everything that feels like home

This past weekend I got to go HOME! (Thanks, Dad, for financing the wonderful weekend.)

It had been 9 weeks since I'd been home, which was 8 weeks longer than I'd ever been away from home.

It all started Thursday afternoon with a "use-all-your-meals-for-the-week-before-you-leave-because-they-will-expires-before-you-return" party at lunch. (Nate, this one's for you.) Good friends. Good food. Good day.

My dad had arranged for an airport shuttle to pick me up early in the afternoon right outside my dorm so that I didn't have to leave Tiff (yes, the orange bug has a name) at the airport over the long weekend. I flew from Oklahoma City to Atlanta to Augusta. Not my first time flying. First time flying by myself.

All things considered, I guess taking someone else's seat on the short flight from Atlanta to Augusta was definitely not a worst case scenario.

After 6 hours of traveling and a time zone change, I arrived at the Augusta airport around 8:30pm and was met by my parents, brother, and best friend. My little puppy greeted me when I walked in the door... and Coal remembered me! Huge relief. He stayed by my side, my constant companion, all weekend.

Over the weekend, I was able to visit so many people and places that make home, HOME.

Friday afternoon I popped in for a short visit at South Aiken Baptist Christian School, where I taught math and English last year. I so enjoyed my time there catching up with my students and teacher friends. Crusaders, I WILL be back.. for good.

I got to visit with my grandma while she was on puppy duty and tell her all about my classes, work, and "free time," which is really just a figment of the imagination.

Friday afternoon I met my best friend at the park and had a surprise waiting for her. We've been planning her weekend visit out here for months, and I've been dropping hints about the surprise I had planned for her trip, but she didn't find out until then what special thing is in store for the weekend. Any guesses? We're headed to a Hunter Hayes concert in Tulsa. She was surprised. And excited.

My mom and I spent some girl time together, since she's constantly surrouned by the male presence (yes, even our dog and fish are guys). Mother-daughter shopping trips are not unusual, but perhaps they are not quite the norm when you both come away with new running shoes, shorts, and shirts.

Norman doesn't have Moe's, so a trip home wouldn't have been complete without "Welcome to Moe's" with this guy on Saturday before we started a college football watching marathon. Though it was not a football day to remember, it was just the way I'd want to spend a Saturday.

I got to sing with the choir at church on Sunday, which was something I knew I had missed. I just hadn't realized how much. They're such a great group of encouragers who love the Lord. Go join them! (shameless plug, but Mr. Howard would be proud)

I also visited with my second family, the Eberls, on Sunday afternoon. It was so fun sharing stories, experiences, lessons learned, and laughter with them.

And just like that, the whirlwind of a weekend was over. My family got up really early Monday morning to drive me back to the airport for a 5:30am flight, but not before the obligatory photo op.

After reflecting over the past few months - months that have brought challenges and changes I could never begin to imagine - I've come to a couple of conclusions. There's nothing quite like being away from home to make you realize how wonderful it really is. And home is more, much more, than a place. Home is people. Home is where the heart is.

everything's bigger when it's OU/TX

This weekend was one of firsts.

First trip to Texas...

First time at a state fair...

First OU/TX weekend...

First college weekend away...

Friday afternoon, Brandy, Lauren (no, not me), and I (yes, this is me) set off for Dallas, Texas. Of course, we had to stop right across the border. Ironically, a couple on motorcycles had the same idea, so we were able to do a whole photo-op.

First time on Texas soil

After spending the better part of an hour stuck in football traffic, we arrived safe and sound at the Courtyard Marriott. (Thanks, Brandy!) Exploring Dallas was the only thing on our agenda Friday evening, so we set out to learn the ways of the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) train with hopes that we wouldn't get lost on Gameday. We were at least almost successful in this respect. We found a Fuzzy's for dinner, think mix between Salsa's and Mi Rancho for my Aikenites reading this. We toured some of the downtown Dallas area and found a neighborhood with streets named after Disney characters (ahhh!!) before heading back to the hotel where we spent the night watching TV and writing a book. Okay, technically they did the TV watching and I did the book writing, but it's all good. Staying up way past our bedtime resulted in some fairly humorous stories and pictures. Such good times.

Our backwards Oreo (Caption credit: Brandy)

Saturday brought many learning experiences to the three of us. First, Brandy and Lauren learned that I really can sleep through just about anything, as it took half an hour with the TV, lights, and shower on before I moved. Brandy said she waiting me out, because she was afraid to try to wake me up. I may or may not have told her a while back about the time I punched Drew when he woke me up one night so that I could move from the sofa to my bed. (Sorry again, Drew.)

I learned that everything truly is bigger in Texas, especially creepy statues like Big Tex. As if the fact that he's 20 stories tall isn't enough, his mouth moves so that he can talk. Ah, yes, awkward. On the plus side, he makes a great "meet here if we get separated place." The only problem is that he is that place for every. single. group. there. Good thing we didn't get separated.

