Amanda Hamilton - The World Race 2009

A Video to Share...

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As many of you know Haiti has been on my heart and mind. I was just at www.adventures.org/haiti and saw this video and thought I would share it on here.

Soft Hearts

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While on the race, our coaches (the best ones ever, the Paschalls!) gave us the book,"A Royal Priesthood" to read. I was the first on my team to read it, back in May I think. I decided I wanted to read it again now that I'm home. I did read a lot of books between then and now. I was reading it today and a passage really stuck out to me and got me thinking and I wanted to share the insight I received today.

Here's the passage:

Our adversary sees us in our vulnerable state, and immediately slings his arrows against us. We wince in pain as his "fiery dart" penetrates, and vow never to allow that to happen again. So to protect ourselves from further wounding, we try to erect walls around our hearts, that shut out, not only the hurtful experiences, but family, friends, and even the Lord himself. Or maybe we simply harden our hearts to avoid or numb the pain.

Although these are common responses, they are not the kind of response God desires. He wants us to have soft hearts that are open to giving and receiving love. He intends that we have gentle spirits that are sensitive to His heart and the hearts of others. So, how do we remain soft and sensitive to God on the one hand, without being vulnerable or defenceless toward the enemy on the other? Simply, we "put on the whole armor of God" on the outside, so that we can remain "tender-hearted" on the inside.

When reading this, I thought about how much God had softened my heart this past year. When our hearts are soft they are able to be in tune with God's heart and what he feels for His people. This past year I learned more of what it means to experience God's heart for people, as I felt their burdens and interceded for them. I thought this was a 'new gift' which was given to me. But today upon reading this the thought came,"What if I had this all the time, but didn't know it because I protected myself by hardening my heart?" How could God's gifts be used to the fullest capacity if he can't mold our heart to use them? I wondered how many people in the Body of Christ have gifts that they are unable to use because of their hardened hearts? If we all used the Armor of God to protect us, instead of our own means how much more could we be doing for the Kingdom of God?

I don't want to be responsible for Godly things to stop because of me. I don't want to miss out on being used by God because of my own insecurity or self-preservation. But this is what happens when we do it on our own. Further along in the chapter it talked about how in Ephesians 6 after explaining the armor, the next thing it says is to pray. If we, instead of doing it on our own, would simply turn to God and pray after affliction, we would find healing, forgiveness, soothing ointment and strength to continue on in the manner that God wants us to. Therefore we would be able to stay in tune with God's heart and love for people. This day I was forever challenged to keep my heart soft and malleable for God to do as He wishes, and now I challenge you to do the same.

Jezi se sel espwa Ayiti (Jesus is the hope for Haiti)

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Eleven months ago, this day, my team, Ashley Musick and I danced in the streets of Les Cayes, Haiti chanting "Jezi se sel espwa Ayiti" with 60,000 other Haitians. We proclaimed that Haiti was God's nation. We declared God's goodness, light and mercy over that nation everyday we were there.

Today I sit here completely heartbroken for this nation.

I can't even describe all the emotions I feel about this. This tragedy weighs so heavily on my heart. I find myself crying and praying.

Yesterday I was praying for Haiti at about the time the earthquake occurred. I thought this unusual because if I pray for the countries I went to I usually start with the first one....but not this time, God knew.

Tonight my teammates and some others got together on a conference call and spent about an hour interceding for Haiti. I am so glad that I know there is power in prayer, and power when the body of Christ gets together and pray. I know being all the way over here, there isn't much I can do for the people of Haiti right now, except pray. I want to encourage you all to pray, in your small groups, in your homes and churches, because God can use this opportunity to further His Kingdom and bring restoration to these people. If you feel the need to do something more, you can monetarily give to AIM for relief aid by clicking here and/or by checking out the AIM website at www.adventures.org.

Nathan Update

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just wanted to let you know that on Tuesday Nathan had to go back into the hospital because he had a fever, and fluid build up in his lungs again. Yesterday he had surgery and two chest tubes were put in because he had a secondary infection in his lungs. The doctors say he should only be in the hospital for a week.

So once again I petition you for prayers for my nephew. 100% recovery is what we are praying for.

Thanks.

Nathan is Home!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Friday Nathan was able to go home! We are all so happy about this. It's been a long month in the hospital for him and my family. I just want to ask that you continue to pray for him, he's got a ways to go before he's fully recovered. Please pray that his pick line works properly and the holes will heal without any difficulty and for 100% recovery.
Thanks.

