First Time in NYC!
To start our journey, we had a nice long layover in NYC! It was my very first time in the big apple and it was great! Wandering around the city, going to central park, time square, Little Italy, and getting on the wrong subway were some of the things we got to do and experience. I loved it and hope I’m able to visit again! ALSO, I was blessed to have the whole middle row to myself on our flight to Beijing (it was glorious). So far so good!
MONGOLIA
Did you know….
That the endangered two-humped Bactrian camel is native to Mongolia, Mongolians are always ready for a guest (which means you can always count on their being food), Ice-cream is a favorite winter treat, the great Genghis Khan is Mongolia’s founding father (and there’s a whopping big statue that pays him tribute), Mongolia is big! But maybe not as big as you might think, Mongolia is home to endangered snow leopards, It’s the land where dinosaurs once roamed, and More than one-quarter of the population live as nomads (they live in ger not yurts)!
My first week so far has been quite the adjustment but a very welcomed one at that. Our traveling did not stop once arriving in Mongolia. We stayed at a church in the city for the first night then headed out early the following day to our next and final destination to the countryside.
Buses, Music Videos, and Sheep
10-hour bus rides, sleeping more than usual, and bathroom breaks in the open. Wow who would have thought. On our way to our host sitting on a bus for hours and sleeping as much as you can to pass the time, getting some good conversation in with my amazing team mates, experiencing a squatty potty or just the vast open space, and listening/ watching Mongolian music videos for hours and weirdly being entertained by them. What a great start. Stopping at a rest stop and trying to order off a menu you can’t read. Taking stealthy pictures of people’s food to help order what we want. The things you learn to do when you don’t have any other option. I’m enjoying myself so far and I haven’t even reached my destination yet.
Enjoy Coffee…. Actions are Greater than Words
Finally arriving to our host and our home for the next 3 weeks I’m exhausted but ready to go! Our time spent here with the community at Enjoy Coffee Shop has been such a wonderful experience filled with laughter, wonderful memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime. I never thought I would gain a family here and be welcomed so quickly and have it actually hurt to leave. The community here at the church and at the coffee shop are some of the most hard-working people I have ever seen. Starting their day very early in the morning until 12pm at night. The leaders living their daily life so intentionally in pouring into the community and investing in their lives daily.
We had the privilege to come along side of them and help them out at the coffee shop as well as teaching English and music. I could not believe how perfectly the lord had picked out our team specific to the needs they needed. Jordan, is gifted in worship and teaching. She taught and helped build up the worship team teaching guitar and instilling confidence as well as teaching English classes. Always bringing joy and laughter in every situation. Annie, who has a passion in starting her own Hostel/Café got to learn and help out in the coffee shop cooking and making coffee. Connecting with both the workers and the people she was serving. She showed so much dedication and hard work that you could feel the love pour out of her as she worked. Hailey, has the humblest serving heart I have seen. Always being the first to be last and not complaining. She did a little of everything bringing such style and grace. Serving in the kitchen as well as teaching English classes to the older kids. She did phenomenal! Which of course is what we expect from our very own first lady. Fanny pack and all! Katrina, our prayer warrior. Having the gift in connecting deeply with people one on one. Made such a difference with the people making them feel like they are heard and cared for. She was very popular in getting invited to lunch and dinner to just talk and hangout. She also taught English classes to the grown-ups and always managed to bring Jesus in to her classes. Praying for her students and planting seeds of growth and confidence in their hearts as well as challenging them all at the same time. Gabby, has this amazing way of creating home environments where people feel so comfortable and seen. Noticing the tiny details in a person and giving her all in investing in that person. She not only served in the kitchen but she also taught Beginning English classes. One student comes to mind when I think of Gabby and every time I would walk by or heard her talk about her student it would bring such joy to my heart in how much of the love of Jesus was coming out of her when she was teaching and talking about her student. Our fearless leader Kaysha, did a little of everything as well doing a wonderful job at bringing community and unity not only in just our team but with the leaders and workers of the coffee shop and church community. Bringing joy and laughter everywhere! She has a gift in bringing people together and developing long lasting relationships with people.
