Kayla Phillips - Adventures In Missions - Embracing the Kingdom

Honor

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I looked up honor in the dictionary, and out of the 24 different definitions and uses of the word I found...none really suffice for me these days. This word: "honor" has been something that's been stirring up in me since January/February when I spent 5 weeks in Cambodia with the October 2009 World Race squad. I had never really thought much about honor before. I guess I assumed that I honored people around me, it's just not something I ever spent much time thinking about. Then, being with this squad, it was like I experienced what honor looks like, feels like, smells like, and tastes like, in a whole new way. I'm having a hard time putting into words what I experienced in regards to honor.

I keep looking for a definition that defines what I saw as I was with this squad. But so far I've come up empty handed as I try to find words to explain it. The way that the leaders honored the participants, the way that the participants honored their leaders, the way that everyone honored the ministries they were a part of, the way that I was personally honored...this honor thing was something that I really started to take note of.

These are the things that I lay awake in bed pondering about these days. The other night as I laid there thinking, I had this thought:
            How is honor defined?
            Could it be that honor is best defined by the reactions it causes?
            What if honor is one of those things that you really can't understand until you're standing in a place where it's presence is so thick that you cannot not understand it?
            What if it's only truly defined when one puts breath to it & lives it out?

I know one thing is for sure...I've never felt or understood honor more strongly than I did when I was with this squad. Honor is a part of their heartbeat. It's at the core of who they are. They honor well. They sweat honor out of their pores. It's a lifestyle they've chosen to make theirs and the fruit is incredible.



            Where there is honor, people are empowered.
         Where there is honor, people are believed in.
         Where there is honor, people are called to greatness.

I had the privilege of spending this month with an incredible squad, and specifically two extraordinary people who understand honor. Sean Smith and Andi Wendel live out honor every single day, and have led this squad in incredible ways. I could go on for days about how their gifts came alive as they led this squad. They led in a way that an outsider who knows nothing about the individuals on the squad can come into the same place and immediately be overtaken by the thickness of honor in that place. The environment, the literal air of the place, is changed by the honor that is present. Andi & Sean have raised up new leaders, Jory Billiot, Weston Belkot, and Katie Hannon in the same way...where honor is a part of who they are. Not because they work really hard at it, but simply because it's who they are...they are a group of people that does honor well! They love people with the unrelenting love of the Father, and they recognize the great things God's doing in them.

So here I am, still trying to find a definition that accurately describes the honor that I felt when I was with this squad. I feel like an extremely valuable treasure was unearthed right before my eyes. This treasure of honor is something that I want to walk out more each day. I desire daily to live my life full of honor. I want to honor those I work with and for. I want to honor those in my community of close friends here. I want to honor well.

Cambodia by Bike!

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I know I'm not in Cambodia anymore, but I have yet to update my blog since I've been back. So here's one more fun video for you to watch until I get a new blog posted....soon, very soon.

This video was made by the incredible videographer Weston Belkot. It's a little journey through the exciting streets of Cambodia, via bike! He somehow convinced me to join him for this bike tour of the city this day and prefaced the trip with this question, "you are an accomplished bike rider, aren't you?!" ha. I'm not gonna lie, each time we approached an intersection filled with hundreds of motorbikes and tuk-tuks my heart started racing as I wondered how we'd get through the maze in one piece! I did get stuck in a 4 lane round-about for a bit, but finally escaped. :) It was a fun afternoon adventure. Check out the video...

Cambodia video

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, I just watched this video 3 times in a row and each time I wipe away more tears. They are tears of sheer JOY as reflect on the great memories we made with these kids this past month. The kids at Cambodia Hope will always always always hold a special place in my heart.

Sydnee did an incredible job capturing the heart of these kids and the love we experienced through them. Check out her video here, and then follow her World Race journey here: sydneemela.theworldrace.org.

Now, THIS is Love!!

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I said this in an earlier blog, and each day it's becoming more true... when I'm with these kids at the orphanage I feel like I'm staring love in the face! Real love.

How do these kids know how to love? Who taught them? Looking at everything in their lives that they've gone through...how do they still wear love like this? Why aren't they bitter, angry, depressed, withdrawn?? These kids have experienced more destruction in their 7 years of life than I will experience in my entire life. Yet they get it, they get love! Their love is uninhibited, unconditional. They love 100% of the time, even though they know that the people they love will always come and go in and out of their lives.

This proves that love isn't taught, it's in our DNA. God has made us to love, it's what we were created for....it's our heartbeat that He gave us! But there are so many things in our life that get in the way of love.

God's been giving me new definitions for things I thought I understood. The latest treasure I've discovered here in Cambodia is a new definition for LOVE. I mean, I've been around for 27 years now, I've loved a lot of people in my life. I've been loved by a ton of people in my life. I thought I had a good understanding of what love is. But over the past few weeks God has brought a whole new depth to this simple word. The LOVE I'm experiencing here, from these kids, is hitting a deep, deep place in my heart.

It's like God's saying, "Now, THIS is Love!!"

meet the kids at Cambodia Hope Orphanage

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to take a few minutes and introduce you to a few of the kids I've spent the past 2 weeks with here in Cambodia. I've become quite attached to all the kids at the Cambodian Hope Orphanage and I can't even think about the fact that tomorrow will be our last day to see them. I've been able to gather a few snippets of information on a few of the kids and wanted to share that here...

This is Socehat.
-He is 7yrs old. He has lived at Cambodia Hope for 2 years.
-He's from the village or providence area
-his dad died of HIV. His mom has HIV currently and can't take care of him.
-He got tested for HIV, but the test came back "inconclusive." He's getting tested again next month.
-He's very smart and observant. He's picked up English quickly.

This is Shreylou.
-She is 8 years old.
-I'm not sure how long she's lived at Cambodia Hope. I would expect that she's been here for a few years; she seems to know the ropes and helps with some of the duties, preparing meals, helping the younger kids, etc.
-both of her parents died. Her mom had HIV.
-She lived w/ grandmother after her parents died, but her grandmother was unable to take care of her so she was brought to Cambodia Hope.

This is Sophat and Shreylok.
-They are siblings.
-They were adopted by a Cambodian family. This family lived on the Thailand/Cambodia border and would leave home for 2-3 months at a time to go to Thailand. The kids were left alone to fend for themselves the entire time, with no food and no caretaker. They would venture into their neighbor's farm get food or walk around begging for food in the village. This all happened when Sophat was very young, in the development stages of his life. Because of this, he didn't speak. When he was rescued and brought to Cambodia Hope, he only spoke 1 or 2 words and only to his sister.

This is Han and Shreymum (Brother and sister)
-They are uncertain what happened to their mother
-They were living with their dad when they were rescued.
-Their dad has been mentally unstable since he was a soldier during the Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot regime.
-They lived with him in the village. During this time, he would have convulsions for days at a time.
-When they were first rescued, Han had a history of the same kind of convulsions. Shortly after coming to live at Cambodia Hope, they were praying over Han and he accepted Jesus. He has since never had any convulsions and is a very healthy, happy kid.

This is Kim and Kael (sisters)
-They lived in the providence/village area.
-In middle of the night they would walk up to 50km into the city by themselves to beg for food and money on the street!!
-They always walked hand in hand. People knew them that way, as the sisters who were always hand in hand.
-They were rescued off the street and brought to Cambodia Hope to live. Within the 1^st week they went missing. They had snuck out in the middle of the night. The police were notified and they went through the entire city looking for Kim and Kael, referred to as "the 2 little girls holding hands." Hours later they were found and brought back to the orphanage. The caretakers then explained to them that they were safe here and would be taken care of, they would never have to sneak out to go beg for food. They've never left again.

I stared unconditional love in the face!

