree, so to me it is something that brings our family closer--As for the gifts--everyday is a gift given to us to be celebrated.
No matter how you celebrate or who you celebrate with. May the peace and grace of God be with you this Christmas as we remember that God gave his only son so that we may have eternal life. Look to the stories that Jesus teaches us so that you may lead a life that will glorify God.
And remember--you are blessed to be a blessing.
The Unexpected- Dec. 7-9
The conversation that followed was this: "Ashley, Girl's brigade has camp, you want to follow?" "uhh...." "Okay, we will leave early in the morning" "um....uh...ok?"
so, this became our plan:
1. purchase bus tickets for the earliest morning bus
2. finish running errands so that we could pack for camp
3.purchase snacks for carolers.
We met at 7:00 pm at the church to go Christmas caroling, and we out and about until 12:00. Our bus was to leave at 7:00 am the next morning, so we were to be at the bus station by 6:30. The last member from our group arrived at the station at 6:55.
** I need to put in a disclaimer here that I really had no idea what was going on or what any of this was all about. **
When we arrived to Kota Kinabalu, the head of the Girl's brigade picked us up and we headed out of the city into the middle of no where. Here I thought that this camp was in Kota Kinabalu, but it turns out it was quite a ways away nestled in the jungle near a river. We arrive and our group of four are put into pairs and put into different cabins- each pair with a different squad. Here I am told that I am a squad captain with one other girl. Mind you that I am completely new to this organization and don't even know a thing about this camp. We put our bags down and head to the "lobby" (which is really just a standard shelter) . Here they tell us to get excited because this is Adventure Camp.
Camp Motivation- October 30-31, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Newsletter
I will be mailing out my 2nd newsletter by the 1st of January. If you did not receive the first one and would like to be added in the email list for the next newsletter, please comment on this post and leave your email address! I am excited to share all of my new experiences with you!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A strange and wonderful place- Singapore
Recently, our group went on a journey to Singapore. Every three months we gather for community and reflection, as well as some good old fashioned rest. This first trip didn't have so much of the rest, but it was a wonderful time to catch up, learn new things, and explore a new place.
When we first arrived, I was in awe of the impeccably manicured landscape of the city. The awe was soon replaced with disbelief in a place so well kept. Later we took the public transportation of the city which also blew me away. Again, so clean and so simple. People willingly gave up seats and it was eerily quiet. Needless to say, it felt like I was in the unimaginable Utopia.
We stayed at Trinity Theological College on the outskirts of the city proper and had a delicious dinner of burgers. (Malaysian burgers are....just not the same...) We woke up in the morning for some fantastic discussion on the history of Singapore and Malaysia. We split into pairs and taught our group about different chapters in a book titled, "Crossroads". This was honestly a wonderful way to wake up and learn. We had really fantastic discussion about the history of this part of the world.
During our time there, we did the following:
*Here we met with the Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Singapore, to learn some history.
*We had morning devotions based on Islam-Christian relations and understanding
*We wandered China Town and Arab Street/Kampung Glam
*We went to the National Museum of Singapore
*We went to church at Queenstown Lutheran Church
*We saw the Merlion
*On the free day I went with a small group to the SINGAPORE ZOO!
*Our last night we went to the Skypark at Marina Bay Sands.
****I must add, I have never felt so safe in a foreign country****
My highlight was attending church on Sunday morning. (Though I was a bit surprised by the sign outside the door that said, "Praise God by being on time for Church", just as we were arriving at the exact time it was supposed to be starting..whoops!)
Never the less I was moved to tears by the "familiarity" that I have been missing and longing. I was moved by their hospitality, their liturgy, their hymns, and their English. These are all things I took for granted before. I was absolutely delighted when it was time for the passing of the peace (my favorite part) and loved every second of the conversation during fellowship after church. Jessie offered me a tissue during the service, but I just basked in the overwhelming joy and longing of that place and it's message, it's people, it's love, and it's community.
Everything about Singapore was familiar in a sense that it is very "Western".
