Saved a Turtle

Mom, this one's for you.
The other day, when I and a couple friends were on our way home from a grocery trip, I spotted a little box turtle attempting to cross the road. Cars were straddling it as they sped by, and it was quite apparent that it was in eminent danger. So, I flipped a U-turn and headed back to save it. The cute little bugger just sucked in all his legs and peered out to see why this car was going so much slower than the others. Karen jumped out, picked him up, and deposited him on the other side of the road. I am sure he was grateful:) It's a good thing that Karen was the one who actually got out of the car, since I might have been tempted to keep him.

Fall

Ever since arriving here, I've wanted to document photos of an East Coast fall. I have not yet found a good place to begin taking my fall photos, but as soon as I do, I'll begin sharing weekly pics of the fall colors.

Culture Shock!!

This afternoon, we began class by playing a game. It was a simple card game where you win tricks by having the highest number in a suit or by trumping it with a certain suit. We got used to the game by playing it for a few minutes, and then our instructions were taken away and we were told that we could not verbally communicate with each other. That’s when things started to get entertaining. After playing in silence for five minutes, we were instructed to determine who won, and to move to another table based on if we won or lost. We were still supposed to be silent. At the next table, my partner and I began playing with another team. To our frustration, the other team began cheating and stealing our tricks! They kept making motions at us and indicating that we were playing wrong. It was all quite fun, and we were laughing the whole time. It was hilarious, and I would have loved to have it on video. In a moment of humility, I ceded the game. The next round, with a new team was much better. I finally came to the realization that everyone had slightly different versions of the rules, so we quickly, though silently, agreed on a new set of rules and played.

All of this fun and games was an illustration of what culture shock is like. Basically, when we go into a new culture, we are not only handicapped by a lack of knowledge about the language, but a difference in the way the game is played. The big difference between the game and culture is that culture goes so much deeper, down to the very worldview of individuals.

Comforter

No, I'm not talking about the downy bed covering, though I am currently wrapped up in a warm, fuzzy blanket.
I wrote a reflection paper today on the Holy Spirit. I realized that I had plenty of head knowledge about the Great Comforter, but I lack in intimacy with Him. You see, He is the one who gives us power, convicts us of sin, prompts us to action, guides, comforts, and so much more. He is relational, intimate, personal. Though we need to know about Him, He is not just theology to be studied. He is God, just as much as the Father and the Son. I realized today that He is what I have been longing for.
Counselor, Friend, Comforter, please forgive me for neglecting intimacy with You. Draw me ever closer.

Sabbath

After the last two posts of monsters and mayonnaise, I feel obligated to tell you that I have been working hard here at CIT. I am in class each day from 8am to 3pm, with a generous lunch break. We've been learning about everything from learning styles and personalities to contextualization and spiritual warfare. Each of us are doing a research paper on our target country/people group. We have also read a couple of books on cultural differences. And I suspect that this week will be a heavier week as far a class work. It has been intense, but certainly enjoyable and worthwhile. Please pray for me and for everyone here, that we would learn lots, be drawn nearer to Christ, and that we would remain healthy.
I have, however taken a Sabbath's day rest today. It was quite nice!

Bring out the Best

Dad, this is for you.
Yes, I am East of the Rocky's
Love ya

Kudzu Monster

Yes, it really is a monster. While on the cross-country trip, I saw this green monster several times. I thought this vine was interesting, even beautiful, and much different than the greenery that I am used to. The way it grows on trees, bushes, even telephone poles, it looks like a monster lumbering toward an unsuspecting victim.But after talking to people from this area, I realized that it really is a monster, a menace really. Kudzu was supposedly introduced in the US as a way to control soil erosion, but it has done so much more. It is nearly impossible to control, and it kills the native foliage by suffocating it. It even pulls trees and telephone lines down by its sheer mass. And, if you watch carefully, you can almost see it growing!
More info on kudzu:
Wikipedia
Yahoolavista
Kud-Zoo

