Life is good. God is faithful. His love is grand.
About a month ago I really started exploring Buenos Aires on my own. I try to go to a lot of places around the city in order to observe culture, to get to know the city, and for exercise. It's so much fun living in a big city! There is Always something new to discover.
However, it has also really opened my eyes to the poverty in the city. There are many little children sleeping on the streets, people using the bathroom on the street, and many other terrible things. One time, I was getting back from a wedding and saw a small child walking in the middle of the street trying to sell little candies or something at 3:00 AM.
This problem is terrible and really troubles me. As soon as I started seeing all of this poverty, I started praying. I asked God if there was anything I could do for these people, especially for the children.
After I started praying this prayer I got an idea that I really think is from the Holy Spirit. It's a really simple idea.
As earlier blogs have mentioned, the ice cream here is really good. So I have this idea that once a week I could buy some of the best ice cream and give it to a few homeless people. The specific target population to give it to is children.
Giving people ice cream will not solve their problems. However it does make their day, and makes them feel special. By giving them this ice cream, I want to show these people the love of Christ. That someone cares enough to buy them a special treat.
I told my friend Ashley about this idea and she immediately supported it. We started thinking of ideas of how we could do this. She thought that we could get really organized; buy an ice chest, ice cream scoop, and matching hats :). We are starting small, and are open to where God wants to take this.
So far we have handed out ice cream several times. Each time has been different and really good. Whenever we give people ice cream they smile really big and talk to us. It's SO MUCH FUN! One lady that we walked up to looked very upset. She was frustratingly talking to herself. After we gave her the ice cream she sat smiling and eating. I have no doubts that God's love is being shared through this simple act of kindness.
"...The most important commandment is this:"listen O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Things I am Experiencing and Learning
I am falling in love with Argentina. The people, the culture, and the food are all so good.
This is my reality. As I deepen relationships with friends here, I will be going to bed at 2,3,4 in the morning. Even on weekdays. It’s just the way this culture rolls. Welcome back, freshman year of college.
Living in Argentina is the best opportunity that I have ever been given. It’s hard to put into words all of the things that I am learning here. I’m sure that I’ll be learning from things here for the next few years to come. And the best part is, I didn’t even ask for this gift. God gave it to me. That’s how much He loves me. And guess what, He loves YOU that much too! What gifts is He giving you right now?
Learning Spanish is Awesome! Honestly I have never been too enthusiastic about learning another language. But now that I live here I am Loving-learning Spanish. It is really fun when I notice how much more I can understand every week. If I learn as much in the next 2 months as I’ve learned in these two, I’ll understand a TON by February.
Sometimes, when I’m walking down the street, I see some character dressed up like Barney or some other crazy person. When this happens I immediately turn and walk the other direction. They are too creepy for their own good.
My faith is weak. For the first 2 months of being here I feel like the devil really hit me hard. I went through culture shock and got sick a ton. At times I have been really discouraged. Last week I realized that I was letting the devil affect my attitude. I repented and am asking God to strengthen my faith.
Have you ever thought about how in English there are a so many words like, “Great, and Terrific, awesome”? Well there are a bunch of words like that in Spanish as well. And when I learn a new one I get really stuck on saying it constantly. The last few days I have been stuck on saying, “buenisimo”, which means, “Very good”.
I am discovering that once you open up yourself to God and give Him all of your trust; He really starts working. This week He has given me many great ideas of ways to serve Him here. He wants to work through us, but before we are going to be open to serving Him, we have to open our eyes to see things the way He does. One of my prayers is that God breaks our hearts only for the things that break His. And that He gives us the wisdom to know which ways he wants us to serve Him.
Peruvian food is Amazing. I had it for the first time this week and couldn’t believe how delicious it was. The best fried chicken, French fries, and spicy sauce you’ll ever eat.
One thing that I am learning from this culture is to take it easy. Most of the time people are late to appointments. Many times they cancel. And life goes on. I’m hoping to come out of this experience a lot more easy-going. I guess it’s part of my need to let go of my life in order for God to take control. Letting go of our preconceptions of how life should “go” enables us more freedom to follow Him.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:25-31
This is my reality. As I deepen relationships with friends here, I will be going to bed at 2,3,4 in the morning. Even on weekdays. It’s just the way this culture rolls. Welcome back, freshman year of college.