I learned that great stuff happens on the sidelines before a football game. Because I was one of the 35 students in charge of running the Oklahoma flag onto the field prior to the game, I got to hang out on the sidelines pre-game. While the stadium gradually filled with fans for both teams, I took lots and lots of pictures. Oh, and I did get to meet AT&T's Fan Coach. Definitely one of my finer moments.

Sidelines, pre-game

Greg and Samantha Ponder have nothing on me now. ;)

I think it's fairly safe to say that all of Oklahoma learned that pride goes before the fall and that trash talking prior to a big rivalry football is not necessarily the best idea anyone has ever had. After a less than stellar performance by our football team, OU's side of the stadium suddenly seemed a lot roomier in the fourth quarter. But being the hardcore fans that we are, we stuck it out to the very. last. second.

"Are you sure you want a picture to help you remember this?"
- anonymous fan

The last thing I learned is that Oklahoma fans greatly hate Texas... and their football team... and their mascot. I thought the Clemson/Carolina hatred from South Carolina was bad, but this one might just have topped that. However, their hatred could not deter me from adding another mascot picture to my collection. Thanks, Mr. Cow, uhh, I mean Longhorn.

yes, that's two finger I'm holding up

...and hopefully those won't be the lasts.

a little bit of everything

So the past week has been a blur, mainly because I'm working like mad to get ahead in all of my schoolwork so that I can do nothing but simply enjoy being home in less than a week. But, even amid all of the work, a little play is necessary, right? Here's a look at a couple of things I've accomplished over the past several days...



"Boomer Sooner" in Arabic

Anyone who knows me knows that I will do just about anything for a free tshirt. ...and that there is no such thing as too many tshirts.

All I had to do to acquire this beauty was wear green and stop by the Saudi Student Association's tent in the South Oval on appreciate your culture day.

Just a few days ago, I again raided the South Oval for a free tshirt. This one is navy blue and advertises for the "Fitter Foods" program our cafeteria is promoting. Hey, free shirt. Need I say more?

Before Soonerthon 2013

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to run in the Soonerthon 5K, which benefits the Children's Medical Center here in Oklahoma. It's an organization similar to USCA's dance marathon that I participated in back home during my undergrad college days.

Unlike many races that take place early in the morning, this one was set with a start time of 7:30pm so that the event's tagline "Keep Glowing" was actually possible. This was not the first evening race I'd ever run, but it was the first race I'd ever run while holding glow sticks... and wearing neon. Let's just say, I was visible.



Last Saturday was OU's second conference home game, this time against TCU. I've really enjoyed having a football team to cheer for on weekends, though the day is pretty much taken up with pre-game preparation and waiting in line to rush the stadium for (almost) front row seats. My friends and I have the whole stadium entrance thing figured out pretty well, as we had third row seats for the second time this year.

We also have fairly good luck at ending up in ridiculous situations that are just begging for a picture. Hence, this picture of the Taco Bell Fan of the Game. He was on the row behind us, so naturally I had to ask if we could take a picture with his taco. (This is the part where Brandy wonders what she did to deserve a wacked out roommate who takes pictures with foam tacos).

Fox Sports 1 was on site for broadcasting our game, so before we got in line outside the stadium, Brandy and I thought we'd check out the giveaways and games they had going on. We found this gigantic blue Transformer and got to fulfill our dream of being football players. Ehhh, just go with it, ok? 


At Fox Sports 1 with the Transformer

Trying out our football skills

It's also been neat to see all of the teams that seemed so foreign to me when I was on the East Coast in the middle of our ACC/SEC rivalries. For example, TCU just doesn't journey that far East, so this was likely my one shot at getting a photograph with their oh so photogenic horned-frog mascot.


One of my most-prized pictures to date

It was certainly not the easiest thing I've ever done. But I am woman. I will not be deterred.

OU/TX is this weekend, so I'll be venturing into another  new state for the first time. I can only imagine what's in store, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

"OHANA" means family

This past week has flown by. And by flown, I mean, airplane fast.

- Perhaps the cooler temperatures on my bike rides to class helped to change my perspective...
- Or the fact that Tuesdays are always a little brighter because it's Hot Chocolate Cobbler day at the dessert station in the caf...
- Maybe it's because papers and constantly due in all of my classes, so "free time" is once again a thing of the past...

Perhaps in a normal week, one or more of these things could be the reason behind the flash that has been this week. But this was not a normal week. Why?

My family came to visit!

While I've always thought of myself as a home body, I have found out during the past 8 weeks how very right I was. 8 weeks. That's how long I've been here. 8 weeks. That's how long it's been since I've seen my brothers or my puppy. 7 weeks. That's how long it's been since I've seen my parents. (Because, you know, they drove me out at the start of the semester).

Since this past Sunday night, my dad (V.P.!!) has been presenting at a conference in Dallas, Texas. Like any good wife, mother, and homeschool teacher, my mom decided it would be the perfect time to pack up Drew and his school books (and my car!! Yay, Tiff!) and drive every one of the 1,062 miles from Aiken to 2730 Chautauqua Avenue in Norman, Oklahoma, for a visit.

