There is Always More

 


There seems to be no better time to blog than when you in deep thought. HA!

     Whoa dude! What's going on? What is God doing? What am I doing? LOL Do you ever feel like that...?

     If you don't already know, I opened my own hair salon. Both Josh and I work in the same building. No, he doesn't do hair or nails. haha. He has another job. We both once again have gone out on faith. We are self-employed. God has put us in a place where we will be able to go and come from the mission field.... I guess...lol The more I say yes to God...the more I seem not so sure of myself or at least of my plans. lol
    I've been fixin' up the building we are in...painting and making plans. It's exciting to make plans and watch them come true.
   I have said," Boy, life changes drastically every five years."...meaning that from 5 years to 5 years my life seems so different. Now, I guess I can say from year to year. hahahhaaaa! One of the things I learned in Nepal is...if things seem not so perfect or don't go as planned...just laugh. Laugh out loud...maybe at the oddness of the situation, at yourself, or maybe just laugh in the face of old satan. Produce joy. Let is seep from your soul.

   Every time I get alone with God since returning from Nepal...I weep. I cannot stop. I feel pulled to my knees. I feel like I'm being emptied and filled all at the same time. He pulls down all my shields. Yes. I am not perfect. I have a shield up...and I think I am figuring out what it is........right.....now....
   We step out in faith. We trust in God completely. We GO! Then, when things don't turn out exactly how we planned them and talked about...we feel like a failure. People begin to ask questions...they don't mean to make us feel worse...but the questions do...the comments do...we feel like God gave us a chance to trust Him, but we failed Him. We failed at our purpose...it must be the end. It's over.
    BUT....
                 that is a lie. ha!
   There is so much more to God. God didn't create us for that "one big thing" we think we are waiting to happen. Stepping out in faith was the right thing to do. We must lift our heads to look into His beautiful eyes. There is no need to feel ashamed. We are children of the mighty King! Stepping out in faith on His command and without fear is the right thing to do. We must continue to trust Him completely. Fear....do we live in fear to shield ourselves from pain? Who are we? We are nothing without Him. Once we grasp that...there is no reason to live in fear of failure or fear of rejection.
  He has purposed so much for us...and made us for so much purpose. I mean...look at how complicated our bodies are...seriously..how can we think it's all for just that "one big thing". Yes..we are created for something big alright. God's purpose. It's huge! How can we minimize it into one thing. He is so much bigger than that....
      So if you feel rejected or like a failure....let down your shield and let him engulf you in His love. Hey! You my friend are not alone. I'm talking to myself here.
  So let's do it!  Let's move forward together!.. Knowing...there is more to all of this than we yet know....so..."to infinity and beyond!" hahaha!
 Here's to stepping out in faith and trusting God! (high five) hahahaha!!!

Up the Mountain

  Where should I start today....

oh yeah...

   We got in touch with Mountain Child Guest House, moved, and stayed there a couple nights. They were very friendly. The house is located behind a zoo. It was a neat thing...we kept the windows open, and you could hear the animals.
   Through our friendship with Shanda, we
met Clem and Jenny Chen. They opened the doors for us to help at Banquet House. Banquet House feeds and ministers to the needy ,and they have church there. I got my share of squats in while washing dishes. Oh what an honor:) There were less ladies than men. One lady sang and sang. She also prayed for me. Seated beside her was another sweet soul who wouldn't let my arm go. We couldn't understand each other, but we spoke as if we did. The language of love is universal. These ladies face so much hardship, yet they remember to love.
  We also met other missionaries at BH. Amongst them,we met Heather. If you have been around me enough, you have heard her name a few times. We struck up a nice to meet you conversation and exchanged numbers. She mentioned that she lived in the same place as another American missionary who was married to a Nepali missionary...in case we needed anything.
   (I'm having to leave out some things in the blog. It would be a book if I left in every detail.)

  We decided we needed a more appropriate place for us to stay. My stomach wasn't taking the new yummies very well...diarrhea became the norm. <---this is real people lol. We moved again to a "hotel" type place. The people there were so helpful. We were comfortable there, and we danced in the bedroom right after we got in...lol I laugh now thinking about it. There was even a friendly kitty:)