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I spent the first week or so with Team Increase and we worked in the village of Sa'ang. It was great to spend some time outside of the city, seeing what's happening out there. The Church there is growing like crazy, lots of fruit! We were busy and our days were long, but it was incredible to see all that God's doing. See my previous blogs for more on my time with Team Increase in Sa'ang.

For the past 4 or 5 days I've been staying at the YWAM base here in the city of Phnom Penh. Most of my time has been spent hanging out with the squad leaders and the new squad leaders they are raising up to take over leadership. It's been great to just hang out with them and learn from them in this transition. The new leaders are being empowered in powerful ways and they've jumped in all the way. Their gifting are evident and God definitely guided this entire process. They're growing into their bigger coats very well. During my time here these past 4 or 5 days, I've had some time to rest as well. Actually, God's been teaching me A LOT about resting in Him, and how to live out of that place or rest, not just go there when I'm desperate for a break. Last night during church I picked up my journal and just started writing. The first thing that came out was this phrase: A rested heart is ready for fresh revelation. That's what I see God doing in this season. He's teaching me how to rest in Him, then showing me the revelation that comes from that posture of rest. He's faithful to show me more of His character and what He is doing in, around, and through me here.

This next week I'll be spending time out in ministry with Team New Song. They work at an orphanage each afternoon called Cambodia Hope. We go there each afternoon from 3-7 and play with the kids, love on them, and teach English classes. Today was my first day with them and I'm already in love with these kids! They are the most affectionate group of kids I've ever met. There are around 70 that live there, all ages. As soon as we drove up the kids stormed the gate and each and every one of them greets you with a bear hug! For the entire 4 hours we were with them, we all had kids hanging off of us. They just love to love and be loved! Today I feel like I stared unconditional love in the face! We had a blast with them! I know more clearly why Jesus found ways to be constantly around children.

I look forward to sharing more with you about these kids in the blogs to come. I'm starting to hear their stories, and as heartbreaking as they can be to hear...you can't be saddened when you see the sheer JOY and HOPE that just oozes out of them! We have so much to learn from these precious little ones that God holds so close to His heart!

A new highway!

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout the 1970s as the Khmer Rouge ruled here in Cambodia, 1/3 of the population was wiped out. The entire city of Phnom Penh was cleared out and destroyed. A once bustling capital city was left completely dead and vacant. The city would never be the same.

But there is good news! God is restoring this nation! This is visible in the way that things are being rebuilt, finally....after 30 years of destruction. Our hosts here say that even 3 years ago, there was no rebuilding happening. But now there are new roads, new buildings in the cities, and new job opportunities. The first ever overpass that Cambodia has ever had is going up across town....these things are making history here.

Earlier this week as we drove by the new highway and overpass being constructed, God immediately reminded me of Isaiah 35 to me.

And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.
The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
and the ransomed of the Lord will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
Everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.

What an incredible promise from the Lord! I believe what is happening in the physical, with the development of new infrastructure, is representative of what's happening in the spiritual environment here in Cambodia! Where there has been death and destruction, there will be life! Where there has been bondage and oppression, there will be freedom! Where there has been despair, there will be JOY!

Cambodia_Genocide Museum

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We've been learning a ton about the history of Cambodia. If you can get your hands on a movie called "The Killing Fields" you should watch it. It's definitely not easy on the heart. I had no idea that any of this happened. The events of the past 40 years in Cambodia were for sure not in our history books! Throughout the 1970s, under the rule of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, over 2 million people (1/3 of the population) were massacred through genocide. Those that survived where affected for the rest of their lives, many were orphans or widows, and hundreds of thousands were victims of land mines, now trying to survive with depilating disabilities. There's not a day that goes by here that we don't see the lasting effects of this horrendous violence. Beggars on the street with missing limbs, adults around the age of 40 that have horrible scars from burns, hundreds of orphans - a fatherless generation. It is evident in just how much of the population was wiped out when you look at the statistics: roughly 80% of the population is under the age of 30. Only 3% of the population is over the age of 65.

Today we toured the Genocide Museum here in Phnom Penh. I can't explain the heaviness of this place and the feeling I got walking through it. Through the rule of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, in 1975 these buildings were taken over and designated for detention, interrogation, inhuman torture, and killing after the detainees were received and documented. The buildings were once a thriving school but then became a prison during the genocide. Classrooms that once were filled with children learning and growing were turned into prison cells where people were interrogated, tortured, and executed. We walked through the cells and the chains and shackles were still there. Other rooms were filled with large boards filled with pictures of thousands of victims. In other rooms there were human bones and skulls with pieces of cloth still tied around their eyes for blindfolds. The whole thing was so heavy!

We're starting to get a glimpse of what this country has been through the past 40 years. I can't imagine what it must have been like to live through this, or even to grow up in the generation that followed the genocide. Our hearts are heavy but we know that God is in the business of redeeming this land for His glory. We will continue to open our eyes to see where He is moving. May His Kingdom come here!

What's it gonna look like: Phnom Penh

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After a long day on the bus, we made it to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. It's a huge city and as you can imagine the hub of industry, commerce and trade. It's very warm (high 80s) and VERY high humidity ...surprising since this is their "cool/dry" season. Our sweat glands are active and I personally am enjoying the balmy weather.

Today we met with our host and they are absolutely fantastic! They're from the States but have been living here in Cambodia for 10 years and before that they were in the Philippines. They work with young Cambodians, tomorrow's leaders to empower them to influence their nation. We love our hosts! They spent time just getting to know us and our hearts this morning, then spoiled us with homemade pineapple upside down cake and fruit followed by a tour of the ministry headquarters here and lunch in the market. It was incredible to be with them today and hear the vision that God gave them for this country and the way the Lord is walking that out in and through them here.

The ministry we're working with here has 5 branches of ministries here in Phnom Penh and surrounding villages:

1) The first is a ministry that empowers young women who have been sexually abused/trafficked and/or domestically abused. They take in the young women and give them Christian counseling focusing on inner healing, provide education on health care, disciple them and teach them about Jesus, give them job skills, give them a healthy and safe living & working environment. And ultimately by doing all of this, this ministry works to prevent human trafficking in Cambodia by giving these young women another way. The job skills they teach them involves making handbags, table runners, pocketbooks, etc. Then these are sold in the US and 100% of the funds go directly to the girls and right back into the ministry. We got to tour their facility today and meet the 7 women that are currently a part of this ministry. Inside all of the handbags they make they have a sewn in label with "Freedom" on it. Ultimately that's what they are about...guiding young women on the journey towards freedom and restoration, body, mind, and soul.

2) The 2nd branch here is their orphan care program. They don't have large orphan facilities but instead place orphans with care takers and this ministry provides for all their needs. We were able to travel to one of the villages (about 40 min away) today to visit one of the houses where 4 orphans are taken care of by a widow they've equipped to parent these kids. They have Cambodians on staff that visit these houses and villages several times a week to educate the kids. Today they were learning English and we watched as they recited the words "ear and hair" and then learned to write them in both Khmer and English. They were adorable and the whole thing had a very small family feel to it. That's the heart of this ministry, to operate as a family unit.

3) The 3rd branch is the non-governmental organization (NGO). They have national notoriety and government approval. They're working through social involvement and Christian Community development, working with the government instead of against it.

4) The Church Plant. They have regular church services, a youth ministry, children's ministry, outreaches...all with a community focus.

5) The Foundation Center. This focuses on leadership training and development of young Cambodians, community focused ministry, health care/first aid, life skills training, and English language training. There are some incredible leaders being developed and empowered here and the nation is truly being influenced by these young people. This is key as 80% of the population here in Cambodia is under 30 years old!