They came in Friday evening, my cute orange little bug in tow. I treated them to the delicacies of the cafeteria that evening and stayed with them at the hotel to maximize family time. The rest of the weekend was spent showing them around campus, introducing them to the awesome people I've met out here, and of course, watching college football. Oh, and did I mention that my mom made me chicken pot pie in my apartment. So good!

 Goodbyes aren't nearly so hard when the time isn't so long and the distance isn't so far. While they left early Sunday afternoon for Dallas, I knew I'd be seeing a couple of them later in the week, and ALL of them again soon.

This Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were possibly the least productive school-wise of my college career, simply because it is almost impossible to focus on studying when you have company (hey, Mom and Drew) - especially company that you haven't seen in two months. Lucky for me, I'm plan-in-advancer, so everything that was due this week had already been done. After lunch today, Mom and Drew left, once more, for Texas, where they will join Dad before starting the 15+ hour journey home tomorrow.

 

Such a great weekend. Such a great week.

Oh, and did I mention it's just 2 weeks, just 14 days, until I'm HOME for a visit?! Can't. Even. Wait.

Alright. Here it is. The third and final (at least for now) request I have for your help!

This time, it's not for a current class, but a book that has been very close to my heart for a very long time. Some of you have heard about it.  A few of you ask about it. Many of you don't know about it.

The Gift of Moments.

My vision for this book is that it will be a compilation of "God-moments". What are "God-moments"? My mom and I love sharing them, but basically, they are those coincidences that just can't be mere coincidence or good luck.

...that check that arrived in the mail that was just enough to pay rent next month.

...the phone call from the doctor saying that the tests denied his previous diagnosis.

...the stranger that showed up at the accident and was never seen again.

The great thing about this book is that God is SO BIG. He's limitless. And His stories of provision are limitless as well. 

Another great thing is that all the stories are true. No fiction here. While some of the stories have happened directly to me, in my life, others are stories from friends, pastors, family members... The list goes on. Now, to maintain privacy, names may be changed or locations altered, however, the heart of the story will remain the same.

In my spare time (haha, teacher-friends, does free time even exist?!) I've started writing some of the stories that will comprise The Gift of Moments. However, it's nowhere near completion at this point. One, because it's not written, and two, because I'm always looking for more stories!

By now, you've probably figured out my request, where you all come in. Yep, you've got it. I want to hear your story. Now, here's the thing. A lot of times we downplay our own story of how the Lord has worked in our life, thinking it's not as good as someone else's. Let's just go ahead and establish that when we're bragging on our God, no story is too big or too small. They are ALL HIS stories.

Okay, so here's what I'm asking, if you're willing... Send me your "God-moment". I want to hear your story. And I'll bet a lot of other people do as well.

Hey hey hey!

I apologize for the lack of blog post yesterday... I plead "not guilty." Or perhaps more appropriately, college football? It really is an all day event when your school has a home game at night. 

The good news: we won! The bad news: we probably didn't deserve to. Rough night for the Sooners. 

Okay, so I'm back to give you method #2 for how you can help. Just to review briefly, convince everyone you know that this is the place to read up on all things... well, at least all things that fly through my brain. Trust me, it's probably worth your time. ;)

Method #2 is this..

I was homeschooled. I was homeschooled for the majority of my educational career. (Yes Mom, I did the math. This is still true.) 

Well, *spoiler alert* the book I'm working on for my nonfiction involves some of my homeschooling adventures and explores those timeless questions...

"Did you have friends?'

"Can you talk to adults?"

"Did you get to sleep in every day and do school work in your pajamas?"

...and the classic assumptions...

"It must be nice having your mom just give you 100s."

"I wish I got to watch TV all day."

Here's where you all come in. Whether or not you were homeschooled or have homeschooled your children, chances are you at least know someone who does. So, the two options...

1. If you were homeschooled or are a homeschooling parent, what was the best part? Favorite memory? Worst part? Perks of homeschooling? Thing you would do differently? Thing you wished you had known? Favorite question to be asked by a non-homeschooling family? Best field trip? Favorite stereotype (true or untrue)?

*I don't need to know the answers to all of these, but one or two would be incredibly helpful.*

2. If you are part of my non-homeschooling friends, how did you encounter homeschooling? What were some stereotypes you had of homeschoolers (true or untrue)? Most annoying thing about homeschoolers? Would you consider this for your family? Perks of not homeschooling?

Again, *I don't need to know the answers to all of these, but one or two would be incredibly helpful.*

So that's it. Easy, right? Maybe not so much. But.. your answers truly are valuable to me! 

How do you get them to me? Two options, yet again. (Doesn't it feel good to have options!)

1. Email me!! At lestephens129@gmail.com

                         OR

2. Facebook message me. >>>>> Lauren Stephens

Thanks so much! Look for my third and final request for your help coming soon. And by soon, I mean tomorrow.

