Keep the Faith

Week 1

2012-01-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I finished my first week of school! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The kids tried to test me, however, I squashed that idea real quick! I had to lay down the hammer, so hopefully now that they know I mean business, I can be more fun as the days go by.

I feel so grown up...it's weird...

I had some visitors that week. Nicholas Young stopped by on his way to Jackson. I knew Will Simmons was coming, but when I went to let him in the building, he told me he had a surprise for me. Little did I know it was my best friend, Amy! They got me one of those reusable cups with the straw. (I love those things!) It was so wonderful being able to show off my room and talk about my kids. I feel like that's all I talk about now; school and students.

Monday was a holiday. (Thank you, MLK!) I spent the day in Tupelo alone. I enjoyed it. I went where I wanted and spent as much time there as I wanted. I even bought a few clothing items! I was happy, but my wallet wasn't.

Today was Parent-Teacher Conferences. I went to a meeting from 8:30-11, working in my classroom until 2:30, parents could come from 3-6. It was a LONG day!!

Looking forward to what's ahead!

Classroom

2012-01-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Someone recently told me that she doesn't like to read all my words and that I should post more pictures. Well, here you go!

This is my new classroom. Enjoy! :)

I made the wreath. A friend of mine painted the canvas.

This was my mother's podium. My uncle made it for her. She started the sticker collection and I've added on to it. This podium has been at Aberdeen Middle School since 1992. Now it will be with me at Louisville Elementary School.

Christmas

2011-12-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

I think if you asked anyone, "what is your favorite holiday?" you'd hear "Christmas". Well, I am no different. I absolutely love this time of year. The lights, ornaments, Santa, the wishful dreams of snow, Christmas songs, family, the tree, gifts, Jesus. It's just magical.

My family has its' traditions for every holiday. This year was a little different because Sarah is now a nurse. And of course, she had to work Christmas Eve night and Christmas night. So she wasn't here at 6 am when Ben and I went downstairs to see what Santa left us. She wasn't with us when we went to Grandmother's house either. She and Drew were here in time for Christmas at Meme's though. Then we came back to our house and did gifts here. We were a little rushed because Sarah was closing in on being up for 24 hours!

We had a wonderful time. I think we finally finished around 3 pm. So it was a LONG day, but it was full of excitement, surprises, laughter, and love. Now comes the Debbie part of Christmas, taking it all down and packing it all up...until next year!

Graduation and Mission Arlington

2011-12-16T15:12:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 9th, 2011, I graduated from Mississippi State University. I wore tassels from PKP and KDP. The words "Summa Cum Laude" were beside my name in the program. The ceremony didn't last too, too long. I just can't believe it's over. I'll start teaching January 9th in Louisville, MS. I'll be the new 4th grade Reading/English teacher. I'm ready to get my room set up, but right now, it just doesn't seem real. So glad I have a family that supports me through everything.

Shaking President Keenum's hand.

Graduation was a little different. Daddy and Ben were not able to come. The whole family came to Starkville Thursday night and we celebrated then. That was wonderful, but it still just wasn't the same without everyone being there. Thankfully, my wonderful mother and sister were able to come. And I know Daddy and Ben were with me in spirit the entire time.

Sarah and Drew got me a pretty Mississippi State picture frame (very suitable for the family picture with me in my cap and gown) and an insulated MSU cup! Momma and Daddy got me....a Cannon Rebel camera! I could NOT believe it! I was hoping to get a new camera, but I figured it would be a little Kodak one like I've always had. This completely trumps all the other cameras out there. I absolutely love it and I'm just looking for reasons to take pictures now! Meme got me a George Forman grill, so I'm going to try that gift out tonight for dinner!

The day after graduation, a group of us loaded up and headed to Arlington, Texas. We have done this for 3 years now. We go to Mission Arlington and volunteer for a few days. MA is absolutely amazing. Right now the Christmas Store is going on. Adults with children can come in and shop for their children. They get 1 large gift, 2 small gifts, and 1 book per child. However, before they can enter the store, they hear the Christmas story and have a chance to make a decision for Christ. We did a wide variety of jobs this year. We stood at the entrances to parking lots to direct cars, delivered bikes, went door to door at apartment complexes, moved a lot of boxes, worked in the Christmas store, and worked in the bins.

Mission Arlington has a special place in my heart. Blessings rain down on us whenever we go. Yes, they work us hard all day long, but it's all for the Kingdom. Even down to the smallest, insignificant job, it is something that has to be done, so why not us?

This is our group with Heather and Mrs. Tillie. Wonderful people, wonderful ministry, wonderful memories. Looking forward to going again!

Welcome to Adulthood

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official...I have a job! Starting January 9th, I will be the newest 4th grade Reading and English teacher at Louisville Elementary School. I am excited and completely nervous. But I guess that is good, right?

This is all happening so fast. I'll graduate in just a few short weeks. I will have a Bachelor's Degree on December 9th. Then, in one month, I'll be in charge of my very own classroom. How crazy is that!? I know I am so blessed to have this opportunity. So many other teachers are looking for jobs and I got one instantly. I know that time will definitely still be a learning experience for me and a growing time for me as a professional.

Yesterday I got to attend one of my dear friend's wedding. Ashley McGee married her best friend, Paul Hendrix. I was able to be there to share in their special time. I also had the hardest job at the reception, cutting the cake! It was a beautiful ceremony and I am so happy for them. I can't believe we are all old enough to be getting married and having babies. Side note: I got to see Whitney and Nathan and their beautiful baby Camden!

It's Thanksgiving week and looking back through the years, I know I have loads to be thankful for. I love our family traditions during the holidays. I am looking forward to seeing family that I haven't seen in a year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and think about all the things you have to be thankful for! Gobble till you wobble!

I'm twenty...three.

2011-10-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

I turned 23 Monday. It seemed like just another day. I went to my 4th grade classroom as always. That day (and the day after it) my mentor teacher was out of town at a conference. In other words, I had all the kids, all day, all to myself. I had to teach everything. I was nervous. When I walked in the classroom, I realized just how amazing my mentor teacher is. She made me a banner that said "Happy Birthday Ms. Mattox!" and hung it up. She also made a big plate of cookies for me and the kids during recess. Now wasn't that just precious?

I only have 3 weeks of teaching left. Then it's Thanksgiving break. After that I'll have a week and a half left to go to the school, but no teaching, then it's graduation! I can't believe I'm about to be completely finished with college. It doesn't seem real.

Tuesday is Education Interview Day. All education majors have to sign up to interview with at least 2 schools. I registered for 3: Rankin County, Madison County, and Starkville. I'm nervous about the whole interview process, but I do hope something good comes out of that day. *fingers crossed*

2011-10-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Student teaching is divided into 2 placements. Almost everyone stays at their first placement for both. That is what I was told was my situation...until Wednesday. I got a message from the woman in charge that I'd go somewhere new for the 2nd placement. Keep in mind that 2nd placement starts this Monday (tomorrow). I found out Friday that I would still be in Louisville, but at a new school, teaching 4th grade math, science, and social studies. I'm excited and nervous altogether. I'm ready for a change and hopefully better students/school. These weeks I've spent in 7th/8th grade has definitely been a learning, growing, thick skin obtaining time.

I have registered for graduation and ordered my cap and gown! The end is near. December 9th.

Passion Conference is coming up. I have been 3 times and this will probably be the last time I can go. So I definitely want to make it. Tickets are steep. Then you have to factor in gas, food, and hotel costs. The group I'm going with is doing a walk-a-thon to raise money. So I'm looking for people to sponsor me in this fundraiser. If you're interested, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I'll be walking 10 miles on October 28th.

Can I just say how much I love this weather? I wish it could stay like this forever. It is glorious!

Recently

2011-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a while since my last update.

Let's see...

At Nehemiah Teams debrief, I got baptized. It was an amazing experience and an amazing way that led up to that point. It was all God. Ask me about it, I will love to tell you the whole story!
I went to Birmingham, AL to be a bridesmaid in my good friend's wedding. Kristen Mathews is now Kristen Finney. It was a wonderful wedding and we had a great time. It's so weird having my friends getting engaged/married. I can't believe we're that old now! Ashley McGee will be next on November 19th, she'll be Ashley Hendrix! Oh me!!
We had BASIC Training at the BSU the two days before school started. I have 13 "children". They're a really great group and I'm excited to see what is going to happen in us and through us this semester.
School has started. I go to Louisville everyday and teach reading to 7th and 8th graders. Thursday and Friday I taught 6th and 7th period. The principal, which is also my supervisor, came and watched me. He said I did good! That's encouraging. Starting tomorrow, I'll have all the students all day. I'm nervous! And of course, being in a middle school all day, every day, I have obtained "the crud". So I'm hoping that it will go away soon! Today, I taught all 7 periods. It went well! It definitely makes the day go by faster. Haha!

surprisingly hard

2011-07-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

Today I had to write thank you notes to people for their support that was received after I left. That was surprisingly hard.

I know there was nothing I could do about the decision for me to come home. It just still makes me sad to think about all that time I could have been spending with those kids and getting to know the other adults and my teammates. As much as I have loved reading blog updates from other teams, it also breaks my heart.

A lot has been going on here in Aberdeen. Things that I know I needed to be here for. I wouldn't call these things "fun" or "enjoyable", but it would have been SO much more harder to have to deal with it halfway around the world. I have also seen how the Lord has been using me, too. That was truly a blessing, and still is!