We will be spending a lot of time with the women while we're here in the city. They don't speak any English but their overseer does and will be our translator. We're really looking forward to building relationships with these girls and watching God continue to bring them freedom and restoration! What a blessing that He would allow us to be even a small part of what He's doing in them! They would love for us to lead some Bible studies for them a few times a week and also help with the workshop organization. Also, the team I'm with is gifted musically and God has already opened doors for them to teach some of the leaders at The Foundation Center that are wanting some instruction. Saturdays and Sundays and a few evenings a week will be spent in the village of Sa'ang working with the orphans, teaching English, loving on them and building relationships with the staff and care givers out there. We'll also be doing some outreaches and youth events out in the village from time to time.

We're excited to see what God does as He shapes our schedule and guides our steps. We've already seen His hand all over what we're doing as He's gone before us to prepare the way. It's fun walking into a place and realizing that without us even having a clue God has already been working out the details. He's good like that! J

I'm really enjoying my time with Team Increase. There are 7 of them, 2 guys and 5 ladies. It's encouraging for me to see the life change that God is doing as they embrace abandonment, experience brokenness, and discover how to depend on the Lord. Through the experiences they're gaining they're being equipped and empowered to discover their voice in this world and take their place in what God has called them into. They're daily walking in God's Kingdom and experiencing Him move in their midst. It's an honor to be a witness to all of this and be a part of it this month.

Ten minutes with Tina

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today was our Cambodia travel day from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Along our journey we stopped to have lunch at makeshift roadside caf if you will. Mostly it was just a gathering of vendors on the side of the road.

As I stepped off the bus this sweet little girl held a bag of fresh pineapple in my face and said in her adorable Cambodian accent, "hi beautiful lady. You buy pineapple. Maybe later?" all in one breath. She then followed me to the street vendors and continued to say, "maybe later you buy pineapple? You remember me. You buy pineapple maybe later?" She then asked my name and as I told her she introduced herself as Tina. Then we were friends apparently. J "Come, I show you spider" she said and took me by the hand to show me the fried tarantulas they were selling nearby in big baskets. She casually reached in and picked one up, tore a leg off and ate it as she said, "you eat spider. You like. It so good." I responded with a cringe as I said, "Tina, I'm scared!" "You no scared. You eat. You like. It good." Her smile was contagious. She didn't push the subject too much and I opted instead to hold a cooked tarantula and take a picture of it.

As we waited on the other team members to find food, Tina and I stood there right between the basket of tarantulas and the basket of crickets. She informed me that these were small crickets with no eggs, but the large ones with eggs were better. I nodded in agreement, hoping she didn't want me to do a taste test to prove her point, ha.

As we stood there those 10 minutes, I learned a lot about little Tina. She's 9 years old and goes to a school nearby, but she was on lunch break. She has studied English in school for 5 years and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She asked where I was going and for how long and if I would stop back by on my way through. It seemed like Tina just enjoyed talking to a visitor about something besides pineapple. She didn't seem at all interested in selling me pineapple anymore. It's a good thing because just an hour earlier I ate an entire pineapple and now my taste buds are burning, ha. She saw me back to the bus and wished me a safe journey with a handshake and a huge smile. Then she reached into her bag and pulled something out. She said, "I make this for you. Take. It a heart." She put this piece of paper folded intricately into a heart into my hand and walked me to the bus. I soon discovered it was a 100 Real bill, the Cambodian currency, equal to about 2.5 cents.

That just blew me away. Here's this child who much spend her lunch break trying to sell pineapples to the tour buses that stop here. She is one of about 20 children who are relentless in their attempts to make a sale. They will follow you around in sing-song fashion trying to sell you fruit until you finally give in. But instead Tina chose to engage in a 10 minute conversation with me about her life and the journey I'm on. Then she leaves me with a gift! Wow! This just made my heart smile today and I thank God for how I experienced a taste of His Kingdom today through 10 minutes spent with Tina.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hello from Cambodia! I thought I'd take a minute to update you guys on life here...

Things with me here just continue to get better and better! I LOVE spending time with this squad and my heart is feeling so refreshed and fully alive being here with them. We've been staying at a nice guest house in the city of Siem Reap for a few days to allow the squad to rest, relax, refresh, and prepare for the next month of ministry in Cambodia. I was able to post a few pictures here, more to come soon. Click on the link to the left titled My Pictures.

The time to relax and get to know this squad has been great! We were also able to tour the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat which was very interesting. Today this squad of 50 will split up into their small teams of 7-8 and travel to separate ministry locations where we'll be for the next 3 weeks. I'll be spending time with the team called Team Increase and there are 8 of them. I absolutely love this team! You can meet them here: http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=teams&group=groupk

This group will be going to a small village near the city of Phenom Phen. It looks like we'll get the opportunity to work at an orphanage for all aged kids and we'll also work with a ministry that educates youth on human trafficking and hopefully keeps them from that road. So today we'll travel to Phenom Phen where we'll spend one night and get an orientation by one of our contacts there. Then Wed we'll journey to the village!

God's already been doing a lot and speaking to my heart in incredible ways! I can't wait to see what this next journey holds. I'm uncertain of my internet access, but I'll do my best to keep you posted on how things are going. Thank you for your continued prayers!!

Blessings,
Kayla

off to Cambodia!!

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This Thursday, Jan 7^th I'll be presenting my passport and going through the security check points at the Atlanta airport once again. This part of any trip has become quite familiar. But the rest of this particular trip will be anything but familiar. I'll be heading to new countries & a new continent, working with a new teams, and experiencing new things around every corner. I will be spending the next 5 weeks in Cambodia and Thailand!

    I'll be joining up with the October 2009 World Race squad. Check them out at:    http://www.theworldrace.org/tab=teams&group=groupk.
     I'm excited about participating in ministry with them, and I'm looking forward to a refreshing time back out on the field. One of the reasons I am going involves leadership development. I am going to observe the processes the current leaders go through as they raise up new leaders to take their place. We know that something incredible is happening out there with these teams and our goal is to replicate it with some of our other teams.
      I'm excited to see what God is doing amongst this squad. I also know that God likes to surprise me on trips like these, and He has something specific just for me. What an incredible opportunity to serve God and build His Kingdom in every tongue, tribe, and nation! I can't wait to dive in!

Thank you for your prayers during this journey. Please pray for:

Safety and smooth travel.

Great health and a strong immune system!

Open eyes to see how God is moving in this region and in the lives of these teams.

Insight as I observe the leadership development processes.

That we will experience the abundance of God's Kingdom everywhere we step!

I should have internet access periodically and will do my best to update this blog as often as I can. Also, feel free to email me at: kaylaphillips@adventures.org.

Much love,
Kayla

Favorite Statuses of 2009:

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today I found an application on Facebook that collects all of your statuses from the year and compiles them. It was fun to remember and reflect on this past year as I read through the hundreds of statuses. I've copied a few of my favorites from each month here...

January

v is hungry for Truth and craving more time with my Father.

v is... His grace has found me just as I am...Empty handed, but alive in His hands.

v is convinced that there is enough Grace and enough Love to get through anything!

February

v has been defeated by her own fingerprints!

v is loving on team Kenya standing on the promise that God is faithful and true!

v is refilling her cup

March

v is in the mood to plant!

v great conversations, fun friends, abounding laughter, embracing God's creation & loving life in Costa Rica!

v loves loves loves SPRING!!!! all these years, i never knew what Spring was really like.

April

v Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

v feasting on Ezekiel 36:24-28....the promise of a renewed heart!

v is floored by His love for me! I'm getting filled up in the most unexpected yet beautiful ways!

May

v Enjoying a break here in FL with the Pitts...went "surf fishing" today with Pappy! Although perhaps I just entertained the fish by feeding them sand fleas right off my line...darn thieves!
has enjoyed seeing glimpses of the Kingdom here in Spain...and is now in transit to Kiev via London.

v the police are moving in to the makeshift sleeping area here in the London airport. some people are allowed to sleep while others are being interrogated. weird. hopefully we don't look suspicious. :)

v thinks Brasov, Romania might be one of my new favorite international cities!

