Where in the World is Christina???

Kenya or Bust!

2010-03-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! :)
We are 11 hours from leaving this Ship off to an adventure to Kenya, East Africa! It has been a whirl-wind of an adventure to get to this point, but its amazing how God really and truly provides!! (and all I need now to be provided is..sleep! hehe!...so this is the reason for the short blog post)...

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, we were finally approved to go to Kenya for an ACSI International School's Teaching Convention in Nairobi, Kenya! However, we were also faced with the challenge of raising over $8,000 in 2 weeks! ...We held an auction to "sell ourselves" ...okay wait wrong wording... to auction off our services.... of a variety of things such as baking brownies, putting on a birthday party, having a driver for a day (a prized need on a weekend), a pedicure at the local hotel, even hotel accomadations in South Africa (when we get there in a few months)....oh wait...and the best one of all... Our male teachers shaving their legs, face (both have go-tees) AND their heads!! In one night the Lord allowed us to raise $4,500!!!!!!! WOW!! then an anonomous donor of $2,000 the next day... and then again, small donations fled into our school...raising above our need!!!! This is truly a miracle being witnessed before our eyes! So....
OFF TO KENYA WE GO!!!

Please pray for our safety to Kenya, our connections and relationships between international teachers at the conference, and that we learn a lot and are able to bring it back to our school!

Also, I have the amazing opportunity to visit Bishop Francis Kamau's church on Easter sunday, and as some of you know, this is a church and school that my family has supported and prayed for and my dad and grandpa have both been there (my dad several times!). It has always been a dream of mine to visit Kenya and the Church and School there, and its amazing how God really just allows so many things to be done in our lives when we just allow Him to lead. I cannot thank the Lord enough for this opportunity, nor can I thank Bishop Kamau to allow me to come and visit his chuch, school and most of all, family! Please keep us in prayer as well!

A few fun things to add really quick, would be our Academy Student's blogs that they create during Computer IT class! Check them out! They are pretty cool! and they update them regularly!
Grade 3's Blog : msagrade3.blogspot.com
High School Blog / Academy School Newspaper Blog: boxshipnews.blogspot.com

Also... Just an update from our ship... We are always and constantely needing prayer... please keep everone in prayer about events that happen during our services here in Togo, and all over Africa. An amazing amount of AMAZING happens... but with that comes the hard times too... Love you guys and miss you! Here are the blog links for the ship news of the latest happenings... (you may want a box of tissues...)
Baby Ani (1) : http://alirae.net/blog/archives/370-baby-ani.html
Baby Ani (2) : http://alirae.net/blog/archives/371-speak.html

Been in Benin...Get to go to TOGO!

2010-02-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

We have "landed" in TOGO!!! And this experience was one for a lifetime! There are a few feelings that I think will stick with my for the rest of my life, and many of them have occurred here with Mercy Ships. One of the big feelings was walking up the gangway for the first time, and looking back once getting to the top, and realizing that this was going to be "home" for the next two years! And it has become that to me, though small, and uncomfortable at times, it feels like a home. The next big feeling was the day we sailed away from the port in Benin. I dont think Ive ever had that same feeling, until again today. Its a feeling that overtakes your whole body, and words cannot explain the excitement, anxiety, nervousness, and over joyed feeling! Watching our ship drift away from the port, trusting that it actually floats, and will stay that way through the roughness of the ocean's waters was an incredible feeling. Its the feeling that comes over you when you know that you are in the Lords care, and that He will protect you, no matter what comes along. Then, today, again I had this same tingle in my soul. Watching the land creep up closer and closer, hearing the familiar pounding of the African tribal drums, and the voices of the people praising the Lord, singing songs of thanksgiving for our arrival, many of the African songs we knew, gave me the shivers of glee all over again. You are the most High...You are the Most High God! This song was sung and played with the trombones, trumpets and drums upon our docking in the Lome, Togo port. This picture will never fade from my memory.

Please join me and our ship in prayer as we begin a new adventure, and new journey, a new outreach---stretching even up to the norther parts of the country. Please pray that the Lord would give the country peace during the presidential elections, and that we would stay protected. Also, pray for the patients and everyone that we will come into interaction with during the next 6 months, that HE will shine through each Africa Mercy Crew Member, and that many would come to know Him as their own personal Savior, through our actions and our ministry! Please pray for safety, health, Spiritual protection (as this is the Voodoo capital of the world), and wisdom for each crew member, along with strength and courage to do the things that the Lord places on their hearts. I am so excited for this outreach! And I look forward to meeting and reaching out to the Togolese, making friends and building relationships that reflect our true purpose for having life here on Earth.

I am also excited and am praying for opportunities for my students to interact with the Togolese, and expanding their biblical worldview, shaping their faith and beliefs. Please pray with me for this next semester, that has already began with a crazy sail, not only for the students but for the teaching staff. One big prayer request from the Academy side of things, is that we as a teaching staff (which is the best staff that we could have ever asked for!) is planning on attending a Teachers Confrence (ACSI) in Nirobi, Kenya to learn more about...well basically everything! We are going through an accredidation process right now (which is an abundance of work for 12 teacher and staff!), and this opportunity would be a blessing in every way to our staff! But funds have not come in as we have projected, and we must raise about $700 per teacher to cover airline travelling. Everything else has been raised. (Thank you Lord!) We know if it is in the Lord's will, this will be made possible, and He will make a way! This conference will be a 4 day conference during the Easter weekend.

Here are a few picture from our sail from Tenerife, Spain to Lome, Togo:

Danae and I Sailing into the port in Lome, Togo!

A VERY rough night at sea = disaster in the classroom.... (and this is after securing the room!)

Sailing away from the dock in Tenerife, Spain....this is a little bit of what it felt like leaving Benin... (Yay! this thing really does float!)

In our dock in Tenerife... if you look really hard, in the port hole to the left of the flag...you can see a red bouncy ball...one of my students miraculously kicked the ball straight up into the hole while playing kickball for the very first time!!! (and this wall is about 40 feet high!)

Our dock in Tenerife... there is a trumpet player playing on our arrival and departure! Oh how I loved Tenerife!

Jesus and I walking on Water!!! (hehe! thank you to my 6th graders! ;) I do not know where they come up with these things! but it always makes me giggle!)

Some of our students pointing towards LAND!

Our welcoming party of drums, music, and a lot of cheering and waving!! Lome, Togo!!!

You are the MOST HIGH GOD!!!

Jesus walking on Water!

Coming into the port in Lome! Berry and Cheryl and a family (which has 3 of my students) are on that tug boat coming to guide our way in!!!

The Pilot is on board!!!

TOGO!!!

Tenerife Spain!