I feel as though Satan is trying to control my thoughts and emotions to get me down and to thwart my trust in God. He's fighting real hard. Sometimes I just tear up for no reason other than the thought of "You're a failure. You are writing these people, thanking them for their support when you came home early. When you go to debrief and see all the other team members, they're going to have amazing stories and experiences to share; what are you going to say?" I can let these thoughts take over me or I can choose to fight back. I choose the latter. I'm not going to let him control me like that. My faith and trust is in the Lord and Him alone. So I turn on my music loud and sing praises to Him because I know He deserves it and how much it angers Satan. I get to go back to Alabama and see all my friends who have spent the summer expanding the Kingdom and hear their stories. This is my family and I am so proud of them.

I am having to move out of my apartment I was planning on continuing to live in again this year. However, miscommunication issues arose and I am now having to move out. It's hard enough trying to find a place to live and roommates around Spring Break, but it's even harder to do it a few weeks before school starts. I've found 2 roommates and a 4 bedroom house. So I'm still looking for a 4th. This is just one of those situations when I have to do all that I can, but for the most part, give it all to God. He knows what He is doing and there must be some girl somewhere that needs to be living with us this year. I know I am very impatient, so this lesson is hard for me. I'm just taking it one day at a time. That's all you can do, right? Right!

Just a few more days and my people will be flying home! I am so ready to see them all and hang out with them for a few days. Praying for safety and continuous opportunities to share the Gospel.

In His Name.

Home

2011-07-06T08:39:00.001-07:00

Where You go, I'll go.

Where You stay, I'll stay.

When You move, I'll move.

I will follow You.

Well, I'm coming home. It has been a very emotional past week. I did get to come with my team to Davao for our mid-summer break. We got to hang out with another orphanage team. So I was able to chill, relax, see some sights, and make more memories with my sisters. However, today my team went back to Malaybalay and I stayed here. I'm still coping with this whole situation. I've learned a lot just in the past week. The lyrics above have been playing in my head for a few days now. I have to be obedient and follow Him; even if He's going to Aberdeen.

I was obedient in the fact of following His call on my life to come halfway around the world to the Philippines. However, He never gave me a time frame. He never told me I'd be here for 2 months. I just assumed that. I guess 1 month was all that He needed me to do here. It was hard saying goodbye to the kids and it was just as hard saying goodbye to my teammates/sisters. I feel as though there was so much more that I needed to learn about them. It's okay, though. We all live fairly close to each other and can visit. I know my parents are ready for me to come home. I'm sure it's been just as hard if not harder on them than anyone else.

I ask that you continue to pray for me, my team, and my other brothers and sisters that are still serving the Lord. Who knows what He has planned for me back at home?! No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has planned for those who love Him. - 1 Corinthians 2:9. You can't out-dream God. He is sovereign.

Love you all very much. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Bittersweet

2011-07-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

The people in charge have decided that I would be a danger to myself and the kids here. In that case, they are sending me home. I'm in Davao City with my team and another orphanage team for our mid-summer break. They'll all go back on Wednesday. In the mean time, my parents are working on getting my ticket moved up to this week. Sad doesn't begin to describe my feelings. I keep telling myself that the Lord has a bigger plan for me back home. He wouldn't send me halfway across the world and bring me home early if He didn't. So we'll just see what He has planned for me in Aberdeen.

2011-06-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday some guys affiliated with the children's home took us to a shooting range. I have never shot a gun before, but I was the first one to fire. We shot a 9mm, 45mm, and a small automatic gun. With the 9mm, we had 4 metal targets. When you hit one, it would fall down. I was the only one to get all 4 of mine down! I was most proud of myself. Haha!
Monday's have a different connotation to the nannies. It's our free day, so we LOVE Mondays! This past Monday we were taken to a town north of us to go zip lining. On the way we stopped and gazed at an amazing waterfall. Gorgeous! The zip line consisted of 3 different lines. For the first 2, you were harnessed in and you rode the line sitting down. The 3rd, and longest line, you were put in a new harness, laid down on your stomach, and was connected to the line. So when you rode down the line, it was like you were really flying over the land. We got some good pictures!
After the zip line, we went to another town and went to a mall. It was HUGE! We all got a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses and some books for cheap!
Wednesday morning was a not so good day for me. I had overnight duty Tuesday night from 10pm-6am with my teammate, Joelle. I was up every hour with a 2 month old baby. So I didn't get much rest at all. After our shift, we ate some breakfast, and went back to the room to shower and rest. I remember getting in the shower, but the next thing I know I'm laying in a bed. Apparently, while I was in the shower, I collapsed and had a seizure. Another one of my teammates, Maicie, is a nursing major. So she has been taking care of me. While I was laying in the bed, Maicie was brushing my hair. After a while I turned my head and grabbed her arm and proceeded to have another seizure. Finally I came to and got ready, but I was still out of it. Our supervisor, Mark, came and picked us all up and brought us back to his house. I went upstairs to the guest bedroom and laid down. Apparently, I wasn't through shaking yet, because I fell off the bed and had another seizure on the floor. Three seizures in one day! I have NEVER had that happen before. Scary is an understatement.
My parents were informed and I'm very thankful that so many people called them. However, I'm sure it scared them even more hearing all this from people they didn't know. I was still too out of it to talk to them just yet.
Maicie and I spent the night at our supervisor's house. She's been on "Claire Duty". I'm feeling better after having rested for so long yesterday. But I am still very sore, bruised, and cut up in places. Of course my tongue is gnawed on both sides really bad. So it hurts to talk and eat most things. BUT, I'm making it!
We have our vacation this coming Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then we'll have the rest of that week and 2 more weeks and we come home. It doesn't seem like I've been here that long, but I guess I have.
Continue to keep us in your prayers! Love and miss you all VERY much!

Humbling

2011-06-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

First week is DONE! I think the first week of anything new is the hardest. This was no different.

I have realized that what I thought was necessity at home are really just comforts. So the first few days of not having those comforts at all were pretty hard. Each day is a struggle, but each day is a learning experience. God is molding, shaping, and humbling me.

We started our shift work Tuesday. There is always at least one of us in with the babies/toddlers all day. Two of us are partnered together twice a night to do an overnight shift which is from 10pm to 6am. They give us mattresses on the floor so we can sleep. I was expecting the worst, but it really wasn't that bad. The older kids are in school during the day. So one person will have a shift at 5am to wake the boys up and get them ready, eat breakfast, and get them off to school. The kids come back to the home for lunch, so one of us has a shift then to make sure they eat, do their chores, and get back on the bus. Then, of course, there is a shift for the same reasons at dinner.

I have absolutely loved getting to know the kids. I would much rather be spending time with the older kids, so I hate that they are at school all day. The majority of our time is spent with the babies/toddlers. It's hard to see that we are doing work for the Kingdom because we can't really disciple them. I've realized just how little faith I've had. I doubted for a while that I would raise enough money to make the trip. Well, God completely blew that out of the water! I know God doesn't waste time or make junk. I just have to trust that His light is shining through me daily and that someone is catching its' glimpse. If anything, I know God is growing in me, and that in itself is marvelous.

The children range in age from one month to 14 years old. There is one baby who has cerebal palsy and another child has a cleft lip. They all speak English. Of course, 4 Southern girls in the Philippines, they have a hard time understanding us sometimes. Yes, I've already picked out a kid who I'd take home with me if I could. He's absolutely precious, but then again, they all are!

My team is phenomenal. We aren't all together anymore because of our shift duties, and we are sad about that. However, on the weekends, no one has overnight duty, so we can catch up, chat, and just goof off then.

Our living conditions aren't terrible and I know that compared to some of the other teams, we are in luxury. We have showers, toilets, beds, and electricity. The water we bathe in is colder than the water we drink. So that definitely wakes us up in the morning! We do have to wash our clothes by hand. Thankfully, I brought some jump ropes for the kids, so we've used them to create a makeshift clothes line in our room. It's quite the sight and quite the obstacle to get from the door to our beds, especially at night.

Having Mondays to get online and call home is such a blessing. Being halfway around the world is hard, so being able to hear familiar voices is VERY comforting. Some amazing people got together and each wrote me an encouraging letter a week for the summer. You have no idea how precious mail is when you're so far from home. I've had to restrain myself from opening all those notes at once!

Please continue to pray for us. So far no one has gotten sick or gotten lice! (Knock on wood.) Which is a miracle in itself. Homesickness and just sheer tiredness can really affect you, if you let it. So pray that those things don't hinder our work here in Malaybalay.

Next Monday we are going to ride the longest zip line!! It's over 300 feet long and you ride it laying down like Superman. AHH!! So excited! (and completely terrified!)

I love you all and miss you all very much. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Worthy is the Lamb!

Malaybalay

2011-06-13T01:18:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

I am officially in the Philippines. It is 4:20 pm Monday the 13th right now. It is about 13 hours difference.

We had orientation in Rainsville, AL. It was filled with A TON of information, team building, and security training. I got to know so many people so quickly, we all became such good friends in a short amount of time. My team is amazing. It's me and 3 other lovely ladies. We are truly turning into sisters now. :)

We left the States (wow, that's weird to say) on Tuesday and arrived in the Philippines on Thursday. We did not get to experience Wednesday; time change is so strange. After a very long 16 hour flight, we landed. Whew! We spent the night in Davao City with our supervisor, Lizzie. Then took a 5 hour bus ride north to Malaybalay.

Lately we have just been observing and getting to know the kids a little bit. We just got our schedules and the kids started school today, so hopefully a routine will start. There are 27 kids at New Faith Family Children's Home. They range from babies to 14 year olds. They are all so very precious in their own way. They try to say my name, but it comes out "clear". Apparently that is a type of shampoo here, so they relate me to that.

It's been different adjusting to the culture and climate here. I never realized how much I loved and depended on the comforts of home until they were taken away. I actually never realized how everyday things were "comforts". We see them as necessities.