As for me, I'm just hanging out with family and friends. It's good to be seeing everyone again!

I'm Home!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey I just wanted to let you know I made it home. We don't have internet right now so I wasn't able to post sooner. You won't hear much from me then either.

I just got done celebrating thanksgiving in the hospital with my family. Surprisingly, it's one of the best thanksgivings we've had in a long time. It's such a blessing to be with family.

I hope you all had a great thanksgiving!

Final Debrief Thoughts

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm coming to the end of it. Once again I have mixed emotions. I'm relieved that this lifestyle is almost over and I'll get to use a clothes dryer again. But I'm also used to this lifestyle and struggle to wrap my head around the idea that it will end, because it's what I've known for so long.
It took me awhile to get to the place where I was ready to go home, and I am, but I can't even imagine how difficult it will be in a few days to say "see ya" to these wonderful, amazing people that I'm so accustomed to seeing everyday and each month.
Already I've decided to start saying the final things I want to make sure that I say before the end. Therefore I've already made people cry. Oh well, I want my squad to know how much they mean to me and how much God knew I needed them in my life. If you are a squadmate reading this, thank you for putting up with me this year, for loving me and pouring into me...I couldn't have become the woman I am today without you or all that you did.
In a couple of days I fly back home, and then begin the "what's next" part of my life. Only I don't know what that is, and that's okay. God will reveal it to me in His timing. But I hope that before I run off and do something else I get to spend a little time with my family and friends. Going back home is a whole other unknown, but I do know that God will be with me every step of the way.
I just wanted to make sure I got some thoughts out there before getting busy and then not blogging at all.

Nephew Update

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just wanted to send a quick update.

The doctors don't know what the fluid is in Nathan's lungs, although they say it's not life threatening. Thank you Lord!

Nathan was even up and walking, so all of our prayers are definitely being heard as God continues to intervene on Nathan's behalf. Please continue to pettition God for his complete recovery.

Please Continue to Pray for my Nephew

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just got word that Nathan has digestive fluid in his lungs. He needs major surgery, but he's unable to have it right now because he's still so weak and the holes in his lungs needs to heal so they can do it. It's serious, so please please intercede.

It's a rough time for my family and we all need continual prayers.

Croatia Photos

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For your pleasure I thought I would post a few more photos from the month. I hope you enjoy them. Also if you want to see a few more click on the "Wish to view pictures?" link on the left hand side.

All of us squished on the couch with two of the staff members we made friends with Milivoy and Zeljka.

Actually it was funny cuz Teri was tired so she laid her head on my lap, but had to lay down behind Tim, and that's what started it all.

So right after we got there it was basically memorial day in Croatia. So you go to the cemetery and leave candles on the grave sites. Well if you have relatives or friends that are buried somewhere else you just put them around this cross. I thought the sea of candles looked eerie and amazing...plus it gave off a lot of heat!

Oh man with this little guy Josip, didn't know what lemons were, so we had a lemonade party, oh I wish we had a camera when he tried the lemon by it's self!

This is my friend Marjana, she makes cards for people. She gave me a couple, I really enjoyed spending time with her.

So I thought it would be nice to include a few more castle photos.

This one is of the guys modeling on the side of the castle.

Here's me with my new friend Sparky.

Nate decided to jump over the bench like one of the photos in the castle.

Croatian Ministry

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First thank you all for praying for my nephew.

I suppose you might be wondering what we've been up to since coming to Croatia. I thought I should tell you.

We had thought we would be spending 2 weeks there but God had other plans so after a 1- weeks we are moving onto Vienna, where God has something else in the works for us.

Anyway, so the past week or so has been filled with many a wonderful meal (including lots of meat and cheese!), making new friends at the center, taking people for walks and playing games or just doing crafts with them, discussion groups, going to a castle, babysitting and more. It's been busy but awesome.

First off we've had the immense pleasure to stay with Sammie's friends Kat and Zoki at Kat's mom's (Nada) house. They have been the best, very hospitable, fun to talk to and a pleasure to be around. They also have a 6 month son (Jakov), so Teri and Nate really enjoyed being around him.

