Reflections: A Different Kind of Christmas

Seventeen hours in the middle seat of the smallest row on a plane may sound like torture, but I would do it again if it meant I was on my way to East Asia. That is exactly where I was headed this time last year. Well, I might have been in L.A. for training, but I was on my way across the world for about three weeks. I remember being both excited and nervous, and I was dreading that plane ride...but mostly I was excited.


Last year is the only time I haven't been with my family for Christmas. I missed them a lot but I would hop on a plane right now if someone handed me tickets to go back to East Asia. Last Christmas was a different kind of Christmas, but it was one of the best of my life. 


I have been on many mission trips, but none quite compare to last Christmas. Most of my past trips were more structured than this trip (even Mexico!), and I'm extremely grateful for the freedom we had. This sort of freedom required complete trust in God. 


Every day we prayed for God to guide us and give us direction. We simply began walking the streets, praying as we went, and allowed God to work. We didn't have a translator...just one phrasebook per small team, a jman who had two months of language school, and a professor who knew a language that was understood by many but not as well as the native language. We also had one working media player with a recording of the "Creation to Christ" story through the Bible. One of our main prayers each day was to find people who could speak English to translate for us.


I saw God work in so many ways through this trip. There is nothing quite like landing in a foreign country where you can't even begin to understand the language, having no set plan of action, and no translator to make you totally depend on God. I didn't realize what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this trip. We did have some basic training and instruction, but we were entrusted with the task of being the eyes and ears for the long term missionaries, so they knew where to follow up, and there was no set plan of action in how to go about this.


God moved on this trip. People approached us on the streets because they had never seen Americans before. We got to talk to many people, and were able to share in depth with multiple people who expressed true interest in what we were sharing. 


One of the most awesome God moments of the trip for me was when my small team got to go into a secondary school (middle school/high school) and met a couple of English teachers who allowed us to share the true story of Christmas with their classrooms while they translated for us. This was an awesome act of God by itself, but what made it even more meaningful to me was that just the day before I had prayed for the opportunity to speak to middle school age kids. I work well with kids, so I prayed this with the thought that maybe I would get to speak to a couple of kids on the street...I had no idea how God would far exceed my small request. We were able to speak to multiple classrooms of 50+ kids two days in a row. The kids in that village will forever hold a special place in my heart.


There were many highs and lows on this trip. While I saw God at work, I also felt the presence of evil in a way I have never felt before. There were so many things I saw that broke my heart. Idols in every shop, confusion in the few who showed promise of being believers, so few who had ever heard the name of Jesus. I believe that spiritual warfare is a very real thing.


I could honestly go on and on about this trip. There are so many memories...crazy videos on the buses, dance-offs in the square, drunk man in the hotel room, the coffee shop, night spent with the squatty potty, stinky tofu, language butchering, lazy susans, Christmas service complete with fog and crazy lights...Last Christmas was a Christmas I will never forget.

 Favorite method of transportation...unless it's raining.

Lazy susans are the best way to eat!

Gotta love the all-in-one bathroom complete with a squatty potty.

One of many gorgeous views.

Stinky Tofu...enough said.

Gorgeous.

Traveling in style.

Ready for adventure!

Speaking of mission trips, this summer I will have the opportunity to go on a short term trip to Nepal through my church. Please pray for me and my team as we prepare for this trip, and raise support. If you would like to partner with me through giving (tax-deductible), you can make a donation here (be sure to choose 750-Nepal from the drop down menu): https://sojournforms.wufoo.com/forms/short-term-missions-giving/

Christmas Break To Do List

• Build a shelf/drawer system for my craft supplies

• Read books not required for school (especially while sitting by the outside fireplace with my dad)

• Cook for my family (Gotta prove that I take after my dad and not my mom in this area)

• Have a craft day with my mom and sisters

• Get my mom to help me re-learn how to knit

• Send out support letters for my mission trip to Nepal (you can donate here and choose 750-Nepal from the drop down menu https://sojournforms.wufoo.com/forms/short-term-missions-giving/ )(More to come on this soon.)

• Get back into blogging/fix things that are bugging me with the current template I'm using (I realize I haven't been on here since August)

• Find interesting things to photograph for fun.

• Create a photography website? Maybe at least a fb fan-page thing to show my work.

