So we leave in about 14 hours for Paraguay. I'm feeling... not ready. I still have to pack and clean the house. I wish I could fall asleep tonight and wake up the next day in Asuncion. That would be so awesome. According to my friend Vicki it's possible with the right pills. ;o) But that would mean Brian would have to drag me through some pretty major airports.
Would you keep us in your prayers this next week? We're only gone for one week this time, 5 days in-country. Brian and I are going as AIA Canada liaisons and we're hoping to meet with some pretty important diplomats and federation officials. We are hoping to "schmooze" our way back into the system. Ever since we started sending teams to Paraguay we've had the First Lady of Paraguay ushering us through. But her husband was not reelected last year so we're having to re-establish connections. And if you don't know us, we're likable people, but we're not really schmoozers.
That said, I'm going to do my best to just enjoy the experience. Plus we get to add another flag to our world map!
3.27.2009
3.24.2009
"Sunny Fayings"
Brian and I have this jar where we write down "Sunny Fayings" (that's "funny sayings" scrambled a bit) that accidentally spill out of our mouths. I thought I'd share one with you. I was reminded of it just now because my pen name with Blogger is mellamovaca. That's Spanish for, "My name is Cow." Or literally, "They call me cow." Brian likes to give me a hard time, it's his way of teasing me and loving me. That's fine. Yesterday he was giving me a hard time for blogging and got himself in a tizzy and twisted his words and called me "mellacovama." I did a sort of double take, turning to look at him as he hung his head realizing that he'd flubbed. It sounded strangely close to my new president's name. So I really did have to do a double take, wondering what he was saying and then I realized. We had a good chuckle.
A classic of mine that just spills out every time is "chidewalk salk." For some reason I have to think really hard before I can say "sidewalk chalk."
Another favorite quote from Brian, "Meef."
I love Brian. :o)
A classic of mine that just spills out every time is "chidewalk salk." For some reason I have to think really hard before I can say "sidewalk chalk."
Another favorite quote from Brian, "Meef."
I love Brian. :o)
mulling-ness
Today was my last official day on campus at SFU. I realized this yesterday so I had a little time to mentally prepare. To be honest, I've felt it coming for a long time. You're familiar with my transition from C4C into AIA. But just because I felt it coming doesn't mean it's a bad thing. I've been prepared for this moment and knew when the time was right for me to leave the campus ministries side of things, the Lord would usher me through. And He did.
I'm still mulling it over. It's been a part of my life since I got here really. Amy was the first person I remember meeting as she picked me up somewhere in Burnaby (I was so new and had no clue where anything was) and drove me to campus... and I'm pretty sure it snowed so much that the campus closed. If that wasn't my first day then it was my second day. I remember meeting Jill and talking in Simon C's about Ignite since I would be emceeing. I remember feeling like I was a lot farther away than I was simply because I didn't understand any of the Asian languages being spoken around me in the cafeteria. I think my first friends up here were all from SFU C4C. And I think most of them were Asian. But I didn't realize that fact until much later as I looked through pictures... and I stood out. The fact that I didn't realize it at the time just goes to further prove that I am indeed Asian on the inside because it felt so natural! ;o)
I have such fond memories. It's been good for me to sort of ease off of campus, kind of like I was being weaned, for lack of a better way to describe it. I don't think I could have handled an all-of-a-sudden type ending. Like I felt the first semester after I graduated and all of a sudden I didn't have to go to class or write papers or do projects.
Yes, I am still mulling.
I'm still mulling it over. It's been a part of my life since I got here really. Amy was the first person I remember meeting as she picked me up somewhere in Burnaby (I was so new and had no clue where anything was) and drove me to campus... and I'm pretty sure it snowed so much that the campus closed. If that wasn't my first day then it was my second day. I remember meeting Jill and talking in Simon C's about Ignite since I would be emceeing. I remember feeling like I was a lot farther away than I was simply because I didn't understand any of the Asian languages being spoken around me in the cafeteria. I think my first friends up here were all from SFU C4C. And I think most of them were Asian. But I didn't realize that fact until much later as I looked through pictures... and I stood out. The fact that I didn't realize it at the time just goes to further prove that I am indeed Asian on the inside because it felt so natural! ;o)
I have such fond memories. It's been good for me to sort of ease off of campus, kind of like I was being weaned, for lack of a better way to describe it. I don't think I could have handled an all-of-a-sudden type ending. Like I felt the first semester after I graduated and all of a sudden I didn't have to go to class or write papers or do projects.
Yes, I am still mulling.
3.23.2009
actually monday
So today was actually Monday and it felt like one. Brian and I got our Yellow Fever vaccinations last Friday before our short trip to Paraguay this coming weekend. The RN told us we would probably feel sick, flu-like symptoms a day to a week after the shot. I was feeling it today. But that meant that I had an excuse to come home and turn my brain off; to relax even though this week is full of last-minute, high-stress events and decisions to be made.
