.The Sweet Exchange.

A New Blog

2007-10-19T03:58:00.001+02:00

I am leaving the blogspot world and going to worldpress.org

Check out my new blog

CLICK HERE or go tohttp://ashleymarble.wordpress.com/

I have fallen off the face of the earth....

2007-08-01T00:36:00.000+02:00

Well.....it is a long time past due...but I am just stopping by to say that I have made it back to America (threeish weeks ago!) and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I actually just drove into Plano- my new home. I will update better later. Just wanted to drop a note to say that I have not fallen off the face off the earth...I will update soon.

Picture updates

2007-07-05T01:08:00.000+02:00

I have picture updates.

If you want to see an album of the time I spent with Jac click HERE.

If you want to see updates of my last 25 days in Switzerland click HERE.

My bags are packed and each weight 49.95 pounds:-) There are a few things left to pack but it looks like it is going to make it. Tomorrow I am spending the day in a cute little town in France. I will be with a local church that is in France. Their intern team is having a day away and they invited me. This is a chance for them to spend some time alone...away...with the Lord. It is convenient that it worked out this way for me. I am excited!

THEN....Friday morning I will be getting on a plane home. It isn't reality yet. Soon enough it will be!

Packing

2007-07-04T00:24:00.000+02:00

Well...one bag is packed weighing in at 49.95 pounds.....the limit is 50lbs. So that is the good news.....the bad news is that I still have a HECK OF A LOT of stuff to fit into one more smaller suitcase....and two carry on's. Hmm.......we will see how this all works out. Needless to say I am giving up for the night and going to bed!

I said two goodbye's today that were sad:-( Laurance Sprott and Lexie Luedtke. I am going to post about them later....

2 days....WEIRD!!!!!

4 days left

2007-07-02T12:18:00.000+02:00

I can't believe it. I only have four days left in Switzerland. Well...only three and a half now. I was going to jam pack it with some stuff but I am not going to do that now. I just want to sit back...take it all in...spend time with people etc. etc. I am very excited about returning to the states...nervous...but excited. I am not sad about leaving Switzerland...I have mixed emotions. This place is BEAUTIFUL and there are a handful of people that I am going to extremely miss.

Maybe I will update again about all of this. But for now I need to go enjoy my days in good ol' Swiss Land!

Jac's Pics......

2007-06-27T22:41:00.000+02:00

Things are NEVER dull when you spend time with Jac Pizzini!!!!!

Jac and I have been having a blast.....

To check out her picture albums click HERE (1)....HERE (2)
to check out the pictures I added to my album click HERE!!!

13 days:-(

2007-06-23T09:55:00.000+02:00

I have added more pics to my album. Check them out here!!!!

It is official.....time is running out. SO SAD! I am glad that Jac is here to spend it with me! She arrived yesterday in Zurich. We had lunch in Zurich and then headed back to the Geneva area. She helped me do games for Corpus last night and then we all went out after youth last night. I love having her here! Today we are spending time in Geneva and then heading to two different year end parties. Good thing she is not shy!!!!!

I have so many mixed emotions about leaving. I don't want to leave this beautiful place and there are several people that I wish could just come home with me! BUT...I am so excited to be home....10 months...what the!?!?!?!? EAK!!!!! A couple of days ago I went on a hike with a group that is in Geneva for the summer to do some mission work. We went to France and had a FANTASTIC day! Who wouldn't in this scenery!

17 days left....really?

2007-06-19T07:39:00.000+02:00

This is SO STRANGE!? I leave Swiss Land in 17 days. I am in tourist mode:-) Wait...I am not sure I ever left that mode:-) I bought some practical souvenirs yesterday. Practical meaning some swiss sticky notes....I LOVE those things!!!

My friend Jac Pizzini is visiting on Friday. O MY GOSH.....I can't believe it! I met this girl when she was just finishing the 8th grade:-) Now she is 17 and about to go into her senior year of high school. She is one of my best friends:-) I can't wait to see this girl and hear about her year.

Her coming is extra special because not only is she my friend, but I have been her intern for the past three summers in Mansfield, Texas. She has taught me so much about working with young people, being their friends, and learning what it means to meet their needs. She has a lot to do with why I am in Switzerland and I thank her for that. So, it will be exciting to have her here and let her see what she has influenced me to do!

My brother...

2007-06-15T09:41:00.001+02:00

Here is an update on the project my brother is working on for the summer...

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5391309

My last 25 days....

2007-06-11T12:09:00.000+02:00

If you want to follow me and the happenings of my life for the last 25 days I have in the great land of Swiss Click Here!!!!

Update

2007-06-11T10:52:00.000+02:00

Today our YFC team leaves for Ovronnaz, Switzerland. It is about an hour and a half outside of Geneva up in the Alps. We are spending three days together to debrief the year. It is so weird to think that when I get back my time in Geneva will be short lived. I hate the fact that I am leaving SWITZERLAND....I am going to miss this place. There are many things I am excited to leave....but not the place!!!!

One thing that has been such a blessing to me the past several months has been a friendship with a girl named Anne-Lydie. She is from Canada and moved here to pursue her passion of sewing through a three year apprenticeship. Several months ago I found out that she would be going to India for an extended amount of time to work with local Christian organizations. She will go there to observe and learn from various experiences where sewing is used in vocational training to improve the lot of poor women's families and share Christ with them. She will also be listening to see how this will later be integrated with her future work and ministry.

This girl is simply amazing. She asked me to be on her accountability team, helping her prepare for her trip. It has been such a fun thing to be a part of!!! There are seven others involved. We have met several times to help Anne-Lydie prepare...ask her hard questions...pray for and with her...and eat great food together!!!!!!!!!

Last night we had our last meeting because everyone will be parting their own way as of this summer. We had a sweet time of prayer and enjoyed an authentic Indian meal! Above is a picture of Sam and I eating the meal! You eat it all with your hands...not even kidding! It was a fun night!

If you are interested in learning more about Anne-Lydie, her trip, or how you could even participate please contact me. You can check out her blog too! The address is www.theindiatrip.blogspot.com She is currently studying for her last exams so she will not be updating for a bit....but keep watching!

One Month!!!

2007-06-06T07:27:00.000+02:00

O MY GOSH...o MY gosh!!!!!

One month from today I will actually be in AMERICA. Seriously this seems so strange to me. I am SO excited. EAK!!!!!!!!!

Updated Pics....

2007-06-03T23:30:00.001+02:00

Hey...here are some updated photo albums!!!

Added from the Church Retreat and other random time with Westalkers....click here.

I also added some Spring Scenery to this album....click here.

Here are pictures of Danya's Sweet Sixteen and the Youth Cookout...click here.

It is getting VERY bittersweet to leave these people.

Where did the time go?

2007-06-02T10:02:00.000+02:00

Wow...

I have a small little calendar that I received as a gift for Christmas. I made it my little countdown calendar. I woke up this morning and all of a sudden I realize I only have 35 days left here. EAK! I am so so mixed with emotion. I seriously can't wait to be home with friends and family.

But.....

I have never really had to leave anything behind before. I have moved away from family and friends...I have left a wonderful job and experience in Mansfield...I graduated from college and left many memories and friends. But with all things I have left there has always been a return or an expecting reunion.

It is different with my life here in Switzerland. One, I have experienced this time alone. Ok...not like alone alone...but much of this year has been spent in solitude...sometimes a choice and sometimes it just happened. I have traveled alone, discovered alone, processed alone (not all the time...but the alone times have occurred more than community times). So the experience is mine and I will only be able to share it with others. That in itself is AMAZING...but it is different when you experience something with someone else...that way whenever you are missing it you just go to them and spend the time reminiscing. I guess this is where skype, email and extra phone calls to valued friends here will come in!

Two, Switzerland is across the ocean from America, my soon to be home. I know I can jump on a plane and visit...but it is a little harder than that. I am realizing as I am starting the good bye process that I will never see some of these people again in my life. I look out the window and realize it will be a while before I get to see the amazing Alps again. My heart is very much here. Imagine what it is like to invest your whole self into something for ten months....a close friend, a marriage, a job...etc. I have put all of me into this year...and this year has been extremely emotional and transforming. When emotions and transformation takes place you are attached for forever. And now I am leaving...leaving across an ocean...in 34 days.

There have been a lot of hard days. I have been doing a lot of reminiscing as I think about leaving. There are days that I just desired to be away from this place. There are afternoons I longed to be with family and friends. There were months (for real) I went without a hug (you know...one of those hugs where you just KNOW the other person loves you). But I can't help but be thankful for every moment of it. I couldn't become the person I am intended to be without every day of the past, what will be ten months.

I don't want to overshadow the fantastic times with the hard times. This year has been a blast! I have some friendships that will last a lifetime! I have seen parts of the world I never thought I would. I have been transformed in many facets of my life. My relationship with my family members have strengthened so much. I have lived in the freaking Swiss Alps that radiate with God's glory! I have experienced a new way of thinking by living in a new culture. I have learned new modes of communication. I have also received new ideas for future youth work I do. And of course, a year like this does not allow for the absence of God to be active. I had a choice to engage, luckily I did. My relationship with the Father is a world different. I enjoy a new form of communication with him. I have learned to receive and give to him. There is just so much there!

Wow....

I just came to "announce" that I am coming home in 34 days....and a lot more came out!

Cowboys!!!!!!

2007-05-28T22:42:00.001+02:00

I am so very excited. I received an email from my brother today saying he had bought us tickets to the Cowboys game on August 18th. It is a pre season game against the Broncos. YEA!!!!! I miss the American Sports lifestyle! I CAN`T wait!!!!!

CORPUS PICS

2007-05-26T13:01:00.000+02:00

Jesse just updated his pics from Corpus. He has a sweet new camera and you can see the sweet new pics by clicking here!!! It was Taco Bravo night! Adios!

My brother

2007-05-26T00:11:00.000+02:00

I think that my brother is just the greatest! He is interning in Huston for the summer with Linbeck. It is a privately held nationwide facility solutions company offering a variety of services including program management, project management, and construction management services, with headquarters in Houston.

His summer project is the new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart being built. You can watch a video about it by clicking HERE. This is a picture of the predicted finished product!

Anyway...I am just proud of my brother...and I wanted to brag!

Deep in the heart of TEXAS!!!!!

2007-05-24T20:28:00.000+02:00

When I was five my family and I moved from West Texas to Nebraska. Ever since that day we have always wanted to move back. Not that we didn't like Nebraska. Growing up in Nebraska was amazing (I wouldn't have always said that), and God really used the time in Nebraska to grow us. We have a wonderful community in Christ there as well as many many many memories! It makes me happy thinking about it.

But growing up I just always wanted to move back to Texas. All my decisions have been directed toward that. I looked at schools in Texas....but only got to Oklahoma (again...an amazing time of life). I interned in Dallas....but ended up in Switzerland...WHAT THE HECK!

BUT GUESS WHAT!!!! The day is finally here! As of August 1st I will be a TEXAS RESIDENT! EAK! I can't wait!!!!! I know I know, it sounds ridiculous...it is just a state...but is it really!?!? HA! I actually was in a conversation with a man from Chicago. He even said Texas is just Texas...you can't really describe it. And I think they only way you will ever understand is if you are a Texan at heart! Ok, ok...I will stop because you non-Texan readers are rolling your eyes and thinking I am crazy!!!!

I can't wait to have my own place, get Texas license plates, put yellow roses in my own place, sing Deep in the heart of Texas at Ranger games, a Texas drivers license, and maybe even get a little accent going on!

Eak! I am so so so excited!!!!!!

"awe"

2007-05-21T12:17:00.000+02:00

I can't believe it....46 days left until I fly home:-(

I am in "awe" mode! Everything I do or see follows with an awe...I am so enjoying my time in Switzerland right now. The relationships are so rich as well as the time I spend with each person! I am very thankful!

EAK!!!! Time will go by way to fast!!!!

A Ministry of Hospitality

2007-05-17T11:44:00.000+02:00

Well....over the course of the past two-ish years The LORD has started and brought about a calling on my life. Just recently it has made sense! This vision is a ministry of hospitality to run out of my home.

I am not sure of the actualities of it...but I have TONS of ideas and I am really excited! I am also realizing that I do not know a lot about hospitality. I want to research it a lot! I want to see what it was like in the Bible! I also want to incorporate the hospitality of other cultures!

There are two basic aspects that I do not want to overlook...
1) Be Practical!! I could easily become consumed with the how to's and how not to's...or the business of it all....but if someone needs a home....give them a home....if someone needs rest...give them rest....if someone needs time....give them time! I think this can happen naturally but I want to seek out opportunities as well.
2) Focus on the people while creating a space where the Lord can work. There are many different avenues that this ministry could go down. I plan on being intentional, while at the same time allowing for natural things to take place. I hope that through this my words can be encouraging, my space can be a place of rest and rejuvenation, my food can be soothing:-), and most of all people will encounter the Lord in my home.

Needless to say I am SO very excited to get back to the States and have my own place (God willing!!!!!!). I am excited to see how God incorporates this into my life! I kind of get overwhelmed thinking about it!!!!! EAK!!!!!

If any of you have ideas, suggestions or you have heard of other stories let me know!

Church Retreat!

2007-05-14T23:10:00.000+02:00

The Church Retreat was fantastic...other than I am now sick because of something I ate???
For pictures from the retreat click here! Some you have already seen, go to the end!

The theme of the weekend was "Building Tomorrow's Church, Today." Fortunately and unfortunately I was not able to attend the sessions because Jesse and I had our own youth program to run. We carried on the same theme with the youth. We talked about their role in the church (universal church). We explored spiritual gifts and the purpose of such.

I left the weekend extremely encouraged! One, I love the Westlake kids! They are a great bunch that have a deep love and understanding for God's word. Two, I love working for Jesse and spending time with his family! They are a great encouragement and great friends to me! But three, I love the universal church that in this case, locally, has grouped itself as an organization of Westlake Church of Nyon, Switzerland.

I have always had a good experience with the organized church. I have seen things go wrong and I do understand that no church is perfect. BUT...I think that the creation of organized churches is a beautiful thing. I love the community it brings about when one decides to fully engage and give of themselves. I love the healing that can take place. I love the encouragement and growth. I even appreciate the rough and ugly times because it sharpens character and brings about growth. I hope that in someway I am able to continue my work within a church.

Corpus Pics...

2007-05-11T12:42:00.000+02:00

I forgot to include some other pictures from Corpus. Go to the end of this album for new pictures!

Click Here!!!

I leave today for a Church Retreat weekend in France...look for some fun pics when I get back!

Suprises...

2007-05-11T12:06:00.000+02:00

56 Days and Counting!!!! I will be back in the United States of America on July 6th....I am very excited! BUT....I was in for a surprise yesterday.

I just spent seven days traveling alone (which I would highly recommend) in Paris and Athens. Please check out my pictures by clicking here (Paris) and here (Athens)! But this is where the surprise as I was flying back into Geneva.

Let me give you a little history. I have left Geneva several times this year weather it was for a little holiday or for work stuff. Every time I returned it was a little depressing. After you have been away from home you are just ready to get into your house...shower and relax where you feel most comfortable...and up until now Geneva has never been that for me. To be honest it has been a place of growing pains.

But...yesterday, as I flew in I had just woken up to see the Alps out of the plane window. WOW! It is always nice to see them when you have been away for a while. Then all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit.