My church in Malaysia also has similar elements to it, but it's just different. For example, fellowship in Malaysia is had in people's homes and includes a small service of songs, prayers, and a message, as well as an abundance of food. Everyone shakes hands after the service is finished, as they all prepare to leave (so, similar to the passing of the peace).
Never the less, it was a good trip, back to the western world, but in Asia. We had wonderful discussions, learned a lot, and were able to share a lot of our experience with each other.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
In Honor of a Wonderful Man
As the YAGM Malaysia group spent Thanksgiving in West Malaysia we were asked to think about what we are thankful for. I have been so blessed to come from such a supportive family and community.
My step-father plays such a large role in this. The sky is the limits in his eyes and he always told me I could do anything I put my mind to. Most days I hear his voice in the back of my mind. For example:
"You think you know hot, but you don't...you will learn"-My time in Malaysia has proved that he was right. I have never sweated so much in my life.
"Make sure you eat and drink whenever you can, you never know when you will be able to again"-- yesterday I sat on a bus for almost an hour, when the trip usually takes 20 minutes. I was so thirsty in the Sabah afternoon heat that it was unbearable. Before getting on the wonderful public transportation, I remember walking past what seemed like a million kedai's (shops) and thinking that I would just wait until I got back to my friends apartment to get a drink. Lesson learned.
"You don't know spicy"--yup! you were right!
Thanks for always sharing wisdom, even when it seems to be a bit premature. :) Much love and a happy belated birthday to a fantastic father!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Conversations with Friends
Reflections II
October 20,2012
LIVE BOLDLY.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JUFjTOM32g&feature=related
The opposite of faith is not doubt. Rather, the opposite of faith is fear. As farmer/scholar Clarence Jordan<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Jordan> puts it, “Faith and fear, like light and darkness, are incompatible. Fear is the polio of the soul which prevents our walking by faith.” I stumbled upon Jordan, his book<http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597521442?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1597521442&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2>, and this quote a decade ago and they have been with me ever since. When I face big life choices and feel a sense of paralyzing indecision setting in, they remind me to put my next foot forward, to live boldly and to let that which I believe in break the bonds of fear.
What fears hold you captive? In what do you have faith that can set you free?
-peter
http://sunshinefaith.com/live-boldly/
--
Rev. Peter Harrits
YAGM Malaysia Coordinator CountryELCA Global Mission
This fear allows me to stay in the comfort of my home here, knowing that I will be safe. As much as I would love to go explore, I guess I realize now that I do like the comfort and security of having someone with me.
But, when I was in Tenom, Rebecca and I talked about this fear bit a lot too. I told her that I honestly was debating leaving early (and not attending the youth activity that I was invited to join) just so I could make it home on the coach bus and not have to take a taxi by myself. I've never taken a taxi along and I was weary of giving directions and being understood, as well as sharing a taxi with other individuals. Turns out- I shared the backseat of the taxi with a high school English teacher. This moment gave me a sense of relief and hope that I can really do things on my own and be okay. But I know that this mindset will easily fade as I continue. I guess this is where I struggle and need help. I need to learn how to motivate myself and learn to trust God in these situations.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Reflections I
REFLECTION - THE STUFF OF LIFE
Video: EAT<http://vimeo.com/27243869> [ http://vimeo.com/27243869 ]
Faith is not simply a head game, not simply a bunch of creeds or statements one agrees or disagrees with. Rather, it is also about the nitty-gritty physical stuff of life - the things that we eat, touch, smell, see, and hear. In my tradition, the Lutheran one, we say<http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Learning-Center/FAQs/Sacraments.aspx> that we learn about and receive God and God’s promises through spoken word, yes, but also through the refreshing feel of clean water, the texture of bread, and the flavor of wine on the tongue. Elsewhere one might notice the sound of the call to prayer echoing from mosques or the scent of incense rising from Buddhist and Hindu temples. Around the world, Sense and Spirit are linked.
Have you ever tasted what you might call the ‘divine’? What have your senses taught you about ‘the other’?