Here Goes Nothing...

Hey y'all.

A LOT has changed recently. Now, I'm still writing tonight from the good 'ole USA. Just the center of it. And by center of it, I mean literally. Norman, Oklahoma. Smack dab in the middle of 'Merica.

Many of you have been following my journey West (kind of like the explorers in the olden days) on Facebook and Twitter. Well, my plan is to give a more detailed, written account of my grad school adventures here on Blogger. But before I go into detail about some of the humorous (and not so humorous) experiences of the past few weeks, I have a proposal to make...

Over the next few days I will reveal three ways that you, yes you my reader friend, can help me. From wherever you happen to be.

So tonight, here is the first way.

I am currently taking one of my required classes for my PW (Professional Writing) degree. As I am writing a full length nonfiction manuscript over the course of the next 3 months, I have a total of 12 milestones to complete along the way. All these milestones are leading up to the finished product, which will be a nonfiction book of publishable quality - complete with a letter to an agent, marketing plan, and book proposal and synopsis.

All I am asking you to do is to take a moment and follow my blog here on Blogger. Then, share the link to it (if you're feeling really helpful) on your Facebook or with your friends. My goal over the next few weeks is to get the traffic on my blog, my "readership" if you will, at an all time high.

That's it. Simple. Follow lavished by grace... and share lavished by grace...

And maybe tune in tomorrow for the second way you could help.

Thank you all! Goodnight!

the words i would say...

Sidewalk Prophets is an up and coming band in today's contemporary Christian music industry. While I love so many of their songs, for instance, show me how to love, you can have me, and just might change your life all speak volumes about the life of an individual sold out to God. However, my favorite would definitely have to be their first single, these are the words i would say. Take a moment and reflect on the chorus of this song.

"be strong in the Lord
and never give up hope
you're gonna do great things
i already know
God's got his hand on you
so don't live life in fear
forgive and forget
but don't forget why you're here
take your time and pray...

these are the words i would say"

If you're like me, music speaks in a way that other things cannot. The passion and urgency behind these words resonates with my desire for others to know their worth, the worth that God has given them.

And so, it got me thinking. What are the words I would say? The things I would share? That I want others to know and believe? Turns out, they're not so much my words, as His. So here's what HE says, what HE has shared in his word, and what HE wants us all to know and believe...

1. you are loved more than life itself..................john 3:16
2. He rejoices over you.......................................zephaniah 3:17
3. you are precious.............................................psalm 63:3
4. He comes to your rescue...............................isaiah 64:5
5. His strength fills your weakness....................2 corinthians 12:9
6. you are written on the palm of His hand........isaiah 49:16
7. you are created in His image.........................genesis 1:27
8. He has set you apart.......................................jeremiah 1:5
9. He is enthralled by your beauty......................isaiah 45:11
10. you have not been given a spirit of fear......2 timothy 1:7
11. He is your help...............................................psalm 121:1-2
12. the Lord fights for you...................................exodus 14:14
13. you are honored in His sight........................isaiah 43:4
14. He is your strength........................................habakkuk 3:19
15. you are the apple of His eye........................psalm 17:8
16. you are a jewel in His crown........................isaiah 62:3

yes, i think these are the words i would say...

"Go."

Today is the one year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Since that tragic day, 365 days ago, so much progress has been made, so much aid has been shipped, so much love has been shown. But, there is still so far to go.

I actually wrote this post while in Haiti. Each night before bed, my five sisters and I would climb in our bunk beds and journal about our days while we took turns in the tarantula-infested shower and bathroom. Sometimes my journaling would get redirected into "blogging on paper," and the heart of this post is the result of one of those evenings. Basically, I've just typed up what I had written while there - adding only the last few paragraphs where I had left off.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Such a simple, two-letter word. But ever notice how frequently we use it? Every. single. day. Go get this... or that. Go team! Go to bed. Go to the store. Go ask your father. Green means go. You get the idea.

Part of our goal in coming to Haiti this week is found in Jesus's declaration in Matthew 28:19-20. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Since arriving here on the mainland, we have been doing a LOT of 'going.' From Port au Prince to Chantal and Cayes to Port Salut, we've gone many places and in many, many ways.

When Dudu met us at the airport shortly after landing in Port au Prince, we loaded all our luggage into a Haitian-style bus. Nice, air conditioned and about as smooth a ride as you'll get going through the streets of Haiti.

Until today, each time we've gone somewhere - either to the church at Chantal or the beach at Port Salut - it has been in our beloved yellow school bus. I don't think I've mentioned before that it has no air conditioning and is missing a couple of windows, but I'm pretty sure that's what makes it ours.

You might have seen where our bus really got going, stopping just short of nailing a tree. Well, yesterday as we were going back to the guest house in Cayes, they back right tire (yes, this would be the one spinning and smoking during the tree incident) blew out - very, very flat. As you might have guessed, our going stopped rather abruptly in the middle of a crowded Haitian street.

