So much to do, so little time!

Sorry for the hiatus after the hiatus...I'm really trying to get my (blogging) life together here.

Since I my last trip, life has changed a bit.  My job promoted me, and I have lots more responsibility added to my plate; a group that I co-lead at church; the worship arts ministry, and my young people at home (yep, I'm a momma!) and therefore, not as much time to blog.  So, I guess now, I really need to make my blogs worth something, huh?

Anyway, since I last blogged, I've met most of my team.  We got together with all of the rest of the teams that are going on mission this year, and had a brief time of meet and greet.  I am excited about my new team, as I have seen many of their faces out and about around church, and our leaders are both folks that I have wanted to hang with for awhile, so this is a great opportunity.  One of my friends that I have really been getting close to is also going on this trip, and I feel so blessed that she is able to do it, for a number of reasons, selfish and otherwise.

I've also been called to the carpet by one of the new leaders, as something happened on the Prague trip that needed to be addressed.  I'm glad that it was...I certainly don't want to make that same mistake twice!  From that, I was able to look at myself, and see what character flaws needed to be addressed...I was also able to apologize to one of the two people that I effected in a choice that I made (I haven't seen the other just yet, but plan to talk when I do see them).  Thank God that He is a God of second chances!

So anyway, we are full swing into fund raising, and I don't know how I'm doing just yet, but I know that I have sent out letter, tweeted about it, and (after finishing this blog posting) am about to Facebook message folks about it.  So much to do!

The thing I really wanted to blog about though, is one of my teammates.  I only met her for the first time at our group meeting, and honestly, didn't get a chance to speak to her one on one.  However, her story astonishes me.

She is a mature woman of 80+ years old, and is going on this trip with us.  80+ years!  I look forward to her wisdom, and everything that she can offer on this trip.  I think most, I look forward to her challenging us as we go about our service.  To know that she is able to Go and Do and Be the Hands and Feet of Him...all I know is that there should not be one complaint coming from my mouth!  If she can, I know that I am more than able!  After all, Isaiah 46 reads "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, and I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you".  It seems that my teammate TRULY believe in this, and I look forward to sitting at her feet, and learning from her what all she has to offer.

I hope to not take so long between posts again, to keep you updated on the progress of the teambuilding and fundraising aspects, as well as other things.  One of my friends was recently offered a job working with CMFI, or Christian Missionary Fellowship International, and I want you to get to know her and how she got to be an intern, and now a fellow worker in the mission field.  Also, I plan to interview teammates of mine, both experienced, and those going on mission for the first time.  I'm excited, and hope that you are as well!

Thanks for reading and supporting!
<3,
~yonna

MO5 "This Is Life" Video from Mountain Christian Church on Vimeo.
Here is the video that my church put together, as a sort of collage of all of the trips that were going on at once. Look closely, and you'll see a familiar face a time or two (and some bright red hair as well!). And thanks for being so patient with me. I am not only still recovering from jet lag, but also trying to process my 're-entry' back into my regular life after mission.

A Quick Check in...

I know its been a minute, but believe me, I am still doing his work.

I have gone to the doctor,and let him know that I am going on this trip.  He checked his information, and because the Czech Republic is well developed, I shouldn't need any special medications or shots or anything.  If I am feeling unsure, he referred me to a travel medicine center for a check up. (Unfortunately, this center isn't covered by my insurance, so unless a flex spending account would cover its payment, I won't be going.  Just being honest.)  He has put me on different meds for my asthma, to make sure that is regulated well, ensuring that I won't have problems while there.  Also, I have been working out, and he's put me on a strict diet and I've undergone blood work to rule out a few different issues within me.  Basically, I want to be as healthy as possible when I get there, so I can focus on what I need to: serving.

On Wednesday, I meet again with my team.  From what I've heard, we have grown from a team of 7 to a team of 10, and I am excited to meet the new members.  It was also mentioned that someone of these new members is a master carpenter, which is great...because I can put together IKEA products, and hang pictures well...but that's the extent of my carpentry expertise, lol.