--
Rev. Peter Harrits
YAGM Malaysia Coordinator Country
More constant to my thoughts is God's purpose for my time here. As I sit through worship and weekly fellowships at congregation members houses (the two I have been two have been in two very different Kampungs) I am only grasping a little of what they say. Naturally I ask myself why I am even there when I cannot understand. Then I realize my desire to be in community with other people who are also seeking God's presence in their lives. Usually during the messege I cannot hold my attention and end up reading and re-reading the bible passages over and over again. Little did I know, this might be part of God's plan. You see, I have been intimidated by the Bible for as long as I can remember. Last week George and I talked about this after dinner one evening. I tried to explain why I find it intimidating but realize it's a conversation I've never actually had. Now, here in this place, reading the Bible is the least intimidating part of worship, and it's actually part of the only aspect of worship that I can grasp.
Tonight at fellowship I thought about how God might be working in this situation to bring me closer to him through his word. I can't think of any other way that I would so willing and eagerly read the messeges that the Bible is filled with. Now I am finding that I actually enjoying reading and trying to make sence of what the readings mean. I chuckle at the thought of having a sly God. But, I just know that this is helping me to better be in pursuit of God at the center of my life and I am ever so grateful.
So, that's my biggest "a-ha" moment of my last week.
Blessings,
Ashley
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Who, me?
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
September
Friday, September 7, 2012
Predictions
Predictions:
- That my students will teach me more than I can teach them
- That I will somehow learn to like spicy food
- That "service" will take on a whole knew meaning
- I could get fantastic at hand-washing clothes (I'm super slow now)
- Living in community will be a highlight of my year
- I will try things I would never try at home (food and more)
- Malay will become second nature (my language skills are still minimal)
- Grace and Love will take on many forms and faces
- I will learn and grow in what it means to be me
Thus far I have felt so incredibly blessed to be in this place. I have a peace and calm in heart that makes it feel like this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. I couldn't be more happy to share it with such loving family and friends!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Tropical Weather
Saturday, August 25, 201
Yesterday we learned a little of the Malay language, and this morning I attempted to practice it at the morning meal (We had a breakfast of bread and hard boiled eggs-- It was tasty!)
This morning we will be learning more of the language and will be practicing it with each other. We have also been invited to go for a jog this afternoon.
During our free time yesterday we went on a walk into downtown KK.
(Unfortunatly I am struggling to get pictures loaded on this blog--but Facebook has a good post-walk picture)
It was a lovely walk, but now I understand why they shower multiple times a day here. So--we will see how this jog today goes!
Evening Reflection:
This morning we had more language training, we are learning to count to ten, say family titles and refresh ourselves on common phrases and greetings--it's a lot and a bit overwhelming, but its a phonetic language, so it's easier than I anticipated.
The jog today went okay. Such high humidity makes it hard to breath. I apparently ran 2 kilometers--I don't even know how far that is?
Dinner was rice, greens and then some meat. Some days I eat rice, some days noodles, thankfully I have found some soy sauce.
Peter, our country coordinator is just wonderful. He leads us in thoughtful and engaging conversations and is very easy going.
Our group finally started bonding today over a nice game of phase 10, a personal favorite of mine. It was fun to see personalities emerge and not to have an agenda for our time together. Jet lag is wearing off, but, at 7:36 pm I am still ready to go to bed (it's already dark here at 7:00)
Monday, August 27, 2012
Sabah
We arrived safely in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday night. We have since then been staying at Sabah Theological Seminary. The Internet there is rather spotty, but I have been journaling every day and am excited to share with you this beautiful place I will be calling home.
Until then, I wanted you to know that I am safe and sound and trying to get over the 4 am wake ups that go with jet lag :)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Welcome to the Unknown
YAGM Malaysia Crew in April |
Movies kept me occupied for most of the flight, and the remainder of the time was spent trying to figure out how to sleep in a middle seat. I don't think it's ever a not awkward place to be for sleeping.
Asiana airlines kept us well hydrated and fed, I was even offered octopus for our last meal on the plane, I decided to pass, and instead had chicken
Can I tell you how confused I was to be eating chicken at what my body thought to be 2:00 am Chicago time?
