IKEA Made in Europe

One thing I’ve learned about Europe is IKEA is a big deal. Practically every country I’ve visited since September has an IKEA. I’ve slept in IKEA beds, read by the light of IKEA lamps, and drank from numerous IKEA glasses of all shapes and sizes.

The tagline at the bottom of each glass, “IKEA – Made in Bulgaria, or Turkey, or France,” has become a comfort of home. Odd – yes – as in the U.S. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve stepped through IKEA’s doors into the warehouse-style shopping Mecca. It’s big and cheap, which let’s be honest is the American way, yet it doesn’t have the presence in the U.S. like it does in Europe.

How could a store, which I have not actually been to in Europe (ironically), be a sign of home? I’ve come to the conclusion that home is relative. It’s a feeling. A comfort. It’s people. But it’s not a place.

I’ve been happy to be at home in many countries but it has nothing to do with the country itself, or the bed I sleep in, the lamp I read by, or the glass I drink from. It’s the people. How enormously blessed I am to have “homes” around the world. When the people you serve and work with are family, well home becomes where they are, not just a building or a bed.

“Home is where the heart is” is perhaps one of the worst clichés, but for these last two months I thank God it’s true. 

Gate Crashing an Epic Party

You may not know what ‘gate crashing’ is but that is 100% what I did at the U.S.-sent leadership meeting a couple of weeks ago. I happened to be in the same place at the same time, so obviously the most logical thing to do was invite myself to leadership meetings, which I had no place in and really no right to be at.

Now, if my life was a 80s high school movie, I’d be the loveable nerd who gate crashed the party and got kicked out as soon as I was discovered by the popular kids, probably after being publically embarrassed in some way. I thank God my org is not high school and instead of being shunned like the nerd I am, I was embraced with open arms and practically force-fed chocolate (not torture by any means.)

Me, a minion in the cog of the great organization, was welcomed a peer. This may have been amazing, and I may have taken a few pictures here and there, but the true blessing was listening to the stories of the Lord’s work around the world. I sat there, basking in HIS glory because of timing and the welcoming arms of my colleagues.

I could have easily been swept aside, treated as an outcast, but I was welcomed into the inner circle, my opinion and perceptions were even shared with the group by the ‘commander and chief’ of the org. Me, a small piece of the working machine, had a voice. Who wouldn’t want to a part of a company like that?

Moral of my story – crash more parties. You might be surprised by the welcome you get.

Empowerment in Marriage - What Can I Learn?

Many things in recent months have given me pause and caused me to reflect on ministry, the state of the world, the plight of my generation, how the Lord works in miraculous ways (I could keep going but I won't); however, one thing that has struck me and continues to impact me is witnessing the marriages of people across the world.

I am not married, although I hope that is in God's plan for my life, but that doesn't mean that strong marriages don't have a lesson relevant to relationships in general. I have been blessed by a family of strong marriages, although my grandparents and parents have their faults, healthy marriages have been modeled for me since childhood. There are many things one might learn from a healthy marriage but what I have witnessed these last months and has really stuck with me is the idea of partnership with one another and empowerment of your significant other. 

As I write, I have visited nine OC couples and have been blessed in how they partner in ministry together, and more importantly how they empower each other to use their God-given gifts. This has looked different with each family but the common thread is the desire to champion the gifts each person possesses. Often in different seasons perhaps some gifts have been "benched," when needs of children or aging parents take priority; however, what I have seen in each couple is the desire for their partner to be fulfilled in the work the Lord has for them.

In my limited knowledge, I think a good marriage stems from a centered and healthy relationship with Jesus and through that a desire to die to oneself and become joined with another. As I think about my relationships, I should not yet be joined with another but an attitude of selflessness should be dawned. Obviously, we are less than human and complete selflessness cannot be achieved, but I have been blessed to witness those couples who strive to love each other as Christ loved the church.

This is but a small reflection from my time with some incredible families the Lord has placed in my life. Thank you to all who have blessed me by loving each other.

Give a Bit a Time -- See a Revolution

Sometimes in life you are blessed to hear a speaker that's "got it." After listening to Helder Favarin for three days on the British coast, I know I've heard a man anointed by Christ and who will be used by Him to ignite a revolution in Europe's young people.