June

v after 16 months of no corn, today's the day i start to re-introduce it. Body, this is corn. It is good for you and you will love it!! Corn, this is body...You will be nice to it and become great friends once again.

v harvested 60 POUNDS of honey today with the Jerry, Heather, and Ashley. What a fun, memorable, sticky learning experience! Add that to the list of new things i've done lately...i love my life!

v was thoroughly surprised when our morning breakfast plans turned into a breakfast boat cruise with incredible eats and quality time with some of my favorite people in the world! Thanks Mama C, Pappy, and Cassie...i feel so loved and honored!

July

v I love my kids! They're hungry, they're passionate, they're FUN, and I get the honor of spending the next 336 hours in Puerto Rico with them!!

v is absolutely IN LOVE with my new niece, Kynlee Blaise!

v loves catching up with my church fam here in Abilene. Great day at the River...i'm floored by God's love, yet again.

August

v encountering the Lord daily, experiencing Him move & work miracles, overwhelmed by His love...yes, this is normal everyday life!!

v driving thru north GA mountains...steady rain...cool fresh air...lakes...kudzu jungles. What a wonderful way to think and dream and plan...SO refreshing!!

v the grand finale...It's race day at the Learn to Row class. Perhaps the Olympic scouts will show up...or perhaps we'll pretend. :)

September

v there's a whisper of what's to come. a great expectancy is building here, an expectancy of what God's doing in and through these teams.

v in awe of God....He meets every need I never even knew I had.

v so i just tripped over an opossum on the way to the bathroom then proceeded to chase the varmint down with my headlamp to figure out what he was. did you know opossums squeak when they get tripped over?! sorry mr. opossum. and PS - what's with the silent O?

October

v Dear Legion of Mexican Mosquitoes: Please refrain from feasting on my body. With utmost respect to you and your species, Kayla.

v was totally refreshed today by getting outside and doing something active...even though i got my tail kicked in disc golf!

v has received an incredible gift from God today...the perspective to look at all the craziness of the past 24hrs and laugh a lot, saying "this is my life...and i love it!"

November

v "I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purposes for me." -Psalm 57:2

v is encouraged through many phone conversations with young adults who are forever transformed by what God is doing and who are aching to invest this into the next generation!

v my hammock and I are heading into the woods...playing hide & seek with the world today....i'm it and world, you're not allowed to come looking for me for at least 5 hours.

December

v had a blast at the Tacky Christmas Sweater Party last night...thanks to the Pitts and Cassie for making it a fun & memorable evening! You guys are awesome!!

v worship with my community is good for my heart!

v Merry Christmas everyone!! It's a white Christmas here!! highways are iced over and closed, it's freezing cold outside. The family's all here and we're cuddling with baby Kynlee! :)

Accumulate Experiences_part 1

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Somehow 2009 is already nearing its end. The year has flown by! I was thinking today of all the incredible experiences I've been able to accumulate this past year.

I saw God work in huge ways, in my life and in the lives of those around me. I traveled a lot...made 48 flights to be exact and made memories in 8 countries.

I thought I'd share a little snippet of my 2009. Part 1 of "Accumulate experiences!" will be a re-cap of my international memories whereas part 2 will include the fun experiences I've had in the US this past year. J

Granada, Nicaragua

Fell in love with hammocks.

Was reminded what true JOY is by 3 little girls playing in a plaza fountain without a care in the world.

Experienced the Kingdom with our team there as they invested time and energy into local youth.

Libera, Costa Rica

watched the most beautiful sunset over the crashing waves. Stayed at a hostel called Hotel Chocolate J.

Flew through the jungle on a zip line. Spent some time relaxing with the team on their spring break.

London, England

got bored during a layover and ventured into the city to take a 4 hour tour of all the local favorite sites on a double decker red bus.

Mijas, Spain

spent 4 days with the students at the G42 Leadership Academy, soaking in truth; enjoying caf & meaningful conversations about the Kingdom.

Took in the beautiful sights strolling through the village of Mijas, overlooking the Mediterrean.

Kiev, Ukraine

navigated the subway & streets of Kiev and got lost 4 days in a row traveling the same exact route each day.

Celebrated with a World Race squad as they finished their 11 month journey.

Brasov, Romania

broke bread with a lonely woman on the street and had my heart broken as the Lord gave me His heart for her.

Spent time in Brasov, advertised as "probably the best city in the world."

Heard incredible stories from a World Race squad halfway through their 11 month journey.

Isabella, Puerto Rico

took 25 high school students to Isabella, PR to pour out God's love and experience Him working on this beautiful island.

Matamoras, Mexico

spent several weeks in Mexico with our 9 month teams and leaders. Had a blast getting to know and watching them grow.

Met the world's largest Elmo piata.

God has blessed me in so many ways this year. He is always surprising me and I can't wait to see where He leads me in 2010! Thank you for your love and support!!

The disappearing trail

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today I retreated into the woods for some much needed solitude. My world can get so busy. I had reached the point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion - that place where my mind couldn't rest, where my body felt tired. I wasn't even sure what I needed heading out on this mini-retreat, but I knew if I carved out some time, God would surely bring restoration.
Today that restoration involved my hammock, the quiet of the woods along the water's edge, the entertainment of a few curious squirrels here and there, my Bible, journal, and 8 hours of uninterrupted time with Jesus. I have no idea where the time went...it flew by.

During this time I didn't solve any global issues or ponder any huge mysteries. I just let my mind rest. I watched the lake and the leaves falling from high up in the trees. I journaled some, prayed some, feasted on some Scripture, and mostly I was just still. I found it easier to breathe out here.

8 hours later as I walked out of the woods I noticed something. The path I had used to get to this retreat place, it looked different. Actually I couldn't even find the path I took this morning. How could this be? I thought as I stopped perplexed and tried to retrace my steps. Fallen leaves covered every inch of the forest floor. I knew the direction I should be walking, so I started off in that direction thinking at some point I'd again find the trail.

This was not looking familiar at all. Where I had once walked along confident of each step, I now tripped over fallen braches and half-buried roots. The piles of leaves slipped under my feet and I fell in a few holes. After nearly being defeated by gravity I stopped, still perplexed. Do I turn back and try to find the trail again? Am I too far off the trail to find it? What's up ahead if I keep going this way?

I decided to trudge on, and as I did I began to think. There are seasons in my life where I know how I got to a particular place, but when I try to backtrack the same way - I can't find the path. At this point I think a decision has to be made. I can spend a lot of time and energy searching for the old path...but in the end that will just leave me tired and frustrated. Or I can decide to embrace the new and step forward - one shaky step at a time.

Seasons come and go, leaves have fallen on old paths hiding them, and I have an opportunity to walk a new way. The new way is sure to be shaky at times and it carries some hazards, but in the end I'll get to where I'm going and in the process I'll get to see things I never saw on the old path. I'm excited about the new things God has in store for this new season. Following Him is always an adventure. So I step onward and continue to enjoy Him on this journey.

Still Waters

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This was written by Beverly Gibson, one of the incredible ladies in my life that God has used over the years to speak life and truth into me. Enjoy!

Still waters ... have you ever sat beside a pool of water that was so still you could see a perfect reflection of the sky, the trees, the beauty all around that pool? EnGedi, Israel has pools like that. Hot and dry with steep canyon walls and treacherous paths you are eventually led to clear cool waters. An oasis hidden in desert mountains that look barren of life. I think of times in our lives when circumstances can seem like EnGedi - dark canyon walls that loom all around us with no visible path out.

Psalm 23:2 says the Lord leads us beside still waters. He follows it with Psalm 23:3 promising to restore our souls. How gracious is our Savior to lead us ... to let us sit and catch a glimpse - a reflection - of clear blue skies. They shine endlessly bright above the darkness of those walls surrounding us. Is it possible that sitting beside that still water, in the quietness of the moment, there is something we miss that keeps us from having our souls truly restored? Maybe His intent is to lead us past the wonder of the reflection? Maybe He has orchestrated an opportunity to cause us to look up ... to desire to see more what's being reflected than the reflection itself.

