A Hill to Die Upon

Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower

We are all in a battle. Of the worst kind. We cannot always see the action swirling around us. The hits come and the devastation is made worse because we never saw the danger coming. We rarely employ strategy but instead rely on a half-hearted attempt to defend ourselves with the worst of weaponry. Bombs are going off around us and our system becomes numb. Pain is no longer shocking--and we can't make out the horizon because the cloud of smoke is choking us. We hear Satan's mocking voice as he gloats in our seeming defeat. In a last gasp, we hear an odd sound. A war cry the likes of which sends shivers down a weathered general's back. Christ blazes in with a state-of-the-art tank called the Holy Spirit and the authority of God Almighty. No longer does the heart accept defeat, no longer does Satan have a hold. Christ saves the day with his bloody sacrifice and we are set free from any and all bondage.

The battle will rage tomorrow and the result will always be the same. Christ conquered death. He won.

But what really, are we fighting for?

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We are fighting for our lives. We are fighting for our children's lives. We are fighting for our friendships and our marriages. We are fighting for incomparable joy and our livelihoods. We are fighting for our futures.

And we have to decide, is there a hill upon which we must die? Is this battle worth our lives? Is it worth the time, the money, the energy, the loss of reputation, the painful stretching one endures during transformation?

Is the battle for our spiritual lives important enough that we'd risk everything for? Where you get your next breath from matters. Who have you given your allegiance to? What are you holding back? What is keeping you from rallying the spirit within, and charging hell or high water up the hill?

Because on top of the hill, is a cross, upon which Jesus decided you were worth dying for.

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I appreciate watching World War II documentaries. Do I love watching them? No. I do not love learning about war. But I appreciate the stories and truths that can be learned from those who have fought or are fighting. I have watched all of Band of Brothers, and now The Pacific (I realize I'm not HBO's usual demographic!). In a sort of weird way, I would much rather watch an episode of one of those miniseries than any current modern day television show. Where does a gracious heart grow from?

From realizing all that has been given to you. All that you have been entrusted with. All the sacrifices made on your behalf. So many members of my generation take our carefree lives for granted. I am one of those, for sure. That's one of the reasons why I'd rather watch one of those documentaries than anything on Bravo. I was watching an episode of The Pacific with a few guy friends this past weekend and reflected upon this upcoming Veterans Day. I have so much to be thankful for. So many good men who laid down there lives for mine.

So today, I thank any soldier who has ever died to save my physical life, and I thank Jesus Christ for dying to save my eternal soul. I owe all to soldiers and Jesus. Soldiers for charging up hills to meet the enemy in every earthly war, and Christ for signing up to die for my sins on Calvary's Hill.

For the glory of Him alone,

Kaley Dawn

The Tree Who Helped Save the World

This is a children's story I recently wrote on my way to class and finished up this past weekend.

Its sort of along the lines of the Giving Tree...but a little bit different ;)

Enjoy.

                 The Tree Who Helped Save the World.

This is the story of a tree who helped save the world. It wasn't the
tallest or strongest tree. It did not have the longest branches or the best leaves. But this tree knew it's purpose. This tree was going to someday help save the world. It was planted by a simple farmer for a simple purpose; to help save the world.

When this tree was just a seed, God told this tree it's purpose. This tree was going to help save the world.

From the very beginning of time God had a plan for this very special
tree. He whispered into the tree's heart; "You are my tree. I have
made you and I have created you. I have a plan for you. Plans to
prosper you and show you the deepest depths of my love. You are the
tree who will help save the world."

"Life will not be easy, life will not be safe. But this life I am
giving you will be good. Because you are my very special tree who will someday help save the world."

So this little tree grew and grew and grew. The days became longer and then the days became shorter. Autumn came, and so did a long cold winter. God kept whispering to the little tree, "You are my very special tree. I love you, don't you ever forget. Keep growing strong. I will be here for you Until the very day you help save the world. And every day after, I will be here for you."

Spring came and the sun came out. Summer followed. All the while the
tree grew and grew. Many autumns came and the tree endured many long,very cold winters. Spring always came and summer always followed. God explained to the little tree that he had designed seasons of life. Seasons to grow, seasons to rest. Seasons where the sun shines, and seasons where we only see clouds.

A few more autumns came and a few more winters passed. The tree
just kept growing and growing.

One day God whispered to the tree, "You are ready my very special
tree. I have prepared you for just a time as this. Now my little
special tree, it is time to help save the world."