This town is absolutely beautiful. We are surrounded by mountains. The home is about 3 miles from the town, so it is really peaceful.

We have rice with EVERY meal. So that's....fun. Ha. I've tried a lot of new Filipino foods and I'm learning some Cebuano phrases and words.

I'm sure I'm leaving out a lot of information, but I'm trying to write this quickly. We don't get a whole lot of time for communication purposes, especially since there are 4 of us that need to use the computers.

Side note: I passed my Praxis!! So I can officially teach...once I graduate in December!

If you have a chance, you should look at my teammates's blogs:

Joelle: www.ashleyjoelle.blogspot.com (She should have pictures/videos up!)

Maicie: www.maiciehammons.blogspot.com

To see what my other brothers and sisters are doing and updates on our team please visit www.nehemiahteams.blogspot.com.

I love you all so much and miss you all terribly! Please continue to lift us up in prayer.

Tomorrow.

2011-05-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day.

Tomorrow my big sister marries the love of her life.

She will go from Ms. Sarah Mattox to Mrs. Sarah Powell.

She is such an amazing big sister. She has always been there for me; through thick and thin.

Yes, we fought constantly, and still do sometimes, but when it comes down to it, she is my sister.

Tomorrow is also a big day for my best friend.

She has completed the criteria for a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders as outlined by the University of Mississippi.

She has worked incredibly hard these past four years.

We are all SO proud of her.

Amy and I met waaaay back in the day. We lost touch, but the Good Lord brought us back together at the wonderful, ICC.

She has been there for me in absolutely everything.

Tomorrow is a big day for both of my families.

I love you both so VERY much!

It's getting closer

2011-05-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

In five days my sister will be married! We are all so excited!

In twenty one days, I will say goodbye to my family and friends. May 30th, I start team leader orientation for the summer. June 2nd, begins general orientation for the summer. On June 7th, I will fly out for the Philippines. Ah! It's all starting to happen so fast!

I do have an address for the summer:

Claire Mattox

c/o Mark Hymes

P.O. Box 47

8700 Malaybalay

Philippines

Who doesn't love getting snail mail? I certainly do! Keep in mind that it'll take about 2 weeks for it to get to me. However, I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you!

Mondays will be my day off, so I will be able to get on Facebook, update the blog, and check my email. If you'd rather shoot me an email, that'd be lovely, too. claire_mattox@yahoo.com

Slight change of plans

2011-04-28T16:33:00.001-07:00

I know I told you that I would be spending the summer in Davao City. Well, one of the characteristics of a missionary is flexibility. With that being said, I will be serving in the town of Malaybalay. It is still on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is just more north than Davao City.

I will be serving at New Faith Family Orphanage. I was told that the children range in ages from 5 months to 14 years. Mainly babies and toddlers. That excites me!

Every Monday will be my day off. We will get to shop, sightsee, and communicate then. So be on the lookout for new blog posts on Monday! Well, it will be Sunday evening for you. I'll be 13 hours ahead!

Continue to pray for myself, my team (Victoria, Joelle, and Maicie), and for the children in the orphanage.

As far as school goes...I'M DONE! I took my last final Tuesday. It's been great to have such a stress-free exam week. I had time to complete a 1,000 piece puzzle!

Fundraising

2011-03-16T19:23:00.001-07:00

I am selling t-shirts as a fundraiser for my Philippine trip this summer. Here is what it is going to look like:

The gray is going to be a lot darker on the actual shirt. The top right corner will be on the front and the rest will be on the back.

T-shirts are $12. You can also order this shirt in a V-neck style for $15.

I am hoping that through this fundraiser, I will raise the rest of my cost for my trip. So tell everyone about them! :) Let me know if you'd like to purchase one.

Summer Plans

2011-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

Well, if you can't tell from the pictures above, I will be spending my summer in the Philippines. I will be on the Southern most island of Mindanao in Davao City. I will be staying at an orphanage and working there all summer. I fly out June 7th and return August 4th. I bought my plane ticket and looked at my flight itinerary and with all the time changes and such, I will land in Davao City on June 9th. The longest flight will be from Los Angeles to Manila which is a 16.5 hour flight. Eesh. I've never been on a plane for that long; not really looking forward to it.

I am really excited about this experience though. It'll be my first time overseas. I'm not taking my computer, nor will I have my phone. However, Davao City is a very urbanized city so there should be plenty of internet cafes that I can use to update. I feel like this summer is going to be very liberating, humbling, and eye opening.

My biggest concern is the money situation. Which I'm sure is normal. I have an amazing father who someone got the money together for me to purchase my plane ticket before the price went up any more. When I first found out about going to the Philippines, the ticket cost was $1775. However, when I purchased mine, it had gone up to $2202. My cost of living while I'm there is ~$1050. I know there is no purpose in worrying about the money. God has called me to go to the Philippines to love on the orphans there. So of course, He is going to provide the way for me.

My family has been very supportive of me. It's a situation in which they are excited for me to go, yet want me to stay here. The not having a phone thing kind of worries them, but it will be okay. I ask that you pray for me, my team, and my family. It's going to be different, but He is making the way for me. I'm just following.

Procrastination

2010-12-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

Classes are officially over! All that's left of this semester is five final exams. I have 2 Friday, 1 Monday, 1 Wednesday, and 1 Thursday. I really hate that I have all these exams. I'm not too worried about them, though. Except for one that's going to require a good bit of studying. However, you see how I am spending my time right now...

Next Saturday I am going to Arlington, Texas with a group of my friends. We will be staying for about a week and working at Mission Arlington. I went last year about this time and absolutely loved it. It's a ton of hard work, but oh so rewarding.
I've been in Starkville too long. I'm getting antsy to get out of Mississippi in general. In other words, I'm ready to go to Arlington. Also, another thing that excites me about that trip is that one of my teammates from Florida, Rachel, lives in Arlington. So I'll get to see her and I am SUPER excited about that.

You know, I never thought I'd be a summer missionary. God changed that. I've served two summers now: Nevada and Florida.
I never thought I'd go overseas. I didn't have a heart for it. God changed that. This summer I have applied for 3 overseas positions: Philippins, South Korea, and Australia. (I'm sure you are thinking, "Man, Australia would be awesome!" and I totally agree with you.) We have state interviews in January so I'll find out a few days after those interviews. I'm pretty excited about where God is going to send me. Also, I am very nervous as to where He is going to send me, too. But that's natural....right?

Oh, my sister is engaged! She will be Mrs. Sarah Powell on May 14th. I am the Maid of Honor! :) She has her dress, we have our dresses, things are coming together. One of our family friends is throwing her a Christmas shower this Saturday. So, of course, I will be in attendance fully equipped with a pad of paper and a pen ready to record everything that she gets. Oh, the duties of a MOH. Gotta love it...(and I do!)

Side note: I just want to say how truly blessed I am to have the people in my life that I do. In high school I never had a lot of really close friends. Now I have BEST friends. I have people that I want to hang out with and that want to hang out with me. They influence me, encourage me, and lift me up. It is such a blessing to have that kind of support. Thanks God!

Well, that's about all I got so far. Hopefully I'll update with information and pictures from Mission Arlington when I get back. Stay tuned! :)

Back to Real Life

2010-09-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

School is in full swing at Mississippi State University. This semester might be the death of me. However, I think I say that every semester. I'm taking 18 hours and it is A LOT of work! Plus I am a family group leader, which is going wonderfullly. I love having that "motherly" aspect. I am also in charge of the drama team this year at BSU. I made sure to start off right by doing some skits for everyone to see that we have fun and present the Gospel. I've had a lot of people come for the auditions. So that will be starting up soon, too. My living/roommate situation is wonderful. I'm excited for this year!

A month and a half ago I was in Kissimmee, Florida loving on children at Give Kids the World. I think about that place each and every day. I am bound and determined to go back sometime this year. Hopefully, it'll be during Spring Break. So if you are interested in going, holla at me! I would love for any and everyone to come and experience it.

Well, that's about it for now.
Love y'all!

There's No Place Like Home

2010-08-06T00:50:00.000-07:00

My last week at GKTW were absolutely amazing! Thursday I was a Bunny Buddy for Mayor Clayton. I drove him to his venue for the night, made sure he was okay, and took care of him. I was basically security. We did 3 tuck-ins that night. What's a tuck-in? Parents can schedule for any of the characters at GKTW to come at a certain time one night and tuck in all the kids. The parents of the second family expressed their gratitude for all the volunteers to us. It was so heart felt. The third family had 2 younger girls and 2 teenage boys. Mayor picked on the boys, made them get tucked in, and would hit them with a pillow. The girls laughed SO hard at this. That was so much fun!

My last shift was in the Ice Cream Palace, which is awesome. It's usually really hard to get a shift there because everyone loves working there. So I'm glad I got to work there one last time. I put in 182 hours at GKTW this summer. I got to meet some amazing families and I got to know a lot of the staff there. It was so hard to say goodbye to the people and that place.

Sunday the whole team went to church together. That afternoon we went to the lake and a man brought his boat and another man brought his sea-do. We went tubing, threw frisbees, and hung out. It started thundering and lightening a little then WHAM! Lightening struck a tree within 30 yards of us. It caught the tree on fire, but it wasn't bad. It was loud, scary, and pretty cool actually.

Monday was Disney day! We got there at 8:30 am and didn't leave until around 1 am. We did all 4 parks in 1 day. Whew! We were so very worn out.

Tuesday we were up at 8:30 am to clean up the camp. That took a few hours. That night we had our end of the summer banquet. FBC fed us and we watched a video one of our teammates put together of pictures from the summer. We all got a copy of that. Earlier that week, we got a sheet with different awards that were to be given out at the banquet. We all voted and turned it in. So at the banquet, the awards were given. Most were goofy awards like "most likely to be left" or "most likely to get lost in Orlando". I received the best laugh award. I wasn't expecting it.