2010-01-31T07:24:00.000-08:00

Sailing, sailing, over the ocean blue!!! yay!! The ocean IS blue right now! Im sure that will change in a little over a week...when we reach Lome, Togo (West Africa). We are about 1.5 hours into our 10-11 day "cruise" through the Atlantic ocean from Tenerife, Spain (Canary Islands). I want to share with you a visual tour of the last 6+ weeks :)

Christmas Spirit Day at the school :) Can you guess what I dressed up as?? ;) hehe!

Arrival in Tenerife!! This was our first site of ships! A cruise liner and a Russian training sailboat! We even got to have a tour of the sailing ship! Здравствуйте! До свидания!

My dad came to visit for 2 weeks!! He took Danae and I around all of Tenerife for a week (and actually while this picture was being taken...my wallet was being taken from my purse in our car...) but it gave us a "good" excuse to take a ferry to another Island Gran Canaria, and explore there for a week too!! Wow! what a fun trip we had! I miss my Daddy already!

I think I took him by surprise! and then he took me by surprise too! and wouldnt let go! hahaha!

Casa sweet Casa! My cabin right about in the middle... with those little port holes at the bottom.. :) and the school is in the back :)

Can you believe it?!! I am climbing a volcano?!! haha! Teide, the tallest peek in all of Spain... if it exploded, it would force half of the island to slide into the Atlantic ocean, and cause a 1000 foot tidal wave in New York, New York!

I choose the straight and narrow... haha! this believe it or not is a TWO way street!! haha!

This was in the other Island, Gran Canaria... WOW! Breath taking! Those are all little roads that we explored! :)

Prime Real estate?? ;) Never say that your piece of land is not buildable!!!! Because these people know how to build ANYWHERE!!

Tunnel through the mountain!! ...again...a two way road!

Spectacular Spelunking in Spain!!! We found more caves than we can even count!! It was SO amazing!! so much fun!

I thought this was cool picture! and the outline of it kind of looks like Benin! ;)

Danae and I searched for a comfy couch!! and Im pretty sure we found it!! This was one my favorite hotels in the whole world! ...actually probably my favorite! Breath-taking views, sweet Spanish hospitality, and it was just placed in a quaint little town!

One of our last nights exploring Gran Canaria... this was our sunset outside of our hotel window/patio! God You ARE AMAZING!!

I dont know why, but I love this picture of my Daddy! We had so much fun spending time with one another!

I promise I wont jump! And that I wont do this again ;)

We always found the craziest things!! Supposedly, this is an ancient ancestor of ours ;) haha!

Mi Papa e yo! we think this thing is for keeping in the goats at night... we had so much fun taking random roads and discovering where they go, and what their purpose was :)

In the middle of Gran Canaria... Beautiful!

Double beauty!

Now we are sailing to TOGO!!! Please pray for our safe journey and for our next outreach in Togo!!

Dr. Amelia, the American Ambassador's wife visits Academy!

2009-12-04T01:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. Amelia is the one in Teal in the center of all of the Academy teaching staff

Yesterday I had the priveledge to invite the American Ambassador's wife to speak to our Junior High and High School students. I felt honored meeting her and her husband about 2 weeks ago, while they were taking a tour of the ship, and saying hi to the crew. Dr. Amelia Bell Knight is a rare woman, with so many experiences and has such a passion for international affairs, travelling and serving the United States of America. Her husband and family have been in governmental work for over 20 years, and they feel that they were called by God to be doing the work here in Africa. She has been to all but 2 countries here in Africa, and has visited almost every other country of the world (literally). Inviting her into the school seemed to be a wonderful opportunity for my students, especially since most of them have been to more countries (and lived in them) than I am years in age. Dr. Amelia's belief in prayer and the power of it has definately been evident in her life to those around her. She was definately an inspiration to me. She told the class about the gifts and desires of her heart that had been placed in her life since she was a young girl. One, to travel (especially with the intent of studying cultures) and two, to teach. Its amazing how God puts people in our lives to continue to inspire us in His will for our own lives. I could see a lot of myself in her. I can see truly how God directs us on a path that He paves, not the one we try to fill the potholes in. I probably ended up getting more out of it than my students, but her intriguing life was encouraging to my students too, especially since they too have a "nomadic" type of life. I continue to strive to live my life following Him, shining for Him, and trying to be that mirror for others to see Christ's face in! I cannot wait to see what God has instore for my life, and I feel like this experience here in Africa is really just the stepping stones to something that I cannot even comprehend. Lord, may I look up, and seek your guidance, and follow the path You have intended me to walk on, leading others to look up and see Your glory!

2009-12-04T01:17:00.000-08:00

As our time draws to an end here in Benin, we need several prayers!

1. For the enemy to be bound, and God's glory to shine through!

2. For our Captain (and his family) for wisdom, understanding, faith, strength! (physically, mentally & spiritually)

3. For the Engineers and Deck workers, that they may have the strength, wisdom and encouragement---and for their health! The enemy ceirtainly likes to attack...

4. For the health and patience for each crew member (especially on the sail)

5. For the Academy, teachers (grades and planning) and students...and for the Christmas Play that we will be directing during the Sail!

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

This is my "Official" Mercy Ships Academy Teacher Picture! haha!

Here's our Teaching Staff

Mercy Ships did an article on the Academy, and interviewed me and my class :) So heres a few pictures from that...

Academy Spirit Day! Twin Day!! Except my Twin (Danae) was bed ridden... she sprained her knee really bad! ...but thats okay, I stole one of her crutches and pasted her face on my shirt and ended up matching 2 of the other teachers, Tommy and Ben! Lol!

We were invited to the Presidential Palace (yes! ALL 400 of us!!!) for a Thank you dinner from the President himself! It was definately an experience! Im basically smack dab in the middle, towards the left... im waving ;) lol! jk!

We went to Porto Novo...a city not too far from Cotonou... and had fun taking pictures :) (this was a little while ago)

Heres's Hotel Du Lac! Its about 15 minute walk... to relaxation :)

Heres Danae and I at my FAVORITE resturant in the whole world!! Its a Thai place!! mmmm!!! (haha! i guess im not allergic to shrimp.... lol!)

What?! God you told me to bring my FLUTE?!! to AFRICA?!! haha! I dont know why I do these crazy things..but its been a blessing being able yo play! Ill get to play some Christmas Music soon too! :) that'll be fun! :)

My Birthday toys made it to Africa! and now are a tradition to bring to other birthdays!! hehe! fun fun fun!

SUPER SQUIRRELS!!!! We won best Costume!! haha!! We had the best Team Spirit too!! :D

What?! Again Lord, you want me to bring my BIKE?!! haha!! Its a wonderful way to get around town! ...except having to carry it down from Deck 8.....down to deck 5 and then 2 decks of gangway stairs... :) its fun though!

