Go the Extra Mile...it's less crowded.

Alright. I've been having this conversation with many friends over the last couple of weeks. The one about spending my spare time doing stuff that matters. About living on purpose, and not wasting time- yet at the same time, being patient with where God has situated me. It's this tension, this moderation of sorts that I'm striving for Awesome but (sometimes) patiently waiting on a road, that seems to me to be pretty Average.

Also, I'm reading Jon Acuff's new book, Start. It' about punching fear in the face, doing work that matters, and getting on the road to Awesome instead of just Average. It's very encouraging, and makes a lot of sense. I'm less than halfway through, so I can't give my overall reflection yet, but it's cool that it fits right in with where I find myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but it's that "spare time" that I feel like I'm lurking on the Average Road- and I don't like that. So I'm taking the principles of the book and not only applying them to my career, but also my volunteer/spare time.

And another thing, I'm reading Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In. Gotta say, I'm not loving it. I'm reading it because it's my book club's selection for this month- but I don't feel that it applies much to me and my work environment or situation. As I'm continuing to read it though, there have been a couple of nuggets that I've gleaned: "The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have." and, "I recognize the sheer luck of being born into my family in the United States rather than one of the many places in the world where women are denied basic rights. I believe that all of us— men and women alike— should acknowledge good fortune and thank the people who have helped us. No one accomplishes anything all alone."

However, in my mind, I don't chalk my life experience and culture to sheer luck- I fully understand that it was God who placed me in the family, town, state (Texas forever!) and wonderfully free country that I find myself in. On the other hand, I do agree that no one accomplishes anything all alone. This applies to many areas of life, more than just my work environment. I keep thinking about my amazing team that I get to labor with for the good of Kenya- and it makes me excited. I'm thrilled that I'm not tasked with doing that alone!

I got to have lunch today with a dear friend that I rarely see or make the effort to talk to. But you know what? We pick up where we leave off each and every time. She is a faithful friend and because our main commonality is our faith in Jesus, it's just...easy to talk. And she didn't ask me to tell her EVERYTHING. I appreciated that. Also, she loves chips and Mexican food. She's amazing! It meant a lot to be able to just sit and talk about "everything" without the pressure of wondering what she thinks of me, my beliefs, or my opinions.

Now, this evening, as I sat down to complete my grad school project, I flipped on the TV for some background noise. The movie UP was on. I spent the first 9 minutes of the movie crying my eyes out, watching the loss and regret of a cartoon character. I know it's silly, but it truly brought me back full circle to the book Start. Don't waste time on the road to Average. Stay Focused. Start. Be Awesome. No regrets.

So, I finished my project, and as I prepare to present it tomorrow, I know I am doing what I can do with today- with the time I was given today, I spent my time doing things that mattered- thinking about what's coming, while focusing on the now, and not being overwhelmed with what's to come.


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Quotes from:
Sandberg, Sheryl (2013-03-11). Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead  Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

So?

I keep thinking about "So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth".

Because of what? It says, SO the poor have hope. That means there is a reason for the poor having hope and a reason that injustice is quieted. The reason is God's steadfast love. The Bible says that he does great things- unsearchable things. Because of these things- the poor can have hope, and injustice is quieted.

I shared this verse tonight with the homegroup that I do child care for. The leaders asked me to do a lesson for everyone tonight, not just the kids. I was able to share what we did at Cornerstone, and some of the things God has put in my heart through this experience.

I talked about spending my time doing something that matters- about giving of myself beyond what my normal is. I talked about how this scripture in Job really spoke to me, reinforcing that "God is in charge of everything" (stolen from Little Village), that he is good, and he can do whatever he wants. We are invited along to watch him  do good work and participate in his redemptive plan, but he certainly doesn't need us. It was really cool that they wanted me to share with them. Many of the families donated to my trip- it was very neat to be able to tell them what they set into motion by sending.