I will also get an update on fundraising.  I have humbly mailed and emailed fundraising efforts, I have made a Facebook page; I have even added a link on this blog (in the upper left hand corner, check it out!) requesting donations.  It is my hope that in supporting this blog, you are also willing to give as you can to this mission trip.  I will be sending personal thank you's as soon as I am notified of my donors, and I look forward to writing everyone.

There is much to do!  Just looking at the date, 4months from today, my team and I will be there, and working for His good! EXCITING!

Again, I thank you for your support.  If there is anything you want to ask, suggest or if you just want me to know you've stopped by, please comment.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Mark 1:17...when He said 'Follow Me", who knew I'd be following Him to Europe? 

MESSAGE!

So today, I got up early, and decided not to waste any time.  I was awake already, and wanted to get myself to church.  I prepared myself, got dressed, and figured I'd let the kids sleep in, since the youth services aren't held until later in the afternoon.  I prayed to God, thanking Him for waking me again, into another day of grace and mercy, and thanking Him for awaking me early enough to make it to our 8:08am service.


I left the kids asleep (well, my middle son was up and watching cartoons already...), and drove to church.  As usual, I sang my heart out (I often give 'concerts in the car' as I drive), but this morning, I felt a cry coming on.  I was happy to be alone in the car, as my crying sometimes worries my kids.


The message Pastor Ben gave today was exactly what I needed to hear.  It was about Loving People.  We are in a new sermon series, entitles The Mountain (my church) Walk.  We have a new mission, which is simple"Love God.  Love People. Serve the World.", and this was the beginning of the Love People portion.


It really hit me when Ben said "We don't have time to live in quiet desperation.  We don't have to be isolated.  Sometimes the worst loneliness happens in a crowd."


WOW...(I'm having a moment here...)


I have come to realize that I am more than hungry for healthy relationships!  The last few great relationships that I have had with people have crumbled, and I've allowed them to do so.  I have things that have happened in my past that have taught me to just allow myself to quietly 'walk away' from these relationships, instead of facing reality, and owning up to my mistakes.  Typical conflict avoider; that's me.  Instead, I need to take a lesson from Matthew 22:37-40, and love people as I love God, in similar ways.  He loves me, no matter what I've done, do, or have yet to do.  Now, because of that, I need to go out and love people in the same way...and (the hard part for me) allow them to love me in the same way.


Love God.  Love People.  If one part of that is missing, then everything is wrong.


When thinking about how I can apply this to my mission trip, I think of my team, the Mudrik's and the people of Prague.  With my team, I need to allow them into my life, and go deep...be real enough to show them who I really am.  I need to care for them enough to "Carry (their) burdens, and in this way (I) will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).  We are a small team, but need to be a tight team, so that we can go and serve fully, together.  They need to know my weaknesses, and I theirs.  We need to know how each of us deals with conflict, so that they may be solved, and we can go on about our purpose, which is serving while on the trip.  As for the Mudrik family, their neighbors, and the people of Prague, we need to be hospitable.  Not only as guests, but as preparers of the feast at God's table.  We are there to invite them to share in meals with Christ, to get to know Him and love Him, so that they will one day serve Him as we are.  After all, 'the healthy people don't need a doctor; the sick people do' (Matt.9:11-12).  We are to be gracious guests, not becoming a burden on our host family, but there as friends to serve all of their needs fully.  When I think of this, I think about how, when we leave, I don't want the family to have been exhausted.  Instead, it is my prayer that they will have rested; that they have wonderful memories of our visit, and that they thank God for us being there, to provide whatever help and relief they have needed.


I am looking forward to building my relationships, with my team, and within my circles here in life.  This is something I will continuously be working towards, and would love it if YOU, dear reader, would help to hold me accountable.  Feel free to offer advice by commenting below...I am willing to consider anything you have to offer.