Hello from KANSAS!! I am so blessed to be home for 2 1/2 weeks for the Christmas season!! It is great to be with my family--my brother and sister are home for Christmas as well, so it is fun to all be together. Kansas is very cold compared to Rwanda (it is usually 80 there) and it is a bit more flat, but there is Diet Dr Pepper to be had and Mom's home cooking!!
I am looking to spending time before Christmas relaxing, seeing friends and just hanging out on my parents farm. After Christmas I will be in Wichita, have 2 churches to be at, many friends to see and life to enjoy. Hopefully not super snowy roads!
Have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Love,
Liz
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
"Count your blessings, name them 1 by 1, count your blessings see what God has done..."
Tonight we sang this song--2 verses in French and 2 verses in English, as I dined with Americans, Swiss, French and a Rwandan. It was a blessed International and Inter generational gathering, full of food, laughter and giving thanks to God.
I know its cliched to make a list of what I am thankful for, yet it is still so very important to reflect on what God has done for us and continues to do for us.
Here is a SMALL portion of a never-ending list of things I praise God for:
--My health. Some of you know I had bad back pain and migraines in the states,
they aren't completely gone but I get them MUCH less here!
--God's provision and grace as I have adjusted to living in Rwanda.
--For God to surround me with strong community, here in Rwanda and back at home.
--For this life-changing experience.
--For the people of Rwanda!
This list could go on for weeks, just as God's love is un-ending!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!
Tonight we sang this song--2 verses in French and 2 verses in English, as I dined with Americans, Swiss, French and a Rwandan. It was a blessed International and Inter generational gathering, full of food, laughter and giving thanks to God.
I know its cliched to make a list of what I am thankful for, yet it is still so very important to reflect on what God has done for us and continues to do for us.
Here is a SMALL portion of a never-ending list of things I praise God for:
--My health. Some of you know I had bad back pain and migraines in the states,
they aren't completely gone but I get them MUCH less here!
--God's provision and grace as I have adjusted to living in Rwanda.
--For God to surround me with strong community, here in Rwanda and back at home.
--For this life-changing experience.
--For the people of Rwanda!
This list could go on for weeks, just as God's love is un-ending!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Liz's Personal Pest Control Service
So I don't care for bugs...and I live in Africa :) At our house, we have pretty much full-time coverage in the form of a cat. If you see a cockroach and pick her up and put her in front of it she will catch it and eat it.
So the question was, what to do at school? No cat. Yet...I have 7th graders who LOVE stickers. Ms. Liz's system is that if you kill a cockroach (and get rid of the remains), you get a sticker. I have been surprised, yet happy, to find a sticker continues to be a motivation even in 7th grade.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Be Thou my Vision
As you may know, I have the 7th graders in the morning, including Bible time. We do have a curriculum but there is not something every day,so today I talked about distractions in our life and how it is a process to focus on God, but we should strive for God to be our vision. We listened to a hymn "Be Thou my Vision," and the version I have is from a Celtic praise and worship CD. I will post the lyrics,so you may reflect on them as well.
Just a personal reflection--to me verse 3, does not mean literal shield and sword.
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
2. Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
3. Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
4. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
5. High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Just a personal reflection--to me verse 3, does not mean literal shield and sword.
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
2. Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
3. Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
4. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
5. High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Speed of Life
One thing I was reflecting on today was weekend in the states. Though I often did have necessary activities, there was the sort of mentality "that I was supposed to be doing something" If nothing else, I'd find reasons to go places/do things. Here, partly because not being right in the city, partly because of not having a car that is not my lifestyle. This has taken some getting used to...if you would have seen my calendar in the states it was a bit hectic at times. Something was always going on.
Here, it is more informal, dinner at someone's house, friends over for brunch, watching DVDs of TV shows with other missionaries etc. The activities are much more low cost (let's face it I like to shop in the states, esp. for books...) and more community focused. My community right now is other missionaries, some with EFM, some with other organizations.
Yet, in the midst of all this, I am still working on being intentional about solitude....
Here, it is more informal, dinner at someone's house, friends over for brunch, watching DVDs of TV shows with other missionaries etc. The activities are much more low cost (let's face it I like to shop in the states, esp. for books...) and more community focused. My community right now is other missionaries, some with EFM, some with other organizations.
