Available

I need Africa

I saw this at Boo Mama's website tonight and had to add the link.  I love what she says and how she says it.  Plus she cracks me up on a regular basis so I had to eventually give her some blog love...

Go and check her out.  

If you love "the Office" like I do, check out her regular favorite quotes from the shows each week.  Random fun. 

A couple of updates

I have failed you, blog readers!  I have failed to update you on shoeboxes, sponsorships, and a couple of other housekeeping items! 

First up- 

    Because of your generosity we have 262 shoeboxes headed to the Atlanta processing center before heading around the world!  The children in Buloba will be receiving shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child this year.  I hope to get pictures from them when that happens.  

I hope you included a picture or note...I saw a friend at the drop off last week and she said that her dtr. got a letter from one of the shoeboxes they did last year.  What a treasure.  

Thanks for all the toys, toothpaste, hairbrushes, cars, and love you included in your little wrapped boxes.  With the gospel of Christ presented to these children before they receive their boxes their eternal future can be changed!

Yep, I am going to be shameless...that is my kid.   I loved her since I saw her on the June trip.  And now she is "mine."  I am sponsoring little Resty through  ARM.  If you haven't picked out your child yet, you can this Sunday after either service.  Over in the left corner of the worship space.  And it doesn't have to just be folks from our church...it can be anyone from your work or family... just let me know!  $35 to change the life of a child and that child's family.  Well worth the money.  And keep in mind.  I am currently unemployed...so I understand the sacrifice! But it is SO worth it!!!

We have currently sponsored 113 kids of the 257 that ARM sent us from Buloba.  I encourage you to pray about it and step out in faith if God is calling you to do this.  

I have been so encouraged by seeing your excitement about helping kids you have never even met!  One of my friends was walking around the tables the first morning. I walked over to talk to her and she looked up at me- with tears pouring down her face.  She said "How do you just pick one?"   And the night of Celebration Dinner one of our KidzTown kids had picked out a child and her mom said "She won't stop crying."  Her heart was broken for this kid that lives half way around the world and I think she was so happy to be able to help her... If it wouldn't have been too tacky I would have taken a picture to share.  It was such a picture of the body of Christ...

We sold just short of $3000 of the ladies wares from Buloba.  They will be back for sale in a couple of weeks in the worship space.  All proceeds go into the Buloba fund for the church building and for future microeconomic needs for the ladies (sewing machines hopefully in the future as the ladies get interested in sewing!) 

As soon as I can figure out how to turn pictures in my Mac I will post them of the ladies working.  Funny thing is that they look fine until I upload them and then they are suddenly turned! 

And THANK YOU for signing up for the TigerTown gift wrapping.  I understand there is a waiting list for spots.  Right now we are looking at expanding to the 4-6 times.  I will be in touch with you who are on the waiting list about that soon.  

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving (if I don't blog before Thursday).  Keep in mind that speaking about what you are thankful for is more powerful than just being thankful in your heart! Let it out! :)  

Below is a video from Brooke Fraser.  She went to Rwanda and promised a child she wouldn't forget them and get the word out... for those of you who have been to Uganda, I think you will understand. 

Saturday morning fun

I saw this at a conference a couple of years ago and think about it whenever anyone mentions "Tag" 

Doesn't have anything to do with missions....just thought it was fun.  

Random updates

I have been distant from a computer that actually is connected to the internet this week so I have a few things to catch up on...apologies for being "distant."

Child Sponorship-

Thank  you!  For each of you who picked up a child from Buloba to sponsor.  We have approx 115 of the 257 kids that were sent to us sponsored.  That means that 115 kids and families in Buloba will have their futures significantly shifted!  Kids whose families have never had anyone attend school in their home will be able to go to school.  Kids who have never heard of Christ and God's love for them will hear that message as they begin going to Saturday program at Buloba Community Church.  Not just their earthly future has shifted, but their eternal future can be totally changed.  All for $35 a month.  We will put the kids back out Nov 30 in church.  If you want to pick one out before then, just let me know and we can meet up.

Patrick and Sarah-

Our logistics guru from Uganda has been back in town this week.  I dropped them off at the Atl airport for their week long trip to Texas.  It was fun to take them to the thrift store and Target.  Sarah said to me yesterday "no more shopping attractions today."  I tried to convince them to go to Rick and Bubba's Turkey Toss yesterday but they said it would be too cold.  They have an aversion to cold, understandably.