Helder speaking at a conference in Worthing, England.

After to listening to Helder speak, I'm ready to join in that revolution. If I was one prone to impulse, I'd fill out the next application to be a youth leader and start pouring into the lives of young people around the world. Let's be honest, the millennial generation is the future. Why shouldn't we invest in building them up to be leaders with a strong faith and a heart for Christ?

My love for investing in peers and those younger than myself should come as no surprise, after all, I've been hearing people stories and praying for my fellow MKs since I was 14. I left the comforts of the US to pursue teaching and coaching at Faith Academy for a virtually non-existent pay check. This weekend has just brought the need of my generation and younger to the forefront of my mind and heart once again.

Now, I'm not going to rush into full-time youth ministry just yet. This weekend has reminded me that we don't have to be professionally involved in ministry to invest in another person. "I'm too busy" is not an excuse! People my age and younger need to feel valued and be mentored by others. Millennials have the potential to revolutionize the world today but the fact is we can't do it alone. We need wisdom and truth poured into our lives by those around us, men and women who are strong in the faith.

Serving in the church, outreach in your local community, attending church and Bible study are all good and should not be forgotten, but the truth is that if you are not mentoring or shepherding a young person to take up and champion your ministry, it will not last. Many missionaries I know invest in local leadership of the church, which is a high value. Many people build friend groups with peers and lead a Bible studies, all good things. But if you don't invest in the younger generation then how can you expect any impact on your community to be sustainable?

Whether you like it or not, that 20 year old sitting in the pew, attached to his/her smart phone, tweeting the words you say, is the future. There's no getting around it. So why not pour into their lives now, break bread together and share in relationship? It makes no sense to just live in the now, the future is coming. You can't stop it. You have an expiration date, we all do.

Here's the tricky part: you have to mentor youth on their terms. What does that mean? You have to have a relationship before you can speak into their lives. There needs to be mutual trust and respect. Listen with open and non-judgemental ears. Be willing to discuss and answer the hard questions, no subject should be off limits. Communicate via Facebook, Twitter or the 100 other social media sites. Respect them and value their opinion.

If you breath, and love Christ, this message is for you! No one is exempt, least of all church leadership or people involved in ministry. Nothing you do is more important than investing a part of your time in this generation. Take off your blinders and see the potential. You're missing out.

It's not going to be easy, the generation gap is real. But if you don't see the value in giving some of your time into this generation, then you will be sitting in retirement, complaining about the state of the world when you passed by the opportunity to invest in it while it was young.

Away I Go!

You might know that I am set to leave on a 3 mo. journalism trip to Europe, N. Africa and the Mid East. I get on a plane tomorrow, so I wanted to write a quick post. 

Coming up on the blog will be some awesome pictures, stories, and perhaps even video, of my adventures over the next three months. Stay tuned for interesting (and hopefully entertaining) posts to come. 

I am in the midst of packing and tying up loose ends, so for now this is it. Based on the pic, can you guess where I am going first? It's an easy one :)

Goodbyes SUCK!

The dirty truth of goodbyes is that it doesn't matter how good you are at them they always hurt. Where others express pain through tear-filled hugs, my pain manifests itself in a sick feeling rooted deep in my stomach that spreads and aches in every part of my body. It sounds dramatic but it's a feeling I know well.

Recently I spent two weeks with 55 amazing Mks and their families in the mountains of Colorado. It was a unforgettable time: we hung out, laughed, shared our experiences and bonded quickly. You haven't witnessed bonding like this until you've met a missionary kid. You would think that we would hold people at arms length because of the goodbyes we say, but here's the funny thing -- we don't and we do. It's a paradox that is hard to explain. It's like we soak up all we can in the time we spend together, going deep quickly but yet very few reach the real people underneath. That might not explain it well but it's the best I can do.