Could it be that He is wanting - desiring us - to not settle for just a glimpse? To not settle for taking a break and deciding to camp out in that place of cool rest.? Could He be stirring within us the courage to look up past our surroundings and gaze into the full beauty of Him? To look past where we are and into the sureness of promise found not in a reflection but in the Light of His Word?

... for He will restore our souls.

pics of Mexico

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been spending a lot of time down here in Mexico with our Novas students and leaders these past few months. These students are spending 8 weeks in Mexico building community within their teams, training, gaining practical tools, and applying what they learn in ministry to their community. In a few weeks they will launch out to their outreach locations, either Nicaragua, Swaziland, South Africa or Uganda where they will invest with local missionaries until May. I thought I'd update you on what's been going by showing you some pictures.

The Gateway, our AIM base here in Mexico.

A giant elmo pinata and a mariachi band always makes birthday parties more interesting!

Team South Africa a little fun on their off day

hunting for worms and developing a carrot box during organic gardening week.

posing with giant Elmo a little construction in the balmy Mexico weather

Brittany and Tana relaxing Jesse testing out his loved hammock

Chasing the Rumor

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Usually when we hear the word rumor our minds are filled with dread. From my experience this word is usually related to gossip. Not much makes me flee from a conversation faster than when Mr. Gossip shows up. I'd say in general the word rumor has a bad rap.

But recently during a session at a training camp, we spoke of another type of rumor.

This rumor is out there, a rumor that there's something more. More to life than this. More than meets the eye. More than status quo. My heart craves this MORE! This rumor, this whisper, is filled with hope. When I think about it, my heart races as I think about what this world could really look like. Could this rumor be true? I think so.

This rumor is the Kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Perhaps God's been whispering this rumor over us since the day we were born...calling us to experience His Kingdom in our everyday lives. What in the world does that look like?! There are times when I get glimpses of this Kingdom and immediately I'm certain that this rumor we speak of is absolutely true! It does exist. We can see the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. Even more than see it, we can actually walk in it, be active in it! We're called to lean into the rumor. To chase the rumor. In the midst of our crazy world, God sings this rumor over us. If I slow down long enough to simply listen, I hear this rumor.

Chase the rumor. This phrase has been bouncing around in my head these past few days. What does this chase look like? What is this chase motivated by? I think it's motivated by those moments in life when I see God show up in a situation. The moments where I see Him working in my life and in the lives of those around me. The moments when I see him bringing freedom, comfort, & healing. When I see and experience the work of the Father, it fuels the hunger for more of Him. The fire is stoked. There's a great expectancy for Him to come and work in my life.

During some seasons of our lives, this rumor seems silent; sometimes we hear it as a whisper, and at other times, it's a roar. I look around me today and I hear the whisper, but it's growing louder and louder. I'm leaning into this rumor, I'm chasing the rumor. It's getting louder and I live for the day where I find myself right smack in the middle of this rumor. At that point, it shall transform from a rumor heard only here and there to the everyday reality that I find myself surrounded by!

Why do I do this??

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What am I doing these days? and Why do I do what I do??

I'm walking alongside young people who are coming ALIVE...being awakened into their destiny...the personal destiny that God has for them...the reason they were created! They're being stretched to believe that God is who He says He is. That God is so much bigger than what they've always been taught in Sunday School and youth group. I can't explain to you the look in their eyes as they experience the "MORE" as I like to call it. It's the "more" God has for them. He whispers in their ear or sometimes yells so loud they can't ignore it. They hear His voice saying, "Beloved, I have MORE for you!"

They experience His redeeming love, His grace and mercy. A weight is lifted off their shoulders as they realize that it's not about them. It's not about what they do for God. A sigh of relief is heard in the spirit as the pressure of perfectionism and performance falls off of them like a lead jacket. He loves them and just wants to commune with them. He calls out to them, "Come, enjoy life with Me!"

They begin to capture glimpses of God's Kingdom here on Earth. A picture of what it could be like all the time. They experience what it looks like to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. He's giving them His heart and then sending them out. He's placed a mandate on their hearts to go. Go to the nations where He is eagerly waiting to show them more of Himself. What they don't know yet is that He's already got specific people in the world who He's just waiting to reveal His glory through. People like street boys in Uganda, people like young girls in Thailand that work the a corner just to feed their siblings, people like the secluded patients of the TB ward in the government hospital in Mbabane, Swaziland, people like the millions of orphans in Kenya, Uganda, Swaziland, and South Africa. These students will encounter God in a brand new way this year as they love on His people.

God's saying to them, "I can't wait for you to meet my children. For you not only to hear their stories of pain and rejection that will break your heart, but for YOU to become part of their story as you LOVE them with My love. For My love changes everything!"

I have the privilege of pouring into a group of 13 leaders that will become shepherds to these teams this next year. These leaders are being equipped by God to walk their teams through what He has for them this next year on the mission field. Most of them have no idea how physically and emotional draining it's going to be. However, a beautiful thing happens as they come to end of themselves and what they can do. When they don't have the answers and neither do I. When they're completely spent and have nothing else to give to their teams. When they're broken for the community around them that have become family. When they're vulnerable and feel under constant attack by the schemes of the enemy. And yet in the midst of this, they fix their gaze on the Father. They lean back into Him and their dependence on Him grows to a new level. They hear His voice and He reveals to them what He's doing in the world around them. They fall more in love with their Creator every single day.

They're coming ALIVE, being AWAKENED to the MORE God has for them! What an exciting process to be a part of. There are times when I just stop, step back and remind myself, "this IS my life!" Who is God that he would allow me to do what I do?! It's an honor and a joy to pour into these leaders and teams and I can't wait to see what God has in store this next year! Around every corner He's calling me to experience the MORE He has for me!

That's how I would answer the question, "What do you do and why?" Many of you have been on this journey with me for awhile now. You have invested much into me throughout the years. I pray that God continues to reveal MORE of Himself to you on your specific journey with Him. I know I don't get to see you guys as much as I'd like, but I want to THANK YOU again for all the sacrifices you've made to support me throughout the years. Not only financial support, but prayer covering, and your encouragement. Each of you are such a blessing to me!

Several of you have asked recently about my needs, specifically my financial needs. I am still 100% support based, which means that in order to do what I do here, I must depend on faithful supporters like you. If God is calling you to partner with me in this ministry, whether through a one time gift or through ongoing support, you can find helpful information by following the link on the left of this page that reads "Join my support team." Thank you!

Puerto Rican Reflections

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lately I've been floored by God's love. Over the past few months, He's just been showing me how much He loves me and how much He loves to love me. During our time in Puerto Rico, God continued to pour out His love and leave me in a constant state of awe. Who is God that He would give me the opportunity to go spend 2 weeks in Puerto Rico with 25 teenagers...experiencing Him and all He has for us?! It's like He's given us little daily invitations that read: "You're invited to join Me today....Where: My Kingdom...What: loving on My children and watching me work in mighty ways!" Who is God that he would let us be a part of this?! That He would give us daily little glimpses of His Kingdom.

Reflecting on our short time in Puerto Rico, I can see how God was at work each day. Here's a glimpse of some of the great memories made on the beautiful island with an incredible group of teens...

