Living Out the Impossible

A Little God Story

2010-11-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

I am now working at the Yorba Linda Vineyard as the Community Outreach Pastor which is just a blessing in itself. I am having so much fun with this new community and am just seeing God move right here, in what I think is one of the hardest places I have ever ministered in. We have several outreaches and one includes taking food supplies along with water to a boys classroom in a school in the community. Most of these kids come to school having no breakfast or lunch and struggle everyday to fight hunger. Here is some fantastic feedback from this particular outreach...

"I spoke with Mr. K today about how the food supply was going, and asked for any kind of feedback. It turns out that the food is feeding 20+ students in his class, along with another class. I asked him if they needed more than what I bring, and he said yes, because kids from other classes will come into his room and ask for a snack because they have not had any food all day due to poverty, and troubled families.

I told him I will make an effort to bring in more food... apparently what I bring in now is gone within a few days along with the water.

Mr. K told me about a student who is currently living in a Motor-home, and in great need. I told him I would ask you if I could bring a bag full of staple food for this family once a week. I will give this family the church info on the food bank as well. I know they're really struggling with gas and finding a place to park the motor-home so getting to the church might be hard for them, so I thought I could bring it to them with your okay.

Mr. K looked up the website, and saw his name on the web page and was very impressed. He even shared it with his students, and they could not believe that his class was on church webpage. I told him that there is a special shelf with his name on it in the food warehouse and they were all so impressed. I told him I would take a picture of it on my cell and forward it to him. I know that would really touch his heart and the kids in the class can see this special place set aside for them called "Mr. K's Class". Mr. K also told me that several of the kids can't believe that a church would do this....

So in all this, God is touching many kids and families in need."

-A Leader from YLV

Isnt that just Amazing???

Back in Cali...

2010-11-10T19:05:00.001-08:00

Just in case you hadn't yet heard I am back in California for the time being. God has completely softened my heart for Orange County and I am excited to see what He has for me for this next season! Stay tuned to hear about all that is happening right here in the OC.

Encounter-School of Mission

2010-06-14T14:01:00.002-07:00

Ever wanted to live a lifestyle of the supernatural where things that you have only ever dreamed of and read about are happening in front of your eyes? Live it today not tomorrow!

Discover what happens when church leaves the building. Encounter and experience the power of God on the streets of our town as the sick are healed, the poor are welcomed, and the lost are found.

Imagine signs and wonders being part of your training as well as your experience as you serve the local community in the name of Jesus, with Kingdom power and authority. Imagine a region alive to the glory of God, awake to his reality, encountering Him through His people.

At the Causeway Coast Vineyard, it is our dream to pioneer vibrant communities that do whatever it takes to reach and raise up this generation for the sake of the Kingdom!

Come learn how to live a life of extreme risk in a 9 month program that trains and equips you to infect your community with Kingdom resources through the daily routine of life. Join in on what God is doing OUT THERE among the people.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Encounter - School of Mission last 9 months from August 2010 until May 2011, and is based in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

One morning a week will be spent in classes, two days in missional employment, two days engaging the community in outreach, a Sunday spent serving, with required reading and assignments. Local missions trips in Ireland will take place monthly, with national and international trips occurring throughout the year.

Our God still Heals!

2010-05-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a great story that I heard today...

I was at church this morning and one of the ladies from church came up to me with a big smile on her face. She asked me if I remembered praying for her a month or so ago about her knee. I did remember praying for her during ministry time one Sunday. She had fluid that had built up in her knee and a couple of things wrong with her tendons and so forth. She was in a lot of pain and couldn't wear any sort of heels on her feet. She was due to have surgery this Thursday and went in for her final scans this past week. She received a call from her surgeon saying that whatever was wrong before was now gone and surgery was no longer needed. She is completely healed! No more pain what so ever. Isn't our God so amazing!!??!!

Update!!!!

2010-05-03T13:12:00.004-07:00

It has been such a long time since I updated everyone! Where do I even begin?

I moved house about a month ago which was a huge answer to prayer. After looking at house after house of disappointment I was chatting with a friend from church and he said he had some friends who were looking to sell their place. He contacted them and they have let Becky and I rent the house for the next 6 months. The house is fully furnished and is incredible. I am hoping that when the 6 months are up they will let us renew the contract, but that is a ways off. So Becky and I have been loving this new house and just had our Internet hooked up so now we have Internet access again, which is why I haven't been able to update y'all on anything in so long.

My sister came over with a friend in March and helped me to celebrate my birthday which was amazing! We spent St. Paddy's in Dublin and then came back to Portstewart to hang out visit the sites. It was absolutely brilliant to have her over and my only complaint is that the week went by all too fast.

I launched the 2010 Mission Teams a couple of weeks ago to the church and I am so excited about the 12 teams we are sending. There will be 3 local teams to serve the community here and then the other 9 teams will be going to Romania, Lithuania, 2 to Morocco, Thailand, India, Haiti, England & Ireland. There are four new teams this year which are a Morocco Prayer & Worship Team; Men's Building Team to Haiti, Thailand; and a Women's Team to India.

I will be leading the team to India and our goal is to bring a voice to the voiceless Dalit women and children. We will be showing God's love through education and training and the profound ministry of touch. Since the Dalit's are considered untouchable, the act of a hug or simple touch from a white person is life changing and self worth is slowly introduced into their lives. We will help them find their true identity in their Father with a couple seminars and serving projects.

I have also been busy organizing an Evangelism & Outreach Conference which kicks off this month. Jay Pathuck from Mile High Vineyard in Arvada, Colorado will bring a team of 16 with him to help us serve the community of Coleraine. They will help us to move into our NEW CHURCH OFFICES... we received the keys last week... and also help to lead the 15 different outreaches I have planned to demonstrate God's love to the town through many various ways. We are hoping that around 200 people will attend and are praying that they will take what they learn to impact their own surrounding communities. I am so excited to see how God will use us this upcoming weekend.

God is continuing to show up in my life in mighty ways and I am always blown away at His love for me and all that He provides me with. I have some amazing stories that I will share with you in a wee while once I get them all typed out.

In the mean time I just want to THANK YOU for all your prayers, support and encouragement. I love hearing from you and please let me know what God is doing in your own lives.

Here are some prayer requests that you can be praying for:

I still need the funds to insure my car. Because my previous experience of driving does not count here in the UK my insurance rates are very high as they see me as a 'new' driver. It is going to be £118 per month to insure the car and I need all the help I can get with this.