We've been working with elderly and disabled people at a center here in Varazdin. I've made a few friends, it's hard because of the language barrier, well and for some of them they don't actually speak Croatian either. But there is power in God's love and that transcends everything.

Last Saturday we had the pleasure of going to a castle with some of the staff. I'm really saddened to leave the staff, they're such great people. We had so much fun together.

I was so excited about going to Croatia, and we were only there for such a short while but so much happened. I can't believe my time there is over.

Prayer Request Update

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After having surgery to remove the fluid from his lungs, my nephew is recovering well and breathing on his own again! I think he woke up for a little while too. So praise God and thank you for your prayers.

November 10

Nathan is out of ICU and will have to stay in the hospital another week or two. But praise God he's okay and doing great. He even got a special visit from the mascot of the Seahawks (his all time favorite football team!)

In case you were wondering what exactly happened this is what my brother says:

"He had H1N1 which weakened his system and allowed for a staff infection in his blood & lungs which caused pneumonia which caused his lungs to fill with fluid and collapse which casued acute respiratory failure. Basically, he quit breathing because had the swine flu, pneumonia, and a staff infection all at the same time. The craziest part is that he played football on the 31st and the next day he wasn't breathing."

Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Urgent Prayer Request

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So I found out yesterday that my nephew (Nathan, he's 10) has been in ICU all week. He went into the hospital Sunday night because he had trouble breathing. Turns out he had Pneumonia and a staff infection in his lungs. He's on a machine to help him with breathing. I'm trying to stay updated since finding out. Please just pray for him and my family, as this is a hard time for all of us.

Also my teammate's families have been under attack as well. Bekah's mom had surgery two days ago...she's doing well. Nate had a sudden death in the family, and Sammie's sister could definitely use some prayer.

I guess also pray for us that we would be able to devote whatever time we need to in prayer for our family and be able to stay in the here and now and finish this thing strong.

Thanks.

MUNICH!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So what's more fun than train hopping all night in southern Germany? Getting to do it with Tikvah!

After our flight to "Memmigen" we had to take a taxi to actually get into town and to the train station from there we took a train in the wrong direction in order to catch another train to the right direction only we found out we needed a different train. So three hours sleeping (after eating BURGER KING! Score!) and hopping on another train to wait another three hours just to find out we were at the wrong stop. So we had 10 minutes to get to the right station and jump on the train to Munich...we made it, Praise God!

So now we are waiting to check into our hostel and to see what God has for us. We still don't quite know why He wanted us to spend a few days in Munich before taking the train to Croatia but it should be fun and interesting to see what happens.

Continue to pray for good health and high morale as travel can really take it out of us and people still aren't feeling 100% from all the head colds and other sickies they've had.

I'm Ready?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I think I'm ready to go home after next month. It's funny because up until a couple days ago I would NOT have agreed with that statement at all. Back when we were at the Awakening Conference in Brasov, Romania we had to go through this "Re-entry" workshop. They gave us a packet of things for us to think about and write about that can be a useful tool for re-entry. The first question is "Do you believe it's God's timing for you to go home?" And my answer was a resounding "NO!"

Because you see, after switching countries and continents all year this has become the norm' to me. I have no idea what kinds of things await for me at home. "Home" elicits so much uncertainty...ironically enough it's now the "Unknown." Honestly I've had a lot of fears and insecurities about it...such as: "Are the changes in me real?" "Will I revert back to old habits and sins?" "Is re-entry going to be even more difficult than it was before?"(Because I didn't handle it very well before.) "Am I going to be able to explain and share what happened?" You get the idea.

However, after spending this month with all 7 of us on the floor in a furniture-less studio apartment 6 inches away from the person sleeping next to me, my opinion has changed. I can almost feel what it's like to drown out noise (snoring) by turning on my fan, and being able to walk along the river by myself spending time with God, and cooking on a REAL stove with good pots (not a hotplate). Home seems more and more inviting; especially since there I can have weather appropriate clothing and blankets as I need them. (Although the Lord does provide, someone gave me a really warm jacket.)

But even with all of this in mind, I still didn't really think I was there. Until last night. I was walking back to the metro, by a park and there was a chocolate shar-pei there. I let it sniff my hand so I could pet it and in that moment I realized that I was ready to go home. It's hard to explain why I figured it out then, but I just did. For the first time I've got a lot of peace about the questions that have been nagging me. I get to go home in a month and see my family, nieces and nephew, my friends, my state (oh man do I miss you Mt. Rainier!) I get to take what I've learned and experiences out here there, and I'm glad to do so, although I might be overwhelmed at first with trying to figure out what to share. ;)

One more month and I'm ready.

