Jessica Bauman - The World Race 2009

Home

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Its been a week now, since I've been home and things are just now settling down after the chaos of Thanksgiving that always occurs at my house. Imagine 7 children under the age of 8 running around and getting into everything! Then, of course, there are my brothers and I who stay up way too late playing games and whatever else we find ourselves doing late into the night. It wasn't until Sunday that all my nieces and nephews left and now it is just my parents, my two younger brothers and I.

I've missed my country home and the walks down the dirt roads, the sunsets over the wheat fields, fishing with my dad, and bike riding with my little brother. As the rest of Tikvah knows, I've been craving them for so long! And its been such gorgeous weather that I've been able to really enjoy them.

I loved getting to see most of my family and catch up on the last year of our lives. I am surprised, though, that it doesn't really feel like I have been gone. It's like I just slipped back into the picture with no awkward transition. I am beginning to miss my world race family, though. I am working on organizing my pictures and reminiscing about the last 11 months. In a couple weeks, it may feel weird that I am not packing up and moving to the next location...but for now, I am enjoying just being here with no where else to go.

Its Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We went to the tree farm to

pick out the perfect

Christmas tree and last night trimmed it while listening to the tunes of the season in the background and the playful banter going on between my parents. I love the holiday season! I am so thankful I am able to be home for it and enjoy it with my family!

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season!

I'm Coming Home!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Another aeroplane

Another sunny place

I'm lucky, I know

But I wanna go home

Mmmm, I've got to go home."

Yes, I have enjoyed my world travels and my fellow companions along the way...but it is time to come home. For all who don't know already, I am flying back to the states tomorrow! Then after a couple more days of stateside transit, I will make it home just in time for Thanksgiving with the family. I don't know yet what is in store for me next, but I trust that God will provide for me and guide me in my next steps. A big thank you for all of my blog readers, prayer supporters and financial backers....I could have never done it without you! I will probably continue to blog for awhile to tell some stories that never got told or just ramble about my thoughts over the last year...so please feel free to keep reading! Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Are we back in Africa?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While in Vienna, our small team of four connected with an American-born missionary named Reggy, who ministers to refugees from other countries around the world who have somehow managed to all find there way to Vienna. People from Nigeria, Bulgaria, Uganda, and many other places around the world.

I was sure I had eaten my last meal of seema (the staple in Africa), a few months back...but I was wrong! We were living in the youth center that Reggy uses for the Bible studies and hangout sessions she has with these refugees and we had a housemate named Moses. Moses is originally from Nigeria, and twice he offered me some of his seema (or I guess in Nigeria it is called, "pop") and meet sauce. I, of course didn't want to be rude, so I ate it. I must say, his version is much better than anything I ate in Malawi or Mozambique! (Even if I found out I was eating cow intestine!)

Our main ministry the almost 12 days we were working with Reggy, was simply to help her with any physical work she wanted us to help with (I.e. painting, organizing, cleaning) and then hanging out with anyone who came to the youth center while it was open 4 times a week. We played ping-pong, pool, made crafts, and joined in there Bible study and church services. It was a lot of fun and Reggy seemed thrilled to have a few extra hands around for the week.

A big thanks goes out to Reggy and to Moses for letting us stay and help with this wonderful ministry. Please keep this ministry and the people who come to the youth center in your prayers!

What we're up to...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last couple of weeks is Vienna, we have gotten the opportunities to go sight-seeing, hang-out, enjoy the city and each other, and just chill.

There are parks to walk around in and feed the ducks...

Palaces to walk around in and view the city from...

Bikes to rent real cheap (Free for one hour after registering into the system for one Euro!)...

Christmas markets to walk around in and enjoy the lights, traditional Christmas drinks, and the local crafts stands...

And of course, Tikvah is all back together to enjoy each other's company!