I love meeting the people, and being on this journey! Thank you Lord for Sending me! Thank you Lord for blessing me the way You so often do! I am thankful for what Your Son did, for me, for my students, for everyone!! I love You Lord! THANK YOU!

"Rejoice in the Lord Always, and again I say REJOICE" Phil. 4:4

November already?!

2009-11-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Danae and I at our 1st Open House!!

October has FLOWN by!! and We are in NOVEMBER now!! Wow!! I dont know what is more strange, that it is November, or that I am almost 1/4 of the way done with my commitment with Mercy Ships... at the end of December it will be 1/4 completed! crazy! Im still enjoying ship life and there always seems to be 1sts for so many things! Like my first Open House night! I have 2 blogs for you to check out! They have really neat articles about this night! It was SO fun!! The whole ship was invited into our classrooms, as our areas are not open to the public, because we are a full functioning school, and our students are not on "display" for people to just come and see all the time. But Open House night is different! It is a time to "show off" what the school is all about and what we do, what the students have been accomplishing, and to have some fun. My classes were very creative, as we created a contraption of some sort, combinging Newton's laws of motion, pulley systems, and even a little bit of chemical reaction! It was wonderful fun watching the students get excited during our practice runs throughout the week, and even more exciting when it came time to actually demonstrate it during the open house! we may have had a few blips...but that didnt matter! There were still a ton of people having fun and watching it with wide-eyes! :) It definately encouraged me! :) Check out the Blogs for pictures and for a little more story:

http://brianandwarrie.blogspot.com/2009/11/late-for-devos-and-academy-open-house.html
and
http://mercyshipadventure.blogspot.com/

well its getting pretty late... 3:14pm for Californians...and 12:14am Benin time! ...I have SO much more to tell you!! I will write very soon!! please pray for this upcoming week..its going to be VERY busy!! Thank you!!! I miss you and love you all!! :-D

Haley and I!

My student's contraption! ....it starts behind me!! (a pulley system) ....and ends in the sink! it was so much fun to see all my classes work come together as one project all together!

October 2009... Life

2009-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Wow... I always mean to update my blog sooner... and it actually disappoints me that I dont. :( But here I am, updating right now :) I have so much to share, so hopefully I can recap this last month through pictures and snipits of words.

This month has been one amazing ride. I wish words could explain feelings that I have in this adventure, but they really dont give a whole picture. I feel so filled and joyful here, there are so many amazing people, and so many opportunities to be involved in. Sometimes i feel guilty for not getting more involved in the weekend outreaches, such as the orphanages, prisons, and clinics; but its hard because I have a lot of work, and by the end of the day I am so exhausted that I just want to hang out with friends, and get some sleep. haha. Community living definately has its advantages, as there is always something to do! Dinner is at 5pm, and there is always a movie, games, music, or some other type of entertainment going on in the evenings. Which is a lot of fun! I meet new people every day, and its amazing how many talented, professional, and intellegent people there are all living in one small place! It really is like living in a small town! (I will give a ship tour sometime!) I definately didnt think that there would be as many "normal" people here... HAHA! that definately didnt come out the way it sounds...Its just that, when you think of "Africa" and "Missionaries".... you just think about young and talented professionals... its a fun life to live right now :)

Im not going to lie, I really miss a lot of things about home... long showers, jacuzzi's, family, friends....but its like a rollercoaster.. i miss those things sometimes, and other times i dont miss those things at all... which i think it is a good place to be :) I really like this experience so far, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

Please keep me in your prayers, as there are a few things on my heart lately.. such as just time management, and not getting burnt out...I just need God's guidance and help to get the things I need to get done (grading, planning, curriculum planning, etc...) in a timely manner, so that I can have some mental time off... also, pray for the friendships being built here, that the Lord just blesses them and draws them closer to you...and that I continue to be a light and that I would be able to reflect who Jesus is not only to my students, but to everyone I meet... and lastly....I am in need of some more Monthly sponsors, of even a $10 or $20 a month...it all adds up so quickly! I have been blessed with many one-time sponsers, which have been an amazing blessing! but, as time goes on, monthly sponsors would be a tremendous benefit! Thank you to ALL of you who have supported me already, who continue to support me, and especially for those prayer supporters!! I need each and everyone of you!! Thank you for all of your encouragement and love!

I miss everyone so much! And I look forward to visiting sometime in the summer :) yay! :) I love you and send Hugs from Africa!!! God bless!!

My student's and my verse of the week: Acts 1:8 "But you will recieve power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jeruselum, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

My Boy

2009-09-07T14:25:00.001-07:00

So I visited the Hospital Ward this evening... and wow.... I wish words could express what I experienced... first of all, it is already hard just going to a normal hospital to visit someone... but even harder to visit a patient you have never met in Africa...and no one speaks your language... or even French... second, its hard to take in the sounds of crying, beeping, the smells of a normal hospital, African food, and seeing 10-12 beds full of faces that hurt...yet there was...joy.... hum... joy.... yes, as a matter of fact I believe that Joy would be a very good word to describe it. :) I felt like the whole room lit up when Danae and I walked in... a few of the children instantly took a hold of us, and wanted to play "Jenga"... so we stacked the tower very neatly... and soon realized that "our" rules were just suggestions..and just like any kid, they like to just have fun. So, we ended up just trying to build the tower as high as we could...until...Oh!! IT FELL! haha!! I dont care where in the world you are, when the Jenga tower falls...you literally laugh out loud! and instantly try to stack it right back up to play again! ...meanwhile... a little boy kept making eye contact with me...and smiling...and waving... so I waved him down to join us on the hospital floor... Another woman caught my eye and seconds later she joined in...we played another universal game: Disney Princesses Matching! ...except Sebastian, Belle, and Pocahontas were missing their matches...which added a whole 'nother element of its own... I was drawn to the little boy who had played the waving game with me a few times, and it was fun to get excited when he got a match! My heart filled with warmth when even I got a match, because he put both of his hands in the air and gave me the biggest "congrats high 5's" ive ever received! This young boy was not just any ordinary boy... for he obviously knows what it is like to have a difficult life... as he is in the process of having multiple surgeries for a facial deformity of some sort...yet he was excited, joyfilled and encouraging to the other children :) He made me smile. From the inside out. I feel filled with Joy because of him. I may never know this young boy's name, nor understand a word of his language, or ever understand what it is like to grow up in his shoes... but I can tell you this... He has touched my heart. I will keep him, and all of those children in my prayers, and will smile every time I think of them. Even though it was only an hour of "my time"... I think God's timing far succeeded anything I can ever put into words.