-every evening worshipping our hearts out upstairs in a room called "the High Place"
-chasing huge iguanas while trying not to slip on rotten fallen mangos on the ground
-visiting with Urma and Priscilla in a small nursing home. Hearing their life stories and all about the legacy they've left behind in their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren.
-witnessing 28 completely different individuals from 20 different states coming together and becoming family
-the sound of laughter late at night in the girls cabin
-walking alongside these teens as they heard the voice of God, some for the first time, and realized that He loves to speak to them in personal ways
-observing like a proud parent as our group tapped into incredible creativity to teach children key Bible stories.
-late night chats with the girls while sharing a jar of Nutella. J
-watching our students step outside of their comfort zone and share testimonies of how they've experienced God working in their lives.
-the huge football game that ensued on the beach and lasted for hours followed by a mass exodus into the surf to wash off the sand
-watching God bring healing and wholeness to broken situations in each of our students
-taking fun pictures with the girls and all the fun tropical plants we found
-experiencing our students speaking LIFE into each other as they called out Christ in each other
-being part of a team of youth that got the heart of missions - that it's not so much about what we DO, as who we are becoming in the Lord.
-late afternoon expedition out to find some sort of baked goodies to decorate to surprise our team on the 4^th of July.
-worshipping on the beach with our whole team our last night in Isabella...the full moon, the sound of the crashing waves, and the sound of passionate teens worshipping their Maker with all they've got.
-waking up in the quiet of the morning and hearing God invite me into what He had planned that day.
-daily being in awe of God's love for me and all the opportunities He gives me to see Him work.
-having thoughts like, "Who gets to do this?! This really is my life!"

from under the mango tree...

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

04 July2009

A little report from under the mango tree...

It's our first day here in Isabella, Puerto Rico and it's a balmy breezy day. Today is our day to prepare for the ministry we'll be engaged in this week. Our goal is to walk away with tools in our tool belt, to have available whenever God might open an opportunity for us to share His love. We'll jump into our normal ministry schedule first thing in the morning. After a long travel day, it's been great to have today to get organized and prepared for the week. Today's been a busy day but of course we're managing to have lots of fun as well!

We've prepared for the ministry we'll be engaging in, but we've also prepared our hearts further for what God's going to do. Today's been a great opportunity for us as a team to discover who we are and what we're about here. It's also a time of preparation for ourselves - to have time to process what God's been doing in our hearts, to pray together, and encourage each other.

This morning we spent time as a team discussing the importance of a team covenant and then the team developed our covenant. The covenant was well thought out and bathed in prayer. It was fun to watch the process of this covenant coming together and the team has really taken ownership of this. This is what was developed.
       Puerto Rico Ambassador Team Covenant
            1)      We are a team of worship. (John 4:22-24)
            2)      We are a team of inclusion, not exclusion. A team of unity. (John 17:22-23)
            3)      We are a team of perseverance. (James 1:2-4)
            4)      We are a team of servanthood. (Deut. 15:10-11)

Later in the morning we broke into 3 groups and began sharing our life stories with each other. As I looked around the circle, I saw faces of teenagers who have been through so much in their lives. Through this activity, we're able to share our hearts with each other. We ministered to each other through this time - speaking life and truth into each other, praying for each other, and sharing encouragement from our own life experiences. Throughout this time God was glorified and I could just sense Him beaming as we sat around bragging on Him and how we've seen Him at work in our lives. We also had some time to develop our individual testimonies of who God is to us. Then the students planned a children's church service that we'll use tomorrow, and they organized an afternoon of ministry at an orphanage. Here at the retreat center we're calling home, we've found a favorite spot...under the mango trees. We've had quite the productive day here.

In our downtime, it's almost a guarantee you'll find at least 6 or 7 students climbing the huge trees. Some will be chasing around a huge 3 ft. long iguana they've affectionately named Winston. The guitars will often emerge and impromptu worship will ensue. A few of the girls like to go hunting for coconuts. They just ran up and said, "look, we found a REAL coconut!" They've spent the last hour with a multi-tool in hand trying to conquer the coconut. We are, after all, a team of perseverance! J It's fun to see everyone simply enjoying life together here!

Tomorrow we'll travel to Cabo Rojo, about 90 minutes away to attend church at our host church.

Our internet here is very difficult, but I'll try to post blogs as often as possible in our short time here. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement! Love yall!

training camp

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Training camp is going great! We've actually just finished our 2nd and final day here and the students are already sleeping and dreaming of an exciting travel day tomorrow. In just 4 short hours we'll be boarding the bus and making our way to Atlanta to fly to Puerto Rico!

Training camp has gone so well! We as the team leaders are so impressed with this team. They've quickly become family over the past 2 days and we can't wait to see what God has in store for us in Puerto Rico. The weather has been great for us here, I believe it's the first training camp in a long time that it hasn't rained on us or been extremely hot! Today was full of more seminars where we learned about listening prayer, children's ministry, and relational evangelism. These teaching times were followed by times to discuss as a team and dive in with practical experience. Later in the day we perfected the drama we learned yesterday then took on the obstacle course for our team building time. God is moving in our midst already in powerful ways and we're enjoying learning more about His love and our identity as the Beloved. We ended the day with a sweet worship time and a time of commissioning. We're excited, equipped and empowered to go to Puerto Rico to be God's hands and feet and to encounter Him in a new way! Thanks for your continued prayers.

(For more pictures, check out the link to the left called "My Pictures.")

Please Pray for us

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 4 hours we'll be heading down to Atlanta to fly to Puerto Rico. We'll be in Puerto Rico until July 13th when we'll return to Atlanta for a time of debriefing the trip.

Some of you have asked if you can pray specifically for all of the people on my team.
Here we are, all 28 of us!
The 5 men of God on our team: Ian, Peter, David, Tom, and Adriel

The 20 beautiful young women: Kaitlin, Amber, Ashlie, Sarah K, Sarah C, Laquinta, Keyley, Elizabeth, Bethany, Amanda, Chelsea, Rebecca, Jennifer, Kylie, Meagan, Annie, Audrey, Brooke, Sydney, Charis.
The 3 fearless leaders: Seth, Melissa, and myself.

Please pray:
-for all of us to experience God in new and powerful ways

-for the ministries we'll be involved in and the people we'll encounter

-for us to learn what it means to minister out of His love, not our ability

-for team unity & healthy community

-for health and protection against sickness

-for safe travel

-for wisdom and discernment for us as the team leaders

-for peace in the midst of what can look like organized chaos

-for us to live in the moment and enjoy the Lord!!

Thank you so much for covering us in prayer as we journey out to love people, experience God and be changed by what He's doing in Puerto Rico.

Let's go to Puerto Rico!

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday I got the opportunity to meet 25 teenagers who will change my life these next few weeks. God has called me to lead this team on a mission trip to Puerto Rico! What an exciting mandate! 5 of the 25 students are students that went with me to Swaziland last summer, and I cannot wait to hear about all God has done in their lives this past year. The remaining 20 students I've never met before, but somehow I already feel connected to all of them. I have this love for them, a love I can't explain other than it's a love that God has obviously put in my heart for these world changers.

God has gone before us to plan out this whole experience, and we get the privilege of experiencing Him as He moves and works in our midst. An incredible thing is happening as we speak...let me paint you a picture. Yesterday 28 of us gathered here in Gainesville, GA to begin training camp. Just in case you missed that, I did say a team of 28 -it's a bit on the huge side! We're all strangers and you could feel the nervousness about what's about to happen...it's a beautiful combination of anxiousness and excitement. During the next 2 weeks as we journey together to the incredible island of Puerto Rico we're going to become family! We're going to live together, eat together, play together, worship God together, brush our teeth together, love on people together, and encounter our living God together!! Two weeks may not seem like long enough to bond and become family, but you'll be amazed at how quickly we mesh. It's already happening. It's been less than 24 hours since everyone converged here at the training center and our team is already engaging and sharing their hearts with each other. It's so fun to watch what is happening.

I'm amazed at how alive they are in their faith at such a young age, ages 14-18. These courageous teenagers have answered God's call, stepping outside of their comfort zone and into an experience that will forever change their lives. God has brought us all individually together to do something corporately to advance His Kingdom...and we're diving in!!

