"...8 pack, value size with Sweet Tea, please. And I'd like honey roasted barbeque sauce... 4 packets, please."

My mouth was drooling as I said the words. It's only been a month, but oh... how I've missed it.

Oh, Chick Fil A ... I will miss you when I'm in the Philippines...










Oh... and how I love the sweet tea refills!!!!

Ok... in the midst of all the intense stuff of the last couple of weeks, there has been fun too!

Tuesday I took a "Land Transportation" course where we practiced off-road driving.

OH WHAT FUN IT WAS!!!

There was a group of 5 of us in the class. We drove out to the back woods on the center and drove through the woods basically. We were driving down these nice dirt paths with the trees and spider webs snapping as the car came through. I had A LOT of fun.

We drove through the wooded course and then came to a clearing where we drove the car up these cement "steps" and then had to be directed by another person to drive and park the car on top of two flattened soda cans. Oh -- while you're not able to see out the front windshield! It's supposed to help you to learn how to give / follow directions if you need to navigate someone through some road obstacles.

A couple of things I have to remember:

1 - slow down: ok, I have a tendency to drive a little on the fast side. As I was driving I was going up this one incline that had some pretty deep ruts that I was driving in and thinking I had to make it up that hill I gave it a little gas. Maybe a little too much since the instructor said I could slow down a little. Funny. That's the same thing my Driver's Ed teacher told me too! :)

2 - when you're driving and it looks like there's a nice little drop off... would be a good idea to get out and take a look at it before driving ahead: We got to this one spot where it looked like the dirt road just ended. The instructor said to go down that way. I took a peak out the window to make sure there was something down there... it looked okay, so I went. Thinking about it afterwards... I probably should have gotten OUT to check that.

3 - off-road driving was not intended for my cute little Nissan Altima: As much as I'd like to do that again, I don't think it would survive such a course!

It's been an intense couple of days. So much has been going on.
This week I have been gripped with feelings of...
FEAR.
INADEQUACY.
UNWORTHINESS.
CONFUSION.
HURT.
SADNESS.

But, I've seen God's glory.
I've seen Him shine through the lives of other people who have humbled themselves in ways that make me stand in awe. I've seen His glory through the HOPE that people have clung tightly to. I 've seen His glory through His children walking in the LIGHT and letting Him shine on the darkness. I've seen His glory as He's brought forth His Word to bring COMFORT, PEACE and TRUTH. I've seen His glory as I've heard the words of truth, encouragement and prayer lifted up by His children.

It amazes me. There IS victory in Jesus! When I let myself forget who He is... I forget that and am full of fear. When I am reminded of who He is... who I am in Him... then I can be confident to move forward.

Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me. It has and continues to make a difference. PRAY ON!!!

And let me know how I can pray for you. If there's one thing I'm learning... prayer for one another is CRITICAL!

Today we had the 2nd installment on SUFFERING.

It seems that when we talk about God's promises we talk about how God provides, how He keeps us safe, how He makes us happy. But when do we talk about SUFFERING as a part of God's plan and His promise?

I've read and heard stories of horrific torture that believers have gone through for their faith. And how they live through it with earnest, passionate conviction and love for their Savior. I have heard the stories of missionaries who have suffered heartache after heartache with the loss of children, spouses, destruction... and yet... there is in their hearts such LOVE, FAITH and TRUST.

In reading books and articles and hearing stories of the persecuted church I hear a similar sentiment among these "blessed ones." Often, we from the West will offer our sympathy and tears to our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church. Their response often reflects this heart... "Don't feel sorry for us. God has shown us His glory."

These sessions on suffering have raised these questions for me...

• Do I value God's glory more than my own comfort? rights? life? work?
• Do I value God's glory more than the comfort? rights? life? of my family and friends?
• Do I REALLY believe that suffering is a way that may be a part of God's plan and purpose to reveal His glory?
• Do I focus on my circumstances or on my Lord and WHO HE IS?
• Do I believe that God gives His grace when suffering comes?
• Do I believe that His grace is sufficient?
• Is my faith even that "strong" or "big" or "risky" to even warrant the need for suffering or persecution???
• How do I know when I'm "ready" to accept this reality of the life ahead of me?