The tree smiled big, the way we smile when we know we are doing
something right. Then the tree said to the Lord, "Much has been given to me, and much I must give back. Now, now I will help save the world."

So this very special tree laid down the only thing he had--his life,
for the whole world. The simple farmer cut down the tree and made the tree into the most beautiful cross.

And on this very special cross made from the very special tree, a man named Jesus laid down HIS life so that all the people ever made could be free from sin and know how much God loved them.

This was God's very special plan all along. He planted a seed which
grew into a very special tree that became the Cross. And on this Cross died Jesus, the man who saved the world.

Stuff [Pullman] Christians Like

Yep. Its happened. I've copied the famous book and website. Only I've spun it Pullman-style. Enjoy. Or don't, you are the one who clicked the link though.... ;)

If you are offended by any of this satire, I recommend '

a) not being my friend on Fbook &

b) not reading anything I ever write, ever, ever again. Perfect.

**Note: If you are born after the year 1990, some of these references might be over your head. Sorry about that.

Stuff [Pullman] Christians Like:

1) Running.

Alone. Or with a partner. Marathons, half marathons or the recreational 5k. It doesn't matter, you are running it. You've ran on that path that parallels Grand, and its been awesome. Or not. And then you run around Pullman and you run the hills. And you kind of want to die on Stadium. But you keep running because its good for you and there are SO many comparisons to the Christian life that go along with running. You fill that ipod up with worship music and go. Or, like me, you fill your 'pod with pop hits from about a year ago and go like crazy. Soon you start sub-conciously guilt tripping your non-running friends by nonchalantly mentioning how often/how much you ran this week. You feel closer to God as you pump those arms and charge up that hill. Good job you health nuts, wave at your lazy friends at the Rec and get that oh-so-spiritual-runner's high.

2) Pumpkin Spice Latte's @ Starbucks.

I don't like coffee so this one's a little foreign to me but evrrrahbody I know who drinks that poison drink loves this Pumpkiny nonsense. So cheers to fall and everything autumn. And thanks Starbucks for inventing one more addiction, like we needed it.

3) Mark Driscoll and/or Rob Bell.

I find that like Twilight, there are kind of two teams. Only there are no "Team Driscoll" T-shirts. 'Cause that's idolizing and we don't do that stuff 'round here. There's the Mars Hill Junkies who admire everything that comes from this holy hipster factory in Seattle. I admit, I'm one of those.

And then there's the other side who admire/love Rob Bell 'cause he writes cool stuff and has fancy books with awesome pictures in them.

Sometimes there are people who like both. These individuals also have trouble deciding which hair products to buy because everything looks great. Anyway...

4) Shopko.

Okay, no one actually LIKES Shopko but until super obnoxious Wallyworld opens October 27th across from Safeway, its all we got. But admit it, you buy a lot of your ish at Shopko and you therefore appreciate it. Barely. The alternative is driving all the way to the "Palouse Mall" in Moscow. Another real classy place.

5) Palouse Treasures.

Speaking of classy places. This place has it all--cheap furniture, outstanding Halloween costumes, Christmas decor, and the occasional random item that will make your life complete for 29 cents. Customer service isn't bad, just ring the bell. Or stand there awkwardly until someone comes to help you. Your choice.

6) Coffee Shops.

Starbucks.

Daily Grind.

One World in Moscow. *Cough*amyloncon*

Cafe Moro.

Zoe's Underground.

And so many more. You've hit them all up. Study time, yea right. You enjoy the free wireless and cool coffee shop vibe. Plus, God gives out bonus points to anyone who reads their Bible in public at a coffee shop. Or so I've been told. Guys, you've met a girl there for "coffee"...need I say more? :)

Daily Grind and Starbucks are my two favs. I sit in Sbux for approximately 12.7 seconds before someone I know walks through the door. Its great. I go to Daily Grind when I actually need to study. I hole myself up in that very back room with the couch and hide from the world for hours at a time. I've had some pretty spectacular Qiuet times at DG. Don't even get me started about PEANUT BUTTER FROSTS. Peanut Butter Frosts > just about anything else.

7) Judging all the Pagans at Football and Basketball Games.

You count the number of times the guy behind you says the F word. And then you roll your eyes at your very ethical friend next to you. 'Cause this guy is just *such* a sinner. FACT: We're all sinners and he's a Coug. Doesn't make him any less obnoxious but Jesus died for the guy who only speaks in expletives too. I'm the worst at this, trust me.

8) Dance Parties.