Who is God to allow me the opportunity to experience Him work in and through these youth? What an honor it is! I love these guys! They're hungry, they're passionate, they're FUN, and I get the honor of spending the next 336 hours with them!

I'll do my best to post more blogs and pictures soon. Thank you guys for covering us in prayer during these next 2 weeks. You are such a vital part of what God is doing here and your love and support is greatly appreciated!

Margin

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been given a beautiful gift. The gift's name is margin. Within margin comes the gift of rest...a sense of stepping back for a season to rest physically and emotionally. To refill my cup, mend my net, and prepare for the next season. For the past 2 months I have been given the grace and space to step away from the role I'd been filling. I was still involved with AIM, but I had the opportunity to do something different, to travel with new teams, to gain perspective, to dream, to spend time filling up. This gift could not have come at a better time. I never knew how much it was needed. Margin is a beautiful thing!

One of my favorite authors, Mark Batterson, writes this on margin:
One of the quantum challenges leaders face is this: as the organizations they lead start experiencing organizational growth they stop experiencing personal growth. Why? Because of the demands of the organizational growth. They start leading the organization and stop leading themselves. And that is when the blessing turns into a curse. Growth will grind to a halt. In fact, it will probably implode. You lose spiritual margin. You lose intellectual margin. You lose creative margin. And you stop growing. No Margin = No Growth.

The key to continued organizational and personal growth boils down to this: margin. You need margin to think. You need margin to play. You need margin to laugh. You need margin to dream. You need margin to have impromptu conversations. You need margin to seize unanticipated opportunities. You need margin.

I've discovered over these past 4 years that it's easy, especially in ministry, to get so engulfed in what you're doing, in the tasks at hand, that you lose perspective. So as you can imagine, it was wonderful to step off the moving sidewalk just for a bit.

During this season, I re-discovered things that bring me life. My perspective changed. My mind was transformed and creativity and spontaneity returned. I've never been one to not enjoy life, but during this time, God opened up a whole new level of enjoying life! I found myself trying new things and making time for things I enjoy. Simple things like sitting in a hammock reading a novel, kayaking on the lake, gardening, learning to row, having extended uninterrupted time to pray and listen to God's voice, and learning about and engaging in beekeeping (fascinating!!). This season of rest has renewed my mind and the new Kayla is all about trying new things. A phrase that rings in my ears is this: "When's the last time you did something for the first time?" I'm trying new things; I'm having a blast and simply enjoying life.

I'm thankful for where God has me and the people he's surrounded me with. What a blessing it is to work in a place where my leaders values my heart more than my job. They saw what I needed and made it happen, in such a loving and supportive way. I'm so thankful. I'm now re-engaging and stepping back into the happenings at the AIM office. I'm entering into a new role which I'll fill you in on soon. I'm returning more refreshed than I knew was possible. I have more excitement for what I put my hands to. It's a new day and I couldn't be more excited!!

Isaiah 43:19 "See, I am doing a new thing!"

I wish I knew her name

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My last day in Basov, Romania, I went for a short walk and to my surprise I encountered Jesus in the most unexpected way. I was by myself and had an hour to kill before we had our next meeting. I took off in the direction of an open-air produce market I had discovered our first day here in Brasov. I wove myself through some side streets mentally retracing my steps and hoping I'd eventually find the market. I kept meeting people carrying large plastic bags overflowing with carrots, onions, greens, lettuce, fruits and tons of fresh flowers so I knew I was going the right direction. Within a few more minutes I found the market. It was packed, I guess because it's Sunday. Hundreds of people were casually mingling through the market. I came upon this huge stand of freshly baked bread in huge loaves the size of watermelons. For no apparent reason at all, I decided I needed one of these loaves of bread. Not at all certain what I would do with it, I paid the lady 3 Lei, about $1. My bread in tote, I continued meandering through the market. I came upon a nice gentleman selling fresh cherries who insisted I sample some. He filled my hand with delicious cherries and I stood there for a few minutes enjoying them, affirming him at how tasty they were. I turned the corner to find another bread table full of all kinds of interesting croissants and pastry like creations. Again, I found myself purchasing some more bread, not sure why. I pointed to some mini croissant things and gave the lady 2 Lei, about 60 cents. With that she filled a small sack with about 10 croissants. I was pleased with this purchase and continued on my way...weaving through the crowds of Sunday shoppers.

After awhile I'd had my feel of the market and decided to head back towards our meeting place. I left the market area, dodging a few cars in the parking lot. At the edge of the parking area, this old woman caught my eye. She was sitting on the ground wearing a large coat and a long skirt. She had a scarf over her head and it was pulled down almost covering the dark glasses she had on. One hand was covered with a wool glove and held a beat up plastic cup that held a few coins. The other hand was on her lap, swollen and covered in sores and scabs. It didn't appear that she had much use of this left hand. She sat hunched over staring at the ground. It was obvious she didn't have any teeth as she sat there chewing her gums.

What happened over the next half hour I still can't fully explain to myself, but somehow I encountered God in such a real and powerful way. Immediately upon seeing this woman, I became aware of all this bread I was carrying, and I heard God say, "go sit with her and share this meal with her." Before my mind could even argue or come up with an excuse not to, I was squatting down to join her on the warm concrete. Her head, still glued to the ground, shifted over to acknowledge my presence. I took a few of the croissants out of the bag and placed them in her hand. She nodded as if to say thank you, then she waited. I pulled out one for myself and when she saw me partaking, she quickly followed suit. So there we were...sitting on the ground eating some really tasty croissants. Again, I heard God assure me "just sit with her." So I sat. Lots of people were passing by, each one giving us a strange look.

My heart broke for this woman. Who is she? What's her name? What's her story? I began praying for her, then speaking truth over her. You are the beloved. You are loved by God. He cherishes your heart. I knew she couldn't understand a word I spoke, but I felt like I was just supposed to affirm who God says she is. I don't know how this works, but perhaps her heart could understand despite the language barrier. I continued to pray...that God would be her provider..that He would heal her body...that He would send people to love her and cherish her heart like He does. A few times she would turn towards me, with her head down, and say in a hushed tone "no English." I affirmed that it was ok and just continued to sit with this sweet woman.

Within 10 minutes or so a little girl around the age of 9 approached us and said something in Romanian. I didn't understand her words, but I knew she was asking for either food or money. Her clothes were torn and dirty. Her sandals were barely held together. I motioned for her to have a seat as I handed her the remainder of the croissants in the bag. She joined us for a few minutes while she ate them, then she was on her way.

As I continued to pray and speak words of life over this lady, she kept saying, "no English." So I decided to just sit with her and silently pray for her to ease any angst she had about not being about to communicate with me. Then God said something crazy. He said "worship Me by singing as you sit here with her." What?! I thought, surely not. But random worship songs would just come to mind and I began to sing them in hushed tones as we sat there together. As you may know, this is so not-characteristic of me! Don't get me wrong, I love to worship. But I don't do solos...and plus, I'm sitting on the street in Romania with some random stranger that I can't communicate with. But for some reason none of that mattered in that moment. I was just sitting there worshipping the Lord in the presence of this sweet little old lady. At one point she reached over with her swollen injured hand and placed it on my forearm. I looked over to see her rocking back and forth, chewing her gums and now smiling for the first time.