Yet, in the midst of all this, I am still working on being intentional about solitude....
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A day in my life (pre-school season)
Wake up around 6 am/7 am—usually not by choice, outside noises, or my body thinking it’s done sleeping. Hoping this will change as I continue to adjust!
A bit after I get up Eat breakfast—I usually have toast etc
9-12
Tuesdays-Fridays: Kinyarwandan language lessons—this will change once school is in session.
Mondays: Usually spent in the school, organizing etc
Saturdays: I think this will be our day off.
Sundays: will be church time, I missed the first week due to jet lag having me up in the middle of the night, and than when I fell back asleep I was up too late to make it, oops!
12ish—Lunch time!! Leftovers or something light typically. Example—yesterday for lunch we had leftover potato soup and some YUMMY carrots. Everything tastes much fresher here.
Afternoons:
Mondays-Fridays: typically spent in the school
Saturdays: day off
Sunday: not quite sure yet, may be a time of fellowship, rest etc. Will know more once school starts/I have been here longer.
Dinner: Varies on what we have/what time we have it. Have had pasta, tacos, chili, many things.
Evenings: Also varies, have had movie nights, played games/laughed, skyped with family/friends back home.
This will change a lot once school starts, but this is a very nice schedule to help me get adjusted.
A bit after I get up Eat breakfast—I usually have toast etc
9-12
Tuesdays-Fridays: Kinyarwandan language lessons—this will change once school is in session.
Mondays: Usually spent in the school, organizing etc
Saturdays: I think this will be our day off.
Sundays: will be church time, I missed the first week due to jet lag having me up in the middle of the night, and than when I fell back asleep I was up too late to make it, oops!
12ish—Lunch time!! Leftovers or something light typically. Example—yesterday for lunch we had leftover potato soup and some YUMMY carrots. Everything tastes much fresher here.
Afternoons:
Mondays-Fridays: typically spent in the school
Saturdays: day off
Sunday: not quite sure yet, may be a time of fellowship, rest etc. Will know more once school starts/I have been here longer.
Dinner: Varies on what we have/what time we have it. Have had pasta, tacos, chili, many things.
Evenings: Also varies, have had movie nights, played games/laughed, skyped with family/friends back home.
This will change a lot once school starts, but this is a very nice schedule to help me get adjusted.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Genocide Memorial
Yesterday I went with Molly and 2 other people to a genocide memorial at a church outside of Kigali (I still am trying to figure out which direction is which--I think it was North...)
It was very difficult to hear the stories and see the items (including human remains) in the memorial service, but I believe important to know, as I am living in a country where this has happened and interacting with people how this has affected.
I posted a full album on my facebook, as pictures are quicker to upload there.
It was very difficult to hear the stories and see the items (including human remains) in the memorial service, but I believe important to know, as I am living in a country where this has happened and interacting with people how this has affected.
I posted a full album on my facebook, as pictures are quicker to upload there.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Update from Rwanda!
I am finally here, yeah!!
I am working on getting settled here in Rwanda. I feel so blessed to have a great team to be a part of! Brad and Chelsea and Molly (all with EFM) have been so very very helpful during this adjustment phase.
Yesterday was my first full day in Rwanda--I got my bags unpacked (I still am going to do some re-organizing of my room), got to see the school, find a nearby place to get a Coke, and than we went into Kigali! This was a whole new experience, and again I was so thankful for Brad, Chelsea and Molly! With their help my money got exchanged, I got a little Rwandan cell phone, and a notebook for when I am ready to join into the language lessons that Chelsea and Molly are currently taking.
Rwanda is so beautiful, it takes my breath away. I put pictures on facebook (add link) but everyone should be able to see them, if you can not please let me know so I can figure something out. There are pictures of Kigali, the house and my room so you can see where I live.
I am really enjoying the weather here. It was about 84 yesterday and I am told that it is usually 70-85 year round. I am really not missing Kansas heat and humidity! :) Right now its dry season, and I've been told it will look more lush during rainy seasons, but I still think it is quite beautiful here, I really enjoy the majesty of God's creation!
Right now the only struggle I am having is sleeping. I wake up at about 330 am here. Tuesday night I was able to fall back asleep, but no luck tonight/this morning. I know this will change soon. The blessing of this, is I have been able to chat online with friends back home.
I will keep the updates coming as I am able!