Living in Argentina is the best opportunity that I have ever been given. It’s hard to put into words all of the things that I am learning here. I’m sure that I’ll be learning from things here for the next few years to come. And the best part is, I didn’t even ask for this gift. God gave it to me. That’s how much He loves me. And guess what, He loves YOU that much too! What gifts is He giving you right now?
Learning Spanish is Awesome! Honestly I have never been too enthusiastic about learning another language. But now that I live here I am Loving-learning Spanish. It is really fun when I notice how much more I can understand every week. If I learn as much in the next 2 months as I’ve learned in these two, I’ll understand a TON by February.
Sometimes, when I’m walking down the street, I see some character dressed up like Barney or some other crazy person. When this happens I immediately turn and walk the other direction. They are too creepy for their own good.
My faith is weak. For the first 2 months of being here I feel like the devil really hit me hard. I went through culture shock and got sick a ton. At times I have been really discouraged. Last week I realized that I was letting the devil affect my attitude. I repented and am asking God to strengthen my faith.
Have you ever thought about how in English there are a so many words like, “Great, and Terrific, awesome”? Well there are a bunch of words like that in Spanish as well. And when I learn a new one I get really stuck on saying it constantly. The last few days I have been stuck on saying, “buenisimo”, which means, “Very good”.
I am discovering that once you open up yourself to God and give Him all of your trust; He really starts working. This week He has given me many great ideas of ways to serve Him here. He wants to work through us, but before we are going to be open to serving Him, we have to open our eyes to see things the way He does. One of my prayers is that God breaks our hearts only for the things that break His. And that He gives us the wisdom to know which ways he wants us to serve Him.
Peruvian food is Amazing. I had it for the first time this week and couldn’t believe how delicious it was. The best fried chicken, French fries, and spicy sauce you’ll ever eat.
One thing that I am learning from this culture is to take it easy. Most of the time people are late to appointments. Many times they cancel. And life goes on. I’m hoping to come out of this experience a lot more easy-going. I guess it’s part of my need to let go of my life in order for God to take control. Letting go of our preconceptions of how life should “go” enables us more freedom to follow Him.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:25-31
Friday, November 5, 2010
I Now Know How to Say "Sick" in Spanish!
If I had to describe the month of October in one word it would be RECOVERY.
In October I was sick 4 times = Once each week. Jared, Karina, and Kayla (the missionaries I work with) were also sick throughout the month. Right now I am finishing out antibiotics for pink eye and a sinus infection. Hopefully, we are all finished getting sick.
One of the things that I am loving most about this experience is how many people I am getting to meet and spend time with. I am involved in several churches here. In one weekend I have gone to as many as three church services...in Spanish :). I also spend a lot of time with the youth in these churches. It's a lot of fun to get to hang out with several different groups of people. We have done a lot of fun things together like go to parks, have Bible studies, and just hang out.
In October I also started teaching Let's Start Talking. I have a handful of students and am really enjoying the experience. LST creates an open and comfortable atmosphere. It is a conversation class that uses Bible stories to help people learn English. My students are very good at English and are really neat people. I'm excited to get to know them all better!
This month I went to a Christian retreat in a town four hours away from Buenos Aires. The retreat was for all of the young adults in church's all throughout Argentina. There were more than 800 young adults in attendance. It was awesome! The praise and worship was powerful and it was obvious that the Lord was present. One reason to come visit Argentina is to see how they worship. I love it!
Being sick so much in October wasn't exactly the most wonderful experience. However, God protected me in many ways. A few weeks before getting sick I was able to get health insurance. One company denied me because of my Cerebral Palsy, but then another one accepted me. Having insurance from Argentina made going to the doctor a lot less complicated. I was also very blessed to have the Berryman's who took me to the doctor twice.
I am very excited about the month of November. Every day I get more and more accustomed to living here. Life is very fun in Argentina! God has blessed me with some wonderful new friends! This month I look forward to strengthening those relationships and to meeting even more people.