Cyle got tired of taking pictures with me, but I talked him into one more! :)

This is Mr. Brian and Mrs. Suzette. They were our "bosses" for the summer. They are doing great things in Orlando.

Then Wednesday we started flying home. Cyle and I landed in Memphis around 3:30 pm. My parents were right there waiting on me. We went to the escalator to get our bags, but Daddy said we had to go a different route for some reason. (He's not a good liar.) So we come around the corner and Carlye Carpenter, Will Simmons, and Ashley Farris were all there holding signs that said "Welcome Home Claire". It was the most precious thing ever. I had no idea they were going to be there. I have some amazing best friends! This just made the day even better!

It's so nice to be home. I've missed small town life. I don't see how people live in such a large touristy city. I like going to restaurants and them knowing what we're going to order. I like going from Aberdeen straight to Starkville on one road...no exits to interstates or merging to highway 349473902. I can see the sky, stars, and moon so much better here. So very, very nice.

Saturday I'm leaving again. I know! I just can't stay still for very long. Haha! I'm going on a road trip with 6 other girls. Our first stop in Savannah, Georgia. Then we'll go to Charelston, South Carolina. Then Asheville, North Carolina. Finally, Nashville, Tennessee. We'll be back on Wednesday. Other than our night in Savannah, we'll be camping in tents at camp grounds all the other nights. I am really excited about this trip. I've always wanted to go on a road trip and now I am!

Thank you for all your prayers and for reading my blog! I hope I have kept you up to date on everything! Love you all!

Having Fun!

2010-07-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

So have you heard of the show Survivor? What about Big Brother? Surely you've heard of The Amazing Race...Well, tonight at GKTW, cast members from all 3 of those shows were at the Village! I was a photographer tonight so I got to rub elbows with the big shots. It was so much fun! I got a few pictures with some of them on my camera. I also got a poster to get autographs on. It was quite exciting!

Last week I decided to go ahead and make out my schedule at GKTW for the rest of my time here. We get a lot of youth groups during the summer, so the good positions get taken quickly. I realized then that after this week, I only have next week to work. Saturday will be my last day of work at GKTW and my last Kids Club. Cyle and I have gotten to know a lot of the staff at GKTW, so when we tell them we're almost done they don't take it too well. We've been bribed and given places to stay, but when I ask them if they can pay us and they say no, I have to say no as well. Ha! So don't worry, I will be coming home. :)

So this coming week I'm going to soak it all up. It's going to be really sad to leave GKTW. It is such an amazing place and I feel right at home there. I definitely plan on coming back whenever I can to volunteer some more.

Hope all is well back home. Love and miss you all!

Happiness Inspires Hope

2010-07-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

To make up for my lack of update, how about a few pictures first? :)

Doing child care of Church of Life. This is Gracie.

We get to know our kids really well at Kids Club. This is Jacob and he is from Scotland. We played the ABC game a lot this day!

This is my team.

Yellow Shirt = Innovators that work at Fun Spot

Red Shirt = Creative Arts Team

Cyle and I are in different colors.

I was really nervous when I found out my partner for the summer would be some guy I've never met before. He's turned out to be a great partner. He's very sarcastic and we're mean to each other, but when it comes down to it, we love each other (even if he won't admit it, ha!)

Now, what have I been up to?!

It's pretty much been the same ole thing. I work at GKTW as much as I can. I still go to Quality Inn Plaza on International Drive every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning for Kids Club. If I'm not doing one of those two things, I go with the rest of my team. I have helped with child care at a church, been a fill in puppeter, and tonight, I'll be face painting at Fun Spot.

For a while I was struggling with the thought of I'm not doing anything to further God's Kingdom here. I don't get to really talk to and get to know the people I work with because I work with someone different everytime I go in. And the families at GKTW are definitely too busy to sit down and chat with me. Kids Club is going well, but I mean, I haven't had any kids make a profession of faith. Then one day, after many prayers, God opened my eyes. In the Volunteer Services office at GKTW, where I sign in everyday, there is a bookshelf with some of the merchandise for sale. I had a shirt picked out from the very beginning. It's purple, has the logo on it, and says "Happiness Inspires Hope". I've seen it everyday, but one day I finally understood what it meant. Later I worked with a family who's daughter was a wish child and they all came to GKTW 5 or 6 years ago for her wish. Now, she is fully recovered and they all came back to volunteer. The mom told me that this place really helped her in her recovery. So even though I feel like all I do is push a button to make a carousel start, scoop ice cream, take pictures, or paint on airbrush tattoos, it makes these children and their families so incredibely happy. That, in turn, helps them medically. Having a week of pure fun and enjoyment gives them the strength and endurance to keep fighting whatever disease it is that they are fighting.

Kids Club can be frustrating some days. However, it's the kids like Stevie, who came to Kids Club for about 2 weeks. She and I bonded. We played torpedo every time. She told us one day that she and her mom were going to another hotel so it would be her last day. We said our goodbyes, took a few pictures, and got contact information. The next Kids Club, I was doing what I normally do with a new batch of kids. We were making our craft when I turned around to see who else walking up, but Stevie?! She ran over to me and told me that her mom brought her back to this hotel so she could come to Kids Club once more before going home to England. That filled my heart with so much joy, I cannot express. Since then, I've had other kids that have left some kind of impact on me like that.

I know God has me here for a reason. Even though I don't see the fruits of my labor, He does. He isn't wasting any time working through me. I think so often people look at summer missions and the only thing they want to know is "How many people did you lead to the Lord this summer?". It is not about numbers. He has this all under control. I could have been a seed planter or a waterer for the people I've met.

Continue to keep us in your prayers. I don't feel like my team is really a team, it's more like some of us are just all living together. There has been too much drama going on and I think it's silly. Some days I feel like the focus is on who said what to who and what dumb thing happened today. It shouldn't be like that. It's hard to stay positive in the midst of a lot of negativity. I want to finish this summer with as much joy and excitement as I started it.

I hope all is well back home! See you soon. Love you all!

1 Peter 5:10

2010-06-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Right now I am at GKTW sitting in the Welcome Hut. I get to flick some switches to let the cross bar up and open the gate. I'm in here from 6-9, so I thought I'd bring my computer and catch up on some things. Smart, I know. :)

I'm still doing my regular schedule of volunteering at GKTW, Kids Club, and going to FBC Kissimmee each week. Some new things I've volunteered for is the La Ti Da Spa-Here, children can get airbrush tattoos, fingernails painted, face painted, and their makeup done. It's really fun! Pirates and Princesses-At the pool there is a huge pirate ship which serves as a stage. Here, the children can decide to either be a pirate or a princess. They are given certificates, tiaras, swords, tattoos, and makeup. They are then presented as Princess _____ or Pirate ____ from the stage. Then, of course, there is a big dance party. Cyle and I were lucky enough to get to be characters that night. We were both pirates. It was reallly hot! I have pictures, don't worry. It was quite funny. One morning I was a gift giver. Everyday the families receive a gift delivered to their villa. So I, along with 3 other volunteers, went door to door delivering Pictureka puzzles. Also, if a family checked out that day, we would go in after they left and restock the fridge with cokes, waters, and a cake. We would also leave a big gift bag filled with all kinds of toys. I've gotten to where I enjoy doing the Welcome Hut just to have some time to read, write letters, and just be alone for a little while. Haha!

Other than that, everything has been pretty much the same. For the most part, my team is getting along. We've had some problems, but we're trying to handle it all like adults. Thankfully, I don't really know much about it because I'm at GKTW all day, which I am perfectly fine with!

God is continually revealing Himself to me. Yes, He has brought some hard times/days my way, but I have learned to simply "let go and let God". If something is meant to happen, then it will. If it wasn't meant to happen, then it's for the best. Some days I've had to tell Satan to get behind me. He tries to distract me, steal my joy, and fill me with negative thoughts/attitudes. I know I'm working for the Lord and growing closer to Him when Satan tries harder to bring me down.
So I just ask that you continue to pray for me and my team. We've been here for a month now and we're getting tired. Pray for the fire in our hearts to keep growing and doesn't go out and for strength. Some of my teammates are stuggling with being homesick. I'm sure that's hard for them. Thankfully, I was exposed to being gone a lot growing up. Yes, I miss my family and my house, but I know it'll all be there when I return. Like Moma said, "As long as you can call home, you'll be okay." I'm pretty sure she meant that for herself rather than for me. She misses her baby girl. :)

Love and miss y'all!

He must become greater, I must become less.

2010-06-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday I got to help with Mayor Clayton's birthday party. I got to cut and serve the cake. There was a big section of games like life-size checkers, Jenga, and Dominoes. There was a face painting table, the cake, and dippin dots ice cream. Everyone hid outside when we got word that Mayor was coming up, then we all jumped out and yelled surprise! Anyone who has a birthday in this month got to go up on stage, tell everyone their name and age, and we sung Happy Birthday to them. Then we had a big dance party in the avenue. It was lots of fun!

Sunday I was at FBC Kissimmee for 3 services helping with the children. For the first 2 services I was with the babies. This morning was my first encounter with a fussy baby boy who drank a little bit of his bottle, then decided to spew it all back up later all over me. Yum... :( Then I went to a 1-3rd grade classroom for the 3rd service. Then I got back to camp and took a looooong nap!

Monday was our day off, so some of us went to a nearby neighboorhood and played tennis (not for long though, it was SO hot!) then went swimming. That night the whole team went out to eat then some of us went to the outlet mall.