I am not quite sure the intricacies of what God was trying to communicate to me. The one thing that I did come away with was the understanding that Geneva has been a place of tremendous growth for Ashley Marble...and it is deeply transforming- developmentally as a person and spiritually. At that moment I was able to look from the outside in to see a little of what has happened over the past 8 months.

I think it was a culmination of being away, alone for seven days and then returning to a place that for the next two months will be home.

Lately, I have realized that I haven't been completely me in Geneva. There are many sides to Ashley Marble that just haven't come out here. I think this is due to things like the language constraint, money constraint, the lack of independence, and so on. While I was away, for the first time, I really felt like myself! I am not sure why...other than I didn't have some of the constraints like money...language for the most part (I was around TONS of Americans..and I LOVED it!)...I was completely independent being on my own. Lately I have been really trying to get back to being me..and I think my trip helped!

All of this makes me really exited to finish strong these last 56 days! It also makes me really excited to enter my natural element in the states being a different person! Wow...what will that look like? Two worlds colliding...I am sure it will in itself bring about more growing pains...but hopefully in a refreshing way!

i'm off...

2007-05-02T16:04:00.000+02:00

Working on the farm pays off! Thank goodness for working at Petersen Farms before I came. I was able to save up enough money and tomorrow morning I fly to Paris!!!! The next day to Athens and then four days later back to Paris for a day and a half. Super excited! I will post pictures when I return!!!!

I haven't kept up with my blog much this semester. It has just been SOOO busy. Things have slowed down more...but now it is crunch time (only 65 days left)...there are so many students I want to spend more time with. It is different this time as well...it isn't like I am three hours away and I can come back on the weekends...there is an ocean! HA!

Anyway...things are going well post Kosovo and post Jesse being away for two months. I have had a chance to hang out with several students that went on the Kosovo trip and it is nice to have a regular schedule at church again!

The next two months will include a lot of BBQs and "hang out" time with kids! My favorite part of working with youth! Work=Play!

I am not sure what my future will look like after I leave Switzerland. I would love to start a job August 1st. We will see...I haven't even started to look!

Shoot me an email and let me know how you are doing!

I am a mess!

2007-04-27T11:03:00.000+02:00

Am I loosing it?????? The above picture is a great display....

WOW! In the course of two weeks...

My computer has broken and been fixed a total of two times.........
I have lost my sunglasses....someone found them for me.....
I deleted 2000 songs off of my itunes.....I recovered some of them for $25
I deleted some of my Kosovo pictures....that can't be recovered...
I lost my Nalgene in Kosovo....
I made the decision to move back to the States in July....

But...life goes on...right! Technology can be a blessing and a curse...as well as self:-)

I have finally posted my Kosovo pictures. Click HERE to see them.

Just today was the first time I looked at the pictures. It was a great time of reflection! I have been processing so much stuff lately that I hadn't made the time and space for Kosovo. This really was a life changing trip for me. It has influenced me spiritually and vocationally. My heart has expanded for those that have less (spiritually and monetarily). I hope that whatever comes up in my future I am able to incorporate these passions and desires.

We had an amazing group of students! They worked so hard, never complaining! I was impressed with their maturity in difficult situations. We have our reunion Saturday night! I am looking forward to seeing the students again...I thouroughly enjoyed them! I am hoping that for the last two months of my time here some of the relationships will really flourish!

Life....

2007-04-17T22:51:00.000+02:00

I am alive...and so is my computer!!!!

YEA! My faithful friend Jason Brewer basically told me over the phone in about 15 seconds how to fix my computer...and IT WORKED!!!! WOW!!! I am not even going to vent how I spent 5 hours on the phone with Dell....and it took a matter of 2 minutes to have my computer fixed! Jason...maybe you have a new calling!!!

I am also alive. The trip to Kosova was really great. I dumped all of my pictures on someone else's computer so I do not have them back yet to post...but don't worry....they will come. When I have time to process everything I will post about it.

This is my week off and I am absolutely enjoying myself! In general I don't really like down time, but I do enjoy relaxing time! For those of you that know me well...you can probably guess what I have been doing...it involves my skin being a shade darker:-) It has been a good week to also do a little soul searching. It has been tough to shed some things but also rewarding to be enlightened once again by the creator! This has definitely been a year of development in our relationship....I like it!

Also, here is a picture for your enjoyment. It is of Lucy and Oscar...I live with them...as well as Patricia and Lindi. The new host home is great. I love it!

Kosova

2007-03-29T22:54:00.001+02:00

If you would like to stay updated on our trip
in Kosova please go to this link:

http://interyouth.wordpress.com

Once we get there and get things started we
will hopefully have video footage up every other day.

100 Years!!!!

2007-03-29T22:30:00.001+02:00

Today my great grandfather, Judd Davis (classic name), turns 100 years old. Can you imagine living for 100 years????? Tons of my family will overpopulate an under-populated West Texas town on Saturday to celebrate!

This guys is hilarious! He may be old...very old...but he is still so witty. One thing he loves to do is dance. That is probably my fondest memory of him! He asked my aunt the other day if she would find him a "lady friend" for his birthday so he could dance with her!

Another thing he does is quote scripture....or make up his own scripture. For instance...
"Blessed is the man that knows the way....and goes the way." Or here is another one, "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, because I lie down in green pastures and I love you." I mean, he is hilarious! He will also start to sing scripture...or what sounds like scripture but isn't!

He knows me as "the girl from Oklahaoma." He always asks me how my job as a teacher is going in Oklahoma. The second question is if I have any okie boyfriends. When I told him I was moving to Switzerland I had never seen him so mad in my life. He started to cry and tell me that I shouldn't be leaving my family like this. He is just so with it for 100 years old. Other than the fact that he still thinks I live in Oklahoma!

Happy Birthday Grandad!!!!

Kosova

2007-03-26T17:03:00.000+02:00

In 5 1/2 days I will be enduring a 30 hour bus ride to Kosova. WOW...not looking forward to that:-) Things have been so busy that I am just not starting to think about the actuality of the trip.

A lot of family have been asking me questions about Kosova...many of the same questions I received when coming to Switzerland. I received a "survival guide" that missionaries get when going to Kosova. I thought I would put some of this information I received on my blog for you guys to see.

First of all many may be wondering why I am typing KosovA instead of KosovO. Here is the reason! The Kosovar Albanians will say KosovA and not KosovO. This is because the former is the Albanian pronunciation and the latter is the Serbian way. Many prefer to be called Kosovar Albanians or simply Albanians instead of Kosovars. Kosova is the place they live, but their nationality is Albanian.

Also...where is Kosovo??? Here are several maps. Sorry for the disorganized layout:-)

The picture on the top left shows a picture of Eastern Europe. Locate the Pink/Purple country Serbia. You can see that it is just east of Italy across the Adriatic Sea. You can let it become more localized by looking at the picture on the top right. Serbia is surrounded by Romania, Croatia, Hungary, Bosnia, Albania etc. Then look at the picture on the bottom. It shows where Kosova is. If you enlarge the picture you will see a little place named Pec (Peya/Peja). That is where we will be. It is on the side towards the north eastern side of Albania also south of Montenegro.

What is Kosovo? Is it a country? Province, country, autonomous republic...? Kosovo has been most of these in its history. Before 1987 Kosovo was a self governing republic of Yugoslavia. In 1097 Kosovo became a province under the direct rule of Serbia. In 1998-1999, we saw the forceful deportation of Albanians by their thousands from the province by Serbian military forces. NATO subsequently authorized air strikes and by the summer of 1999, the Serbian military had been forced to retreat. I 1999, the UN given authority as an interim administration over the territory. So now it is officially a province of Serbia in Yugoslavia.

So there you have it! Some of your questions answered. I have a 25 page information guide...so I am sure if you have any more questions I can answer them:-)

Mission Possible

2007-03-26T16:50:00.000+02:00

Hi-

So every now and then I like to look for different resources that will help me learn more about youth ministry. (If you have any rescources you use let me know)

I came across one resource that I feel will affect me and the way I do ministry for forever; and I wanted to share it with you!

You can check the article out by clicking HERE.

The general idea of it is that we need to teach students by giving them meat and not milk (Hebrews 5:12-14)

"In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

The reason for this is because of what Christ says in the latter part of the "Great Commission" (Matthew 20:28).

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The man in the article (Tony), places an urgency on the idea that we, as youth workers, have a responsibility to teach doctrine to youth in the church. If you are interested to hear more of why he says this and his stance check out the article.

Another thing that he said that I really liked, that I want to practice, is doing the word and not just hearing the word. An example he gave was that his kids went to a Christian school (he didn't necessarily support sending kids to a Christian school) and as they were taught a principle of Christ's teaching; the following week they were given the chance to go and do what they had learned...for instance through a service project.

I was encouraged and inspired by this article. It gave me tons of ideas for my current ministry as well as what I will look for in a youth ministry when I am done here in Geneva.

Please leave any comments!!! I would love to hear them!

More Updates:-)

2007-03-25T14:39:00.000+02:00

The above picture displays the craziness in the weather. If you can tell behind all of the crazy snow there is a beautiful blooming tree! The weather had been amazing for like two weeks...and then boom...in came snow:-( But today is lovely once again...I am hoping it will stay this way.

I haven't been able to stay in touch as much as I would like these past two months. One...things have been super busy but two, something is wrong with my computer. Something with the internet. I think I have a virus...I just spent about 5 hours on the phone with Dell:-( What a great way to spend your day off..right? All that to say....So I am sorry that I havne't been able to post as much/email as much/call as much- it all involves my computer!

I am really starting to miss home...wherever that is! Not like before...likenot the home sick way, but I just can't wait to see people and be in a comfortable place! I know being home this summer for six weeks will not be as amazing as I am thinking...but I still can't wait! I am very eager! YEA!!!!!!

We leave for Kosovo a week from today. I have just now started to think about the implications of this service project. I am sure it will be enriching in many different ways. I am excited to see what happens in my life as well as for those in their life around me.

Well I am out....

Finally!

2007-03-21T22:14:00.000+01:00

Finally....some pictures! Above I am in a picture with two of my newest friends...Lucie and Leila!!!!!

Things have been rediculously busy. I am a naturally busy person and I usually thrive with stress...so when I say that I could do with out...I mean it! Things are great...just busyer than I would like!

We leave for Kosovo in ten days...WOW! I haven't even had time to process it. It is going to be a wonderful experience for many reasons.

As for pictures I have promised. Click on the following titles to pictures that have needed to go up since February!!!!

Snow Camp

Corpus updates

Visitors in Switzerland

Updates of Allston....

2007-03-12T22:59:00.000+01:00

Many of you may know my brother is on his spring break in Mexico right now. He is a part of a Christian organization on his campus (UNK). I just wanted to update you on his arrival and plans. Please be praying for his time there! Below is an email I received....

Greetings from the UNK team!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Thank you for your many thoughts and prayers as we have embarked on this journey to Mexico. We are finally here and made it safe and sound. Here is a glimpse of the trip from one of the students, Dru Wehrs.

"Once we were in Mexico, things instantly changed. The streets became narrower, the buildings were smaller, and the language barrier became instantly evident. Who would've guessed that an 'e' with a line through it meant 'no parking.' The people of Mexico have a capacity for love and caring that no town in America can come close to imitating. These people drive 20 year old cars, if they even have one, live in houses made from billboards, concrete, tin, and literally everything they can find. But you know what? They're happy. Imagine if 70 people who don't speak your language came to your house, and needed a place to sleep and food to eat. They welcomed us with open arms. A cliché that hardly starts to describe the love these people have.

The church services were interesting, almost amazing. We may not have understood what was being said, but one thing was for sure, the love of Christ is universal. Because we all read the same Bible, face the same problems and feel the same presence as the Words are being read. What I got from the Bible study, is the importance of family, and the problems they face, and that we have the love for each other and that of Christ. That love unites us and destroys any language or cultural barrier. No one can hide the love of Christ and no one can deny it even if you can't understand what's being said.

God has definitely been watching over our caravan. No one has gotten lost, separated, sick, injured, or put in any state of harm. At the two border crossings, the check point especially, He moved the hearts of the guards to let our convoy pass. We were held up for about an hour and a half as Greg Swinney and our Mexican friend Jose Julio negotiated with the border guards. When we knew things looked grim, our group joined in prayer and a small miracle happened. We loaded back in the vans and our drivers followed soon after. We were on our way to Nueva Rosita.

It isn't all that difficult to see God working in every aspect of this trip. His hand has guided our vans in safe travel. His words have been spoken and resounded in our hearts at the church services and His love is being shown through the kindness of the Mexican people."

Thanks again for your continued support throughout this mission experience. Please pray for continued safety and health on our work sites and unity among our group and the people of Mexico.

Dios le bendiga,
The Mexico Missions Team

Updates:-)

2007-03-02T17:58:00.000+01:00

There are so many things I wish I could have sat down and posted about. I have been ridiculously busy for several different reasons the past month and a half. Things have been going really well. As I sit back even just for a few seconds I am overwhelmed with joy with all of the blessings I have received recently! I hope you take time to read below to take note!

I am staying in Geneva for another year. WOW...did I really say that. If you would have asked me a month ago I would have said that I was going to move home for a while. Guess things change fast! It has been a fun decision to come to. I love Europe and I love my job. The only downfall is that there is an ocean between me and my family/friends. I arrive in the States on July 6th and I am sure I will hit the ground running to see everyone!!! I will be excited to share with you my past year as well as the year to come!

Snow Camps! My favorite time I have spent in Switzerland thus far has been my week with 30 students up in the mountains for a week of fun in the snow! It was so great! Going in I didn't know any of the students. It was a great week to form relationships. Unfortunately I do not have pictures up yet...but they will be hopefully in the next week or so. During the week we studied the book of Philippians. It seemed to be a great time for the students. Nine of them accepted Christ and there were others that were working through other parts of their faith journey. It was a privilege to be a part of that week.

I have a friend visiting! I am so excited. My friend Christy Williams is visiting from Arkansas. We graduated together from OBU. She will be here for a little over a week. She will do some traveling on her own while I work...but I am hoping to spend a lot of time with her. It will be so nice to be with someone familiar! You can pray for her safety as she travels. I also have a roommate from college visiting...hopefully! Blaire will be traveling through Switzerland on her way to Italy with a friend. If our schedules can work together we will meet up somewhere!

Our Spring Service Project is nearing. WOW...in less than one month YFC and Interyouth will be serving in Kosovo. It is going to be a great time. We are helping to refurbish a high school. From the sounds of it, the entire community is planning for our arrival! Please pray for our safety and for students to sign up!!!! If you haven't had a chance to read up on the details please look at my older posts!

I love working with youth! Ok...that may sound like I am stating the obvious. But God has really been working in my heart showing me about my love for younger people. He has given me this passion and I am excited to see how that is played out for the rest of my life!

Formation. My formation this semester has been different than the first several months here. I think that through trials God is forming me for future things. Not sure what they are or how that all works out in my life...but it is good and it gives me peace.

Good Luck Kelby!!!

2007-03-02T17:51:00.000+01:00

My Cousin made the girls basketball Texas State tournaments! Way to go Kelby!!!! Good luck and play hard. She will just have to make it her senior year so I can actually go!!!!

Ewe!

2007-02-28T08:35:00.000+01:00

I am not going to lie...I am not too impressed with the layouts from blogspot.com, I need suggestions! Is there anywhere else I can find a layout? Send suggestions my way!!!