Please be praying for the mission teams that I am sending out and that they will have an amazing impact on the places and people they come in contact with. Also pray for India and the ongoing sex slavery and temple prostitution that young girls are sold into. This was never intended for any girl of any age and I believe that with God's power we can end it.

Prayer Requests

2010-02-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Housing

Becky, my house mate, and I are still looking for a home. Our lease is up 30th March and we have not found a place to live just yet. We have viewed a couple of flats already and have plans arranged to view a few more. Please be praying that we find a place that is reasonable, practical and just wonderful for us both.

Car

I have been praying for a car and last week a family decided that they wanted to give me one of their cars. This is the 2nd free car I have received in the past 6 months. I gave the first one up as I could not afford insurance. I have a potential sponsor for the insurance this time around but it should only cover around half the cost. I still need more funds to make this work such as money for the other half of the insurance and petrol. Please be praying that these funds come together as having a car will enable me to get around town with ease and make running errands for my job less stressful as I wouldn't have to depend on public transportation and the hassle of missing the bus.

Thanks for all your prayers!!!

Update on Kindness Week

2010-02-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

Kindness Week was a success! We had over 100 volunteers sign up to spread kindness over Coleraine & Portstewart. Here are some stories from the week....

One boy, who the Night Light team met a few weeks back, reconnected with some of the girls on the team during the Valentine's outreach. He had remembered them from before and got into a really great conversation with them again that Friday night. He let the girls know that he had never been to church in all his life and that he would like to check it out sometime as he was quite curious. Sunday came around and the girls saw him standing outside of church just waiting to go into the building. He looked a wee bit unsure of what he was about to do but than saw the girls and and was immediately grateful for the familiarity. He sat with us all during worship but was a bit intimidated by all the people so he ended up leaving after the tea break. Even though he wasn't able to hear the sermon he did make an amazing first step into turning up at church. The seed was planted and now all we can do is pray that people along the way will continue to water it.

I lead one of the teams that visited the some senior citizens at a nursing home and was able to hand out flowers to some of the people who couldn't make it down to the gathering room for songs and chit chat. I took a few flowers with me and came to this one room and met a woman called Annie. Annie was so overwhelmed with emotion as I gave her the flower that she began to cry. I told her that God just adores her and thinks her to be so special. She said that she had always heard that God loves her but no one had ever told her that God thinks the world of her. She let me pray for her as tears ran down her face. It was amazing to me that a simple gesture can bring so much hope and comfort into a persons. life.

I was also lead the team that handed out free goodie baskets to the local businesses in town. It was so much fun to see the pure shock we received from a few shop owners after telling them that these baskets were for them and there was no strings attached. A lot of the shops remembered us from last year and were over joyed that they got a basket again this year. The man at the post office asked me a few weeks in advanced if we were passing out the baskets again and I made sure that he received one again this year. One woman, upon taking the basket in her hands, began to tear up and threw her arms around me and gave me the biggest hug. She had a most wonderful smile across her face and I was so happy to see that these baskets were brightening people's days and giving meaning once again to the day in which love is celebrated.

We had a most wonderful turnout at the Sunday Food Giveaway as well. I put together a team last minute of ladies who offered free hand massages as a way to restore dignity back to people who are continually looked down upon in life. One many called Tony, who is in his 60's, was so happy to have this little act of luxury bestowed upon him. He got to talking with one of the ladies doing the hand massages and he told her that he had heard over and over again the gospel but had never made a commitment. They talked it through again and in the end Tony decided that Valentine's day was the day to give his life over to God once and for all.

Praise God for all these amazing stories and for the lives impacted in which we haven't yet heard.

Isn't it wonderful to know that the Greater Things are still to come? I just ask for more, Father....more stories...more people to come to know you...More greater things!!!

Kindness Week

2010-02-09T12:07:00.003-08:00

It's that time of year again where the world spends a whole day recognizing and celebrating Love. What better time to show the community kindness and God's love for His children than now?

This week at Causeway Coast Vineyard we will be dedicating a complete week to purposefully and intentionally spreading kindness throughout the triangle area. I have spent the last couple of weeks planning and organzing this church wide event so that the under appreciated and over looked people in the community will catch a glimpse of the Father's love for us ALL.

Here are some of the events in which you can be praying that God will go before us and open the hearts of His people so that they may recieve Him...

streetz
Friday 12th February @3:15-5:00pm

Neil, Janet & the streetz team will be hanging out and chatting with teenagers as they gather after school in the town centre. We will be handing out jelly hearts and demonstrating God's love by our everydy actions and values.

Night Light
Friday 12th February @ 12:15-2:00am

Pam and Leanne and the Night Light team will serve tea and coffe and giveaway the 'Last Rolo' to the pubs and clubs in Portstewart. This is a time where great conversations arise and bold questions are answered.

Illuminate: Sweet Surprises
Saturday 13th February @ 9:45-11:00am

I will be leading the illuminate team, and a group of youth who are eager to be involved, and will be passing out Free Goodie Baskets to local businesses in Coleraine town centre. Each basket includes giant muffins, tray bakes, biscuits and sweets. These delicious baskets are a wonderful way to recognize our businesses and their hard work.

Father's Love Letter
Saturday 13th February @ 1:45-4:00pm

William & Charmian Calvert will be leading the team which will be hand delivering 'Father's Love Letters' to student houses in Portstewart. This gorgeous letter tells of the intimate and amazing love that the Father dotes upon us, His children. We will be passing out about 1100 letters this year.
To read the Father's Love Letter click HERE

Can Drive
Sunday 14th February @ church service

We will be collecting cans from the church to pass out to people in need at our weekly Food Giveaway on a Sunday afternoon.

Food Giveaway
Sunday 14th February @ 2:00-4:00pm

Ricky Wright and his team will be serving the poor with groceries and a hot cup of tea or coffee. We prepare bags full of bread, produce & tins to anyone in need in the community. A cafe is set up for anyone to enjoy a hot beverage and some yummy desserts, as well as a connection with someone who cares for them.

Senior Moments
Sunday 14th February @ 2:00-4:00pm

Dave Kelly and Myself will be leading two teams to the Cromore & Montague Nursing Homes in Portsewart. We will be giving all the ladies hand wrapped flowers and the gents a bag of sweets. This will be a time of singing songs with the old folk as well as sharing life stories.

Prayer Request Update

2010-02-01T10:26:00.004-08:00

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to give you an update on my prayer requests:

Finances:

Finances for the months of Feb & March have come in to cover all my living expenses!! Isn't God just so amazing!??!

Housing Situation:

Becky, my housemate, and I will be looking for a house very soon since we have not found anyone to move into our current home. Please be praying that we find an affordable, beautiful place.