Tuesday was Kids Club. My partner, Allie had to work so I was by myself. A youth group was here from West Virgina so I had 2 youth helping me that day. However, I didn't need them because we didn't have any kids that day! It was sad. I got some sun though! :)
Tuesday night is our worship time. Mr. Brian (our supervisor's husband) led us in our devotional that night. It was really good. Then he got up walked outside and said we were going to be doing something different tonight. He came back in with 2 coolers of bottled water, 5 buckets, and a pile of wash cloths. We talked about Jesus washing the disciples feet. Mr. Brian told us that while we are here serving Christ and others, we are also here to serve each other, our teammates. So he let us do whatever we fell led to do. I washed feet and had my feet washed. This experience was absolutely amazing. Even though I truly dislike feet, I would have much rather washed than to be washed. It's such a humbling experience. I enjoyed it thouroughly.

Wednesday Cyle and I tagged along with the CA Team to a senior citizens home for a performance. I was a fill in puppetteer. It went well the first time, then they called me back to do another one...Let me back up and tell you about the stage that they use. It's made out of pvc pipe and black cloth. There are 2 levels so that people can be sitting in front and do puppets and also people can be standing in the back to do puppets without being seen. I was in the front being the paws of a lion puppet. We were almost through with the song when *WHAM*! The pipes holding up the curtain infront of us came apart and fell to the ground. I felt like a deer in headlights! Of course, I was mortified, but everyone else thought it was so funny, including the people on the CA Team. I think that was the beginning and end of my puppet career.
That night we all went to the Southern Baptist Convention. Never thought I'd say that. It wasn't too bad. We weren't there for long. Casting Crowns performed a few songs and we got to be right in front of the stage for that, so that was really cool. However, we did receive some bad news that night. On my team, there are 5 people from Tennessee. There is also a traveling team in Maine of 4 people all from Tennessee. We got word that the Maine team had been in a car accident that night. One member passed away and the rest were okay, but in the hospital. It was really hard on our TN people. This was also a wake up call for me. Life is so precious and the Lord can take us at any time. We need to treasure what we have right now. I remembered that night that when I was choosing my 3 places to serve this summer that Maine traveling team was one of my choices. I could have been there. Then I think about right now and that basically everyday I am driving a huge 12 passenger van, filled with my teammates, driving through crazy Orlando traffic. I am safe when I drive that thing, but it's the other drivers that scare me. Just the other day another large van cut me off, and if I hadn't had slammed on my brakes to let them in, it could have ended badly. Please, continue to pray for us and remember those from Tennessee who were in the wreck. I can only imagine the pain their family and friends are going through right now.

Love and miss you all!

Updates!

2010-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Let's see, what have I been doing since my last update?

Friday Barney came to GKTW. I was a scribe again, helping the photographer as she took pictures of the families.

Saturday I worked in the Spa. Kids can get airbrush tattoos, fingernails painted, and their makeup done. It was really cute.

Sunday I was a scribe again. We went to the Candyland Party. GKTW has the largest Candyland game in the world. So the kids played that, then we had a dance party in the street.
Monday was our day off so we went to the beach. It was glorious. We met a family while there and later the dad and daughter taught some of us how to surf. I can write that on my bucket list and check it off. It took me a few times, but I finally stood all the way up on the board. No, I don't have any pictures, you'll just have to take my word on it. However, the other people that were there can vouche for me. :)

Tuesday was our first Kids Club. Allie and I are partners and we work the Quality Inn Plaza pool. We got there and there was only 1 child in the pool and she was playing with her mom. As time passed, we were getting kind of down. I sent my supervisor, Mrs. Suzette, a text message telling her our predicament. She never wrote me back and a few minutes passed and more kids started showing up. So I wrote her again and told her nevermind. Later, Mrs. Suzette made her rounds to the different pools. She came and saw Allie and I at our pool. She asked me if I sent her 2 messages back to back. I told her I did and what they said. She said she only got the "nevermind" message because she was on the phone earlier with the woman from FBC Kissimmee who adopted me. Her name is Mrs. Betty. Mrs. Suzette was telling Mrs. Betty what all I had going on today and that it was our first Kids Club so to please be in prayer for me. Mrs. Betty asked Mrs. Suzette if we could pray right now for me, so they did. And as soon as Mrs. Suzette got off the phone, she got the "nevermind" message. Wow. Prayer is so powerful. It gave me chills when Mrs. Suzette told me that.

Wednesday I was a scribe for another photographer. That night I did Kids Night Out. I had a little girl, Kaitlyn. She's blind, but oh can she sing! We had a great night together.

Thursday morning we had Kids Club again. We had about 10 kids. Most of them are from England so we love hearing them talk. Then I went to work at GKTW and was in Amberville for a few hours. I got to drive a train around the building for some kids. That was about it, Amberville is not a very demanding job. After that, I got trained in photography. So I got to actually take pictures of the families myself at the Winter Wonderland Parade. I really enjoyed that.

Today, Friday, I worked the Carousel and will go back tonight to work at Katie's Kitchen. At the Carousel, I was talking to one mom. She was saying how much fun they were having and how magical GKTW is. I agreed and told her I was loving being there as well. She thanked me and told me that the volunteers really make this place enjoyable. That was the first time I heard from a family how much they appreciated us. So even though some days all I do is push a button or snap pictures, these families truly appreciate everything I do. That was such an encouragement to me today. I am so excited to see what else God has planned for me.

I am having an amazing time. Continue to pray for us! Miss and love you all!

Love it here.

2010-06-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Thursdays at GKTW is Christmas. At 2:00 in the afternoon, Cyle and I set out the garland and such for the parade. It was BAD hot. Then around 3:00, the people told us we could leave and beat the rain. So we hopped on our bikes and right about the time we got out of the gates of GKTW, a monsoon came pouring down. We were completely soaked head to toe by the time we got back to camp. Yeah, next time, we're just going to sit our happy tails at GKTW.

That night we went back for Christmas. I was a scribe for the photographer. As the families came into the theater to meet Santa, I wrote down which picture numbers were for the famililes. Oh my goodness, seeing these kids with Santa was amazing. My face hurt by the time I left because I was smiling so much. I absolutely loved it! Santa was great, too. He talked with the kids and played with them. It was just simply amazing.

Today, our shift started at 8:00 a.m. I was a scribe again for Barney this time! He was really fun, too. After that I just stayed in the castle until my shift was over. That place is so much fun. There is a pillow maker. And at orientation, each wish child gets a small silver star. They bring it to the castle and write their name on it with a special pen (Sharpie). Then, they put it in this big treasure chest and the Star Fairy shows up on the screen, dives down in to the chest and gets their star. You can see her flying to the other screens around, then she places the star specifically in the sky. Each day a Gift Fairy comes to each Villa. After the child does their star, the Gift Fairy brings them their Star Passport. They bring their passport to the castle, scan it, and it shows them exactly where the Star Fairy put their star in the castle. (Note: GKTW has helped over 92,000 children.) And sure enough, on the wall or ceiling, their star is there and it will be there forever. So if the family ever comes back, they can go and find their star.

This place is truly magical. I am so blessed I get to see God everyday in these children's faces.
Love and miss you all!

Sunshine State

2010-06-03T08:55:00.001-07:00

So I finally found a corner in my hall that will get one bar of internet service.

I arrived in Florida Wednesday safe and sound. There are 17 other people on my team and we are getting to know each other better as the days go by. I've only been here for 8 days, but it sure does seem like much longer. From Thursday until Sunday I've been doing orientation. It was for the whole state of Florida so all the summer missionaries stationed in Florida were here at the camp. It all went well, just listening to people speak, but I did learn some. :)

Thursday, before all the other missionaries got here, our team went to Downtown Disney. We were split into 2 groups and went on a scavenger hunt. It was lots of fun! My team won, of course. Haha. Our trophy was a toilet seat that had been decorated. Cute huh? We were proud of our seat though!

Me and Cyle Haulcomb are the only 2 from our whole team that will be working at Give Kids the World. Yesterday (Wednesday) was our first day. We were there at 8 a.m. for our first shift. Let me back up. See, our camp where we are staying is right down the road from GKTW. Vehicles are limited here at camp, so we suggested to our supervisor that we could just ride bicycles to work everyday. We went to Wal*Mart and the organization bought bikes for us to use (they are going to be a donation to the camp, can't take them home). So Tuesday Cyle and I were sitting at camp by ourselves because the rest of our team went for their orientation. We were really bored and decided to ride our bikes to Wal*Mart, which is just up the road. We did and it wasn't too bad. However, on the way back to camp, it had gotten reeeeally hot outside. We got back and just collapsed in the living room thinking maybe this whole bicycle thing wasn't a good idea. Yes, you can stop laughing now...Anywho, we rode our bikes to GKTW Wednesday morning stayed there until 11 doing horse rides. We were the people on either side of the horse with our arm over the child's leg, holding on to the sadle. We got to talk to the kids as we walked around. Seeing their faces light up when they got on the horse just melted my heart. They are so incredibley happy to be here. It was hot and I had to dodge a couple of poop piles after a while, but it was so much fun!

We came back to camp after that shift and rested. I went back at 5:30 that night for Kids Night Out. This is just for the kids and the volunteers, the parents get a night off. The volunteers, or angels as GKTW calls us, are partnered up with kids for the night. I had 2 brothers and we went and played putt-putt first. Then we all went to eat supper together. After supper we went to the theater for Village Idol. The kids could get up there and sing, dance, tell jokes, or just stand there; whatever they want to do, they do it. After everyone had a turn, all the contestants got back on stage to find out who the winner was. Of course, we knew that there wasn't going to be just one winner, but when the MC read the envelope and that "this was the first time in Village history that everyone is a winner!" the kids were smiling so big, hands went up in the air, and they were all just so excited that they were the Village Idols! It gave me goosebumps to see how happy they were.