Thank you again for your prayers while I was sick. I love you all very much and would love to hear from everyone!
In October I was sick 4 times = Once each week. Jared, Karina, and Kayla (the missionaries I work with) were also sick throughout the month. Right now I am finishing out antibiotics for pink eye and a sinus infection. Hopefully, we are all finished getting sick.
One of the things that I am loving most about this experience is how many people I am getting to meet and spend time with. I am involved in several churches here. In one weekend I have gone to as many as three church services...in Spanish :). I also spend a lot of time with the youth in these churches. It's a lot of fun to get to hang out with several different groups of people. We have done a lot of fun things together like go to parks, have Bible studies, and just hang out.
In October I also started teaching Let's Start Talking. I have a handful of students and am really enjoying the experience. LST creates an open and comfortable atmosphere. It is a conversation class that uses Bible stories to help people learn English. My students are very good at English and are really neat people. I'm excited to get to know them all better!
This month I went to a Christian retreat in a town four hours away from Buenos Aires. The retreat was for all of the young adults in church's all throughout Argentina. There were more than 800 young adults in attendance. It was awesome! The praise and worship was powerful and it was obvious that the Lord was present. One reason to come visit Argentina is to see how they worship. I love it!
Being sick so much in October wasn't exactly the most wonderful experience. However, God protected me in many ways. A few weeks before getting sick I was able to get health insurance. One company denied me because of my Cerebral Palsy, but then another one accepted me. Having insurance from Argentina made going to the doctor a lot less complicated. I was also very blessed to have the Berryman's who took me to the doctor twice.
I am very excited about the month of November. Every day I get more and more accustomed to living here. Life is very fun in Argentina! God has blessed me with some wonderful new friends! This month I look forward to strengthening those relationships and to meeting even more people.
Thank you again for your prayers while I was sick. I love you all very much and would love to hear from everyone!
At the youth retreat
At a really neat show with some friends!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Learning..learning...and more Learning!
I have now lived in Argentina for 3 ½ weeks. This first month has been all about getting adjusted, learning about the culture, meeting new people, starting to learn Spanish, and studying the Bible.
I am really enjoying living in a big city. So many of the buildings are really pretty, it’s fun to just walk down the street and observe my surroundings. Buenos Aires is HUGE and has lots and lots of random stores. The other day I saw one store that only sells crazy hats. Taking the Subte (Subway) is also really fun. Most of the Subways that I have seen are wooden inside. They twist and turn and if you don’t hold on then you are very likely to fall over (of course I would not know this from experience…hahaha ;)) Being on Subways feels like you are on a ride at Disney Land. It’s fun!
It’s also been especially great to meet people my age. Last Sunday I went to the Japanese Gardens with one of the local church’s youth group. I met some really awesome new friends that I’m excited to hang out with more! I’ve also spent a lot of great time with Ashley, my friend from ACU who asked me to come here. Whenever I spend time with her I always end up meeting really interesting people from places like France, Australia, Venezuela, Peru, and Ireland. There are a lot of neat and interesting people here.
Learning Spanish is going well. I can now introduce myself to people! Ha, yes I really was starting from nothing. Karina is a great teacher who is teaching me well. I am learning and understanding so much more everyday. There is still quite a ton to learn but I am trying hard and hopefully I will become more conversational in the next few months.
The food here is really good. I have had no problems adapting to it. They have really great bakeries here that sell “factoras.” In fact, all of their dairy, bread, and meat products are really good. The ice cream is absolutely amazing. I have never tasted anything so wonderful. Supposedly people from Italy brought ice cream here and now it is even better than Italian gelato. I believe it! I’m pretty sure I’ve already gained weight…oops!
Oh and speaking of food, Last Sunday we handed out food to the homeless. This is a really cool thing that the Berryman’s and their neighbors do. Every few weeks they make food and deliver it to some of the people who are homeless in the neighborhood. Here in Argentina they do not have near as many programs that give people who are homeless food. Whenever we drove up to give people food, they just started appearing. The people seemed so excited to get food. It was Awesome!