Mission Intern:

I have just recently been connected with a girl from the states by a mutual friend in which I met in YWAM. She will be coming to visit me this summer to see if God wants her to stay. If she does end up staying she is interested in an internship as she has a mission heart too. Please pray that if she does not end up staying that someone else may come along and help me out with my immense workload.

Thanks to everyone for all your prayers & support. God is continuing to provide for my needs and I believe that it has to do with the power of prayer. Thank you for your generous hearts!

Amazing Provider

2010-01-28T18:10:00.002-08:00

I cannot even begin to express the utmost joy that I am feeling now. Since yesterday evening I have wanted to shout at the top of my lungs, fall to my knees, shed tears of amazement and praise My Almighty God.

I have been through a whirlwind of emotion these last couple of weeks. I have been trying not to stress at the fact that I had no clue as to where money for my rent, oil and groceries was going to come from. I started counting my pennies so that I could buy food for the week. I tried reminding myself that everything was going to be just fine but there was that little voice of doubt that just wouldn't go away.

Monday afternoon I took a 4 hour walk down the Nun's walk, across Strand Beach, to the Barmouth and then back the same way again. Along my invigorating walk I just laid my heart all out to God once again and started praising and thanking Him for everything He has given me and all that I have been through. Then I started asking Him for the things that I was really in need for; especially finances.

He gave me the most wonderful revelations and just talked with me telling me that He had me and that I was not to worry. It was such a glorious time of peace and sheer satisfaction of knowing that My Father loves me so much.

Two days later I get a call from my parents, after my dad had a vision of me, telling me that they wanted to bless me and take care of my expenses for the next 2 months. Even now, my eyes fill with tears and my heart is overwhelmed at the thought that God cares for me more than I will ever fully grasp. I am so thankful and grateful for my incredible family and for my Ultimate Provider who never fails to astonish me.

Thank you, Father... Thank you for your never ending love for me. Thank you for holding me so close to your heart and letting me know just how special I am to you. I give you my heart once again and everything that is within it. Help me to be more trusting. I love you.

Prayer Requests

2010-01-17T12:09:00.002-08:00

Here are some prayer requests that have come up in the last week or so:

Monthly finances to cover rent, groceries, utilities & transportation

I am still quite short on finances and find that I have no idea as where money for groceries and bills will be coming from next. I have just had to pay a large sum of money to refill our oil tank so that we have heating and hot water in our house which then takes away from my payment for rent for February. Please be praying for God to provide for me financially!

Housing arrangements

As many of you know I currently live in a 5 bedroom home where I have been since Last April. It has been occupied by myself, Katja and 2 interns from the church. One of the interns has moved out this weekend and Katja will be moving out next month which leaves me and Becky, the other intern, in a bit of a financial pickle. We are trying to explore all of our options on what to do for our own accommodations. Our lease is up in March so we can either advertise the empty rooms in our house and extend the lease or we can try to find another home. I am completely unsure of what the outcome of this situation will be as I love my home and would really not like to move but on the other hand Becky and I cannot afford the house our own. You can help by praying that a solution comes quickly and that all stress would dissipate.

Missions Intern

With being away in California for a few months getting my visa sorted, I now have quite an extensive work load. I am not only trying to catch up from the past 3 1/2 months of being away but I am also trying to plan ahead with Mission teams and our annual Kindness Week which is the week preceding Valentine's Day. Since my workload is so big I could use a hand around the office. Please be praying for a Mission Intern or any volunteers to assist me in this time.

Thanks for all your support and encouragement... I will keep you filled in on what develops from these requests.

Back in N. Ireland

2010-01-09T14:18:00.002-08:00

Just letting you all know that I arrived safely back here in Coleraine. I do have to tell you that this is officially the coldest winter in Northern Ireland for 30 years!!! It was -10C which is about 14F... The river ban is frozen over but not thick enough to skate on... I actually don't think it's that cold. I find the weather refreshing and invigorating and I realized just how much I missed this weather. So good to be back here!!

Update from N. Ireland

2010-01-09T12:42:00.004-08:00

Hey Everyone.... I sent out a booklet that I made, but I couldn't post them to everyone. If you did not receive one then here is just an overview of my year as a missions intern at Causeway Coast Vineyard. This booklet takes you through each ministry I was involved with and includes stories and pictures from the year. If you click on the individual pictures then it will open in another window and will be zoomed in so you can read it better! Have fun and be sure to let me know what you think!

2010-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

Hello All!
I wanted to take some time to tell you about the amazing year I have had thanks to your support and encouragement. God has taken me on a wild adventure through the past year. It all started with a youth mission trip to Northern Ireland where God literally broke my heart for a small town called Coleraine. I knew without a doubt that I was to leave all I had ever known behind and explore the unknown world that lay ahead of me. It’s been over a year since I moved from California and I am astounded at how God has moved and is still moving in my life.

I have had the privilege of working at Causeway Coast Vineyard alongside Ricky as the missions intern. Missions have always been my heart and I have had a wonderful opportunity to put my passion for the nations to work and reach the people that society has deemed as unlovable.

I have been able to participate in organizing the 10 teams that have been launched into the UK, Europe & Africa. Watching the teams develop from just ideas on paper to sorting flights and accommodations and finally to commissioning the teams out to their destinations, has been an utmost honour. I find such joy in hearing the stories from the teams after they have returned about the life changing experiences they ventured into. Having recently lead the team to South Africa & Germany, and working with various outreaches this past year has definitely increased my hunger to live the lifestyle of extreme risk.

I have learned to live a Kingdom lifestyle in which my focus has been turned completely outside of the walls of the church to the streets where the lost are more than abundant. Participating in outreaches such as; Street Evangelism, Healing on the Streets, Servant Evangelism, Prophetic Evangelism, Ministering to the Elderly and so forth have become part of my every day routine.

None of this would have all been possible without your support. Here is a big THANK YOU to everyone who has partnered with me by offering support, prayers and encouragement! Because of your provisions & prayers people’s lives are being impacted all over the world. I have been so blessed by your giving hearts.

Although my internship is at an end, I have been offered the position of Mission Director at Causeway Coast Vineyard. This role will include running the Mission, Evangelism & Outreach Departments of the church. All mission teams will be organized, commissioned out and re-evaluated upon return. Evangelism and Outreach Ministries, in which you can read about on my blog, will be either lead or overseen. This is an honour in which I have agreed to. Although I will be on staff at Causeway Coast Vineyard I will still be volunteering my time and efforts for no income.