More Kosovo Info...

2007-02-20T15:54:00.000+01:00

In less than 40 days we will be in Kosovo for our Spring Service Project!!!!! I am getting super excited about it!!!

In one of my earlier posts there is more information. But, I wanted to share some pictures i just received. Like I stated earlier we will be helping with the renovation of a high school. Here are some pictures of what the high school (in use daily) looks like. It is really cool because a group of leaders within the high school are who organized for us to come. The high school even re-arranged their spring break for us to come. It will be a community wide event...SUPER EXCITED!!!!

Well...that's it for now...but more to come:-)

ESPN!

2007-02-19T11:35:00.000+01:00

WOW....my cousin made ESPN magazine! In all my years playing basketball my only claim to fame are several championships, local news highlights and state newspapers....WAY TO GO KELBY! You have surpassed your cousin!!!! Sports are a HUGE part of my family so it is fun that my cousin made it in the magazine! You can read it here!!!!! My grandparents are even in a picture!

I miss my cousins:-( Only 4 1/2 more months till I see them!!!!!!!!

SP07- Kosovo

2007-01-30T14:58:00.000+01:00

I have mentioned this in short before, but April 1-12th YFC's Interyouth program is going on their annual Service Project. Here is a link of some pictures of Kosovo. There is a lot of information on this post...it is from our communication pieces we are sending out. Please take time to read it! Many of you that read my blog are my supporters, I would love for you to see how you are playing an active role!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5232280.stm

About SP07

This year’s trip to Kosovo is the 12th spring break service
project offered by Interyouth & YFC Geneva to international
young people in the lake Geneva region. Other destinations
have included Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, and
Poland. Service Projects take international young people for
one to two weeks to locations in Eastern Europe where there
are serious humanitarian needs. We plan to take approximately
75-80 students from the international communities of
Geneva and Lausanne. The service project experience
includes a series of practical renovation and building of
playground facilities within the local community around Peje,
Kosovo. There are also opportunities to be involved in leading
children’s camps, or international “jam sessions”. There will
also be the opportunity to join hands with local students, and
community leaders as we host “Make A Difference Day Peje”
with the local Rotary Club of Peje; working to help “clean-up”
the Peje community. The project will combine hard work, lots
of fun, and an opportunity to learn about a new culture while
developing leadership life-skills.

SP07 will provide students with special opportunities to
interact with the host culture in meaningful ways. Meals are
prepared by local people and our accommodations are in the
heart of the local community. As a team, we take occasional
outings to nearby places of interest. The last day of the trip is
spent debriefing in a city on the journey back home.

About Kosovo

Kosovo’s population is 2.1 million. Kosovo has one of
Europe’s poorest economies. Out of that, 40-50% of the
population is unemployed. Over the course of the 1990s,
poor economic policies, international sanctions, weak
access to external trade and finance, and ethnic conflict
severely damaged the economy. Until the implementation
of a zero tolerance policy, corruption was widespread. The
per capita income is estimated at €1,565 (2004). Kosovo's
economy remains weak with it’s main trading partners
being Macedonia and Montenegro. The city of Peje, at the
foothills of the “Albanian Alps” has a population of 95,000.
This clean city unfortunately bears the marks of years of a
policy of economic starvation, with many of the streets
being unpaved. The schools still bear the marks of the
1999 war with many inside walls badly in need of repair and
painting. The students are affected by the dingy and dilapidated
appearance during their daily classes. The attitude
among many young people is that Kosovo is going
nowhere and many cannot wait to graduate from high
school in order to join family that has immigrated to other
countries in Europe and the U.S. in search of a brighter
future. Working along side the young people of Peje, our
students will have the opportunity to bring hope to them,
and to make a lasting in contribution their schools and city.
SP07 will be working in association with the local high
school of Peje, the Rotary club of Peje, OSCE, and International
Teams who have all been working in the area for a
number of years. The network of local support includes
social workers, teachers, and governmental officials.

Purpose

-By participating in the Service Project students make a
practical difference in the lives of children and families
living in poverty and deprived situations.
-The Service Project provides rich learning experiences
that help shape character, values, awareness of the world
around, ability to work in teams, and builds leadership
capacity.
-One of the enduring benefits of the Service Project is the
opportunity it provides to build friendships with other
students through shared experiences while working hard
and having fun.

Daily Schedule
Most mornings and afternoons are spent working or spending
time within the local Peje community. Students are
organized into work teams with an adult leader(s) who
provides coaching, expertise, and supervision at all times.
There is usually free time in the late afternoon. In the evening,
there is Club and other activities to have fun debrief the day
together. The Club program includes games, humor, and a
wrap-up talk that enables the team to connect the day’s
experiences with their own personal growth and development.
After Club, there is plenty of time to relax before lights
out. During this time, Xplore Christianity, an optional caféstyle
discussion, moderated by an experienced youth
worker, will take place. YFC Geneva is a Christian organization
and therefore would like to offer interested students the
option to explore the story of historic Christianity and it’s
relevance for today. There are experienced leaders available
on the trip able to deal with issues of a pastoral or crosscultural
nature if required.

Dreams.....

2007-01-29T22:03:00.000+01:00

The other night I had a dream that I moved back to the United States. I was so irate with the people around me because they were not recycling everything! I was so fed up in my dream. I didn't get how the people around me didn't take the time to make the world around us a better place! I guess I am being impacted even in my dreams!!!!!

Ski Weekend

2007-01-29T00:13:00.000+01:00

This weekend I was in Grindelwald for a Rock Solid ski weekend. Rock Solid is a program that YFC assists in the Geneva area. I do not actually participate but I went along this weekend to help out! It was a blast! Isn't my new friend Alexandria cute! She wanted to wear my sunglasses! It was a fun weekend! to see a few pics click here!!

Leading the Way...

2007-01-24T15:53:00.000+01:00

Above is a picture of all the ladies I work with at the YFC office.
Bethany, Laura, Ester and Myself.
This picture doesn't have anything to do with this post...I just wanted to post a new picture:-)

Every month YFC hosts an area Youth Leaders Network meeting for the youth leaders in this area. It is a really valuable time to come together. Through the network we can share ideas, pray for each other's ministry and join together for combined youth events. It is a good thing. At the last meeting Andrew opened up with a part of scripture that has been a good driving force for me to start out this semester. The Lord continues to use it with me daily. I am reminded that unless I allow the LORD to go before me as I work it will all be in vain making the task tiring, more work and with less support. This verse applies to all areas of my life...my work in Geneva, my future, my relationships....... I hope it comes as an encouragement for you.

Psalm 127:1-2

Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

Unity in Experience

2007-01-22T16:17:00.000+01:00

Something I have enjoyed so much since being here is the unity I have found with friends traveling through the same life experiences as me! Two come to my mind!

One is my friend Emily Rose. She is serving in Lisbon, Portugal through the program "Journeymen". Her focus there is to Build relationships with University students, and share the love of Christ with them through a music platform. She is also learning Portuguese part time at the University of Lisbon. Emily and I lived on the same floor our freshman year at OBU. We never ran around with the same group of friends, but it has been a complete blast and blessing to reconnect with her while we are both serving as missionaries. It has been fun emailing with one another and share struggles, joys, new sights and ways the Lord is continually transforming us through a similar, but yet different experience!

My other friend is Michelle McBeath . Click on her name to see about her time away! We also became friends our freshman year of college and have been close ever sense. We lived together and worked together! It is a wonder we are still friends!!! She recently just started her journey with Adventures in Missions. She is traveling around the world for a year, to 11 different countries. In each place she will, with her team, help to meet the immediate needs of those they come into contact with. Through that she will share the love and joy of the Lord. It was really fun to email back and forth at the beginning of her process as I was fully emmersed in mine. She has been a great prayer support and encourager to me. She has been so thoughtful in her words to me that have guided me tons the last 4 months. I can't wait for the time when we are back together in the US and we can share the similarities and differences in our experiences.

Ice Skating

2007-01-20T14:59:00.000+01:00

This is very old information, but at least it is going up! In January the youth group had an ice skating afternoon. If you would like to see the pictures click here! You have to go to the end of the album...the pictures that come first are pictures I took back in the fall!

It is going to be a busy 5 1/2 months! Next weekend I am gone on a Youth for Christ Ski Weekend for younger students. I will be the chalet mom because my skiing skills are not quite up to par...yet!!!! In February I am gone for 2 weeks on two different snow camps with my church and another church. We will be teaching out of Philippians. We will be able to snow shoe, ski, sledge, ice skate and more!!!! In March, Jesse is in the US, so I will be doing as much as I can around the office. I also have two friends from college coming to visit, Blaire and Christy. In April we go on the YFC/Interyouth Service Project. We just nailed down the destination of Kosovo. There we will be helping to refurbish a high school. I will definitely have more info to come about this. We will be gone for 2 weeks! As for my own person time I am hoping to take a couple of leisure trips before I leave in July. BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!

Kindred Spirit

2007-01-19T23:50:00.000+01:00

A kindred spirit is someone who feels and thinks the way you do.

So there are many people that are in my life and we just "fit" together. Here is one of them! Jessica Lauren Stewart! I am thinking that if we would have been born at the same time and in the same town we would have been inseparable. Being away from her has made me appreciate her that much more!

We met when she had just come out of 6th grade (and now she is in high school...o my gosh!!!). I was interning for the first time in Mansfield. She wasn't even in the youth group yet. We met because her family was hosting another intern. We just hit it off!!!! Our first time to hang I picked her up and we went shopping...I think at Mardel. HAHAHA!!! Why in the HECK were we shopping there SILFL? I guess the rest is just history.

Here is where the similarities lie: We both think: trampoline's are wonderful, taking pictures, but we are no camera experts, we both have a desire to see and serve in the world, we both can't wait to hold hands with a boy. We love life and had never learned to ski (until I moved to Switzerland). We have joy in simple things. We like sunsets and sunrises, but theres nothing better than the stars. We think flowers are cute and we like t-shirts. Love it with the windows down and loud music. We like road trips, Football games, Baseball games, Letters in the mail, Cute pictures. We love our friends. We like it cold when we sleep. We always check behind the shower curtain when we go in the bathroom. We think every girl is deserving of an authentic romance and they should know they are lovely. We love to laugh and smile But we cry a lot.

The list could go on!!! But the thing I love the most is that our relationship has grown into a friendship, not an older intern, see you next summer, type thing. I love this girl...she is one of my kindred spirits!

SILFL!!!!!

It is a new year!!!

2007-01-08T00:02:00.000+01:00

Well...it is a new year! I am starting it off very excited. It all starts tomorrow! I leave for a work retreat. The YFC office I work with here in Geneva have our winter retreat. We recap the past several months and plan for the upcoming! It will be great! Not to mention we are going to be skiing. My first time ever. I sure hope I like it...otherwise it could be a long 6 months...ha!

My family just left. We had the most wonderful time! Below I have included my prayer email that I send out. Please keep these things in your prayers. And as always I would love to be praying for you. You can email me at ashleydmarble@gmail.com

...............................................................................................................................................................

After the holiday season I am really ready to get back into the swing of things with work! The next six months are going to be ever so busy...but so worth it! The past 3 1/2 months have been months of challenge, growth, new experiences, joy, hope and freedom.... it is a good foundation to hit it hard starting...TOMORROW! As I sit and reflect a hymn comes to mind. "How Great Thou Art." If you would like to read the words CLICK HERE.

I am emailing to ask each of you to pray for me in the upcoming 6 months as you have requested my prayer emails. Here are several highlights for you to pray over:

This week myself and the rest of the YFC staff have our winter staff retreat to recap the past semester and plan for the upcoming. Pray for us as we work through the year. Pray for community to continue to build. Please pray for us as we decide where God has us this upcoming year in the lives of students.
There are also several relationships that I really want to pour myself into. Pray for these 4 specific relationships.
My future: It is becoming clearer of where God is leading me for my future. Pray for continued confirmation as well as for good communication to take place and for God's continuous provision.
Please pray for me as I spend these next six months here in Switzerland; that several things would continue to form into habits. Being here has helped a lot with many strongholds in my life. I really want these things to STICK when I get back to the States...I know it will be hard.
Westlake Church. Westlake has been a more than welcomed community in my life. It is the church I am placed in. Please pray for their future and wellbeing as well as for the Wilson family (the pastor). Also praise for the church being such a great fit for me!

Family visit update

2006-12-31T10:21:00.000+01:00

My family is here and I am loving it! I just wanted to put up some pictures so everyone at home could see our time together. If you CLICK HERE you can see our pictures! And this is only of 4 days! Ten more to go!!!!!

AND...I wanted to post a HUGE THANK YOU to a couple of families in Mansfield, Texas. Mansfield would probably be the place I call my home. I have such a huge support of people there. I worked there for three summers and visited on average once a month (that couldn't have been good on my budget senior year!!!!). Well I checked my mail yesterday and I had two packages with wrapped Christmas presents inside!!!! It was such a blessing!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Thanks Stewart's and Body's!!!

AND...my Aunt sent me a DVD of our family talking to me! I think this has been my most fave thing!!! She recorded a lot of my cousins basketball, football and cheerleader events! She also had my great Grandad talking to me. She had several family friends and of course all of our family! It was so so special! I think my mom was crying more than I was though!!! THANKS GAYLA!!!!

My family is here!

2006-12-28T07:16:00.000+01:00

My family has arrived safe and sound...so therefore it has been nothing but chaos (weirdly welcomed!)! HA! The Marble family I feel like could easily turn at least the Lake Geneva Area upside down...dear God! It started out a little crazy...two pieces of luggage didn't come in...one is still in Macedonia. ..ha! Nothing is less than eventful with us! I hope all of us end this little holiday in one piece!

I am so glad they are here! It is great being around people who really love you because they know you! It has been way too long! The picture above is my brother Allston....go figure!

Thoughts of Advent

2006-12-24T14:29:00.000+01:00

Advent

As one of my friends Kate has stated; please forgive my “straight-up” thoughts…I am typing as I think…o gosh…that could be dangerous! PS…Kate has a great blog!!! Check it out. www.thenewsearchengine.blogspot.com J

Last year I was introduced to something that I never was introduced to growing up. It was the Advent Season. Good Ol’ First Baptist in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I didn’t really get it, but I enjoyed it. I like most things that involve tradition. If any of you are not sure exactly what it is “google” it! You may have seen churches light candles representing “hope” “joy” “peace” etc. This is commonly done for Christmas and Easter.

So as this Christmas Season was approaching I wanted to “experience” the birth of Christ in a new light, so I started to research the history of Advent (“the coming of the Savior”) and why some churches “celebrated” it. I also found some liturgies to read throughout the season! Man…I have been blown away!!

Entering this Christmas Season, taking part in the Advent season, has changed my view on the necessity of Christ. Through these readings I understand the first coming of Christ in such a deeper way. As I read through the Old Testament I realize we as Christians come from such a linage of pilgrimage…it is important to value and understand that as we celebrate the birth of Christ each year.

God reveals himself through Christ. So I think that although the Christmas season has so much to do with Christ (and understanding the necessity of Christ)…it is also a time where our relationships with God can be enriched through understanding the history of the Israelites, understanding the actual/real need of why God sent His son to the Earth and then looking at the life of Christ to see how He points to God.