It has also been especially encouraging to watch God bless my finances. Yes, I have had some unexpected expenses (I'm talking to you, AC Unit). But I found this quote on Pinterest, and ever since then I have really attempted to give any small amount- whenever I can, whatever it might look like.

Since that time, about 2 weeks ago, I have seen God allow me a multitude of ways to earn extra money. If you don't know, I'm in grad school, and I pay cash for it. This is great for avoiding debt for school, but it also means that I have considerably less to pay off other debt (credit card, car, house) which just hangs over my head like a storm cloud, inducing worry and stress and guilt. It's not a horrible amount- but debt isn't being a good steward, period. So, I'm always in the market for DIYing as much as possible, earning extra cash by doing odd jobs, mowing my own lawn, not going on major vacations, not eating out very often... you get the idea. So it has been absolutely amazing to watch God place me in situations to earn extra money- which is going straight into the savings account!

When I initially read the passage in Job, I was thinking globally of  "the poor having hope"-those in poverty, orphans, widows- but in my finances, I am finding hope by giving more. God isn't blessing me because I'm giving more. He's blessing me because he loves me. I am making room for being more generous, and it's allowing me to see beyond the black and white (and also a little red) of my bank ledger. I'm not holding tightly to my money anymore because of fear. I'm opening up my hands and pockets, and there's freedom there. There's hope there. Amen.

Doing our Part

I read an article today about how children who are sponsored statistically do better and go farther in life. Of course, it's all about hope. When a child has hope, the false belief that they aren't as valuable because of their position in life completely diminishes. This is great news! Naomi's Village has a core belief that "hope begins when a child belongs". It is amazing to me that these two positions on hope are so similar. Really, the belonging brings hope, and hope dramatically improves a person's belief in becoming something more. 

How are you cultivating hope in others' lives? Are you spending time with people who need a listening ear? Are you sponsoring a child? Are you participating in missions-locally or abroad? Are you spending time, money, or talent in something you believe in- something that brings hope? Serving those practical needs and instilling hope in the lives of the poor, the widows, the orphans- that is a shadow of the very real hope we find in Jesus.

Do people in your life know what you believe- that the Gospel brings that hope for those who trust and believe? Or do they simply know that you go to church on the weekend? We all know those two things aren't synonymous.

Welp, I clearly have some work to do. What about you?

As for me, I would seek God,

and to God would I commit my cause,

who does great things and unsearchable,

marvelous things without number:

he gives rain on the earth

and sends waters on the fields;

he sets on high those who are lowly,

and those who mourn are lifted to safety.

He frustrates the devices of the crafty,

so that their hands achieve no success.

He catches the wise in their own craftiness,

and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.

They meet with darkness in the daytime

and grope at noonday as in the night.

But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth

and from the hand of the mighty.

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.

Job 5:8-16

Something I can do

So I got a call today from a lady at church- she wants me to be the social media director for- get this- a 5K benefitting Naomi's Village. Are you kidding me? That is basically amazing. Although I haven't run hardcore for awhile, I've been down with the occasional 5k every now and then. I've probably run enough 5k's to know how to promote it and get people to sign up. PLUS it's a great way for me to spend my free time doing something that matters. Sweet!

I also found out today that Naomi's Village hired another teacher! This is great news! I can't wait to see the other ways God will fund the endeavors that Naomi's Village desires to implement. It's like day by day, my questions and fears and worries are being answered directly by God. 

There is a verse that has popped up 4 times by 4 different means in the last 2 weeks for me: 

"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him."

Nahum 1:7

I love this verse! Despite true suffering or my perceived suffering, he is still good and he knows me well. It is safe for me to take refuge in him, and him alone. Any other object I try to take refuge in will fail, but he won't. 

Believe me, there are areas of my life where I don't always believe that he is for my good. I sometimes think he does fail me. It's always a patience thing. Just because I'm 30 and single doesn't mean I'll always be single. Or it might mean exactly that (I am not saying that flippantly at all. I have asked God many times to take the desire for being married away if its not what he's planned for me- and he hasn't yet). I don't know. But the not knowing doesn't prove that he has failed me or he is not for my good.