In the next few weeks our church is starting a new small group. We are going to be studying the Alpha Course. This course is supposed to be really good. We have invited people to come and are excited to see what God has in store for this new group. Also in the next few weeks I am going to start teaching “Let’s Start Talking.” This is where I teach English using the Bible. I’m very excited and ready to start these classes!
There are so many things that I have already learned. For example, I have learned that most of what I say is unimportant. I say this because sometimes with my host family I try only to speak in Spanish. Most of the time whenever I do this I spend the entire time looking up what I want to say. Once I figure out how to say what I want to say, the conversation has usually moved on to the next subject. And guess what, no one even misses that “crucial” comment that I had to say. It’s really funny. This is teaching me to listen more and to talk less.
Overall so far I have to say that this journey to Argentina has definitely been intense. Everyday there is so much for me to learn and observe. Sometimes this is quite a challenge. In the midst of all of these changes I have to remember that God is present. He is holding me in His arms. I must constantly remember to seek Him first. Not me or anyone or anything else.
I am so thankful to you my friends and family in the States who are praying for me. I cannot express to you how much this encourages and lifts me up. It was so good to talk to the youth group at Monterey last night, thanks so much for your support, it made my day! God is good and He hears our prayers.
If you have any prayer requests please email or Facebook me. I would love to be praying for you as well!
My 1st Night in Argentina with the Berryman's and my roomate/friend Sofie
Ashley and I in a cemetery
My room, isn't it cute?!
My picture wall inside of my closet!
My Argentine family who I live with!
Some of my new friends at the Japanese Gardens :)
One of Karina's friends is in make up school and used my face to make a 1940's look!
One of the beautiful French looking buildings close to my apartment!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
I made it to Argentina!
Wow! I have been living in Buenos Aires, Argentina for exactly one week today! And what a week this has been. It feels like it has been much longer than one week. I think this is because within this one week, pretty much everything about the way I live my life has changed.
It's hard to describe the feelings that I had as I said goodbye to my parents and left for Argentina. I felt a mixture of excitement, fear, nervousness, peace, and happiness. During my last few moments I felt a bit ridiculous for moving to Argentina without knowing Spanish and only knowing three people. But alas, after a few tears, I left. My first stop was in Houston. As I sat in the airport eating dinner by myself it hit me...It was just me and God. No one else. And so I prayed, "God you better have a plan and You better be taking care of me!"
Whenever I arrived in Argentina I went through customs quickly and easily. The Berryman's and Ashley had not arrived to pick me up yet and so I waited. After 30 minutes I thought that it might be a good idea to call them. I went to a "communication center" and attempted to use the phone. I dialed the number and instead of hearing the phone ring, I heard the operator saying something in Spanish. I had no idea how to call, no idea how to ask someone how to call, and no idea how to pay the lady for my attempted phone call. Of course Jared, Karina, and Ashley came for me a few minutes after this. I was very excited/relieved to see them!
This experience in the airport made me fully aware of just how new and different this place is. Here I am, just like a baby learning everything from scratch. Argentina has a completely different language, pace, people, food, and culture than my home in Lubbock, Texas. I am learning, just as a baby, how to live here. I am learning by studying, experiencing, praying, tasting, and by making cultural mistakes. Right now I have so many things to process and to think about.
Jared and Karina are absolutely amazing. I already feel like they are my family. They are great mentors and I can't wait to watch and learn from them. Right now Karina is teaching me Spanish and Jared is putting me through "boot camp" on how to spread the Word. Every day we pray and spend time together. I can already feel God transforming my heart.
I moved into my apartment on Friday. I love my Argentine family!!!! I live with Sofi and Grace. Sofi and I have already become good friends. We have hung out every night entirely too late. Grace is wonderful and spoils me with amazing food. They even re-decorated my room before I came and it is super cute!
One thing is for sure. Every day that I am here, I feel more and more sure that the Lord has called me to be in Argentina at this time. He is revealing His mission piece by piece...Already!!!
Throughout last week God reminded me several times that, "He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves." Colossians 1:13 May we all be thankful and serve our Lord today!