Thank you for sending me Lord. I love You. I pray that I continue to do Your work, in Your timing, and for Your kingdom! Use me. Break me. Mold me. I am YOURS.

Benin VS Mali

2009-09-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the National Benin Football Match today!! Benin VS Mali! They tied 1-1! It was a great game!!! Definately a cultural experience, as they take Football VERY seriously! I witnessed a fight break out, but no worries, we just went to another entrance...haha! okay, so the tickets cost 5000cfa (5000 See-Fa...which is equivelent to $10 USD) ...but after we got there, we realized that to get into the stadium safely, the 5000cfa entrance was NOT going to be where we could enter...so we walked around...all the way almost to the MALI section, where 1000cfa ($2) seats were, and we were able to get right in, very easily.... AND we had great seats!! hehe! So we heard that Benin is playing Ghana soon...we may just have to splurge and buy $2 seats this next time ;) hehe!

Heres some pictures of our day's event!

YO-VO! YO-VO! (white person! white person!) ....hum... we kinda stuck out a little! A fun group to go with!! I love being able to meet and get to know new people :)

Benin Flag in the crowd! :)

Danae Sandwich! Go YELLOW!

Zimmie Jons... EVERYWHERE!

My favorite picture of the day! Benin vs Mali...September 6, 2009... Tie 1-1

Lots and lots and LOTS of Zimmies!! ...they are not safe though! no helmets and all need a smog check!

Wow! Im in Africa!.... I LIVE in AFRICA!! it kind of hit me today... but it made me smile :)

Um... well.... theres not really parking spots...its like just a parking area... where they quadruple park you! ...and we got a little stuck... but we remembered the hierarchy of vehicles... zimmie jon beats pedestrian--car beats zimmie jon--landrover beats car-- semitruck beats landrover -- tank beats ALL! (and weve encountered EVERYONE of these! lol!)

Benin vs Mali ....1-1

My roomate/bunkmate Megan! Shes amazing!! Such a sweet gal!! Our first Roomie adventure! :-D Im looking forward to the 80's dance party this saturday! She is the queen at throwing amazing parties on the ship! :)

Yes, I am in Africa!

2009-09-05T01:21:00.001-07:00

WOW! First of all, I want to apologize for not updating this sooner!!! I have sat down to update it many many times, and only gotten through the first or second sentence... so Im praying that I will get further with it this time! My goal really is to update this once a week, even if its a little blurb...and honestly, things are settling in a little better now, so I can manage my time better. I cannot believe that I have already completed FOUR weeks of school so far!! AND already been on the ship for about SIX weeks!! Time has FLOWN by! If I was to recap every event these last few weeks, I think the site would have to be renamed Christina's Book rather than Christina's Blog! haha! But I definately want to share with you some exciting pictures and adventures! Because you don't just live on a ship in West Africa for 6 weeks, and not have some adventures! haha! ...so where to begin... well at the beginning is good :)

After all of our orientations, and finally beginning the school year, Im finally beginning to get settled in :) I am teaching 6th grade Bible, Integrated Sciences (7-8th grade), Physics (9-10th grade), Math grade 5, Fundamentals of Science (grade 6), and 4th & 5th grade sciences, which leaves me one prep every other day...for a "first-year" teacher, it has been a wild ride, yet SOOOO much fun! The students are amazing! My largest class is 4th & 5th grade science which is 7 students! And my other classes average 5 per class, which makes for a very nice group---but they get their work done so quickly! I usually have to plan extra activities, because with so few students, we go through the material at a MUCH quicker pace! Its a lot of fun though! :) I usually work monday -friday 730am until 5pm (dinner is at 5!) and then usually end up going back for another hour or so...but hopefully that will ease up a little bit as the school year progresses. Then on weekends I usually go work for a good couple hours too... BUT! On the weekends, I also take some good ol' off time!!! :)

Some of my favorite events on the ship are weekly planned events, such as Thursday night community meetings- These meetings are kinda like a church service, which there is worship and a speaker. Then afterward there is fellowship time in Mid-Ships. Mid-Ships is actually where I am sitting right now, as Don Stevens would say, "it is the hub of the community"... and actually it is. Downstairs the starbucks and the Ship Shop (that Danae and I have named The Walmart...because it is litterally a mart with one wall! haha!) and there are also a lot of tables and chairs all gathered around that area, then upstairs (which looks down on the starbucks area) has an internet cafe, a bunch of couches (on which i am sitting on right now), and an open room area where chairs are gathered around, which easily converts into a game night area, or even a karaoke party area! Speaking of Karaoke... It was Danae's birthday last week, so I got a group together and we planned a surprize karaoke birthday party for her!!! It seriously was my favorite night so far!!! we combined two people's bdays, and almost EVERYONE on the ship (including the Captain & family) came!! It is very hard to plan a suprize birthday party for your best friend on the Ship, because 1, we're connected at the hip, and 2, its a SMALL ship and news travels fast! ...but "fortunately" last week, Danae caught the mean bug thats also been traveling fast around the ship, the stomach flu, and she was bed ridden for almost 2 days... and it made planning the party a little easier LOL!! (oops! there's me being too optimistic again ;) lol! The party was a hit! and she was SOOOOO surprized!!! and we ended up timing it perfect!...but she REALY wanted to know why I wanted to get my laundry out of the laundry room before it was dry! LOL! ;)

Last night, Friday night, is another new favorite :) As soon as 5:00 hits, I run and get changed into some sports clothing, grab a plate of food, beg the dining hall crew to store my food for when we get back, and hop into Land Rovers and all head out to the "Football Field" which is a sand field meant for soccer or ultimate frizbee!! but last night we got kicked out of the Police Academy field... so we hopped into the Landrovers again, and did a little off roading, through Cotonou, looking for the 40ish of us for a place where we could play....but we got stuck in the WORST traffic ive ever seen!! (which coming from So. Cal...that says alot!) So one of our friends Juan jumped of the jeep and literally started to direct traffic!! Zimmie Jons (motorcycles with 2-5 people AND cargo on it!), semi-trucks, cars, and landrovers!! there are no traffic signals, but everyone definitely has a HORN!! and it is the most important part of the vehicle! ...but we finally found a field! and all of a sudden a ton of people came out, and we could hear "Yo-Vo! Yo-Vo!" which means White person! White Person! and I think we provided the entertainment for the evening for that little village! hehe!! Then after we got to play Frisbee, we came back home to the ship, and had a "Gates Family" (the people from our training in Texas...which really have become like a family to me and for all of us! and we named ourselves the Gates Family!) worship night... Danae and Leah led worship on piano and guitar.... it was such a needed night for all of us...it amazing how when you get a group of believers together, who worship in a similar way, how God just really speaks to you :) Kelly and Jamie even made Red-Velvet cupcakes! with frosting and chocolate sprinkles! :) yummy!