Right now a Lady Gaga song just started playing in your mind. Perfect. You have had the most fun at dance parties, and to be honest, at one point during Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" you really just let go and belted it. I think part of this can be attributed to Matt Ogurkow. His love for Backstreet Boys and N*Sync was infamous. In the best way possible of course.

Basically, you've let loose to Chris Brown's "Forever" way before that YouTube video came out and then the Office redid it. You've also worn something absolutely ridiculous to a dance party. My worst/best was a pair of little boy's tie-dye chonies. Worn on the OUTSIDE of my jeans, thank you very much.

9) Camp Sanders. Wooten too, but mostly Sanders.

I've made all my major life decisions at a Campus Crusade retreat or conference. No joke. I think Camp Sanders is my personal fav. though because there is always this excited anticipation for the school year that is just starting. Dino nuggets are the best. Hands down. Nutritionally pointless however. Giant, outrageous, face melting camp fires. Everybody-Cries-Their-Eyes-Out Saturday nights. Busting out your flannel (for those of you who don't wear it all the time like yours truely) or just busting out your crew neck sweatshirt over and over again all weekend. Super cold showers. No matter how early you get up. Man time. Whatever THAT entails. That half an hour where you get real with the Lord and He gets real with you. Jackpot.

10) The Doughnuts at Real Life.

'nuff said.

11) Wearing a Completely Non-Sexual Halloween Costume.

Because Pullman turns into Victoria's Secret on Halloween, we Christians try to counter-act all the sensualness by wearing a funny costume that is completely unattractive. This one actually might just be me...yea, I think this one is just me but whatevs, I'm the one writing this. I can say whatever the heck I want.

12) "Meeting" People at the Cub.

Its centrally located. And you can be obscure enough if your friend that you are supposedly meeting doesn't show up 10 minutes early like you. You like to people watch too, while you are waiting. Turn in any direction and someone is having a super intense convo. And hey, didn't that guy walk by two times already? Dude, find a place and wait it out, you look ridiculous wandering around making awkward eye contact with every single person in this joint.

13) Tyrone Wells.

He's from Spokane. He's legit, and getting more famous. He's got that super cool vibe that you can study too or picture yourself in a movie with his soundtrack playing. Okay, that last part is definitely just me.

14) The Karate Kids at the halftime of Cougar Basketball Games.

I'm signing up my future children for Karate for sure. These kids kick butt, literally. When the little girl punches the bigger boy in the you-know-where, its just about the best thing you've ever witnessed.

15) Experiencing all of God's wonderful weather, in ONE day.

It snowed in the morning. Hailed a little too if we are honest. Then it rained, and then the sun came out. And now its almost 80 and your eighteen layers of clothes are clinging to your sweaty back because you are trudging back home to change out of your snow boots. The girl with the UGG boots and shorty shorts walks by with her Homecoming sweatshirt on, and you are suddenly regretting wearing your long underwear when a tankini would have been ideal.

16) Swing Dancing.

Its wholesome. Like a cold glass of 2% milk. Its a good, clean (somewhat sweaty) fun time that only costs 5 bucks. Driving to Moscow and back with your friends is half the fun. Learning to dance is tough at first but once you're good--you're golden. Cowboy boots, jeans with the buckle. Meeting all the U of I students. Watching other people make fools of themselves, what's not to love? Nothing. Everything about swing dancing is awesome. Join the fun.

All It Took

I was recently discussing with a good friend my singleness. I talked about how surprisingly happy I am, how I love the ways God is currently stretching and molding my heart and how I love learning to be a teacher. We laughed at some funny stories of dates gone wrong, bad set-ups, and how awkward I can be when I don't know where I stand with someone.

This friend asked me, "Kaley, what would it take to win your heart?"

My mind sobered up. Such a loaded question. I had no idea really.... a long list of character traits, qualities and things I am attracted to entered my mind. But the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart. And my heart sighed that happy, soul-deep, freely shown sigh of utter content.

And in a quiet voice I replied, "All it took was a couple of nails and a wooden cross."

And you, who were dead in your trespass and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgive us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

-Col. 2:13

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matt. 6:21

20 Things I Learned on the First Day of First Grade

1) "Jimmy" doesn't know how to zip his jeans.

2) The copy machine is my worst enemy. We have a hate/hate relationship where I am ultimately always the loser.

3) Watch out for the single dads.

4) A hug can be the difference maker that changes everything.

5) The laughter of little boys in the bathroom is a mystery..."WHAT is going on in there and why is it so funny??"