I look around at my fellow trainees, I think about the people who I've met, I think about my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world and I wonder... what sufferings will come? to whom? how will we respond? How will God's glory be revealed among us?

There has been this dull, weak, weary feeling in my heart as I've been thinking about suffering since last week's session. Is that the right response?

In hearing the testimony of the saints who have suffered -- the ways they have better seen and come to know and love the Lord... the ways their faith has expanded... the ways others have come to know God through their suffering -- perhaps one day that feeling will be replaced with "joy"? At least today... I feel a greater sense of HOPE.

An excerpt from our session today:
"When we experience pain or loss, we often ask, 'Why?' We find ourselves desperately seeking purpose. Tell me there is meaning in this. Tell me this happened for a reason. As we look at our present circumstances and examine the past, and we can't see how anything good could come from the pain. This is because the purpose behind our pain is found not in the past or the present, but is His future glory."


"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." - Romans 8:18

"But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:9-11

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have sufferend the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3: 7-11

If you think about it this week... PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!

Today, the church I normally go to here in NC was not having service (they're on a retreat). So... I ventured out and chose to go to a Korean church. It was such a cool experience. Ok... I don't like it when people say "All Filipino people..." but really... it seems like Koreans always have such BEAUTIFUL singing voices!! The service was all in Korean, so I didn't understand much. But, it was a beautiful reminder to me of the value of worshipping in one's own heart language as I heard them all sing, pray, worship in their language.

After service I was invited too to join them for lunch. It was YUMMMMYYY!!! During lunch a kind woman came up to me -- she leads the youth group -- and invited me to come back to share with their youth about my calling and about this ministry. Woo-hoo!!! I'm excited! This Friday from 8 pm - 9 pm I'll be sharing with both the youth group and the children in a combined meeting.

So... if you would... PLEASE PRAY!!
I didn't come to NC prepared to do any "formal" sharing. I didn't think I'd have the opportunity or time. So, I didn't even bring any of my presentation "stuff." Would you pray that I'd be disciplined about taking time this week to prepare and that God would give me great creativity and all the resources I'll need to communicate the message He wants shared with this group? -- THANKS!!

Okay... yeah, I know. I've been a blogger slacker. Last week I was having internet problems in my apartment and just lost the momentum. So... today is catch up day.

Tuesday 8.21.07
ICC: Day 13 - "Bumming Meals..."
Something fun about ICC is bumming meals off of the Pubols. (hehehehe) It seems like I've done it a lot since ICC started. Today's meal was unintentional. I came bearing Banana Flavored Reese's Peanut Butter Cups... and ended up getting Sloppy Joes and Salad :)
Yummmy... so good to having them around! They're so good to me :)


Wednesday 8.22.07
ICC: Day 14 - "Cookies and Coffee"
Had the Pubols and Karen over for dinner. We watched some Brian Regan on YouTube (FUNNY guy!) and then started the cookie taste test.
While we were at Wal-Mart I picked up a tube of Toll House cookie dough and Wal-Mart cookie dough. We had a taste test to see if there was a difference. Mike and Rachele came over and joined us for Cookies and Coffee and story time. :)
It was fun evening hearing all the cute "how we met stories" and hearing bits and pieces of where people have been and parts of their life stories. I think that's the thing I like about things like this (weeks long training) -- getting to meet and getting to know people and their stories. It's also the thing I have hard time with in things like this ... it's just a few weeks... and I know I'm only getting glimpses of their lives. But, every bit is worth while.

Thursday 8.23.07
ICC: Day 15 - "The Most Exhausting Day"
Today was undeniably the most exhausting day of all of ICC. We talked about Spiritual Warfare and then about Suffering. We heard the testimony of a couple (not with my same organization) who had to deal with much suffering and I heard the absolute PRAISE and FAITH with which they faced, and continue to face that suffering.

I can't even express yet the thoughts I had about that day. I came back from the class just mentally, emotionally exhausted. I journaled and cried for about an hour after I got back. I'll blog about it I'm sure... but if I tried to do it now, it would be wayy too long.

Friday 8.24.07
ICC: Day 16 - "I LOVE EPHESIANS!"
I absolutely love the book of Ephesians. This was one of the turning point books for me during college and God continues to use it to return my heart to His. In class we went through how to do an Inductive Bible study and used Ephesians as an exercise. Following that we had a woman come and share about "Identity in Christ." After the previous day's class and my "spiritual weariness" that followed... this was a great reminder.