This is going to be such an amazing summer. I am looking forward to all the things I'm going to get to do. I go in today from 2-4 & 6-9. Thursday nights are Christmas, every week. Santa and his elves come and they bring presents. This place is amazing.

This is my team.

This is my partner Cyle. We're the 2 Mississippians here!

Seven Days

2010-05-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

This time next week I'll be on a plane headed for Orlando, Florida.
So that means I have seven days to try and see as many of my loved ones as possible. That also means I only have seven days to try to pack for 10 weeks and keep it under 50 pounds. (Last year, I had a problem with that.)
My church family is amazing. One of the women's groups is doing a potluck lunch for me this Sunday after church. I feel so honored and loved that they took it upon themselves to do this for me. It's so reassuring to know that while I am away in a place I know nothing about, with people I've never met before, there is a group of people I have known all my life supporting and praying for me.
I am so excited to go. Don't forget to write me letters! :) The next time I post, I'll probably be in Florida.

Let's go to Florida

2010-05-05T17:01:00.001-07:00

In 21 days I'll be on a plane headed for Orlando, Florida. I am so ready!
Most of my time will be spent volunteering at Give Kids the World.
I will also be doing at least 3 Kids Clubs a week. From what I can gather, they are just mini-VBS's in hotel pools.
Mondays are our free days.
There are a ton of people on my team and they are from all over the place.
I'm excited.
I'll be gone for roughly 10 weeks.
I hope to get lots and lots of mail. I love mail. :)
I'm excited.
This is my address for the summer : 150 S. Roma Way
Kissimmee, FL 34746
That's about it.
Did I mention how excited I am about this summer? I am. (Also a little nervous, too..)

Helloooo!

2010-04-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it has been entirely too long since my last update. It seems that I say that everytime I write now.
Let's see, this week is finals at MSU. I am so ready to be finished with my Junior year of college. Starting today (Tuesday) I have an exam a day. So I'll be completely finished Friday. YAY!
In exactly 30 days I will be boarding a plane in Memphis, connecting in Atlanta, then landing in Orlando, Florida. Can I say that I am so very, very excited!? Because, I am! No, I do not know the nit picky details of what I'll be doing. All I know is that I'll be working at Give Kids the World (www.gktw.org) doing who knows what. I might be working with families, I might be a lifeguard, I might be working in the ice cream parlor, I do know that whatever I do, God's love will be shown through my life. My prayer is that whatever He has planned for me to do this summer, He will receive all the glory! I am going to try and do better about updating this summer. I just ask that you continue to pray for me, my team, and the people we'll be encountering in Florida.
Also, I think I have already mentioned this, but I'll say it again. I am a wife and soon to be mother! Ok, I should probably explain. I am a family group leader at BSU, which means I have a male partner, my "husband" and in August we will have about 15 or so new transfer students in our group, "my kids". I am really looking forward to that. My "husband" and I have been getting to know each other better and I think it will work out wonderfully. We will be going through 1 Corinthians, suuuuch a good book!
Next semester is going to B-U-S-Y! I'm taking 18 hours of classes, doing family group, which will take up a good amount of time, and also going to be leading the Acts Too drama team. It's going to be hectic, but I'm certain I can make it. Moma will have to be on her toes with some good pep talks! :) I love her.
I love doing drama. At ICC, it was a blast and it was absolutely awesome. It is such a great ministry. The audience can laugh at one moment, then be hit with something serious the next. The skits are hilarious and some of them are convicting. I know that no matter how many times I see one of them done, I always get chills. This year of drama, we only went out twice. Participation wasn't the greatest either. So hopefully, with the Henley side of me, I can get some people recruited into the drama team and we can practice and be ready to go at a moment's notice.
I think that's about it. Almost done with school, ready for the summer! Right now, I'm just enjoying the beautiful weather God has given us today. He is good!
Thanks for reading! Love you.

Even when you feel like you don't measure up to much in this life. Know that you are a treasure in the arms of Christ.

What's new? So much!

2010-02-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

So it has been a very long time since my last update. My apologies.
Let's see, I'm going to do like Ashley Grant and just list some things that have been going on in my life. (Ashley, I tried to comment on your blog, but it won't let me...)

Passion 2010 was absolutely amazing! I want to go to India someday and meet the Dalit people.
My moma turned 50 in January. Me, Ben, and Sarah went to Mobile where she and Daddy were for a convention and surprised her. It was a lot of fun and we got her good!
School is intense. No, correction, life is intense. I have 18 hours of class, Practicum twice a week, and babysitting 3 children 3 days of the week. I never knew 2 classes could require so many projects, papers, and group work. Elementary Education is NOT a cop-out major like so many people believe. It's hard work.
Spring Break is coming up, thank the Lord! I am going with MSU's BSU to Chicago. This is completely out of of element. How? Because there are 10 students going along with the 3 diretors. Out of the 10, I know 1 person, Carlye. We're having meetings each week after BSU to practice sharing our testimony under 90 seconds and making sure we know the Roman Road. Whoa. I'm so excited to see Christ work in us and through us that week.
March 4th, I'll be going to the FedEx Forum to see George Strait, Reba McEntire, and LeeAnn Womack in concert. I'm just a tad excited about that. ;)
I will be spending the summer in Orlando, Florida. I'll just leave it at that, because I'll go on and on about Florida.
I have decided to be a family group leader next year at BSU.
My family is amazing. I cherish every moment spent with them.
I'm finding out who my true friends are.
God is working in me like never before. I look forward to my quiet times with Him everyday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I spend time with Him in the library inbetween classes. I am so blessed to be able to be in public, read His word, and pray and not be persecuted.
My sister, Sarah, will graduate from the W as a nurse. It's been a long road for her, and I'm so glad she's found something she likes and is finally going to be out of college! Haha.
I worked my very first DNOW February 19-21 in Agricola, MS. Ashley Farris and I had a group of 9 10th graders and 1 11th grader. I have never seen a group of girls with such a tight friendship and a strong, devout relationship with the Lord. It was overwhelming and humbling and incredibley amazing. I can't believe I've never worked a DNOW before. I loved it. I talked too much, but that's nothing new. ;)
I'm ready for next year.
I love it when people call me when they are sick or just need to talk. I don't know why, I guess it makes me feel needed. One of my friends was having a tough week, so I made a special delivery to her house to cheer her up. Another friend was getting under the weather and was also having a tough week. Again, I made another drop off just so he would smile and get better. No one asked me to, but I do those things. I like taking care of my people and trying to make them feel better. I'm worried about that aspect of my personality for this summer, though. Children will be there with terminal illnesses. I'm not going to be able to make them better. However, for the week that they are there, I can be as goofy and silly as possible to make them have one amazing week of no worries. I am also going to pour the love of God in them. I'm excited.

I guess that's about it. The weather has been absolutely beautiful lately. My God knows how to make me smile, just by sending sunshine and stars at night. I love that He knows me so well.

I hope you are all doing well. I miss you all! I haven't seen anyone in a long time. Someone please have a party soon!!

Your Love is Extravagant

2009-12-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

I strongly encourage each of you to go to Mission Arlington. I could tell you all about it, but it means so much more and makes much more sense when you experience it for yourself. The Christmas store is absolutely amazing. We unloaded about 3 completely full truck loads of toys in the short amount of time we were there. Brand new toys, by the truck loads! I have never worked so hard in my life. We were so worn out and tired every night, but it was a good tired. MA is huge. They own many different buildings, but it amazed me at how incredibely organized everything was. The Christmas store helped give gifts to over 11,000 children. There were over 100 decisions made. Over 500 people came through the store that Saturday. It's amazing to see God at work each and every day. He runs Mission Arlington. We hope to make our MA trip yearly. Please, join us.

Christmas was a blessing as always. I love our traditions. I love that even though I am 21 and the youngest of the Mattox kids, we still wake up early to see what Santa left us. We found some old home videos and watched those one night. It was so nice to have us all together reliving the good old days.

This past Sunday, I, Claire Mattox, preached at my church. It was Youth Sunday, so the other kids just said the prayers that were written for them and read Scriptures. I was in charge of everything else. I spoke on missions; on how I got involved, missionaries aren't special people, we're all called, my time in Nevada (mostly about the refugees), and a challenge as to what is your part in missions. I didn't really think it was anything special, it's just what was on my heart. After the service, I was swarmed by everyone telling me how much they enjoyed it. I was doing fine until people started talking about my Grandaddy. How they could see him coming out in me when I was up at the pulpit, that he was definitely smiling down on me today, and how proud he would be. Quinn Mattox was one amazing man. I am so honored for people to think of him when they see me. My dad and aunt cried through the whole sermon. I later found out that Daddy told my other aunt in Florida that this was the best Christmas present he had ever gotten. I am so blessed to have parents that love me and are proud of me. Some people asked if I was for hire and if I was adopted. Haha!

I'm going with Auburn Baptist Church to Passion. We're leaving Saturday at 6 AM for Atlanta, Georgia. I am so excited. Passion is an amazing conference with about 20,000 other college students coming together to praise and worship our Father. I'm pretty pumped!

My dear Amy Simmons is back from Peru. It truly changed her life, and I loved hearing all her stories. It definitely makes me want to go overseas. Hopefully, that is in my future.
Will comes home Saturday. It's been so long since I've talked to him. I'm ready for him to be safe and sound in Pontotoc, MS.
Matthew Archer is also home from China. He is so much fun! And he brought me back a Chinese soldier statue! haha! We named him, but I surely can't type it....sorry.

Anywho, I hope you all had a marvelous Christmas and have a splendid New Year! See you in 2010! Love you!