However, nothing takes our God by surprise. And as He would have it, Pastor Louis was only about a mile ahead of us in his white pickup truck. In a matter of mere minutes, our team was loaded into the bed of his truck with the rest of his family and we were all going on our way once again. Twenty-two people in the back of a pickup...
only in Haiti.

Another of our more unconventional methods of going to Chantal and back has been a white 15 passenger bus - except we carry as many as 17 passengers at once. See, the real adventure in this vehicle is best understood when considered in conjunction with the roads on which we've been going. We're talking pot holes the size of dump truck tires all over the road. Then you've got to consider that the road itself isn't paved and runs right through the middle of rice fields... lots and lots of rice fields. Add into the equation the fact that the city of Cayes has only three stoplights - all in the middle of a traffic circle - and that our driver could take a full length school bus from 0 to 50 and back again in 10 seconds flat and you might have some idea of a typical journey in Haiti. Guess that might be why it took us almost an hour and a half to go about nine miles one way to the little church in Chantal every day.

Every morning after the bus blew a tire, we would wake up hoping that a new one would be found. And every morning, we discovered that one hadn't. As we were later told, a huge number of the neighboring towns and villages had been searched, but apparently there were no bus tires to be found outside of Port au Prince. Therefore, for the remaining 3 days of the trip, our team of 11 piled into the van with our driver, tools, and a couple of Haitian friends - bringing the total to 17.

I think Mary probably described it best when she said riding in the very back of this now 17 passenger chariot was comparable to a really springy diving board. The last day we went out to Chantal, we also had the added cargo of duffel bags filled with school supplies and clothes. No wonder our heads met the ceiling with nearly every bump in the road.

Definitely a new way to go out into the world. However, I don't think any of us would have wanted it any other way.

Having now been back in the states for almost 6 months, the last day that we set out for Chantal, August 2nd, is probably the day that I will remember forever. While we sat in the same seats, with the same people, on the same roads, with essentially the same goal, aside from Pastor Mike, I don't think any of us had any idea what it would be like leaving these awe-inspiring people for the last time - or how radically they would change our lives in the following days, months, and years. What a privilege it was to go and what a blessing it has been to have gone.

all your needs

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Paul, Philippians 4:19

Paul. I just love Paul. I think it is because he and I seem to have a lot of things in common. I mean, God had to get this guy chained up in prison just so he'd sit still long enough to write most of the New Testament. Paul loved to be going and doing. Me too. I'm just hoping it won't take physical chains or a prison to keep me still enough to accomplish whatever God has planned for me.

And that is why I find myself sitting on my unmade bed, looking out the window at the snowy and icey yard, just being still. Okay, so maybe the TV is quietly on a sports channel in the background, but that's not the point. There's something about the stillness and peacefulness that comes with the snow. And so I've found myself reflecting on that verse from Philippians.

I think Paul got it, like really got it. This guys had been through it all. For years he had been a spiritual giant, though more on the Pharisaical side of it. He knew all the rules and was proud of his religion. But, after a bout of blindness, he also knew the reality that is Jesus. He really lived it, just saying. In 2 Corinthians, Paul boasts in his sufferings for Christ - not so that he could lift himself up, but rather so that He might be lifted up and and others encouraged to stand firm.

Just 7 verses before, in Philippians 4:12, Paul reveals that he knows what it is like to live in plenty and to live in want. He shares that he has learned the secret to being content in any and every situation.

Now, I'm definitely NOT a theologian. In fact, I can barely even spell it without a dictionary. But I would venture to say that Paul was all over this one. I imagine sitting down across the table from him, let's say at Subway, with the conversation going something like this...

Me: "So, Paul, I see here in Philippians that you seem to think you've discovered the secret to being content in life. Is that really even possible?"

Paul: "Without a doubt it's possible. Remember Luke 18:27, nothing is impossible with God."

Me: "Okay, so hypothetically speaking, just what IS this secret?"

Paul: "I'd say it comes down to one word. Jesus. That He is who He says He is. That He loves like He says He loves. That He saves like He says He can save. That He keeps promises and supplies needs, just like He says He will."

So, just a few days after the new year, I can't help but think about all the ways He has more than exceeded all of my needs... A perfect Savior. Loving family. Best friends. Warm house. Abundant food. Clean air and water. Church body.

Then, there are those things I like to say are "just because He can." Free school. Chick-fil-a. College football. Texting. Snow days. A best friend who is content simply to sit with this sister missing her brother. The list goes on and on and on.

So today, I will choose to trust. And in trusting, I hope to be able to say, like Paul, that I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. For surely, if He can clothe the lilies of the field and feed the birds of the air (Matthew 6), He can be just what I need, just when I need it.

From the Rooftop

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

Here in Haiti the sun rises early and sets late. And one of the best places to revel in this, the beauty of one of God’s creative masterpieces, is on the roof of the guest house.