With the whole Africa/Kenya/ Cornerstone/Orphans whirlwind wafting within my mind, I have taken refuge in him. All along this path, he has been enough. He has been for my good. He has been my refuge. Furthermore, he has answered some of my prayers- the very concerns I've been sharing on these pages.

It's clear to me that if he is enough in this situation, he is enough in the other sensitive areas of my life and heart. I still wish he would hurry up and move. Alas, patience.

Change agents

So about this fundraising. There are so many people from the Village and the Dallas area that have visited Nomi's Village, that many people want to help fundraise for Naomi's Village Needs and for the Needs of Cornerstone Prep- which at this time, is money for a legit school building. Here are a few things that are coming up:

First, there's a fundraiser for Naomi's Village at Roots Coffee Shop in Highland Village tomorrow, July 5. You should go! A bunch of VERY COOL people will be there. If you go, you'll be one of them. Do it.

Second, we as a teacher team have already committed to raise the other chunk of money to retrofit the barn until the legit school can be built. We have a private FB page that we have been posting on, sharing fundraiser ideas and hearing feedback on those. Be excited- there are some really great ideas going on! I promise to keep you posted when they come to pass! I'm also looking to write grants, and find grants that Naomi's Village/Cornerstone would be eligible for.

I've been thinking a lot about my sadness/disconnect/missing moments, and when I think about it, this happens every time I come back from Africa. Send me to the slums in Jamaica or the mass chaos of an East Asian metropolis- when I return, I'm all "God Bless America!"

There is something, though, about 'the least of these' in Africa- be it South Africa, Kenya, whatever. It makes my heart hurt. I never want to leave. I distinctly remember returning from South Africa in 2004 and being upset that God let me experience that awesome culture without being done with college yet. Why was He making me go back to stupid America and take stupid classes? (Most likely so I could become a teacher and a productive member of society, not to mention the not completing my schooling would have precluded me from fully participating in the Kenya trip. Whoops. Sorry God.)

However, after about a month of returning from South Africa, life resumed as it always had. I cherish the memories from that trip and still have my best friend thanks to sweating it out in a queen sized bed almost the entire time we were there. I disconnected from most others on the team, I disconnected from the missionary that I visited. I can't even tell you if the church we helped to plant is even there today. 

However, as I already stated, I KNEW God was doing something different with this trip. There is no way I can ever be disconnected from Bob and Julie. There is no way I can unsee and unlearn what I experienced in Kenya. When your team sits down the night before leaving, looks around the table at one another, and says, "So what dates work for next summer?" And everyone pipes up, you know God has done something that has mutually changed all of you.

You see, you can't forget that Bob and Julie used to live in the same town you now do. You can't forget that Julie is a teacher by profession, just like you are. You can't forget the horrific pasts of some of the most beautiful children you've ever seen- and KNOW that they are different- even if they still struggle- because God redeemed them from their circumstances. You can't forget Bob's words echoing in your mind: "There's money out there to be had. It's not about the money. We need people to come implement what God has placed on their hearts. We can't implement everyone's vision. If God has given you a vision for Naomi's Village, then come do it."

Sitting in their living room, listening to individual kids and siblings' stories, asking questions, getting a deeper understanding of cultural and governmental realities... These are the unforgettable things. Knowing these things is what makes coming home, flipping on the TV, and watching two hours of reality shows feel completely empty and worthless. Knowing these things is what makes almost everything I do to relax seem so meaningless in my own heart.

The first thing I did when I got home was to sign up for a sponsorship for one of the new children at NV. She's just 15 months old, and absolutely adorable. Her name is Mercy. I love her! 

And still, the question burning in my mind, beating in my heart, and echoing in my prayers is this: what else can I do?

Homesick

Returning from Kenya hasn't been completely smooth sailing.

I've been sad.

I've had feelings of guilt.

I feel like a stranger in my own house.