6) Sometimes the parents need the reassuring smile more than the child does. "Yea, I've got this. Go, get your grocery list checked off. Your child already loves me...I can tell by the way she is hugging the back of my legs, k? Everything is fine..and by everything, I mean you."

7) By the end of the day my feet are killing me but my heart is full.

8) Every little girl has something sparkly on the first day. Shoes, shirts, backpacks, keychains, hair clips, shoe laces, pencils, earrings, glitter tattoos...but mostly, their eyes light up and sparkle when you notice the sparkly thing that they have secretly been wanting you to notice since they walked in the classroom.

9) Document cameras are the ish and the kids are mesmerized by them. Jackpot baby.

10) I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.

11) My organizational skills are being honed and perfected.

12) I crave something warm and caffeinated around 2:15. Or just some sort of adrenaline rush.

13) 6 and 7 years olds think I smell great. Viva la Juicy.

14) We all win with recess.

15 I have this irrational fear that my class will be the ones to set fire to the room, 'cause a whole school mutiny or stab each other with the freshly sharpened pencils their parents bought.

16) Teaching is the letting loose of my pent up loving/nurturing/helping side. I get to provide a safe and homey place for people (well, little people)... and my heart thrives on that.

17) Clorox wipes are money.

18) Um, they can't remember the flag salute.

19) There are kids who fart and get embarrassed. And then there are the repeat offenders, who the cafeteria staff know: "are not allowed to participate in 'Taco Tuesday' or 'Burritos & Beans' on Fridays."

20) The fact that I own a skateboard makes me the coolest teacher, like, ever.

Haha & Amen,

Miss Adams

Water and this Post Siena Life

So, I've been back from my big Italian adventure for over a month now. Much has happened since my return to American soil, and much hasn't changed at all. I'm switching things up a little now-- this is now just going to be a regular old blog about the thoughts I have that I decide to type up and share.

The quick and dirty update on my current life: About to start my "Advanced Practicum" @ Wiley Elementary in West Richland. Working as a nanny right now. Single. Learning a lot about the multiple facets of grace: its cost and worthwhile blessings included.

Water.

I like to run my hands under warm water when I'm stressed. Something about it soothes me and calms my frenzied mind in a gentle way. My relationship with Jesus is the same way. I come to Him, my heart beating at a frantic pace as the imagined crisis at hand is seemingly taking over my life. And Christ looks deep into my eyes through this fractured heart of mine and quiets the turmoil within. I turn my tear filled eyes to the safest place I know; the feet of Jesus. The truth and the grace that I have so desperately been craving but never thought to ask for is shown and given.

And my life is centered once again on what it should have been centered on all along. Sometimes I look in the mirror when the warm water is running over my hands. Depending upon the day or situation I see something altogether different in the reflection looking back at me. A proud woman who is putting on a brave face. A little girl with big dreams. A sinner. A saint. Someone dangerous for the kingdom of Heaven. Someone who dances to pop hits from 2008. Me. Who I want to be. Someone I've always been. Princess. Prostitute. Loyal to a fault. Miserable because of my affections. Strong. Tired.

You name it, I've seen it staring back at me in the mirror. Who do all those reflections need?

They, I, need Jesus. So I turn the water to 'warm' and reflect on how Christ walked on water. The water from the rock. God parted the Red Sea. Noah built the ark and then the rains came. Jonah and that whale. Water to wine. Becoming fishers of men. The woman at the well. Something about water reminds me of Jesus. And my world is centered. My focus is shifted from me to Christ. Problems pale in comparison to the riches that are found in a life with Christ. I blink and in the mirror I see myself a little more like how God sees me. Beautiful. Redeemed. Worth it. Learning. His. Kaley Dawn.

God is Faithful

Hi Friends!

First off, I apologize for my serious lack of blogging while I have been here in Siena. I thought I would have way more free time with a computer to do all sorts of in-the-moment updates. The reality is and was, the free time I do have is usually spent bonding with my team, or taking desperately needed rests with the Lord. Taking time to recharge my batteries after long days on campus quickly became a necessity.