God is opening doors all round me here in Northern Ireland. My heart is for this country and for the surrounding nations. I am not sure how long I will be here; but for now its home.

If you would like to continue to partner with me on advancing God’s Kingdom or would like to begin, I need prayer and financial support in order to stay in the UK. I am looking for people to contribute either on a 12 month commitment, a one-off gift, or to give whenever able. The American dollar is a little over half of the British pound so every penny counts. Prayer supporters are vitally important as well and you can check out my blog to see regular prayer requests. Please see below for ways in which you can give. Thank you for all your support so far and all that will come.

Much Love & Blessings,
Sydney Wright
Mission Director
Causeway Coast Vineyard

Contact Info:
Address: 25 High Road, Portstewart BT55 7BG, Co. Londonderry N. Ireland
Blog Address: www.sydneywright.blogspot.com
Email Address: snwrigh87@aol.com, sydney@causewaycoastvineyard.com
Mobile #: 001 44 0754 322 4448
I'm on Facebook too!
Bank Details: Bank of America
Sydney n. Wright
Account #: 0760674503
Routing #: 121000358

If you would like to write off your donation on your taxes you may send a check with "Sydney" in the memo to:
The Most Excellent Way
1177 Pacifica Place
Encinitas, CA 92024

Back In Cali

2009-09-19T13:05:00.004-07:00

Hey Everyone!!

Just to let you all know, I am back in Cali for a bit. I am trying to get my visa sorted so that I can spend yet another year in Northern Ireland. I was unable to extend the Voluntary Worker's Visa because it no longer exists. I now must start the visa process all over and cannot do this process while in the UK. I will be applying for a Religious Worker's Visa which will allow me to stay for 2 more years. I can start this process once my sponsor (Causeway Coast Vineyard) has received their sponsor number and their application has been accepted. Please be praying that this process will be speedy and successful as I would love to get back home as soon as possible. There is a possibility that my visa will be denied...please pray that this will not be the case. Thanks for your prayers and support.

'On a Mission' George, South Africa

2009-07-13T06:45:00.010-07:00

I had the privilege of leading a team, with Ben, to South Africa. We were a team of five who decided to take the ‘On a Mission’ challenge and serve in a poverty stricken country for two weeks.

Some of the team had been on numerous missions before and for others it was their first time. We were a team varying in age and interests but unity seemed to be our team’s strength.

We partnered with Out of Africa Missions and invaded the city of George and its surrounding townships. Eyes were opened to the simple lifestyles that the African’s had and hearts were stirred to make a difference. Poverty was never intended for God’s kingdom and this team would not accept that families of five should live in a makeshift cardboard home no bigger than a small closet.

Our hearts were broken for the African’s as we served soup to hungry children and passed out loaves of bread to families. We picked up bins of litter and glass from playgrounds, constructed a fence, painted a home, and built relationships along the way. We visited a juvenile prison and the children’s ward in the hospital. Wayne and Suzi took us along to Sports Academy with the kids and we helped out with children’s centres and creche’s along the way.

I was amazed with the hearts of the members on the team and was so proud as they stepped out of their comfort zones and pushed themselves into trying things they had never experienced before. I believe that not only were lives changed of the people that we served but our own lives as well.

We prayed for a shy girl named Zelika who had some form of alopecia. She wore a wig on her head to cover up the loss of her hair. The Holy Spirit was heavily upon her and I spoke to that hair and told it to grow. I asked Zelika if she had felt anything and she said that she felt all tingly inside and that she could feel a heat coming from her head. I told her that she would have to send us all a picture of herself when she has a full head of hair. Zelika went inside to change into her sports gear and a few minutes later she came up to me with an enormous smile upon her face and I immediately knew something had happened. She explained that she had gone into the toilet after we prayed and she felt different. She had removed her wig and looked into the mirror. Where there had only been about an inch of hair on her head it had now doubled in length and thickness. Zelika was overjoyed and she walked away knowing that her Father loves her deeply.

'On a Misson' Speyer Germany

2009-07-04T14:30:00.004-07:00

Hello all!!! I am excited to be able to share with you some more upcoming events. I will be leading another mission team with my friend Colleen in a little over a week. We will be taking 10 teenagers to Speyer, Germany. We will be encouraging the youth to unite and invade Speyer. Please be praying for this team...For most it will be their first time on a mission trip overseas. We will be leaving Tuesday 14th July and returning on the following Tuesday 21st. I will update ya'll as soon as I get back! so don't forget to check back in a wee bit!

Fishing

2009-06-15T09:58:00.004-07:00

Katja and I were invited to go fishing the other day on Derek's boat. He and his son built the boat with their own hands. It was so much fun. We went out in the evening and just fished on the sea for a few hours. I ended up catching 5 fish! There were quite a few of us...about 9 guys and 4 girls. We had a wee contest, guys vs. girls, on who would catch the most fish. We had a little girl on our team who was 10 years old and she ended up catching 10 fish all by herself. The girls were in the lead right up until the last 30 minutes we were out at sea. The guys sneakily caught up and the final score was 23-19. It was a close one! But we graciously came in 2nd place and let the men walk off the boat with their dignity! Here are some photos:

Surprise Visitors

2009-06-06T06:55:00.004-07:00

My mom and sister, Shayley came to visit me in April. They also brought with them my too crazy, mischievous best friends Kat & Whitney. We had so much fun. We flew to Paris and visited the city where we tackled the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Picasso Museum, Arc de Triumph, Norte Dame, and a few other places as well. We stayed in the beautiful city for a few days and then went back to Northern Ireland to do some exploring as well. I took them to Giant's Causeway, some local pubs, Bushmills Distillery, a graveyard (long story) and some more places as well. They got to see what life is like here and experience the cold...which if you ask me wasn't even that cold! It was Spring at the time they came and our Winter was over! It was so great to have my friends and family here and I was so proud of my mom and sister who have never left North America. Way to go FAM!!! A huge THANK YOU to Mom, Shayley, Kat and Whitney!

Our New Home

2009-06-06T06:10:00.002-07:00

We moved!!!! Katja, Ben and I moved house 1st April...and its no joke! We now have a wonderful 5 bedroom home with a seaview, an amazing kitchen and huge living room which is now occupied every Thursday night by my housegroup. It is a 5 minute walk to the promenade and a 10 minute walk to the church office. Our home is right on the sea and next to an award winning golf course (which I would be more excied about if I was actually into the sport). We have a back garden that we have already had some barbeque's in and space to lay out in the grass as well. God has really blessed us with this home, and every morning when I wake up I have to remind myself that I live in Northern Ireland...on the sea. Thank you Jesus!!! Because Ben is going back home in a week we now have the need for another house mate. Please be praying that one comes along very soon!!!!