Ministry in Munich

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Munich...supposedly the most expensive city in Germany (and its not hard to believe!), but thanks to the help and blessings of Munich International Community Church we were able to afford to stay there for a week on our World Race budget. We were able to stay with families and members of the church who were willing to step out in faith and accept complete strangers into their homes. A big thanks goes out to Dennis, Thomas, Angelika, Elzanne, and the Hendersons, as well as all the others who helped us! Thank you so much!

I don't feel like we did a whole lot to earn our keep but they seemed thrilled to have us come and help them clean out and paint there old office building that they are moving out of. We enjoyed ourselves and had funwith each other and some good conversations while all decked out in our lovely painting uniforms. We also, of course, took our occassional breaks and just relaxed on the floor. Hopefully the landlord thinks our painting was good enough!

To learn more about the church please visit their website at... http://www.munichurch.de

Picnic in the Park

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over our lunch breaks in Munich we enjoyed spending time hanging out in the local park eating our sandwiches and chips. That is when the weather permitted. It is quite chilly in Germany compared to everywhere else we've been this year! We had some quality time together and just laughed and sometimes acted like kids again! (Natalie ran to the swings in a frenzy ready to reminisce her childhood days!)

It hasn't been the same since we don't have Chris and Holli with us this month (they are on a separate worship team this month)...but we're still having a great time and are hoping and praying they are as well! We miss you guys!

Sunday...a day of rest!

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday in Munich was spent experiencing the local favorite Sunday breakfast of some kind of white sausage and some scrambled pancakes with applesauce. The traditional drink is, of course, beer...but I don't like beer so I shied away from that! The pancakes were great and the sausage wasn't bad, an enjoyable way to start the day!

After breakfast we watched the Glockenspiel put on its display...that is the clock on the community hall that has some figurines that dance around at the stroke 12. It wasn't has impressive as I was hoping, but nice none the less.

The afternoon was spent at the English Garden Park, supposedly bigger than Central Park. It was beautiful with all the fall colors and the families and dogs everywhere just set the mood for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. I walked around enjoying the weather and then sat and did some reflecting and realized how much I miss home right now. I cannot wait to spend a Sunday afternoon at home!

Tourism in Munich

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The last full day in Munich, the Pastor's wife insisted that we do a little of the touristy stuff near the city. So the Pastor spend his day taking us to the Dachau concentration camp, a local and very old beer hall for a German lunch, and an art museum.

Everyone says you need to see a concentration camp in Germany to understand the history and what this country has been through. It was a very depressing morning, but I agree that it does help to be able to feel empathy and to understand a little more about the trials and hardships people went through and what affect it has had not only on Germany, but on the entire world!

Lunch at the Hofbrauhaus was excellent...even if I ordered an orangeade and Natalie ordered a Lemonade and we got orange soda and sprite! I ordered German Goulash with dumplings and it was delicious!

The art museum was alright, though I personally am not a big art person. It was interesting to listen to some of the audio commentary, though.

Overall it wasn't a bad way to spend the day. I felt like I got to experience some of the culture of Germany and we had great company to do it with!

Travel to Vienna

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After a little over a week in Munich, we packed our bags and hopped on a train to Vienna! Traveling through Europe on the trains can be both entertaining and a headache. We had to continually change trains and sometimes had to wait for an hour or so before our next train arrived. This time it wasn't overnight at least. We got to enjoy the beautiful scenery out the train windows and see the Alps in the distance. And as usual, I loved getting to see the gorgeous sunset over the hills!

Safely in Munich

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here we are in Munich...after spending the night in several different train stations cause we missed the short train to Munich...but we are doing well so don't worry about us! Not much time to blog at the moment but I will update you all soon!

P.S. It was cold and we were all very tired so we huddled up and pulled out our sleeping gear in the train stations...we definitely got a lot of strange looks from the locals!