The story doesn’t start on a star lit night…the story starts “In the beginning…” God created this masterpiece that eventually needed redemption. So throughout the entire Old Testament you see the lives of the Israelites being built up to a specific moment in time…the birth of their Savior. Consistently Yahweh makes it plain to them that He is committed to redeeming His creation. He wanted to present to His people a love that fulfills all the laws. He wanted to send a living dwelling place for His people. He wanted to create a way for peace and prosperity in Jerusalem. God revealed through the Old Testament prophets that he wanted to send a righteous judge that would bring forth flourishing life, damnation for the wicked and a means for those to know God more intimately. So these Israelites were waiting in expectation for the day a “savior” would be born.

What does this mean for us December 25, 2006? We are to wait in the same expectation of the Israelites…I think. Christ is coming again. This time it will not be a baby in a cave…nevertheless, just as glorious! All over the New Testament we are called to be ready, be on the look out, and serve as a part of the body. Just as Christ coming the first time was access to God for the Israelites…that is applicable for us as well. When Christ comes the second time it is the ultimate access to God (that makes me excited). We are to wait in expectation for that same “savior” the Israelites were waiting for.

As I think about how these Israelites heard of Christ coming it really does break my heart to think that when Christ did actually come, specifically during his “ministry years,” He was completely denied, hated, doubted, mocked… The Israelites had been told, it was in their scriptures….that was what a lot of their life was focused towards…and yet, He was denied…. There is a parallel for us today. We read about the second coming of Christ. We hear about it everywhere; and if not heard everywhere….we should make it our mission to be heard everywhere!!! If you think about it….Christ is coming for the second time for just the same reasons He was sent the first time…REDEMPTION. We have prophesies just like they had prophesies. I almost feel like I am in a story!!!

It makes me have so many questions…there are so many mysteries! Why did God send his son as a baby? What happened in the “in between” years? Where there people who followed Jesus’ life as he grew up? It amazes me how scared Herod was of a baby. During Christ’s second coming will people who study the bible, theology professors, townsmen, students also deny that it is the actual Christ is here?

To close I hope in this holy season that the long ago miracle will live anew in your heart! Taking time this year to focus on the history of why Christ was brought into this world has really made me appreciate December 25^th in a new way! It is funny because I am exciting about the actual Christmas day…like something exciting is going to happen! Obviously Christ was born a long time ago…and December 25 should be lived just like every other day…with the expectation of Christ our Savior to come so that God may carry out the rest of his plan of redemption.

Here is an Advent Prayer I have found to stir in me this past month.

“Come long-expected Jesus. Excite in us a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God’s own work for justice. Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace; peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Come, long expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father’s joy. I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love. Come, long expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail. Amen.”

Christmas Weekend

2006-12-23T16:00:00.000+01:00

If you want to stay updated on my Christmas weekend you can look at pictures. Click here.... or you can click on the side archives that start out with Christmas Weekend!

Erika is staying with me! We are planning on having a "Swiss Night" with Fondue and then the next night having an "American Night." We are making our own homemade chicken pot pie! Don't worry...there will be pictures...o yes, we are making a homemade apple pie too!

Counting down the days till my parents get here!!!!!

Thanks to Leah

2006-12-22T10:56:00.000+01:00

Ok...before give thanks to my friend I just have one thing that I am VERY annoyed with. Most of the time when I go to sign into my blog it uses another language...I think German. IT IS REALLY ANNOYING. It is usually just right at the beginning...but this time the whole blog is in German (except what I type). AND THE EVEN MORE ANNOYING PART is when I go to check the spelling all the words are highlighted because they are not right in German...ha! So although I generally do not spell check (sorry?) sorry for the typos!!!!

But the most important thing is that after encouragement from my friend Leah Rogers I decided to renew my love for reading and love for Starbucks this Christmas break! Ok...so I have only been to Geneva once to enjoy the new Starbucks...and that was yesterday...and I have never really loved Starbucks or reading...but it was wonderful idea that I couldn't pass by!!! I enjoyed my wonderful peppermint mocha and a book about women and theology! Both were enjoyable!

I enjoyed looking out the window watching all the hustle and bustle. There is something great about being surrounded by people...but not being engaged at the same time. Don't get me wrong...I would way rather be engaged than not...but sometimes it is fun to escape!

Hope all of you are enjoying the holidays! I am counting down the days to see my parents!

Tonight I am going to a Christmas Market in Montreux...it is an hour north of where I live! I am excited for Christmas fun with my friend Erika! It is so random. She is an au pair here and she is from Arvada, CO...she knows the Fergusons!!! How great! I love how small the world really is!

My Friends

2006-12-21T00:14:00.000+01:00

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY FRIENDS!!!!

I wish I could claim this post as the original...but I can't. My beloved friend Michelle Mcbeath posted something VERY close to this on her blog. I loved it so much I had to use it! Plus, I wanted to share my friends with my community of blog readers!

A little background. I went to a private Christian University in Oklahoma. There I met and became closely bound with about 20 girls. On any given occasion there would be about 15 of us together! Some might say we were obnoxious...and we probably were. BUT...the friendships we have together is really remarkable. We all think it is rare. I know we are probably on the honeymoon stage right out of college wondering why in the world we left each other...but I think it goes beyond that. We have something special that I think is hard for most people to find. We all talk about it and we all realize what a mystery and a gift it is. All of these girls have a part in making me into the woman I am today! Each one of them has invested into me in their own special way! I am forever grateful and debted to these friendships. As the years go on I know each friendship will look different. But I am thankful for the foundation our relationships are built on.

The top picture on the left is a picture of me and my SIX roommates! YES..and WE LOVED IT! There was never a dull moment in the house! There were tears, laughter, agony, joy, pranks, loads of laundry, tons of dirty dishes, sprickets, mold, birthday parties, theme parties, cake parties....parties parties parties....all of those together created a loads of memories!!!!

The other picture is a good amount of our big group of friends! I had to use the sorry? pictures in honor of part of my last post!!! To pull this post in a complete circle I just want to say that I am REALLY proud of all of my friends. Our lives have all taken completely different course. And Michelle on her blog stated it well. We are all normal people living normal lives but...we are all doing it in honor of God and in the deepest parts of all of our hearts we want to serve His kingdom and make his name known. I am so proud of all of them! Here is what all of their lives look like:

FOUR NURSES
Kate - Cardiac Nurse in Denver , Colorado
Anna - ER Nurse in Tulsa , Oklahoma
Martha - Labor & Delivery Nurse in Fayetteville , Arkansas
Blaire - Children’s Oncology Nurse in Ft. Worth , Texas

SIX who work for NON-PROFITS
Alisha - Children’s Miracle Network in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma
Shannon - American Cancer Society in Wichita Falls , Texas
Natalie - United Way in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma
Deborah - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jessie- Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Kansas City, Missouri

Christy- An agency that helps single mothers (sorry?) in Arkansas

THREE TEACHERS
Pascha - 1st grade teacher in Midwest City , Oklahoma

(soon to be a wife!!!)
Katie - Pre-K teacher in Frisco , Texas

(recently became a wife!!!)

Crystal- Junior and Senior High Art teacher in Bethel, Oklahoma

(soon to be a mom!!!!)

THREE who work in MARKETING
Monica - impacting the business world in Chicago , Illinois

Leeann- again, impacting the merchandising world in The Woodlands, Texas

Audra- Recruiter in Fayetteville, Arkansas

ONE GRAD STUDENT
Erin - soon to be Veterinarian in Stillwater , Oklahoma

ONE Director (for lack of other word..sorry?)

Kim- director of Retirement Community in Plano, Texas

(recently became a wife!!)

ONE ACCOUNTANT
Megan - Ernst & Young in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma

ONE MISSIONARY
Michelle- Adventures in Missions in 11 countries in a year

MISC (for lack of complete knowledge of their title!)

Ashley- Spring Baptist Church in Spring, Texas

(soon to be a wife!!!)

Leah- not sure of title...sorry??? But nonetheless making a difference:)

(recently celebrated her 1 year anniversary!!!)

Jessie- nursing student at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma

Random Thoughts/Happenings

2006-12-20T23:30:00.000+01:00

Here are my random thoughts/happenings throughout my recent life:-)

1. I bought most of my ski stuff today. The skis, poles and boots. I guess that means I am going skiing for the FIRST TIME...in the ALPS. Shoot me now!!!! I have never skied, nor have I really ever had the desire to. Those of you that know me know that I have an obsession with the sun, oil, and a swimming pool- the last thing that sounds appealing is really cold weather, falling down, cold wind, wet clothes...umm...is there more? Ok, ok...I know it won't be that bad...everyone seems to love skiing. I will let you know how it goes. I am spending almost a full month up in the mountains (literally like 26 days all together) whether it be on snow camps with students or a staff retreat...o gosh!

2. Thanks to Natalie Espinosa (college roommate) my friends and I have coined the term sorry? AND NO...it is NOT a question. Can one of you girls explain to me how to explain that to people...ha! It has just become a part of my vocabulary...now I get weird looks and strange comments. Have any of you other girls experienced this same problem outside of "us?":-)

3. My parents get here in 5 days! I can't wait. I would have been miserable if I was here without them. Being alone this Christmas season has changed my view a little though. I have been studying the old testament lately. I will post more about it later...but the fact that Christ was coming was so crucial for the Israelites. And the funny thing is that I feel like I am waiting in expectation for Christmas day because "Jesus is born." But in reality that happened a long time ago! But it is cool to know that my spirit is anxious (in a good way) for my savior...if only it would be this December 25th that He came for the second time!

4. Community comes in the strangest and most unexpected places.

5. There is so much freedom in following Christ. With that comes joy!

6. Looking back I recieved a really great education! The university I attended really prepared me for the "world" if you will! I think through our 16 credits of western civ my world view was changed...preparing me for my vocation at this time! "OBU all hail they name...."

7. I hate the feeling right before getting a cold...it is awful!

The BIGGEST Christmas Party EVER!

2006-12-18T11:38:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas from Corpus! We had our Christmas Party on Saturday night!!! It was really fun (you all know I LOVE LOVE LOVE this season!!!). If you would like to see pictures click on the link on the side bar or in the post below. "Nerd Prom/Christmas"

After church yesterday the youth also provided tea, coffee and snacks. Another man also provided Mulled Wine. It is VERY good. It is red wine warmed with spices! They serve it everywhere during this time of the year it seems like. I see it in Geneva at the Christmas Market sold with sausages and roasted chestnuts!

I recieved a birthday/Christmas gift from Jesse and his family as well from my host family...A FONDUE SET!!!!! It is absolutly wonderful and I can't wait to cook with it!!!! Which brings me to my next subject...MY FAMILY! They get here in like 7 days or so...AND I AM SO READY TO SEE THEM. It is so strange because I have been away from them for more than 3 1/2 months before. I have gone from January to May without seeing them ; so it is strange to me as of why I am SO homesick to see them. Christmas Eve and Christmas day will probably be pretty rough for me...I didn't expect it to bother me. Don't worry...it has! Me being the emotional person I am...gotta love it. I just can't wait to pick them up from the airport...I guarentee all of us (probably not Allston) will be crying! It will be fun to show them my life here! It will be good to just sit around and do nothing with them too! We are also planning on traveling a whole heck of a lot! We have a Swiss Flexi Pass that will take us anywhere in Switzerland! We are hoping to hit the main attractions...as if the whole country in itself isn't enough!!! O I can't wait! I am super excited to hang out with my brother too! We have a fun relationship! He is a really neat guy. Our relationship has really grown this last year and it is so much fun to learn from him. He is so encouraging and such a man of faith. I admire my little bro!

Well...I am going to go back to enjoying my day off listening to Christmas music!

Nerd Prom

2006-12-16T13:17:00.000+01:00

Well....I finished off celebrating my 23rd birthday last night with a friend of mine...Christophe. We have the same birthday, November 29th. We celebrated in the form of a Nerd Prom! (Yes, I did still the idea from Mansfield...oops!) It was a lot of fun! If you want to see the pictures click here or on the side bar you can click on the Christmas/Nerd Prom link. There are also pictures included of my young adults bible study Christmas Party!

If you would like to watch a video of us at the Nerd Prom click here!!!

O, how sweet it is!

2006-12-13T09:37:00.000+01:00

"A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..."

-Proverbs 13:19a

"It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!!"

2006-12-08T12:18:00.000+01:00

Ok...so maybe it ISN'T beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It has been in the 50s, some rain, and a little bit of snow on the top of the mountains. It really doesn't feel much different than when I celebrate Christmas in the panhandle of Texas...but I am Switzerland for goodness sakes!!! You know I would much rather spend my time in the sun on the beach than doing anything involving snow...so I am quite pleased with the whether...but people here are going crazy!!!!

I did enjoy going to Geneva last Saturday though. I felt like I was actually in the midst of the "hustle and bustle." There were people shopping everywhere, street performers, chestnuts roasting on an open fire:-), Christmas market venues...it was a delight! I have always spent Christmas in small places...so it was fun to enjoy Geneva that day!

I always have very fond memories of Christmas growing up. Enjoy the memories below! If you have any fun Christmas memories please comment below!!!

*I come from a very close nit extended family on my mom's side. We have spent every Christmas with them (unfortunately not this one). I wish they could all transplant here! We have our traditions of a Christmas dinner and then all seven of us grand kids opening up our big Santa bag of Christmas presents from "Meme and Papa."Of course after singing happy birthday to Jesus and eating a bday cake. There was a request this year that we wouldn't do that anymore...ha! We are a fun and crazy family going a million different places that night, I am sure if you were someone looking inside the living room window you would wonder if we had just moved from a lost tribe in Africa! Last year we all went around and said what we are thankful for. It was a consensus that we are all thankful for how our family is built on Christ and His promises. In our different ways, all 15 of us treasure our personal relationship with Christ. It is remarkable and rare!

**From a very early age I was involved in a Christmas production at my church in Grand Island, Nebraska. It is called the Singing Christmas Tree! It is a drama and musical of the birth and Resurrection of Christ. People come from all over the United States to see it! I have formed some of my greatest friendships there. I was recently in the wedding of a friend, her and I were "sisters" in a sheppard family for one of the scenes. To this day we refer to each other as "sis" when we email, phone or see one another! I remember the cold bus rides from our old church to the new one for the night of the productions. The dark makeup we would have to put on to seem "Jewish" I guess. We would have wonderful food catered in each night...it was always a contest of who could guess what we were having one night. There was always a competition of whether the drama or choir was better! All the kids would line up again the wall upstairs to feel the "thunder" during the Resurrection scene....then we would go back to our craziness of playing games! I loved finding out what part I would play each year! One of my fave years was when my dad played the leading role (other than Christ...ha!). He was the narrator...of Paul I think! Sorry, I can't remember. Anyway, it was amazing to see the transformation his life went through because of his role...let alone watching how others came to know the story of Christ in a new way because of this production! O, there are so many memories within the walls of that church and this production! I hope all of you that can will go see it, and those of you that are in it enjoy it and make tons of memories! http://www.giefc.org/singingtree/singingtree.php

*I love the way my house in Grand Island feels at Christmas. My mom is very good at cleaning so our house is always clutter and dust free. It makes a great space for a beautiful tree (even if we argue over the color scheme! She also always chooses the best candles for the season...and makes potpourri with such great smells. I had to go buy a candle the other day...it smells like my house!!!!! My dad also lines our driveway with beautiful lights. And remember a classy house only contains white lights (sorry for those of you that love the different colors!). I love the sound of my dad on top of the house walking around as he puts the lights up. He also does such a great job with all the greenery (or garland). He puts it on our stair banisters and on our front porch! O and who could forget the sausage balls!!!!! Every Christmas morning I wake up to the smell of good home cooked sausage balls!!!!

