by jeannie | Jan 24, 2010 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
We visited a family on the last day of travels in Matamoros while there working on a book project, and bringing needed items to a wonderful clinic there, Casa Bugambilia just a day earlier. When our friend, Ryan, found this family, they were living in a shack, sleeping on the muddy earth. I learned yesterday they used to carry in and sleep on cement sacks when it rained, so they wouldn’t drown. There are seven children and a single mom and while we have sent items, this was the first time I’d ever met the family. We stopped and saw their new house, pictured below, and gave them hugs, celebrated their new concrete floors and 8 miniature bunk beds in this one room house that to them, is the best thing they’ve ever owned. They greeted us with bare feet, the most incredible smiles and a welcoming spirit. They were excited about the possibility of working the next day picking carrots, and let us hold their baby goats. Yes, you read that right. AIM, Adventures in Mission in Mexico in partnership with LHC, Lake Hills Church made this a reality. While there’s still a lot to do, I love being part of it in any small way I can. We’ll be back soon to visit them, and bring them more items they need. I can hardly wait to see Trinidad again, and see if he’ll ever take off his stocking cap. He is very shy, timid, but over time, he began to warm up and I believe he loved having us...
by jeannie | Jul 24, 2009 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
WyldLife Camp at Carolina Creek was a huge success last week, and as we pulled up in our charter buses and braved the registration in 100 plus heat, the anticipation just grew to meet our air conditioned cabins and hit the water. We started our trip with a round of bus volleyball, and the energy and excitement just grew from there. As we ran in and claimed our bunk beds and hit our first activity as a cabin, we got off to a great start. One of the best parts about camp are the characters and the amazing program team we had there. We were first greeted by the Redneck Ninjas at the basketball courts, then were introduced to Hans and Tricky Vicky (the doubledutch trio) and Toni Love (the villain) at dinner; and finally, Mike and Ike (the football fanatics) at Club. Club happened every night, and the messages were so relatable and broke through some barriers for some significant cabin time with the kids. Whether we were zip lining, involved in a muck war or building cardboard tanks only to plummet them with water balloons, there was definitely a theme of high energy, and the most fun anyone has ever consumed in one day. Amidst all that, building relationships and watching new ones form while centering everything on the Gospel was the by far the best part. For kids looking for answers about faith, it was amazing to share the experience with them, and see leaders loving on kids with the unique love only God can place in our hearts. I met some of the most courageous...
by jeannie | Jan 11, 2009 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
As I’m beginning another great book and I’m loving the insight of Mark Batterson, who talks about how we ought to be good stewards of our opportunities, it makes me reflect on how I view my own. He suggests we have the courage to chase God-sized dreams, and respond with action as we seek God’s will in our lives. Reminds me of John Burke in Soul Revolution talking about how we’ll never know, if we don’t GO. love it. and I love how God gives me the ability, energy and desire to keep going, striving, and having an experience rich life so I can better know who I am in Him. One thing I mention a lot to my YL group is how conforming in this world feels good for a moment, but it’s not where we ought to be necessarily and how many times feeling greatly at odds with how the world is and its messages, is actually when you’re on the right track. I thought Mark Batterson said it so much better though! He said… “The courage to swim against the current will get you where God wants you to go.” I think it’s great to think about what that current entails, and see it when it pulls us in. great book and I’m only on Chapter 2. If you’re interested you can check it out too. it’s a title you can’t possibly forget. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy...
by jeannie | Jan 11, 2009 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
As I’ve thought long about where I am in life, and try to see and soak in the world around me, I’m taken with the vast messages that cause me to find so much adoration in the human spirit. And so thankful for the God that gives us that ability to love, to smile, to be…human. Human alone is quite something, but with Him, all things are possible; all experiences can be rich, and I know this is true. As I enjoyed my lunch with Libby on Friday, thinking and talking to her about her class, and associated social issues that come up from time to time in 1st grade, I found another opportunity to laugh, see deep inside her heart and mind, and enjoy the amazing smiles and insight this little 7-year old brings to the table. As we sat, and talked, a friend whose father is severely impacted by LG disease sat with us. He was in a wheelchair, couldn’t lift his hands, and yet his amazing spirit and outpouring gratitude of being there in that moment with his daughter just practically spilled out on the table. I engaged, talked with them, and Libby too.We enjoyed the lunch and talked of favorite movies, foods we liked, and their teachers, but what hit me hardest was just the way she lit up, with her father there, the way the nurse that helped him eat was so gentle, and gracious, and nurturing, and how this is their “normal”. The way I saw how they could literally live the sweetness of life out and enjoy it, and be bold,...
by jeannie | Dec 11, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
Last night, we celebrated our middle school bible study’s last gathering for 2008. Dinner, Slideshow and Karaoke. I received an amazing card from the girls and I appreciated so much that they could describe the impact our group has had on them. If only I could explain the amazing impact it’s had on me and my faith. I’ve grown so much, and realize how more than ever how different life can be when you’re following God’s lead. I am amazed at how God is at work in our life and how he always shows up when you ask him to. I’m grateful for that more than anything else. Click here to watch the slideshow OR Here’s a link to the slide show for 2008 Core for download: ...