Free Time-

For those of you who read, you know I quit my job.  My plan was to head to the hospital to do Social Work again.  Well, that plan significantly changed Tuesday.  There is no job opening up for me there.  So I have been unemployed for just short of a week.  It's been full of Uganda tour guiding and making sure my house is clean for the folks viewing it (5 so far this week).  And full of waiting to see what God has for me.  Lots of praying and asking "what do you have for me?"   I won't get into it here, but the missions theme for the next year (or two) at CUMC is going to be "Available" and I feel like God is asking me to put my money where my mouth is...  I know quitting Children's Ministry was right.  Just don't know what God has in store next... It's going to be interesting to find out.  I will keep ya updated. 

Hope you guys are having a great last full work week before Thanksgiving break next week.  Be sure to talk to folks about what and why you are thankful between now and next Friday.  God is good.  God is Faithful.  God has the best plan... be sure to let Him know you think about all that.  Saying thank you amazingly shifts your focus...in a good way :)

have a great weekend!

Thoughts from Cindy on NOLA

I just want to say that I stepped out of my box to again for the second time. I enjoyed this trip. I was not going to go, as always i am to busy but guess what I did. First, I meet some cool folks. I got to be with my good friend john again. I prayed aloud for the second time in my life and yes it was soooooo cool. So cool, i did it again. That makes three out loud prayers. That is such a big move for me. I guess i dont feel like i pray good enough. But i learned that you can just be yourself no matter how funny you feel about it. I also was so tickled at patrick and my friend sarah. I got to see new orleans through their eyes. Unforgettable. I also got to serve a family in need of help. Its funny cause there are people out there who need to be served and yet people wont serve. I found that is truely sad. Anyhoooooooo, I had a great time. I am still kind of sea sick from andys driving. cm

okay, I am back. I did not seem to finish, my chillins were all over me last night. I also had a good time with andy. She is so laid back. I wish i could be free like her sometimes. She is so loving and couragous. I think that she is such a go getter. Anyone who leads a alabama fan on a mission trip during the lsu/al game is truely brave. I have to say she puts up with alot from me. I certainly drink to much pepsi!!!!!!!!!thank you andy for buying me more. You thought of me. I love you dearly. I also think that john needs to get another hobby. Lisa is a so detailed , it is great. I am just like her. She sings great to, why is she not on worship team????Selena and donny hilarious. Lucy, her and I could talk for hours. Lucy lou is so sweet to put up with johns puzzles. Love her to. I love all of you guys . I have to say everyone changes when they are on a mission trip- there focus is only on one thing and that is to make a difference in one families life. We all did that. Patricias family was truely blessed and God gets allthe credit. cm

Thoughts from Selena on NOLA

What a blessing!!! Great friends, great mission, and a great God!!! I am ready to go back. I had an awesome time!!! Not only did I learn new things but the people and the experience were priceless. I want God to work through me and I saw Him working through others. Andi, Thanks!! You are an amazing person and Donny and I are hoping to plan another mission with you. Patrick and Sara showed me how love can expand all over the world. John kept me laughing and I think he should have written his own song. Lucy is so sweet. She is such a caring person. Lisa, I loved the guitar @ night. I appreciate you letting me know about other missions for Donny. Cindy, I feel like I have known you forever. I could have talked to you forever!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY...GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!!!

Lisa's thoughts on NOLA

Here are Lisa Pierce's thoughts and please be sure to check on the previous post's comments for Cindy Massey's thoughts. I thank them for sharing! 

I was in Iraq when Katrina hit in 2005-this was my first time being there since the storm had hit. Although the remnants of what we saw is nothing in comparison to what it was like right after, I could only imagine the pain, horror, and feeling of hopelessness that it left many families. And several still deal with that. Our project manager, Len, said that it will take three more years to finish the needed repairs-barring another major disaster.

 Like John, there are many aspects to be gained from a mission experience. I too thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the members of our team and was touched by their willingness to sacrifice their time, comfort, and finances to be part of the team. Hearing each others faith journeys and what God is doing in our lives is second to none. Plus, they were just plain crazy-but always willing to help. Then there was the Jacob's family. What a testimony they shared. Their family followed the evacuation directives and left NOLA when Katrina came through. Fortunately for them, they did not have much flooding but the storm severely damaged their roof, allowing the rain to pour in...you can imagine the rest. Their home was gutted, reroofed, and new sheetrock hung-we are in the final stages to completion. Mrs. Jacob's was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago. While we were there, her niece, Raven, participated in a walk-a-thon for cancer. Mrs. Jacobs is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program and welcomes in her new neighbors. Her son, David, has a slight learning disability but is still enrolled in Bible College with the call to minister-amamzing!!! And her husband Daryll- he was a nurse assistant so could tell wonderful stories of the people he served. Plus, we had a great conversation during lunch about discipline and how we all grew up. I learned so much from their family. They have a simple but deep faith borne out of tragedy and coming together. It was wonderful to start and finish our work each day by praying with them.