    They had a restaurant, and we got free breakfast. I wanted to feel pretty ( for real) so I got ready that night, and we went to supper at the restaurant. We all ordered pasta. Josh decided he wanted the dish with spinach. Spinach happens to be one of his favs.
   The next day, Josh was nauseous and violently vomiting.  If you know Josh well enough, then you know he is a man who lives by faith for everything....including health. The next day, We all laid in bed with tears . We fought with our faith and prayed. Josh was in the most pain he had ever been in in his life. It was difficult to see this man I love who lived with all his heart in such strong faith like this...BUT God is faithful. We decided it was time to ask for help.This day was a strike day. Which happens often in Nepal...and also means no taxis. The staff was eager to help us, and called the ambulance. Josh road alone to the hospital. Natalie and I made our way there.
  We chose to use the Nepali hospital, because it is significantly cheaper than the British hospital. I called Heather, and she made her way on her scooter to meet us. I am so grateful for her. When we got there, Josh was on the bed in the ER...nothing like the ERs in the states. Folks would freak out if they could see. I trusted God would take care of everything. Once Josh was laid and on the bed and boom...another earthquake. I went inside, and noticed that Josh's lips were beginning to turn blue. I decided I would not be afraid. God is faithful. In the end, Josh recovered. Heather being at our side was a Godsend. I'm pretty sure it helped Natalie a whole lot. My little girl is brave.
  We ended up meeting Heather's housemates,Michael and Holly. They along with Heather spent many hours helping us look for a place to live...to no avail. We are forever appreciative. The time we spent with them blessed us immensely.
  I ended up going online and finding a real estate agent. We moved again. The rent was good and the place was furnished...which was rare. I ran a fever the first night,so Heather came over and brought pizza for us. We love her;) hehe A Korean man lived above us and the landlord family lived above him. They were all so friendly. 

 The gas smell from the water heater became overwhelming...I was at my bottom...we decided to search for another place. Between moving and being sick, I felt exhausted emotionally. We were determined to keep going. The daughter of the family spoke English very well. I was in tears when I told her that we were leaving. I felt ashamed of my weakness. This is normal life for them...I was at a low. Yet, God is faithful.

   Remember Cynthia and Kevin? We had spent a day with Cynthia looking for a place to live, and remembered a place we turned down on account of the cost. We decided to stay there after all. We would be further from our friends Shanda and Heather, but only a 5 minute walk to Cynthia. We moved again.
   Almost everyday after that we spent with Cynthia. Her southern accent was comforting, and we found out that we had lots in common. She showed us how to get to the nearest grocery stores, and where some good food was located. There I could go out and by produce and things like that...the place was already furnished so we didn't have to buy pots and pans.
   She and Kevin have 2 Nepali girls who live with them. They became very close with us all. Natalie seemed super happy to have friends to play with...and I was glad.

   Kevin and Cynthia invited us to go to the "slums" with them to a church where they did a Bible club with kids. We went a couple times. The children worshipped and listen to Bible stories. It was so good. I can see God smiling about that...:)  

 The second time we went, we walked a different way. We saw how these children lived. It broke our hearts. I felt helpless...how could I help them all...just our little family....help all these people. I realized what it means to truly be nothing at all without God. I can't help them by myself, but God can make a way. In places like this, mother's try and give their children to you in order for them to receive care. They love their children so very much, and as a mother it wrenches my heart to imagine how they must feel.

  Josh was ready to get out and do something about all this....He went downstairs at our apartment and spoke with the manager. He asked about where some more needy people were that we could help. The manager got excited. He volunteered to help us help people.
  We rented a car and ventured up to a village that he told us about...ventured....lol What a bumpy ride...it makes me laugh out loud thinking about it. We laughed on the ride, too. It was like riding in a little car driven by Dale Earnhart, Jr. except we were on the side of a mountain. We would get stuck, and we would all giggle. I silently prayed each time, and we got unstuck every time.

  When we got to the village, we met the village "owner" or as we think "mayor". The village was up in the clouds and some of the families were without shelter due to the earthquake. The mayor was such a sweet man. He showed us what use to be his home. He explained that he left his home 2 minutes before the quake. Both his wife and children were killed. I was holding back tears.
  We met with a group of men from the village...I reckon they were like the head men. Raj (the apartment manager) was our interpreter. They seemed suspicious of our wanting to help, but Raj assured them we were ok people.
   On the way back down the mountain, we ate trout. It was super good. ha
  Raj helped us arrange to supply tin to 21 families. They combine the tin and bamboo to create shelters/homes. The next time up the mountain we rented a jeep which is much like what we call land rover type vehicles. Heather went with us to deliver the tin. It was a more fun ride this time. I know my bottom went up 2 feet at least off the seat one time when we hit a bump. lol