It's hard to describe the feelings that I had as I said goodbye to my parents and left for Argentina. I felt a mixture of excitement, fear, nervousness, peace, and happiness. During my last few moments I felt a bit ridiculous for moving to Argentina without knowing Spanish and only knowing three people. But alas, after a few tears, I left. My first stop was in Houston. As I sat in the airport eating dinner by myself it hit me...It was just me and God. No one else. And so I prayed, "God you better have a plan and You better be taking care of me!"
Whenever I arrived in Argentina I went through customs quickly and easily. The Berryman's and Ashley had not arrived to pick me up yet and so I waited. After 30 minutes I thought that it might be a good idea to call them. I went to a "communication center" and attempted to use the phone. I dialed the number and instead of hearing the phone ring, I heard the operator saying something in Spanish. I had no idea how to call, no idea how to ask someone how to call, and no idea how to pay the lady for my attempted phone call. Of course Jared, Karina, and Ashley came for me a few minutes after this. I was very excited/relieved to see them!
This experience in the airport made me fully aware of just how new and different this place is. Here I am, just like a baby learning everything from scratch. Argentina has a completely different language, pace, people, food, and culture than my home in Lubbock, Texas. I am learning, just as a baby, how to live here. I am learning by studying, experiencing, praying, tasting, and by making cultural mistakes. Right now I have so many things to process and to think about.
Jared and Karina are absolutely amazing. I already feel like they are my family. They are great mentors and I can't wait to watch and learn from them. Right now Karina is teaching me Spanish and Jared is putting me through "boot camp" on how to spread the Word. Every day we pray and spend time together. I can already feel God transforming my heart.
I moved into my apartment on Friday. I love my Argentine family!!!! I live with Sofi and Grace. Sofi and I have already become good friends. We have hung out every night entirely too late. Grace is wonderful and spoils me with amazing food. They even re-decorated my room before I came and it is super cute!
One thing is for sure. Every day that I am here, I feel more and more sure that the Lord has called me to be in Argentina at this time. He is revealing His mission piece by piece...Already!!!
Throughout last week God reminded me several times that, "He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves." Colossians 1:13 May we all be thankful and serve our Lord today!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Story of how God has Planted the Seeds for Argentina
I'm going to tell you all a little bit about how God has led me to Argentina. So here it is goes...pretty awesome story...
In about February or March one of my friends, Ashley Musick, invited me to move to Argentina with her this fall. At this point I was planning on going to grad school in the fall. I also had no connections or reason to move to Argentina. And so, I said that I would pray about it but that I didn't think I'd go.
Then, a few weeks later I led a group of my friends on a Spring Break mission trip to Mexico City. In Mexico City we stayed with Ryan and Amanda Gray who are missionaries there. At one point in the trip I was talking to Ryan about my plans for after graduation. I told him that one of my friends had asked me to move to Argentina. He then informed me that some of his good friends, Jared and Karina Berryman, were missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He said that right now they are wanting others to come and work with them. So he gave me their contact info.
The first time that I talked to Karina she told me that they would gladly welcome me into their home. They had been praying for God to send people to work with them! I was so excited and ready to come!
For the next few months I prayed about my decision to do mission work in BA. Some days I felt that it would be a great adventure...other days I felt very uncertain. I really wanted to know what God thought and hadn't felt like He had told me yet.
July came and I HAD to start fundraising if I wanted to go. And so I began writing letters and proposals to friends, family, and two churches. Now let me tell you, fundraising is absolutely the most humbling experience ever. After the first few weeks I had some but not enough to make a commitment.
I always had September 6 in my head as the day I would leave. In order to leave on that day I needed to buy my tickets 1 month in advance. Well on August 1st I went with Monterey to camp. I needed to buy my plane tickets the Friday that I was to return home (August 6). That Sunday that I left for camp, just a little bit of money was in my BA account. Before I bought the tickets I needed most of my funds and so my dad threw out a very large amount as the amount that I should have in order to buy my plane tickets. Basically, I thought that there was no possible way I would get that. In my mind I had already decided that the trip would be pushed back to October.