 Finally, the entire perspective for me is Christian community. The early disciples ate together, ministered together, worshipped together, prayed together, and shared the scriptures together. They went out of their way to show hospitality and outdo each other in showing love. To me, a mission experience creates a space to have that intentionality. And the goal is that our everyday lives would look like that. I've written too much. I can share more if you ask. Thank you to all who prayed for us while we were away. If you want to hear more- let me know-we'll hang out at Starbucks. :))) Blessings-lisa

John's thoughts on NOLA

Here are John's thoughts on our trip...and the crash helmet he refers to is due to the ROADS in NOLA, NOT always my driving.... 

I had a great time on this trip, my 4th such mission trip to the Gulf Coast since Katrina (twice with Cornerstone & twice with EAMC). While each trip has been decidedly different from the others, they have all been great. It’s so rewarding to do something for others and to expect nothing in return. I’m convinced now that I have caught the mission fever, although I’m not as brave as Andi about it, so I plan to keep my day job, my house and my truck. 

To me, there are 3 parts to a mission trip: meeting and serving others, re-focusing your spirit and learning more about your co-workers or church friends. This trip did all of that for me. Speaking of my church friends, here’s what I learned about them:

•  Patrick isn’t afraid to talk to anyone…he even bothered to let a cab driver know his tire was losing air. Sarah is the opposite…she is very soft-spoken, but always says “good morning.” 
• Donny is and isn’t your typical teenager. Sure, he listens to his ipod, plays video games and eats junk food. But, he is also eager to work, respects his mom, loves oysters and adores motorcycles.
•  Selenna is very genuine and not afraid to tackle a tough job. Assuming Ms. Patricia’s house turns out beautiful, it will be because Selenna (and her mudding posse of Cindy, Sarah, Lisa and Lucy) “mudded” over all of the mistakes us sheetrock hangers made
•  Lisa knows how to welcome in outsiders…to open their hearts and minds and make them feel appreciated and loved.
•  Lucy is nice…maybe too nice…she never hesitated to laugh at my jokes and was always willing to work on crossword puzzles with me. 
• Cindy is a troublemaker…just kidding, she’s really a hard worker who likes to finish a job once she starts it. Don’t get on her bad side though…she’s grouchy in the mornings and when John Parker Wilson throws interceptions. 
• Andi is Andi. She is very generous, loves to help others especially when they least expect it, and is fearless when it comes to getting from Point A to Point B. She hasn’t met a road in New Orleans yet that she doesn’t like, and believe me, we saw a lot of ‘em. A word of caution if you attend the next New Orleans mission trip…don’t sit in the backseat of a 15-passenger van without wearing a crash helmet. 

As you can see, we had a great bunch…people I will call friends for years to come. Each trip has such great memories, not only for me, but for the ones we touched as we shared God’s love for them.

Thoughts from NOLA

I have asked the team to share their thoughts on the NOLA trip.  As they send them to me I will post them here.  

First up is Lucy Little-

 had an amazing time with everyone. I feel that I challenged myself by stepping outside the box and by doing that...I entered into a realization that I am much stronger than I thought I ever was or could be. Stepping outside of your comfort zone to help someone  is something so great and powerful. I really felt that God was working through me this weekend. When I saw the look in Patricia's teary eyes as we left, my heart smiled.  I left Auburn thinking that this was going to an amazing trip and I was right. It was an awesome trip. I was truly blessed to spend time with Patricia and her family as well as Andi and the group. It was an amazing journey and a wonderful experience that has brought me so much closer to God and my Cornerstone family! I had such a wonderful time and cannot wait until Uganda!

 

 

Lucy

NOLA- the rest of the story

Okay...so It is Monday and I am going to try to cover the other days of the NOLA trip... sorry for the photo album being put up today.  I blogged about it but the pictures never would upload due to the spotty connection.  And NO I have NOT figured out how to turn the pics in "Mac world".  So apologies again...

Awesome.  Amazing people.  Servant hearts.  

Friday we headed back to Ms. Patricia's to work on finishing sheetrocking the back room and mudding, taping, or sanding pretty much 2/3rds of her home.  Shout out to Donny, Seleena, and Patrick for working for 2 days in the laundry room on the sheet rock.  Lisa and John got the back room sheetrocked on the ceiling and Lisa moved on to mudding.  Sheetrocking a ceiling for a day is work enough for anyone.  Cindy, Lucy and Sarah were the mudding and taping queens who then became sanding queens.  Sarah found that she could sit in a chair and sand a good bit (she is pregnant with child number 3 so she has a reason to want to sit).  We put in a good day of work then headed home for showers.  