*O, and of course all of the Christmas music! I always made myself wait to listen to Christmas music on my seven hour road trip home for Thanksgiving from College! I am always adding to my selection if you have any suggestions!

*One of my fave Christmas memories is going through the catalogues and Christmas adds in the newspaper and circling everything I want! You know you will never get it all, or even half of it...but for some reason there is a thrill I have doing that!

*My senior year of college my roommates came up with the best birthday gift ever for me. I walked in from work on my birthday and waiting for me was wonderful Christmas music playing, warm potato soup, wine and champagne, and then of course, Christmas decorations waiting to be put up!!!! We even did a gingerbread house!!!!! One year for Christmas we bought each other a TV...OK, so it ended up us all chipping in and buying a TV...but it was worth it! Many episodes of the OC and Grey's! Christmas was always followed by Jterm. I only spent one Jterm living with my roomies in the Georgia house! Now that was an experience...much fun and many memories!!!! Holiday season was the best though with these girls..lots of hustle with exams, but beneath it all little did we know we formed very rare and valuable relationships

*Alas, to finish it off (leaving out so many great memories for lack of space and I don't want to bore you) I am loving what I am learning during this specific Christmas. I have really been able to focus on the birth of Christ and what that means for you, me, the world today, to come and the world that was! Stay tuned for a post of what I am learning!

Please comment with any of your fave Christmas memories...or email them to me! I will post them for you!

Reality Check

2006-12-06T23:44:00.000+01:00

Let me preface this post with this: This is not a "poor me" post or a "please pitty me" post...those are not my intentions. I just want to share a little bit along the way of what this experience is like. With that said....

I had a reality check today. It has been somewhat of an ongoing realization..but it really hit me today. When I arrived here I experienced "culture shock" as well as "culture stress." A day sticks out in my mind. I went to a nearby city, Lausanne, on my day off by myself. This is a very normal things for me. What was going to be a relaxing day off really frustrated me. As I was shopping I was a sore thumb (FYI: Shoppers in Europe NEVER go in their jogging clothes), I couldn't ask questions of the workers in the stores, I had no idea where I was going in the city, everything was more expensive from what I was used to etc. As I rode the train home I remember thinking about how amamzing it would be to be back in the US where I had a sence of normality.

Since then a lot has changed...a lot hasn't! But the reality check is that when I go back (either for the summer or for years) I am going to have to go through the same transition I went through coming here. I hear it is even harder to go back home than moving into a new culture. I also have to be ok with the fact that as my life changes here so does the culture and lives I was involved in back home. I had a dream last night that I visited home for Christmas. I was so excited to tell everyone about my time spent in Switzerland. But in the dream I was so sad because no one cared. (I have heard from many people that it is hard because when you go home no one wants to hear your stories) Also, as trivial as it may sound I am slow at finding out information compared to my friends. The reality is that I live on the other side of the ocean....I live in a new culture...my life is changing as well as everyone elses. This is something that is obvious, but hit me hard today.

I think a lot of times that by coming to Switzerland I just made my life ten times more complicated. If I return to live in the states come July there will be a part of my life that no one at home will fully understand. A part of my life that I ENJOY will not be able to be lived out. I will encounter new frustrations and cynicisms. If I decide to live here come August there is a part of my life that no one here understands. Parts of my life I enjoyed just aren't able to be lived out here. New cynicisms and frustrations come daily. So either way sometimes I feel like it is a lose lose situation. Don't get me wrong, the good outweighs the hard...BY FAR.

Anyway...all that to say is that today I had a reality check...it is a hard one to face. I am glad that this life isn't forever....it would wear me out!

Nice and Cozy

2006-12-04T19:14:00.000+01:00

What a wonderful day! Today is my day off and I am enjoying it to the fullest!! -Considering it is 4pm and I am still in my pajamas! That is totally unlike me but the whether has been so inviting to do so. The only thing that would have made it better might have been some snow falling outside of the window and six of my roomates snuggled up in front of some lifetime movies! But I enjoyed my Christmas music, vanilla/mint mocha and research on some Christmas traditions. Yes, that sounds dorky I know! I will blog about my findings and why I am researching them more another time. This is just an update to say I feel very settled and surprisingly I am not too homesick during the Christmas season!

I also added some new pictures to my albums. You can check them out on the side of this page. Click on the My Home/Zurich/Bday/Geneva and the Corpus links! I went to Geneva on Saturday and then we had some fun times in Morges for our Friday night program!

My Birthday in Switzerland

2006-12-01T16:27:00.000+01:00

Well- I celebrated my 23rd birthday in Switzerland! I know it is cheesy (but most of you know I tend to be that way)... but it was a really great point for me to come to and realize what God has done in my life; espcecially since I have been here in Switzerland. Yes, even at the age of 23! He has brought me through a lot (and yet so little) to show me his theme of redemption and unfailing love in my life.

I enjoyed my birthday with a student named Christophe. We have the same birthday! We had lunch together and exchanged gifts!!! We both gave eachother winter gear!!! Then several people within the office took me out in Geneva on Thursday night. It was a good night to set and get to know one another better! Andrew (the other intern) was even nice enough to buy each of us a rose:-)

AND...to say the least, this was my first birthday where I recieved TONS of e-cards!!! Thanks!!! It makes me feel special to know people are thinking about me. Thanks for the phone calls, email and real mail!!!!!

A prayer of mine

2006-11-30T17:35:00.000+01:00

Psalm 67
God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause Your face to shine upon us. That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us. God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

Please Comment!

2006-11-27T16:10:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone! Thanks for visiting my Blog!

Please take a minute to post a comment or two below(just click on the word comment at the end of this post) … and be sure and tell everyone viewing the site a little bit about yourself, where you are from and what your life entails at the moment! It is always encouraging to hear from family, friends, avid blog readers and other supporters – so THANKS in advance!

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Enjoying my day off!

2006-11-27T14:52:00.000+01:00

I miss Texas:-)

WOW!!!! I am enjoying my first day off where I actually feel like I need it!! It has been a busy week...and will continue to be. Good news is that Jesse and Joy had their baby! Nora Elisabeth!!!! YEA! I have only seen pictures, but she looks so cute! They are all healthy and seem to be doing really good! I asked Alivia if she had a new sister and she just says "No Big Sister!" I think she will adjust!:-)

Needless to say, I have been trying to pick up anything for Jesse that I can. I have taught the last two Sundays over the first part of Romans 12. It is SO RICH!!!! Teaching is not what I am good at...nor is it my passion so I hope that everything I am taking in is relayed well to all the youth. You can pray for the develpment in my teaching. It is a goal of mine this year. I would also like to enjoy doing it. In Corpus I am teaching through different parables (That is what Jesse has been teaching from). I feel more comfortable with those nights because it is more disucssion vs. me teaching. Anyway...I have added just a few pics of Corpus. ClICK HERE to see them! The are the last photos on the 3rd page.

Things have really picked up for me at the YFC office. I am really enjoying my work there! I am getting to put my PR skills to use!!! I am working on "communication" stuff. I would explain it but it would make me sound really nerdy for enjoying doing that type of stuff!!!! Just some organizing, brainstorming and action!

On Saturday I took a day trip to Zurich with the Au Pair ministry YFC has. CLICK HERE to see pictures- go to the end! I am really impressed with this part of our organization.

I am getting so so excited because my parents and brother are coming to visit during Christmas. They fly in on the day after Christmas. We are planning on covering all of Switzerland! It will be enchanting I am sure:-)

I can't believe that Christmas is actually almost here. I am looking forward to the advent season! I am hoping that this year will give me a new perspecitve on the birth of Christ.

I would love to keep typing...but I won't. Hope you all enjoy the updates! I have added a fun feature. On the right of this blog I have added links to all my pictures so you can see them all the time!

Busy Busy Busy

2006-11-20T20:11:00.000+01:00

It was a busy but fun weekend! The picture above was of our progressive dinner we had with the youth on Saturday evening! We started out at the youth center and then went to three different homes. One for appatiezers, one for the main Thanksgiving meal and the last for desserts. We all had a really great time! And don't worry...we even got video of our interpretive dancing! It isn't of great quality...but some of you might enjoy it! CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

Saturday morning Interyouth had a MADD (Make a Difference Day). We had a service scavenger hunt. We had two hours in Geneva to preform different acts of service! It was fun, I enjoy any time where I get to spend time with students! One of our tasks was to be a street preformer....we even made 2 franks!!! CLICK HERE TO WATCH!!!

And of course when you work hard you have to play hard!!! Thursday night was the monthly "Girls Night." There are several women in the area connected through different churches or through YFC...we try to get together once a month for dinner!

To see pics of all the events above CLICK HERE.

As for an update on my life and how I am adjusting. I confidently say that things are good! I absolutly love working with the youth I have come into contact with. I am staying busy at Westlake. Jesse and Joy are actually having their baby tomorrow morning so I am helping with as much as I can. I taught on Sunday and will be teaching the next two Friday nights as well as next Sunday. Work in the YFC office is still going well. I am going to be using my good ol' Public Relation Skills....I love PR and I don't think the world could survive without it! So that is fun! I feel rusty though...I haven't had a PR class since December...I am wondering why I felt like I needed the money enough to sell my books back?!?!?! Although things are going well I am seeking a life outside of work! I am hoping that by the end of my time here I will have a community of people. I know that takes time though!

Well, I think that is it for updates...o except....the mountains are starting to get snow which is so beautiful! Maybe I will be able to take some pics soon!!!

Youth Sunday

2006-11-13T00:06:00.000+01:00

Jesse, Joy, Alivia and Baby Larvick! This is the youth pastor I work for along with his family! There is one on the way...anytime now!!!!! Please remember to keep the rest of the pregnancy and birth in your prayers; as well as the transition for the entire family!

Tonight was our Youth Sunday! It went really well! I like the idea of the youth program organizing a Sunday service. I think there are many great things that come from a service like the one tonight! I have added some pictures in one of my albums. CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM. Again...you have to go to the end of the album to see the new pictures.

Simple Joy

2006-11-12T10:48:00.000+01:00

Simply Joy of the week!!!!! I woke up this morning, read a little bit...got up, looked out my window and was blown away. I never get tired of things like this! It has so many implications!!!!
They say the second month is the hardest when transitioning into a new stage of life. I BELIEVE THAT!!! The beginning of the second month was really hard. Many different things made it hard. BUT...i feel so much stronger and grounded in the Lord. If you have a chance go back and read my posts on detox and oswald! God continues to reaffirm His presence in my life and the growth that He wants to take place within me. He also shows how that is the only way I can minister here. So, although the second month was the hardest yet...it is over and I am feeling VERY settled and comfortable here. I am loving my work and the people around me.
Yesterday I went out with a student. It was such a fun time. We got a Kabob and walked around Nyon. She took me to the castle. You can watch a video here to see what we saw! It was fun. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO!!!! Also, below is a picture of me and Nikki! Behind us are the clouds covering the Alps :-( as well as Lake Geneva.

Just call me Oswald!

2006-11-07T22:25:00.000+01:00

What a name. "Oswald" ANYWAY...

Again, another excerpt. This one is November 7th. I won't type it all out this time...just the parts that can capture it in its entirety...hopefully!!!

""God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can't understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish definite purpose through the intercession for the Spirit in you. Never put yourself in front of your circumstances and say, "I'm going to be my own providence here; I will watch this closely, or protect myself from that." All your circumstances are in the hand of God, and therefore you don't ever have to think they are unnatural or unique..... Am I making the Holy Spirit's work difficult by being vague and unsure, or by trying to do His work for Him? I must do the human side of intercession- utilizing the circumstances in which I find myself and the people who surround me. I must keep my conscious life as a sacred place for the Holy Spirit."

This spoke to me today because of a stupid incident that I thought I could fix. I can see it even in that past month as well. "If I prioritize my time this way I can reach more students...if I do this, that will work better" and so on. But the reality of the situation is that I have nothing to do with it. I am just an instrument (although an active one of pursuit) or clay for God to use. I am to make room for the Spirit to work in me...and therefore through me. I see how things that I thought were annoying or attacks from Satan can easily be a providence for or by God...and if not a providence used for His glory and gain. I am thankful to see that and grateful to be a part of that work! Like it said, "I must do the human side of intercession- utilizing the circumstances in which I find myself and the people who surround me...I must keep my conscious life as a sacred place for the Holy Spirit."

Intimate Theology

2006-11-07T21:48:00.000+01:00

So I wish I could claim the title of this post...but I can't! Oswald is much more clever than I am!

Since I have been here in Geneva I have been involved in, been around, eaves dropped in on, read up on and searched out a lot of things on Theology. Ok...that list makes me sound exhaustive...as if I should be an expert now....NO!!!!! Just keep reading!

I have found two good definitions of Theology(or at least ones I think are fitting).
1. The field of study and analysis that treats of God and of God's attributes and relations to the universe; study of divine things or religious truth; divinity.
2. The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.

Tonight I was reading an excerpt from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I found a great truth that is being outplayed in my life as I am working in the Lake Geneva Region. Below is the excerpt:

"Intimate Theology:

"Do you believe this?" (John 11:26)

Martha believed in the power available to Jesus Christ; she believed that if He had been there He could have healed her brother; she also believed that Jesus had a special intimacy with God, and that whatever He asked of God, God would do. But- she needed a closer personal intimacy with Jesus. Martha's theology had its fulfillment in the future. But Jesus continued to attract and draw her in until her belief became an intimate possession. It then slowly emerged into personal inheritance- "Yes Lord, I believe that You are the Christ..." (11:27).
Is the Lord dealing with you in the same way? Is Jesus teaching you to have a personal intimacy with Himself? Allow Him to drive His question home to you- "Do you believe this?" Are you facing an area of doubt in your life? Have you come like Martha, to a crossroads of over whelming circumstances where your theology is about to become a very personal belief? This happens only when a personal problem brings the awareness of our personal need.
To believe is to commit. In the area of intellectual learning I commit myself mentally, and reject anything not related to that belief. In the realm of personal belief I commit myself morally to my convictions and refuse to compromise. But in intimate personal belief I commit myself spiritually to Jesus Christ and make a determination to be dominated by Him alone.
Then, when I stand face to face with Jesus Christ and He says to me, "Do you believe this?" I find that faith is as natural as breathing. And I am staggered when I think how foolish I have been in not trusting Him earlier.

For me, my time here is allowing for a wonderful amount of cirumstances where the theology of God is becoming a very intimate personal belief as Oswald would call it. He goes on to say that the intimate personal belief is saying that I commit myself spiritually to Jesus Christ and make a determination to be dominated by Him alone. I think that statement goes well with my detox post. I am being filtered so I can be more of Him and less of me.

I am studying through Psalms right now. I am in the first part of the book (chapters 1-41). Many of these chapters have a purpose to show the theology of God. I have been keeping track of what the Bible says God is. Take a look:-) These qualities give me comfort and hope!
* protector (a shield) *Glory (he bestows it) *Sustainer *Deliverer *Sacrificial *Accepting *Just *Merciful *Majestic *Eternal *Judging *Righteous *Governor *A Stronghold *All knowing *Helper *Examiner *Flawless *Unfailing Love *Savior *Strength *Rock and the list could keep going!!!!! Check out the beginning of Psalms.

