It seems like just a couple of days ago that the high schoolers and leaders were landing, now we are finishing up our last day of camp and leaving for Krakow tommorrow for debreifing before heading home on Saturday.
It is with joy that I come back to see friends, but my heart is not ready to go. I can't really explain it...This country desperately neeeds the touch of our creator's hand. People are sad and searching. The other night I just cried and cried in the back of our service. Dan was talking about our God who cares. We so desperately want these kids to understand this. It broke my heart. They know a lot of the right answers, but they have no personal relationship with God. I continue to pray that every person at the Ustka Camp will leave one step closer to God. Even the American kids. I can see evidence of God's work in their lives. It will be wierd to be home this weekend. Sometimes that's when I process the most...when I first come home. Thanks for your prayers!

Balance...

I've been thinking a lot about this over the summer and the time that I've spent in Europe. I think this is one of the things they do SO much better than us... It is a different pace of life. There is something to be said for city squares where people hang out. They watch people, read, talk to people, just whatever they want to do. Their meals are more balanced, eating the large meal at lunch. There is a better understanding of what needs to be done as opposed to what you think needs to be done.

There are many lessons that I've learned over the past few months. This is perhaps one of the most valuable...

Every breath...all of me. I am so excited for our team of 15 who are in the air right now to join me in Poland. I am anxiously awaiting their first impressions, their tired faces and to have God do amazing things in their lives as we commit ourselves...every breath to Him for the next 2 + weeks.

Please pray for us as we get to know students from all over Poland at an English/Sports camp in Ustka, Poland on the Baltic Sea.

Thanks for praying for us!

How can something be so incredibly relaxing and yet the most difficult thing that I have ever done in my life all at the same time? I don't even know where to start in trying to explain my experience hiking in Zakopane, Poland for the past 5 days.

It has been an incredible journey. Tears, laughter, frustration, pain and exhileration almost simultaneously. I've been reminded that God is my rock and my fortress. He provides a sure place for my foot. He provides shelter and comfort. And, His path is never easy.

Here are some pictures of the Tatry Mountains on the Poland/Czech border. Seriously, God is SO amazing! The more I see of His World, the more I know this.

polandmission.com
Why is it so difficult to stay focused on God and His purposes? Paul talks about the struggle between the old and new self, and how that battle continues but we have overcome the evil one through God’s power. So, coming back to my question, why don’t I focus better? I have moments of victory, but they seem short lived. Even while traveling on mission trips completely out of my normal every day life I still battle with where my focus is.
Sometimes I think the more I travel, the more I realize how Satan is battling with God’s church. I see division and struggle everywhere I go. It breaks my heart. I gently encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to rest in His sovereignty and strength and to keep fighting. Reminding all of us that the battle has been won, we simply need to remain faithful to God’s calling and give Him glory and praise with our lives, daily… moment by moment.
Maybe that’s my answer. Sometimes I want to live life ahead of schedule. I need to live moment by moment. Praising God for each breath and opportunity that He provides.
Focus on today and what He brings you!

polandmission.com

I've said repeatedly that mission is irrelevant to geographic location. So, I've been thinking... When we send someone to be a missionary, whether it's for one week or one year or a lifetime, really what we are doing is sending someone to be neighbors in a differant culture than what they are used to.

I took a class on Urban Ministry this past semester at GRTS and we talked a great deal about being a good neighbor and what that looks like; how this is spreading the gospel. I started thinking today as I make preparations in Ukraine about what the goal is during my extended stay in the fall. It's about knowing people. Accepting them exactly where they are. Understanding a culture a little bit better because you get to know a number and a variety of people.

Of course, you need to have tasks and use your God given gifts and abilities to further God's kingdom, but so many times we get caught up in the task that we lose sight of the face and heart of people -- even the heart of God.

I pray that God will continue to transform my life so that I might effectively transform people for His Kingdom.

Finally, pictures that you've all been patiently waiting for!

polandmission.com

I can't beleive that our time in Poland is quickly coming to an end. We have been busy completing our painting and meeting with people. My apologies for not writing more frequently. However, it is always with so many different emotions that I approach saying goodbye to my friends here.

I am encouraged by their faith. They tell us that the American visitors give them a different perspective, but I wholeheartedly think that it is they who show me how to completely trust and have the tenacitiy and the faith that is needed in our Christian obedience.

I am blessed with their gift of hospitality. They are gracious, generous and loving people. I understand God's heart of mercy because I have had the priveledge of knowing some of my Polish friends.

I understand the importance of being faithful in adverse times and understanding that God has called us to obedient living because of the example that they show me daily.

I see beauty and care in how they present themselves, gifts and food. I appreciate that we serve a creator who is blessed with our sacrifices and offerings given from our hearts.

I will miss them greatly while I am away. I will remember the lessons that they have taught me and I will pray for God's blessing and continued guidance in each one of their lives.

Please pray with me for the following:
For blessing on the church in Lodz. That God would continue to transform people's lives for His kingdom.
That He would keep these beleivers safe and rested.
For our team's safety as they travel back to the U.S. on Saturday.
For my safety as I travel to Ukraine Saturday.

It has been a wonderful trip. There has been significant personal renewal as well having the opportunity to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Lodz, Poland.

As I continue to debreif from this experience, I will continue to post here. Thank you all so much for your prayers. We all appreciate your interest and concern. If you want to come to Poland so that you can experience some of what was blogged first hand, let me know!

polandmission.com
We had a great time at church on Sunday. It is always so amazing to worship God with people who live in a different part of the world than you do. It's pretty incredible to understnad that we serve a God who created the whole universe. Somehow, you understand that concept just a little bit better when you start to understand that all over the planet earth there are people serving and worshiping God.

Cheri has made many new friends. Particularly all of the Polish cooks. She talks about her grandparents meals that they made in the U.S. and has already gotten many tips and recipes to improve her own Polish cooking. She is known as Sarah's mom to everyone in the church.

I was asked to blog about the design of the Polish pews. It's great for the tall western visiters. Our legs can stretch out while sitting down. You can even walk through in front of someone sitting down instead of making a schene, which is pretty much what we have to do in the states because our pews are so close together. Nate is happy to have found a place where being 6'6" isn't quite as much of a bother.

Today we are working on staining and painting. We are very meticulous because we have a Polish inspector who checks all of our work (chef Pit).

Thank you for all of your prayers. Our trip has been refreshing both to our team members as well as the missionaries and pastors here. Please continue to pray for good conversations and that we would be a shining reflection of our creator.