Dream Big!

Sounds a bit cliche, but this has been a message for me this year.  It was on the sign that my sister gave me for Christmas.  It was covering an entire wall at the Vienna Airport as I left the conference with the direction to potentially join the team in Europe.  It was on a pillow at the home where I stayed the night before going to Indonesia.

Wall at Vienna Airport

As I've stepped out into what I believe God is calling me to, it's bigger than I would have chosen and even feel comfortable with.  At the same time, it's as though my dreams are coming true--and some of them I wasn't even aware that I had!

The first night I arrived in Malang, Indonesia, I felt such a thrill and joy to be surrounded by people of different nations and cultures as well as reuniting with those I've met within the last year from all over the world. It was quite surreal as we began 2+ weeks of meetings and EE's 3rd Congress of Nations.  As I sat with the team from Europe, I felt such a sense of belonging and being in my element. It's quite humbling really as I'm not European and have such little experience, but this was another level of affirmation.

Team Europe at Nation Building Specialist meetings in Indonesia

It was awe-inspiring and an honor to be present as 86 nations gathered together.  We were able to meet as a continent but also have many meetings with other countries and continents to see how to work together in the coming months and years to build up the ministry in Europe and throughout the rest of the world.  

Team Europe at Congress of Nations

 It's amazing to see God's hand choosing and placing people in positions at this time as 5 of the 6 Vice Presidents are "passing the baton" to someone new.  The timing of joining Europe is significant as there is much reform ahead!  I'll keep you posted in the future as to what those are, but I'm personally excited about the planning stages of getting things going in France.  Another task is that Europe has been assigned the next Congress of Nations in 2019!!!  

Former VP George has passed the baton to Helmut

As I have returned to my hometown to begin support-raising and prepping to return to Switzerland, I'm so amazed at our Lord of the Universe.  His heart for all to know Him is evident by the ways that He is at work!  I love how He inspires us and stirs our hearts to desire what will carry out His plan for our lives and for the world that He loves.  I'm finding it takes an open heart to "dream big," and as I am realizing the dreams He's placed within me, it causes a deep sense of awe, gratitude, and even worship.  

I hope that you will dream big too, the kind that screams,"Yes, this is what I was made for!"  The kind that is rooted in the One who created you and connects you to Him.  The kind that can and do come true. 

Open Doors

We hear the expression of "open" and "closed" doors a lot, or at least I do.  In the Bible, God acknowledges that He has placed an open door that no one can shut.  I think the context here is more of a spiritual/heavenly nature, but I also agree that life presents itself with "open" and "closed" doors.  

Doors in Luzern, Switzerland

I'm going to focus on the open doors in this post, though I believe that God can and does direct us through closed doors as much as He does the open ones.  I'm finding I sometimes expect "open doors" to be effortless and obvious. This summer (winter), I've been humbly reminded that this is not always the case.  

My first day in Switzerland, I encountered three doors that were "open"--or at least able to be opened, if only I could figure them out!  I should've remembered the locks in Europe are opposite and a bit more involved than those in the US, but it's been a while!  Needless to say, lefty loosy, righty tighty doesn't work there!  So, as I fumbled my way spinning and pulling, I had to accept that I didn't know how to open the door! 

When something in the natural happens three times in one day, it catches my attention; and I start considering spiritual lessons.  I think there is one.  Each of those physical doors that day--and repeatedly throughout the past couple months--were for me to go through, but I just didn't know how to open them! 

I don't think God teases us, but I do think He likes when we approach Him with our questions and ask for help!  So, as I am in a transition stage with some doors that need opening, my prayer is for help to know how and not give up at the first ..or third...sign of frustration and even incompetence.

Psalm 24 also reminds us of our part in a broader sense to open the doors and gates of our lives for God Himself as King to come in and bring His reign.  Yes to open doors--to Him and through Him!

Open gate in Asia

From Australia to Indonesia

My time in Australia was wonderful, full of reunions and meeting new people.  I attended some of Figtree Anglican Church's missions conference, which was encouraging on many levels. It's always a blessing to see how God's people are engaged in building God's kingdom.

Figtree Anglican Church Missions Conference

Because of my connections last summer through the internship, there's a tie and sense of family with those at the church already. I was also encouraged by the kids' church who were hi lighting South Carolina!  It was an unexpected blessing to get to share a bit and get prayed for especially since I'm halfway across the world from my own church and family.

Sharing with Kids Church at FAC about being a missionary and South Carolina :)

I also was able to process some with friends as well as enjoy things that I love like nature, shared meals, and sunshine!

After bush walk at Mt Keira with friend Janine from last year's internship

Speaking of sunshine, I'm now in Indonesia where it's shining brightly and much warmer than the past couple months. Anyone who knows me even a little knows that this is no complaint, but a huge cause of thankfulness.

We start a couple of conferences starting tomorrow.  I'm super excited to gather with others from all over the globe. I have much to learn and would appreciate your prayers for all of us as we travel and adjust to a different climate and mix of cultures. Thanks for following!

G'day, Mates!

I arrived in Sydney Tuesday bright and early after two overnight flights from London.  I have to say that Australia feels more like home to me than anywhere else I've traveled this summer...though it's winter here!  And that was perhaps one of the reasons: despite it being mid-winter, I was met with sunshine and 70's + (21+ C) weather.  Of course the next day was much cooler with low 60's and rain, but my body and mind can accept this since it is actually winter here.  

Random tree and house in Wollongong neighborhood 

The timing of my flight was perfect as former Fiji intern Mitch was already heading to the airport to pick up his sis and friend a bit later to bring us to Wollongong.  He came a bit early and took me to Botany Bay, which made me so happy as that is one of my favorite places in Australia. :)  As you John's Island peeps know, we have our own Botany Bay, which my family often goes to in the boat for a fun day and also is the view from my favorite prayer spot.  