However, I have a free morning today and would love to share with you what has happened in Siena while we have been here thus far. We (my team and I) have become friends with dozens of Italian students. Every day we go onto campus, in pairs, and strike up conversations with random groups of students who are taking smoke breaks, eating lunch or just talking. Yes, smoke breaks. Sad to say, but almost ALL Italian college students smoke. Every day my hair smells like cigarette smoke. Once we have opened up a conversation with a student or group of students, we tell them who we are and why we are in Italy. Most are very curious because a) we aren't on vacation and b) we aren't study abroad students. After that, we usually do one of two things:

One route we take is using Soularium. Soularium is an evangelistic tool that uses about 50 4X6 pictures of various things. The pictures are all random things--a picture of a girl dancing in the rain, a picture of a telephone booth, a picture of an ocean sunrise, etc. We show the students we are talking with the pictures, and then ask them to choose 3 images to describe your life RIGHT now. They choose the pictures, then we ask them to explain why they chose those pictures or what the pictures mean to them. Next we ask them to choose 3 more images out of the stack to describe how they WANT/WISH their life to be. They explain after why they chose those images. Finally, to get into "spiritual conversations" we ask them a third question. We ask something to the effect of, "Can you pick three images to describe God?" or "3 images that represent God or your beliefs about Him?"

Once students have answered these questions we have a clear picture of who they are, who they want to be (aka what they are missing in their life) and their views about God. From there we share what we believe about God, and the Gospel story. This technique allows us to get into conversation and then steer the conversation quickly to spiritual things without it being akward. Most students answer the questions very honestly and go much deeper into their lives than people in America.

I have heard more stories about hard break-ups, depression, difficult times, fears and deep-rooted longings in the first five minutes with some of these Italians than I have ever heard from some of my close friends. It is astounding how relational the Italian culture is. I am a human, they are a human and Italians believe that is enough connection to discuss anything and everything with. Its refreshing, eye opening and has taught me so much about how complete honesty creates a friendship that crosses all language barriers, time restraints and culture differences.

Of course, we have had conversations where student outright call the Gospel story foolishness (because of the corruption of the Catholic church here in Italy most students do not trust organized religion in any form, at all). I have learned so much about how to answer questions, what Bible verses are strategic for answering said questions, and how to explain what I believe in a way anyone can understand.

Besides using Soularium, the other way we get into spiritual conversations is to just share our life stories. It sounds so funny to say that we just sit down on park benches and share our lives with complete strangers but that it exactly what we do. In sharing our stories (usually in 5 minutes or less!) the Gospel is always the end result we come to and center upon. But again, Italian students don't mind doing this and are very good listeners. Most often I only can do this with Italian students who speak English proficiently. Otherwise using Soularium is a better way to get points across, go deep etc.

We are sharing the Gospel as fast and as widespread as we can here as this is possibly the last Siena Summer Project for a while we recently found out. To date, our staff leaders Steve and Megan Yen have told us that they are so proud of our team because they believe that never before on a summer project has the Gospel been shared in its entirety, as much as on this trip. I know for myself I have shared my life story and/or the Gospel with at least 2 dozen students who I now have friendships with. How many have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, we cannot know, but God does.

How many times have students thanked me for sharing the Gospel with them? Almost every single one. They always thank us for sharing our life stories and our views about the Gospel. Even the girl this last Tuesday who told me outright during Soularium that God does not exist, thanked me for sharing the story of WHY Jesus died on the Cross and told me the next day that she had thought about what I had said that night while she tried to fall asleep. We only have about a week and a half left here in Siena before we leave for our project debriefing in Florence for a few days. I will try to update again.

We have an outreach next Wednesday night. We are doing an "American Night" where we have invited all the Italian students we have talked to, to come hang out with us. We will be cooking "American food"--think hamburgers, french fries, corn dogs, lemonade and Coca-Cola, playing American music, and playing American games. It should be a good time with a lot of friendships strengthened and the solidification in the students minds that we are missionaries, but moreover, Evangelical Christians who can have fun and not be legalistic.

Hope this update finds you all well, I am healthy, happy and so thankful for all of your support and encouragement!

For His Glory,

Kaley Dawn Adams

Safe and Sound

Ciao!

We made it! Our team has made it safe and sound to Siena, all our luggage arrived safely also. After 20 plus hours of straight traveling, we all fell into an exhausted yet restless sleep last night. The time difference here is nine hours ahead of the Pacific Northwest. I was overwhelmed when we first pulled into town here. The beauty of Siena is truely amazing. Last night we went out to dinner at a small restaurant. Sitting by candle-light, we all tried to order our food with our best attempts at pronunciation. Much laughter was had but our waiter was patient. As I sat around the long table with my team-mates, I was overwhelmed again by how blessed I was to have actually made it to Italy. In our exhausted stupor, most of us could only answer with "this is just so amazing" or "I cant believe we are actually here" when our team-leader Steve Yen, asked us how we were feeeling at the end of dinner. There are 13 of us total. 7 students from WSU, a girl from Maryland and a girl from Utah. We also have a Utah Campus Crusade staff member named Alex with us. Alex is engaged to a Stinter who has been living here for the past year. A "Stinter" is someone who lives in a city like Siena for a year long time period to help set up a campus ministry and share. Basically like what I am doing only for a year instead of 6 weeks. They were very excited to be reunited. Rounding out our group is Steve, his wife Megan and their 1 year old son Oliver.