Friday nights one of the families has continued their weekly tradition of family game night opening it up to all us ICC'ers. I played SEQUENCE for this first time and watched a game of Kansas City Rook (?). Now I know how to play ... next time... watch out!

Saturday 8.25.07
ICC: Day 17 - "Blah Blah Blah"
That's kind of how I felt today. Woke up. Put laundry away (yes... Friday I finally did laundry!). Changed my license plate. Went to the grocery store. Wrote some. Read some. Watched some online tv. ate too much. went to an ICC BBQ. Held a baby. Ate too much again. Came home. Watched more online tv while writing some more. Did some more reading. Blah-blah-blah.

So... that's the re-cap.

So this week we're focusing on some Interpersonal Skills topics.

We took a personality profile...

This is my "normal, unmasked, unguarded behavior" -

"C/I/S: Competent Influencing Specialist

C/I/S's like to do things right, impress others and stabilize situations. They are not aggressive or pushy people. They enjoy large and small crowds. They are good with people and prefer quality. They are sensitive to what others think about them and their work. They need to be more determined and dominant. They can do things well, but are poor at quick decision-making. They are capable of doing great things through people, but need to be more self-motivated and assertive. They are stimulated by sincere, enthusiastic approval and logical explanations."*

WOW! I think this is right on.

2 questions...

• For those of you who know me, do you agree?
• Can I just call myself a CSI??? :)

I LOOOOVVEEE this kind of stuff!!!

*Material comes from the Uniquely You Personality Profile - http://www.uniquelyyou.net/ or http://www.leadin.org/

... another year older :)

Usually on my birthday I am very reflective. I contemplate life and what I've gone through in the year and think about what I want to see happen in the next year. Today wasn't like that at all. I think it was because I was pretty busy all day with class, running errands and such. And you know what? I think I'm okay with that.
I think living here in Waxhaw has helped me to relax about things a little bit :)

It's been a blessed day.

• went to class and was sung happy birthday to... as much as I didn't want for people to know, it was really nice to "have a birthday"


• heard special birthday greetings from dear family and friends on voicemail


• talked to my sister and parents


• got to listen to my nephew -- my sweet, sweet nephew -- sing happy birthday to me on my voicemail


• had a fun birthday dinner at Marino's Pizza with some of the folks from ICC


• ate some YUMMY Philly Cheesesteak stromboli


• surprised by the Pubols with a Carvel Ice Cream!!!!!!


• learned some French :) ... no, I don't need to learn French to go to the Philippines. We had a practice session with a "Language Resource Person" (LRP) to try out a language learning technique.


• reminded that I am God's creation--I'm His... "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created." - Revelation 4:11

One bad thing from today...I woke up with a zit on my chin... isn't that supposed to stop at my age???!!! Okay...and another, I keep procrastinating working on my homework (hence my blogging right now! :)

My prayer, in a song sung at church today:

Potter's Hand - Darlene Zschech

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure,
all of my days are held in your hands,
crafted into your perfect plan

You gently call me into your presence
guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart, I know you're drawing me to yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Take me, Mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

You gently call me into your presence
guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart, I know you're drawing me to yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Take me, Mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand

... access to the worldwide web is back!!!

Access to websites was messed up today. Granted, I was out for most of the day and had plenty to do without having to go on the web... but boy, it's nice to be able to get on again!!!

Since I couldn't get on ... it's not actually "DAY 9" anymore and it's late.
So I'll just say this about today...

• I had a great time this morning starting a study on God's names.
• I enjoyed a beautifully cool, breezy morning.
• Had a fun lunch with the women at ICC.
• Loved the yummy Mexican food - five dollar fajitas (okay $5.45, but still -- a deal!)
• I finished my homework for Monday and Tuesday!!
• Spent time with some fellow ICC'ers exploring downtown Matthews, NC (not that exciting...) and having some delicious Mango Gelato Water Ice (oh... exciting)!
• We watched a youth concert at FICC (Filipino International Community Church) that was fun.
• I actually said something in Tagalog to someone at the church (YES! I did it!!!)