Wow! Okay, I will stop writing, and show some pictures for this next part!

We went to Ganvie (Gone-vee-yay) last Sunday, which is a village on stilts, because the whole village is basically built on the river! We had to take an hours boat ride to the village, and then we went to a few different little shops getting a soda-pop at, and we had to ride the boat to each place. They didn't have roads in this village, only waterways!

Africa!! I have made it!

2009-08-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Its very interesting... I have made it! I have traveled thousands of miles (or as I am trying to now convert and call "them" ..Kilometers) to a far away land called: Africa! I honestly cannot explain in words what kind of an experience this has been so far. However, I will try the best I can.

The week started off with a bang. When Danae and I arrived in the Benin Airport, Ben approached us and asked if we were part of Mercy Ships, in which to our surprise he had been on our flight, and is the PE teacher for the Academy. Our flight took off over an hour late in Paris, and thus landed over an hour late in Benin....and we quickly adapted to what we call "African Time". We waited at least another hour for all of our luggage to arrive, and then had to go through security, where we were greeted by our Principal Nikki Aldum. After we loaded our 400 pounds of luggage (haha!) we again waited to back out of our parking spot in the airport... for another hour... when we finally got on the road, it was only a ten to fifteen minute drive to the port, where we drove up to our new home. Its funny, I never would have never imagined calling a port home...let alone a 200 roomed ship my "House" haha! I decided I have a very valuable piece of property...i mean come on.. who in California doesn't want a 360 degree ocean front view!!! hehe! :)

We arrived Monday night, and early Tuesday morning we beganour endless meeting after meeting after meeting... a lot of the meetings were review of safety and information from our Texas Gateway training, and then we got to the good stuff!! We got to meet and greet our teaching staff!! Woot woot! Whom are amazing! Its a great combination of veteran teachers, long-termers, newbies, and ages. Several times we have all found ourselves looking around the table and thanking the Lord for the members of this team :) We have definitely had our struggles and Spiritual Warfare already, but we know that the Lord is in control, and above all else, HIS will, WILL be done! One of our teachers has not arrived on the ship yet, as she has not been able to sell or rent her apartment back home...so there are many decisions that are being made, and prayfully this evening we will find out the outcome. Please keep our whole team (and me personally) in prayer during this time. ...sorry to be discreet, after decisions have been made I will be able to explain more in detail. Right now the best is to just pray for the Lords will. :) And we are excited for what ever outcome the Lord has planned!! :)

Living on a 500foot long ship sounds VERY big!! Especially when you say that there are 8 decks, a cafeteria, crew galley, laundry rooms, a "great room", Internet cafe, lounging areas, a bank, a ship shop, a swimming pool, a pre K-12th grade school, a hospital, a workout gym, 500+ beds AND a STARBUCKS on board! HOWEVER, I can tell you...it gets smaller every day! haha! although, Danae, Ben and I could win the awards for getting the most confused and lost in the ship...if there were awards to give! haha! We decided we only really need to know where we eat, sleep and go to work at... okay so some caffeine is pretty important too ;)

It has been a great experience being able to have Danae and Ben to hang out with and having 'insta-friends' as my mom called it. Danae has been a true blessing! We seem to always be thinking the same things at the same time! HAHA! ...some may think we're a bit crazy...but we agree ;) hehe! Its a big ship, and there are a lot of people, but keeping close friends is difficult since there is a huge turn over rate all the time. Think about it this way, there are about 450 beds, but over 1,100 people are coming and going on the ship every year. Many people are only here for 2 weeks, while others stay for up to 3 months. Many people come for the length of a service (10 months on average in any particular country) and leave afterward. So just when you are starting to develop a friendship, they leave. Not to say I have already enjoyed getting to know the "short-termers" too!! :) However, our teaching staff, 90% of us are committed for 2 years! Which is a true blessing! A great example of hanging out with everyone was last night's "Birthday-Dance Party!" Seriously! I did not know how much fun (and how "High School-ish") we could have on the ship! haha!!! We had someone "DJing" with Christmas lights flashing and a double deckered cake that our awesome Chef Jesse baked! It was fun :)

Already, though, sometimes it doesn't feel like "Africa".... yes we are ported in an African port, with colorful fishing boats casting their nets in the early morning, and yes, nothing resembles good ole California... but since we have such an unique community living situation on the ship its completely different than I expected...yet very similar. When being on the ship, there are definitely inconveniences that I have already faced: different foods, 2 minute showers, not being able to sit up in my top bunk bed, always having a dark room (due to different people sleeping at different hours depending on their shifts), and having the toilets back up...4 out of the 5 days I have been here... haha! but there are joys too, especially the fact that there is always something to do, or go!

Friday night I got my first taste of Africa, while walking with some friends to a local outdoor restaurant...and even more so when our teaching staff took an adventure to a pool and beach area about a 2 hour drive on the bumpiest road you can imagine! I think we only hit our heads 4 or 5 times on the top of the Land Rover's roof! haha!! We fit 9 people into one Land Rover, with 4 of us sitting in little bench seats in the back...and we fastened our seat belts as tight as we could just to keep us in our seats and not hitting our heads on the roof! haha! What a true African experience! :) We got to drive through the villages and see the lines of people pulling in their fishing nets from the sea, while others carried their babies on their backs and bowls on their heads.

I know I have only had a taste of this adventure, and I cannot wait for what is to come!
Please continue to keep our Academy in your prayers, as a week from tomorrow is our first day of school! :) Thank you for all of your love and support and prayers!

I love you guys and miss you so much!!

Entrance to the Mercy Ships Academy
m/v Mercy Africa

My Room :) ...can you guess which bed is mine ;)

Our bathroomFront of the Ship's view! ...can you see how many fishing boats there are!!

On our flight... Cotonou, Benin... We made it!

A small village on the ocean

Pulling in the fishing lines

It takes a LOT of people and a lot of time to bring in the fishing nets!

Our Land Rover driving adventure on BUMPY roads!

9 of us were in the Land Rover! (Right to Left) Me, Amy (3rd grade teacher), Sam (her BF) and Ben (PE teacher)

The Land Rover we took on our Adventure!

Home Sweet Home!

Danae and I! Were always smiling about something! :) haha!

Me, Danae, Ben and Sam

History Lesson: The Gate of No Return (wow)

PARIS!!!