As we started to descend, Tessa, a fellow Cobber and YAGM Malaysia Crew member, looked out the window and we were blown away by the mountains, and what appeared to be islands from where we were. We realized that we both didn't really know what to expect when we looked out the window, and then Tessa said something that seemed profound to me, at least in this state of present being-- "I guess we are just going to get used to not knowing what to expect".
Friday, August 17, 2012
Reflections
- A special note for this post--my "caps" isn't working correctly. so i apologize.
Thursday
Most people arrived at the airport with red eyes, weary after saying their goodbyes.
I haven't cried yet.
I'm not sure that this reality has really sunk in.
Part of me feels like i will see my family and friends in a few weeks at max.
My fellow Malaysia friend Tessa said that the worst is behind us. saying goodbye is hard.
but being left behind could be even worse.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Friday
Today we talked about accompaniment. it's the model that the ELCA has adopted for mission related work. thinking of myself as a missionary is odd, and actually i am a bit relieved that, due to the negative connotations that missionaries have from the past related to "converting" people, it is not a phrase that i will actually use to identify myself.
so-- lots of people asked what it was that i would actually be doing in Malaysia, after all-- "don't you read the news?"
Here i am to clear up some thoughts, and inform you of some new information to me!
1. This is not a trip.-- I'm not here to sit on a beach and have fun
2. This isn't even about me-- it's about how God is working through people and the church
Accompaniment means to walk alongside others. it's about mutuality and interdependence. it's not about coming in and fixing, teaching, or changing, but more about observing and finding a need that you could fill. This need comes in many shapes and no level of difficulty is below that of a servant. in the Western culture we are "doers", we need to have a task and feel accomplishment. The model of accompaniment challenges us to focus on "being" rather than "doing". After all-- we were made for relationship, and if we are too busy trying to change someone or something into what we view as "right", we won't get the chance to "be" and appreciate who they are and the story they have to offer the world.
2. you take your shoes off before you enter a house
3. people swim with clothes on
4. all parts of the chicken are consumed--ALL of it
5. i am slightly worked up about eating the above mentioned items plus spicy food..more then slightly
6. people shower from 2-4 times a day due to heat and humidity
7.becoming scuba certified is supposed to be super cheap in Malaysia
8. there's a kfc in my town in case number 5 becomes too much to handle
9. i'm told we use "squatters" for toilets
10. you flush your toilet by dumping water down it..sometimes multiple pitchers of water
11. the toilets don't have toilet paper--bring your own!
12. God is great and wonderful and i know that i will find myself challenged in ways i never thought possible. but God goes before us to pave the way and prepare us for the journey ahead.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Orientation- Day One
5:30 am- Packed two suitcases, a backpack, two sisters', one mom, and a niece into the vehicle.
6:00 am- Headed for Minneapolis.
--insert morning rush hour, My third time driving in the cities, and rain (lots of the fierce kind)--
9:00 am(ish)- MSP airport shenanigans
12:30 pm- arrived in Chicago
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The rest is a blur
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.
is this really happening?
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Friends
Since my last post, I have spent quality time with wonderful friends. One of them even brought me brownies, just to make sure I was able to cross them off my list of foods to eat before I go! I have found that good friends are contagious. The more time you spend with them, the more you want to be a good friend in return and the more time you want to spend with them. Some friends you just can't get enough of!
I have been so privileged to meet such wonderful people, and we can only hope that when our paths part, that we have made someone life better.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Filled with JOY!
I made a list of people that I wanted to see and foods I wanted to eat before I left the states for a year. They were as follows:
People:
Grandmas
Grandpa
Niece- lots of cuddle time!
Sisters and their wonderful husbands
Brother!
Roommates
Best friends
Old friends
Wonderful and amazing support system
Foods:
Mom's cooking
Pizza
Burgers
Sweet Corn
Brownies
I have accomplished most of my lists and have been so blessed with the time that I have been given surrounded by the love and support of many wonderful people. I have also been blessed with phone conversations, ice cream outtings, movie nights, and evenings with friends watching the Olympics. One week from tomorrow i head to Chicago--then the 22nd we depart to Malaysia! I am so excited to see what the upcoming weeks bring as I adjust to life in Malaysia. This journey thus far has been such a great reminder of the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us all. We are never alone.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Patience
I had that wonderful opportunity to meet with the youth group from my home congregation for a breakfast of beignets and a frozen cafe au lait from the amazing Cafe Du Monde. We met and walked along the river to our destination, lucky for me they are in the hotel I have been doing hospitality for during this gathering! Unfortunatly, as we walked a trained rolled on by right next to us and so gracefully came to a stop right in front of the sidewalk we needed to cross. I was told that I was to blame for the misfortune, but like all of us, high schoolers love to joke. We turned around after what I am sure felt like forever and found a new route to our delicious breakfast of mostly powdered sugar.