I can't believe I have completed one of my four weeks here. The week has gone fast. And it has been GOOD.

I'm glad to be here and I think my time will go quickly. More quickly than I'll want.

Things I like about being in Waxhaw / ICC:

1. walking to class in the morning ... watching the sun rising over "Crystal Lake" while listening to "I Will Sing of My Redeemer," "Share the Well," or "All the Nations" (thanks, Ruth!)
2. people saying hello and really greeting each other and actually engaging in conversation!!
3. the sound of frogs? crickets? at night
4. the authenticity and transparency of the staff here
5. not having a TV (shock!) and mostly having quiet
6. having the chance to learn how to go "off roading" (in two weeks!!)
7. not having a lot of responsibilities (yes, I have a lot of homework and there are things I am working on personally... but it's different)
8. having my eyes opened and being constantly challenged
9. having my lunch hour outside
10. hearing people's stories

This weekend:

• Saturday Afternoon: "Gals outing" - lunch
• Saturday Evening: Youth concert at the Filipino church and exploring the area near the church
• Sunday Morning: church (probably followed by lunch)
• Sunday Evening: ice cream party for one of the ICC kids who's turning 6!!!
• Somewhere in the weekend: lots of homework, writing, laundry AND hopefully attending Northland's church service online :)

...and that name is "Wal-Mart" -- okay "Wal-Mart Supercenter" to be technically correct.

Tonight Heather, Jeff and I drove 15 miles away from Waxhaw, NC to ... South Carolina to go to the Wal-Mart Supercenter. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a Wal-Mart before. Just the fact that there were lights and an actual shopping center was a big deal for me. But then... I saw ... the red and white awning and the big "C" --- ahhhhh... a Chic Fil A!!!!

Waxhaw isn't bad... it's a nice quiet place and I've been enjoying it. But it's just different for me to be so "removed" from stores and DRIVE THRUs :)

Heather and Jeff let me drive out there. Probably the last time they'll do that though. I'll just say dark roads, no lights, lots of curves... and me driving :)

It's too late for me to be starting a post tonight so this will be quick.

I had dinner with a Wycliffe couple tonight. Myself, 2 other ICC trainees and another gentleman with Wycliffe were invited over to their home. The one couple served in Peru for 26 years and the one gentleman was there for 36 years (I think I have those numbers right!) Regardless... both families served in Peru a whole lot of years!!

It was encouraging after being in class all morning hearing about learning how to really be engaged in another culture, and knowing how / when to make personal adjustments ... hearing the challenges and how emotionally, physically, spiritually challenging that can be...

It was encouraging to hear the stories of men and women who have done it over the long haul.

Without mistakes? No. Without hardships? Certainly not.
With God's grace? Yes. With His power and faithfulness at work? Certainly.

TIP FOR TODAY: Remember it is critcal to have complete submission, reliance and dependence on God. Recognize that you can't do it. And He knows it. His power is perfected in weakness.

And another...
Commit to become more over time than you are right now. Recognize that you are not complete. You can become more than you are right now. And He will.

I just got home from dinner with some incredibly generous-hearted people. Their ministry is "The Pauline House Inn" where they host those in ministry for short stays and for dinners -- providing a place for rest, relaxation and refreshment. We had a yummy dinner, nice conversation and a hymn sing. :)
The host husband used to travel in a singing group and treated us to a solo or two -- like those sweet oldies that you see in those movies. It reminded me of songs like ... "by the light of the silvery moon..." (is that even the right words?? I should have made that a request!) Anyway... it was a nice time. I'll have to blog another time about the couple and how they met. It was sweet.

Today in class we discussed CULTURE and WORLDVIEW. It was so eye-opening for me. Some things that seem so "DUH!" are the things that I think I will have the hardest time remembering and applying in my life in Manila.

There was A LOT that I got from the class today. Just one main take-away...

When learning and adjusting to another culture you have to be intentional and attentive. You have to communicate to people that you WANT to know about their culture. Be willing to have an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Show appreciation for the things they are teaching you. BE RECEPTIVE.

Ok, I know... you're saying -- "DUH, Aileen!" This was an important thing for me to hear.