These two weeks of my organization's Personnel Enrichment Program are my favorite time of year but after the time is over I have to say goodbye all over again. This was my 12th year being a part of the staff. Many of the missionary-kid staff asked how I do the program every year when the goodbyes are so hard. One wondered how my sister and I had not become callus to goodbyes since we experience them so often. The only answer I know is that I don't know how we do it. All I can say is that I have had the opportunity to see kids grow up and mature into young men and young women. I get to meet new people every year because kids change a lot in four years. No summer is the same, yet they are all amazing. God has blessed me with friends all over the world. Also, if you haven't met a missionary kid or a third-culture kid, you are missing out. Mks/Tcks are complex human beings, with layers and layers of emotions and experiences. Yes, we can be weird, misunderstood, and hard to relate to at times, but the layers are worth peeling back to see the center. The layers can be broken, sour, bitter, confused and unpleasant but the center, at the heart of it, is always uniquely created and sweet. That's why I do it, I get glimpses of the center and get to share in the lives of people that will one day change the world.

Of course, this doesn't make goodbyes any easier to swallow but I wouldn't want to miss a summer. PEP 2013 was one I will always remember and I have been truly blessed by the kids and young adults I experienced it with.

Rabbit Trails

Rabbit trails - we all follow them, we know how to get teachers to step away from lesson plans and follow them, we all need them and we all complain when someone takes us on one against our will.

What got me on this thought process was when Meg, one of the greatest friends ever, posted a Dawson's Creek buzzfeed on my Facebook, which then led me down the rabbit trail of other Dawson's trivia nonsense, a great distraction for a less-than-great Monday morning. This happens to me all the time, I click on a popular video on YouTube and hours later I remember that I was supposed to be doing something, like sleep. Wikipedia is the worst, just ask Meg and her Wiki serial killer phase, you may know the name Charles Manson but do you real know the horrific things he was responsible for? To tease you curiosity, Manson's crew is the reason Roman Polanski went nuts, is now wanted by the U.S. justice system and directed one of the most horrific scenes in Shakespearean film history - Macbeth, 1971, yikes. (Look it up, fascinating stuff)

My recent foray into this pop culture rabbit trail got me thinking about the distractions life brings everyday, rabbit trails we take to avoid or detain from reality. We all do it. A relationship that's not right but fun. An ill-advised trip. A job that you take to just pay the bills but becomes a career.

Sometimes I feel like life right now is rabbit trail, something I was led on against my will. These are my worst times. When I think clearly I realize that I am learning a lot, mainly how to rely on and trust that God is in control. It's hard to trust God completely. We might say that's our desire but do we really relax our grasp on our finances, family, relationships, worries, heartbreaks and let him completely take it over? That's the biggest lesson I am learning during this "rabbit trail;" relying on God means giving up control. It doesn't mean being lazy or complacent, it means putting my faith in Him.

Sometimes rabbit trails aren't a waste of time and energy, sometimes they are lessons to learn, a sideways journey that will lead to a better understanding of His true plan.

Money, Money, Money … Ugh

I know many people share my frustration with finances. We live an economic climate that it temperamental at best. I am thankful that I eat well, sleep in a heated house, drive a working car and I am spoiled with many other luxuries, like DVR and a puppy. I am in no means “in need,” yet money stalks me, it’s an all-consuming giant feasting on worry and need.  

I thought this picture was interesting.

It seems like I can’t go a day without talking about money. I don’t bring it up most of the time; the need for money is something I’d rather ignore. I live in an interesting paradigm; I’m a missionary and therefore rely on the generosity of others to support me. The wonderful people that support me each month sacrifice in order to do so, God has put on their heart to give a percentage of their tithe to my ministry and for that I am eternally grateful. To perpetuate the Christian stereotype, I hope they are as blessed in this offering as I am. This is an amazing work of the Lord, but here’s where the awkwardness comes in – what happens when I need to ask for more?

Missionaries come across this issue all the time. There is a predominant belief in the mission world (I’m sure there are more but this is a common one) – cast a vision for the ministry and the Lord will work in the hearts of the people you meet. It’s a tag-team, you present the opportunity to partner in ministry and the Lord works. Here’s where the big question happens, what if the Lord doesn’t seem to be working? I know missionaries who have been trying to get on the field for years and the money just isn’t coming in. I also know missionaries who are doing amazing work on the field but they are heavily in debt. If the Lord doesn’t seem to be working, then the follow-up question is; am I working in the center of His will? The money is not coming in, am I on the wrong path? How do you answer these questions? You can’t answer the questions without a drastic change, and even then an answer isn’t a guarantee.