I was woken up this morning by loud church bells ringing. It is raining in Siena this morning and will be all day. Today we are going to do a city-wide scavenger hunt to "discover" Siena. Already I am getting more and more excited to start getting out there and sharing the story and love of Jesus with the people here. Everyone is so friendly and curious about why we are here in Siena. It has already been quite easy to get into conversations.

I will be sending out updates periodically when time is available, if there is another email you would prefer these updates to be sent to, just let me know. Pray for my health (got a little sick mainly due to exhaustion) yesterday but am feeling better this morning. Pray for the hearts of the people we talk to and that God would work in us and through us while we are here in this beautiful place. Gratzie! (thank you!)

AMEN!

1 Week

Leaving for Italy in one week.


This time next week...well, I will probably still be on the plane, but that's beside the point. I'm excited to spend time with my family this weekend, and then a few quick days in Seattle visiting friends! School is done, whew. Now I can completely concentrate on packing and getting ready for the big trip.

That's all for now.

Ciao!

Let's Risk it All

[This post is a bit off topic from directly talking about Siena, but its what I'm learning...enjoy.]

Here in my cozy little house on Myrtle Street in Pullman, I can read my very own Bible whenever I want or desire. I can walk freely up to campus and strike up a conversation about Jesus and salvation and God. I can read my Bible in public. I can listen to the worship music I downloaded from the internet on my ipod, or I can blare it in my car. I can pray in public and not feel an ounce of fear for my life.

Here in my cozy little life, I have it so dang easy. Today, I have been challenged several times to think about risk, sacrifice and how easy being a Christian in America is. How much have I risked lately? Not much.

Yea, I've risked my reputation. A little ridicule, one "no effing way lady", a couple of personal attacks. Mostly, polite rejections. That's about it.

There are people suffering all over the world for being a Christian, and yesterday I was worrying about not having my cell phone with me when I am in Siena. There are people who would cry tears of undiluted joy if their family could just own a Bible. I have like 7 of them. Chronological, NIV, ESV, ESV Study, a very adorable "Precious Moments" one from when I was little and a few "gift Bibles" still wrapped.

I don't risk anything of real value by being a Christian in America.

How much have I sacrified lately? Again, not all that much. Maybe a little more than I've risked. However, much of what we percieve to "sacrifice" is really just stuff we didn't need in the first place.

I hope going to Siena is just the start of a life where I venture around the world to better understand what it means to risk and sacrifice in order to pursue Christ and a life spent following Him. Christ was "the propitiation", I am coming to understand what that truely means more and more. I was reading about Henry Hulstein and his wife Grace. Henry and Grace were a Christian couple who lived in Holland during WWII. They rescued, hid and saved the lives of dozens of Jews. They risked their lives, sacrificed their wealth and safety. Henry and Grace had 9 children of their own, and for three years they took in a Jewish baby whose mother couldn't keep in hiding with her. They hid Jewish families temporarily all throughout the war. Late in the war, Nazi officials arrested Henry and transported him to a Concentration camp for an extended period of time. Grace had to take care of all 10 children, by herself, all the while never knowing if her husband had died "loving thy neighbor". The Lord protected Henry and he returned home. And up until the very day Canadian soldiers came walking into their small country town, the Hulstein's continued to hide and save the lives of Jews. Even after Henry had been in a Concentration Camp.

That was sacrifice. That was risk.

Amen!







http://www.bibleprobe.com/hulstein.htm - The Hulstein's Story

http://vimeo.com/5514321 - A sermon that moved me to tears about risking it all for the Glory of Christ.