Psalm for Kiev

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes on Tuesdays when we went out to talk to the people on the streets, there were more of us than them, or not enough translators. So instead of overwhelming the people with a ton of Americans, we would take turns talking to the people or praying off to the side. It's amazing how much easier it is to pray for people and situations when you are right there with them and in their environment. When you see the pile of trash a homeless man lives by or the man in shabby clothes and crutches begging on the side of the street.

The second Tuesday I was off to the side praying and felt compelled to pray a Psalm over the neighborhood. I took my Bible out of my bag and turned to Psalm 34. I really feel like God wants these people to know how worthy He is of our praise and how much He wants to take care of them...if they would only turn to Him and cry out for His help. Read for yourself all that David said of God in Psalm 34 and I hope you believe it for yourself as well.

Psalm 34

I will extol the LORD at all times;
       his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
       let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
       let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
       he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
       their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
       he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
       and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
       blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints,
       for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
       but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me;
       I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
       and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
       and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
       seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
       and his ears are attentive to their cry;
the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
       to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
       he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
       and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
       but the LORD delivers him from them all;
he protects all his bones,
       not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
       the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems his servants;

no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Wednesdays

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After inviting everyone we met on Tuesday, Wednesday nights have been dedicated to a coffee house ministry run by Teen Challenge. An inviting atmosphere (even if the building has been freezing the last few weeks!) where coffee, tea and cookies are served to warm you up. Lots of the Teen Challenge staff and the visiting Americans are there to greet any of the drug addicted who come in to join the fellowship. We have more conversations to get to know each other and encourage them to get to know Jesus. We share with them lessons we've learned in life and how much our relationship with God means to us.

The coffee house then turns into 4 small discussion groups. Every table asks a couple thought provoking questions like, "how do you view God?" or "Do you believe people can be freed from addiction on their own? why or why not?" Everyone, the addicted and the staff, are encouraged to participate in the discussions and share their opinions. Most of them do. It is a blessing to be able to hear their stories and share mine with them. To encourage and be encouraged. To teach and to learn.

After another coffee and tea break the small groups come together for one final large group session. In this part of the program, we worship God together with singing and sharing of testimonies and Bible lessons. Sergey has given us the opportunities to share and lead in this time, and also the privilege to hear others lead and share what's on their hearts. The gospel is presented in a way that is not forceful, but gentle and loving. Sergey always ends by encouraging those who haven't accepted Christ to consider it and to seek God out. He makes himself available to talk and answer questions. He makes it clear that Teen Challenge is there to give them hope and to help them find the right path.

The night ends in prayer and everyone hangs around finishing the last of the cookies and coffee. They say their goodbyes and many of the people who have come for the first time leave saying they were so glad they came and would be coming again. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this ministry and to see some of the fruit and the impact that Teen Challenge is having here in Kiev.

There is Rejoicing in Heaven!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last night, our last time at the Teen Challenge Coffee House was incredible! Nothing seemed any different than any other week up until the time that everyone gathered together as a large group. During this time, my teammate, Chris shared some of his testimony and lessons he has learned in His life. He shared how he had tried to fix his life on his own by earning something. By trying to work harder or do more "good" things. He made it clear that this is a dead end road. He learned that you can fix yourself, you need to come to the point where you realize you have a desperate need for Jesus and you throw your life into His hands. How true those words are!

After Chris, another visitor, Anna Marie from Norway, spoke with such passion and joy what God laid on her heart. She talked about how Kiev is full of big beautiful churches that people cover in gold and finery trying to make a house suitable for God. Then she said that's great and all, but in God's eyes those churches are nothing. He doesn't need us to build him fancy houses to live in. He has created His own houses that are far more precious to Him...us.

Anna Marie compared people to old, ugly houses that are falling apart. Imagine if a rich king were to buy it. How amazing could he make it look with his resources? That is what God does with us. He bought us with His riches and filled us with His glory and spends our whole lives restoring us. He sweeps away the dirt and the cobwebs. He repairs the holes and leaks. But He doesn't just give us a quick paint job to make us look good on the outside. No, He strips us bare and starts fresh to make us pure and whole.