So blessed

2009-12-09T12:45:00.001-08:00

My first semester as a Mississippi State University student is finished. I took my last exam today. Thank the Lord for getting me through this semester. He certainly held and carried me a lot. I will definitely be depending on Him even more in semesters to come.
So, what are you doing for Christmas break? Well, I want to tell you my plans. A week from today, the 16th, a group of us will be leaving bright and early from Tupelo, loading up in a 15 passenger van, and driving roughly 10 hours to Arlington, Texas. We'll be staying there for 5 days working at Mission Arlington. I am beyond excited. I get the priviledge to go there, help with wrapping Christmas presents, spend time with children, and tell the glorious Christmas story. Christmas and children, what could be better?
After a marvelous, traditional Christmas, I'll be heading to Passion on January 2nd. I've been once before, but it was just a weekend one then. This year it's a full 4 days of non-stop worship. God shows up and shows out at Passion. I am uber excited to see what He is going to show me there. It's an amazing experience to be in the midst of nearly 20,000 other college students full out worshipping our Lord and Savior. It gives me chills just thinking about it. Stay tuned because I'm sure after MA and Passion, the next blog will be filled with lots of goodies! :)

Now can I tell you how blessed I am to have the friends that I have in my life?

I am SO proud of them for giving up the comforts of home especially during Christmas time and going to a foreign place. Amy Simmons, yes, dear, sweet Mamy, is leaving this Saturday with a group from her church headed to Peru. It's hard for me to picture little Amy backpacking through the jungle in Peru. However, I know that the Lord has placed it on her heart to go and she, without missing a beat, accepted and is following His command.
Will Simmons is leaving in 6 days for Asia (for safety reason, I cannot say his exact location). The information I just typed in parenthesis scares me. He stopped by my apartment the other day before he headed home to say goodbye. All I kept saying was "be careful, Will." I am so excited for what he's going to be doing there. He'll be gone for about 3 weeks, which is the longest he's been gone from home. I know the Lord is going to work in him and through him while he's there.
These Simmons twins are some of my best friends. It's going to be hard knowing that they aren't just up the road during break. It's going to be hard not being able to talk to them while they are away. I am already looking forward to the massive amounts of pictures and stories from each trip.
Also, my dear friend Joy Smith, whom I spent the summer with in Nevada left today for Uganda. Wow. She is one special girl and holds a place in my heart. She'll be there for about 2 weeks. She went through a lot to get to go on this trip and the devil tried his hardest to stop her. However, her faith in God prevailed and everything worked out and she's on a plane right now. Amen!
*Please be in prayer for these amazing people who are going to the different nations to spread the love of Christ.
Another thing, I am so blessed to have friends that I can call up and talk about scripture with. I have been trying to get better about reading my Bible. Not just reading to read, to get my numbers up, but reading to get something out of it. I'm blessed that I can call Ashley or Tara and talk to them about how I interpreted what I just read and get their opinions on it, too. That's just so awesome.

As you probably know, I spent last summer in Nevada (not "Nevahdah"). I have already applied for summer missions again for this summer. I am staying in the states again and my top 3 choices are 1. Orlando, Florida 2. Boston traveling team 3. Scarbourgh, Maine. The position in Florida really jumped off the page to me. I'd be on a team called Give the Kids the World. Familes with children who have terminal illnesses come to Orlando and stay at a resort. The family gets to enjoy a week of pure fun. They leave their worries of doctors, bills, and the future behind and just enjoy the attractions of Orlando. I would be able to work with and spend time with the families that came in each week. I wish I could explain just how much I would love to spend my summer there, doing that. However, I know that it is all in the Lord's hands. I mean, I didn't even know Nevada was an option last summer, and that's where He placed me. It was the best summer of my life. So I know that where ever He wants me to be is where He is going to put me. I'm excited to see where that might be.

Love y'all! Have a wonderful Christmas break!

Weekend

2009-11-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

I wonder why I have this blog. I'm pretty sure no one reads it, except for Lauren every now and then. (Thanks Lauren). Hmm...oh well, I guess my life isn't that exciting for people to want to read about it.

I'm going to write about my weekend anyways. :)

Friday - My wonderful friend Carlye Carpenter sat with me out in the Junction from 1 to about 4ish. We got to catch up on each other's lives and enjoy the beautiful day. Hutch came by right at 5 to help me actually put our tent up. So glad I have friends that will come and help me with things. That night, me and Andrea Rodgers went to the men's basketball game. It was really fun and we're looking forward to the next game. After that, we went to Pancake Fest. Now, I've been hearing all this stuff about Pancake Fest and how amazing it is and yada yada. Well, I'm here to testify that Pancake Fest is, in fact, AMAZING. It was so much fun. Three different kinds of pancakes, a stage outside with live music, tons of friends, a pancake eating contest, I mean, the works. Great job Sycamore Boys! I can't wait for the next one.
Saturday - GAME DAY! Mamie Shannon from Philadelphia, MS came up to see me and come to the game. We spent the summer together in Nevada. It was great to see her and talk with her again. Will picked us up and we loaded everything out to the Junction to tailgate. This was definitely the best tailgate we've had this season. Again, that awesome girl, Carlye, made us some BBQ and it was marvelous. We had a great crowd of friends and had lots of fun hanging out and playing Ladder Golf. I'll be happy next year when Will doesn't have to leave to go do his Jumbo-tron business. So Mamie, Andrea, Reed Jones, and I sat in the Student Section for the Alabama game. It was a terrible game, but we had fun. After the game, we all met up back at the tent and hung out some more. Also, one of my best friends from back in the day came for the game, Kristen Mathews. She and I have been friends since 3rd grade, but she moved to Alabama in 7th grade. She and her boyfriend, Tim, came to Starkville. It was so so great to see them again and talk and catch up, which we did a lot of.
Sunday - Mamie left me that morning, it was sad to see her leave. I tagged along with the Drawn Together Band to Mathiston to hear them perform. I got to take pictures of them and record them, too. I loved it. They had a banjo, a mandilan(?), a violin, an upright bass, a piano, and guitar. It was just like some good ole blue grass Christian hymns. I loved it and so did everyone else. That afternoon, me, Will, and Ashley Farris went to Aberdeen for the Christmas Open House. The Christmas atmosphere and being back home was great. I loved showing Will and Ashley my town. There's just something about a good ole Southern hometown where you can't walk into a store without knowing people. I am truly a Southern girl, and proud of it. That night, Ashley and I went to Calvary Baptist Church. After the message from Perry, we had plenty to talk about. I am so blessed to have a friend like that in my life when we can talk on a subject and have the same feelings and just be able to share anything with her.

So all in all, this was probably the best weekend I've had since being in Starkville.

Now, how about a few pictures from the weekend?

Me and Andrea at the basketball game.

Me and Matthew Witbeck, one of the Sycamore boys that hosted the Pancake Fest.

Some of us girls at the Pancake Fest.

Me and Mamie in the Junction!

The girls of the Big Green Tent.

Our traditional tailgating picture. :)

This is the infamous Kristen Mathews.

Me and Ashley being goofy at the Open House.

BTW, it's a big hassel to get pictures on this thing. Maybe there's an easier way to do it and I just don't know about it, but this has taken me FOREVER!

How are you?

2009-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

"How are you?" Such a simple question. In most cases, the person asking doesn't really care about how the person really is. It's just small talk, really. However, when the person being asked the question has an answer other than "Oh, I'm good" or "Things are fine", this question almost stings. The person really wants to tell them what is really going on in their life. How their heart is breaking, how they feel so alone, and insignificant in the world, how terrified they are of the future. But we don't do that, do we? We tuck all that inside, smile and tell them what they want to hear: "Everything is going good."

So, in that case, "How are you, Claire?" Honestly, it's been rough for a while. I have given everything to God. All that I have going on is in His hands. However, I know that satan is at work. He can take all these things, even though I have turned them all in to God, and keep bringing them up in my mind. He does this with every little aspect and let's it build and build. I finally had to break down, turn down the music, and say aloud "Satan, in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, get OUT! Get out of my life and quit bringing me down. Stop taking away my joy and strength."

Now things did not instantly get better after that. However, God is helping me through everything. Throughout all of this I have had the attitude of "Okay God, what are you trying to teach me?" I have been keeping my eyes open for something from Him. I might not know what I'm supposed to learn until a later time. I am fine with that. God helped me through one of the major complications this week. And I praise Him. I've been praising Him through it all.

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining.

And as the thunder rolls,

I barely hear you whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

and takes away.

I will praise you in this storm.

And I will lift my hands.

For You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand.

You've never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm.

I love Starkville

2009-10-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first true tailgating experience. Emilee Taylor and I sat on the sidewalk Friday from 1 to 5 to set our tent up. We really like the spot we got and plan on getting it from here on out.
The tent (which we are still trying to name) was packed with food, friends, and games. We had lots of fun playing Ladder Golf.
The game, however, was a let down. State didn't play good at all. Oh well, nothing new.
I'm excited for the next game. I really like tailgating, especially when I have my own tent.

What has God been teaching you?
I'm seeing now more than ever that I can't lean on my earthly relationships. I see that they don't always last even when so much effort is put into them. I know that my Father is always there. He's always ready to listen, to teach, and to comfort. This week has been kind of rough. I've read the book Captivating a while back. It talks about how God romances us. I truly believe that. I mean, He knows everything about us, including what makes us happy and smile, even the little things. I'm a big fan of nature and skies. So this week God blessed us all with amazing weather. At the game, He placed a full, bright moon in the sky. Things like that and sunsets and butterflies just make me smile and thank God for putting them in my day.

2009-09-30T17:00:00.001-07:00

Hmm....did I just mess up my blog??