I originally thought my role during this time would obviously be teaching English to kids during our time hear but I was secretly hopping I would get a chance to learn how to be a barista and help out in the coffee shop. The Lord herd my prayer and I had the privilege of being able to have time to help out in the coffee shop a lot more than I had expected! Despite confusing orders and spilling hot water on myself multiple times I was having so much fun. Also getting over a few fears of mine during the process. I’m still working on getting over my fear of the steamer/frothier. On the other hand, being able to teach brought so much joy and comfort because it reminded me of teaching back home. Having that time to spend time with the kids and having the freedom to have fun while teaching, playing games, and acting silly made me love every minute. I’m not going to lie though there were times that I felt overwhelmed and defeated but the Lord showed up every time.
As a teacher, I am automatically programmed to plan out what I do, I create lesson plans! Funny enough the Lord took this as a teaching moment to show me that all I need is Him and to rely in Him in all seasons even in every situation where we not even think to rely on Him. I know usually when creating lesson plans that I don’t always follow them but it’s comforting to have a plan in case you’re in the situation where you may need it. So, in preparation to teach English classes I created a lesson plan that would last me through the week. I go into my first class and I use up everything I had planned for the week in that one class! I couldn’t believe it…. what was I going to do for the next 3 weeks? Well the Lord came through and saved me each time. We met an English teacher from the states that has been teaching there for over 20yrs. she allowed me to use some of her teaching supplies to teach. But not only that at one point I stopped planning and just asked Jesus for help every time before starting class and He provided me with lessons and games and different creative ways to teach right on the spot. I latterly felt like I was on a high every time while I was teaching and after I was done I was so tired. It would take all my energy but in a good way. Thank you, Jesus!
Family Radio
These are my awesome friends T and Enkhtur. Enkhtur works at the coffee shop and is part of the church but he also started his own radio station with a goal in reaching the community through family radio! The topics talked about on the radio are family issues or advice that they see the community is in need of. He is able to give answers and help from a Christ followers point of view. Along with interviewing the leaders of the church for wise counsel in different areas. The people in the community know and see how well the church community love each other and are always asking questions like how are you guys so happy and they want the same thing. The radio is a way to reach them. Please pray for more people to join in and help Enkhtur with this vision. As well as the knowledge to learn more about radio production.
Reaching all corners of… Sükhbaatar
“Why are churches circular? … Because the devil hides in corners.”
During one of our free days Crystal one of the leaders of the church and our translator took us on a tour of the city. She took us to one of the mountains where we could see the whole city and she talked about the needs of the people and what parts of the city were bound in darkness. Some of the needs that the people of the city need freedom from is alcoholism, brokenness within the family, and devalue of marriage. Our team got a chance to pray over the city of Sükbaatar.
Going to the countryside for REST and Grass that only grows in MONGOLIA
On our free day, the church leaders took us out to the countryside to have fun, play games, and ride horses. We had been so busy during the week that we had not gotten a chance to spend time with the leaders to just have fun. We left early and packed into 3 Prius’ and began our hour bumpy ride out to the countryside. I had originally thought that Mongolia would have so many mountains everywhere and its true in certain areas but where we were it was all plains as far as I could see. It reminded me of home staring out into the ocean and it never ending. Also seeing all different types of animals roam free. It was beautiful. On our way, there we stopped to help another car out that had gotten stuck in the mud (well the men helped the women stayed and watched and ate grass). See video below. After that we made it to where we were headed and were welcomed with hot milk tea and milk curds (we for sure don’t miss those). But then after our meet and greet we headed outside and started a fun game of soccer and volleyball. We got a chance to ride horses eat noodles and homemade yogurt.
Spending time with our leaders and their children was such a gift! Being able to see them in a different setting enjoying themselves, joking around, laughing was so much fun. We got to know them a little better and learned so much from them during this time. Having a chance to rest and be in community was so filling. One cool thing we learned was the coffee shop was named after the church leaders using both their names Enkhbaar and Joy (ENJOY) how sweet is that!
Saying Goodbye to our Mongolian Family… We can’t leave without a bang!