Trout

   Do you see what God did? We met amazing people, and he guided us to where He wanted us. I still am so amazed. This is why we shouldn't worry. I mean...we went to Nepal knowing not one person...and he supplied friends...family really...and he lead us to a person willing to help us help others.
    Why did we come home? Well...God never told us a time frame. We had to decide whether or not to use the money we had to live there longer or shelter 21 families. We came not back home...but forward home. Transitioning from the mission field to what you knew before isn't rose petals....or cotton fields lol We are changed forever.
     What are we doing now?
   We are working jobs, and sort of starting over...but we aren't. We went to well...I guess you could say "boot camp" in Nepal to get ready for what is next. We desire to go back to Nepal for a short term trip. We are praying that God shows us where and what...
   Kingdom Harvest International wasn't an accidental name. I fully believe that God gave Josh the name in 2009 for such a time as this.
   There is so much more to this story, but I hope this answers some of your questions. I tried not to drag it out to much:)
Thank you to those who prayed and helped financially on this trip.
   Pray with us won't you.
   Pray for our precious friends on the field. These are our family more than our friends.
   Pray for Nepal.

  We love all of ya'll:) 


http://www.khimissions.org


  
  
 

Breaking the Old Mold

  WOW. This year has been amazing. I admit that it ain't been easy. Change is normally accompanied by some sort of discomfort for our flesh. Many of you are reading this awaiting a story from Nepal. I'm going to try and share bit by bit.
  I haven't blogged in a while, because I needed time to be smoothed in some places. I also needed to learn that it was okay to be different than who I was before. I'd say that when we got back, I was sort of discombobulated.<-----must be a word...spell check didn't pick it up :) I needed time to take it all in...
   I am so grateful to the people God place into our lives who stayed patient after our return to the states. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  I want to be frank. When we came back to the states, I felt lost....or something else...

 When we first arrived in Nepal, it was very difficult. There was nothing that could have prepared us for what we faced. No person can describe to you what it's like to go to Nepal the way we did....BUT God is faithful.




  After a whole lot of flying, we arrived in Kathmandu.We were bombarded by people wanting to carry our baggage for us for money. We found our man with a sign that said our name. I had arranged a place for us to stay by using Trip Advisor. ha! They had a driver meet us. As we left the airport, we entered into another world....culture shock baby! VROOOM! all over the road. The Nepali drivers seem to be vrooming ALL over the road. Trust me though...they know what they are doing, and actually are quite courteous.
  Finally, we arrived at our destination. The room wasn't so bad. We didn't know anybody at the time or any language...so we went to bed hungry. This was the first time I felt the shock. Natalie was hungry, and I felt awful. I kept thinking, " what in the world did we do"...I also thought about all the people that had children starving everyday. I reminded myself that God is faithful. I crawled in bed with Natalie, and we both silently cried ourselves to sleep. wow....talk about humbled.
   We were awakened at 4am by gonging, ringing, chanting, and horn blowing. We didn't realize that we booked our room in a temple courtyard...this went on for 2 hours. Eventually, we went to the upper floor, and the sweet Nepalis fixed us some breakfast. I hardly had an appetite, but I forced some food down.
    Back in our room, I sat on the window seal with the window wide open. It was sort of damp and dreary due the the rain. On the courtyard floor, there were a few Red Cross of China tents. I watched a little boy go over his school work with his mother. I could tell she asked him a question, and he got it right. He was smiling so big. I quickly realized I was smiling,too. I found a lot of joy watching the children play in that courtyard.

       Just one night and a half day in Nepal had stripped us of every ounce of pride. It didn't feel great, but God is faithful. Natalie was singing, and encouraging her daddy and me. She was shining her light.

    11am.: our first experience with an earthquake. I could see from our upstairs window how the Nepali people ran outside with excitement and fear. It was loud like the sound of jets breaking the sound barrier...but you could feel it.
    Although the power isn't on 24 hours, the place we stayed had wifi. Right after the quake, I heard a ding on my ipod. I checked it. It was from a woman named Cynthia. She said God had put us on her heart that morning. I sobbed and cheered. Turns out we have one mutual Facebook friend, and neither of us can figure out how we know them... Anyway, her husband,Kevin, happened to be close by, and they quickly offered to help us get on our feet.
    One week before heading to Nepal, a friend mentioned that a hometown girl named Shanda was in Nepal. I contacted her. The very first morning, after her classes, she found her way to us.
    We ventured down to the courtyard near the entrance and waited. Almost at the exact same time, Shanda and Kevin show up. God is faithful. We had South Georgians gathered right there LOL It was crazy I tell ya. We all hugged and swapped information. It was so great...you have no idea...or maybe you do. God is faithful.
    We spent the rest of the day with Shanda. She took us all over. She may have a small frame, but her heart is so big. One might say it's like our Heavenly Father's. She guided us in getting food, money, and a cell phone. She took us to meet her friends and "family" in Nepal. Her heart is so beautifully open to love. We even learned to ask a person if we could pray for them in Nepali from her. The whole entire time...I thought..."wow...God...I can't believe this is happening." God gave us help in the form of a person from our own hometown who we never even knew...whoa.
    Back at the temple courtyard...lol...we went back up, and ate our first round of traditional Nepali food. I still had no appetite, but the food was served with love by a beautiful Nepali woman...and after a full day...my heart felt warm.



to be continued....
 