Anna Marie ended her talk by quoting Romans 10:9-10, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your heart that you confess and are saved." God created you to pour His love into you. Confess and invite God in to fix your house; to clean and beautify His temple!

After Anna Marie sang a song and Sergey stressed how important her message was, one of the drug addicted men spoke up and said he wanted to be cleaned. He wanted to let God into his life to restore him and make him beautiful. This man believed with his heart and confessed with his mouth and I am hear to testify to you that there is a party going on in heaven still, rejoicing because one of the lost sons has come home! This is a man that Sergey has been witnessing to for over 6 months. He kept saying he wanted nothing to do with God. He was angry with God and didn't trust him. He came to the coffee house for the first time last week and then again last night. He is now a fellow brother in Christ and I can see the hope that now lives in his eyes! Rejoice with us, dear brothers and sisters....the family is growing!

Thursdays

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We got to the opportunity to join Sergey for two Thursday afternoons at an after school program for underprivileged, at risk children. There were only a handful of them 12 and under each week. They really loved to have Americans come and play with them though! We learned some of their games and taught them some of ours. We laughed a lot and at some points felt completely out-of-shape and struggled keeping up with them!

Natalie also shared each week a lesson from the Bible and encouraged the kids to know that God is with them all the time. He is with them while they are at school, sleeping, playing with friends, when they are happy, sad, afraid or upset. He is there to comfort them and to hold them. He is worthy of their praise and worship no matter what others try to say. The kids listened eagerly to what Natalie had to teach them.

Natalie had them draw pictures that showed a time or something that helped them remember that God was with them. One little boy about 5 brought a picture of a Bible (drawn by his bigger brother I am sure, but oh well) and when asked to explain it, he simply said, "Jesus lives in this Book." It was so cute...and so true! Let us remember that for ourselves. Jesus is the living word! The living word that brings life wherever it is spoken! So speak the Word, people!

Fridays

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fridays actually turned out to be my favorite day of the week with Teen Challenge. We got to go with Sergey to a Rehab Center for men. This is a Christian Rehab center where drug addicts can come to live and get help with their addictions and guidance in their relationships with Christ. They build a support system here to help them to stay on track and to encourage each other.

While we were with them we simply sat together, shared stories together, worshiped in song together, and read the Bible together. While Sergey had a basic routine to follow, we never had anything really planned out. We simply shared what we felt the Holy Spirit wanted us to share. Now I am not a huge fan of public speaking and almost never enjoy doing it on the spot without ample time to prepare something. But not this month! This month I showed up to this rehab center not expecting to say much, but then all of the sudden a life story or lesson from scripture just came pouring out of me. I used to think I had nothing in common with drug addicts or alcoholics and never thought I had anything to say that they would listen to. But God has shown me differently. I may never have been addicted to drugs, but I've been addicted to other things in my life...relationships, things, money, etc. There are all kinds of addictions and the same mindset and thought processes consume everyone who has an addiction, regardless of what it is. And let me assure you, we've all had and still have our addictions! (Yes, even you!)

The last Friday we were there, I shared about the story of the rich man who wasn't willing to give up his possessions and wealth to follow Christ. (Matthew 19:16-30) My main point was, "Do you believe that Jesus is better than the things you are addicted to?" "Do you believe that Jesus is worth giving those things up?" "Are you willing to do it, or are you going to say no to Christ?" I know that one of the men at the Rehab center said he has been holding on to things and he felt like God was convicting Him when I spoke these words. I myself have felt convicted. Where is your heart on this subject? Think about it. Ask God to show you anything you are still holding on to and ask for the strength to let it go!

One more month!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just want to let you all know we will be moving out of our nice little apartment tomorrow which means internet access won't be as easily accessible...but I will try to keep updating. We will be leaving Kiev early next week after a debrief with the whole squad. Our team will then be heading west to....um, well we aren't exactly sure yet (go figure!) We hope to at least see Prague and we have to end in Vienna, Austria. That is about all I know. I will keep you updated as I can. Please pray for us, that we make it where God wants us to be and that we keep trusting Him to provide like He always does!