2009-07-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Last day in Paris!! It has been such a fun trip! Danae and I have had to learn how to use the bus, train, subway and Metro systems here--and we have had fun just being two girls wandering around like little tourists, eating Panini's and Crepes hehe! We have seen all the "Paris" sights and wow they are really amazing! I cannot believe how BIG everything is!!! ..well...except for the Mona Lisa.. she's a little disappointing ;) haha! shes only about the size of a large piece of construction paper!! Which actually made us giggle :) The tour-de-france ends today in Paris, so we will be looking for Lance Armstrong and his crew ;) hehe!

We are staying with the most wonderful family here in France, that let us use their guest room in their European home about an hour outside of Paris, and it is amazing! they even cooked us a wonderful French Dinner of Duck, potatoes, green beans, salad and of coarse ice cream for dessert!

Paris has been wonderful! seeing all the sights, and of coarse doing handstands all over! But to tell you the truth, we are really ready to go to Africa! Tomorrow we leave, and I know that I am so ready! :) yay!! :) Please keep Danae and I in your prayers as we are about to pack up one last time, and travel down to Benin, Africa! We will start safety training and teaching training this week! I love you all and miss you too ;)

Here are some pictures of our Paris trip so far :)

Handstanding by ALL 300lbs of luggage we had to carry ALL over Paris! (getting from the airport to the family's house we are staying at) It was WAY harder than we anticipated! But we did it!

Gotta be cliche' and handstand in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Danae and I on the Eiffel Tower looking ALL around Paris! What a truly spectacular view!

And...in front of the Notre-Dame Church!! ...did you know that there is a crypt right in front of the church....that has ancient ruins of Paris??? Pretty cool eh? ;) (just for Danae!..my lil' Canadian!)

Are you getting tired of my handstand pictures??? ...well this one is in Versailles! which is only a 15 min train ride from where we are staying! (oh plus a 15 minute walk to the train station ;))

Famous Statue....

No wonder no one ever thinks to take a picture from her backside.... haha!

Gotta go...Gotta go...Gotta go.... haha!

A real castle!!! ...kinda like a mote around it! This is actually an island!

Told ya' she was small... haha!! (I look really funny in this pic lol!)

Quick Update!

2009-07-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I have officially completed my Mercy Ships Gateway training here in Texas!! I leave the good ole' U-S-of-A on Wednesday morning!!! We have the rare opportunity of having a layover in Paris, France...and a 5 day layover at that! ;) (okay so the date we were to leave Texas we bumped up earlier, but our rooms on the ship are not ready for us yet, so we were able to change our flights to "hang-out" in Paris for a few days! We are staying with a Missionary Family who lives a few minutes past Versailles, which is an amazing blessing! Danae and I will be having fun, and just seeing the sights for a few days, and then on Monday, July 27th we will fly to BENIN, AFRICA!!!! Woot Woot! I am so excited to get on the ship! Teacher Training & Orientation will begin right away after we arrive, and our first day of school will be August 10th. Everything is going so quickly now! I cannot explain in words what this journey has been like so far, and what the future holds, but I want to share with you some amazing highlights!

Training here at the IOC (International Operations Center, TX) has consisted of Cross-Cultural training, Spiritual training, and Basic Maritime Safety training. I have been physically, mentally and spiritually stretched in so many ways. I have really enjoyed learning about my own relationship with the Lord on a deeper level, and how He really can speak to me in so many ways. I am anxious to see how He speaks to me on this journey. Through constant prayer and reading His word, I have already began a deeper relationship of trust, faith, love and shining His light. :) ..and definitely JOY! One evening after class, one of our teammates came up to me and just asked if she could pray with me, and during that time God showed us a verse, that has continually been confirmed over and over again in my heart; Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Here are some picture highlights!

2 weeks down!

2009-06-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wow! IMS and part of Gateway, the first two weeks of training, are COMPLETE! It has been filled with so many adventures, good and stretching, both physically, mentally and especially Spiritually! I think that the Lord is really growing each and everyone of us here. Getting to the IOC (International Operations Center) for Mercy Ships was exciting and so surreal. My roommate is Danae, who is from Canada and will be teaching 2nd grade on the ship, and we have really hit it off! It is so unique how our training group is so inclusive with everyone! Like even right now, we are sitting here in the living room of our dorm, couches circled around a small tv, watching a chick flick! And last night, we went Country Line Dancing, TEXAS style! We were by far the youngest crowd there, but it was so much fun! I dont want to bore you with a lot of writing, so Ill post a bunch of pictures to explain what we are learning, and what in the world we are doing in Texas :)

Keepin' up the tradition! I like to walk around this little lake (on the property here at the IOC) during quiet times and have lunch on the dock... but with 100 degree weather and 40% humidity... its HOT!

Anchored in the Word of the Lord! I want to know the boundaries of God! Lord, please break me and mold me into your image... this week has been very Spiritually stretching and draining...but I am realllllly enjoying it!

Line Dancing Texas Style!!
(Average Age of group: 70+)
It was such a fun night!

Roomie! Danae! from Canada eh!
Shes going to be the 2nd grade teacher...and were praying that we will be able to room together on the ship too!

Welcome BBQ at Brian Blackburn's house! All the girls of our training group! There's only like 5 guys...and we made them take the pictures :) hehe!

First Church service in Texas! "First-time" parking spot! :)
We walk to church...its across the field...and Paul Baloche is the worship leader..supposedly..but we haven't seen him yet..Danae's REALLY excited to meet him ;) LOL!

Captain Christina! (Like the alliteration??) That is the Ship "Africa Mercy" that we will be living on! We will start in Benin and stay there until December 10th, then go to the Canary Islands for a month for inspections and dry docking, then to Togo for 6 months...then prayfully we will be headed for South Africa for 6-10 months!!

Saying goodbye to my Daddy... This is my home for the next 5 weeks.. MUCH bigger than I will get for the next 2 years!

Welcome to the IOC!!! International Operations Center for Mercy Ships! We will be here until July 23rd-ish... then off to Benin, Africa!!! Woot Woot!

I love you guys! PLEASE email me or comment ANYtime! Also, I update my facebook often, so you may check that out as well! Thank you for your prayers! Please continue to keep me in your prayers! THANK YOU!

EMAIL: csorman@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: Christina Orman

2009-06-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! Here is the video from my going away party! Thank you for being there! I love being able to play it again and again! I love you guys and I am missing all of you! But I am also enjoying every moment of it! My next phase of training starts today, please keep me in prayer! Thank you!! :-D

Road trippin it!