Here is my new address:

25 High Road
Co. Londonderry
Portstewart BT55 7BG
N. Ireland

Blogs to come...

2009-06-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

hey all... i have been so behind on updates and i truly apologize. There is a lot to tell as i have been to morocco and back, moved house, assisted in a conference, had family visit, went to paris, had a birthday, and have just returned from south africa. i will be updating you all shortly...so please hang in there! thanks for all your support and you will be hearing from me soon.

sydney

illuminate-servant evangelism

2009-03-05T15:07:00.001-08:00

Servant Evangelism connects people to people in a natural, easy, low-risk, high grace way.Who doesn't like to be given a hot cup of tea or coffee on a cold day? Especially by someone who is smiling, happy and having fun. Servant Evangelism wins the heart before it confronts the mind. A small act of kindness nudges a person closer to God, often in a profound way as it bypasses ones mental defenses. The average Christ-follower is willing to hand a stranger a cup of coffee or wrap a gift f or wash windows(low risk). The high grace is seen in the typical reaction. "Oh, thank you!" "This is so nice!" "I can't believe this is for free!" And, "Why are you doing this?" Kindness builds the bridge for the person to receive a touch of love from God. It's simple, practical, effective and fun!

I am leading a group called Illuminate, which is a servant evangelism team. We meet once a month and do practical ministries throughout the community. Our aim right now is the Heights are which is the residential area that is not so fortunate. We have a goal for 20 people of the Heights to come to Christ this year and so far we have 4 people who have started that journey!!

In december we offered free gift wrapping to shoppers in Coleraine Diamond Centre. People were just amazed that we were doing this for absolutely nothing in return.

We washed windows in the Heights area for free in February, and had a blast! We were able to chat with several people and tell them why it is we are out in the cold washing strangers windows for nothing in returm. We are here to show God's love in a real and practical way.

For Valentine's day we invaded the town with kindness in our annual Kindness week. We handed out goodie baskets full of muffins, cupcakes & sweets to local businesses in Coleraine. One an in his mid forties was so thankful...He said he has never recieved anything for Valentine's day before and was a bit overwhelmed. We handed out jelly hearts to the teens where they all gather on fridays after school. We hand delivered 1400 Father's Love Letters in the Heights area. These letters just tell of God's love for us and it is so beautiful and passionate. One man who has lead a very bitter life recieved the letter and just wept while listening as his daughter read it aloud to him. The words are so powerful and it touches you right at the core. We toped of Kindness week with teams to the Montague & Cromore Nursing Homes where we handed out beautifully wrapped flowers for the ladies and sweets for the gents. We sang old love songs and hymns and visited the old folk and had so much fun!

This month we are Going Green for St. Paddy's Day(to all you americans...apparantly Paddy is spelled with two"d's" instead of "t's"...I got told for spelling it the latter!!!)!! We will be handing out free energy saving light bulbs in the Heights along with a list of green ways to save money around the house.

I have also been working on building a relationship with the Diamond Centre. It is where all the shoppers are and a great place to reach the community. I have been in contact with them for the christmas wrapping and have offered to serve with anything else that they need help with. The assistant manager, Lynsey, and I have hit it off anh she is now calling me to ask if we could help them out with events! So we are offering free face painting for their events and continuing to bless them with a servant heart. Isn't God so great!!!???!!!!

It's amazing the response you get from people and it is a wonderful opportunity to tell the community of God's incredible love for us. Here are some pix...

New Years Eve Pix

2009-01-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Ireland

2009-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2009-01-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

I know that Christmas was a while ago now, but I finally have some time to put up some pictures of my Christmas in California! I was all ready to spend Christmas in Coleraine when my family contacted me and told me they were flying me to California for Christmas!!! I had one day notice until I had to start traveling so I got my suitcase...which I took empty for a reason...and prepared to have a wonderful time back in the States. My friend, David, was kind enough to give me a ride to Belfast where I then took a 3 hour bus to Dublin where I camped out for a few hours and then hopped on a plane to Maine. All of my original traveling routes where thrown out the window because of bad weather, so I ended up flying all over the place. from Maine I went to Phili and from Phili to LA. I finally arrived in LA where my fam had been waiting for 3 hours!! They are such a good family...My luggage was lost, but luckily it was mostly empty so it was no big deal. They delivered to my house a couple days later. I had the most wonderful time seeing my family and was in awe at how much Cory and Saylor had grown. My dogs where so delighted to see me as I was to see them. The house was adorned with all the Christmas decorations that my mum and sis put up (I was surprised too to hear that shay helped!!!). It looked beautiful! My mum is so talented! I surprisingly did not have nay jet lag coming to Cali so that was something I was most thankful for. Being with my family was just grand, and I couldn't have asked for more for Christmas. We all decorated cookies and Saylor sung me some carols. My mum's family came over on Christmas eve and it was great to see everyone. We spent Christmas day at my dad's family where we had a white elephant party and lots of yummy food. I got to see my friends and it was just so great to see my girls. It's amazing how you forget just how special people are until you are around them again and experience them in all their glory! I had the most wonderful Christmas and I just thank God for letting me spend it with the fam. It was the best birthday party ever! Happy bday Jesus! Thanks for loving me so much and taking care of me. You truly are amazing.

Life of Risk

2008-12-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Today Ben and I were working in the church office when I looked out my window and saw this elderly lady walking down the street. She had a cane and was hunched almost at a 90 degree angle. My heart went out to her immediatly. And then God spoke to me and said if I wanted to live a life of extreme risk for Him, that I needed to get up out of my seat and go out to the streets and pray for her. I looked over to the other side of the room and Ben was watching her too. I asked Ben if he wanted to pray for her and he said yes. So I got up and got my coat and threw Ben his coat...Ben looked at me and said "NOW??" I gave him "the look" and we both ran down the stairs out to the streets and caught up with the lady. Her name was Ellen and she had some disked replaced in her back and had a bad hip. I explained to her that we were part of a local church and would like to pray for her to be healed. She said yes and then started walking away. We clarified that we would like to pray for her right there on the street right next to the wee shop. So, we did just that. She seemed like she was in a hurry to get somewhere so we couldn't really press into prayer...But she was thankful and even though we did not see immediate healing take place, we know that God was stirring something up in her heart. You tell God to use you and when He speaks and tells you what he would like to do, you have a choice to either listen and obey or turn a deaf ear. It's time to start listening...It's time to start obeying...you can never really see God moving until you get up and actually experience it.