Tuesdays

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tuesdays with Teen Ministry is set aside for getting to know the drug addicted in Kiev. And since they don't normally seek out organizations like Teen Challenge, that means we have to go seek them out. Street Evangelism if you want to call it that, though it isn't preaching like I often think of when I hear the word "evangelism'. It's just us spending time with people and getting to know their life stories and asking them questions such as, "What are your dreams for life?, "Do you want to change?"

While we've been here we've had the opportunity to visit two parts of the city to reach out to people. Two very different parts of the city and two very different types of people. The first site I went to was a Methodone Clinic. A clinic where people addicted to drugs can come in order to get cleaner drugs or something (I don't understand the purpose of the clinic, but we don't work with them, we just hang out in front of it to talk to the clients.) The people who come to this clinic either have money themselves or have family that is willing to support them because the clinic is expensive. Most of them have families and jobs or prospects of jobs. Most of them lack hope, though.

The second place we went was a train station. Here we reached out to the homeless, jobless, and hopeless. They live on the streets, in abandoned buildings, under bridges, in alleys. They have family, but most of them are estranged from them. They spend their days begging on the streets for change from passerbys or collecting glass bottles for what little they can get for them. Yet somehow, they manage to still get the drugs, cigarettes and alcohol to take away the pain and get what little joy they find in life.

Teen Challenge's objective in reaching out to these people is to bring them the true joy in Christ and hope for something better. They befriend these men and women in order to show them God's love and invite them to build relationships with people who care. They share the hope of Christ and invite them to a coffee house on Wednesday nights to learn more. They want to give them the opportunity to meet Christians (some former drug addicts themselves) who can become a good support system for them. Teen Challenge is offering the way to freedom and salvation.

Many of the people we have talked to have said they want to change. They want a different way of life. They seem open to the idea of Jesus. But so few of them ever come to the coffee house to learn more. Teen Challenge continues to go to where the people are, though. Every week they go back to talk to the people, often the same ones. They are building relationships that are making a difference. Pray that God works in the lives of the men and women Teen Challenge ministers to every day!

Mondays

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'd like to start a blog series about our days in Kiev. Each weekday we have had something specific to do with Teen Challenge ministries. It has been a joy and a blessing to be able to serve along side of them and see the heart behind their service to the community.

Mondays are set aside specifically for prayer time. Members of Teen Challenge (their team is pictured right, though we only met with 3 of them each Monday) get together and pray for the needs of the organization, the workers, the people of Kiev, those coming to the coffee houses, etc. They also spend time intentionally listening to God and seeking His will for the ministry.

We have been joining them the last 3 Mondays for an hour or so before lunch. It is encouraging to see the passion and focus on Christ and how they want to bathe everything in prayer so God is glorified in everything they do. It has made me want to work more on my individual prayer life so that I am daily walking in the light of the Word.

After prayer time, we have been fellowshipping over lunch together at a local restaurant called, "Ny3aTa XaTa"...or when translated, "the fat house." (Quite the name, I know...but the food is good!) It's been nice to get to know our contacts, Sergey, Marianna, and Ben, and hear stories from fellow missionaries and Christians around the world!

Hope for the Helpless

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I met a man the other day who had tried to commit suicide, literally the very day before. I met another man who said that alcohol was the only thing that brought him joy in his life. Yet another man has a bum leg and no hope or joy at all in his eyes. At least one of these men has a wife and all of them have children. One has a home and job. Another struggles to keep a job and his child his kept by the grandmother. The third is homeless and begs on the street.

The world is full of hurting people. People who don't know where to turn to. People who have been abused and hurt by others. People who have tried to turn to worldly answers like drugs and alcohol only to get more lost and more hurt. These people are in bondage.