As are time in Sükhbaatar comes to an end we manage to do 2 last really cool things. We host a women’s event and we do an open mic night for the youth. We were so loud and having so much fun that the cops even came to tell us that we were being too loud.
MY WORTH
While in Sükbaatar we had a chance to put on a women’s event called “Beauty for Ashes” which is basically an event opening up a space to build community and a safe place for women. The way this event came about to even be was so God that it just blew my mind. The Lord had put this event on our team leaders heart to begin with and asked us to pray about it. After a few of us had told our testimonies during church the church leaders had told us that they felt Holy Spirit tell them that they should do some sort of event for the women and this is without our leader saying anything to them. (Shock!) With the Lord confirming this event we had the task of putting it together in little time. However, the Lord does what He does for a purpose and His timing is perfect. The way the Lord used each and every one of the girls on our team to pull this event off in such a short time was truly a miracle and having it turn out so beautifully was unbelievable. All of our strengths came out. Katrina with decorating, Haley with baking treats, Jordan with music, Annie with MC’ing, Kaysha, Gabby, and I with the task in teaching on different topics.
I had the privilege of teaching on “Our Worth” not knowing how much this topic would speak into my life. I had an outline of how I was to teach and do the activity but I used a little of my life story to relate to the topic I was teaching thinking it would help give the women an example. I used a dollar bill to start off my teaching using it as an example of something that had value and worth. That no matter how many times I crumple it or step on it that it still had worth and value and people still wanted it regardless of what it looked like, if was dirty, or whatever I had done to it. Even though bad things happen to us or we make wrong decisions or make mistakes. This has no effect on our value. Just like us there is nothing we can do that will take or change our value or the way the Lord sees us. I am still as valuable as before I made a mistake or made a bad decision. I’m still as valuable and clean as when the Lord made me in my mother’s womb. I believe I have value just like this currency, even though I may feel dirty at times when the enemy tries to feed me lies. However, there is truth and reassurance in Gods Word!
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” – Matthew 10:31
God leaves no doubt of the tremendous value He places on every human life, including yours. Read His promises …
You belong to God, and as long as you cling to Him, no one can take that from you. His Word overwhelmingly confirms that you are His cherished treasure!
What determines our worth?
It is not based in our actions or how well we do things. It is not even based on what we know or who we know.
Our value comes from our Maker, the Lord. He created us. He is the only One that can determine our value and worth.
We are of ultimate worth because we are His daughters. We belong to Him.
We are co -heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14)
Our worth doesn’t change based on our behavior or feelings. I don’t always feel valuable, but I know I am. So, I must choose to believe it. The truth is what God says, no matter how you feel.
God’s words are always truth. He is the only One that can speak truth about worth. The value He has placed on us doesn’t change.
He delights in you (Psalm 18:19).
After….
We did our activity which was to ask the Lord to give us an image or a word that describes your worth in His eyes. The Lord gave me the image of a pearl. Like the pearl my transformation started on the inside. It took something to start the process. Something invaded my shell or wall and altered/changed my life. The good the bad regardless of which one shaped me into who I am. However, the Lord already knowing the end result. The process of layer upon layer of molding and shaping took time and patience. Finishing with a precious pearl.
Along with the two other teachings that Gabby and Kaysha gave the women responded so well and you could tell the Lord was doing something in their hearts along with ours as well. We saw tears and good conversation and women being freed from things that they thought they could not talk about or were afraid of. Sharing and receiving comfort and healing in the community of women provided and peace, love, and rest in the Lord.
DEBRIEF (W-SQUAD)
Hearing Gods voice
Debrief! The whole squad has reunited and we have a week of processing this first month and reflecting what the Lord did this month. Some quick highlights of what we did was spend some time with our squad mates that we had not seen for a while, connecting with our leadership, resting, worshiping as a group, and more… It was so filling in doing all these things however during this time one of my prayers going into debrief was hearing Gods voice in new and different ways. The Lord answered my prayers and was giving me so many visions/images during worship and my alone time with Him and it was such a thrilling thing to experience and I felt so connected to Him. I was struggling though in understanding certain things He was giving me (if these imiges were for me spacificaly or for somone else) and taking it to my team and leadership helped direct me and find understanding in what He was trying to tell me personally. It brought revelation in certain areas that I need to work through and it gave me an outline, a goal, and the hope that the Lord will follow through in the truth in His promise. All I have to keep doing is keep walking setting one foot in front of the other and not being afraid of Him calling me deeper.