This is by far my favorite place to start the morning. Me and God. And just this morning, during our time on the roof, I had approached the throne asking Him to work among us in a way that all we say, without a shadow of a doubt, was, “That was God.”

The life of a believer is a battlefield. And spiritual warfare is a very real thing. But I can’t say we weren’t warned. Take, for example, John 16:33. As some of His last words to His disciples, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Pay close attention to the wording from that verse. Notice He didn’t say, “if you happen to have a little bit of trouble here or there,” but rather He said, “you will have trouble.” My favorite part of this verse is that last phrase – the incredible promise that Christ’s victory leaves no reason for fear.

The reason I bring that up? Anna’s message for the kids at Vacation Bible School today was the gospel – the hardcore message of the cross. Tonight at the revival service, Cole’s message from Habakkuk was an encouragement that God is good, that He can always be trusted. I’m pretty sure someone didn’t want those messages heard… But Someone else did.

This morning, as we boarded the bus and started down the steep hill at the Cambry mission house, the bus tires slipped, and our driver, Philemon, managed to stop the bus from crashing into a tree. We’re talking mere inches.

After a quick attempt by Philemon to back the bus out of the hole and back up the hill, it was clearly evident that the bus would not be going anywhere anytime soon.

Our next attempt at freeing the bus added the guys from our team and a few men from the mission to push against the front of the bus while Philemon worked the gas pedal. But, with tires spinning and emitting smoke, the bus barely moved an inch.

By this time, many of the orphans had cautiously come up the hill to see what was causing all the commotion. Even with the addition of wood for traction and rocks to help maintain the ground covered, the bus barely budged.

So, the six girls from the team and about twenty little orphan boys boarded the bus and piled around its back right side – hoping to provide some extra weight and traction. Then, with men pushing, the girls praying, and orphans bouncing up and down on the seats, Philemon revved the engine and tried again…

and again…

and again…

Nothing.

On one last attempt (with the same scenario as before), the bus crept up the steep embankment, out of the ditch, and away from the tree. What relief and elation!

You know what the funny this is, though? We didn’t do anything differently on that final attempt. Does it seem even remotely possible that seven men and a couple of teenagers could possess the strength to push a 20,000 pound bus out of a ditch and up the side of a mountain? I think not.

But see, that’s the miracle of our weakness. I love what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. “’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Sometimes we may be granted the opportunity to entertain angels.

And sometimes, they just might entertain us.

Pure and Undefiled

Tonight I lost a piece of my heart. It’s somewhere in the mountains of Cayes, Haiti in a small, two-story cinderblock orphanage nested into the base of a hill.

I’m not sure how many of you have ever been to an orphanage, but for me, last night was the first. I think we tend to get a picture of what we imagine something to be like in our heads beforehand, which is perhaps why it rocks our world when we see it for real.

As the sun was setting behind one of Haiti’s majestic mountain ranges, the team was greeted with the sound of singing floating on a breeze up the hill to the Cambry mission house. Under the cover of darkness, we walked the short way down to the orphanage where we found ourselves being hugged on and clung to by so many orphans.

Pastor Mike led us all inside to a small concrete room where a few benches lined the walls. And by the light of two oil lamps, we spent the next half hour singing His praises with His precious children.

I’m not exactly sure when, but somewhere between the words of “I’ve got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy” and “Jesus Loves Me,” I just lost it. There in the middle of a Haitian orphanage, tears streaming down my face, our voices blending with theirs through the refrains of “Papa, m’adore ou” (“Father, I adore You” – also known as the only song we know in Creole), I was reminded and encouraged by the words James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

So this is what ‘pure and faultless’ looks like. Little, dark-eyed children holding our hands, arms wrapped around our waists, sitting in our laps, dancing and clapping, and falling asleep, their heads resting against our legs. I had to smile as it hit me that while the precious children surrounding us may be orphans to this world, they have a Dad. A very real Dad who loves them and they love so very much.

And so, with tear-stained cheeks and promises of tomorrow, we made our way back up to the guest house where we concluded our day with a devotion about ‘people who make a difference’... to the sound of a hundred hopeful voices praising the One who has made a difference for me.

Crossing the River

You know that story about the Red Sea? The one where Moses lifted his staff above the waters, and all the Israelites crossed over on dry land. I’m saying, Exodus 14ish.

Well, everyday on the way to Chantal (this is the little village where Pastor Chery runs the church and is building the school), there is a river. Haiti has just finished the rainy season. Enough said?

Just in case that image is still a little too vague, I’d like to add some detail to it. We’re definitely not talking about a minor trickle, rather more like a full-fledged ‘you-can-wash-yourself-and-your-family-and-your-laundry-in-it’ rushing river. The kind where after 20 seconds of bated-breath and keeping everything important off of the bus floor, an eruption of cheering and clapping is a must. And today, our trio of guys even decided to ‘surf’ across the river in the aisle of the bus. Tomorrow, the girls plan to show them how it’s really done.