As it turns out, God has had a plan all along and used that week to speak to me in many ways. During that week God opened up doors for me to share a part of my recent testimony to my campers and to pray with a young girl. I also taught a class two times a day and was able to share with the kids about how the Lord has used my Cerebral Palsy. And, at the end of the week He opened the doors for me to talk to one of the directors who has a disability. He offered me advice and encouragement. I had never really talked to someone whose disability probably affects them as similarly as mine does to me in social situations. It was just amazing. It's kind of hard to explain, but that week the Lord revealed to me that not only does He love me, but that He wants to use even my greatest pains and struggles in order to reach others for Him.
All week long I received emails from people/churches saying that they were going to give. By the end of the week I had the amount that my dad had suggested...plus some!!!! Wow!!! It was like God was screaming, "AUDREY, GO TO ARGENTINA, I WANT TO USE YOU AND LOVE YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU!"
Now I am 19 days away from leaving! Regardless of all my failures and weaknesses, the Lord has blessed me, He is taking care of everything. It is the best feeling ever to know that I am right in the middle of the Lord's will.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and love!
"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
In about February or March one of my friends, Ashley Musick, invited me to move to Argentina with her this fall. At this point I was planning on going to grad school in the fall. I also had no connections or reason to move to Argentina. And so, I said that I would pray about it but that I didn't think I'd go.
Then, a few weeks later I led a group of my friends on a Spring Break mission trip to Mexico City. In Mexico City we stayed with Ryan and Amanda Gray who are missionaries there. At one point in the trip I was talking to Ryan about my plans for after graduation. I told him that one of my friends had asked me to move to Argentina. He then informed me that some of his good friends, Jared and Karina Berryman, were missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He said that right now they are wanting others to come and work with them. So he gave me their contact info.
The first time that I talked to Karina she told me that they would gladly welcome me into their home. They had been praying for God to send people to work with them! I was so excited and ready to come!
For the next few months I prayed about my decision to do mission work in BA. Some days I felt that it would be a great adventure...other days I felt very uncertain. I really wanted to know what God thought and hadn't felt like He had told me yet.
July came and I HAD to start fundraising if I wanted to go. And so I began writing letters and proposals to friends, family, and two churches. Now let me tell you, fundraising is absolutely the most humbling experience ever. After the first few weeks I had some but not enough to make a commitment.
I always had September 6 in my head as the day I would leave. In order to leave on that day I needed to buy my tickets 1 month in advance. Well on August 1st I went with Monterey to camp. I needed to buy my plane tickets the Friday that I was to return home (August 6). That Sunday that I left for camp, just a little bit of money was in my BA account. Before I bought the tickets I needed most of my funds and so my dad threw out a very large amount as the amount that I should have in order to buy my plane tickets. Basically, I thought that there was no possible way I would get that. In my mind I had already decided that the trip would be pushed back to October.
As it turns out, God has had a plan all along and used that week to speak to me in many ways. During that week God opened up doors for me to share a part of my recent testimony to my campers and to pray with a young girl. I also taught a class two times a day and was able to share with the kids about how the Lord has used my Cerebral Palsy. And, at the end of the week He opened the doors for me to talk to one of the directors who has a disability. He offered me advice and encouragement. I had never really talked to someone whose disability probably affects them as similarly as mine does to me in social situations. It was just amazing. It's kind of hard to explain, but that week the Lord revealed to me that not only does He love me, but that He wants to use even my greatest pains and struggles in order to reach others for Him.
All week long I received emails from people/churches saying that they were going to give. By the end of the week I had the amount that my dad had suggested...plus some!!!! Wow!!! It was like God was screaming, "AUDREY, GO TO ARGENTINA, I WANT TO USE YOU AND LOVE YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU!"
Now I am 19 days away from leaving! Regardless of all my failures and weaknesses, the Lord has blessed me, He is taking care of everything. It is the best feeling ever to know that I am right in the middle of the Lord's will.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and love!