This Gift

That's really me. I still make that face sometimes...and still wear flannel. Guess you don't outgrow some things. I was just reflecting that going to Siena is such a GIFT from the Lord. Yes, it will be an extraordinary time of growth, and yes there will be lots of hard work. But what a gift! God has gifted me this experience through the provision of his followers. His faithful. Servants who know the value of the mission I am embarking on. What a gift for my friends, and family to show me their love and support in this way. Through prayer and financially, I have been SO blessed already. The experience of going to, witnessing and living in Siena, Italy is a beautiful gift from God and His people.
This morning I was reading in Acts. Acts 10:44 shows us that when the gentiles were shown the Holy Spirit they were given a new covenant (and with it the power and love of the Holy Spirit). What a beautiful gift the Holy Spirit is! And what a dang beautiful blessing going to Siena will be. Amen.

One Bite at a Time

This is kind of how I feel right now. A lot excited, a little hungry for adventure, but a a teeny bit nervous I'm biting off more than I can chew. Siena, Italy is only 16 days away! Good thing the Lord is already going before me... Dead week (the week before finals) is a little overwhelming at this point, but I find myself sometimes day dreaming about being in Siena, or going over the list in my head of things I need to pack for the trip. Its that stage I'm at now. The "I-have-trouble-falling-asleep-because-I-keep-making-lists-in-my-head" stage. So excited though, can't even begin to tell you how much joy the Lord has already shown me during this process. Sometimes I doubt, and then I make the concious decision, "I will trust the Lord for this minute, of this day." And then tomorrow, I will do the same thing. Maybe its not the best long term faith strategy, but what can I say, at best I'm a work in progress! :)

Trust and Obey. Trust and Obey. Trust and Obey. Trust and Obey...

I snuck in a few quick minutes to read a bit of Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll, one of my favorite books, it had been a while since I've read this book. Here's one passage that was a good reminder to me:

"At the cross, what was intended as eradication was used by God for multipilication, and we pray that you would always be loyal to Jesus, our hero, and his revolution."

Amen!

21 Days

In exactly 21 days, my Siena adventure will officially commence. My team and I will be meeting up in Seattle and the next day...flying across the world. Sometimes I still can't believe I'm actually going. It seems like just a few days ago I got the email from the Yen meister asking me to pray about going to this far-off place called Siena in Tuscany.

Yesterday, I was privileged enough to lead the morning prayer session with all my fellow Cru cougs. The verse I read from was Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." (ESV)

I am getting excited to go share the message of hope and life through Jesus Christ with the students in Siena. I have about $3,400 in support raised, thanks to the obedient and faithful hearts of so many loved ones, friends and acquintances. Thank you, and I pray that you may be blessed abundantly because of your generosity! Amen.

Provision

$2,900! God is providing! AMEN.

A Little Exercise in Faith

As of today, I have a little under $2,000 raised for Italy. At times, the sum of $5200 has seemed so daunting and a goal completely out of reach.

How true that is. Five thousand dollars IS out of MY reach...but not God's. He can reach it. He can raise it. He can pour out the blessings. He COULD prompt someone to write a thousand dollar check. What a beautiful testament to worshiping the Lord that would be.

But I think there is a reason the Lord wants me to be stretched, uncomfortable...and totally reliant upon Him. Faith. To stretch my faith. To make me come to Him, with all my worrying (aka fear...aka sin) and confess my doubts and let Him reassure me. I have learned a lot about God and myself throughout this process. First, I have learned that only when I learn to trust everything to the Lord, all my doubts, fears of failure, anxiousness will all that go away. I am completely incapable of providing myself with reassurance that God gives me. I reassure myself and five minutes later I am doubting again. I go to the Lord and say, "Look, I am not so good at this. I am fearful that this won't happen. Help me get rid of that fear. Teach me to have a wise and discerning heart. In all things, let me glorify You." Annnnnnnd guess what. He comforts me. He shows me a verse that strikes a chord and reassures me that the Lord can and WILL provide. And all that worry and doubt goes away.

I have been blessed beyond belief by friends and family in the last few weeks. Unbelievably blessed. I feel like a sponge that just can't hold it all in. In their words, actions and prayers I have been blown away by certain people's faithfulness to the Lord. Their example has bettered my own relationship with Jesus.

I dream of Italy.

Not every night, but there have been several recently. I dream of conversations I have with people and walking around the city of Siena. Its always beautiful, and I always feel the Holy Spirit with me. I LOVE these dreams, I never want to wake up.

Pray for my heart, that it would be faithful. Always, in all ways.