2009-06-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!! What a fun trip its been already! Tomorrow is my first "official" day at Mercy Ships... We are going to pick up Danae, a girl from Canada who is going to be teaching 2nd grade on the Mercy Africa, from Dallas Airport tomorrow afternoon, and head down to the Mercy Ships International Operations Center! Wahoo! :) I am excited to meet her, and everyone at MS! :D

Our journey has been fun, getting to spend quality time with my Daddy, and just seeing a lot of the Western states of America :) Kansas and Oklahoma and Texas are pretty flat! lol! so there arn't a lot of pictures, but here are some highlights :)

Really Good Hamburger place! haha! this little girl was like "thats only for looking, not sitting" oops ;)

Oh I could SO live here!! Colorado was Beautiful!!
I'm actually right-side-up to the Africans.... (they're on the other side of the world) haha!

The Mercy Africa?!!!! hehe!

Yay!!! FLAT! haha!! literally in the middle of NO where! hehe!

They're all a little up
WELCOME to TEXAS!
My home until July 26th!!

Please keep tomorrow and our training this week in your prayers! Ill keep you updated as much as I can! I love you and thank you for all of your prayers and support! Please feel free to email, and comment ANY time! I LOVE hearing it all! :D

2009-06-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

We made it to Utah! (And Colorado too!) But We thought that this mountain looked like a SHIP! Very appropriate I thought! The Mercy Africa!!

Handstanding around the World!! Utah!!!

Thank you to my dad, he is driving me all the way from California (taking the scenic route) to Texas for Mercy Ships Training!

Very Patriotic I thought! :) I can't wait to get a BENIN flag handstand picture! :D

2009-06-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished up my last day of student teaching today!! WOW!! I LOVED my kids!! they were amazing!! I will miss you little ones!

Look at the amazing CALIFORNIA sky before I head out! It looked much better in real life ;) haha! But it looked like the Lord was just shining down on me, saying, "Yes my dear child, You have my blessing and calling to just GO! I am here with you" Thanks Lord ;)

Thanks to my dear friends Jeanice, Steven, Brittney and Ryan...I am packed and ready for a road trip to Texas!! For Africa Mercy Ships Training....I will leave via jet plane from Texas to go to Benin, Africa on July 26th!!!
Our first major "sight seeing adventure"... State Line, Nevada!!! A LOT more to come!!! :) Vegas is next..going to say hi to my Aunt and Uncle(s) for a few hours (of sleep too) :)

Hope you will enjoy all of the pictures! Make sure to check out my Facebook for more pictures and updates! :)

....the countdown....

2009-06-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

5 DAYS 'Til I leave for AFRICA training!!!!!!!!!

WOW!

2009-06-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! Our God is so great so strong and so mighty! There is nothing our God cannot do! (remember that song from our Sunday school days?? hehe!) I have been blessed in SO many ways! My going away party was Amazing!! :-D I have not had that much fun in a LONG time! About 50 people showed up, and thank you SO much for all of you who came! It blessed my heart more than you will ever know! Thank you for your prayers and support too!! :-D

I also wanted to share with you an AMAZING opportunity the Lord is placing in my life! I have the blessing to share my testimony of what God is doing in my life with my whole church (Revival Christian Fellowship, in Menifee California at 7pm) on Wednesday! :-D Please keep me in your prayers as I desire the Lord's words and light to shine above all else!!! :-D

Also, My prayer is to have monthly sponsors...A friend and I were talking the other day, and it is so true how many of us WANT to GO, but are unable to...and the Lord has allowed me to step out and just GO...I pray that those who desire to go, but cannot, will be able to sponsor me and allow me to be used in this way! I am praying that the Lord provides monthly sponors that can contribute in little and large ways. Even a few dollars a month can be an amazing blessing! I must raise about $500 a month. Please prayfully consider being a part of God's amazing plan with me! :) Thank you SO much!!

If you would like to make a contribution of any kind,

You can make a check out to: Mercy Ships
Memo: 2632

and send it to:
Mercy Ships
PO Box 2020, Lindale, TX 75771-2020, USA

or go online at:
http://www.mercyships.org/get-involved

then click the "Make a Gift...Sponsor a Crew Member"
I am under ORMAN (or click below)

https://secure.mercyships.org/webinfo/US/staffgiving?staff_data=2632~~Christina~Suzanne~Orman

Thank you again!!! God is Seriously blessing!!

16 days until I leave for AFRICA training!!!!

2009-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

The garage sale on Saturday went great! Raised about $500 on Saturday! :) and about $20 on Sunday haha! Thank you to all of you who donated and or stopped by! :)

Quick story: There was this lady who came up, and we started talking about why I was having a Garage Sale, and guess what??? SHE had been on Mercy Ships!!! She was on the other ship called the Anastasias! (the new ship is called the "Mercy Africa") It was so neat to hear that she loved her journey and she talked highly about her experience! God is good! :) Just thought I'd share :)

So many of you have either emailed me and/or asked me what are some things I may need before I leave so I made a small list...hope this helps. Thank you so much!! :)

Needs:
*Pajamas
*Socks (little ones)
*Shoes
*Dress Pants (size 9)
*1 set of twin white sheets / pillow cases
*2-4 white towels & wash clothes & hand towels
*BeachTowel
*2 large duffle bags on wheels (definately can be used!)
*Electrical Adapters (British Plug)
*15 foot Ethernet computer cord

Wants:
*Science type of school supplies or decorations (i have none so anything would be a blessing)
*P.E. supplies (rackets, balls, anything...)
*Gift Certificates (Walmart/ Kohls/ Target/ CVS/ Payless Shoes/etc...)
*Hollister normal Girls Perfume

Thank you again! :) See you Saturday!! :) My dad bought Tri-Tip!! yeehaw!! :)

Finally! :)

2009-05-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! I finally got my code for fundraising!!! :-D If you want to and are able to financially contribute to this amazing adventure in anyway, there are two ways to do this. First, you may write a check to:

Mercy Ships
Memo: 2632
and send it to:

Mercy Ships
PO Box 2020, Lindale, TX 75771-2020, USA

To donate via internet (easiest way) please visit:

http://www.mercyships.org/get-involved
then click the "Make a Gift...Sponsor a Crew Member"
I am under ORMAN

Thank you for all of your prayers and your support through every step of this process! Please prayfully consider committing to become a regular sponsor to this ministry who brings hope and healing to the poorest countries in the world. I must raise about $15,000 a year (includes airfare, transportation, room & board, extra living necessities, and health insurance). Any amount is greatly appreciated and valued! The Lord multiplies where His will is being carried out :)

I will be posting a video of "Mercy Ship Life" very soon!!! Keep checking back for more info! :) Love you guys!

2009-05-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Christina’s Going Away Party!

Aka: Fundraising / BBQ / Going Away / Birthday Party

Come jump aboard this ship, as we rejoice in this new adventure, as Christina follows her calling to teach in Africa!