• Hang out with old friends I haven't seen in a while. (This includes college friends at Andrew's wedding and high school friends I haven't seen in forever like Mallory and Claire.)

• Go to counselor reunion in TX. 

It's going to be a fun little break. I'm looking forward to the time to spend with friends and family. 

A Lesson in Humility

This summer I had the privilege of being able to work at Camp Balcones Springs again, however, I chose not to work the whole summer, just term three, which meant I would be stepping down from my leadership position as photographer and would become a counselor again. After reading the title of this post, you may think that is where the lesson came in, and yes that did require some humility, but this particular lesson came somewhat unexpected to me.


The majority of people who work as counselors are often only able to come for a summer or two for various reasons such as jobs, internships, school, etc. I've been blessed with the opportunity to work at camp for four summers now...I thought I was done after summer number two but that's a story for another time. Each year there is a pretty large staff turnover due to the nature of this job. My first summer I made a great core group of friends with some fellow counselors. Most of them were able to return our second summer, but last summer the majority of them were not back, however, I became pretty close with my fellow leadership team.


This summer was a different summer. Most of the people I was on leadership with last summer had gotten "real world" jobs, and since I was only going to be at camp for one term, I would be a counselor again, and I wouldn't be coming until halfway through the summer so many groups of friends would have already formed. I was also the oldest female counselor. I wound up making some great friends with both new and old counselors, and loved being back in a cabin.


What I realized though is that camp still goes on without my old friends being there, who were such a vital part of camp for me. This may seem like a "duh" statement, however, this was a humbling moment for me because I realized that just a couple of years after I'm gone the counselors and many new campers won't know who I am. I've put a lot of love, sweat, and tears into camp, and to realize that I may not be remembered in a few years hit me pretty hard. I hope that I've made a lasting impact on many campers, especially that girls I've had in my cabins during my six terms as a counselor. I also hope that I made an impact from behind the scenes during my six terms as a part of leadership. More importantly, I hope that I've pointed campers toward God. Even if I'm forgotten, I hope I've shown campers how much God loves them, and have helped them trust Him more.


It's easy to get caught up in the little things at camp. "Have I turned everything in on time?" "Am I making pow-wow interesting enough?" "Does the rest of the staff like me?" "Is my cabin clean?" "Are we going to make it to flag pole on time?" "What are we going to eat today?" "Are my girls listening to me?" "Where am I scheduled today?"


Notice how many times I said "I" or "me" in there. It's easy to get caught up in the little things, and it's easy to get caught up in ourselves. Sometimes at camp, and in life, I have to pause and remind myself of my purpose, which is to glorify God. I love that our off days are called "selahs." The word "selah" is used often in the Psalms and is a way of saying "pause/rest and listen." As counselors we often get pretty excited about our selahs because it's a time for some rest and time to hang out with other counselors. I wish we would get as excited about resting and listening to God. I'm often guilty of getting caught up in busyness whether it's camp, church, or seminary stuff. The stuff that keeps me busy is generally not bad stuff, and often it's stuff that has to do with God, but it can be easy to get caught up in what we're doing instead of why we're doing it and who it's for. We need to pause more often and remember the big picture, the reason we're doing what we're doing, which is to give glory to God.


When this humbling lesson hit me it reminded me of a sermon I heard in chapel last year called, "You Are Not Your Gift: Finding the Freedom to Fail in Ministry." Here is the original sermon if you would like to listen to it:

In this sermon Dr. Moore talks about thinking too highly of ourselves in our ministry positions. We often can find ourselves thinking that certain jobs cannot be done without us. This not only applies to ministry positions but to camp as well. It's weird to think that camp can go on without us. That in a few years we could be forgotten. But it will go on, and this can be a freeing thought. God is sovereign. He's not surprised by our mistakes. We can plan, and plan, and plan but rarely will things go exactly as planned. Some of the best moments at camp and in life can happen when things seem to be failing. These are moments when you just have to say, "ok God this is yours." It's ok to fail.