So Brian and I turned off the TV, turned on some music, and spent some with God, together. It was just what I needed.
We were listening to Tenth Avenue North's album, Over and Underneath. You can check out some of there songs at their MySpace site and a music video for Love Is Here. They sound a bit like Switchfoot -- in case it sounded familiar but you couldn't put your finger on it. Their lyrics really hit home for me, expressing in words how I feel on the inside. Take a minute and listen to Hold My Heart, if you have time.
So Brian and I turned off the TV, turned on some music, and spent some with God, together. It was just what I needed.
We were listening to Tenth Avenue North's album, Over and Underneath. You can check out some of there songs at their MySpace site and a music video for Love Is Here. They sound a bit like Switchfoot -- in case it sounded familiar but you couldn't put your finger on it. Their lyrics really hit home for me, expressing in words how I feel on the inside. Take a minute and listen to Hold My Heart, if you have time.
3.20.2009
Monday/Friday
It's just been one of those days. Brian and I were informed just over a day ago that we have to go to Paraguay in a week to set up for our upcoming tours. So we ran around all day getting travel visa stuff done, getting shots, mailing stuff, etc. But it's Friday. Even though it felt like a Monday, it isn't! I can sleep in tomorrow. I can let the rain lull me to sleep. I can stay up, watch Gilmore Girls, and crochet as long as I want. ...or at least until Brian gets home from his game. ;o)
I hope your Friday has gone well and you're enjoying the end-of-the-week happiness!
I hope your Friday has gone well and you're enjoying the end-of-the-week happiness!
3.19.2009
madness indeed
Do you think Shakespeare foreknew how huge March Madness would truly be when he wrote, "Beware the ides of March"? I've always loved following my beloved Tar Heels but this year was my first time actually making a bracket. It's exciting, but I'm not a risk-taker! I'm too much of a perfectionist and I don't get to enjoy the games because if my picks don't make it, I feel like a failure! I think I would be a dangerous gambler. Regardless, even though I'm living North of the border where college sports aren't a big deal, the NCAA tournament has our office in a buzz. Perhaps that's because I work with athletes, but still.
I thought I'd share my bracket with you, so far I'm not doing too bad...
Click here to see my bracket.
I thought I'd share my bracket with you, so far I'm not doing too bad...
Click here to see my bracket.
3.18.2009
another book
I made another book, this time with pictures and journalings from our trip to Nicaragua. (see the link on the right) I've really enjoyed being able to make my own picture books. It's faster and easier than making scrapbooks, although I do love scrapbooking. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive!
:o)
:o)
3.17.2009
Happy St. Paddy's Day
I hope you wore green and if you didn't that you got pinched!
Today was my first day on campus since a week before our Nicaragua trip so it was great to finally be back. I went sharing for the first time this semester and realized again how much these students need to hear the Gospel, to be told the Truth, and to be offered a relationship with their Creator. Two of the three girls that my friend and I talked with were not spiritual and had no desire to consider any spiritual issues at this point in their lives. Understandable when they're having to work and go to school full time and haven't faced any major challenges in life.
The third girl that we talked to was Muslim. I knew this walking up to her as she was wearing a hijab. I think it was one of the most genuine conversations I've had in a long time. We learned about her background, her culture, and her religious beliefs. I appreciated her openness but at the same time, my heart was breaking at her contentedness with Islam. So as we left we prayed that the Lord would bring many more people into her life to share the love of Christ with her, especially while she's here in North America and it's legal!
I spent a while reflecting on my time sharing in the morning before I had to lead my Bible study. I've been discouraged with my Bible study so far because for the first few weeks only one or two girls were coming, and not consistently. I felt like my time was not being spent in the best way, like I was wasting my time driving to Burnaby and the girls' time was being wasted because they weren't putting in any effort. But today was definitely encouraging. We got through a lesson--but more than that, we connected on a deep level as we discussed the significance of the Deity of Christ. This basic fact is so important and yet so simple that it's often overlooked or minimized. The whole day was a good reminder for me of the power I have in Christ.
Today was my first day on campus since a week before our Nicaragua trip so it was great to finally be back. I went sharing for the first time this semester and realized again how much these students need to hear the Gospel, to be told the Truth, and to be offered a relationship with their Creator. Two of the three girls that my friend and I talked with were not spiritual and had no desire to consider any spiritual issues at this point in their lives. Understandable when they're having to work and go to school full time and haven't faced any major challenges in life.
The third girl that we talked to was Muslim. I knew this walking up to her as she was wearing a hijab. I think it was one of the most genuine conversations I've had in a long time. We learned about her background, her culture, and her religious beliefs. I appreciated her openness but at the same time, my heart was breaking at her contentedness with Islam. So as we left we prayed that the Lord would bring many more people into her life to share the love of Christ with her, especially while she's here in North America and it's legal!