I am working on getting settled here in Rwanda. I feel so blessed to have a great team to be a part of! Brad and Chelsea and Molly (all with EFM) have been so very very helpful during this adjustment phase.
Yesterday was my first full day in Rwanda--I got my bags unpacked (I still am going to do some re-organizing of my room), got to see the school, find a nearby place to get a Coke, and than we went into Kigali! This was a whole new experience, and again I was so thankful for Brad, Chelsea and Molly! With their help my money got exchanged, I got a little Rwandan cell phone, and a notebook for when I am ready to join into the language lessons that Chelsea and Molly are currently taking.
Rwanda is so beautiful, it takes my breath away. I put pictures on facebook (add link) but everyone should be able to see them, if you can not please let me know so I can figure something out. There are pictures of Kigali, the house and my room so you can see where I live.
I am really enjoying the weather here. It was about 84 yesterday and I am told that it is usually 70-85 year round. I am really not missing Kansas heat and humidity! :) Right now its dry season, and I've been told it will look more lush during rainy seasons, but I still think it is quite beautiful here, I really enjoy the majesty of God's creation!
Right now the only struggle I am having is sleeping. I wake up at about 330 am here. Tuesday night I was able to fall back asleep, but no luck tonight/this morning. I know this will change soon. The blessing of this, is I have been able to chat online with friends back home.
I will keep the updates coming as I am able!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
2 weeks left in the States!!
Just a quick note--I only have 2 weeks left here in the States--it still has not fully sunk in that in 2 weeks I will be living in Rwanda. Wow. Just wow....
Last Friday was my last day at my job, and now the focus is on:
-packing up my personal items to store at my parents house
-shopping for a few more things I need to take with me
-doing some doc/dentist etc appointments
-packing, weighing, rearranging items in luggage etc
-saying goodbyes
--getting ready for 24 hours in planes/airports.
Prayers are appreciated :) I am thinking that by the time I get on the plane I will be ready to sleep the whole way...than again I just may be too excited! :)
Last Friday was my last day at my job, and now the focus is on:
-packing up my personal items to store at my parents house
-shopping for a few more things I need to take with me
-doing some doc/dentist etc appointments
-packing, weighing, rearranging items in luggage etc
-saying goodbyes
--getting ready for 24 hours in planes/airports.
Prayers are appreciated :) I am thinking that by the time I get on the plane I will be ready to sleep the whole way...than again I just may be too excited! :)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Good News!
Hello everyone! I have good news!
I have been talking with several people from Evangelical Friends Mission this week. The situation is this--school starts August 31st and there are 15 chlidren enrolled, half of which are 7th graders. Molly (the other teacher) is scheduled to arrive early July. I am needed to be there by early August to get situated and adjusted.
Right now the game plan is to have me there the 2nd week of August--so in about 6 weeks. This gives me time to give my required month notice at work and pack. As most of you are aware, I am not at full support, however this is a step in trusting God and knowing this support will be coming in now and as I am in Rwanda.
Please prayerfully consider supporting me so I am able to stay the full 2 years.
I appreciate your support and love!
Blessings,Liz
I have been talking with several people from Evangelical Friends Mission this week. The situation is this--school starts August 31st and there are 15 chlidren enrolled, half of which are 7th graders. Molly (the other teacher) is scheduled to arrive early July. I am needed to be there by early August to get situated and adjusted.
Right now the game plan is to have me there the 2nd week of August--so in about 6 weeks. This gives me time to give my required month notice at work and pack. As most of you are aware, I am not at full support, however this is a step in trusting God and knowing this support will be coming in now and as I am in Rwanda.
Please prayerfully consider supporting me so I am able to stay the full 2 years.
I appreciate your support and love!
Blessings,Liz
Saturday, March 28, 2009
April Newsletter
(some of this has been altered for internet purposes, if you want to get on my email list please let me know)
Hello from Liz!
It’s been a busy but productive month for me! What have I done?
--Visited several churches in the Mid-America area to share about going to Rwanda!
-Started working with a support raising coach to work towards getting me “Down the stretch” so I can get to Rwanda!
-Setting up appointments to meet with individual donors.
-Continuing to work on new additions to my prayer team! At time of publication, I only need 29 more!!
-And more than I remember to list, I’m sure!
