The first week of our Poland trip consisted of Kenji and I going to Lodz for Real Action. This is a week of service where several hundred people from the states as well as Europe renovate homes and public areas for the community. The team we were placed on was renovating several rooms in an orphanage. This week was very trying for both Kenji and myself as God was teaching both of us patience and love for the unloving. Several mornings we walked in to freshly painted rooms to see them basically torn down. The director of the orphanage would come in every night and if something wasn't to her liking then she would have the maintenance guy (the sweetest Polish man you'll ever meet) pull the paint off to have us plaster and paint again. It became very trying when a group of people are working really hard and not pleasing anyone.
On the positive side, there are about 8-10 kids at the orphanage while we were working who became very fond of us, Kenji especially. (I will post pictures later when I have more time to upload them. ) These kids were so sweet and helped us paint whenever there was an opportunity, though they didn't know much English and we didn't know much Polish we taught eachother what we could and gave many hugs. They also gave us many gifts (toys from their room) to remember them by. Though some of the adults didn't find much joy from our work, we are all confident that for the rest of the years these kids have in this place they will remember the love and joy we shared.
At the end of the week we put on a concert in the big downtown area of the city. Many people came including the kids from our project as well as some residents from the houses we renovated. It was a great opportunity for the people whom we served to hear the Gospel in a more direct way and celebrate the end of the week with us. Just like last year, many friendships were made between Americans and Polish people all with the hope and promise to return next year.
I can not describe to you how amazing it is to serve alongside strangers in the world but family in the spirit. It surprises me how often we forget the strong bond that unites us in Christ.
Currently we are in the first day of English Camp - so far so good. Please be praying for the relationships with the kids as well as our English lessons. Thank you all for your support anf love. Promise to post pictures soon!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
On our way...
Friends and Family, I write as we prepare to set off on our journey back to Poland. Its exciting and scary at the same time. I'd appreciate prayers for my flight anxiety and that I don't lose sight for the reason of going. Love you all and I covet your prayers. Thank you, and I look forward to updating you all on our first days there!
May the Lord bless every one of you!
May the Lord bless every one of you!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
pictures of my puppy
We found this bottle on the street coming home from the park. It was just too funny so I had to take a picture!
Kenji's Christmas present
This is how she sleeps...
She is just super cool with my shades on. I want to get her her own pair of hot pink glasses.
On our road trip from Roseville. Sadie looking out at one of the channels we crossed.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Pictures from the Dog Whisperer
Cesar, Kenji and myself. We didn't purposefully match. Thats just how good we are!
Daddy....One of the coolest moments of my life. This dog is one of my heroes.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Dog Whisperer
For me the day started off at 6:00am, I woke up with a stomach ache and nerves. Took a shower and did my hair and make-up for the first time in a couple of months.
The crew arrived at 8:30 but didn't come inside until 9:06 so for 36 minutes I was pacing and waiting for them to come to the freaking door. I was unbelievably nervous.
They finally came to the door and a train of 6 people came in and filled the living room with Sadie barking up a storm in the background. They explained the game plan and began filling the house with filming equipment. Chris (one of the video guys) filmed Sadie's behavior, trying to get her to be affectionate with Kenji, myself and Laura. It didn't work so well. We filmed her barking and taking treats then went off to the park where he filmed her off leash. She was a lot more friendly with him there and with the rest of us. She also attacked Duke when I gave him attention. After that we went back to house for the interviews.
I was first --got in my chair and had the make-up lady "powder my nose" I felt like a movie star, all mic-ed up, crowded with bright lights and getting my make-up done. My interview lasted about 20 minutes where I told the many stories of my beloved dog. Then it was Kenji's turn, then Laura's.
All of our interviews required serious furniture adjustments so make sure to look for them when you watch the episode.
After all of the interviews were done the room was re-arranged one last time --this time though, it was for the big consultation with Cesar. The 3 of us waited patiently for him (he was getting his make-up done) when he walked in. It was amazing -- he looked just like he did on the show, but he was in my living room, and she shook my hand! he sat down, adjusted his mic and we began with the infamous "How can I help you?" question.
I began and we had a pretty lengthy conversation about Sadie's behaviors, the history of dogs, roles of people and dogs and so on. Not sure how much of it will be used for the actual show....we shall see. After the cameras were turned off we continued our converstaion for about 15 minutes or so where Cesar began to hit me where it hurt. He revealed a lot of stuf about me and my selfish desires. That in a relationship you need to care about what the other person, in this case, other dog, cares about and what they need to make them happy. I was completely called it. I wasn't caring or even thinking about Sadie really needed. I was a typical owner, I was part of the problem.
It was lunch time where I had time to think about everything he said and get in the mindset I needed to be in - Pack Leader.
An hour or so later they came back and Cesar walks in the house with none other than Daddy. I just about cried. I was more starstruck with him than I was with Cesar! Sadie and Duke did their introductions where Daddy just showed the way. He put them in their place when they needed to be and tolerated them when it was okay. He walked around our house and Sadie followed while Cesar described the behavior that was taking place.
About 15 minutes later Sadie came and sat at my feet completely calm and then laid down. In front of EVERYONE! It was great to see her so relaxed in front of a room full of strangers. We talked some more and he gave us pointers on what behavior is good to reward and what isn't.
Kenji and I then left so Laura could work on things while we were "gone". 15 minutes later we came back in and saw her socializing outside with all of the people. Amazing. Cesar again shared some pointers and quizzed us. I think I passed....
We went back inside and then Sadie followed. And came and laid down at our feet again. Amazing.
We went into my room to see how she acts when she gets territorial. He corrected her staring and pre-attack behavior. It was great to have my eyes open to behavior I never noticed before.