During our walk I was reunited with some people I used to babysit and every some of my high school classmates younger siblings. I, like many, am guilty for remembering and imagining youth as their 12 year old selves. Where did the time go? Some of the girls talked about my up and coming mission to Malaysia and I was comforted by a girl named Carly who told me that a year sounds like a long time, but that it isn't really that long.
Life is beautiful and love is sweet. The people who surround you and the people you meet comfort and guide you at just the right time. Don't be afraid to take advice from those who are younger than you. Many actually see things more clearly as they have been less wounded by the hurts of this world. Continue to pray not only for your concerns, but for yourself. Pray for healing and guidance, patience and hope, anything and everything because that's what God wants to hear most.
A favorite verse of mine and one that is lifted up to the kids at Luther Crest Bible Camp where I worked for two summers from 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
Sunday, June 24, 2012
I have to admit that I practiced what I would say as I drove to church by myself this morning. Naturally, almost nothing that I practiced was actually said. Afterward we had a coffee hour that aided in my fund-raising efforts. When I arrived home I was called over to a neighbors when I was asked, "are you the one we heard about in church?" I had also sent a letter to the Lutheran church in my home town, and was so excited to hear that the conversation does not just end in my congregation, but extends to my town and really everyone that I know.
Today I found myself confronted with a lot of questions that I didn't know the answers to. At first I felt a little embarrassed, but then I realized that I prefer not knowing all the answers. Having preconceived ideas of how things are "supposed to be" can sometimes hinder the beauty of discovery. With that, I intend on keeping my heart and mind open to the possibilities of what is to come. I was so blessed to enjoy the company and conversation of people who have helped to build my faith and support me as I grew up.
Today also allowed for some time of reflection on my journey thus far. I know that my church has laid such a solid foundation to my faith and who I am today, but that's not something that we often consider. I thought back to all the things of the church that I loved being a part of, church choir with my wonderful music teacher from high school, youth board, the Lutheran Youth Organization, Sunday School, and mission trips. I loved being a part of these things and they left me curious and passionate to pursue more. My senior year I went on a mission trip to Bolivia, South America, to help build a radio and television station. That was my first time out of the United States. Now, living in rural Minnesota, diversity is not a big part of our lives, so it was an eye opening experience for me. Three years later, as I ended my junior year of college, I went on a May Seminar through Concordia College to take a class called "World Christianity". We traveled to Amsterdam, London, and South Africa. Spending most of out time in South Africa, I was overwhelmed by the differences in financial wealth. I had never seen such wealth next to such extreme poverty. We walked through informal settlements and most memorable to we was the school that we stopped at. It was located in the settlement and was filled with beautiful smiling children who sang for us and loved the gift of bubbles we brought with. But, this school only allowed children whose parents' paid to send them there to attend, as we left, they picked out the children who snuck in with us, back out of their gated school. It hurt my heart to know that these children could only watch from afar, but not participate. This lit a fire in my heart to learn more about the world, to see more, and to serve more.
Now, here I am preparing to take a leap of faith to go to a new place to love on and learn alongside children. Yes, I will be teaching, but I expect it to be so much more than that.
Friday, June 22, 2012
I GOT MY PLACEMENT!
I found out yesturday morning but have taken the time to process what this placement really means. The moment that I received my email for my placement I found myself smiling ear to ear with my heart racing! The idea of living somewhere so new and so far away still seems far off in the distance, but is now more real, as a concrete plan seems to be taking shape. :)
I have a round about idea of what I will be doing in the city of Keningau, which is a rural community in Sabah. I will be working at the Good Samaritan Center providing general education to the children of migrant workers. These children are often referred to as "stateless" children and are not recognized by the government and can therefore not receive formal schooling.