That was the first of several reunions with many more to come.  I'm staying with a lovely family whose daughter, Martha, came to Fiji last summer for the mission trip.  She's at school during the day, but we get to speak French every evening. :)  I'm thankful for a relaxing pace to see people and also get some work done before I head to Indonesia next week for 2.5 weeks of conferences. (Heads up in case I'm MIA for a while).  It's also nice to be somewhere I've been before and that has beaches and boats, which I'm missing back home.  

Wollongong Harbour

And of course, I'm loving the accents and Aussie culture.  I actually had a man tell me "G'day" on my walk yesterday!  I felt like saying "thank you" instead of my American "hi" just for making my day.  Since most of you reading this are behind us here, g'day to y'all, too, mates.  

Disclaimer: The y'all is all me.  I'll always be southern. ;)

Still Going Strong?

I'm past the halfway mark, about 6 weeks in to my 10 weeks of traveling.  It's interesting the questions and reactions I've gotten.  Other than surprise, a common response is that I'm brave...which surprises me.  Maybe it's because I know me.  I do love the excitement and adventure of exploring new places and learning about the people and cultures, some for the first time.  But to be honest, sometimes...often even... it's hard.  Not every day is a good day, and while I always try to find the best in a situation, some situations try me more than others.  And if I'm not careful, I can slip into a mindset where my weakness seems to rule.

In God's Word, a man named Paul actually boast of his weaknesses and hardships because God promised him personally--and all who trust Him--that His grace is sufficient in our weakness.

In case you don't know this about me, I believe that God's Word is powerful and can change us as well as our circumstances.  I say I believe, but...

Plane 1 o 3 leaving Norway

Last Monday, after three flights from Norway and two hours to get out of security/baggage at Heathrow, I was exhausted and plain miserable.  I had already struggled up stairs with all of my bags, no one helping, only to find there were no seats available on the tube.  It's a good thing I didn't know the journey would take almost two more hours to get to my accommodations!  What I did know is that I had every intention of sitting down as soon as the person on the end got up.  But would you believe that when it became available, a man already seated got up and quickly took the spot? At this point, my misery mounted along with very mean thoughts about this man.  Could he not see that I needed that spot?  

It was a few minutes later when I did get to sit that I actually brought my offense and frustration to the Lord.  And an amazing thing happened: I was free of the bitterness that attempted to take root; and from that point on, someone offered to help me at every stairwell and on/off every train!!  I was so humbled and also reminded of the opportunity and value of inviting the Lord into our weakness and taking Him at His Word: His strength is perfected in our weaknesses!  

This is one of many examples of where I've seen Him provide as I've offered my petty hardships.  I'm thankful for a God who cares for us rather than despising our weakness.  And who frees us to love others when we are too weak to.  

With that, I've got a LOT of airport/air time over the next couple of days...waiting to board my overnight to Australia!  Here's to trading weakness for strength!

Heathrow Terminal 3 Waiting Area

Norwegian Vacation

Last Thursday I arrived in Norway!  It's unlike any place I've been before for sure.   Being from the coast, my heart is full every time I look out the front window and gaze upon the North Sea (or it may be an inlet, but gorgeous!)

The past few days have been a time of rest: limited emails and decisions, no meetings, and a good bit of sleep!  While I really, really like the work I've begun, I've learned in life the importance of refrain at the right times, not out if laziness, but to recharge. That time is now! 

It's also been wonderful reconnecting with friends from grad school days.  They're the kind you can go a few years without seeing each other (in person), but catch right up where you left off from.

Not only is it great to be with them, but their lives are such a testimony of God's faithfulness.  Gunnhild and I used to meet on a weekly basis, and a regular prayer in their lives was to have children.  In 2014, they adopted two beautiful Ethiopian children: Nora and Moses.  Shortly after, their daughter (my godchild) Salome was born.  Seeing them all together is a "live" picture of answered prayer to fulfill their heart's desires.  The way they pour into these children and each other is beautiful.

As if that weren't enough, I've gotten to visit several beauties nearby: a bird sanctuary, beach, town of Åelsund, the fjords, and a lighthouse.  I'm not going to lie, I'm so glad I'm visiting in the summer!  When the sun comes out, it's quite strong and even hot, but when it doesn't, brrr!

As I'm about to enter a world where I work with Europeans, I'm glad to broaden my horizons and experience a little more--some of Scandinavia--for myself!  Thankful to do this in the form of a Norwegian vacation!

My Swiss German Family

In my last post, I wrote about putting love into action and how God calls us to do that. I even gave a couple of examples I've encountered recently.  I have another example of this to share today.  It's the family that I've stayed with during the past 3+ weeks during my entire stay here in Niederhasli (Zurich).

I admit that it's not easy to come into a family's home when you've never met them, especially for that long a period, without a sense of intruding or being a burden; yet this family's attitude and welcome allowed me to do just that!  From the first night to the last morning, I felt so welcome and a part of the family.

Their incredible generosity manifested itself in so many forms, and when you are the recipient of such kindness and love--one that you really can't return--you can't help but learn from this.

It reminds me of the concept of grace that EE (and the Bible!) teaches: how the full life that God offers is a free gift from God, and there is no way to repay Him with good behavior or works.  We simply acknowledge that we don't deserve it, but it is right there available to us.  All we can do is receive with grateful hearts and be changed by it.

I am so grateful for the Burgener family who has given me so much more than a place to stay these past 3 weeks, but has loved me through their sacrifice, kindness, and generosity.  And I am so grateful to the Lord for His offer of free life to all who say "yes" to Him.  I hope that all who read this will humbly say "yes" to the greatest gift of all: life to the fullest!