Prayer

2006-11-06T11:29:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone!!!!!!!

First of all I would like to say THANK YOU! I know many of you are praying for me. The last week has been amazing and God is changing me and speaking to me clearly! Thank you for the time you spend praying for me. Thank you for supporting me in emails and regular mail!

Here are my prayer requests and praises! Know you have a huge ministry by praying for me and others here!

I realize that I include a lot in these emails. Some of you have requested it...some of you are probably wondering WHY THE HECK am I getting all of this information. Please allow the Lord to lead you to one area to pray for if you choose- Whether that be one of the youth, a request for me, my ministry through YFC...whatever! I don't want these emails to turn into monotonous lists!

Updates:
Josh, the YFC director, arrived home safely this past Wednesday. Thank you for praying for him while he was on a YFC intern recruiting trip in the states. I actually haven't seen him since he has been back. I am not sure what the outcome of the trip has been.
My health: I caught a cold in London but I am finally feeling better today. I have never been as sick as I have been like I have in the last six months. Praise that I am feeling better!
Trip to London: It was a great time! I enjoyed seeing all the sights. Laura and I were safe and we felt rested and refreshed after the trip.
Loneliness: It has been good. I think it will be an ongoing thing. Anytime you are in transition you have loneliness. I am grateful for how God is using it. I am also grateful for my down time. I would enjoy meeting more people my age but that takes time!!!

Those are some updates- my other updates include more prayer/praises...so I will just put them below.

General:
Jesse and Joy Larvick: This is the youth pastor I work for and his wife. They are going to have a baby anytime now. Pray for the health of Joy and the baby. Pray for Jesse as he transitions with work and the life with two children.
Westlake Youth: Pray for God to continue to give Jesse a good vision for the youth program. Pray for good support from the church and the parents of the youth. We are hosting a night for Parents in December. Pray for that time as we all come together.
My Teaching: I will be teaching the next two weeks in Sunday School. I am not good at it but it is something I want to develop this next year. Pray that I could understand things fully and then articulate them simply!
Youth For Christ Geneva: Continue to pray for unity within our team. Also pray for our Make a Difference Days we have for the students at the International Schools. Pray that the contact we make with the students would be beneficial for them as they are striving to be "whole" people.
Service Project 2007: Pray for a location to be settled by the end of the month. Pray for Paul as he is communicating with different sights around Europe. Also pray for the preperation that lies within the office.
Bethany: She works for YFC and is trying to finish her funding. Pray for people to catch her vision to work with Au Pairs. Pray for a Dallas company to support her (she recently wrote a letter for support).
Praise: I am starting to feel very settled and comfortable here! Continue to pray for a comfortable social outlet.
Praise: God is really blessing me through my personal study in the word and through prayer. Pray that God would continue to transform me. Pray for development in my study and in my prayer life.
Praise: My parents and brother are coming to visit the day after Christmas. It has really been the work of God in it all. Praise for the people who have been generous. Praise that they would be blessed because of their generosity. It truly is ministering to me!
My French: I would like to learn French, but for a good price! I would like to find someone or a class that is not expensive, but also where it would teach me the language.
I am also looking for someone to mentor me while I am here. Please pray that God would bring us together.

!!!!!!:-)!!!!!!!

2006-11-04T09:17:00.000+01:00

Since I have been back from London the skies for the most part have been full of sun...you can see the mountain peaks! I LOVE it...maybe it was because I visited the Sun god in London...ha!

It has been very windy which makes it very cold..but I will take sun and wind over clouds and warmth!

Most of you know how I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sun (it usually involves oil and a swimming pool) so the weather forcast for the next several days makes me happy!

Love and miss you all!

Detox

2006-11-03T09:58:00.000+01:00

I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

Psalm 16:2

Have any of you ever gone on a detox diet? If any of you reading this blog are my former roommates you know what I speak of! Drink water the first day...add raw veggies the second...cooked veggies the third...fruit the next and so on. The purpose of the diet is to get rid of all the toxins your body has. We generally never made it past the first day...go figure!

For some reason I have been comparing the detox diet with my time here in Switzerland...hear me out (I can see some of you tilting your heads, smiling and in the nicest/"what in the world is she talking about" voice saying "O Marbes.")

Thia last week I have realized how this experience is MAKING me depend on God. For those of you that know me well know I like to plan and organize...way ahead of time, I like change, although I am very predictable and "safe." I am a self sufficient person. I like my independence and self confidence. A lot of time I pride myself on them. I am a dreamer and idealist. I set my expectations high. I am not saying all of these things are good...just stating how I see myself. I have always struggled with the idea of "letting God have control." I never have got it...probably never will completely.

Well, since being here I see how God is detoxing me of my SELF. He is grooming me to be in likeness of him. He has stripped away everything familiar...and I mean everything. He has placed me in a place where I am different. I find things hard that have always been easy. Insecurities come up when they never have. I second guess myself. Loneliness sets in at the strangest times. Some expectations have been dissapointing. People don't even call me Marbes here (most of you will understand the name identity I went through..ha)! Literally, the only thing that has been the same since my life started here is Christ. It is something you hear all the time, but until you experience it as a real part of your life it stays just an idea or a statement.

But the wonderful thing is that He HAS BEEN and WILL BE constant and by God's grace (literally) I have realized that and allowed that to be a part of my daily life. I almost feel as if He has been more constant than He was before. But I know that contradicts his character. My life has slowed down TRAMENDOUSLY since being here...there is something to say about being still and slowing down. By the detox of my SELF that I am going through I realize that I can't do anything (a simple truth that is hard to understand until you have to actually live it) apart from him. I am simply an instrument to be used/clay to be molded.

Some verses come to my mind (the ashley marble version): "Deny your self and take up my cross" "I am the vine and you are the branches" "I must decrease as He increases." All of these are great parts of scripture that have spoken to me time and time again...but this time it is different!

There will be more highs...there will be more lows. I am thankful for this experience. I know that all the transition I am going through is allowing for transformation. At times I have wondered what the heck...why am I putting myself through this...but I am thankful for this time of transition. I really see how God is working in it and becoming very personal. I see different ways of how God is active in my life. I see He is getting rid of me so that He can become more. I am thankful for His gentleness and His timing. Again, although there have been sad and lonely times I really wouldn’t change the condition of my heart for anything. I wouldn’t change it to go to a wedding, I wouldn’t change it to see a friend, I wouldn’t change it to have normality.

The great thing is that I have eight more months of this. The hard thing is that it is a choice.

I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
Psalm 16:2

Trottinerbe

2006-10-30T09:53:00.000+01:00

This past Saturday we took the youth up into the Jura Mountains. We went to a place where you could play swing golf, do archery and the infamous Trattinerbe. It was a really great time! I love my job!

Click Here to see pictures of that day. (they are the last pictures of the group...you have already seen some of these pics)

My London Trip

2006-10-30T09:44:00.000+01:00

Click Here to see pictures from my trip to London

Transformation

2006-10-29T21:48:00.000+01:00

So after re-reading this post I realize it can't display or articulate how I was changed through a worship service...enjoy the reading...I hope you all gain something from God's greatness.

There was a great worship service at Westlake last Sunday. I am not exactly sure what moved me the most. I have heard from several people that they really enjoyed the worship as well. I wish I could convey exactly how the spirit moved in my life over that 30 min...it is impossible, but I hope you can catch a glimpse.

One part of the service was reading a passage in Revelation. It was read in seven different languages...not including English. It was absolutely beautiful. Being here in another culture and seeing how diverse God is literally is life changing. I feel like it gives Him so much more depth than I was ever willing to give Him. It just shows me and reminds me of how intricate He is. I wish that everyone could experience it. I encourage you to go to international churches in your area if you can...even if they speak a different language!

The morning before the service I also went on a very nice walk the morning before the service. The pictures I saw went perfect with the songs we sang...I was moved and will never be the same as I was before that day. I linked the pictures that were running through my head...click on the lyrics.

How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the works Thy Hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And there proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Safe and Sound

2006-10-29T00:08:00.000+02:00

Hello Hello...I made it home safely from London. It was a really great trip. Unfortunatly I am now sick with a cold...not fun. I will be updating you guys soon of many things. Work at Westlake is still going really well. We had an event today so I will have to update you on that as well. We also had a really great worship service a week ago with a guest speaker Douglas Gresham.

For all of you waiting to hear from me...i will use Monday, my day off to catch up via email and phone!

So the rain isn't that bad!!!

2006-10-23T17:42:00.000+02:00

So it rains a lot here...but the most wonderful thing is what you see after the rain!

Prayer Requests

2006-10-23T17:24:00.000+02:00

Updates:
***Praise: I have had a social life!!!! I have had several opportunities to spend time with people my age. I pray it continues!
***I have come out of the “reality setting in” mode. I am really happy to be here! I am enjoying my work and the people I am working with!
***Josh (YFC director) is still in the States doing recruiting. Please pray for 10 interns to sign up for the 2007-2008 year.
***Praise: I know many of you remarked about praying for my nose ring…for those of you that didn’t make fun of me…thank you for your prayers…after four months of infection it healed completely in two days! My stomach also is feeling better for the most part.

Requests:
***Trip to London. Safety in Travel. A good relationship to form between Laura and I. Praise for a refreshing vacation!!!
***I have my ups and downs with how I feel I am connecting with the students. Pray that I would be confident in my work and confident in Christ working in me.
***Pray that God would guide me in my future. I will have to decide here in a couple of months of what I want the next stage of my life to look like. Pray that I would be quiet to hear what God wants to take place.
***Pray for the salvation of the lost. There are many kids that come to our youth group that are not believers of Christ and his resurrection. They are having a hard time getting their head wrapped around the idea. Pray for their salvation. Pray for something to click.
***Pray for the Westlake Youth Program. Pray for Jesse as he leads the group. Pray that God would give him clear vision for our group. Pray that the kids would allow themselves to be engaged by the scripture we present to them.
***Pray for YFC Geneva. There are many different ministries that are alive and well. Pray for Interyouth, Link, Fabric, Altitude. Each one has a specific role with people in the community of Geneva…interns, au pairs, international students, youth groups…
***Pray for Jesse and Joy Larvick. Jesse is the youth pastor I am working with. Him and his wife Joy are having their second baby in November. Pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy! If any of you know about the life of a youth pastor it is STRESFULL an full of other people’s lives. So pray that I can be a support to the family however needed.
***I would like to speak French. Pray for somewhere or someone to tutor me for an inexpensive price!
***I am also looking for a lady to mentor me. Please pray that God would bring us together.

Specific Kids:
***Many of the kids come from families where one parent is a Christian and one is not. The other parent may be another religion, agnostic or an atheist. It gets very confusing for them.
The “religious culture” for these kids is so different from what most of you and I have grown up in. They really think things through before they decide to believe something. Many of them are deciding to switch from other religions to Christianity. Many are trying to decide if what they are hearing is true.
***For the kids that have decided to follow Christ. Pray that they would take opportunities to deepen their faith.

Please pray for the following kids:
***a boy in the youth: That things would make sense for him when it comes to Christianity. He is trying to decide if this life is worth following. He comes to every activity we have. He is such a fun kid.
***two young girls in the youth: That they would be interested in pursuing their faith. They both admit to choosing Christ, but they both actively choose not to live a life to honor God.
***a girl in the youth: She is a student leader. Pray for her as I can see how she loves to work inside of vocational ministry. She will be going to University next year…so a lot of decisions will have to be made.

Just another update!

2006-10-22T16:14:00.000+02:00

Well...I haven't posted in a couple days, and it is kind of addicting!

This week has been a really great week! SO BUSY! I am glad though. I have been able to get involved in a couple of bible studies to meet new people. I also was able to go to a Murder Mystery Dinner (I was the murderer. muahahahaha) and a girls night. Both were really great. One, it was just good to be social with people my age, but two it was great to just laugh. It has been such a busy serious time of life the last several months; graduating from college, leaving my best friends, finishing up an internship in Dallas...leaving them, raising funds, leaving family, getting to Geneva, adjusting to the culture, absorbing in everything I can...needless to say it was so good to just laugh both nights until it hurt!

I haven't had much work in the YFC office this week. It is an exciting two weeks though. Josh, the director just left for the sates. He is doing a recruiting trip for interns for next year. Keep that in your prayers. I have been working on some administration things! You know I love organization!!!!

Things at Westlake are going really well! I love it. I really love working with youth inside the church setting. I had a good week. I was able to personally meet with two students. Our Friday night program has been going really well too! On Saturday night we had a movie night. We watched over the hedge. It was so cute! We enjoyed it a lot! Below there are three video clips you can watch. You can also click here to see pictures! Some of these pictures you may have seen already, but keep clicking through the album to see the new ones of movie night. Also, you can still look at these pictures if you do not have facebook. So just click on them to go through the entire album. If you are having troubles I would close the window and start the album over.

Click Here to watch a video of three girls in my youth group!!!

Click here to watch us at movie night!!!

Click here to listen to Jorell, a boy in the youth!!!

Also this week I had lunch with the youth pastor I work for (Jesse) and his family. His wife's name is Joy and his daughter's name is Olivia! She is absolutely so adorable. She is also really smart. I think she turns two in December. They also are due with one more baby...November! This week I also am staying at the Leudtke's house. They have been missionaries in Switzerland for over 20 years. Paul actually works at Youth for Christ. So I stayed with their daughter Lexie! We had a lot of fun. If you want to see picts of Olivia as well as pics of me and Lexie click here. Again, some of the pictures you have already seen...continue to click through the album for the new ones.

This morning was really great! I went on a jog and took my camera! If you want to see some wonderful pictures of an Autumn day in the Nyon area CLICK HERE!!!!

I leave for London on Tuesday morning. A youth pastor in the area gave Laura and I inside tips. It will be a really great trip! I will put pictures up when I get back.

Thank you all for contacting me. Also, thank you for your prayers!

Oops!

2006-10-18T23:02:00.000+02:00

I am so very glad I was in a good mood today! I made a mistake! I met up with a girl in the youth at Westlake today. It was a very nice time to set in the brisk autumn air and drink hot chocolate! There was also tons of stuff set up on the main street. They call it the market. So we passed by an olive stand. First of all, I have never really loved olives, but for some reason since I have been here and seen all the variety of them, I have been craving them!

We decided to stop and buy some! The man was wonderful and let us try many different varieties! So we chose a kind and he held up the bag asking if this was enough. It wasn't a lot, but it looked like plenty to snack on...and they were big olives. I would say, maybe a handful.

We looked at the price before and it was like 4.50 CHF for 100g. Well...I have no idea what 100g is! And I def. didn't think he gave us more than 100g. Well he did! We ended up buying a small small quantity of really good olives for 8.50 CHF!!! OOPS! Don't worry...we SAVORED every bite of EACH olive!

Visiting London Soon!

2006-10-17T13:13:00.000+02:00

I am visiting London a week from Today!

(The picture above is of Westminster Abbey) I am going with a lady named Laura Case. Her husband is the director of YFC here in Geneva. She works in the office as well. We will be gone Tuesday through Friday. I haven't been anywere in Europe yet so this will be fun! We are staying in a hostel. It looks very cute! Click here to go to this website and look at it!