Who: You & Your Family

When: May 30th 2009 @ 2:00

Where: 34039 Abbey Rd, Temecula CA 92592

What: We will have food, fellowship, fun and don’t forget to bring your swimsuits!!

Why: This festivity is to celebrate Christina’s adventure to Africa and her 23rd Birthday! Also, prayfully it will raise awareness and funds for her journey, as she will be a full-fledged Missionary!

Please RSVP: csorman@gmail.com or facebook or call/text 951-970-3036

As the Lord is leading me through the gangway, onto a new course of life, I will be heading leagues away where I will weigh my anchor and go full speed ahead to serve the Lord in Africa!

ONE MONTH!!!

2009-05-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I leave to go to Texas for training in exactly ONE MONTH!!!! June 10th (in the evening) is my estimated time of departure to drive to the Mercy Ship U.S. headquarters! My dad and i will be leaving in his truck on this date, in order to make a few adventurous stops on the way! Ill make sure to post pictures and stories all about it! :)

As time draws nearer, my schedule grows thicker...more things to do in less time... yet, I am stoked to be going on such an adventure!! I don't feel like it is real yet! haha! I dont think I will until I actually GET there! Please continue to pray for me, as I need God's support in every part of this trip! :) I have posted (to the right) a list that I will keep updated of specific prayer needs during the trip. I thank each of you for all of your support, love and prayers!

Oh! and remember to vote on which way you would like to keep updated on my trip! :)

(also, if you are having any trouble viewing or posting on this blog, please let me know! you can comment using your name if you post with: name/url and keep the URL blank. Please feel free to email me too at csorman@gmail.com thank you guys! I love you!)

Prayer Team!

2009-04-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

I had a missionary friend suggest that I start a prayer list. My goal is to have 200-300 people praying for this mission's adventure. I believe that prayer is the strongest communication to our Lord, and that it is essential for this journey! I would be honored if you would become a part of this prayer team not for me, but for the kingdom of God! I will be posting specific prayer requests occasionally, but please keep me in your continual prayers in all areas! :) Thank you so much!

Please either send me an email at csorman@gmail.com just letting me know that your praying, or comment below.

Thanks guys SO much!! I thank you for your prayers, as I know that I can feel them and that the Lord is using them for encouragement and for all the puzzle pieces to slowly fit together!

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Address Please!

2009-04-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of getting addresses together to send out invites for my "Going Away / Birthday / Fundraising" Party that will happen in May...probably middle May...and I need your home addresses please!! Please send them to: csorman@gmail.com I will have the ability to send and receive snail mail and email while I'm over there, and I would LOVE to keep you all in contact personally as well as have you come to the party! :) Thanks!

Also, some of you have asked what the link is for Mercy Ships..here it is: mercyships.org they even have a virtual tour of the ship which is fun to watch! (The library/student computer lab is also the science classroom...aka MY CLASSROOM! hehe!) Soon, you will be able to support me through Mercy Ships directly, but I will let you know more info later. Thank you!

Remember...send those addresses!! :) Anyone and EVERYONE is invited!!!! thanks!!!

2009-03-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!!

So when it comes closer to leaving for Africa, I will be posting on this blog a lot more! But right now, there is just a lot of behind the scenes paperwork stuff going on...nothing too exciting... Except I did buy two jackets that I hope you will like seeing me in for the next two years! haha! :) But other than that, please keep me in prayer, especially for the financial side of everything to just be in the Lord's will! I know it will be! I will be sending out support letters probably within the next two weeks... and so please start praying with me! I DID have a something a little exciting come about...and Im sure you will see this again...but I wanted to show you first! I have a friend who is an AMAZING artist, and I mentioned to him that I would love to have a "Logo" to put on my letters, updates, etc... and so I showed him my idea, and asked him to play around with it... and this is what he drew:

Wow! Right? Well, I thought so! :) I hope you like it too!
I am praying for you and I thank you for praying for me!! I love you all! Thank you for all of your support and love! Bye for now :)

oh ps... id love to see who's keeping updated and has found my blog, so please feel free to comment below :) thanks :P

AFRICA here I come!!!

2009-03-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

Im going to......AFRICA!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!

I just want to first of all thank each of you for all your prayers for this opportunity to go with Mercy Ships in Africa. I have been praying so hard and seeking guidance from the Lord and I feel SO blessed to be accepted for a position with Mercy Ships Academy, as a High School science teacher!!! Wow! What an amazing blessing and adventure this will be! I cannot even comprehend what this experience will be like, other than life changing! It doesn't feel like its real yet...but Im sure it will soon enough! Thank you for all your prayers! If you could continue to pray I would love all of it!! I know that we as believers need to keep one another in our prayers and support, especially when we are doing His work.

A few specifics in prayers:

- For the Lord's guidance and preparation for a year or two year's experience in a completely foreign country

-For the support though prayer and financially (prayer is essential!!!) to build and be supplied

-For my future students, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ...for the Lord to prepare my heart for them and their hearts for me, and that I will be able to make an impact in their lives according to the Lord's calling

-And especially...for my devotion to the Lord, that it continues to grow each and every day!

Thank you again so much for everything! I will keep everyone posted on where the Lord continues to leads :) I love you all SOOO much!!

2009-03-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a very inspirational video that I discovered one day on Youtube! Chris Rice is one of my favorite singers, and I thought that this video was very appropriate for this time in not only my life, but all of our lives! We should: Go and Hold out our candle, For all to see it, Take our candle, And go light our world!! I pray this inspires you to go where the Lord is calling you! No matter where that may be! Even if that means right here right now :) Lets light our world today! :)

First Post!!

2009-03-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! This is my first post on a Blog! I wanted to start a blog, because I know that the next few years are going to bring so much change and exciting events! I am praying that this Blog can be used as a place where I can stay connected with those who I love, pray for and support. I also want to use this as a place for those who will be praying for me and supporting me to feel apart of my life, and experience the new adventures with me. I cannot wait to share with you, and for you to ask, comment, and share with me your adventures with me! Let this be a place where we can share fun times, laughter, joy, hardships, and prayer requests with one another. I love you guys so much, and I would not be where I am today with out you. Please keep me in prayer as the Lord is guiding my steps into new directions. Right now I am praying that the Lord guides me Internationally as a Missionary using teaching as a tool. I applied for a position at Mercy Ships Academy which is a hospital ship that travels from country to country in Africa, and they have a school on the ship for the Missionary Kids (MKs)...in which I applied as a teacher! I will find out March 25th if I got the position! I am very excited and seeking the Lords ultimate will---no matter "Where in the World" He may lead me! Even if its here in SoCal :) Thank you all for your support and prayers! I love you all!