Adventure Day Mountain Hike:
Cool Story! So, my team and I met this really cool guy at the Hostel we have been staying at. His name is Taz (he’s a shaman). He is quite the character but such a wonderful, curious, and open human. He has a wonderful way of starting conversations with people and making connections. As well as having a big heart for others. Anyway, Taz invited us to go on a hike with him and his friend for the day and it was so much fun. Being in the city was for the past 3 weeks has given us cabin fever and we were itching to get out into nature and breath fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city and all the smoke. After reaching our spot on the mountain for the day and setting up the fire. We settled in disconnecting ourselves from the outside world and being present taking in the majesty of the Lords creation in nature. We had the opportunity to listen to Taz’s friend life story and how the specific Mountain we were at had in some way saved his life. It was cool to see how he spoke of this mountain and how it made him feel. He described this mountain as almost as a father figure and how he looked to for comfort and healing. He explained that the mountain had brought down walls in his life. It was amazing to see how present the Lord was in this guy’s life yet he had no idea it was the Lord! He was so eager and surprised in hearing what the Lord had to say in His word and how well it related to what he had gone through and is going through. My team mate Katrina was reading her bible and shared with him what the Lord had shown her and he was in shock and asked to look at her bible. Being with both Taz and his friend was such a blessing because we had a chance to worship before leaving and both Taz and his friend joined in worshiping with us and playing their instruments. I pray they continue to question and seek the truth and that the Lord opens their eyes to His goodness.
What the Lord taught me this month:
SURRENDER (home, family, friends)
So, this month the Lord highlighted the word surrender to me. Applying that word in my life right now in this season meant surrendering home, family, and friends. Why? Because, while being away and doing ministry here I was not fully being present. I was still worrying about things at home. Holding on to some weight for leaving and not being able to be there. It’s a weight that was not purposefully put on my shoulders but it was one that I took hold of because I thought if I didn’t do it who would and if I did not take it I would let people down or upset them. This was feeding my people pleasing personality and it was creating a heaviness in me that was not meant to be there. This month the Lord showed me that surrender doesn’t necessarily mean to completely give up or abandon certain relationships but to look at them and see how I could partner with them in a different way to love them and Jesus better. Learning to have some tuff conversations with people I care for deeply and sharing with them my heart which is not an easy thing. This meant creating and setting boundaries and choosing to follow through and keep them.
Learning to have boldness and courage to choose Jesus and his kingdom first. Choosing to be fully present in this time He has set apart for me to intentionally be present and seek in everything I do. To not be Martha and pay more attention to the things that have to be done and how they are done and what people think for a season but to be Mary and sit at His feet and be saturated by the Lords word and what he wants to tell me, show me, and give me. Using this time to be filled as much as possible but also pouring out to as many people as possible through words and/or actions. Letting go of my net like the disciples did when Jesus called them. Immediately dropping their nets to go to Jesus. This is what happened this month I finally let go of my net and gave it to the Lord!
Head to Heart:
A Prayer and a goal I have set for myself going into this next month is taking what I know in my mind and have it pass through and enter my heart! Stepping into that deeper level of understanding and not just hearing and believing but taking it and living it.
CHINA
Currently we are still in Mongolia waiting to get our visas to go to China. We almost have all our visas. We hope to have them all by today (Friday). Its been a lengthy and gruling process. We will not have a full month in China like we would have liked. However, the Lord used our time in Mongolia so intentionally in investing in the relationships we made and growing them as much as we can before we leave. Please pray for our travel over to China and our lodging and vision as to what we are ment to do in China.
By the way this is very IMPORTANT!!!!
I will be putting a password on my blog since we will be in China soon. If you would still like access my blog here is the password!
Wildatheart19