Praise:
-For a sense of encouragement and blessings while visiting churches in the area.
-For EASTER!! Christ the Lord is Risen Indeed!
-For the safe travels I have had over this past month, what a blessing!
Prayers:
-For my work with my support raising coach, so funds can be raised quickly!
-For the other teacher candidate, who is also raising support to go teach in Rwanda!
-For the last 29 prayer partners to be signed up.!
Hello from Liz!
It’s been a busy but productive month for me! What have I done?
--Visited several churches in the Mid-America area to share about going to Rwanda!
-Started working with a support raising coach to work towards getting me “Down the stretch” so I can get to Rwanda!
-Setting up appointments to meet with individual donors.
-Continuing to work on new additions to my prayer team! At time of publication, I only need 29 more!!
-And more than I remember to list, I’m sure!
Praise:
-For a sense of encouragement and blessings while visiting churches in the area.
-For EASTER!! Christ the Lord is Risen Indeed!
-For the safe travels I have had over this past month, what a blessing!
Prayers:
-For my work with my support raising coach, so funds can be raised quickly!
-For the other teacher candidate, who is also raising support to go teach in Rwanda!
-For the last 29 prayer partners to be signed up.!
Monday, March 2, 2009
March Newsletter
Merry March to you!!
February has been an exciting month for me. I was able to visit several churches, and it continues to be a joy to share my journey as well as meet new people. Another blessing was at the end of the month, my home church; University Friends Church hosted a “Breakfast for Supper” fundraiser for me that was very successful and a lot of fun! My only regret is I was so busy visiting with people I didn’t get to take any pictures during the event! Thanks to all in the area who were able to attend!
Upcoming Schedule:March 15th-Argonia Friends Church
March 22nd (evening) Pratt Friends Church
April 26th-Fowler Friends Church
I am at 185 out of 250 prayer partners! Could you be one of the 65 I have left to add to my prayer team? Can you think of any friends and/or family that might be interested? It’s a great spiritual partnership—you pray for me as I prepare to go to Rwanda and as I am there—and I pray for you as well! Please email me if you are interested!
Praise:
*For feeling love and support from family and friends!
*For God reminding me this month that when we are worn out, He is our source of power!
*For the upcoming Easter season!!!
Prayer Requests:
*For my financial support to continue to come in, so I can get to Rwanda!
*For at least 65 more prayer partners!
*For safe travels and continued nurturance from the Lord.
I want to close with a story I heard this month, which was quite inspiring for me to hear… Kim, the mother of Caroline (who is 6) told me that one day Caroline got onto the subject of me going to Rwanda, and said whenever she thinks about it she gets a "tickle in her tummy.” When Kim asked if it was a nervous or a scared tickle she replied: "you just wouldn't understand, because it’s between me and God. Only He knows what it means." May we all have faith like a little child! :)
February has been an exciting month for me. I was able to visit several churches, and it continues to be a joy to share my journey as well as meet new people. Another blessing was at the end of the month, my home church; University Friends Church hosted a “Breakfast for Supper” fundraiser for me that was very successful and a lot of fun! My only regret is I was so busy visiting with people I didn’t get to take any pictures during the event! Thanks to all in the area who were able to attend!
Upcoming Schedule:March 15th-Argonia Friends Church
March 22nd (evening) Pratt Friends Church
April 26th-Fowler Friends Church
I am at 185 out of 250 prayer partners! Could you be one of the 65 I have left to add to my prayer team? Can you think of any friends and/or family that might be interested? It’s a great spiritual partnership—you pray for me as I prepare to go to Rwanda and as I am there—and I pray for you as well! Please email me if you are interested!
Praise:
*For feeling love and support from family and friends!
*For God reminding me this month that when we are worn out, He is our source of power!
*For the upcoming Easter season!!!
Prayer Requests:
*For my financial support to continue to come in, so I can get to Rwanda!
*For at least 65 more prayer partners!
*For safe travels and continued nurturance from the Lord.
I want to close with a story I heard this month, which was quite inspiring for me to hear… Kim, the mother of Caroline (who is 6) told me that one day Caroline got onto the subject of me going to Rwanda, and said whenever she thinks about it she gets a "tickle in her tummy.” When Kim asked if it was a nervous or a scared tickle she replied: "you just wouldn't understand, because it’s between me and God. Only He knows what it means." May we all have faith like a little child! :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I am just going to give a brief little February check in!