The first Monday we were here in Kiev, praying with Teen Challenge, several of our team members saw visions or thought about the city and how so many of the people are wrapped in chains and don't have the keys to undo them. Where are the keys? Where is the hope? As Christians we should be bringing that hope and pointing these people to the only one who has the keys...Jesus.

There are people in bondage all over the world, not just here in Kiev. There are people in your very towns and cities who need freedom from the chains. There are people in your families and schools and in your work places...what are you going to do about it?

Here is a song that I love, that points people to Jesus as the Savior. The one and only one who can break the chains that bind us!

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

Lesson from Bees

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I took this picture the other day here in our backyard garden and while going through my photos today I thought of a good lesson we can learn from bees. As you all know...bees go from flower to flower collecting pollen and nectar. Every time they land on a new flower, they deposit part of the old flower, thus pollinating and helping the plants to reproduce. Christians should be striving to spend time with Jesus so that His residue is on us and everywhere we go and all the people we meet are then left with pieces of Him. Are we spending enough time with Jesus and do we have His life in us? Are we intentionally going out into the world trying to spread His life? Jesus is too great a gift to keep for yourself! Keep filling up with the living water so you can keep giving living water to those around you!

Joy in the Harvest

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's getting colder here in Ukraine. I am beginning to feel the chill and don't relish the thought of leaving the house to stand in line at the bus stop or walk to the metro station. I wrote a blog about fall around this time a year ago (wow...I've been blogging for well over a year now, I can't believe it!). A blog about how much I love fall and all the color changes and the things related with fall like apples and pumpkins, etc. I still love all of these things and fall is still my favorite season of the year. So I was caught off guard when I was looking for a good poem or quote about fall and read that most Autumn poetry is associated with feelings of melancholy. The quote says, "The possibilities of summer are gone, and the chill of winter is on the horizon. Skies turn grey, and people turn inward, both physically and mentally." I suppose I can understand these feelings and I sense these sentiments from the people I pass by everyday here in Kiev. A lot of people

walk around with a sad aura hanging over them, as if they believe what Rainer Maria Rilke (a German Poet) says:

Who now has no house, will not build one (anymore).
Who now is alone, will remain so for long,
will wake, and read, and write long letters
and back and forth on the boulevards
will restlessly wander, while the leaves blow.

Fall, also known as Autumn or at one time "Harvest", should be a time of celebration and joy. God called His people to have feasts and parties during this time of the year, to revel in all the hard work they had done the rest of the seasons in planting and growing their crops. Perhaps one of the problems today is that most people aren't involved in farming anymore. People continue to work hard throughout the year and possibly never stop to celebrate, or maybe even don't see any reason to celebrate. They may not see any "fruit" coming from the work they are doing or not enough fruit to keep them from being hungry.
I think the people here in Kiev are hungry, and of course I don't mean lives with physically. They are trying to fill their entertainment...whether that be work, music, drugs, sex, alcohol, games, etc. All those worldly things never fully quench the thirst in all our souls. They are hungry for something to bring them true joy and happiness. Something that will cause them to want to celebrate and see the good in the harvest time. I pray that as the colors are changing that the people will change as well. That they will begin shed all the burdens from their lives and let them fall to the ground. That they would die to themselves so that God can cause them to grow again into the kind of vibrant, living joyful creations He meant for them to be!

Feels like home

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here we are living in the city again. Kiev, Ukraine is quite the city...fortunately for me who is not a big city girl we have the privilege of living in a nice residential area on the outskirts of town. We have been blessed with our own basement apartment for three weeks (and for quite the bargain let me tell you!) We have two wings of the house, so the guys have taken one and the girls the other. We have a nice little kitchen and living room area with a working stove and refrigerator. (Natalie's been cooking up a storm and we have been eating like royalty!) One of the best parts is that we have an American bathroom (no squatty like a lot of the toilets in Ukraine!) with piping hot water and a washing machine so we don't have to hand wash our clothes!