I am FILIPINO. This is my heritage. It is my blood. BUT I have to recognize the fact that I was born and raised in AMERICA, by Filipino parents. I went through the American school system, lived and played and worked in America. I don't know everything about FILIPINO culture. In the same way I don't know everything about AMERICAN culture. Nobody does. BUT sometimes, I get so defensive among Filipinos ... feeling a need to prove my "Filipino-ness" that I don't necessarily communicate a desire to learn from them. I can have an attitude like, "Yes, of course I know that. I AM Filipino, you know!"

I won't do well in Manila (or in any other culture) if I have that attitude.

Lord, break down my pride. Help me to have a willingness to learn and desire to grow. Help me to have a true spirit of humility.

Following the main class there was a required class for married couples. It's open to singles -- so I went. I figure I'll be working with married couples -- it would be good to know the things that might be stress points, etc. It was fine (for those of you who are worried, it didn't make me sad and depressed that I'm single!). I'm really glad that I went. So many things in marriage relationships apply to relationships in general so it was very good. I'm thankful that in training before people go to their ministry assignments, there is a time for people to really consider the marriage relationship. There has to be a very real recognition of the vulnerabilities and the impact on marriage in missions.

Oh... funny moment. There was a time in class when the presenter said that the homework was to go home tonight and talk to your spouse about desires that became expectations in your marriage. And for those who don't have their spouses here and the singles -- to go home and talk to yourself :) hahahah!!!

This is how I spent my lunch hour... Reading my homework underneath a tree on a beautiful and sunny day.
It was lovely.

It was nice to go back to class this morning. We began to discuss and explore feelings of being in another culture. We did an interactive exercise today. Those usually make me cringe, but it was really good. We basically began exploring the ways we feel when we encounter cultures and practices other than our own and how we make assumptions based on our own perspectives and world view. From our exercise we could imagine that in a real life setting -- over time -- we might experience real feelings of frustration, exhaustion, disbelief, confusion, anger, uselessness, being set up for failure...

What would it be like to live that way? How would our ministries be if we were feeling those ways?

They shared 3 skills for being open...

• Suspend Judgment
• Tolerate Ambiguity
• Think Grey
  

Those three things are not always easy for me. I'm often quick to make judgment and assumptions. I like to know what's happening -- when -- why -- what for. I usually think pretty logically and in black and white. So...these were good points to discuss for me.

If the rest of ICC will be like today -- I'm really glad to be here. One of the things they said on the first day was that they wouldn't be giving us answers. It's more like we'll be bringing up the questions. ... and as much as I like people telling me the answers, I think that's good. I think there are a lot of things that I just haven't even thought about to think about. I think this will help me to consider things I wouldn't have otherwise.

Today was also about "being open" to what this place and this time will have for me. So... I'm looking forward to getting some physical activity. I walked to and from class today. I know... some of you are thinking -- what??!! Physical activity -- phbbt!! Well... I would walk a few yards from my house to the car... to the office ... to my desk and then sit for a whole day. At least here it's a little bit further than that!
AND... I'm looking forward to being outside. I sat outside today and made some phone calls (because it's the only way I can get cell phone reception!). It was nice. I love being outside. Looking forward to being out more :)

Ah... one other thing that I realized today...

I'm interested in the self-discovery process that'll likely be taking place now and when I'm in the Philippines. There are lots of influences in all of our lives. I think it's only been recently that I've become aware of how some things I do are "unique" when I'm the only Filipino around. I never realized it was "different."

So, what will I discover are the things in me that are due to my family? to my being Filipino? to my being American? to my being Filipino American? to my being a believer? to my being involved with Campus Crusade? to my being a Wycliffe person? to my being ME?

Open to seeing what there is to discover...

I'm here in Waxhaw for one month.
One whole month.
Without a TV.

There are some things I want to do while I'm here... (not in any particular order)

1. Start going through Basic Tagalog study books
2. Go through a devotional I've had on God's names - Lord, I Want to Know You (Kay Arthur)
3. Pick up guitar again
4. Start to exercise / eat well again!! -- REALLY!!!
5. Relax!
6. Get to know people here
7. Journal / write
8. Take lots of pictures
9. Laugh
10. Sit / play outside
11. Visit local sites (mountains? lakes? -- what's here??)
12. Communicate with friends and those on my ministry team
13. Try to connect with churches in the Dallas area for my visit in September
14. Work on a portfolio of materials to provide to churches
15. Read - I brought a bunch of books with me that I want to read ...

• Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister -- book by the same author as Wicked. This one is the Cinderella story from the stepsister's point of view
• The Heavenly Man -- almost done just a few more chapters left. This is the unbelievable testimony of a Chinese brother. Amazing book if you've not read it. It's taking me long because I can only read so much at a time. It's powerful.
• The History of Love -- don't know anything about this book. Just picked it up at Barnes and Nobles
• From Bondage to Bonding - a book about escaping codependency and embracing Biblical love
• A Room Called Remember - by Fredrick Buechner. I've not read anything by him before but everytime they quote him at church my heart resonates with what he says. I thought it was time I picked up something by him to read.

I think the number one thing on my list of things I want to do while I'm here is this... just be with the Lord. I want to just be in His presence. Hear Him. Sense Him. Be with Him. I feel like I've been running on auto-pilot lately. Things have been moving along and I've kind of just been going along with it all without even really realizing it. I want to be more present.

Tomorrow back to class. Good -- I'm ready :)

Happy Birthday tomorrow to my Daddy!!!

Today I went with a few other trainees to visit a Filipino church. Each of us will eventually be going to the Philippines and this is a chance for us to get familiar with the culture. It was such a welcoming group of people. I really enjoyed it and look forward to going back.

While I enjoyed the church, the fellowship and the opportunity to get to know a couple from ICC... I still missed going to my church back in Orlando. Thankfully I can still attend worship online since my church webstreams each service. So, I joined in on the 5:00 pm service tonight. The opening portion of the service was quite fitting for me.

As I read through my blogs, some might feel like I'm obsessed with Florida. I don't think I am. I think I'm just going through the process of letting go of this place I've come to call home. Similarly, my church is having the last of its services in the building they've been in for the last 20 something years (?). Next week the open the new building and will begin having the worship services there. At the start of the service Pastor Vernon was sharing how places can hold memories for each of us and how places can be significant to people as such. He shared how possibly the Mount of Olives might have been a special place to Jesus. He passed through there on his way to go to Mary and Martha when Lazarus was dead. He often went there to be alone with the Father. And on that "beautiful, scandelous night" He went there.

It made me think of places that have been like that to me. In Gainesville it was the botanical gardens by the lake, the Thomas Center, the Reitz Union gallery, the little nook by the tower that only I know about :) In Pennsylvania it was the BCCC gardens, Core Creek Park, Barnes and Nobles.

In Orlando it was Leu Gardens, Lake Eola Panera, early mornings (ha!) or after-hours at Wycliffe.

Places do hold significance to me and I think that's why it's hard whenever I have to go through a change of leaving a place. Pastor Vernon had such a good word for me.

He said... Places are only a part of our journey -- our pilgrimage; for He is preparing a place for us. The point of these places are for us to be where Jesus is...to follow after Him.

So... praying that I will be here in this place He has me now. And that I'd do the same here in Waxhaw as I have in other places-- be met by Him. And for that to be true in each place where I will follow Him.

Saturday.
There's nothing we need to do today.

It's just past noon and I've not even left the apartment yet :)
It's been sooo hot here in Waxhaw. But the flowery tree outside my apartment has been showing evidence of a breeze. If it's a cool breeze, I doubt it. I'll try to make it out there some time today. But honestly, it's been nice just sitting in the quiet (have I mentioned there's no TV in this apartment?!) and resting for the morning.

I realized that I never explained what ICC is or why I have to go through this course.

Intercultural Communications Course (ICC) is required training for any Wycliffe USA folks who are going to be working overseas. The learning objectives for ICC include developing attitudes, skills, knowledge for...

• building quality, lasting cross-cultural relationships be establishing a biblically based and culturally sensitive framework for cross-cultural interaction.
• becoming an effective language learner through practicing basic language learning principles and designing a personalized language learning plan.
• working effectively on a multi-national team through valuing the diversity of giftedness, personalities and life-experiences and by addressing conflicts generated by such diversity.
• maintaining a growing spiritual walk with God in situations that are unfamiliar and demanding, including considerations for spiritual warfare issues.

(yes... I got that all from the HUGE binder we'll be going through this month!)