For the first six days I was home, I woke up at 5 am. Saturday and Sunday were tough, because I had no plans until hours after that wake up time. What the heck was I going to do for 5 hours? I don't really watch much TV, and just being in my room was driving me crazy. Naturally, I escaped the situation by heading to the local coffee shop. 

I needed to finish journaling my trip. I didn't work on it too much in Kenya because I wanted to hang out with my team any time I had a free moment. We talked, played games, laughed, reflected on our experiences of the day. It was a sweet time of community.

After coffee shop escapism time, I tried to do useful things. I cleaned my room. I read some books. I looked at a ton of Kenya pictures. But I mostly wanted to be with my new friends. They must be feeling some of the same things I was. Sadly, a few of them were at Kid's Camp and then I had a week long professional development to attend Monday through Friday. I was experiencing homesickness for Kenya- the place, the people, the new family dynamic created with my team while we were there.

I did get moments of awesome hang out time. Lindsay came up to Roots one morning. 

Rachel and I got dinner after church on Saturday so I could tell her about the trip. I saw Deanna and Megan at Rosa's Thursday Night. We talked for HOURS. It was extremely soothing for my heart to get that much quality time with my friends.

I got to have lunch with Jillian and Nicole, two girls I used to lead in the middle school ministry. Of course, they're way older now and we had an awesome time just catching up. I had a fro yo date with Lindsay and Melissa right before I left for Papa's house. It was also a very fulfilling time of talking life, dreams, and God's unconditional love.

For me, spending quality time with friends is way more valuable than any other way of spending time. Movies? Okay. Concert? Sure! Way fun! Vacation or dinner? The BEST.

Beginning to Change

I've been struggling for awhile with feeling like I'm in a stand still.

I have a friend, who when we get together, says, "So what's new with you? Tell me EVERYTHING!" I know she is genuinely excited to hear about my life- but I seriously dread that question every time- because I don't feel like anything is ever happening in my life. It's always the same-old, nothing exciting, nothing grand, nothing changing.

Yes, I bought a house. So have most of my friends.
Yes, I switched jobs. So has most of America.
Yes, I went to Kenya. Wait, what?

I went to Kenya! It was honestly so exciting and nerve-wracking because I KNEW that God was going to do something big. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. I knew it would change me. I knew I would be different. But I had a million "what-ifs" running through my mind.

What if I had to start really sharing the gospel through my trip experiences to my friends and coworkers?
What if he called me there full time?
What if I had to let go of some really well loved things, like my dog?

I was getting ahead of myself (as usual). But in a way, it began to prepare my heart for bigger things, should they come to pass.

First of all, I more than met my fundraising goal to go on my trip. This was a feat in and of itself, because I didn't even want to send out support letters- I just wanted to fund the trip myself! Luckily, my awesome team leaders Megan and Lindsay shut me down. They explained to me that I needed to write a letter so that those who aren't able to go will be able to take part in God's work by sending. If I deny them that opportunity, I am denying God's call on his body to take part in all aspects of missional living.

We did a bunch of fundraisers- sold t shirts, worked at Sonic, had a garage sale, hosted open gym nights, had a support night at Bahamas Buck's... It was crazy. I also continually received support checks from friends from February through May: one to two checks per week. It was incredibly humbling. We made well over our team amount for the trip!

By the end of our time in Kenya, we were planning our trip for next summer and deciding what to do with our extra money. We decided that we would put the money toward a retrofit of the barn at Naomi's Village to create completed classrooms with full walls and noise reduction until an actual school building is funded. We already have half the money for the retrofit and we are committed to raising the other half by January.

We are also committed to raise funds for an additional teacher salary for the 2014 school year. Our team has been changed and wants to give until it hurts- time, money, talents: whatever it takes. My heart is overflowing with love for each and every child, teacher, and employee at Cornerstone and Naomi's Village. Being able to make a difference, however small, has proved meaningful for me.

To think that the love that I have for everyone at Naomi's Village- and know that God's love for each and every person far outweighs what I feel- that is overwhelming. It's life-changing.