After cleaning up and getting sheetrock dust out of our ears, eyes and noses we headed out for touristy food.  We went to the French qtr to eat at Acme.  Lisa, Lucy, and Donny worked on some RAW oysters while everyone else had cooked food.  Lisa's crab sandwich pretty much looked like the whole crab fried.  Patrick DID try crab claws but failed to step up to the oyster challenge.  He said "Next time" which means- next year, next trip. 

We headed down Royal Street and stopped in the Gallery of LIght.  If I had about 1600 to spend on art (or more) I would spend it here.  This was the first time I got to go inside and it is more amazing than outside.  The gallery had dimmers you can adjust to adjust the pictures depth of light.  Like a Noah's ark painting if you dimmed the light it made the sun shine breaking over the mountain behind the half constructed ark look like it was dawn and the light became more brilliant.  Tons of great art.  My favorite is a Don Dahlke window of a cottage you can "look" through to the beach.  I am constantly amazed at God's creation and those who can recreate it in art...

And of course we finished off the night with a stop at Cafe Du Monde and a walk down by the river.  We headed home tired and full. 

Saturday was our last day of work.  We FINALLY got the front room sheetrocked- John and Patrick became pros and Patrick learned how to measure and screw up sheetrock the American way (on the joists).  Cindy I think carried home 4 pounds of sheetrock dust in her hair and clothes and Lisa remudded the entire kitchen hall and front room I think.  We joked that the next team will have all the fun.  They can finish sanding then prime and paint.  Patrick said "All the glory goes to God anyway"  We joked that the glory DOES go to God but we would like a little credit! :)

As we got ready to leave we gave the family a God's promises book and another book for little Micheal.  Lucy shared her heart and started to cry as she talked.  I was glad it wasn't me.  Cuz you know how I can get like that too....welcome to the club Lucy.  Ms. Patricia was so grateful and gracious.  I told her we were family now and would stop by next time to check on her.  We were blessed to work for her. 

We headed back to the French Qtr to see if the churches were feeding the homeless.  We had made up bags for them and wanted to help serve.  Well the policeman who knows about all that was off and NO ONE at the NOLA precinct knew anything about it so we tried.  No line of homeless or anything.  One guy said they haven't been serving down there regular.  We were all bummed out to say the least.   The team was so ready to meet folks and share and serve.  So we headed home for dinner.  After dinner Lucy, Donny and I headed to Krispy Kreme.  Can you say HOT LIGHT?  We did.  Lucy and Donny's first trip to see the doughnuts being flipped and lovely.  Good times.

Sunday we got up early to pack and sightsee a little before heading home.  We drove in the Garden district then to Metarie Cemetery.  We learned it was old and had some cool stories so we thought we should go.  Found out that it also had a road race Sunday morning.  Yep- in the cemetery. So we broke the rules and drove in.  AS we were trying to leave the fun run was creeping up row by row on us.  So I hurried everyone in the van before they caught up to us and we had to wait for all of them to run by.  Fun times being sort of chased out of the cemetery.

We headed to the Lower 9th Ward.  Brad Pitt's Make it Right group has put up maybe 7 homes- the funky homes with slanted roofs in the pictures.   A couple of Menonite homes are up and the neighborhood is slowly coming back.   The picture of the ladder with the brick wall thing...after we climbed on it we found out it was art and we were supposed to stay off.  Whoops.  Missed the sign when we walked up.  They need a bigger sign :)

Things we learned:

service to simply serve and require nothing in return

Patrick learned that there really are poor people in America

Cindy loves Pepsi

Donny loves motorcyles

Lisa loves coffee

John loves crossword puzzles

Sarah loves to stay warm

Selenna loves the laundry room

Lucy doesn't know how to operate her camera

Most everyone DOESn't like crossword puzzles... (haha)

Sometimes we have to think outside the box and make ourselves Available in new ways....scratch that.  NOT "sometimes" but all times...

We had a great time.  Great team.  Great God.  I read Kyles blog about feet washing (see kyles blog on my typelist...can't get the "paste" on my mac to work to drop the page in) and thought about our team.  My community group is studying John and John 13 was on the list last week.  We talked about service and what that means.  How our understanding of service changes.  How Jesus did it regardless... So take a minute to visit Kyle's page to see his blog.  

And take a look at the photo album.  promise it is there.  And thanks NOLA team...for putting up with my driving, my harrassing, and giving of yourselves.  I would be glad to take you anywhere anytime.  Uganda is in May...hint hint... :)