Worldveiw

OK, so I was challenged by a fellow CIT student this afternoon to post something, so here goes…

Wow, we have been learning so much here, it is hard to sum it all up. As I think about the awesome and necessary preparation that we are receiving here, I wonder how past missionaries managed to survive without places like CIT. Today we focused mostly on worldview and ethnocentrism. I remember a few years ago thinking how much easier it would be to just evangelize a people group in English, or through a translator. My views have changed drastically since then.
An article that I read this morning dealt with the idea of contextualization. In essence, contextualization is the packaging of the truths of the Gospel in a way that it remains true to itself so that the target culture can both understand and accept it. This can be done only after one spends significant time learning the language and culture of the target group and forms genuine relationships with individuals. We all take our own culture into our ministries, but we’ve been challenged to separate our culture from the Gospel, so that those who hear may worship God in a way that is meaningful and correct in the context of their own culture. This is a big idea, and it is hard for me to even begin to write about it here, but I hope you get an idea of some of the things that we are working through here.
On a lighter note, I went for a walk with a new friend. I had driven by a small lake the other day, and wanted to get down there to explore it a little, so we headed down. I’ll definitely be back, and you may see more pictures of this little spot.

CIT

Well, I’ve finally arrived in Union Mills, North Carolina. It is so good to be here with other people that are also preparing for missions. Our first event was dinner this evening. Even though many of us didn’t know each other before we gathered in the cafeteria, I still felt like I was instant friends with many of them. I am in dorm-style housing with 3 other women. We all got together tonight to compare notes on our experiences so far. Everyone agreed that it is so encouraging to be able to talk to people who understand what we are going through. We are all in the midst of raising support and transitioning from full-time work to overseas missions. In short, the majority of us are unemployed and homeless (in a good way, of course). Well, I better get to bed. I’ve got class in the morning.

Smokey Mountains

Knoxville

We got to stay two nights with Don and Cher. It was such a blessing to be spend some time getting to know them a little better. They treated us like royalty, and we got to go to the Lost Sea. Oh, and it was good to be in a home, rather than in a hotel room.

Boomsday

Every Labor Day weekend, the residents of Knoxville, TN celebrate with a spectacular fireworks celebration. They call it Boomsday. It is choreographed with music and broadcasted on television. Though we were in Knoxville, we decided to watch the celebration on TV and avoid the crowd. What we didn't know is that Boomsday would come to us.
Only moments after I got to sleep, I was violently awakened by a crashing and rumbling. A few moments later, Lindsey was knocking at my door, wondering what had happened. We were both a bit shook up, but managed to find the cause of the explosive noise. We found a tree leaning precariously against the roof of the house and the balcony outside the room that I was staying in. There appeared to be only minor structural damage to the house, and no-one was harmed, but Boomsday has taken on a different meaning.

Southern Hospitality

We crossed 3 state borders today, and were pleasantly surprised at the "southern hospitality" that we received even at the rest stops. We started off by entering Louisiana, and we were amazed at the amenities of the rest stop/welcome center. We were greeted by friendly and helpful people and given free maps and guidebooks. This scene was repeated in Mississippi and Alabama, where we finally stopped for the night.We discovered a sleepy little Louisiana town near the boarder of Mississippi, and ventured out to where some horses were grazing.


And I got to see the Mississippi river for the very first time.

Western States

After leaving the Grand Canyon, we traveled on through Arizona, New Mexico, and into Texas.One of the many beautiful geological formations that we got to drive by.
The Texas sky before weather.
The beginning of the effects of a low pressure system. We found ourselves in some weather that outperforms any California rainstorm.
We also discovered just how big Texas is...
At the other end, we met up with Nathaniel, the oldest of the "kids" that I taught in Cameroon. He's now a Junior at Le Tourneau University. It was such a treat to share dinner with him and hear about all of his adventures at school.

On the Road

Well, Lindsey and I left today (technically it was yesterday, as I am typing in the wee hours of the morning now), and we took a little detour this afternoon.
Can you guess where we went? Extra points go to the people who correctly respond in the comments section.