The Mailbox and I

The mailbox and I have a new and optimistic relationship. Support letters have been going out and letters from supporters coming back in. I am so thankful for all the kind notes people have been writing to me. Expressing their hope for my journey and their promise of prayers is extremely encouraging. The mailman comes around 4:00, and around that time I am usually running a last minute letter I've just typed out to the mailbox or bringing in the mail which may or may not contain support letters. The fun thing is, I am not the only one in my house (I live with five other college-aged females! oh my!) who is going on a Summer Project. My roommate Tracy, who I co-lead the off-campus women's bible study with, is adventuring to Costa Rica. Another dear roommate, Morgan, is heading off (hopefully) to Nigeria this summer. Every time we get support letters we share with each other to encourage the one's who are still waiting. What a fun and blessed time it is. We giggle, gasp and praise the Lord together. Thank you to all the people that made these moments possible :)

The Start of Raising Support

A few days ago, we received our informational packets about Siena. Everything we need to know about the trip was in there. Also, my passport came in the mail! It seems like this adventure is getting more and more real.

Reality in Greek is aletheia (said, ah-LAY-theah) and simply means the same as 'the truth'. It makes sense though, when you are trying to get your point across, that it is the absolute truth, don't we sometimes say "Really, truely!!!" Really..reality...truely..the truth.

The reality, the truth is...support raising is starting and I am trying to trust God solely to be the Great Provider I know He is. I am not perfect however, and have had some failings. The whole idea of asking for financial support from anyone is foreign to me. But the more I learn about who God is, the more I know He works in the hearts of His people to give and give big when He asks. To all those who will support me financially, I will never be able to thank you enough!

I am getting more and more excited, we have almost our whole team finalized. These are the people I will be living with, laboring for hearts alongside and getting to know so very well. They are all wonderful people that I am looking forward to going on this adventure with.

The vision of Campus Crusade for Christ at Washington State is that there would be spiritual movements everywhere on campus, so that every Coug would know someone who truely follows Jesus. I see that here at Washington State, and am so excited to share with the Italians how anyone, anywhere can know and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Just a quick update on the happenings pertaining to Siena Summer Project! :)

Learning to Dream Bigger - A Divine Discontent

The last few months have been an education in faith. God has taken a woman who dreamt of only what she could see and taught her to dream with her heart instead of her mind. My mind perceived life in black and white. The Lord has been showing me that life isn't meant to be lived based upon my own perceptions of what can be achieved. With God, anything is possible. I knew I wanted to go on a Summer Project with Campus Crusade for Christ. I researched and found one that fit my idea of good.

Two weeks in Monterrey, Mexico working at an orphanage. $1500. Simple. Would look great in a support letter.

There I went, telling God exactly what kind of box I was putting Him in. He must have laughed, or at least chuckled. I started the application process. A few days later, I received a facebook message from Steve and Megan Yen. The message basically said that they were leading a team of about ten students on the Siena, Italy Summer Project. They had dreamed up names of people who the Lord was telling them might be a good fit for Italy. I was one of them.

As I scrolled down and read the message, I started to laugh. Giggle actually. When I got to the end of the message, I just sat there staring at my computer.

"I am going to Siena, Italy," I said to myself. There was no question, I just KNEW this is where God wanted me to go. There was no doubt, I can't adequately describe how I felt in that moment...only that I was going, and that was that. Going to Siena meant A LOT more support to raise, more time away from my family and my summer job, more challenges, and more faith. I had serious doubts about travelling to a foreign country for six weeks...I have never left the country. I haven't even been to Canada. But here I am, preparing to embark upon a great adventure where I will travel across the world.

To go on a Summer Project, you must apply. To make sure the main reason you are going is to share the Gospel, I suppose. Oh, and to make sure you aren't a total psycho probably. Who knows. I applied to the Siena project and was accepted a few days ago. Two days I received an email from my summer employer saying they would love to work around my schedule and that I would have my amazing (and well paid) summer job when I get back.

The Lord is providing.

And its amazing. This is just the beginning of my Siena adventure and one of the reasons I started this blog. I will update as often as possible. Thanks for the prayers, and thanks to God Almighty, for knowing that I was a dreamer who needed the push to dream bigger with Him.


"A Story. An Epic.
Something hidden in the ancient past.
Something dangerous now unfolding.
Something waiting in the future for us to discover.
Some crucial role for us to play.
Christianity, in its true form, tells us that there is an Author and that he is good, the essence of all that is good and beautiful and true, for he is the source of all these things...It calls us up into a Story that is truer and deeper than any other, and assures us that there we will find the meaning of our lives.

What if?

What if all the great stories that have ever moved you, brought you joy or tears--what if they are telling you something about the true Story into which you were born, the Epic into which you have been cast?"

-Epic by John Eldredge (pages 14-15)