I have a feeling there will be some stretching moments during this course. There will be uncomfortable times. But I'm grateful for this opportunity. We will be going through training on Interpersonal skills -- dealing with conflict, understanding and relating to differing personalities and cultures, learning skills; working on multi-cultural teams; spiritual vitality -- maintaining purity, mainintaining spiritual vitality, spiritual warfare; worldview -- attitudes, assumptions, biblical absolutes; language and culture acquisition -- visiting an ethnic church, learning styles.

There is so much that we'll have the opportunity to interact with -- it should be good. In addition to the required training, there are electives too. I'll be taking an elective on Health Issues -- how to care for sprains, diarrhea, malaria... fun stuff like that. I'll also take a Land Transportation class -- including an off-road driving course!!

Pray that I make the most of my time here. You only get as much as you put in, right? Pray that I'd really take time to do readings and other assignments and that I'd put down walls I tend to put up to allow myself to be vulnerable and transparent with the others here. That through the relationships, interaction and training I'd really learn and apply things to my life.

I tend to be a pretty deep processor ... pray too that I'd receive grace too when I'm faced with areas in my life that I need to change / grow in as they're revealed to me in these upcoming weeks.

Today was the first day of ICC - Intercultural Communications Course.

SIGH.

This day came so quickly. It felt like I didn't really have any time to "stop" before coming here. In reality, I had a week without work before I came here, but it was so activity-packed! All quite fun, but when will all the activity end?

I don't exactly know what to expect from this month of training. I think it will be incredibly valuable, challenging and eye-opening.

The main thing that I got from this first day was this -- "This, today, is where God wants me."

I will likely have to keep reminding myself of that. This course is not just something I need to do to check off my list, but God has a purpose for me being here at this time. There are things He desires for me to learn, to experience... I hope I do leave here changed, transformed -- the word used today-- sharpened.

Intercultural Communications Course.

That's what brings me to the "middle of nowhere" North Carolina for the next month.
Actually, it really is a nice place. Lots of grass, trees - it's quite beautiful.

I drove into town around 5:30 pm.

It should be a fun month. Heather was my supervisor, the Director of Communications for Wycliffe USA. She is actually here going through the course also. I'm going through a similar process as she and her husband. They are hoping to go to Nairobi, Kenya this January. (That's us by the clocks in the department in Orlando. She's by the one for Nairobi and I'm by the one for Jakarta -- we didn't have one for Manila! :)

It's nice seeing familiar faces. I came into town with a sense of excitement -- I'm actually here, taking another next step. But also the sense of "dread." Meeting new people isn't always the most enjoyable thing for me. Getting to know people, sure. But, the meeting... it's just hard for me. So... I'm feeling hesitant. AND... still sorting through all the emotions of the fact that I'm not going to be in Florida anymore :(

I think since I have been living out of my bags for the last month I'm needing to have a feeling of having a place or home -- no matter how temporary. So, unlike how I normally am when I travel -- I unpacked everything and put things in drawers and in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. I don't know... it's just nice knowing that I'll be here for a while.

Time for bed. It's an early morning tomorrow.
For me anyway... it's been nice sleeping in this last week :)

OH! You might be curious to know where I'm staying during ICC.

Here's my home for the next month in Waxhaw, NC

The living / kitchen area... (with NO TV!!)

The bedroom / bathroom

Ok, probably don't need to see a picture of the toilet, but since I took one :)

Today I crossed the state line and said goodbye to Florida.
A sad moment really.

I have loved being a Florida resident. I went to college at the University of Florida. It was at UF that I came to know and love God. I came back to Florida 3 years after graduating from college and God deepened my heart for missions and opened my eyes to the work of Bible translation. It was in Florida that He renewed my heart for the church -- and gave me a church I love. I have been blessed with great friends and family in Florida.

So... driving across the state line into Georgia was a sad moment for me.

But, on the other side of that line in Kennesaw was a wonderful lifelong friend. While it was sad to drive away from a place and people I love... it is sooo nice to spend time with my friend and her family.

We talked about how there is something about staying with someone in their home. It's so good for me to spend this time with them in their house. To see their kids in their "natural state" and to see how they parent them with such love and care. It's so fun!

It's encouraging too -- just knowing how excited she is for my new adventure and having her support and encouragement means a lot.