S&A Adventures in Kiev (Photo Blog)

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On one October afternoon in Kiev, Ukraine, Sammie and Amanda found themselves with a few hours of free time after a CCX English club...

THIS IS THE TALE OF THEIR ADVENTURE!

Every journey begins with one single step... and we put our best shoes forward.

As a World Racer, we like to follow the policy of ministry first, fun later. So we begin with a little prayer.

Fortunately for us, it is easy to stumble upon fun here in Kiev. With just a short walk and a little imagination, even the simplest store can bring amusement.

But on a more serious note, Amanda does support the church and Sammie watches the saints go marching in.

To keep moving forward, we were ready for a challenge so we decided that since solving world hunger was too big a task for one afternoon, we would just make the neighborhood safe for all the locals. First, Amanda slayed the dragon through the nostrils with her trusty pen then Sammie stormed the castle! Amanda then went for a victory lap after an intense battle.

Our valiant efforts left us famished. For Sammie, only the low-budget Fornetti's could quench such an appetite, if only she could decide what she wanted. Amanda, on the other hand, went for the free option of a local variety.

After our bellies were satisfied, Amanda made a new friend. Being a fellow extrovert, Sammie also found a special friend, one who is quick to listen and slow to speak. Although Amanda doesn't think of herself as the jealous type, her new friend quickly flew away so she went out and found herself a boyfriend!

Since Amanda was enjoying a new love in her life, it reminded Sammie of how much she was missing Jose. She then decided to try to fly home to see him. Unfortunately, her short little arms didn't get her very far.

Although she did not make it to Jose, she did find comfort in something warm and cozy... a furry hat! Amanda was easily convinced to join in the fun and found herself a polar fox fur hat from Siberia. Hmm.... No one knows beauty like this!

Venturing further down the road, Sammie stumbled upon a local, drunk on vodka and was appalled at his public drunkenness. Amanda, however, decided to calm Sammie by playing the saxophone. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a pipe!

Disturbed by the new and shocking discoveries, Sammie and Amanda decided to cleanse themselves from such impurities.

After a busy afternoon, we decided to get out of the cold and headed to a local coffee shop. Then, Sammie decided to end the night on a good note by sucking up every last drop of fun before heading home on the metro.

Alas, the adventures of Sammie and Amanda come to a close as the heroines reach home to call it a night.

Thank You

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just wanted to send a quick thank you to everyone. First I have the money to fly home! Yay! Second we got a contact in Croatia where we will be spending the last month of our race working with disabled people. I'm really excited!!!

European Connections

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So we are currently trying to gain contact info for ministries in Europe, particularly in and around Austria. We are asking where God would like to lead us and doors keep closing, so I thought I would just ask any of you if you had any contacts in this part of the world, if so could you email me about them? The more doors we have the more God can close doors to lead us to the right one.

The countries surrounding Austria are:

Germany

Czech Republic

Slovakia

Hungary

Slovenia

Croatia

Italy

Switzerland

Liechtenstien

Thank you and keep praying for God to open a door for us.

A Blustery October

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is going to be one cold month; we're in Kiev, Ukraine.

After a long bus ride, two days in Moldova, and an overnight train we finally made it into town. We got to stay in a retreat center for a couple of days while we found a place to live and a ministry to dive into. God is faithful, and we are now all in a loft studio apartment above a garage. I'm thrilled that we have hot water and a western toilet!

As for ministry we will be working with an Intervarsity type set up...we have yet to find out more details. But there are other opportunities as well, English club, holding AIDS babies, helping missionaries, and working with other teams in the city with their ministries, as well as many others. Also, there's Hillsong Church here, and I hope to attend at least once. (Yeah Cory and Melissa, you jealous?)

I am thinking this month is going to be a good month, and I'm excited to see what will unfold. Please pray that I stay warm enough, or that God would send me warmer clothes, oh and for our ministry here as well.

Flight Info....

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I used a credit card to buy my ticket before prices started going up higher.

I get into SeaTac at noon on the 24th! I"m so excited to see everyone again!