 

I'm Awake!

    There are no words to describe all of what I feel inside at this time. There are not enough words to describe what God has done for me and my family. Oh how and why would He choose to send us.
    Every life counts. We are not insignificant. 
                                           You are not insignificant.
    TRUST. 
            So easy to say...but do you? Do you trust God? What has He placed on the inside of you? It is like an explosion inside of you that you have to let out! It's dying to escape. Do not let it die! Let it out! Let the Holy Spirit swarm up and out. Trust. Let God lead you. Trust. Trust. Trust. He is saying, "trust me."
    So much has happened in a weeks time. I cannot share every detail. I hope everybody can understand. I will share that soon the appointed time is approaching. We trust His perfect will for our lives. Pray for us.
    May all your fears be gone! Step out and cross the bridge to destiny! Be no longer a slave to fear! You were made to overcome. You have been given dominion. Rise up and awaken. Be amazed! WHOOHOOOO!
 We will not be sharing everything on social media as I hope you can understand why. If you'd like to know more about the mission set before us, email us your mailing address. We will keep you updated:) 
Contact us: email: office@khimissions.org
                  mail:  P.O. Box 108, Norman Park, GA 31771

No matter what...We were created to endure! Rise up and wake up lovers!
"Your praise will ever be on my lips!" We were made to worship!


     

Heart Ache

     It's been almost a year to the exact date of when God spoke to mine and Josh's hearts concerning the mission field. We all want to know our life's purpose. I sometimes think that God doesn't reveal it to us in it's entirety at once, because not only would we grow impatient... it would overwhelm us. He is super smart you know.

     Life has been going great for our family. We've been working at our jobs, and homeschooling, and Natalie's been dancing, and we've even gotten one of our cats back that we gave away. (Don't let the run on sentence get to you. I like it.) Yes, we got one back. The fellow that was just a wee one when we parted is now back with us.:) All of these things make for a comfortable life.
      Let me tell you this...I am very happy. I have no complaints about my life. I am blessed so very much. I am taking it all in and enjoying what I have...I'm enjoying this life.
     The thing is.....

            "I feel like I'm dying."  I know what God has for my life. Maybe not all of it, but a portion. My heart aches and yearns so much to reach the point in the path that He has shown me. Sometimes, I want to scream or cry out!!! It's embedded inside of me. All of His love is embedded inside of me for these orphan and poor children who do not know they are loved, and the only opportunity for them to know love is me, or my husband, or my daughter. I cannot explain it all except that God has placed this yearning in my heart.
       The yearning to live fearless. AHHHH! The more I know God my Father, the more I yearn for those children to know they have a Father who loves them. The more I yearn to tell the homeless blind lady on the side of a dirt street who has no name....I love you...God loves you....You are worth being loved. It's so overwhelming...I cannot speak enough words to explain it all.

    I said it out loud once. "I feel like I'm dying." A wise special friend of ours said, "You are."
    Just now....ha! I realize, I was feeling blah. I felt like everything was at a stand still....but I'm dying:) Why a smiley face? The more I die to myself, the more He can love through me. When people see me, I want them to see Him.
     OHHHHHH!! I yearn and ache so bad to see Mozambique, to see Nepal...to reach out...to take action..and GO!!!!

     Everyone always asks about us and our mission. I hope this helps you understand. God has already spoken aloud, Nepal. We are just waiting for the GO button to be pressed.
   Meanwhile, Josh currently teaches a Bible class at Word of Life Training Center. There, we minister to all sorts of folks inside and outside the training center.:)


   God loves you more than you can imagine. More than you can imagine...
 I'm so glad He loves with a strong steady heart. Thank You Father. I trust You.

   

Another Dream Come True

  God is so good to me. He is the best! 

    It has been one of many dreams for me to be the first to take Robyn (my bff) on her first Disney World trip. Remember, He knows the desires of your heart. 