Joy in Progress

2006-10-17T12:10:00.000+02:00

I just had a funny experience. I was getting off the train to come home. Something funny happened when myself and this french speaking lady got off the train. She started talking to me in French. I could tell she was making remarks that were funny and not asking me any questions. I did nothing other than come up with little laughs. I had no idea what she was saying...but I communicated. I laughed about it the rest of my walk home.

Lesson Learned: Find joy in progress...even if it is in random things. I am a step further than I was 4 and a half weeks ago. I went along with my surroundings not getting nervous our tense... It is going to be a good day!

My Swiss Home

2006-10-16T15:45:00.000+02:00

I feel very lucky to feel at home in my host home her in Switzerland. The Petraitis Family has been WAY MORE than accomodating to me. If any of you are interested here are some pictures of where I live. **Click Here for the Album***

you take the good and you take the bad

2006-10-16T13:01:00.000+02:00

So...you take the bad .......................

Man, I came off of a rough week. I just experienced a lot of lonliness. I was also very discouraged in how to "do youth ministry" in the culture. I was basically frustrated. I feel like there is this huge difference in ministry here…and there is. I was asking questions like: How do I overcome the cluture difference? Will I be effective here? Will I make progress? I think so. I think God has me here for a reason. I know something good will happen. I am thankful for my own growth. At times I just want to go home; But…I want to experience it for all it is worth. I do feel like I am pursing the kids though. I do feel like I am experiencing God.

Sometimes I feel like I am accomplished here…sometimes I feel so defeated. I do feel as if Satin really is attacking me…but at the same time God is using this to strengthen me as well as create intimacy in my relationship with him.

And you take the good......................

So I have just had two really great days! Long days and I am exhausted...but I am so fired up right now! I know I am being bipolar from the bad days. Without going into tons of detail it goes like this.... I am living life with people who desperatly need Christ. I grew had friends that were not Christians.. But then I went to OBU and Mansfield. Pretty much everyone professes to be Christians. But here is the difference, my whole life I have been in places that say being religious, specifically in Christianity is the right thing to do. And you are more sort of the outcast if you don't at least try out a youth group. And that is not the case here. Being a Christian one isn't always popular...and there are more people who do not choose to put an emphasis on church. I mean, that is very generalized....but the Christian bubble is much smaller here. So all of that to say...I see a need here. It makes me excited. Also, being with youth the last two days excites me. I have a freshness here. So there is the comparison...I hope it made since.

I have just really enjoyed getting to know students all over again. I enjoy knowing I am needed here in the spiritual sence. I see doors and attitudes opening up.

I know that there are going to be down days...but I like to live it up on the good ones!

You add a little fun..........................

Swiss Food: Saturday night I was invited to a families house for dinner. We are had raclette. It is a swiss traditional food. Melted cheese over potatoes. I am going to buy a raclette set and when I get back we can eat it together! To see pictures of my dinner ***click here***

Interyouth: Through the Interyouth program in YFC we had our first MADD (make a difference day). We went to a homeless shelter to paint a wall. To see pictures from that day click ***here*** Some of them you will have already looked at (like the ropes course) but keep on clicking and new ones will come! It was a great day. I loved being with new students. I loved just starting converstaions with them. I loved talking basketball with one of the guys, I loved talking about adoption issues with one of the girls. I see that my passion is youth. I just want to live life with them. Through living life with them they will be introdued to what allows me to make since of the craziness, rest in the restlessness and love in the ugliness of the world.

Corpus: I really love my job at Westake. It is a great fit. I get along well with the youth pator Jesse. He has been a really great help. Friday night was a really great Corpus. To see pictures click ***here*** Some of them you have seen before, but keep clicking forward for the new pics! We are going through different parables that Jesus taught. We organize the rest of the night with games and food. This Friday was great though. It seemed as if numbers were up and the kids really enjoyed themselves! I was also able to sit and jut have fun with a couple of the students.

Survive only through Christ.......................

I appreciate all of you that are praying for me! I can see a differnce lately. So thank you. Here are several prayer requests for the time being! As well as updates on my last prayer requests! If you have not been recieving my prayer emails let me know and I will add you to my list.

For doors continue to open witht he students. That their hearts would long to be fulfilled and that they would recognize the only way to do that would be through a relationship with Christ.
My health. Nothing major...my stomach has just been grumbly...it must be adjusting. Also that I would continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle...working out eating right etc. Those things make a difference when you are trying to adjust to new things as well as manage stress. My nose ring has also been giving me problems. Little things that are no big deal can be really annoying when you are not in your normal setting.
Favor with people. For a friendship to start and for our paths to cross naturally and from there there might be a mutual interest to spend time together.
For God to protect me from temptation and evil. I am in a tremendous setting to grow. I would perfer for harm to not be near!
Praise that doors are opening with students in the most unexpected places. I think it goes to show me that no matter my effort or desire it is all in God's hands.
That God would show me where to find a group of friends. That he would help me to be discierning in where I decide to spend my time out of work.
Pray that God would guide me in my future. I will have to decide here in a couple of months if I want to stay here to work. I need God to be very clear with me because I know my heart is going to be so torn in so many ways.
Pray for the salvation of the lost. Pray that my work here could show them truth and life. Pray that they would be drawn to God’s fullness. That they may respond to the calling on their life to follow after Him.
Praise for a girl that you prayed for last week. She is showing intrest in hanging out with Christain friends. Pray that her time spent in church and with the youth program would be a time that she would allow herself to enjoy it and learn.
Pray that the students at Westlake would engage in the words that Jesse is teaching.
Praise for my church here. I work well with the youth pastor. Also, people have been very intentional by introducing themselves! It makes me feel very welcome!
Praise for technology. It has helped tramendously to keep all of you updated as well as stay connected with my family and friends through email!

And ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE, GROWTH, EXCITEMENT AND CHALLENGES TO THE FULLEST!!!!!!

Sun Sun and more Sun!

2006-10-13T07:18:00.000+02:00

I am happy to announce the wonderful forecast for the next four days!!!!

Prayer Requests

2006-10-12T21:11:00.000+02:00

Well...it has been a month; can’t really believe it. I am emailing you because you guys have shown interest in praying for me while I am in Switzerland working with Youth for Christ. I was told in training that you can’t survive if prayer is not a part of our time there. I believe that whole heartedly. Thank you for being a part of that.

I have had several emails from people telling me they are praying for me daily. I know it is also easier to pray for someone when you have specifics…so here are SPECIFICS!!!!! I know there are a lot…but I know many of you are praying for me daily…here are some ways to guide you. Again, THANK YOU for your prayers. I wish I could send all of you some Swiss Chocolate in gratitude! (a little secret...they sell swiss chocolate in america! It is "Lindt" and it is in a blue wrapper...check it out) I guess I will just have to eat more for all of you!

I will try to be more regular at sending prayer requests. I will also keep you updated on these prayers so you can see how God is active here with me!

Pray For:
1. Pray that God would bring friends into my life. Right now I am trying to find places to meet people my age. Right now I feel like it is going to be a long haul. Pray that in this loneliness that I would be drawn to God more than ever. Also pray that I would use all of my “down social time” wisely…that I wouldn’t be lazy and I would choose to be pro active in my relationship with God.

2. Pray for my time with Students. One that time would open up- they have so much school work…and that is what they do all the time. Also that they would find interest in spending time with me. Also pray that God would show me where the natural places are so I can be a part of their life.

3. Pray for me to continue to adjust to the culture. Pray that communication can take place effectively between me and others. Pray that I wouldn’t avoid being a part of the culture because of insecurities.

4. Pray for cohesion for our team in the YFC office. We are all running everywhere with all of our commitments. We are together in a meeting every other week. Pray that we would still have unity and community within the team.

5. Please pray for two girls in the youth. Both of them are “not ready to live a life following Christ.” They would both say they are Christians, but they confess that they don’t want to commit to anything right now. Pray that their eyes would be uncovered and that they would be drawn to the fullness of God. Pray that as they interact with me they would see what it is like to live in harmony with a perfect father.

6. Pray for Westlake youth group. Pray that the students in the church would be interested in coming to the youth program on Friday nights.

7. Pray that I would continue to be thankful for this experience.

8. Pray that God would guide me in my future. I will have to decide here in a couple of months if I want to stay here to work. I need God to be very clear with me because I know my heart is going to be so torn in so many ways.

9. Pray for the salvation of the lost. Pray that my work here could show them truth and life. Pray that they would be drawn to God’s fullness. That they may respond to the calling on their life to follow after Him

Praise God for:
1. A host home. I feel very comfortable with my host home. It is a place I can come to and relax and rest. Praise there is internet so I can stay in contact with home while I am homesick.

2. For the youth pastor I am working for. We spend a lot of time together so it is nice that we get along and that I enjoy being around him.

3. Financial Supporters. Without them I would not be here!

4. My family. They have been so supportive and encouraging through mail, email and phone calls.

Work Update

2006-10-12T07:29:00.000+02:00

So many of you are probably wondering what the heck I do other than see really cool things. Well I do work...don't worry! Nothing has really changed in the YFC office. I take part in all the meetings as well as work on some database and event registration. Our Saturdays have been full with Student Activities. This past Saturday we went to a Ropes Course in France with some student leaders on the three International School Campuses. Click here for a few pictures. I am hoping that I will get more shortly! I enjoyed hanging out with the kids...but never again will I go on a Ropes Course...

My favorite part right now is the work I do in Westlake Church. I recently just taught in Sunday School. It went ok. I don't love teaching because I do not feel like I can communicate well...or articulate the material well. I think I am going to get several opportunities to teach this year. I really hope that is something that is improved by the time I leave.

Other than that I am just trying to hang out with students and get to know them. It is going ok. I have been frustrated this week. I feel like there are so many barriers to cross in order for me to be effective. I didn't realize that me being from a different culture would be that big of a deal. By that I mean that I have these ideas or expectations for my work in youth ministry. Those ideas and expectations come from one the way I was raised in the church and two my previous experience working in youth ministry. It is different here. The lives of these students is nothing like my life growing up...or the kid's lives i have previously worked with. All that to say is that I am experiencing a new way to do youth work which is good for me.

There have also been little bumps in the road with my creativity. For instance I have had to come up with games or illustrations for my talk. You would think both of those are very easy. But when you come up with the great idea of playing "The Price is Right" or something like that I then remember that The Price is Right isn't over here. Or if you want to play a game with popular songs or movie stars....I don't know that culture yet. Those are small examples...but a lot of small examples can make a big pile! It can be exhausting.

All of that to say that I am being stretched...sometimes more than I would like. But I can see the need for me here. I can see the need for TRUTH. I can also see the need for love.

I have actually met with a couple of girls this week. Both went well. I left appreciating their honesty. Please pray for both of these girls. Both have the knowledge of God and Christ. Both have the knowledge of what Christ means in Christianity. Pray that they would see that obedience is essential in our daily lives. Pray that they see the urgency in it. Also pray that there would be a true heart transformation when they are ready to seek God. Both told me that right now is just not the time for them to commit their lives to anything. I admire their honesty...but my heart still breaks.

Thinking about the past couple of days makes me thankful for my passion. It also makes me thankful for how real God is in my life. I am thankful for his depth, compassion, faithfulness, love and his power. I am thankful that when I was hopeless I could have hope. I am thankful when I wasn't worth loving that He loved me deeply. He has been real enough in my life for me to move across an ocean to tell about it...I just desire these kids to get it. So...even though I feel frustrated and confused sometimes...I see the need and I know my purpose is being fulfilled.

So please pray for both of those girls.

Answers to Questions

2006-10-11T10:32:00.000+02:00

It has been a long time since I have updated you guys with news. I have a lot to tell you, especially on the ministry side of things. Hopefully I will put that on here very soon! As for now I recieved an email with some VERY good questions thatI just know all of you are dieing to know as well!!!! Here they are...it is rather long once again, but I hope you enjoy! Love you all and miss you too!

Sports: The biggest sport here is football...but not "American football" We would call it soccer. But they don't do sports like us American’s do. Like at school it isn't that big of a deal. If the team decides they have too much homework they will cancel a game. Nothing like what it was like for me. I cancelled my homework!!!!

The School System: Well this is how it goes. First there is primary school; that is like the younger grades and middle school in America. Then there is secondary which is like middle school and our freshman year of high school for us. Then there is higher secondary. That is like the second part of high school plus one grade because they go to 13th grade. Then they go to what they call "university" where we would say that we are going to college. It is also different her because they decide what they are going to do at a young age. It depends heavily on your grades as well. So for example, if in 5th grad you are not making the grades then you will chose to do an "apprenticeship" after high school. You are not considered smart enough to go to college. It is really rather sad to me.

Worship/Church: The church I go to is much like an American Church. There is a mix between some hymns and chores songs. We rent the church from a French speaking church and we have our service at 5pm on Sunday nights. Every other week we have a morning service in another town as well as our service at 5pm. The preaching is very good. He is youngish pastor. He has two daughters both in the youth. He is from Northern Ireland, so his accent is so cute! It is always biblically sound when he preaches. They have small groups that meet throughout the week. I go to the young adult one.

Holidays: I am not quite sure. No 4th of July …No Thanksgiving (but many people celebrate it because there are a lot of families here whose have one parent from America. Christmas yes….but nothing really big I don’t think.

The Homes: It is very normal for families to own an apartment. Not like the whole building, but just their apartment. For a three bedroom apartment, a living room, a kitchen it is $2000 Franks a month!!!!!!!!!! That is a lot of money. I don’t know how to do the math but $.81 is equal to 1 Frank. So it is a lot of money. That is why very few people own homes here, because it is so expensive. I have not been in a house yet, but I have gone by them. It looks like they are out of a story book. No brick or siding…it is like texturized clay. It has a name I just can’t think of it. Every house has windows that open because there is no air conditioner. There is usually a pot of flowers hanging over the side and colored window shutters. As far as their yards, the apartments don’t have yards unless you live on the bottom floor. Then you would have a really small backyard. But they don’t call them backyards, they call them gardens. And some families do have swimming pools.

Family Life: Well, the defiantly spend a lot more time together in the home. They eat meals together and watch TV together (at least my host family). But at the same time there are families that have either one or both parents traveling for work…to other countries…not just in Switzerland. So many families have an Au Pair/Nanny. My host family does not watch TV very much since homework is so important here. They have many channels that are in many different languages…French, German, Spanish, and English…LOTS! As far as games…I am not too sure! We haven’t played any yet. I know they like chess some.

Parking space: There is not a problem with parking people just walk. It is probably expensive to own a car here too. Plus everything is central for them. Like it isn’t like the Wal-Mart is on one side of town while the mall is on the other. (they don’t have Wal-Mart) The train station is generally by the town square. And then everything you need is just right there…groceries, clothes, restaurants. So it is pointless to drive. It would be nice to have a bike when you are running late! So it is more or less just the custom.

Visiting Family: If you lived in Switzerland and I were to come visit you I am not sure what families would do. My host family is going to Zurich (about 3 hours away) and they are driving. But you can take the train as well. The public transportation system is really good here. It would probably depend on the price of gas compared to the train ticket. The gas is around 1.62 Franks per liter. So if you are good at math you can convert that into dollars and gallons!