Therefore, missionaries rely heavily on faith. That’s where I’m at, relying heavily on faith in my Father but also seeking the best way to present my need to my network of people that care and pray for me. Living in the US and turning 26 next month (going off the parent’s insurance) is proving expensive. I am earnestly praying for God’s guidance in my life, am I on the path He has laid for me or is it time to adjust? Please partner in this prayer with me. As much as I hate money (or at least the lack of it), it’s a necessary piece of the world and something I can’t run away from.

This one a hard one to write, no one wants to share their shortcomings or needs. I’ve grown up in a missionary family so I am no stranger to relying on other’s generosity. Pray never hurts.

(If you are interested in just a piece of what I do, visit our website onechallenge@oci.org. I write/edit a lot of the articles and help generate content.)

A Good Man is Hard to Find

The title of this blog is incredibly misleading but I have a feeling it got you to click. Keep reading, there's a point.

I work for OC International, a mission organization that values its people. I know a lot of orgs say this, but in real and practical ways we care about the mental and physical well being of the people around the world that serve with us, adults and children alike. For roughly 11 years of my life I have been working with the children of our missionaries during our rest and replenish retreat in the summer called PEP.


Did I mention PEP is in the Colorado Rockies?

To understand what we do and why a good man is hard to find, let me give you a bit of incite into missionary kids (these traits are generalized and don't apply to everyone).

1. On some level, we feel responsibly for the money our parents raise. Good manners, bright smiles and God-centric answers to questions seem directly correlated to support raising. This is not true, God challenges people to obediently give, but it seems to a young MK ... the cuter you are, the bigger the bank.

2. In relation to the above trait, it's really hard to admit we are broken and not doing well. This can feel like a betrayal to our parents who have sacrificed in the service of Christ. How can you complain when God has called and your parents answered?

3. MKs are really good at relating to adults. In general, we are well-spoken, insightful, and know our place in the conversation. Unfortunately the caveat is that we are a little awkward around our peers, especially those that have never lived overseas. How does one relate with someone who thinks you live in a hut in central China when you live in a skyscraper with a concrete backyard in the heart of Beijing? This awkwardness often leads to perception of being aloof and when most of your conversations begin with, "On vacation we scuba dived in Bali" or "Every winter we visit a lodge in the Swiss Alps" one might think MKs are a bit spoiled and stuck up. That doesn't even get me started on the "one ups." In an attempt to relate, when you say, "I'm learning Spanish." I might come back at you and say, "I've been speaking Spanish since I was 5." I assure you, I'm just trying to make conversation, you are probably hearing me trying to be better than you.

4. MKs don't feel 100% comfortable anywhere. Even if you have been entirely immersed into the culture where you live, something inside reminds you that you are not actually German or Brazilian or Indonesian. Yet, you also don't belong in the culture in which your passport identifies you. It's a complicated confusion that not every one can understand.

This all leads me to the point of my title. Not just anyone can speak into the lives of MKs. In our org we like older MKs to mentor and listen to younger MKs. There is no judgement or prejudice because we "get" it. We, generally, have no shortage of mature young women that want to pour into and love the young MKs in the org. Where we lack is young men that have experience mentoring and want to spend time having fun with other MKs but also share emotions, struggles and joys with younger, boy MKs. This is a great need this summer. Coming to the retreat are a lot young men who need someone older to hang with them and speak into their lives, someone that cares for them and understands them. We have a couple young men coming to lead but where we lack is a mature, male leader for the older group, who could also lead the male staff. I am desperately seeking God's guidance in this area. Please pray with me in this. It's not an easy job but it's important and I am praying the Lord will bring the right guy to the doorstep.

So my title is not a plea of a single women looking for "Mr. Right," but it's the lament of a MK leader that needs someone to partner in the work of pouring into the lives of MKs from several countries all over the world.


(This is the staff (and one participant in the program)for the summer 2011. Notice, all young women, and don't even ask about the costumes, that story is worth another blog post.)

