One Month

I woke up this morning and realized at this time next month I will have landed in New York, and will we waiting for my flight to Johannesburg, South Africa!!! While there I'll be spending a week with the staff that live in South Africa (lots of old friends, in addition to some new ones!) and also staff from the four international offices. It's going to be an awesome time! And it will be here before we know it, which is convenient because I can't wait!!!

New York

About five weeks ago (still improving the curve!) I traveled to New York to see George, Brooke, Sara and Suzette. I met a few new friends too!

Thursday night I drove to the airport. I left late in the evening and didn't hit the Parkway until after 10. It didn't matter, traffic was still crazy! But I didn't see any deer on 422 and I made all my lane changes on the Parkway without any issues - praise God! [For those of you who don't live in Western, PA, the Parkway is an intersection of two major interstate highways. There is the Parkway East, the Parkway West and the Parkway North. You follow the Parkway West to get to the airport. It's not a huge deal, as long as you drive fast and make all of the right merges, but I've never heard anyone say they enjoy it! Friends of mine who drove on the Parkway daily have gotten used to it, but everyone seems to have some level of disdain. You have to drive with purpose, and if you ever hesitate you'll be in an accident. I always breath a sigh of relief once I've made it to the tunnels!]

So my drive was just about as easy as it could be and I made it to the airport in good time. It was freezing this particular weekend! It was about 7 degrees when I parked my car and I walked very quickly to the moving walkway! My flight was schedule for the early morning, so I reserved a room at the airport hotel. I got settled and ready for bed, which was a struggle because I was so excited! My excitement was quickly tempered because I got an email that my flight was canceled due to airplane maintenance. While I was grateful that I wouldn't be flying in an unsafe plane, I did wonder if and when I would make it to New York. I had a book that I'm reading in a ladies Bible study, so I reread that weeks chapter while on hold with the airline. Thankfully I was re-booked on the next flight to LaGuardia and would arrive about 2 hours later than originally scheduled.

Before you see Franco Harris and George Washington,

you have to greet the T-Rex. As it should be.

The flight was easy. It was a smaller plane that probably held 40-50 people, but I've gotten used to flying in planes of any size. I also had a seat to myself, which is always nice! Once I made it to LaGuardia, Sara and Suzette came to pick me up and we were on our way to Queens. I had never been to New York before. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting. I took in the traffic and the appearance of everything. New York was exactly what I should have expected it to be, and it surprised me at the same time. There's something about it that is intangible.

We made it to Sara's house in Queens. It's a place that can simultaneously block out the hustle and bustle of the world beyond its doors while being an unmistakable product of such a great city. I'm not sure this is an adequate description of what I'm trying to say, but know that I mean that in the best way!

The dining room had become our office for the duration of our stay. When I arrived, I was greeted by George and Brooke who had stayed to take care of a few things. Once I got settled, there was a Skype call George, Suzette and Brooke needed to make. Working in an multi-national organization, Skype is a regular presence in our lives. I helped by distracting Sara's adorable dog!

After the call, we took a break to eat lunch and just catch up. It's so rare to see each other face to face! We had some time before Laura, another Hands volunteer from the Footprint days, arrived from Boston. (She was born in Canada, but moved to Boston in October with her husband, who is completing fellowships in pediatric anesthesia and pediatric critical care at Harvard Medical School.) Soon we ventured outside in to the cold to see a bit of the city. First stop: the Empire State Building!

From the observation deck on the 86th floor:

It was so cold outside, my camera froze after taking just a few photos!

We tried taking group-selfies all weekend, but the Selfie King was in India

and all we got were pictures that looked like this:

After we left the Empire State Building, we walked to a restaurant called Burger & Lobster that serves, you guessed it, burgers and lobster. That's it. You get a burger with a side of salad and fries or you get a lobster with a side of salad and fries. Or a lobster roll, that also comes with a side of salad and fries. Brilliant! We ('we' being the people on my side of the table) thought this was an excellent idea. Less choices = easier decisions. Just pick one and get on with it, eh?