We all enjoy being able to have our own little place and making it feel like home. Natalie had the great idea of having everyone put our family pictures on the refrigerator to really add to the homey atmosphere! We spend a lot of time eating and hanging out around the kitchen table and drinking our after dinner teas (and/or breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas...there is a lot of tea drinking going on in Europe!) So when we aren't out on the town, know that we are nice and cozy and blessed here in our home, sweet, home!

Teen Challenge

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We are now in Kiev, Ukraine...a large, bustling city in the heart of Eastern Europe. Historically, Ukraine has been through a lot of turmoil, war and economic depression and has struggled to overcome the negative effects of these trials. In Kiev there are mass amounts of people without hope. In their attempt to find hope they are turning to drugs, alcohol, sex and other vices that are just leaving them in bondage. As a Christian, I know that is not what God wants for the Ukrainians. God wants to give them life and freedom; joy and peace; love and mercy. He wants to bring them out of the darkness and into the light. Thankfully, there have been some Christians who have heard God's calling to bring that hope to the people here in Ukraine. There are missionaries from several countries around the world and local missionaries here in Kiev who are desiring to see God move and destroy the chains that bind the lost souls. These missionaries are stepping out in faith and obedience and living their faith out loud!

One of the mission organizations here in Kiev is called, Teen Challenge. There main focus is bringing the hope of the Gospel to those addicted to drugs. It is this organization that my team is partnering with this month. To learn about the organization as a whole please visit the Teen Challenge website at http://www.teenchallenge.info . To learn more about the vision of Teen Challenge in Kiev specifically, watch the video below. (Note: Sergei in the video is the main contact we are working with here in Kiev and he is an amazing guy with a heart for the addicted and joy from the Lord!)

Romanian Ministry Website

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just discovered that John and Tootsie, our missionary contacts in Viile Tecii, Romania have a website about their ministry work in the village. I would like to pass it on to you so you can read and learn more about the vision and passion they have for the gypsies in Romania and know how to pray for them specifically.

I want to send a thank you out to John and Tootsie and all the others in Viile Tecii for housing us and supporting us in our endeavor to spread the gospel around the world! Check out their website at. . . http://www.gypsyagape.com

Wildflowers

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I love wildflowers! In Romania and some of Ukraine, there are wildflowers everywhere. All the different colors growing wild on the hillsides and blowing in the breeze...it's beautiful. Someday I have a secret desire to make my wedding bouquet out of wildfowers (let's hope I'm not geting married in winter!)
All of these wildflowers remind me of a song that I've heard countless times over the years. Some of you may know it. It is a song about falling in love with Jesus. This is my desire for myself, for all the people of these countries and for all of you. Here are the lyrics of the song I'd like to share with you.

"Love Song for a Savior"
Jars of Clay

In open fields of wild flowers,
She breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses
In no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all
He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running
And fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

Sitting silent wearing Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people
Who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running
And fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

It seems too easy to call you "Savior",
Not close enough to call you "God"
So as I sit and think of words I can mention
To show my devotion

"I want to fall in love with You"

Grandma

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Please join with me in praying for one of the strongest and most influential Christian women in my life...my Grandma! I just received news that she is in the hospital and not doing well. I love this woman dearly as I know you would if you met her! So right now I pray that God touches her body and strengthens her and also that He comforts her heart and gives her a calm and peaceful spirit. Thank you, Lord for such an amazing grandmother who has loved me unconditionally and supported me in my walk with you.

What Could be Better?

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I fell in love with the sweetest old woman in Romania and never even knew her name! She lived across the street from us in Viile Tecci and her 10 year old grandson, Gigi would always invite people over to play with him. I finally gave in one day and am glad I did.because I had a blast. I kicked the soccerball around with him, got pulled on a wagon, sang songs, and watched American cartoons dubbed in Romanian...what could be better!