....

2009-09-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

UGH!!

I mean really? What's the point anymore?

I tried. I tried again. I fail more and more.

When will I get a break? When will this rain cloud that has been hovering over me leave?

Where is my time? my happiness?

I feel like that girl "Does anybody hear her" from Casting Crowns song. Well, do you? Do you hear me? Do you see me hurt? Do you even care? IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Overwhelmed...

2009-09-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

So I really don't know why I even have this blog. For one, I hardly ever update it, also, it seems as though no one reads it. Correction, no one reads it period.

Big girl school is in full swing. I love State. It's pretty overwhelming though.

So this summer was amazing and I wouldn't change it for the world, I am so glad I did it. However, one downfall of it is that since I'm not Baptist, I didn't get the "honorarium" check that everyone else got. Throughout the whole process I just kept telling myself, "God has it under control, Claire. Don't worry about it." And I didn't....until now. I still can't find a job, and everyone everywhere wants money for something from me. It's hard to stay above water. I just don't know what to do. I hate having to run to my parents every week needing money, which sadly, is what I have had to do every week. I just knew God would open a door for me in Starkville, but I haven't found it yet. Everyone says "Don't worry about it." I can't help but to worry about it.

I just feel lost right now. Everyone else seems to have it all together. Why am I such a mess? I miss the easy life of ICC. I miss being known and knowing people. I miss my teachers really caring about me. I miss the BSU and everyone that is still there.

I am trying to keep the bigger picture in mind. I'm trying to find God in all of this. I know this isn't the worse that could happen. And I'm sure if you are reading this you're just thinking I'm overreacting and maybe I am, but it's just how I'm feeling right now.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig.

2009-08-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am so embarassed by how little I have written in this blog.

Well, to recap the summer...it was hard, intense, amazing, the best experience of my life. My 5 other teammates and now my brothers and sisters and I miss them dearly. We laughed, we cried, we argued, we worked things out. We got so close, it's not even funny. God taught me SO much in such a short amount of time. My eyes have been opened to many new things. Who knows what He has in store for me next summer.......to be continued I guess.

I've heard it from other missionaries that it was really hard to come home, but I didn't know for sure how it was going to be. For one it was hard to leave Nevada, but I was so excited to get home and see my family. The next few days after my return, all I wanted to do was be back in the desert. It's a strange feeling. I felt like I was so useless at home. And let me tell you, the devil was at work in me. I kept getting down on myself because of other people and would mope to others. I didn't like, still don't. But I'm keeping busy and as one friend tells me, "You're about to be lost in a sea of 18,000 new people. Be excited. You're going to make so many new friends it will be insane." So I'm keeping that in mind, and I get excited again, and also pretty scared!

As I write this, I am sitting in my room in my apartment. This has been so much fun. Moving in, decorating, and being "grown up". Classes start Monday, kinda nervous about that, but I'm sure all will go well.

Pahrump

2009-07-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

So this week has been really busy! We had Boomerang Express VBS at one church from 9-12. Then we had Club VBS at another church from 1-3. Then we had youth VBS at the first church from 6-9. It was insane, but soooo much fun! We've learned new games and met so many new people.
Tonight, the third, we went to the park and watched the fireworks. Not real sure why Pahrump celebrates the 4th of July on the 3rd, but oh well...it was fun!
Next week all 6 of us are going to be staying in one house...the same house us girls have been in this week. The family is great. They cut up with us and everything. So, we'll be staying in Pahrump again, but working with a different church. Guess what we're doing? Boomerang Express...yay...:/ haha. I'm sure it'll be great. At night us 6 are splitting up and 3 of us are going back to the church to do youth and the other 3 will be going to a Spanish church. No, I'm not going to Spanish church. My Spanish consists of putting an "o" on the end of words. The door-o. Can I have a drink-o? See, not that good at it...
It's been a month since I've seen my house and my family. It's been hard at times, but for the most part, I'm doing fine. I can't wait to see everyone again in another month though. I have mixed emotions about our time. In one case it's like Dang, I've been out here for a whole month! But in another case, it's like Dang, it's only been a month. I want it to end, but then again, I don't. It's going to be hard to leave here and leave my team.
Happy Fourth of July! So thankful to be living in a country that I can freely and openly worship my God. So proud of all the men and women who risk their lives for my freedom. Praise God for them!
Love yall!!

God of this city

2009-06-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

So we're back in Vegas. We are helping with Grace Baptist Church. This week we've mostly been doing work at their office. It's been fun though. It's just me and two other of my teammates, Joy and Mamie. Erika, Robert, and John are at a different church doing VBS. We're staying with the youth minister, his wife, and their 3 kids. They are so much fun. Tonight, they took us up to Sunrise Mountain. We got out and walked ontop of it a little bit. We got to see all of Vegas. It was purely amazing. He told us that 19 out of 20 people in Vegas are not saved. However, the Chris Tomlin song "God of this City" kept playing in my head. Even though more than 90% of the Vegas population does not know or believe in God, He still loves them.

"You're the God of this city. You're the King of these people. You're the Lord of this nation. You are."

Now for a few pictures....

This was our first day in Vegas. Just some of my teammates. Mamie, Joy, Robert.

Ahmeen. He is from Iraq. Ask him a question his answer was always "Yup."

Saroach. We played with the ball and paddle everyday!

These are some of the kids at the other apartment complex...

Ready for Boomerang Express VBS in Pioche!

We hiked up this mountain and sat around by the cross. We got to look out over all of Pioche and all the mountains. It was simply amazing.

Pioche

2009-06-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the VBS with the refugees. It was really hard to say goodbye to them. But I know that we planted the seeds that the association will help grow in them.
We got to Pioche, NV Thursday. Talk about a rural town. It took us at least 4 hours to get here from Vegas. It's only about 30 minutes from Utah though. I mean, this town makes Aberdeen look like Tupelo!
It's just us girls here and they've separated us. We're each staying with a different family. I'm staying with a couple that has 4 kids. The oldest one is in college, so she won't be there. Our house is in Caliente which is about 30 minutes from Pioche.
We start Monday doing VBS at Berean Baptist Church. I'm excited to get that started. Since Thursday we've really just been hanging out, doing a little sightseeing. We went to a big gorge Friday. Yesterday we decorated the church for VBS. Today we went to church and some of the ladies took me and Mamie to see some charcoal ovens. It's hard to explain, but they were huge! I have pictures I'll post later.
Well, we're about to eat supper. So I'll post again later. Love you!

VBS

2009-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at the office right now. We're getting ready for our first day of Club VBS with the refugees. I am so excited and so nervous. It's going to be hard to get everything so simplified for them. They can hardly speak English. But I know God has a plan for all of this. So if all they understand is to color this picture, then at least they'll have some of the Bible story to take to their house.
God has opened my eyes to new things here. We went to church on Saturday night. That was strange. And we had it in the high school gym. It was awesome. It's not like the "cookie-cutter" image of church we have back home. There were all different kinds of people coming together for one purpose and that is to praise our awesome God! We had church Sunday morning in a cafe.
My mom is having surgery today. It's really hard not being with her at this time. She's my best friend. I know everything will be ok, it's just that I want to be with her, ya know?
Ok, I'm off to teach some Butanese and Asian kids about Daniel in the Lion's Den! Hooray!
Love you all!

Viva Las Vegas

2009-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

So this is my first blog...I'm not sure if I like it or not yet, I'll let you know. There probably won't be anyone to read this, but I guess I'll have it for myself...
Well, I am in Las Vegas Nevada right now. I never thought that I would be called to do summer missions, but here I am. I am so grateful for this opportunity God has given me. I got here Thursday, May 28th. So far there are 3 other girls with me and a guy. We're getting another guy in Sunday. It's been a lot of fun so far.
We went to Vietnamese church Sunday and ate lunch with them. We wore headphones and had a man translate the sermon for us. It was hard to watch the preacher preach and try to understand the translation. But seeing the Vietnamese people worship and being able to worship with them was great. They were so kind and so welcoming. It was definitely an expierence.
Monday was the start of the new refugee ministry. This is going to be a big thing here. And I am so blessed to have been here for the very beginning of it. Mr. Tom and Mrs. Cynthia (they work with the Nevada Baptist Association and we girls are staying at their house) along with some others, worked with the refugee adults. They teach them simple things, like how to use a stove or what to put in ziplock bags. Common knowlege for us, but things that they have never had to do or get used to. We, on the other hand, get to entertain their kids. Now, I have entertained a lot of kids in my day, but I've got to say, this has been the most fun I've had entertaining them, like ever. We can hardly pronounce their names, the youngest kids can't speak English, the older ones don't understand some of the things we say either. But the older kids help the younger ones when we ask them something. They get so excited with stickers and crayons and balloons it's not even funny! We go to two different apartment complexes and do the same thing with different people. By the time we finished with the first group, they were calling me "sister". I thought that was the most precious thing ever. Then when I thought about it, how true is that? We are all brothers and sisters in Christ no matter how different we are. It was amazing to say the least. We'll be doing this all week with the different kids. Next week we'll be with them again, but doing a VBS. I'm excited for that too.
So as you can see, Vegas is great. I love my team. They are all so special. We got to see some of the sights our first night. We're going souvenir shopping Saturday. Yay!
If you will please continue to pray for us this summer. It's hot and the days are so full and long we are exhausted by the time we get home. And even though these games we play with the kids are boring to us, they get such joy out of it. And that's all that matters. Pray for the refugees too. I never knew what all they had to go through to get here and then what all they have to continue to go through to stay here. It's heartbreaking.
So for my first post, this was a pretty long one. I hope to try to keep up with this throughout the summer.
Thanks for reading! I love you all!