We found the restaurant thanks to Hannah, another volunteer from the Footprint days. She's originally from California, but moved to New York a few years ago. She met us at the restaurant, as did Danny, yet another Footprints volunteer from England who has been living in New York. He lives pretty close to Burger & Lobster, which we didn't even know when we picked it! Laura, Hannah and Danny all briefly overlapped in their time in Africa. They all lived in Mozambique; it was so fun to hear their stories! We also caught up with Myra, who is from California but moved to NYC in January to study Nursing at NYU. I told her she was crazy for moving from San Diego to New York in January! (Always let yourself acclimate: this is very important!) Myra has been to Zambia as part of a team trip. She loves Africa: she even got her Zambian name tattooed on (I think) her forearm! (Disclaimer: I have a Zambian name, but I do not have a tattoo.)

After that we took the train to the Sara's church where George would be speaking at the evening service. We dropped of our nicer clothes prior to going to the Empire State Building. The church was much like Sara's house. Many doors, much history, and easily identified as a product of Queens. The congregation was small that night, but they had musicians! Sara played the flute, there were a few boys playing string instruments and a pianist. Being a French horn player, I loved hearing the instruments! Sara's father is the Pastor. It's always a privilege to meet people where they come from. It helps you put together the pieces and know their story a little bit better. And the congregation in attendance was small, but the world is smaller! Believe it or not, I traveled to a church in Queens, NY and a former member of that church know lives in Indiana, PA! I haven't tracked her down yet. I actually missed one chance just last week, but I'm not giving up.

Sara has been to Africa multiple times herself, and also led a group from her church. She's taking another group later this year. George spoke with passion and purpose, as always. It's important to convey that it is the Church's responsibility to care for these orphans and widows, but it's also important to nurture the relationships with our partners. This work is not something we do lightly. The team from Sara's church this year is college students. Still young in so many ways. The fact that a tight-knit church community from Queens is trusting Hands with their youth is such an awesome responsibility. We were able to mingle after the service and get to know people in the congregation. We caught up with people who went on the last trip and witnessed the excitement of the people going on the next trip.

Then we went back to Sara's house. Laura and I went to her grandmother's house next door for the night. Between restless sleep the night before and a long day of New York in the bitter cold, I don't think I have ever been so excited to sleep in a warm bed! It was a very restful sleep too.

The next morning, we had brunch at Sara's house with Hands supporters. Different people brought different things to what turned into an amazing breakfast spread. PJ and Ellie, Jed's cousins who live in New York, came, adding another puzzle piece to Jed's family. It was so nice to talk together, building relationship and of course eating together.

We took some time to worship and pray together. Brooke spoke about Hands, and about the work Sara does. It's hard to understand what we do, regardless of what we do. I'm planning to tackle what this means for my life in another post.

After brunch, it was time to wrap it up and head off to the airport. But not before getting a picture with Sara's parents in Queens.

We dropped off everyone else off at JFK, and then I got dropped off at LaGuardia. It was another quick flight and easy drive. It was such a whirlwind trip! But buckle your seat-belts because the whirlwind continues: two months until Mwaiseni!

40 Days

Hi Everyone!

It's been a busy few weeks, and a very cold few weeks at that!

Last week I had a whirlwind trip to NYC. I probably say that every trip I take with Hands is a whirlwind, but this one was jam packed! I think I was only in New York for about 29 hours. But more on that later.

One of the things that was discussed on the trip, first by George and then reinforced by Brooke, was the choices we make. Living in America, or any first world country, we're told that the world is our oyster. If we want something, we just have to make it happen. Every day we are bombarded by media, society and pop-culture with offers of things we have to have or do. We spend all of our time being faced with choices! "Should I turn on my television or read my Bible?" That's a simple example but it's so true! We choose how to spend our time, our money, and our selves.  But so, so many people in the world - including the people we serve in Africa! - only have one thing on their minds: "how am I going to afford to eat today?" They have no choices, no hope. We have so many choices to make, but these choices distract us from the most important thing in life: living to bring glory to God and tell people about the redeeming love of Christ.