My Mission Statement...

2008-12-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!

Coleraine Light Switch On

2008-12-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

In Coleraine a week or so ago, we had the Light Switch On. Which is exactly that. Everyone gathers in the town centre and there is a parade of people walking on stilts and marching bands and little boys and girls dressed up in all sorts of costumes. Frosty the snowman and Santa Clause all make an appearance as well. There is a live band and all the shops are open extra late...which is big in Coleraine considering normal closing time for the shops is 5pm. The lights in the town are all switched on and the christmas decorations are lite up and the tree lights all flash on....It's so wonderful. There was even a firework show! The fireworks were great...they had the show right over the river bann and you could see the reflection in the water! oh what fun it was!! Christmas in Coleraine...does it get much better than this?

SNOW!

2008-12-09T12:48:00.001-08:00

I just love this time of year! Christmas...Isn't it wonderful. I do have to say that it is completely different from a California Christmas...It's actually cold here in Ireland. I cannot leave the house with out my hat, scarf, jacket, and even gloves. Yes, it's that cold. I don't think I will ever say I am cold when I am in California ever again... I now know what cold means. Actually, its not so bad when you are all layered up and have the mindset that its going to be cold. I have done pretty well, me thinks! It has snowed though!!

Several times already...It's the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The way it falls from the sky in a downward spiral and lands on your eyelashes and nos; It's marvelous! It's a chilling and gorgeous sight!! It truly makes it feel like Christmas though. The thought of having a White Christmas just makes me so happy. They are saying that there is a very likely chance that we will have one. I think it's much more fun to have a cold christmas. you can cuddle up by the fire and drink your tea and watch the snow fall outside your window. Oh....I love Christmas in Ireland!!! Here are some pix of my house and the snow....I even have some of Katja and I decorating our trees. I let Katja decorate the big one, and I settled for the mini tree. I like it though...a mini tree for a mini me. I even strung the popcorn garland myself! It was quite difficult to string the popcorn when it smelled so good...I think I ate most of it! I did find the secret tip to stringing popcorn...wait until the next day after the popcorn is a day old. It is soggy and stale and you're not tempted to eat it anymore and it actually strings better too!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

I made my first Thanksgiving dinner all by myself! So we had a gorgeous turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, carmelized carrots, creamed corn, green bean casserole, rolls, pumpkin bread, & pumpkin spice cake! I had to get some canned pumpkin sent over because they don't sell it here. Darn american products! Anyway...we had a brilliant time. Ben, Katja and I all invited a guest and we introduced Thanksgiving to out Irish friends. We even went arounnd the table and said what we were thankful for...good times. It was amazing and we had a fab time! here are some pix!!!

Happy Bday Janet!

2008-12-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

It was Janet's birthday last month, so naturally I asked if I could make her a birthday cake. She accepted my offer of course and so I started to plan. Janet doesn't like chocolate cake so I had to think of something else to satisfy a woman's tastebuds. So I made a good ole fashion american white cake (victorian sponge cake to the irish) with alternating layers of raspberry and lemon curd filling. I frosted it with a delightful buttercream and added handmade white chocolate roses and fresh, red raspberries. Tori, my neighbor, drove us to Coast which was the restaurant we were having dinner at. Transporting the cake was so nerve racking, but i managed to get it there all in one piece. We got to Coast and sat at the table and poeple where staring at us and coming over to look at the cake...one guy even took a photo of it. You would think that poeple had never seen a cake before! But Janet came in and was awestruck with the monstrosity of a cake and we all had a fabulous dinner. Coast is an incredible place with yummy, yummy food. After dinner and dessert we went back to Janet's where we sat by the fire and drank wine and watched Mama Mia and had a totally relaxing girls night. It was so much fun!!!

Halloween

2008-11-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

Halloween... Every one of my friends had never carved a pumpkin before. I would have none of that....So I hosted a pumpkin carving party.

Faithful Promises

2008-11-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

True are your promises...

When you are living your dream and fulfilling the very purpose that God has created you for, the enemy will do whatever it takes to stop you. His only aim is to steal, kill and destroy. I am here in Northern Ireland living out my calling; And the enemy is skirming at my victories.

Financially I am not where I should be. I came here with the little that I had in my bank account. I had not planned to pack up everything and leave the life I had behind. I had a wonderful job, a brand new car, and my life was deemed "successful" in a worldly sense. So, when God said to move to Northern Ireland I was overcome with excitement and complete fear at the same time. I did not have the resources to move my life overseas and live in a foriegn country with no income. It was absolutely absurd! But God insisted that I obey, and now I am here.

I have been continually praying for God to provide and each and every time I ask Him, He assures me that he will take care of me and that I shouldn't worry so much. About two weeks ago a financial crisis hit me when my main supporters let me know that they could no longer support me. I instantly collasped to my knees and asked God what I needed to do. He just said not to worry; to rely solely on Him to provide for me. I decided that I was not going to let the enemy win. I am going to fight to be here. This is where I am supossed to be and I am already seeing fruit. God has brought me here for a reason and I am not going to let a little obstacle like money get in my way. God is bigger than money. So I dried my eyes and went to bed. The next morning before I left for the offices I checked my email, which I never do in the mornings. There in my inbox was an email from one of my supporters saying that She was sending a check for the last 2 months and that just so happened to be double of what I was originally expecting of her! I knew then and there that I was going to be just fine. God would provide.

I stepped outside of my house after reading the email and was about to begin my walk to the office when I looked up and saw a beautiful, bright rainbow infront of my house. I took a couple steps foward and then realized that it was a double rainbow. Just Gods way of letting me know that He keeps his promises and how His love for me is never ending.

He has continued to bless me in these last 2 weeks with little gifts as well. I needed a bike for transportation but it would have cost me about $200 and I couldn't afford that. I prayed for a bike and sure enough one of my friends is lending me a bike. I also broke my brand new blow dryer when I first arrived here, and a friend just so happened to have a spare one. I needed a new brush and went to the store to purchase one...I found the one that I wanted but it was too much, so I did not buy it. I went back one week later with a friend who needed some make-up and saw the exact same brush I wanted only now it was half off. I have been blessed with a mobile phone, and incredible sums of money by people from the church. I have been blessed with rides from friends to and from church...and just small things that mean so much to me. God is taking care of me even with the tiniest of things. Isn't that incredible!?!?

When you are living the dream and walking with your Daddy... He will bless you with everything you need. I am amazed at how incredible My God is. Thank you. True are your promises.