It was at that moment where he said he was done. That Sadie was an "easy" case and things should be good from here on out. Amazing! While the crew was setting up for the last interviews Kenji and I had a chance to talk with him about somethings which was great. He was such a great, easy going guy. He did his last remarks while we went out and took pictures with Daddy, came back in took pictures with him and then he went on his marry way.
He left us with a signed copy of his book "A Member of the Family", a DVD of Mastering Leadership, T-shirts and a "perscription" where he wrote down all of the things we talked about and then signed it.
So Great. The show is suppose to air sometime in 6 months. In 2 months Todd (the field producer) will be out again to film our "follow up".
I'm so happy with things that happened today. Cesar helped so much, in my personal life and in the life with Sadie. I can't wait to do more things with her and hopefully eventually train her to be a therapy dog.
The crew arrived at 8:30 but didn't come inside until 9:06 so for 36 minutes I was pacing and waiting for them to come to the freaking door. I was unbelievably nervous.
They finally came to the door and a train of 6 people came in and filled the living room with Sadie barking up a storm in the background. They explained the game plan and began filling the house with filming equipment. Chris (one of the video guys) filmed Sadie's behavior, trying to get her to be affectionate with Kenji, myself and Laura. It didn't work so well. We filmed her barking and taking treats then went off to the park where he filmed her off leash. She was a lot more friendly with him there and with the rest of us. She also attacked Duke when I gave him attention. After that we went back to house for the interviews.
I was first --got in my chair and had the make-up lady "powder my nose" I felt like a movie star, all mic-ed up, crowded with bright lights and getting my make-up done. My interview lasted about 20 minutes where I told the many stories of my beloved dog. Then it was Kenji's turn, then Laura's.
All of our interviews required serious furniture adjustments so make sure to look for them when you watch the episode.
After all of the interviews were done the room was re-arranged one last time --this time though, it was for the big consultation with Cesar. The 3 of us waited patiently for him (he was getting his make-up done) when he walked in. It was amazing -- he looked just like he did on the show, but he was in my living room, and she shook my hand! he sat down, adjusted his mic and we began with the infamous "How can I help you?" question.
I began and we had a pretty lengthy conversation about Sadie's behaviors, the history of dogs, roles of people and dogs and so on. Not sure how much of it will be used for the actual show....we shall see. After the cameras were turned off we continued our converstaion for about 15 minutes or so where Cesar began to hit me where it hurt. He revealed a lot of stuf about me and my selfish desires. That in a relationship you need to care about what the other person, in this case, other dog, cares about and what they need to make them happy. I was completely called it. I wasn't caring or even thinking about Sadie really needed. I was a typical owner, I was part of the problem.
It was lunch time where I had time to think about everything he said and get in the mindset I needed to be in - Pack Leader.
An hour or so later they came back and Cesar walks in the house with none other than Daddy. I just about cried. I was more starstruck with him than I was with Cesar! Sadie and Duke did their introductions where Daddy just showed the way. He put them in their place when they needed to be and tolerated them when it was okay. He walked around our house and Sadie followed while Cesar described the behavior that was taking place.
About 15 minutes later Sadie came and sat at my feet completely calm and then laid down. In front of EVERYONE! It was great to see her so relaxed in front of a room full of strangers. We talked some more and he gave us pointers on what behavior is good to reward and what isn't.
Kenji and I then left so Laura could work on things while we were "gone". 15 minutes later we came back in and saw her socializing outside with all of the people. Amazing. Cesar again shared some pointers and quizzed us. I think I passed....
We went back inside and then Sadie followed. And came and laid down at our feet again. Amazing.
We went into my room to see how she acts when she gets territorial. He corrected her staring and pre-attack behavior. It was great to have my eyes open to behavior I never noticed before.
It was at that moment where he said he was done. That Sadie was an "easy" case and things should be good from here on out. Amazing! While the crew was setting up for the last interviews Kenji and I had a chance to talk with him about somethings which was great. He was such a great, easy going guy. He did his last remarks while we went out and took pictures with Daddy, came back in took pictures with him and then he went on his marry way.
He left us with a signed copy of his book "A Member of the Family", a DVD of Mastering Leadership, T-shirts and a "perscription" where he wrote down all of the things we talked about and then signed it.
So Great. The show is suppose to air sometime in 6 months. In 2 months Todd (the field producer) will be out again to film our "follow up".
I'm so happy with things that happened today. Cesar helped so much, in my personal life and in the life with Sadie. I can't wait to do more things with her and hopefully eventually train her to be a therapy dog.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
running
Have you ever felt that you just want to run away? And keep running until you find yourself in a completely new place, with new people and new expectations? This has been my dream for the last week.
Though I know God is faithful and good and gives everlasting joy I still find myself overwhelmed with depression and guilt. How do I chose what to do?
My heart is torn between loves
My mind is torn between thoughts
and My body is torn between places.
Will I ever have peace about one thing in my life? Will God ever give me a break from this anxiety and grief? What sin have I welcomed into my life that has left me with this sort of pain? How can God free me from it? How can I follow him knowing that I will hurt other people?
Jesus take me up to the heavens so I can be made whole.
Though I know God is faithful and good and gives everlasting joy I still find myself overwhelmed with depression and guilt. How do I chose what to do?
My heart is torn between loves
My mind is torn between thoughts
and My body is torn between places.
Will I ever have peace about one thing in my life? Will God ever give me a break from this anxiety and grief? What sin have I welcomed into my life that has left me with this sort of pain? How can God free me from it? How can I follow him knowing that I will hurt other people?
Jesus take me up to the heavens so I can be made whole.
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