Well, I'll tell you what could be better...getting loved on by that dear old grandmother! She didn't speak a lick of English and I of course speak no Romanian, so we weren't able to have conversations, but we connected none the less. She of course, in typical grandmotherly fashion, gave me food and lots of it. Even when I had just eaten lunch and told her no, she insisted and kept putting it in front of me. She always wanted to make sure I was comfortable and not wearing myself out with Gigi. She kept motioning for me to take a nap on her bed, or bringing a chair for me to sit on. She was so kind and generous, it warmed my heart (and made me homesick for my own grandmothers at the same time!)

I don't know how much my visiting with her affected her, but she always had a smile on her face and teared up a little when our big bus pulled up on the street and I ran across the road to say good-bye. I was finally able to get a translator to help me say my goodbyes and she kept saying, "God bless you!" That is what I hope God does for her and her husband and grandson...blesses them and keeps on giving them joy!

Farmer Jessica

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of my dreams and hopes for my future is to live on or at least be a part of a working farm or orchard of some sort. I love the idea of growing my own fruits and vegetables from seed. Seeing them grow and mature every step of the way and then being able to enjoy eating the final product. (I know, Dad, I haven't always been very helpful with the gardening at home...sorry about that!) I hope to spend some quality time with my grandmothers and my own mother over the next year or so, learning how to make homemade jams, applesauce and salsas and pickles. Then, also learn how to can and freeze the fruits and vegetables to save for the winters. I don't know why, but this old-fashioned (at least in America) way of doing things is attractive to me.

The reason I am thinking about this right now is because Viile Tecii, Romania reminded a lot of my dream. They had apple orchards (which we got to help harvest apples one day from), grapevines, plum trees and more everywhere. The countryside was filled with cornfields and vegetable gardens were in everyone's yards. We had homemade jams and homegrown fruits available at almost every breakfast and for snacks throughout the day. I loved it!

So if anyone has a small farmhouse with land for a garden/small orchard they want to throw my way...let me know!

Cape Town or Bust!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So I never finished telling you about our last month in Africa. After spending a few days in Lusaka, Zambia and a few more in Livingstone...our team headed south with the hopes of making it to Cape Town, South Africa. Contrary to the way I prefer to live life, the rest of my team roped me into just going without any planning. We didn't have transportation or lodging or anything set up. The idea was to see God show up and provide. The fact that I am alive and now in Romania with the rest of my race members, testifies to the fact that God did provide and protect us.

We started out by crossing the Zambia border into Botswana where we had no car, bus, or taxi to take us anywhere. God provided the back of a big empty truck for us to travel the full length of Botswana in. It was freezing cold that night as we all huddled up in our sleeping bags, but the sunset was gorgeous and we made it to our next stop...the South Africa border.

From the SA border we were able to get a relatively cheap bus to take us to Johannesburg where we got a coach bus to Cape Town. We had made it. But now the dilemma was that we had no place to stay. All we had was a number for couple we had never met. We had met their daughter and son-in-law in Malawi and they had suggested we stay with them but nothing had been planned ahead of time. We tried calling them from the bus station and at the same time began asking about back-packing lodges. The lodges were all going to be overpriced for our budget or so it seemed. But thankfully we didn't need to worry about that, because God opened up the hearts of the couple we called and they welcomed us to their home with gladness. They were such a blessing to us and helped encourage us about the church and how Jesus is working in South Africa.

While in Cape Town we got to hike up Table Mountain. It was great for me, though may not have been for some members of the team who weren't feeling well that day. I had suggested a tougher hike and they all agreed. The book we had with directions and descriptions didn't turn out to be too helpful, though and we ended up having to backtrack at least once and climb down a rather precarious rock scramble...but it was beautiful.

Some people say that you've never really been to South Africa until you've been to Cape Town. I'm not sure I would say that or not, but I do say it is one of the prettiest cities I've seen around the world!