I spent a while reflecting on my time sharing in the morning before I had to lead my Bible study. I've been discouraged with my Bible study so far because for the first few weeks only one or two girls were coming, and not consistently. I felt like my time was not being spent in the best way, like I was wasting my time driving to Burnaby and the girls' time was being wasted because they weren't putting in any effort. But today was definitely encouraging. We got through a lesson--but more than that, we connected on a deep level as we discussed the significance of the Deity of Christ. This basic fact is so important and yet so simple that it's often overlooked or minimized. The whole day was a good reminder for me of the power I have in Christ.
3.16.2009
rain rain go away
The rain is starting. I don't like this time of the year here in the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday we had snow flurries which were pretty as they fell, but didn't amount to anything. Today it's just rain. Looks like it's going to be rain from here on out. I enjoyed the sun while it lasted.
But spring is coming! The cherry blossoms will be in bloom soon and the dandylions. I like dandylions because I feed them to Lola. She gobbles them up! It's quite funny to watch her eat one because the whole time you're thinking, "How is she going to eat the blossom end!? It's as big as her head!" But then, munch munch munch, and it disappears into her mouth!
Speaking of Lola, it's been a few months since we got her spayed and her fur has still not grown back where they shaved her. The fur over the incision has grown back in, but none has come in around it. Is that normal? She doesn't seem to mind, but it's kind of sad looking.
But spring is coming! The cherry blossoms will be in bloom soon and the dandylions. I like dandylions because I feed them to Lola. She gobbles them up! It's quite funny to watch her eat one because the whole time you're thinking, "How is she going to eat the blossom end!? It's as big as her head!" But then, munch munch munch, and it disappears into her mouth!
Speaking of Lola, it's been a few months since we got her spayed and her fur has still not grown back where they shaved her. The fur over the incision has grown back in, but none has come in around it. Is that normal? She doesn't seem to mind, but it's kind of sad looking.
3.09.2009
whew
So it's been a while since you last heard from us...
Our tour to Nicaragua ended when the guys left dark and early Sunday morning (March 1st). Instead of staying through Thursday, we decided to come back early since the Nicaraguan director left and our purpose for staying was to meet with him. So, dark and early on Tuesday morning we left for the airport... Then, at about 4:45AM, when we were about 15 minutes from Managua International a pickup truck traveling in the opposite lane coming towards us slammed into a tree in the median causing the tree limbs to crash our windshield, continued up onto the median, flipped on its side as it slammed into a light pole and electric pole, causing the power lines to snap and pop the top of our car and causing the poles to crash to the ground right behind us, leaving the truck on its side billowing smoke and stopping all traffic just behind us. We truly believe that the Lord sent his angels to protect us as there was barely a mark on the taxi and no one in our car was even close to being injured. Thank you Jesus.
So we eventually made it home and had a day to do lots of laundry all day Wednesday. Then late Wednesday night, Brian got sick with food poisoning! It was getting quite bad and I eventually took him into the ER around 3AM because he was getting quite dehydrated, unable to keep anything in him. I couldn't wait too long because I knew I wouldn't be able to carry him.
Needless to say, these past 4 or 5 days have been loads of laundry and trying to recuperate. We were back in the office day, full steam ahead!
I'll be posting pictures from the tour on my Flickr site soon, so be watching for that. Peace out!
Our tour to Nicaragua ended when the guys left dark and early Sunday morning (March 1st). Instead of staying through Thursday, we decided to come back early since the Nicaraguan director left and our purpose for staying was to meet with him. So, dark and early on Tuesday morning we left for the airport... Then, at about 4:45AM, when we were about 15 minutes from Managua International a pickup truck traveling in the opposite lane coming towards us slammed into a tree in the median causing the tree limbs to crash our windshield, continued up onto the median, flipped on its side as it slammed into a light pole and electric pole, causing the power lines to snap and pop the top of our car and causing the poles to crash to the ground right behind us, leaving the truck on its side billowing smoke and stopping all traffic just behind us. We truly believe that the Lord sent his angels to protect us as there was barely a mark on the taxi and no one in our car was even close to being injured. Thank you Jesus.
So we eventually made it home and had a day to do lots of laundry all day Wednesday. Then late Wednesday night, Brian got sick with food poisoning! It was getting quite bad and I eventually took him into the ER around 3AM because he was getting quite dehydrated, unable to keep anything in him. I couldn't wait too long because I knew I wouldn't be able to carry him.
Needless to say, these past 4 or 5 days have been loads of laundry and trying to recuperate. We were back in the office day, full steam ahead!
I'll be posting pictures from the tour on my Flickr site soon, so be watching for that. Peace out!
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