Again if you want to send money to help out with this send it to

Dale Hansen

P.O. Box 1595

Yelm, WA 98597

Be sure to include a note that it's for me, and it's NOT tax-deductible.

Awakening Conference

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm going to be real honest. I showed up at the conference with a bad attitude, not really caring about being here, and frustrated that we had to spend our debrief in the tents. There were mandatory meals and sessions we had to go to which drastically cut down free time. I was in a bad place. Fortunately, God meets us where we are at, and loves us too much to leave us there.

At first I was stubborn and resistant, knowing that if I tried to enter into worship I'd break. I had been trying to keep myself together for a couple of weeks, especially after I sprained my ankle (kind of a bad one too). I knew that God wanted to bring me to a deeper level, only I couldn't bring myself to go there. However, I do love the presence of God and couldn't help but want it. In the first night of worship my resistance broke down, I started crying and some of my friends came around me and prayed for me. Then God sent a girl I didn't even know over with some scriptures and words of love and encouragement for me. I decided that night there was no going back, I decided that I would go deeper.

During the rest of the week many other words were spoken over me, I kept getting filled, and was freed from the negativity that had plagued me as long as I could remember. My joy has been restored, and I'm so excited to see what the next couple of months have in store. I saw the same type things happening in my squadmates too. God really filled our squad back up for these next 2 months.

God revealed to many people on my squad what they'll be doing after the race....including some of my teammates. I still don't have any knowledge on what life after the race will hold for me, I do know, however, that God will reveal that to me in His timing, and right now I'm okay with that. If you want to keep praying about that I would appreciate it.

Here's the Deal...

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We finally found out when we'll be back stateside. We get into JFK on the night of November 23rd. I would love more than anything to be able to be home for Thanksgiving. I don't have the personal funds to buy the ticket from New York to Seattle, so I'm asking you, who got me out here in the first place, to help me get back by Thanksgiving. As of right now a flight cost about $200 but as more time goes by the prices will get higher. If you feel so inclined to give please send a check to my parents (Dale Hansen) with a note saying that the money is for me (it's not tax-deductible), the address is:
P.O. Box 1595
Yelm, WA 98597
If you can't give then please pray...well pray anyway. Thanks!!!

Romania!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well as you can tell by the title we're in Romania. Thank God! Although my pack decided to not make it here when I did...thank you Turkish Airlines....luckily it got dropped off last night. Actually there were 7 packs that didn't show up on our squad, but all were delivered at last. Yay for God watching out for our belongings, and yay for Teri letting me borrow her clothes!

Alas, more about what we are actually doing here. Our team and Koinania is living together with the pastor (and his family) of the local church. In all actuality, the whole squad is in this town, and not only that, but 3 teams from the J and K squad are also here. So, that's a total of about 75 World Racers in this small gypsy town in the hills of Romania. It's awesome.

When we went to church yesterday morning there were only like 5 locals there. Then John (he's our missionary contact) got up and said that he felt like we were suppose to sing worship songs and march through the village and when people come to see what's going on invite them to church that night. So we had the guitars and drums out front and all 75 of us following behind singing praises. It was a remarkable 2 hours. I then went to an afternoon service in another village and met more teams from J squad. Someone came to know Christ, it was sweet. I didn't go to the evening service that night but I was told God showed up and that it was incredible, plus there were a whole lot more than 5 people there!

It looks like our time here in Romania will be spent just being a blessing to the family we are living with and being a blessing to this community. I am very happy that I get to do it with so many other people. Not only that but have the opportunity to get to know J and K squad which have only been on the field a month, it's amazing how God orchestrated this all together. Because we are such a large presence here, worshipping, praying and listening to God, big things are going to happen this month!

Please be praying that this town receives God and everything that encompasses, also that when we leave His Spirit is what marks this beautiful place.

Our Month in Zambia...