Soon it was time for me to go. I opened the bag with the watermelon sized bread in it and placed it on her lap. I put my hand on her shoulder and told her that there's a real God who cares for her and loves her so much. Her eyes and mine finally met. Her eyes filled with tears and she began to weep. Her frail body shook as she cried. People passing by were giving us some strange looks by this time. I sat back down next to her and just rubbed her back as I prayed that God would watch over her, provide for her, and comfort her. I left her with the few remaining bills in my pocket and tears in my eyes. As I walked away I couldn't fight it any longer and tears streamed down my face. It was the most incredible feeling. I felt like I'd just spent a half hour with Jesus as I sat with this old lady. She has no clue how much she blessed me. She allowed me to stop, sit down, and hear God's heartbeat for a moment. It wasn't about some feeling of satisfaction because I gave away some bread and a few bucks. It was the gift of time that was spent just sitting together. I believe this is a glimpse of the Kingdom. In our hearts, in a way I can't begin to understand, there was an exchange that occurred - I believe we each saw Jesus in each other. I thank God for allowing me to spend time with him and this little old lady. He's full of surprises, and He's just waiting for me to take more time to sit and enjoy Him.

Romania

Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My final stop on this Eastern Europe journey was Brasov, Romania. Brasov is a beautiful little city nestled in the Carpathian mountains of central Romania. It's springtime in Brasov which meant the weather was perfect and brilliant flowers pouring out of hanging baskets were around every corner.

This old town is full of stunning gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, old churches, and hundreds of sidewalk cafs. I loved the culture of Brasov! The people were friendly and the pace of life was very relaxed, where people take time to just enjoy life together. One of my favorite slogans was posted on caf umbrellas all around. It reads "Brasov - Probably the best city in the world."

Even greater than this incredible location was the people I got to spend time with here in Brasov. It was a blessing to spend 4 days with the October World Race squad. This group of 48 young adults have become family to each other over the past 8 months. They are being stretched as they learn who God is and who they are. My heart was encouraged as I heard stories upon stories of how they have experienced God in the nations. They're encountering God in brand new ways. They have walked boldly into impossible situations where they'd all be fools unless God showed up. God, of course, showed up time after time, bringing supernatural healing and transformation. They literally experienced God returning sight to people who were blind and healing cancer right before their eyes. One of the racers said, "Out here, I've met a God I never knew back home in the confines of my safe and comfortable world." Their eyes are being opened to see God in new and fresh ways. The very ground they walk on is being changed because they carry with them the presence of God. God continues to go before them as they fearlessly blaze the trail seeking to see His Kingdom here on earth.

Please pray for this squad as they head into their last 3 months of ministry. If you want to follow them and hear more incredible stories of God working in and through them, visit their blog site: http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=teams&group=groupg

Ukraine

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just spent 5 days in Ukraine with 32 World Racers who were completing their trek around the world. They've abandoned all for the past 11 months to serve God and His people in 11 different countries on 4 continents. We met up with the squad and all stayed at a retreat center located 45 minutes outside of Kiev. The teams met in small groups to discuss with their coaches how these last few months have gone and to evaluate this year's experience on the World Race. In the evenings we'd meet for corporate worship and some teaching here and there. It was a great time to celebrate all God has done this year!

During the afternoons we would journey into the city, which was quite the experience itself. Supposedly Kiev is known for being one of the most difficult cities in the world to navigate. I'd like to take a moment and confirm this. Even after 4 separate treks into the city, using the same bus and the same metro line - we never completed the journey without getting lost at least once.

Some of my favorite times with these Racers was spent relaxing together in the evenings or at the coffee shop in downtown Kiev. I enjoyed getting to hear their hearts as they shared how God has transformed them and broken their hearts for the people of the world. Their stories of their own personal growth and freedom are inspiring. They are walking away from this year with new eyes, new ears, new minds, and new hearts. Their identity continues to be shaped, their worlds have been wrecked. They've met a God out here in the nations that they didn't know before.

I was also blessed to spend time with Michael & Kathy Hindes, Andrew & Mo Shearman, and Seth & Karen Barnes. Michael is spear-heading the World Race, Seth is the head honcho of AIM, and Andrew is running the G42 school in Spain I wrote about earlier, he's also a father of AIM who's been involved for several years. All of these incredible people are living out the dreams the Lord planted in them years ago. They have sons & daughters in the Lord and they're receiving the inheritance they've been promised. What an honor to spend time with them...to glean from their wisdom and experience, to be stirred to ask myself deep questions, to process with them and discover more of where I'm at on this incredible journey. I've been learning a ton about the Kingdom, about Covenant, Spiritual Gifts, and Faith. It's been incredible to be poured into & empowered, and to see their hearts for my generation.

Next stop....Romania. Here we'll be catching up with the October World Race squad. They've finished 8 months and will be debriefing their past few months before continuing on here in Eastern Europe. I look forward to meeting them and spending time hearing of all God's doing. Tune in again soon for a Romanian update! Thanks for all of your encouragement and prayers.

5 hours in London

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Monday morning, 7am, I stepped off the plane in London - not having slept at all on the 9 hour flight. I took a stroll around London Gatwick airport and quickly decided not to spend my layover sitting around watching stressful travelers chase down their next plane. I jumped on a train to Victoria, the heart of London, and there I strolled around and asked a few questions about what to see and do. The suggestions I got were great, some even humorous: 1)take a tour of the city via bus, 2)visit a local pub and drink warm beer (yuck!), 3)eat good fish and chips from a street vendor, 4)move to London because you'll never be able to see the city in a few hours. I decided to start with #1, skip #2 and #4, and try to squeeze in #3. I met a nice man from Senegal who directed me to board the correct doubledecker bus and off I went with all the other tourists. For the next 4 hours we zipped through the city seeing all the major attractions. It was a whirlwind experience, but I'm glad I did it.

Here's a snippet of what I saw:
- Big Ben

- Buckingham Palace

- Westminster Abbey

- tons of red double decker buses and old fashion black taxis

- the Thames River

- Tower Bridge

- London Bridge - which is not falling down

- more cultures represented than I've ever seen in any one place

- political demonstrations protesting the situation in Sri Lanka - much more peaceful than any political demonstrations I've seen in Africa!

- London Eye

- Tower Bridge
- St. Paul's Cathedral

- the Kenya embassy - randomly ran across this

- tons & tons of statues

My day in London flew by, it was a great way to spend my layover. I met some very interesting people, laughed a lot, made some fun memories, and I did get the chance to grab some fish & chips before I ran onto my train to return to the airport.

Next stop...Mijas, Spain. Tune in again soon to hear of my Spain adventures.

Spain

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Spain is beautiful! I'm here in Mijas which is located on the southeast coast. The G42 Leadership Academy (http://www.g42global.org/leadershipacademy/) is located here in Mijas. You may be asking, "what the heck is G42?!" I asked the same thing. From what I've learned so far, it's an academy for Christians who have been called to establish the Kingdom of God around the world. There are currently 6 American students and another small group of international students from various countries including Spain and Nigeria in the school. The students go through 6 months of apostolic teaching, coupled with practical ministry insights and mentoring by some incredible men of God. The course includes topics such as: Character & Discipline, Covenant & Community, Tabernacle of David, Media, Management & Leadership, Church Planting, Pastoral Care & Equipping, and Practicum Ministries. The goal is to equip men and women to plant churches, build ministries, and be effective business leaders.

A few of the students here did the World Race last year so I met them at Training Camp in GA. It's been great to reconnect with them and get to know them here. I've been able to sit in on their classes and have enjoyed soaking in some incredible stuff. We've also had some great quality time visiting about what God is doing in our lives, worshipping and praying together, sharing meals, playing games, and exploring the pueblo of Mijas. My time here has been most refreshing. I've been experiencing glimpses of the Kingdom here! I really had no idea what to expect of this time, but my heart is encouraged. Encouraged by what I see God doing in the lives here, encouraged by what God is doing in my own heart, and expectant of more to come! God is so faithful and meets our needs even when we don't know what to ask for.

I fly back to London tomorrow afternoon...will spend the night in the airport then fly out early Friday morning to Kiev, Ukraine. In Kiev we'll meet up with one of the World Race teams and their coaches. They'll be taking part in their final debrief as their 11 month trip is coming to an end. I know several of these participants and I can't wait to see all that God has done this past year.

So I'm off for now. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement! Love you guys!