"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
Ashley and I at graduation!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Story of This Summer
Wow, I can't believe that it is already August! This summer has flown by! My summer has been absolutely amazing! In January I felt like God wanted me to spend time with my family and so I asked Shauna Young, the children's minister at my church in Lubbock, if I could intern with her this summer. She said yes and so I have been able to spend the most time I have since high school with my family.
The internship has been great! Last summer I interned with the children's minister at Oak Ridge COC in Weatherford. It was a small church that I completely fell in love with and am still good friends with many families there. This internship was with Monterey COC which is a much larger church. It was good to have gotten experience in both a small church and a large church. I love Shauna and have enjoyed spending time with her and all of the other staff at Monterey. Thanks Shauna for mentoring and being my friend this summer! It has also been great to reconnect with old members that I grew up with and to make new ones through this internship. I love ya'll!
My wonderful boss Shauna!
This summer I also had a "job" hanging out with Natalie 3 days a week. We have had so much fun doing things like singing our elementary song, going on walks, and playing doctor. Natalie is a beautiful, precious 14 year old. She is a great swimmer, Girl Scout and friend! Tonight was my last night with Nat and I'm going to miss her!
Nat and I at the Science Spectrum!
One of the bonuses of being home has been getting to hang out with my old best friends! It has been just like old times!!! I also have met some new friends which has also been great!
Some of my new/old friends, Karla, Audrey, me,
Jana and Em. We made our own stir fry for Emily's Birthday!!!
At the beginning of the summer my parents took me to Europe for my graduation present. They took me because I graduated a year early from college, and because it was a great excuse to travel! We spent time in Washington DC, London, Paris, Vienna, and Hungary. I loved England's old buildings; had great, crazy, scary adventures in Paris; loved how clean Vienna was; and loved spending time with friends in Hungary. In Hungary we visited our exchange student that we had when I was 6, and her family. She has a 4 year old little girl who we were able to meet!
The day we got home from Europe I drove to Abilene. From there I went with a family from Abilene to Six Flags. I had fun with the whole family and especially liked hanging out with their brother Jay. He was very entertaining; speaking Spanish to strangers, offering to steal cars for me, and so forth and so on :)
A few weeks later we had VBS at Monterey. The theme was "Backstage with the Bible" (or something close to that). The ladies who produced this event did an amazing job. It was pretty much a huge concert for Jesus! I was privileged enough to be buddies with a little girl named Knatalie. She is a 5 year old little girl with Autism. I had so much fun walking around with her, learning how to make her smile, and playing outside with her. She is such a blessing, an angel from God. I also have loved spending time with Stacy, the special needs minister, she is awesome!
Later that week I went to VBS at Oak Ridge!!!! It was sooo exciting to visit all of my Oak Ridge family! I was a group leader and was able to hang out with some of my favorite kids...they are getting so big...and it's only been one year! I also spent time with several of the families that I was close to, which was great. And I was lucky enough to visit on the weekend of my minister's baby shower. His wife Lisa is having twins!!! Thank you Oak Ridge for not forgetting me!
Last but not least, last week I went to Pine Springs with Monterey. Whenever I got there they needed an extra counselor and so I became both counselor of Blue Jay and teacher. It was a great week (I'll write more about that later).
Thank you Lord for a wonderful summer!
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
The internship has been great! Last summer I interned with the children's minister at Oak Ridge COC in Weatherford. It was a small church that I completely fell in love with and am still good friends with many families there. This internship was with Monterey COC which is a much larger church. It was good to have gotten experience in both a small church and a large church. I love Shauna and have enjoyed spending time with her and all of the other staff at Monterey. Thanks Shauna for mentoring and being my friend this summer! It has also been great to reconnect with old members that I grew up with and to make new ones through this internship. I love ya'll!
This summer I also had a "job" hanging out with Natalie 3 days a week. We have had so much fun doing things like singing our elementary song, going on walks, and playing doctor. Natalie is a beautiful, precious 14 year old. She is a great swimmer, Girl Scout and friend! Tonight was my last night with Nat and I'm going to miss her!
One of the bonuses of being home has been getting to hang out with my old best friends! It has been just like old times!!! I also have met some new friends which has also been great!
Jana and Em. We made our own stir fry for Emily's Birthday!!!