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well another month has come to a close on the World Race and I thought I would write a recap...
As you know we went to Livingstone/Victoria Falls and had our South Africa debrief there. Then we came back to Lusaka and met up with Bishop John Mambo and his family. We spent a couple days on his farm learning a little about Nymphande and getting ready to spend a few weeks there.
Upon arrival to Nymphande, we were met with the kids and given a small presentation. Unfortunately, the children were getting out of school in a few days so we weren't able to develop good relationships with them as most of them went to stay with family. We moved into the house we would be staying in for the month, no electricity or water, and we turned down the beds they offered us so we could stay in our tents and have protection from the bugs, especially mosquitoes. (We didn't want to have to deal with Malaria again!)
We spent our time doing a few different things. One of them was prayer. There was a lot of spiritual warfare going on. That area is known for witchcraft, so we prayed a lot. It felt like being in Haiti again as far as the spiritual darkness there.
We also worked with the Youth Choir in the afternoons. Because on the 22nd was the National Church of God Convention and Nymphande Choir was invited to do a short program there. So we collaborated on songs and taught them some skits and came up with a nice program. Unfortunately we weren't allowed much time so we only performed 2 songs in the end. ☹ I could tell it was a little disappointing for the choir to do so much work and not be able to show it. However, on the bright side, they now know a few more songs in English and they also have some skits because we left the scripts with them.
The other thing we did was evangelism. We would go with Graftins (he's an older boy who speaks English very well and would translate for us) and walk to homes and villages in the area. Where he would ask us "to give the message we had prepared." Luckily God is with us and ever speaking and would give us messages. We learned a lot from doing this. Such as, Jehovah Witnesses in Zambia do have a relationship with Jesus and believe that He's the Son of God. So basically it is another denomination here, unlike in America. We also learned that if you are very grateful for receiving a message you might give a gift of a chicken. The people here were hungry to hear from the Word of God. That was incredible to see and to be able to share that with them.
As far as practical things.... We had to bring water up from the creek to wash clothes and ourselves, and we filtered water to drink. We cooked over a fire....but we ate up at the kitchen a lot. We burned quite a few candles, and went to the bathroom over a hole or in the bushes.
This month was a hard month, but we were able to see God's hand upon it. He gave us what we needed to make it through. I definitely will not forget our time at Nymphande anytime soon.

FOOD!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month we ate sweet potatoes, plain rice, and sheema. Sheema is like grits with the consistency of mashed potatoes and has zero flavor. Anyway these were our staple diet this month. We thought and dreamed about other food a lot!!! So I thought I would just share with you the lists of things in the 8th month of this trip that had my attention for some time during the month. Warning, this list will probably make you hungry and it's quite detailed...

World Race Foods (one item or meal from each country I've been to):
    DR- Fried Yucca
    Haiti- Tampico Juice
    Cambodia-Sweet and Sour Veggie and Tofu (YWAM lunch)
    Thailand- Bamboo and Noodles
    Country X- Sticky rice with bamboo and veggies
    Mozambique- Chicken Alfredo'
    South Africa- Impala Burger with Chutney Chips
    Zambia- Olga's Pizza in Livingstone

Restaurants:
    Pita Pit
    Tacos Gabys
    El Sarape
    New Garden
    Subway
    Red Robin

Finger Food/Snack Food:
    Triscuits with Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    Spring Rolls
    Pizza Rolls/Bagel Bites
    Cream Cheese, Chili and Cheese Dip with Tortilla Chips
    Cheez-its (White Cheddar, 4 Cheese, Regular)
    Turkey and Cream Cheese Bites
    Saltines with Tuna and Cheese
    Taquitos with Sour Cream
    Chicken Nuggets
    Kettle Corn/Cheese Popcorn
    Tomato, Feta, and Olive Oil on Crusty Bread

Salads:
    Fresh Salad from the Garden
    Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip
    Applebee's Oriental Salad
    Tomato, Cucumber and Feta with Olive Oil

Main Dishes:
    Mexican - Nacho Bar, Soft Tacos, Chimichangas, Enchiladas
    Manicotti
    Chawarma
    Mac n Cheese with Hot Dog pieces
    Becky's Homemade Pizza
    Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup
    Tofu Chili
    Chowder in a Bread Bowl
    Tuna Melt
    Stir Fry/Chow Mien
    BBQ -Burgers and Chicken

Desserts:
    Mom's Fudge
    Blueberry Cheesecake
    No Bake Cookies
    Peanut Butter Pie
    Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
    Tillamook Ice Cream
    Blackberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
    Muddy Buddies
    Moist Rainbow Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

My Birthday....Meets Zambian Wedding

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I know we went to Victoria Falls to celebrate my birthday but I thought I would share with you what I happened on my actual bday, on the 14th.

My team heated up water on the fire so I got to take a warm bucket shower!!!! For lunch we had spaghetti with chicken in it...yum! Gracious, the girl's house mother (who is our age) had lunch with us. It was the last day we had with her before she went to visit her family. We were sad to say bye to Gracious, because she was such a good friend to us.