This is a lesson I need to remember too! It is such a challenge to stay focused on Kingdom culture when I'm so far from Africa, and separated from other Hands advocates. It is SO easy to fall back into cultural norms. And so many times I know what to do. I can feel myself being convicted about things, but often times I'm just not motivated to be more disciplined. We talk about living intentionally and embracing Kingdom culture, but that can be a real struggle! After seeing George, Brooke, Sara and Suzette last weekend, and looking towards Lent, I'm motivated to make changes!

People choose to observe Lent in different ways. Some give up things (like sweets), others take on things (like random acts of kindness.) Some of you know that during the Lenten season, the Hands at Work family comes together from all across the world - from the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, the DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the whole way to Australia! - to pray together for 40 days. I want to invite you all to join us!

To join the facebook event go here

Every year we pick a vulnerable child to be the face of 40 days of prayer.
This year that child is Innocent from Kalende, Zambia. To read his story go here

To download the prayer guide go here

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28[NIV]

Let's all take time this Lent to intentionally pray for God to move in our lives so we might know how He is calling us. It could be as simple as making a meal for a neighbor or as big as moving to Africa to walk with some of the most vulnerable children - but if we never ask, we might never know.

George is coming!!!

http://www.handsatwork.org/newsroom/2015/2/2/george-in-the-us-canada.html

I'm excited to go, and also excited to come back and tell you guys all about it!!!

2015 Watchword

The watchword. One Bible passage chosen by George and Carolyn at the beginning of the year through rest and prayer. A passage to meditate on throughout the year as we continue drawing lines in the sand. Facing the uncomfortable truths. Knowing the names of the nameless. Loving those who do not know love.

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."

-Habakkuk 3:2

So I'm going to New York...

Just a quick note to let you all know that I'm going on a quick trip to New York in a few weeks! It was kindof last minute, but those trips can be the most fun! I'm very excited because not only have I never been to New York, but I get to see it with some of my favorite people!

What I know: George will be attending a conference in Toronto with a 'Footprinter' (Footprints was the name of Hands volunteer program several years ago) named Farzam. We've never met but I've heard his name often. Its exciting that George (and Prag too!) will have the opportunity to speak at this conference. Prior to that, George will be flying to Florida to meet a prospective new church partner (which is always exciting!) The Hands US board will also be meeting in Florida, right before George flies to Toronto. Time with George is always so precious and it's hard to make time to meet with everyone we would like him to. Since he was going to be on the east coast, it made sense that he would make a quick stop in New York to speak at Sara's church. Sara went to Africa with Hands in 2011 and has since sponsored team trips from her church. George was able to speak there in October of 2013, but did not make it on the North American tour last October. Suzette and Brooke will also be traveling with George. Suzette is from San Francisco. We actually met briefly at Kachele Farm when we were both in Luanshya, Zambia. She was in Zambia,  preparing to go to South Africa when I initially arrived in Zambia for my country stay. That was in March 2013. I haven't seen her since! I met Sara and Brooke both for the first time at the Hands Family Reunion in Wisconsin in October 2013. I haven't had the chance to see Sara in person since. I saw Brooke last October in Minnesota. This trip is so exciting to me 1) because the five of us(including George) have never all been in the same place at the same time and 2) because it's a ''bonus trip!

Since coming home from Africa in April 2013, I've relied on the fall tour as my time to break my normal routine and take a weekend to connect with other Hands volunteers and advocates. I honestly hadn't planned on taking any other trips prior to flying to Africa in May. When Sara invited me to come to New York last week, my initial gut response was 'no.' Oh believe me I wanted to go, but my rational brain was focused on the numbers. Cost of flights vs the fact that I'm already buying flights to Africa vs my budget. It's an easy trap. But, thankfully, I slept on it. Comments Brooke made at a lunch meeting prior to everyone arriving in Wisconsin over a year ago resounded in my heart AND my head. We may not live the typical missionary life but we are missionaries. Living in a relatively normal world while our thoughts/time/energy/hearts are half a world away. Do you know how many children I could feed with money I just spent on flights? Don't ask. That's my point. We are Christians who love and have committed ourselves to the vulnerable children in Africa. And that commitment comes with a price. Over the nearly two years I've been home - that's 643 days, I have spent 6 days in person with other Hands volunteers. That includes travel time, so it's actually a generous number. If you do that math (because of course I had to) that breaks down to less than 1%! Sure, we try to skype at least once a month. It's more depending on what you're involved with and what is going on at that time of the year. [It can be few and far between for some of us at certain times.] Suzette lives in California, Brooke lives in Minnesota, Sara lives in New York and I live in Pennsylvania. Thats why, even though we hate to spend the money, it is so important to make the sacrifice to be together when we get the chance. It makes such a difference! (I could list many Bible verses that reference the importance of fellowing, but I'm won't) It's a time we invest in each other, build each other up. We reflect with each other on the progress that has been made, give the glory to God, and challenge each other for the work that lies ahead. In our rational minds we hate to spend the money, but in our hearts we know we need to. Because we only have one life. Because people and relationships are what is important in life. We say we love them, but do we show it in action? We should value our friends and family more than our bank accounts!