Ants in the Pants

God’s voice in my life has been, what I would call, ambiguous. He speaks with fire and the thunder but also in a soft whisper; our communication is more of the whisper variety. So when I get a sense of restlessness I always question its source. Historically, I have proof where this “get up and go” was God’s step for my life, but other times it has just been me, my missionary-kid self, bored and unsatisfied, ready to move on. I’m ready to “go” but how long do you wait for a whisper?

These thoughts bring up an interesting question – do I not feel comfortable in a time of settling? My life has been a series of transitions since the time I graduated college. It’s common belief that it takes a year to fully transition into a new environment or scenario. I’ve been out of college for almost four years (yikes!); three-fourths of that time was spent in transition. That’s my sweet spot. I feel comfortable in the unsettledness. Nothing is permanent. It’s flexible. Don’t like a situation – move on. This probably isn’t healthy, but it’s me.

This is a giant lead up to my state of mind – I’m ready to go. I love the comforts of home and Colorado but I’m over living in the U.S. Why be stuck in one place when there is a world to explore? My job right now is great; I’m in a support role for ministry all over the world. OC’s people are great and God is doing great things through them. But this is a season, and what I would consider a short one. I have wanderlust that will not easily be quenched.

I think God has big plans for my life – I’m just not quite sure what they are yet. I am definitely in Colorado until August. I pray that during this time I hear God’s whisper in my life. I pray I will seek him more faithfully everyday and not make rash decision based on that itchy feeling from ants in my pants. J

Finding a Church ... It's No Picnic

I am in the midst of the prayer letter downloading and proofing and I decided I need a break, so what better to do than to blog. J

A friend and I are trying to find a church. I live in Colorado Springs – I could throw a stone from almost anywhere in the city and hit a church. Why then is it so hard to find one that fits my criteria? I don’t think I’m being demanding. All I want is a place for community, growth and service. Is it really too much to ask that I find a church home where I can not only get involved and build community, but also agree with what the pastor says on Sunday mornings? I don’t need 100% agreement, that’s idealistic and frankly if that happened I would never be challenged. What I am asking for is not to be confused or outraged when I leave, both things have happened recently.

I am still in the process of church-hunting and I hope to settle somewhere soon, looking for churches is emotionally and spiritually exhausting. Here are a few things I’ve learned in the process:

1.       Don’t go to a church just because it has a cool name – it doesn’t mean the church is cool.

2.       Youth doesn’t always mean a fresh perspective.

3.       A late start Sunday morning should not be an indicator of where to go.

4.       Always get someone’s opinion about the church before you go, you won’t be sorry. You might if you don’t.

5.       Size doesn’t matter, friendliness does.

6.       Just because you know people that go there doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you, even if it’s in your comfort zone.  

This all I have so far; not a lot, I know. I’m still searching. Trying a new one Sunday, here’s to hoping it goes better than last Sunday. J

 

Do We Understand the Meaning of Persecution?

During Monday chapel at the US-MC we prayed for several individuals who are in prison for their faith. As I ardently keep these people in my heart and prayers, I am reminded of a conversation I had with my Bible study group a couple months ago as we read through Philippians. Do we, primarily as Americans, really understand persecution and therefore understand the power of Jesus Christ in the lives of those who are truly persecuted?

In the book of Philippians Paul is writing from prison, so clearly, joy in the midst of persecution becomes a major theme in the book’s 100, or so, verses. The Bible study group was talking about learning from Paul’s example by finding joy in Christ even through our personal persecution. This gave me pause wondering, have I ever been truly persecuted? Had anyone in that group? I would argue that people in the U.S. today do not face imprisonment or death for sharing their faith. (Of course there are exceptions to every rule.)

We might face the loss of a job or friendships because of our faith; we might be teased, bullied or shunned. This is persecution, but can we really understand the position of Paul or these men in prison around the world today? They remain constant in faith and rejoice in the Lord despite their imprisonment. Would I have that courage?