Anyway later that afternoon, Sammie, Nathan, Stephanie and I all left to go to a traditional Zambian Wedding. We walked 7 kilometers through the bush and over a mountain to get there too. We finally got there just before dark. Then the singing began.

The night before the ceremony everyone stays up all night singing and dancing. It was a long night, but Nathan was able to deliver a sermon at like midnight. We sang and danced with the Nymphande choir throughout the night. We also spent a lot of time asking questions to pass the night, while hovering over hot coals to stay warm...it was cold!

Then next morning we waited until we joined the choir again to sing and dance while the bride and groom came out of their huts and then began the slow procession up to the church.

Oh to know about traditions before attending something like this. The bride and groom had their heads down the whole time and we thought it was the saddest thing we ever saw BUT we found out that it's respectful to the in-laws to have your head down the first time you meet' them. That it's culturally offensive to not be solemn. I know we are told to think that cultural differences aren't necessarily right or wrong, just different' but I'm very grateful that we don't have this tradition. They didn't get to watch or see anything really, it's suppose to be a joyous day and they had to act like it wasn't.

After the ceremony we went back to the village and there was more singing and dancing. The bridal party danced the cake all the way to the front and also danced the knife up. The bride and groom had cake and then kneeled down to serve cake to both sets of parents. Afterwards everyone brought forward their gifts for the couple and said a few words if they wanted to. We ate and then commenced our 7 km journey back to Nymphande. We were pretty wiped out and so were the villagers because the next day most of the church didn't show up.

My Birthday Wish! Fully Funded...

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My Birthday wish was fulfilled!

By the 14th of this month I was fully funded for the remainder of the money I needed to complete this trip. After the rest of my monthly pledges come in I will have all that I need to complete the trip. I'm so glad that I don't have to worry about support raising anymore and can spend my time totally focused on ministry for these last three months!THANK YOU ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN!!!! AND THANK YOU GOD FOR PROVIDING FOR THOSE WHO GAVE!

Victoria Falls Debrief

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We've had a great time in Livingstone. We've played cards, hung out, slept, watched movies, and of course saw the world's largest waterfall!!!
We also celebrated my birthday early which happened to be the day we went to the falls. Well the day before that my team gave me roses, I was so surprised and glad. I forgotten just how special getting flowers makes one feel.

Then the day of the falls we woke up and got ready and got in the shuttle and headed to the falls. It was such a spectacular site to take in. I just giggled like a school girl a lot. After getting completely drenched by the midst and seemingly walked forever we decided to have lunch.

Then we decided to head up above the falls and walk along the river there. I stopped along the bank and had a wonderful time with God reading Psalms, praying and singing worship songs to Him.

Then we decided to leave the Park and walk over the border to "no-man's land" and onto a bridge. Halfway through the bridge is the Zimbabwe border. So I literally walked to Zimbabwe, and I have no passport stamp to prove it, but hopefully a photo will suffice.

Oh and we saw TONS of Baboons I've decided that they are not very nice. They like to steal things and what not, it's not good.

We did some souvenir shopping and then headed back to our hostel.
We went out to dinner at Olga's which is the place to go around here and had yummy pizza. My team gave me another present! 2 wooden carved hippos. I"m a big fan. The names in the running are Zim and Zam or maybe Bia and Bwe for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
To top the night off we had birthday cake!

It was a glorious day. I'll treasure it when my birthday actually does come around...on the 14th. ;)

Now we're off to 800 children and no clue what else awaits us...isn't life exciting?

667

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Praise God!!
I am happy to report that after monthly support I am only $667 away from being fully funded! Thank you so much for giving and supporting me. I am so excited, because to not have my attention divided between what's going on here and support raising would be a huge blessing to me and my team. I'm so close to the goal, I would ask that if God lays it on your heart, give whatever you can to help me finally reach being fully funded. To donate please click here.

ZAMBIA!

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'M GOING TO ZAMBIA TOMORROW!!!

After debriefing at Victoria Falls, we'll be going about 125 kilometers out of the capital city to live and work at an orphanage with 400 children. That's twice as many as Haiti...it should be a heartfelt month. That's all I pretty much know...well it'll be warmer there I know that too. So Zambia here we come!!!