SoCal

I got to spend a couple of days in SoCal with some friends. It was so good to see all of them, and I feel so refreshed after our fellowship. Thanks God, for good friends.

Spent

Please pray. I know it may sound petty and unimportant, with all of the tragedies that are happening in our world, but I could use a bit of prayer.
I’ve been in the throes of packing for the last several days. If it were just a matter of moving from one place to another, it would be much easier. However, I am packing to move temporarily to pre-field training, then to language training in Quebec, and then on to live in Cameroon. As a result, I have to sell, give away, and throw away many of my belongings. The constant chore of deciding what to do with each item is exhausting. It is quite taxing emotionally, mentally, and physically to go through this process of transition. I'm spent. Please pray.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning (hopefully) to spend a few days in SoCal before heading to North Carolina. Check back in for travel updates.

Resigned

From Webster:
resign (ri-'zIn) verb
1 : to give up one's office or position
2 : to accept something as inevitable

Well, I've done both. In the words of some friends who are also preparing for the mission field and of Cortez, I have "burned the ships."
Today was my last day as a PHN with San Joaquin County. As I packed up the last of my belongings and said goodbye to some dear friends, I felt a sense of deep peace and satisfaction. It's not that I didn't like my job. Quite the contrary. I loved doing home visits. But, God is directing me to Cameroon, and I am resigned to do exactly that. Oh, what joy comes from being right in the middle of God's will.
Tomorrow is the garage sale that will further seal the deal.

Burn the Ships
Steven Curtis Chapman

In the spring of 1519 a Spanish fleet set sail
Cortez told his sailors this mission must not fail
On the eastern shore of Mexico they landed with great dreams
But the hardships of the new world make them restless and weak
Quietly they whispered, "Let's sail back to the life we knew"
But the one who led them there was saying

Burn the ships, we're here to stay
There's no way we could go back
Now that we've come this far by faith
Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return
Our life is here
So let the ships burn

In the spring of new beginnings a searching heart set sail
Looking for a new life and a love that would not fail
On the shores of grace and mercy we landed with great joy
But an enemy was waiting to steal, kill, and destroy
Quietly he whispers, "Go back to the life you know"
But the one who led us here is saying

Burn the ships, we're here to stay
There's no way we could go back
Now that we've come this far by faith
Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return
Our life is here
So let the ships burn

Nobody said it would be easy
But the one who brought us here
Is never gonna leave us alone

Burn the ships, we're here to stay
There's no way we could go back
Now that we've come this far by faith
Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return
Our life is here
So let the ships burn

By the Grace of God

During a daily Bible study today in Genesis 47:7-10, I was challenged to think of how I would describe my years and who I wish I measured up to. By God’s great grace, I was unable to think of any truthful, long-reaching, negative aspects of the life God gave me. Neither was I able to think of anyone who’s shoes I wish I was in. I certainly see many character flaws in my own life. Likewise, I have seen many attributes of others that I wish to emulate, but that was not the purpose of this exercise. Through this exercise, God showed me how His own hand has been working divinely through every moment of this life, directing me to the things that He has for me to do for His own glory. Sure, there have been moments, even years, in my life that were less than ideal, difficult times that were certainly unwelcome, but God has redeemed each one to His own glory. He’s used them to form me and to bring me even closer to Himself. Praise God for His infinite wisdom and His sovereignty over every moment and every circumstance.

*grace - favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that person deserves. Grace is one of the key attributes of God.

*sovereignty of God - a theological term that refers to the unlimited power of God, who has sovereign control over the affairs of nature and history (Is. 45:9–19; Rom. 8:18–39).

*Redeem - to free or deliver, usually by paying a price.