So often we are sucked into narrow-mindedness and increase our minor problems to eclipse real problems in the world that often don’t have easy answers. I complain when I don’t have enough money to buy a new pair of boots while sipping from a bottle of filtered and fortified water when children in South East Asia walk miles in ragged flip-flops for water that is potable. A person de-friends me on Facebook because of my religious beliefs and I feel an injustice has occurred; how petty are my woes when men are wasting away in prison for their faith and waiting for a trial before a biased judge.

I pray you and I will never have to face true persecution; that our biggest worries are those that pass easily in the night. But more so than that, I pray that we will remember Christians around the world who are suffering for their faith and the many who die because of it.

Here are a couple good sites that share stories and help with prayer ideas for the persecuted church. I hope you take time to visit them and add the persecuted church to your prayer life.

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/

http://www.onewiththem.com/

I Saw the Sign -- Now I'm More Confused Than Ever

Recently, I’ve been contemplating the idea of signs and growing experiences.

We all believe in some form of “signs,” some being more legitimate than others. You may not call them “signs,” but really we all can agree we get information from sources outside ourselves on occasion. In my life I often take “signs” as the word of the Holy Spirit. What I’ve been mulling over is when a “sign” is from God but it is, in human perspective, ambiguous. Is it a message to move on, to work harder, to change, etc.? While in the Philippines, I knew I was following God’s will because he gave me “signs” of his purpose – impact, community, spiritual maturity. “Signs” that it was time to leave the Philippines were also clear – peace in the decision, importance in work at the US-MC, and very little drop in my support after announcing the change of ministry.

Those were all positive signs, good things although acting out God’s will wasn’t easy. What I’m struggling with now is what if the signs are negative. Aside from a few inividuals, why has building a community in Colorado been a struggle? Why do some friendships stay on the surface and continually require an outpouring of effort with little result? Why do I have the desire to travel, move on? Why has my monthly support dropped over $500 a month, making it impossible to maintain my salary. What are these signs supposed to tell me? Should I change my focus? Work harder to get new supporters? Postpone dreams/professional ministry? Try to meet new people? Pour out more time and energy to build community?

I guess my major question is, if I am following God’s will for my life why don’t I feel as blessed and reassured as I once did?

This brings me to the other thought – if this is a growing year, what am I learning? The book of Philippians has seemed to follow me around these past four months or so, is there something there? Am I devoid of joy? I feel like I am in a tornado of decisions and changes and I can’t get a grasp on what the purpose is; what am I supposed to do now?

If you think about it, please pray for me in this time. I need a grasp on what I am supposed to do with these “signs” in my life. What’s the bigger picture I am failing to see?

As I continue this time in my life, I pray that I will come out on the other end a stronger person, both spiritually and emotionally. Growing pains hurt, I’m just struggling not to be broken.

Resolutions are meant to be broken

If procrastination was an Olympic sport, I’d be winning golds since 2001 (when I started high school and realized laziness didn’t always mean bad grades, and therefore succumbed to my genetic pre-disposition to start something I might never finish). You might be hard-pressed to find someone lazier, or more easily distracted, than me. All this self-deprecation is to say, it’s been a while since my last post.

Life update: Christmas and New Years flew by, spending half the holiday in Colorado and the other half in California. I am increasingly reminded of the blessing of my family, despite our dysfunction. I stayed at Kassen’s apartment in Cali, watching corny movies that only your sister won’t judge you for enjoying – what would I do without my lil’ sis? We had a late Christmas with Erin and her family (I included a pic of my nephew and niece because they are too cute not to show off :)). I love giving gifts and playing with them afterward. Bonus of being an aunt – you just get to do the fun stuff.

Work update: On the trip to California I had the opportunity to tag along with my parents, meeting with a few missionaries and some people who are considering OC. I enjoyed talking to each person about their journey and their perspective of OC. As someone literally born into the mission, it was good to hear why people join OC and what we have to offer. Now that I am back in Colorado I have more work to do than time to do it. It’s an exciting time for the communications department. We launched our new website, http://www.onechallenge.org/, at the end of December and now we have the constant task of updating it and making it relevant. I love it, but there’s a lot to get done.

There are a few possibilities of exciting developments that might be coming up in my life. Most things are in the dream stage right now but I will keep you posted as things develop and become more concrete.

Happy New Year! Love and blessing in 2013.