Sorry this post is so long. I've had a lot of these thoughts swirling around in my head for a few weeks now and needed to write them out. I truly am grateful for all the lessons working at camp has taught me. I hope I can make it back for at least one more term next year, but if this year was my last or if next year is, I'm ok with that. It's neat to look back through my summers at camp and see how it has changed me. I've learned a lot about being myself through camp. Some people who know me best know that I've struggled with being myself. I got to lead a pow-wow at camp this year where we each wrote our name at the top of a piece of paper and passed it around the circle. Each person had to write two nice things about that person until your sheet made it back to you. Many girls' cabins have done similar pow-wows. I was surprised by the comments on my sheet:


"You're really fun to be around. You're funny."
"Wonderful person. Good talking about God."
"You have a great personality! You accept who you are!"
"You don't care what people think about you. Compassionate and loving-engages everyone."
"You're dedicated and you always invest yourself in everything you do."
"You are the most supportive person eva! In the morning you always have a smile on your face."
"Very supportive and kind, your smile is glued to your face, brightening the world."
"You always make me happy and you are a really great counselor and person."


I'm not sharing these comments to brag about myself. I'm just sharing these to show how at a time when I wasn't sure if I was getting through to my girls, God used my cabin to show me how he has been working in my life at camp. My cabin didn't know that being myself is something I've struggled with, but God is awesome, and encouraged me through them.


Once again, sorry for the lengthiness of this post. If you made it this far, thanks for sticking with me through my rambles. I hope you got something out of this. -Allison-

Photography

I'm really craving a day to wonder around Louisville with my camera. After I survive next week (yes, I will survive it even if my grades don't) I plan on taking a day to do some exploring with my camera. I need a photography de-stressing (is that even a word?) day. If any of my friends would like to wander around Louisville with me (feel free to bring your own camera), I would love to have you join me...advance warning: you might wind up as the subject of some pictures if you come with me. I could use some portrait practice. I feel my camera calling my name. I need to get some creativity flowing. Now back to this 12 page paper.

Design Work

These past couple weeks have been a bit up and down. First, last week was spring break and it was great and much needed. Seven of us went to the beach and I got to go to Harry Potter World which was awesome. The beginning of this week, however, was a bit rough, as I was out with a stomach bug and even had to go to the hospital to get an iv on monday because I was so dehydrated. No fun. Thankfully the week has ended well. I got to see the missionary couple I worked with over Christmas break tonight and they want me to do some design work for them which I'm super excited about seeing as media missions is what I've become passionate about. They're trying to create some info folders that they can leave places about East Asia in general and also include some specific info about the people group they work with. They're going to get me to design some stuff like bookmarks and info cards on the people group we worked with while we were over there. I'm really glad they've asked me to help with this. It will be fun to put my training to work in the way I've been hoping to get to do!

Haiti

Well, it looks like the third time is the charm for me when it comes to trips this summer. After two trips falling through for this summer, my third try looks like it's working out and I'm excited about it. My home church is helping build a community in Haiti-find out more here: http://www.fbcj.org/Missions-Haiti.html-and they are taking a group of high school students, including my sister, on a trip in June to help with the building. After my previous trips fell through, I talked to my mom and she suggested look at trips through our home church, and thought of the idea that they might need people to go on the Haiti trip, plus she would just feel more comfortable with my sister going if I was there as well. She talked to the youth minister for me since I don't know him at all, and then I contacted him through email after it sounded like they could use me. I just heard back from him, and got the official yes. I've participated in many mission trips, but I've never been a chaperon for one. I'm both excited and nervous. This is a new type of leadership for me. There are multiple ways that you can be praying if you are reading this. 1. That God will use me to make a difference in the lives of the youth on this trip. 2. That we will make a difference in the lives of the people in Haiti. 3. That I will have confidence in God's ability to use me as a leader on this trip. Thanks!

Sunshine

It's amazing how the little things can make such a difference sometimes. The sun has finally come out of hiding, and I'm so thankful. I think God knew I needed a little sunshine to knock the edge off my stress and funk of the other night. The combination of sunshine and listening to Matt Wertz' new music that he keeps putting up through ping on itunes has put me in a great mood today in spite of the fact that I've got multiple midterms this week and a lot of reading. By the way, if you've never listened to Matt Wertz or just didn't know he had new stuff coming out you should check him out. He's one of my favorites. I'll be going to his concert in Nashville in May...right before finals. Might not be the best decision, but I'm excited. His new cd comes out tuesday, I believe. www.mattwertz.com

Strike 2...3rd time is the charm?