Unexpected Blessings

I've just found out that a former roommate and friend, who I thought would certainly be out of country, is currently living in North Carolina, only 3 1/2 hours from where I will be next month! Wow! That brings the friend tally up to 6 while I am at pre-field training. A few weeks ago, I could have truthfully said that I didn't know anyone in North Carolina. Now I will be in class with two couples that I met last year, and I will have two friends from school to visit. Add that to a visit with my sister in Maryland, a visit to the World Team home office, and a visit with good friends in Pennsylvania, and I have got a full itinerary!!
Thank you Lord for providing so many opportunities to see how well you take care of me.

9,628 feet above sea level

Ok, 9,628 feet elevation may not be very impressive to some of you, but it sure was a treat for me today. I drove up to Sonora to see my grandparents, and we found an excuse to go up to the top of Sonora pass. The view was absolutely stunning. It's too bad that all I had was my camera phone, but even these low quality photos capture some of the beauty.

Ablaze!

We had some unusual weather today. It was quite warm and much more humid than normal in our semi-arid environment, which created the perfect conditions for an explosion of pre-dusk color. Well, it was God that created those conditions, and He did a superb job. Spectacular sunsets are not uncommon here, but they are usually produced by pollution and dust. Today's sure made up for the uncomfortable warmth a couple hours earlier.

Quick Answer

Guess what? I just got my official go-ahead! I'll register for CIT now, in faith that the remaining funds will come in. I am so excited! Thanks for your prayers. Keep praying.

Next Step?

I received an email today regarding Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in September. I have the opportunity to register now, but I don't yet have enough monthly pledges to get an official go-ahead from World Team. If I do not register now, I will have to wait until they offer the course again in January. Pray that I would act wisely and seek God's guidance about taking this next step.

Hebrew

We also had a great visit from an Israeli family that my parents know from their trips to Israel. They were very gracious guests and I had a wonderful time getting to know them a little. One of the most memorable experiences with them was when they sat all 3 boys down on the couch and proceeded with a Hebrew dialog, which I can only imagine must have been a Bible lesson. They got to visit Yosemite, San Francisco, and they even took the jet-skis out on the lake for a few hours.

Yay for Family!

A couple weeks ago, we had a visit from my sister, who lives in Maryland, her husband, and their little 4 month old son. We took a trip up to Almanor to enjoy the mountains and the lake. It was great to get away for a little while, but even better to spend some time catching up with my sister. It was quite a treat to get to know her husband a little better. And, of course, little man C added a whole new dimension to the family. I am really enjoying being an auntie, but I sure wish they lived closer.
We also had a party, so that the extended family could have a chance to meet my sister's new family. What a treat! I hadn't seen much of our extended family for quite a while. For more updates on my sister's family, visit the link to the right labeled "Adventures of the H Family."

Big Lizard

This valiant hunter returned home with a neatly bundled package of reptile. I could, of course, recognize it as a lizard, but I wondered what kind it was. However, when I asked I was told that it's a big lizard. Hmmm... I'm not sure I've heard of that species. Oh well, it made a good meal for several people.

I can see way over there!

I went to Cameroon with a bunch of gifts to leave with my friends there. My parents sent 2 pair of reading glasses for an "elderly" couple that we have a relationship with. Lendo and Sanda are probably in their early 50s, but they look much older and are among the oldest Baka people that I know of. Mom and Dad though they could use a pair of reading glasses. When I gave the glasses to them, they both immediately tried them on and tried their hardest to look scholarly and distinguished. Then Sanda looked up and exclaimed, "I can see way over there!" I'm not sure how far he could really see with reading glasses, but he was certainly impressed. In the mean time, Lendo gazed at pictures of herself and her children with her new glasses.

50%

I am elated to announce that I am at 50% of my monthly financial support need. God's goodness is overwhelming, and I am still in a bit of shock that the support is coming in so quickly. Please pray that more and more people would catch the vision and join in this ministry as partners.

Coming Soon...

More updates are coming soon. I've been putting off writing blog updates for lack of extra time. It seems that all of my friends and family have been doing the same, as all my favorite blogs are also in need of updates. For those of you who are reading this, thank you for your patience. It will soon be rewarded.