Here they are... Katlyn, Malachi (Chi) and my god-daughter Emilia (Emi) -- unfortunately I couldn't get myself to wake up before Thom left for work).

One of the things I've loved about Florida is having good friends and family nearby.

Of course all the dear friends I've made in Orlando over the last 5 years, but in addition to them... my brother and his family live in Tampa. And in Gainesville I have my aunt, uncle, cousin and her family, and my good friend from my college days.

One of the reasons I left work when I did was to make sure I had some time in Gainesville before I headed out of the state. This week has been such a good week. An aunt, uncle and cousin from Dallas, TX surprised us by coming into town this week also so it's been a fun family gathering. We've spent a lot of time eating and shopping -- our family's favorite pastimes.

We've also played a lot of Ninendo DS :)

We went to campus to see how things have changed, have some Burrito Brothers and to try and spot some alligators over at Lake Alice. We caught sight of a couple of eyes peeking out above the water, but that was all. There were lots of turtles though! (Do gators eat turtles?)

My nephew, Xander and my nieces, Jasmine and Julie-- they all three were born to be Gator fans :)

Friday I got to have lunch and spend the afternoon with my friend, Kristy, and her two kids -- Caleb and Cate. It was soo good to spend time with her -- in the same room! Her kids are so cute. It was fun spending the day with them.

today I left Orlando.

For the past 5 years "The City Beautiful" has been my home. I've really come to love being an Orlando resident.
God brought me to Orlando. I came here in April 2002 to work as an employee with a ministry. Back then it was a job in ministry and honestly I saw it as a step to move me towards full-time ministry (what I thought then was Campus Ministry).

I'm leaving Orlando now ... getting ready to go overseas to serve the Bible translation movement. During this time God has given me a heart for this ministry. He has opened my eyes and my heart to the people around the world who don't have access to His Word in a language they know best.

And He has given me a heart for His body. During this time I've had the incredible privilege of working alongside truly beautiful people. As I've grown in appreciation of the unique ways that God has gifted and skilled each person... He's given me a heart too for seeing people plugged into their giftings and to fulfill the good works that He has prepared in advanced for them uniquely. I have loved the moments when I've seen my co-laborers get that surge of energy when they've been doing something that has made them sigh in delight. I have hurt for them when they've struggled through knowing if "this" is for them. And I've been grateful for the lessons and the ways they've grown along the way -- and how they've let me be a part of it with them.

I'll miss this group of people. Thankful that I'll get to continue to work with them -- from the otherside of the ocean.


I don't think that it's really sunk in that I'm not going back to work there anymore. In a way it just feels like I'm off for a trip and in a few weeks I'll drive up our street, park my car and walk into the office like any other day. But I won't.


My time in Orlando was definitely not without hard times and challenges. I was stretched - A LOT. I saw that my work-aholic tendencies was not just because of my old job... it's me. I saw how I really do care about what people think... approval addiction is hard to manage anytime, but I found it especially when you're a manager. I learned more about myself and I think I've become more aware when I'm in situations or in relationships what my tendencies can be. I think I've learned more about my gifts and abilities -- and I'm learning to appreciate them and be a good steward of those things.

Yes, there's always more to learn. But, I'm thankful for the time that God gave me to be there. To be stretched and to be grown in such a nurturing and fruitful environment.

...oh the growing and learning that's ahead!!

I got to have "last" lunch today with Emily and Marshall. About 4 years ago or so I met Emily through people at work. Together with another good friend, SarahJoy, we met to study the Bible, pray and encourage each other. I love these women. They are such good friends and I cherish the times I've had to spend with them.

Emily and Marshall got married a couple of years ago and I have loved seeing them grow in their marriage and in their walks in the Lord. It's been neat to see how God has worked in their lives and how He's been growing them. I admire their prayerfulness and their faith. AND... Marshall was teaching me how to play guitar for a while. He's the best instrument teacher I've had (if anyone in Orlando needs a teacher... he's the one to go to!) -- I was even able to start playing a couple of chords to a David Crowder song! Ok -- granted, I've not picked up my guitar in almost a year now and have since forgotten it, but still I knew it at one point and that was a huge accomplishment!

BTW - I brought my guitar and am determined to learn how to play it!

I will definitely miss them.