MAY 2014

It was a trip planned in a month's time. I knew I couldn't on my own afford to take my family and Robyn to Disney World. God provided:) I want to thanks those involved in making this dream come true. God used you. YAY! 

We rode Expedition Everest 3x's! WHOOHOO!!!!

We were so excited to get to see family on our visit. What a blessing;)

      We wanted to leave this year for Mozambique. You know how it is...when God shows you something...you automatically get all hasty and are rippin' and ready. LOL He so knows us. He's like, " Hey kid, I got this!" 

             There are a few things I'd like to do before we go. I know that part of that includes spending a whole lot of time with our family and friends. 

  I've been asked a few times...well a lot of times..." When are ya'll leavin'?" The answer is," When God get's us ready." He is preparing not only us, but our family and friends as well. Preparing for missionary life is like whoa mayn. 

         Wanna pray for us?

 Here are a few things that have to happen:  

1.House Sold. Truck paid off. and we have one other debt.=DEBT paid off.  

2. We need the means to go. We have our Non-Profit fund set aside and are raising and saving the money to go. Our current amt in account is around $4,000. What will it take? $17,000-$20,000 for the first 3months. Sounds like a lot. We are moving and it's 3 of us. Includes: Travel. Water. Tuition for mission school for the three of us. and some supplies we will have to purchase after arrival. After that, the amount needed will go down...

3.We want to be able to help provide for the people we are going to help as well.( wouldn't that be awesome) 

DON'T forget to pray for our families. It won't be easy for them to see us leave. 

He renews our passion constantly. He never lets us forget where we are headed. WHOA! I get so excited:) Oh how He loves us all!

   How can I be excited about leaving....He makes me brave:) 

Here is OUR WEBSITE .

God is my Strong Tower. I 've been running, and when I feel weak...I start to pray aloud. I look to Him...my Strong Tower...standing about my weakness..I run to Him:)

OH MY! I have to share this. God has put things on my heart to share...and I did the other night..and the next day during Josh teaching...Josh spoke the exact same things...WOW> God has us connected. How romantic:) hehe 

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE 

:)

Pick Me Up Like a Paintbrush

  My soul is longing for Mozambique. I am bursting!! It's what lies there.... that awaits me.... I feel the pull from the depths of my soul. I long as if I belong...The call is loud. It booms. I am aware that some may not comprehend the depths from which I speak...it is from a place that I can hear...again.
  Where God has me now, this is where I will minister now. This place I am in...the soil is to have an imprint of His love wherever I go.
   My prayer is that I can only be as He wants me to be. I want to be dead to my selfish wants only to live fully in His presence...leaving behind something bigger than I could ever be. I want to leave behind a sense of peace...I want to be able to show pure love to everyone...Love is tangible...Love looks like something(Heidi Baker)...Love looks like Jesus.
  I am quite overwhelmed at times that God has chosen me to walk as Jesus did...among the poor and untouchable...and with just one touch of His love their lives will be changed forever. I am amazed for I deserve nothing but death. Yet He continues to pour into me life. I wish only to have it abundantly so that it may overflow into others...that I may become a river...no perhaps a mere stream that trickles down from His ocean...well really I want to be a river...lol bursting with life!!

   "What is this...why do you speak so differently?"
   I speak no differently than I always have. I am no longer afraid to become vulnerable as I always have been...for now I am more sure than ever that I am covered.
   God spoke to me about worship and warfare. Worship requires being humble before what/who we are worshiping. We must be lower than what/who we hold high. What we worship during this battle covers us. If you crouch down in battle(get down low) you are usually hidden by something greater than yourself. What/who are we esteeming higher than ourselves...what are we worshiping?
    What is covering you in battle?<----this is the question we must ask ourselves. It could be work, sports, tv, shopping, school, celebrities or well there are tons of things and people we could unknowingly esteem higher than ourselves..higher than what we were created to be. Worshipers....covered completely by the great King of Kings. The time we spend in worship (reading the Word, singing, praying, or simply listening) is so very important for our existence. God wants a relationship. Some call it quiet time...Some call it the "secret place" which I like very much. It is special for each individual person. God meets us there. He is so big:)
    I can honestly say that I was never happy walking off path. There is no greater joy than to be this alive! He is doing things as He promised...beyond what I could ever imagine.

 The tears that fall are now drops of love for I am so in love.
  I will go wherever He calls me.
 I am not afraid of death. Death cannot kill me.

This time I'm sharing 2 videos:) and I finally got our website up and running.
http://kingdomharvestintl.org

One of many areas in which Iris Global is ministering: I love the fact that these children are being equipped.
Phoebe's Story
CONGO
   

Close your eyes and listen.