Such is our river. And while we don’t have a Moses (our driver’s name is Philemon – perhaps his parents missed the memo?) and have yet to cross the river on dry land, we have a God who walks on water. (See Mark 6:49).

And that is more than enough for me.

Stay on the lookout for my pictures on Cole's facebook. We are trying to get them uploaded but the slow connection makes this difficult.

“Kanna. Kanna. Poule.”

Or in other words “Duck. Duck. Chicken.” Just one of the highlights of my journey through Haiti. Before I jump to today, though, here are a few highlights from yesterday:

…all our luggage safely arrived in Port au Prince!! Granted, we had to wait about an hour for it at the airport. But still, huge answered prayer!

…the journey from the airport to Cambry (Cayes) was one unlike any other. I think it took us about 5 hours. (Hey, and Mom, our driver had nothing on Dad’s 90/20/90/20 through the mountains).

…after dinner last night, SLEEP. I have deduced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our bodies were definitely made requiring more than 7 hours over sleep per 60 hour time frame.

This morning, refreshed and after a delicious breakfast of bananas, eggs, and bread with peanut butter (apparently here, everything is spread with peanut butter), we jumped on the bus and left for Chantal. On the way, we had to stop and get the lumber for building desks.

Perhaps I should have suspected something about Haiti from yesterday’s experience at the airport, but apparently the saying in Haiti is “Hurry up and wait.” That said, the stop for the wood was not very short. After the Haitian men had loaded over half of it into the bus, Dad realized that instead of 16’ boards, they were only 14’. And thus began the un- and re-loading… this time with the correct dimensions.

The church and school at Chantal is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The kids were waiting for us when we got there, and as we entered, we were greeted by some of the loudest clapping, most beautiful singing, and widest grins on this planet. Let me assure you – our attempt at a Haitian song was much less impressive!!

After Greg taught the Bible story through our interpreter, Barbara, we took the kids outside to play. Soccer. Chase. Frisbee. Jump rope. You name it. Rachel and I (again with the help of Barbara) taught the kids how to play duck, duck, chicken. I don’t think I’ve ever felt like such a target… or heard the word “poule” combined with a pat on the head so much. But it was wonderful. Second only to the children’s contagious laughter.

As I’m typing this, I’m up on the roof of the Mission House with most of the team looking out across the fields and mountains of Haiti. Beautiful. Majestic. And a testimony to our gracious Creator. Bondye.

P.S. Mom, Dad says “hi.”

3 hours. 180 minutes. 10800 seconds.

Those numbers would be the amount of time before we leave for Haiti. In a mere 3 hours, the mission team will congregate in the parking lot of New Covenant Presbyterian Church for prayer and a send off from family and friends.

We'll travel through the night to Atlanta (huge "thank you" goes out to Nathan's dad for being our driver), and fly out of that airport at 6AM. After landing in Miami, our next stop will be Port au Prince, Haiti!!! If all of our luggage makes it that far, we'll grab it from the airport and pile into a Haitian van for a 90 mile, 4 hour, super bumpy trip to Les Cayes. Upon arriving at the guest house, our first task will be to unpack all the bags of supplies - which could take a while, as each bag contains very diverse items. (This was our attempt at strategic packing. See, this way, if a bag gets lost or stolen, we won't lose all of any one supply.)

Alright, so now that you have a pretty good synopsis of how our next 24 hours will play out, I'd like to take a moment to share a few ways you can be involved with our trip as we go.

1. I'm a strong believer in the power of prayer. And God has shown in so many ways over the past months that He is very much into answering prayer. Love what James says.. that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." So we would love for you to join us as Prayer Warriors. Know that we covet (but not in the "Thou shalt not" way) your prayers, and consider you, as prayer partners, to be going with us.

2. Internet is limited (sometimes practically non-existent) in Haiti. However, on the off chance that we do have it one night, I will attempt to blog a few pictures or stories.

3. Pastor Mike will be sending email updates out to our families. For us, that means that my mom will recieve them from him and, in turn, send them out to friends and family. If you would like to be added to her forwarding list, Facebook her your email address, and she'll be glad to add you.

Hmm.. now it's even less than that. Guess I should get to making the hugest, chocolatest (yes, that IS a word), and most extreme waffle cone ever - since those things melt... in Haiti.

Packing. Packing. And more packing.

One word, three times. Enough said.

Next to the whole idea of flying or no chocolate for the duration of the trip (because chocolate melts in Haiti), this has definitely been one of my greatest concerns.

For years, my dad has smiled and chuckled to himself at the start of every family vacation. Consequently, I am very familiar with comments such as “Did you remember the kitchen sink?” or “Are you going on the same trip as we are? I thought it was only for a week?” But before I sell myself too short here, let me take a moment to explain.

Even on vacation, I love to be “doing” things. Sometimes this might just be reading a book. Other times, it could be playing a game with the family, scrapbooking, making hemp jewelry… the list goes on. Simply put, those things take up space. I am not known for underpacking.