Food: Very healthy. But in the sense of portions. Like, they don’t have a plate full like we do. They take one serving of everything and they are done. Same with the restaurant servings. EXCEPT pizza! You order your own pizza and eat it by yourself. But it isn’t the pizza like you are thinking. It is like a mega tortilla. That thin…so you can eat a whole one and not feel stuffed. Now that it is the winter season they serve these two plates. One is called Fondue and the other is called Raclette. Fondue is where you dip bread into cheese (or something into chocolate!!!!) Raclette is a little harder to explain. I actually had it for the first time the other night. You slice a block of cheese up and heat it on the warmer with any veggies and meat you want. When it melts you scrape it onto potatoes. It is very good! They do have a McDonalds. But if you order something like a burger it takes you five min to get it…not fast like in the US. They have a lot of pubs (bars) and café’s to eat at as well as little bakeries. But it is very expensive to eat out here. You don’t really unless you plan on spending at least 20 franks a head…at least! And water cost to order as well.

Rain Rain and More Rain

2006-10-03T20:27:00.000+02:00

If you checked the weather in Geneva this

is what every picture would look like for the next week....BUMMER!

Work, Des Alpes, Corpus and More!

2006-09-30T19:56:00.000+02:00

Well things have been going well! Don't worry...I came off of my giddyness high! I seriously think it was because I had a capachino that morning...and I HATE coffee (confession...it is the only thing I know how to order that is english and french!!!! ha!). Since I have been here I have not had much sugar...and NO DR. PEPPER so I think that did the trick!!!

My work in the YFC office is great. This week I attended my first LTF. That stands for Lunch Time Forum. LTF's are run by our Interyouth program. We go into three international schools in the Geneva area. We try to get as many students involved as possible. We then discuss issues involving personal life, interpersonal life, world issues, social action, governmental issues and so on...whatever the students choose to be interested in. It is a great way to make a difference in the world today as well as make some great connections with the youth in this area. Through Interyouth we are also preparing for a MADD- Make a Difference Day. We will be painting a wall in a homeless shelter. We also are going to do a ropes course for student leaders. You can also be praying for our Spring Service Project. Last year they went to Poland...we are trying to decide the best palce to go this year. AlSO...we are planning an event called Famine Feast. I will give more details as they get to me!!!!

My work at Westake is in Full Force: Last night was the first night of "Corpus." Corpus is our youth group at Westlake (the church I am working at). It is every Friday night. The Youth pastor, Jesse, is going through some different parables. It was a lot of fun! I thought the night went well too! ***Click Here for Corpus Pics*** Please pray for our youth group. Pray that the kids would be sensative for the spirit to move in their hearts. Also pray that Jesse and I would have the opportunity to talk intamitly about the truth of God as well as have ample opportunities to share God's love.

I know all of you have been waiting for this part!!!! My host family took me to a Swiss Tradition called Des Alpes. It's the annual tradition for farmers to dress up their herds and parade them through town; they're coming down from the mountains for winter respite/a break...whatever that means! *****CLICK HERE***** for pictures of the festival! Also, there I took some video...I hope it works. Below there are three places you can click. Each one is a new video.

Video of Cows Marching

Video of Mountain Horns

Video of a Swiss Marching Band

Also, thanks for checking out my updates! I appreciate all of you who are praying for me, thinking of me and supporting me financially!!!!!

I am giddy today!!!!!

2006-09-28T18:10:00.000+02:00

So i am super giddy today. I think the culture shock has taken its course (for now...) and I am finally living in the moment. It is a nice feeling. And don't worry! For those of you that know how I am idealistic and romanticize everything...I am aware that this "honeymoon" stage will end!!!! But for now I am going to enjoy every moment!

I love the Lake Geneva region! I can really see myself living life here. It is a very comfortable place. I love the towns outside of Geneva. I like how it is so full of culture here!

I am loving every aspect of my job so far. I feel really fortunate. I have had a great time connecting with the students at westlake (there are more pics of the weekend...click here to go to the website and look at the pics!) Friday night is the first youth night I will be a part of. The youth pastor is going through several different parables. My first night to teach will be October 8th. That will be good practice for me!

As far as my job in the YFC office- things are great. I have really enjoyed getting to know the people I am working with. There is one other intern and his name is Andrew. He is a student at Georgia Tech. There are two girls that went through the internship program last year. One is Ester and she is from Italy and the other is Bethany and she is from McKinney (Dallas area). And...I absolutly enjoy Josh and Laura Case. Josh is the director and Laura is his wife that works in the office as well. They are both very welcoming and bring great dynamics to the team! Paul Luedtke is the missonary that works for YFC that has been here for 20 years. He has been so helpful and welcoming as well! He is very wise and I will learn so much from him this year! There are also two other men on the team. One man is Lammert and the other Leigh. Leigh appears to be an expert with communication stuff such as logos! Lammert is working on developing the Altitude internship program. That is the program I am going through. So....if any of you are interested in going through this internship program next year....let me know!

Well...i could keep going on and on....but I better stop! I miss all of you and I am really enjoying hearing from all of you!

Lots of Updates

2006-09-21T17:26:00.001+02:00

Well, my life is underway here in the Lake Geneva Region!

Lots of things have happened since my last post. I hope this catches you up to date on everything!

*****CLICK HERE FOR

NEW UPDATED PICTURES*****

My Role: Lots of you have been wondering what exactly my job here is. Well, I am still learning but here is what I know so far. I am spending half of my time interning with a youth group and the other half working in the YFC office. My job at Westlake Church is the youth intern. It is Just like in mansfield. Friday nights are our youth nights. And then like twice a month there are activities. We are doing a progressive dinner for thanksgiving... A Troteenet (sound it out...it is French)...it is like a glorified scooter you ride down the mountain trails???? ...ski trip...biking around the lake...movie night...etc etc. so that will be fun. Basically I just will hang out with students and pour into their lives as well as help around the office!!!!! As far as in the Youth for Christ office i am going through the yfc altitude internship program. There are many different streams in YFC Geneva. One of them is Interyouth and it is a program created for us as youth workers to go into the school systems and have lunch time forums on things in topics like Personal life, interpersonal life, community issues news, global citizenship, politics etc. Everyone in switzerland is very educated and cares a lot about "issues." So that is our way to one, exercise our christian faith with social action in the world but two, a way for us to go where the kids are at. If we went in as YFC we couldn't because it would be religious bias type thing.

Runaway Weekend: This past weekend was my first youth event. We had a weekend retreat and it is called "Runaway Weekend." It was so great becaue it was my first chance to meet kids from Westlake. I felt like I made a lot of great connections as well as a good foundations for our friendships to further!!!

My Church: Westlake is the church I attend and it is in a town by the name of Nyon. You can see more about it at www.westlakechurch.com It is a really good fit for me. All of the families I have met are really excited I am here. It will be a great place for me to for a community! You can also visit our youth website at www.westlakeyouth.com it will contain all of the updates throught my year here...as well as pictures!

How I am getting involved: As far as life here....it is pretty much as if i was working in Dallas. I have my 40-50 hr/wk job and the rest of the time is mine. They encourage us to travel when we can. Right now i am searching in the Lake Geneva area for a place to get involved with a young adults group. Please pray for friends!!!!!!!

My visit to Geneva: I have included pictures above about my trip to Geneva. It is about a 20 min train ride from where I live. Geneva is a beautiful city and holds so much history! Unfortunatly my camera ran out of battery so there were some things I did not get to take pictures of. I will be back often though!

What I notice: I know many of you keep requesting more pictures and detials of what it is like to live in Europe. When I notice things I like to take note of them so I, one will always be able to remember what it was like to live here but two, so you can feel more a part of the culture with me! Here are some things that are different (not good or bad...just things I notice!) First of all, the first time I made a phone call I thought I did somethin wrong. The ring is a beep! Also, you can smoke most everywhere here so I am becoming aquainted with that smell quite often. Everyone here walks everywhere!!!!! It is nice though. I am about a ten min walk to the train station. I walk to work from the train station and then I walk to church from the train station. It isn't that pleasent when it rains though. I will soon buy a rain jacket and a much bigger umbrella..maybe some rain boots! I am also adjusting to the attitudes of the culture. One thing I have noticed is that it seems that people are more literal here. Example...if I say I am wonderful or fantastic...it really means that. I usually just say that in place of I am doing well.

The Whether: The weather has been so great. The first couple of days it spit rain. but now it is the most beautifl weather. mostly 70s. beautiful clouds on top of the mountains. Everyone calls the fall Autum. I think just by calling it that is makes everything so much richer with beauty!! ha! There is rain now for two days...o well!

Other Questions: I have been recieving your emails with lots of questions...keep sending them...I LOVE IT!!! Television...i probably won't watch much. They do have Grey's anatomy but it is in German with no captions...bummer!!!!! Football i am not sure????? Maybe they will show the super bowl (Especially if the Cowboys are playing in it!).

ok....i think that is a long enough and detailed enough blog entry! I love hearing from all of you!

2006-09-18T01:04:00.000+02:00

***WARNING**** much of this information is for my family...not that all of you can't read it...it just may be very detail orientated. More than some of you would like!

You can click here to see an album of the beginning!!! You can look at all the albums but the "Moving to Switzerland" album is relative to this post and has current info!

Well, I am here in Switzerland. The transition has been great. Thank you so much for your prayers. I have been more homesick than I would have expected...but I have had a tremendous amount of down time. Once things start to pick up I know it will be better. Everything we learned in Candidate School has been very helpful! It is crazy how things help. Like I unpacked some loose pictures I packed last minute...well they moved me to tears. I am really glad I brought them. I don't even know where to start.

My flight: All was good. I did not even share a row with anyone until my flight from Zurich to Geneva. So therefore on all of my flights I could sleep and spread out. I also had a window seat on each flight. I was thankful for that as well so I could see all of the scenery.

My Host Family: They are so so great. They rearranged their entire upstairs for me to have privacy in my own room. David, the father, works in Zurich and is home on the weekends. He spent the entire time working...poor guy. I told him his trian ride to work will be more relaxing than being at home. I am so greatful for them. Marie and David Petraitis as well as their two daughters Lisa and Christina. All the spelling may be completly off! We live in an apartment. Everyone here does. I acutally haven't seen a one family house yet to my knowledge because all of the houses are covered by trees or walls. They told me that everyone here is very private. I acutally have not even been in Geneva. The best way I can describe it is the Dallas area. But please do not make mental images when you think of this because it looks nothing the same. Geneva is the big city (Dallas) with all of these little towns near. I live in Gland and my Church is in Nyon and the Youth for Christ office is in Coppet. I bought my train pass to go inbetween all of them. After seven pm i can travel for free...i think anywhere in switzerland????

The cars and the roads are much smaller here!

Food: So far it hasn't been much different. Everything seems more fresh. Meals here are also not rushed. You sit down as a family at every meal and you orientate a time for everyone to be present. Mom, you wouldn't like it...clean up every time!!!! So far I have had pizza, steak with potatoes and veggies, tacos, pasta...o that was so good. the sauce was from italy.

Everyone speaks French. Much more than I anticipated. I wish I could take classes or would have taken classes. I am fine because I live with people that speak English, go to an english speaking church and I work with people who speak english...but if I jsut want to go into town or something no one speaks English. I am trying to pick up key words!

Well, I know there is much more. Look at my pictures and you will understand more! There are many more photo albums there for you to look at but the carnival picture album is the most recent.

2006-09-12T03:44:00.001+02:00

2006-09-11T23:58:00.000+02:00

Well...it is official...I have my itinerary...I am working on packing...all the loose ends are not loose anymore...making my phone calls...sending out the emails....I am heading to Geneva in 35 hours!!!! I really can't explain what I am feeling. I have gone through all the emotions...I am just ready to actually be there and not have to think about it anymore! My itinerary is as follows (for the fam!). I will be able to answer my cell phone until I leave Miami, feel free to check in!

Sept 13-Wednesday

LV Omaha 6:10am Flt 1565 American Airlines

AR Dallas Ft Worth 8:00am

LV Dallas Ft Worth 9:20am Flt 652 American Airlines

AR Miami International 1:05pm

LV Miami International 7:45pm Flt65 Swiss

AR Zurich 10:55am

Sept 14-Thursday

LV Zurich 11:55am Flt 2824 Swiss

AR Geneva 12:40pm

2006-09-08T15:00:00.000+02:00

I am on my way!!!!! As of Wednesday morning I will be on the plane to Geneva!!!! I will arrive there on Thursday the 14th around noon! When I get my exact itinerary I will post it! I really can't believe all of this is happening! But I am excited! It will be great to not think about it anymore and actually live it! I just wanted to put the update...but more to come for sure!

2006-09-07T05:00:00.000+02:00

Well, some of you requested pictures of "the farm." Here is what I am doing until I am fully funded (which is so close!!!!). Click here for more pictures...the top album is the farm...feel free to look at the others...but they are irrelevant, I have just made them for facebook.

2006-09-01T23:17:00.000+02:00

I am getting antsy!!!!

(click here to read and see pictures of Geneva)

2006-08-30T19:02:00.000+02:00

Things are going really well! I am almost fully funded! I am 88% of the way there! This picture is of some people from the church I worked at in Dallas the past three summers! They are simply amazing! Two of my girls, Ashley and Jac, organized a car wash (click here for a slideshow of the day) for me! They did it all in less than a week and raised $645 dollars! CRAZY! They also rounded up several other people from the church to help!

It has been so fun to watch people in Dallas that I care deeply about come together with me in this ministry! I have poured into them spiritually and they have poured into me as well. Now we are coming together to go spread the name of Jesus Christ in Switzerland. It is very humbling!

i am just now starting to wrap things up. I am currently working on the farm with my dad (not so fun, but good money). When I get a chance I try to make contacts to support me as well as work on anything else that I can!

I changed my email address. Please leave a comment or email me at ashleydmarble@gmail.com

2006-08-23T07:09:00.000+02:00

.at last.

I am sitting in my room in Grand Island, Nebraska thankful to be home. My trip to the south was one of many ups and many downs but nevertheless I see the soverignty of God in the trip as well as all over my life....exhausting to think about at times...but so fulfilling!

Also exciting news is that I have reached 50% in my fundraising efforts!!!!!! I am a lot further along now than I was a week ago..PRAISE GOD. Other exciting things inclueds that two families are joining their frequent flyer miles to buy my ticket. Also my church in Dallas is going to support me! AND....My host family in Dallas is having a garage sale to raise funds for me! If you want to donate anything to the garage sale email me at a_marbes@hotmail.com and I will let you know how to do that!

Here is a question...how do you have faith in God? Yes, I know it is something we are taught our whole lives and I believe I exercise daily. I think I have a simple faith with plenty of depth. I have placed my faith in Christ and I trust Him. But what does this look like? Inwardly....outwardly? The reason I ask this is because I guarentee that what I thought it was isn't what I have experienced this past week. I see faith in God and trusting in Him as being active. I also see it as sitting back. How do both of these things work together when they are opposites? I see faith/trust as something you verbalize to God and also something you show to him. But how do you "show and verbalize" two things that are not tangible ("faith and trust").

Now is the part where I state my conclusion...but...I DON'T HAVE ONE!!!!! I see this as something that is life long. Something I continue to learn at a deeper level through different life events. I also think it is important to understand the characteristics of God as well as what He teaches in the bible in order to place my faith/trust in Him. Why should I trust someone I know little about? Right now I am learning about trusting in God through faith by my experince in missions. I will continue to be active...I will continue to sit back....I will continue to verbalize it...and I shall continue to show it.