At the beginning of the summer my parents took me to Europe for my graduation present. They took me because I graduated a year early from college, and because it was a great excuse to travel! We spent time in Washington DC, London, Paris, Vienna, and Hungary. I loved England's old buildings; had great, crazy, scary adventures in Paris; loved how clean Vienna was; and loved spending time with friends in Hungary. In Hungary we visited our exchange student that we had when I was 6, and her family. She has a 4 year old little girl who we were able to meet!
Dad & Mom by the Washington Memorial. Mom LOVED having her picture taken...ha
Our fav. spot! World War II Memorial...right by W. Memorial and Abe.
Mom & Dad by the London Bridge
Me with a London Tower Guard
THE Eiffel Tower, Cool! This is right after Mom broke her rib & arm and before my dad got robbed.
Dad & I in The Louvre, I got lost from my parents in by the Mona Lisa for a few hours. Oops!
The whole fam next to the Arch of..something...in France
Mom & Hanna...she is just pretending to be unhappy :)
Hanna in one of her many awesome outfits!
Oh yeah Vienna. I forgot about it because we were only there for a short while due to a robbing.
The day we got home from Europe I drove to Abilene. From there I went with a family from Abilene to Six Flags. I had fun with the whole family and especially liked hanging out with their brother Jay. He was very entertaining; speaking Spanish to strangers, offering to steal cars for me, and so forth and so on :)
Jay and I were super heroes!!!
Me with the kids!
A few weeks later we had VBS at Monterey. The theme was "Backstage with the Bible" (or something close to that). The ladies who produced this event did an amazing job. It was pretty much a huge concert for Jesus! I was privileged enough to be buddies with a little girl named Knatalie. She is a 5 year old little girl with Autism. I had so much fun walking around with her, learning how to make her smile, and playing outside with her. She is such a blessing, an angel from God. I also have loved spending time with Stacy, the special needs minister, she is awesome!
Knatalie...she loved to cuddle :)
Later that week I went to VBS at Oak Ridge!!!! It was sooo exciting to visit all of my Oak Ridge family! I was a group leader and was able to hang out with some of my favorite kids...they are getting so big...and it's only been one year! I also spent time with several of the families that I was close to, which was great. And I was lucky enough to visit on the weekend of my minister's baby shower. His wife Lisa is having twins!!! Thank you Oak Ridge for not forgetting me!
Delaney & I hanging out after VBS
Some of the kids washing feet!
Last but not least, last week I went to Pine Springs with Monterey. Whenever I got there they needed an extra counselor and so I became both counselor of Blue Jay and teacher. It was a great week (I'll write more about that later).
Some of my lovely campers!
3 of the girls from Monterey!
Thank you Lord for a wonderful summer!
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
Friday, July 30, 2010
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to my blog! I assume that you are reading this blog because you know me and want to keep in touch while I am in Argentina.
First all, THANK YOU! Without your support I would not be going to Argentina! Funds have been coming in for the last couple of weeks. So far I have about 20% of the funds that I need. I will try to post on this blog my full packet for Argentina. In this you will find my complete plan and list of needs.
For me this trip is about letting go and letting God. The Lord wants us to trust in Him fully. He will take care of us if we allow Him. I have full faith that He will provide for me as I prepare for Argentina and while I am there. He will reveal His love to the people that the Berryman's and I will work with. We may never know or understand all of what He has done, but we will rejoice and trust in His great power and love. My goal is to be like the man described in Psalm 1, "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and who leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
First all, THANK YOU! Without your support I would not be going to Argentina! Funds have been coming in for the last couple of weeks. So far I have about 20% of the funds that I need. I will try to post on this blog my full packet for Argentina. In this you will find my complete plan and list of needs.
For me this trip is about letting go and letting God. The Lord wants us to trust in Him fully. He will take care of us if we allow Him. I have full faith that He will provide for me as I prepare for Argentina and while I am there. He will reveal His love to the people that the Berryman's and I will work with. We may never know or understand all of what He has done, but we will rejoice and trust in His great power and love. My goal is to be like the man described in Psalm 1, "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and who leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
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