At one of the team meetings, each of us was given a sheet outlining the quantity, size, and weight limits for our bags. This translates into: all of our personal belongings have to be packed in two carry ones: one is a bag whose length, width, and height (all added together) don’t exceed 45 inches. The other is a backpack. Technically, we’re each also allowed two checked bags; however, those are filled with supplies for Haiti, so we don’t get to use that space.

At that same meeting, we were each also given a packing list for the trip. So, after multiple trips to Goodwill to search for skirts and shirts with sleeves (which will all be left there, since the Haitians need them more than we do) and hours scouring the travel size aisles at Walmart and Target, I had basically everything on the suggested list. And by “had,” I really mean that it was all in grocery bags covering the floor of my closet.

Alright, enough background. So this morning at 9ish, the team gathered at New Covenant to pack our duffel bags (these will be our two checked bags) with almost a wide variety of supplies – things ranging from notebooks and construction paper to backpacks and markers, from Frisbees and soccer balls to medicines and Bandaids. As we spread out through the bottom floor of the church, you could feel the excitement and anticipation rising. We’re all just so thrilled for what’s coming!

The piles of supplies only lasted about an hour and a half before they had all been successfully crammed into one of twenty-four rolling duffel bags, listed on the inventory sheet for its respective bag, and weighed to ensure that the bag did not exceed the 50lb limit imposed by the airline.

And with that mission successfully accomplished, I set to packing my carry on luggage - which is where the real fun began.

With too many different items to name, I think I’ll just highlight a few of my favorites and let the picture speak for itself (it IS equal to like 1,000 words or something, right?)

- Bible, devotional, journal, and iPod: lifelines for the trip
- Mr. Reindeer: I’ve had him since I was one, and yes, he really is coming
- 4 pairs of shirts and skirts: The trip is actually 9 days, but due to limited space, we will be attempting to wash and re-wear… multiple times. *Also of note: they say don’t worry about matching in Haiti… well, Miss OCD here is matching.
- Plastic grocery bags: because we can’t flush toilet paper down the toilets there, it messes up the plumbing. I promise I’m not making this up.
- Peanut butter crackers and cereal bars: I hear that we’re going to live off of these at night.
- Fuzzy blanket: because I’m always cold. We’ll see if this changes when we get to Haiti.
- 300+ Silly Bands: for the kids.

And, drum roll please... it all fit!!

It’s actually quite amazing how much you can cram into a mini-sized suitcase and backpack.

"Bondieu Li bon."

If you ask almost anyone who really knows me, they’d likely tell you I am pretty laid back, go with the flow, and don’t plan too far ahead… most of the time.

However, in a mere two days, on Monday, July 26th at 12AM, I will join 10 fellow Aikenites on a mission trip to Haiti. An endeavor we have been planning for the past seven months. (Can I just pause to scream for a second!? AHHHHH!!!)

Alright, so the basics. The team is being commissioned from New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Aiken, South Carolina. There are 11 of us going – 5 guys and 6 girls. As I said, we’re leaving Monday, July 26th and returning Tuesday, August 3rd. We’re staying in Les Cayes, Haiti, but our main work will be done in Chantal. As things stand now, the guys will be doing some construction for the new school down there. It looks like about 50 desks for the students, a couple for the teachers, and maybe some blackboards. They sure have their work cut out for them. The ladies will be spending most of the time teaching VBS, playing with the kids, forming relationships with the women, and just loving on the Haitians.

I made plans to join the team back in January and have been looking forward to Monday ever since!! These past months really have seemed to fly by… tons of things to bring together before we leave the States. However, after receiving advice and instructions from our fearless leaders (Cole and Pastor Mike), special guest appearances from those who have gone before us to Haiti, nine team meetings over the past three months, and SO much prayer, I think we’re about as ready as we’re ever going to be.

Maybe a few highlights from the past couple of months are in order here…

- Sending out support letters. Since my dad, brother Greg, and I are all going as part of the team, we had the not-so-small task of raising $4800. God is so good!! (To date we raised a little over $4900)

- Mastering “how” and “what” to pack. Basically, our clothes and supplies for nine days have to fit in a carry on and backpack. I’m actually going to try this for myself for the first time in the morning.

- Getting the required shots and meds. Definitely one of the most fun doctor’s appointments I’ve ever been to… not! Actually, it wasn’t too bad. Thanks to Dr. Gordon and his nurse, we should survive Typhoid, Malaria, anything requiring Tetanus, and whatever Hep A is needed for.

- Becoming fluent in Creole. Well, not quite. You see, as my brother refers to it, Creole is the “poor man’s French.” And everyone in Haiti speaks it. I took Spanish in high school and German in college, and I assure you that neither of them is anything like Creole. Needless to say, I’m still working on this one… and probably will be until we step off the plane in Haiti.

There is still much to do, quite a few loose ends to tie up. But God’s gotten us this far, and He surely won’t leave us now.

As they say in Haiti, “Bondieu Li bon tout tan.” (God is good all the time).