So after my internal debate of head vs heart, my heart ultimately persevered. But then my next dilemma: I requested the Friday off with some anxiety because if you know me, you know I rarely use my vacation days. 2014 was actually the first year I used all of my vacation days within the calendar year. [It shouldn't really 'count' though because I used four of them to spend time with family the week following my father's death.] Anyway six years of not using all(if any - sad, but true) of my vacation days combined with the fact that I'm already planning to take off three weeks for my trip in May(which is more than my allotment of paid vacation to begin with) was messing with me. I submitted my request with great pause, not sure if it would be met with annoyance or indifference. But I told myself that 'its just one day' and 'May is three months from now.'

So after all that, here I sit. Flight tickets purchased and one night booked at the airport hotel. It's only January 15th and already I have been challenged on my perception of money and my job, and let's be honest my plan. (I'm a big planner!) I'm getting the feeling that 2015 is going to be a pivotal year. But I booked the flight I hadn't planned on taking, and that's the first step.

Housekeeping

I've made just a few more additions to the blog. (Hopefully you'll find them beneficial)

• At the very top of the page you will find my new pages bar. On the right-hand side, you will see a tab called 'Watchwords Past'. Clicking on this tab will provide a complete list of Watchwords going back to 1999. In case you are interested in what verses George and Carolyn have felt led to in the past, it's all there!
• On the top right of the page, right above the about me section, you can see the 2014 Watchword. I'll be updating this with the 2015 Watchword very soon. The Watchword is a verse that we focus on throughout the year to find strength and purpose. These verses are often a source of light and encouragement, especially when the work we do makes our hearts heavy.
• If you scroll down the page, right underneath the total pageviews graph, you will find a new contact form. Try it out! If you'd like send me a question you have about Africa, our work, buying groceries, whatever. I'll certainly try to answer! (Or I will get in touch with someone who can give you a better answer!)
• At the very bottom of the page, you will find a satellite map (the Powr Map). If you've ever been curious about where we do what we do, this is something to check out! But I must give you a disclaimer: there are still many areas that I personally know nothing about, except that we work there. I tried to highlight the main areas in each country to the best of my ability. I'll edit the map as I learn more specifics. If you're interested in what I will personally be doing be sure to check out: The HUB(our home-base and tentatively my first stop in May), Kachele Farm(It's becoming the 'Second HUB' where a lot of things go on and tentatively my second stop in May), The Kitwe Service Center(where I spent my time in Zambia during 2013, working with the staff and learning about Hands) and the Mwaiseni Community Based Organization(CBO)(where I had my community stay in Zambia and fell in love with Mwaiseni! This is the community I advocate for and will be working in: it's the main reason this trip came to be!) To use the map: You can scroll up and down on the left to see the places I have listed. Clicking on a location will show you that tag on the map (ie clicking on 'Kachele Farm' will show you the tag located in Luanshya, Zambia) If you stay zoomed in, which is the default of the gadget, you will only see individual tags. If you look at the map and see the + and - signs, underneath the yellow person, clicking the - sign will allow you to zoom out and see where tags are located in context. (ie in South Africa you will see the distance between the HUB and Service Centers) Feel free to play around with it!

***Disclaimer: at this point the blog is really changing. I will try to point out changes in the blog, but it's changing daily...so make sure you try to keep up! :-)