Blow Hole

2008-10-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

One afternoon Mark took Katja and I to this amazing harbour in Portstewart. It was a gorgeous day out; the sun was shinning and there was no rain. We walked through some grassy patches to a lookout spot where the ground just dropped off. All of the sudden I realized that I was standing on a cliff. I looked over the edge and saw the most beautiful view of the rough, choppy sea. The water was a deep, deep blue (nothing like I have seen in the states) and each peak of the wave was a fuzzy prestine white. The way the waves crashed up against the rocks and the cliffs was an incredible sight to see. The wind blew in my face and I could see the sun setting in the distance. We walked over to this gigantic boulder where it stuck out from the cliffs and it beckoned me to come closer. This was Gunn Rock. Apparantly people jump off this boulder into the crashing waves below just for kicks. Unfortunatley some have even lost their lives in search for a thrill. I had no intentions of jumping off this life-claiming rock, but I could not just leave with out stepping foot onto it. So, up I went. I climbed up the boulder, mind you I was wearing my high heel boots, and I planted my feet firmly on the rock and just stared in awe of God's creation in front of me. It was so exhilirating to have just the wind around me and the sense of nothing under me. I looked over the cove and spotted what it was we were here to see in the first place. A huge wave came up through the cove and splashed violently into the rocks and then it happened...Water sprayed up through the rocks and into the air! It was a blow hole! An absolutely magnificant sight. I stayed there as long as I could and then climbed back down to explore some other rocks to the side. I perched myself on some cliffs that overlooked the blow hole and Gunn rock and got some amazing pictures...ones of which you are looking at now. What a glorious day, definently one of my favorites thus far.

Random Pictures

2008-10-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

My backyard...

Dessert at the Ramore for Michaela's Goodbye Lunch

Ricky's Random Broken Windshield...Strand Beach Portstewart...The Girls...
The Amazing Bowling League...

A Normal Week...

2008-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been wondering what I do on an everyday basis. I figured that I would fill you in on what a typical week look like for me so that you have an idea of what it is that I am doing in Northern Ireland...

Every day can be a wee bit different. Tuesday through Friday I walk a brisk twenty-five minutes to Portstewart Promenade where the church offices are located. It's a beautiful walk when it is not pouring rain or hailing. It is mostly a residential area until you hit the Promenade. The houses are so quaint and mostly occupied for holiday homes. Beautifully colored hydrangea's line most of the houses gardens, which simply makes me smile. I start off the day at 9am with a cup of tea and head to my desk to start the day. I have different projects that I work on according to the next upcoming event or pressing matter.

Causeway Coast Vineyard just hosted a conference called The Church Has Left the Building this past weekend. We had about 150 people attend from the UK to Germany to Guatemala. The aim of the conference was to get the people in the church outside, on the streets, where the lost really are. We had several days of seminars, worship sessions and training courses. I was leading a group for servant evangelism, where I took some people to the town center in Coleraine and handed out free tea and coffee to anyone passing by. It's amazing the reaction you get from passerbys when you let them know that it is absolutely free and no strings are attached. Smiles immediately appear on faces and conversation is exchanged which is the ultimate goal. Building relationships. We showed the attendees how to reach out into the community and reach the people of their cities. We handed out lollies and took surveys and just chatted with people. We also had extensive training on our program Healing on the Streets. This is where we put out chairs in the town center every Saturday and invite people to come and receive healing. It was quite a sight to see about 150 people standing in the town center just praying for people and handing out fliers on healing. Just amazing! On the last night of the conference the church staff prayed for every single person who attended the conference individually. We spent over 2 hours praying for people. That was my first time participating in a prayer tunnel and I was astounded. God gave me unique and personal words for every person who came down the line. The Holy Spirit was there, and it was glorious. But I do have to admit that I was exhausted afterwards. What a great way to bless the body and end the conference.

At the moment I am working on organizing the mission trips for this upcoming year. Ben and I have gone through the feedback forms from last years teams and are getting everything together to decide where we want to focus on this year and how many teams we would like to send out. It is a lot of work, but oh so wonderful.

Ben and I are also working on publicizing for Encounter-School of Mission for 2009-2010. We are looking to find Leaders in the church who want to make a difference in their own communities by living a life of risk. Basically it is a 9 month program where we train people to "do the stuff" that Jesus and his disciples did. Heal the sick, Cast out demons, Serve the poor, and Welcome the lost. We want to get more people out in the community and infectiously spread the love of our Father. After the 9 months we send them back to their home churches where they can then lead their own congregation in living the life that we are called to.

Tuesdays I work with the college(high school) students in an after school program where we hangout with teens and just become available to chat. They are so open and love the idea that I am a Cali girl.

Wednesdays I am hoping to check out an evening program that Neil and Janet head up with the youth from ages 11-14. It provides a kickback environment where teens can come and chill and have a good time with music and friends.

Thursdays I have found a house group that I really enjoy with incredible people.

Fridays are my busy days... I work until 1:30, and then head off to Harper's Hill primary school to do an after school program with the younger kids. This is so much fun and one of my favorite times. We have a time of worship with the kids with hand motions and fun songs. We tell a wee story and ask the kids if they have any God Stories that they would like to share. Some respond by saying that they prayed for a family member or that they need prayer themselves. We play some games and hang out. I just love it. I have a group of girls who follow me around and play with my hair and ask me all sorts of questions about California. They are so precious, and it is such an honor to be able to just love them. After Harper's Hill I head down to Coleraine where I am on the street evangelism team from 3:30-5. We hand out free lollies and and simply chat with people walking by. There are usually 300 students at this time in the town center and most of them see us coming with the lollies and their faces light up. This is where the great conversations begin. The kids are quite open after you pass the 2 minute barrier and are quite receptive and curious as to why you are handing out free sweets. I am really starting to love this time with the kids and I am recognizing more faces that I see every Friday. It is all about building relationships!! After street evang I am supposed to do Prophetic evang where we pray before going out and get words, pictures, and names of people to look out for... but i haven't actually participated in this yet. This week for sure!! I can't wait. I have heard some amazing stories.

Healing on the Streets takes place on Saturdays from 10:30-2pm... And I love this as well. Rain, hail, or shine...we are there praying for people. I get so excited when the Holy Spirit touches everyone who sits down.

Sundays I am either helping serve tea or coffee to the congregation or I am doing the visuals for worship. I help set up for the evening service and make sure everything's in order and ready to go.

Monday comes around and I sleep in. This is my day off and I use it to relax and build up my strength so that I can pour it all out again.