Today I just found out that my 2nd attempt to go on a mission trip in June fell through. It's frustrating being in an area that I know is full of missions minded people, but trips keep falling through because there aren't enough people signing up. I know there are various reasons, but it's still frustrating. I really want to go this summer, and I know God is sovereign and will place me where I'm supposed to go. Speaking of, it looks like I might get to go to Haiti. Hoping that the 3rd try is the charm and not strike 3. My home church is taking a group from the senior high to Haiti, including my sister, and I might get to help chaperone the trip. It's looking like it's going to happen, so if you read this and could pray for me and this opportunity I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

Homesick

Yep, you get two post from me in one day. Sometimes I just need a good cry. I don't know exactly what triggered it, but I just hit burnout tonight. Not from school necessarily, although that does play into it, but I'm just homesick/campsick/friendsick...basically missing everyone who isn't here. I love Louisville, I really do, but tonight is just one of those nights where I miss home and my best friends from MC. I could use a Fried Pickles Variety Hour (don't ask or do if you want but it's one of those you had to be there things) or a Lindy, Lolly, Ally pool day. I could also use some sunshine. I'm ready to live outside again. Tired of being cooped up. Sorry about my whininess. As you can see from my earlier post, I have great friends here, but there are just times when homesickness sets in.
Miss you crazy people:

Life Lately

Every now and then I like to do what I call a "Life Lately" post where I give you an update on my life mainly through pictures. I'm really bad about keeping up with my blog, so sometimes I just do a massive post like now, when I should be reading for my class tonight instead.

Ever been to a party that was busted by the police...when there was no alcohol/drugs/etc. involved? I can now say I have. Some girls from my church threw a really fun mardi gras dance party saturday night that they called mardiglow because they covered the room in black trash bag material and had black lights and glow sticks. It was pretty awesome, but the neighbors called the police because the music was up too loud. First time I've ever been to a cop busted party and it was a seminary/church party no less. ha (No pics from this event as I have yet to upload them.) Apparently black lights was the theme of the weekend because friday night I went and played laser tag with a fun group for my friend Jerod's birthday. We had fun dominating the little kids. ha I came in 2nd out of about 50 in the team game. Our group had the top 5 spots. We show no mercy when it comes to laser tag.

I've really enjoyed getting to be crafty lately...and by crafty I don't mean sneaky/tricky. I mean that I've gotten to put my art skills to use. I just joined a Bible study small group through Highview's campus church that meets on Thursday nights. Since we didn't have our books yet, we decorated journals this past thursday. I was definitely in my element and really liked the way mine turned out.

I also got to paint recently. I was in the mood to paint and had a little time last weekend so I pulled out my painting supplies and came out with this, based off a fall shot in Cherokee that I took. Below is my painting and my shot that I loosely based it off of.

My roommate, Sharon, has also been in a project mood lately, and she has started a little garden. I took a few shots of it, and the plants have grown even more since then. We'll have to transfer them to actual pots before too long.

I've actually felt like I have a decent social life this semester which has been nice. Some of my friends live in a house near campus and threw a fiesta party recently. You can check out some of the fun from that party over at my friend Jessica Fregoe's blog. There was some fun dancing along with some hair whipping action.

Speaking of parties, both my roommate, Liz, and I, celebrated our birthdays earlier this semester. We went ice-skating and hung out at the apartment for mine and we had a British tea party for hers.

Almost forgot to mention our little Valentine's party/hangout. My friend Monica has been really into making virgin drinks lately so on Valentine's she had some of us over and made us all some tasty drinks.

Well that pretty well sums up a lot of my social life so far this semester. Hope you enjoyed the update/pictures. Now back to reading for class tonight. -Allison-

The Yetti Would Like His Feet Back

The other day I was browsing a shoe website that I have a $10 off coupon for, and came across possibly the most ridiculous pair of boots I've ever seen.

These boots cost $700!
Anyway, I know this is a random way to start back blogging, but I needed a quick study break and thought I'd share this find with anyone who may stumble across my little blog. I got a good laugh out of these.
-Allison-
Edit-This study break took a little longer than intended as I just took way too long to figure out what font I had used in my past two posts because I liked it. Now I'm wondering how I found that font in the first place. Guess I should get back to studying since I have a test tomorrow.