I will be living in a large house in the city's center (a 20-30 min. walk from the Good Samaritan Center) with other teachers and their families.
This weekend I will be at my home congregation: Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia, MN to share a little about what is in store for my year in YAGM as well as join in conversations with people who are curious about what this year of ministry will look like.
You can look forward to news about getting my wisdom teeth out, next Thursday morning, bright and early! I am a bit nervous, but know that I have good roommates who will help look after me for a speedy recovery.
God is so good!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Today was my first day off in awhile. I hoped for a sun filled day at the beach with my roommate, but it appears that God had other plans. I woke up and headed to Detroit Lakes at 11 AM to find it cloudy and windy. After a nice jog along the lake and lunch at Zorbaz we headed back to Moorhead.
My afternoon was short an uneventful, I had hoped to mail out letters to family and friends to tell them about my future journey, but have no access to a printer. I need to learn how to do better planning. Today I also made my first ever doctor's appointment.
Our day was cut short with news of family medical emergencies. My roommate Ellen had the best/ worst luck that I can think of. Her dad went into emergency surgery to have a foot amputated this morning due to an infection. Ellen's parents were supposed to be going on a cruise on the Baltic Sea starting on Friday, but with this surgery, he would be unable to go. This is where the good news comes in- Ellen leaves in the morning to go on the cruise with her mom! She will be visiting a lot of countries, all of which she has never been to before. What a blessing.
Later today I received news that my grandmother had complications with a surgery from last evening. I keep my phone on loud waiting for updates from my sister.
Now, as some of you may know, I have been working at a funeral home in Moorhead since January, and have absolutely loved everything about it. I work in the office and I read all about the lives that individuals have lived. What remarkable stories are told through the life of a person!
It's the strangest thing. I had known that in my absence there would be births, weddings, graduations, and even deaths that I would be unable to attend, but I never thought of anything remotely life shattering occurring in the present., in fact I don't know if my schedule can fit in anything else! With Ellen's dad and my grandma spending time in a hospital room, that idea became a lot more real.
Today the idea of losing a loved allowed for reflection. Some of the thoughts that ran through my mind first and foremost are memories. Wonderful memories of spending time with my grandma. She made the best cookies! In fact we used to call her the cookie grandma. I used to go to her house and sit with her for hours. We would sit and talk and watch crime investigation shows. My grandma was addicted to QVC (shopping channels--yikes!). Now I believe that we all love our grandparents for a million different reasons, but mostly for the love that they give us. I couldn't imagine a life without them. But-- situations like this also cause me to wonder.
Why do we have to say goodbye? Why do people we love leave us?
There are a million different ways to answer this, but I feel that they are questions that many people have. There are no right of wrong answers I suppose, and those thought processes may take root in another post. (But I would love to hear your take on it!)
I too am putting myself in the situation of saying goodbye to people that I love as I leave from this place to go to a new part of the world where God is calling me to lead a life of service. I know that I have to say goodbye because I am following the path that God has laid out for the, the plan and purpose that I have been created for. I have spent time with friends that I love very dearly and will have to learn how to navigate without them. Sometimes I worry that I won't be able to make myself laugh or smile, though I know friends are for more than that. I know that I will be able to dig a lot deeper in who I am and with how to love myself. What an adventure! I am so excited to share with my family and friends all that I learn as I continue on this journey. What a blessing to have this opportunity!
Feel free to keep in touch and share in this journey with me
Friday, June 8, 2012
In August I will participating in a program called Young Adults in Global Missions through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I am beyond excited to commit to a year of service in Malaysia. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be forever changed from this experience. This opportunity has been such a blessing as I have always felt a passion for ministry.
As I go on this adventure, I ask for your prayers. There will be times when I will struggle, as we all do, but I ask for you to keep me in your hearts. I would also like to rejoice with you as I go through this journey, as I continue to count my blessings, no matter where I am.
Look for updates on what's happening and I would love to hear what's weighing on your hearts as well!