Throughout the week I also fit time in to hang out with friends, or go down to the beach, star gaze...which is amazing here, or walk the promenade. Everything is beautiful here whether it be the country side or the sea. Even the shops are cute and quaint. So this is what My typical week looks like. Pretty crazy, but I enjoy every second of it!!

Mouse in the House...And it's not Mickey

2008-10-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yes...You guessed it. I was lounging on the couch chatting with Katja, my roomate, and I went to grab something from my room upstairs. I had just put my foot on the first step when out of the corner of my eye I saw something scurry up the step. I thought I was hallucinating!! But sure enough there was a mouse running up the stairs. It's not very big, but I was so surprised to see it. I yelled for Katja to come and see it, and she ran to me as fast as she could. The mouse ran up the steps and got so close to me that I had to jump back a couple steps towards Katja who caught me just in time so I wouldn't fall. We chased him upstairs and he then dissapeared into 1 of 3 locations which is unkown to us. Either he went into the bathroom, the waterheater closet, or MY room...let's hope not the latter. Oh, wait I just heard him now...Sounds like he's in the kitchen...Yes, it's true. I just heard his squeaky little voice coming from the kitchen cabinets. Oh, where's Ben when you need him?? Katja and I have ordained Ben as the "Man of the House". He has already killed a couple spiders for us and has fixed our oven, but what good is it if he is not here on the weekends? Come home from Newcastle Ben, we need your manlyness. Come and chatch our little rodent friend!

My Divine Romancer

2008-09-28T15:42:00.001-07:00

Daddy...

My heart is overwhelmed at the thought of just how much you love me. I do not believe I will ever be able to fully grasp it. You call me your friend, your daughter... and you whisper sweet nothings in my ear all throughout the day. My heart flutters every time I hear your dazzling voice and chills are left running up and down my spine. How is it that you, the creator of the universe, can be so in love with me? How is it that you actually delight in fulfilling my happiness? Your promises are never far from me. Your timing is perfect. You know the desires of my heart... you know my every thought, my every imperfection. And yet you never hesitate to show me your faithfulness and love. You have given me so many priceless gifts. You have taken me to Northern Ireland, such a beautiful country where my heart comes alive with every breathe I take. You provide me with an amazing house. You are already planting people and friends in my life here. Tonight you gave me such an amazing view of the heavens. The night was so clear that I not only saw the constellations of stars, but I saw galaxies. You never stop giving. I am so in love with you. You are my divine romancer. Lord, I am yours.

Lazy Saturday

2008-09-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

I am trying to adjust to life here in Northern Ireland. My body has decided these last couple of nights that it wants to start the day at 3:30am. I refuse to get up that early though so I have been journaling and reading and then going back to bed until a rather decent hour arrives. I couldn't take lying in bed any longer this morning so I finally got up at 6:30. I went down stairs and put on some tea and started to make some breakfast. I grabbed the oats and measuring cup and then realized that they don't use the same metric system we do in the US. So I tried to figure it out and finally gave up. I went with my culinary instincts and just poured a little milk and little bit of oats and voila!!! They actually came out perfect! I also discovered a water heater switch today in the kitchen...so I flipped it on and waited an hour or so and checked the hot water and lo and behold...it worked! So I had a hot bath after breakfast. I had a wonderful time of devotions this morning in which God gave me a few revelations on certain situations in my life. And I started a new book and have been cuddled up in a blanket on the couch all day. It rained for the first time this afternoon since i arrived. It was not pouring rain but it was still so beautiful. What a glorious Saturday of doing absolutely nothing. It's exactly what I needed to regain my strength! I am still fighting this cold, but I do have to say that the congestion has come down considerably. It is still a little hard to breathe...my lungs are a bit agitated...and I have a dry cough that is more annoying than anything. But other than that I'm just grand. Carrie & Coleen, some local girls, will be picking me up tomorrow for church and Ben and Katja will be home later tomorrow night. It will be nice to have some company in our new home.

My New Home

2008-09-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

I have arrived in Northern Ireland!!! After 3 long flights and 1 more hour driving from Belfast to Portstewart, I finally made it to where I will be staying for the next year. As I walked through the door to my new home I was completely overwhelmed at my surroundings. I was figuring that my accommodations would be just bearable since I will be living the life of a missionary...but was I ever wrong! This place is fit for a Queen, and that is exactly how I felt; like royalty. My living room has two leather couches with a good size TV, a dinning table fit for 6 people, a beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops & 3 bar stools, & a washer & dryer. As I climbed the stairs to my room my heart was rejoicing at the wonderful sight. I have a double bed with 1 large dresser, 2 nightstands, a shoe rack, and a TV. Praise Jesus! Katja and I share a bathroom with a shower and huge bathtub! Its absolutely incredible. Ben's room is quite nice as well...He has his own bathroom so that he won't be bothering us girls. We also have a spare bedroom, which Ben and I are using to store our extra luggage. And we have this quaint backyard that overlooks a cemetery, which is usually kind of creepy, but actually is a little cute. We even have a patio set with tables and chairs. God is so good. After I calmed down a bit from the surprise of my luxurious home, I figured that I should get settled in. So, I unpacked everything and the perfect place for each and every item I brought. And then I slept....And slept some more, and woke up around 2am and journaled, then went back to bed again. I woke up this morning to the buzzing sound of Ben's wonderful alarm clock at precisely 7am...Thanks Ben! I got out of bed to turn it off and then went back to sleep again for another hour. When I did finally manage to get up I went to take a shower and discovered that I had no idea how to get the hot water to work. I tried everything I could possibly think of, and I just was stumped. So i filled the bath tub with a little cold (icy cold) water and used my magnificent tea kettle to fill the rest with hot water... in the end the tub was only luke warm...so it was not that pleasant but what else was I going to do? Can't wait until Ben and Katja are home so they can show me how to properly use the facilities! Today I am off to work with the children on Harper's Hill, and then I will be in Coleraine to do some street evangelism. I was invited to dinner with Dave and his family at the Alcorn's house. It looks like I have a busy day ahead of me, which is good that way my body will be distracted and I won't have time to think about jet lag. Well Here I go...

Here are some things you can be praying about:

As soon as I got on the plane I acquired a soar throat and headache(no doubt an attack from the enemy) I am fighting this cold, but I could use some help with prayer!

Also my body is aching from carrying all my luggage and the awkward cramped spaces of the airplane seats...especially my shoulders and neck.

I still need some financial support to continue living here for the next year.

For peace and comfort for my family back at home in Cali...so they won't get too lonely without me!!! Love you, Family!