journeys.

Let me start be saying thank you. I know I have said it before, but seriously THANK YOU. I have been so encouraged by so many people, so many facebook messages, goofy videos, imessages, emails, hits on my blog, and skype chats. You have been so encouraging to me. So, now I return the favor.

Since being here I have been reminded the impact a person can have on their community, neighborhood, church, family, co-workers, and friends. Today in church, (yes, church where I wore headphones to listen to the sermon translated to english....very cool. I did feel goofy wearing big headphones in church) a story was told of a man who received a bible. He was an addict and didn't have much use for the book so he passed on to his girlfriend. In the same boat, she passed it on to her brother. Her brother took an interest in it and decided to read. And there his relationship with Jesus began. He did not keep this a secret and shared his new found life with others and soon he had 18 of his close friends and family, including his sister and her boyfriend experiencing God's grace as well. God used this one man to impact so many.

And I know this story can seem cheesy, and in a way typical, heard it all before. But I think we have to look beyond that to see how God works through us. He is a relational God and works through our relationships. He may use our words, deeds, and actions to show people his grace and love. And this makes sense because these are the people we see all the time, we share life with these people, there are commonalities, trust, shared culture, and memories. It's natural. And yes, God calls some people to share the gospel to far places, unknown territory. But for the majority of christians the mission field is in your hometown, work, child's schools, campus, and backyard. And that is exactly what God calls you, us, me, we to be.
                                                      ..........................................

OK, this is a blog I wrote along time ago but never thought it was finished because I felt I couldn't put into words what I wanted to say. Until I read an article which basically said everything I wanted to in a very perfect way....so let me get out of the way and PLEASE read this article. 

                                          Here it is: We need Boring Christians. 

Poland in the Summer.

Please, let me tell you what is happening in Poland this summer.....CAMPS! Lots of summer camps! Arka, the school I work at, holds a english summer camp and they are in need to native speakers for the camp. There are three camps, each camp a week long. They are in need to native speakers for any or all of the camps. So, does this make your heart beat fast? Or just sound like a great opportunity? Well if you are above the age of 16 and can speak english good....I mean well...then you are welcome to join in the fun this summer.

Please check out the website where you will find more information about the camps. WEBSITE Link! Also, feel free to contact me with more questions, I would love to hear from you!

There goes February.

It looks like February has flown by and it snuck out without a single posting from me. It has been so long I even had to log into blogger because they didn't remember me. I would like to say Hello again and I'm still here. I hope you are as well.

February really has completely flown by and I am beginning to realize that May will be here before I know it. How does that happen? In September, I remember thinking that May was lightyears away and now it is just around the corner.

In the month of February I realized how very clueless and go with the flow I am here. Now, let me explain this cluelessness before my brothers makes fun of me for this statement. :)

I really realized this when my friend Ali came to visit me. We were walking around the town and she would ask me why people do this, or why that is there, what is that for, what did they say. And my response was always, "I have no idea." She soon found out that this indeed was true. But there is a trick to this.....you must act like you know what is going on. For example, Ali was impressed with my language skills at the check out register. I would answer the lady's questions and act like I knew what I was doing. However, I am just assuming I know what the woman is talking about and hoping I answered appropriately. It's actually a big accomplishment if I can get through a whole transaction without the person knowing I don't speak much polish. It's like I am tricking them.

I further realized this when I went on a ski trip with a few Polish women. They would fill me in of their conversations and their plans. But sometimes they would forget to tell me where or what we were going to do next, which was ok because I just followed right along. There were a few times I would ask what we were doing and they would laugh and apologize for forgetting to inform me.

I have learned that yes it is nice to know what is going on, but sometimes it is nice to sit back and enjoy where life takes you! And it is ok to have no idea what is happening. haha.