I have had a great month meeting new people and seeing familiar faces, while traveling. I am looking forward exciting travels this month and next month as well, as the next two months are lining up with a nice roster of churches to go and visit!!
Feb. 8th-Emporia Friends Church
Feb 22nd-Glen Elder Friends Church
March 1st-Booker Friends Church
March 15th-Argonia Friends Church
March 22nd-Pratt Friends Church (evening)
March is Missions Emphasis Month!! I have a few dates in March that are pending speaking engagements, but I have a few open--please contact me for the most updated availability. I'd love to come share with your church how God has called me to Rwanda, give you more specifics about what I will be doing there and share a Power Point I have.
Are you a prayer partner of mine? Or are you not sure if you have signed up, but want to be? Please send me an email, give me a ring and let me know! I really want to boost my prayer partner numbers this month--I'm at about 140 of 250 needed. All it takes is sending me your contact info and I will happily sign you up :) You pray for me as I prepare to go to Rwanda and while I am there serving--and I pray for you! It's a neat spiritual partnership to be involved in. Family members may sign up separately, using different email addresses.
I have had a great month meeting new people and seeing familiar faces, while traveling. I am looking forward exciting travels this month and next month as well, as the next two months are lining up with a nice roster of churches to go and visit!!
Feb. 8th-Emporia Friends Church
Feb 22nd-Glen Elder Friends Church
March 1st-Booker Friends Church
March 15th-Argonia Friends Church
March 22nd-Pratt Friends Church (evening)
March is Missions Emphasis Month!! I have a few dates in March that are pending speaking engagements, but I have a few open--please contact me for the most updated availability. I'd love to come share with your church how God has called me to Rwanda, give you more specifics about what I will be doing there and share a Power Point I have.
Are you a prayer partner of mine? Or are you not sure if you have signed up, but want to be? Please send me an email, give me a ring and let me know! I really want to boost my prayer partner numbers this month--I'm at about 140 of 250 needed. All it takes is sending me your contact info and I will happily sign you up :) You pray for me as I prepare to go to Rwanda and while I am there serving--and I pray for you! It's a neat spiritual partnership to be involved in. Family members may sign up separately, using different email addresses.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Update
Hello everyone! :)
Just a little update for those of you who are wanting to know how things are going (sort of a mid-Jan update). I am in the mid 20%'s of financial support being raised. I am continuing to trust God in this, even with uncertain economic times. I know this is God's plan for me, so I am continuing to trust and obey. I am still seeking more individuals and churches to talk to (for the latter, see my post below about new dates added).
Prayer support--I am at about 135out of 250--that's getting closer!! :)
Prayers would be appreciated for my patience and diligence in fund-raising. My heart yearns to be in Rwanda and I am praying the pieces come together so this can happen in the next few months.
It's been a very good month for me spiritually, I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in real and loving ways and I pray the momentum I have felt after these experiences keeps me going!
I pray all is well with you and your family!
Just a little update for those of you who are wanting to know how things are going (sort of a mid-Jan update). I am in the mid 20%'s of financial support being raised. I am continuing to trust God in this, even with uncertain economic times. I know this is God's plan for me, so I am continuing to trust and obey. I am still seeking more individuals and churches to talk to (for the latter, see my post below about new dates added).
Prayer support--I am at about 135out of 250--that's getting closer!! :)
Prayers would be appreciated for my patience and diligence in fund-raising. My heart yearns to be in Rwanda and I am praying the pieces come together so this can happen in the next few months.
It's been a very good month for me spiritually, I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in real and loving ways and I pray the momentum I have felt after these experiences keeps me going!
I pray all is well with you and your family!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
3 new speaking dates added! (updated)
I am greatly looking forward to all my speaking dates! Three new ones have just been added!
Feb 8th-Emporia Friends Church
Feb 22-Glen Elder Friends Church
March 22-Pratt Friends Church (evening)
I have a few Sundays in March open--its Missions Emphasis Month so it would greatly fit into the theme! :)
Feb 8th-Emporia Friends Church
Feb 22-Glen Elder Friends Church
March 22-Pratt Friends Church (evening)
I have a few Sundays in March open--its Missions Emphasis Month so it would greatly fit into the theme! :)
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