WOW! what a night! We all gathered at Bonnie and Jeff's house tonight for dinner and packing. It worked out great - everyone brought food over and while it was cooking - the rest of packed suitcases. Their living room was full of supplies and i am amazed at what we packed. Each person can bring 2 suitcases at 50# each (in addition to a personal item & carry on) - so, everyone's 2nd suitcase is full of supplies. Each suitcase was packed, weighed and inventoried. We inventoried them so we knew if we had the correct supplies needed from the list and if a suitcase got lost - then we can report what is in it with a value. Brooke and I quickly checked over the list that CCTC was trying to gather and it looks like we got pretty much all the necessities and all that will fit! See - why worry!!! God will take care of everything - He does provide!!!
Our families were all invited to the dinner tonight, which was nice for them to be able to meet the rest of the team from Spokane. Since, my VBS planning is pretty much done - i'm sure my emotions will start getting the best of me as i now start to pack my own personal suitcase and realize that i will be leaving my precious family for 2 weeks. Please pray for them (and me) while i am gone - i am so thankful that i am married to my bestfriend who is willing to allow me to go on this trip. We pretty much have a schedule figured out for help - and i am so thankful for that.
During the rest of the meeting, we double checked our passports, visas and airline tickets. I was thrilled to learn that i was issued a "multiple" entry visa - which means when I return in the next 6 months for our daughter, that i won't have to pay for another visa!
Our Airline flights are:
Leave PSC at 9:30am on Nov.1 to Seattle - where we meet up with the rest of the team.
Leave Seattle at 2:00pm to Beijing (nonstop)- arrive in Beijing at 4:35pm on Nov.2
Return at 4:50pm on Nov.15 to Seattle (nonstop)at 11:20am on Nov. 15
Return to PSC at 7:25pm
We also went over all of the plans for VBS - i will post those in the next few days...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Preschool Help
I am really excited! PHF called me last night (after exchanging a few emails...) to talk about how i could possibly help them with training their preschool teachers while i am there!! I just am really excited to be able to help. They said that last summer a special ed teacher came to help train the teachers there on behavior management, assessment, lesson plans, curriculum, sensory learning and center time. So, i guess that they have tons of stuff but they are having a hard time implementing it. I am hoping that in the short time that i am there that i will be able to show them what "circle time" should look like with songs, music, stories etc... Right now they have circle time for 1 hr.!! Can you even imagine 2 1/2 - 4yr. olds sitting for that long doing teacher directed learning (such as: holding a picture or letter and having them repeat after you.) I can't wait to get there and have some fun!! I guess they do "the calendar" but all teacher directed - and not child interactive at all. Playtime for the last hr. sounds like it might be interesting - the teachers do not know how to play or facilitate learning play with the kids so from what i understand - not too much productive learning through play is taking place.
I can't wait to go and try to help - please pray for clear direction on specifically what i should focus on in the short amount of time that i will have there.
I can't wait to go and try to help - please pray for clear direction on specifically what i should focus on in the short amount of time that i will have there.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
CAR WASH!!
Update: Well... i'm thinking that it wasn't totally God's will for us to have a car wash yesterday but we were still blessed!!! It started out that Albertson's had mistakenly double booked us with another fundraiser but theirs was a little different than ours... So, we decided to stay because we had told so many people that we'd be there and if anyone came to help we wanted to be there like we said that we would:) But, no one really showed up to help - but, if anyone that we knew stopped by they ended up being roped in to help us -hehehe:) (Thanks to the Damrell's and Lance's parents whom we roped in - they were great sports!:)) So, after 3 hrs. of Taylor and myself washing cars (Lance was on the street holding signs with Hayleigh)- my back just couldn't do it anymore - i must be getting old and out of shape! But we did raise $$ for VBS supplies, which was an awesome blessing! Thank you to all that stopped by for a car washing!!! Just know that your $ will be blessing a child in China with VBS supplies.We are having a Car Wash on Saturday, October 18th from 10-3:00 at the Albertson’s Express on Clearwater by donations. All proceeds will benefit the China Mission Trip team.
If you’d like to help – come on over!
If you’d like your car washed – stop on by!
Or spread the word and let others know:)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Humbled...
WOW! I am truly humbled and amazed at the wonderful serving hearts of the people at our church. They are awesome!
Last night was the "opening night" of the Uncle Phil's Diner dinner theatre and it was fantastic! The amount of people involved for this production is amazing! They have rehearsed and planned sooo much this past 6 weeks that it just fills my heart up to think of what they are doing for our team. The cast and kitchen crew are just wonderful giving and hard working people it is sooo awesome! We served at least 140 people last night and are planning on more for tonight! I am hoping to take some pictures tonight to post - so check back for an update:)
Last night was the "opening night" of the Uncle Phil's Diner dinner theatre and it was fantastic! The amount of people involved for this production is amazing! They have rehearsed and planned sooo much this past 6 weeks that it just fills my heart up to think of what they are doing for our team. The cast and kitchen crew are just wonderful giving and hard working people it is sooo awesome! We served at least 140 people last night and are planning on more for tonight! I am hoping to take some pictures tonight to post - so check back for an update:)
The Cast...
Brooke (she's going to China with me)...
Bonnie (is going to China with me:))...
Damon (is going to China too!)
We also have a China Mission Trip information table there with "wishing stars" for items that are on our supply list - i noticed that a few of them are gone:) we will have it out tonight and at church on Sunday too. We are hoping to get all of our supplies by next Sunday as we will be meeting to pack next weekend - YIKES - we are getting closer!!! I can't believe it!
ps. We all have our Visa's now and should be set to go!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Questions & Answers...
I really got a "kick" out of this email from Steve yesterday - i thought that i'd share it ...
OK--really this is just answers to most of the questions that I have heard from our team and previous teams--
1. You get two suitcases, 1 carry on, and a personal item.
2. The max weight of a suitcase is 50 pounds
3. yes it's a long flight
4. yes you should exchange your money at the Beijing airport for a better rate.
5. it's up to you but I would bring a minimum of $250 for personal spending
6. The $2174 does cover all costs except souvenirs
7. I haven't heard from Leah about commuting or Kaifeng
8. Try to get supplies donated and not spend your own money.
9. the flight is nonstop from Seattle to Beijing
10. It's an airbus 330 so it has tvs in the facing seat
11. get to the airport 2 1/2 hours early since it's an international flight
12. yes you will get your tickets and passports when the PPs are sent back to me
13. I still have no news about mine and Judy's
14. yes we will all ride the same bus from Beijing airport to Phf
15. it's about 1 hour to PHF
16. yes you will be tired
17. yes the rooms are clean and nice
18. yes they have western toilets at PHF
19. No, you can't flush your toilet paper
20. yes it's awkward for all of us
21. no, I don't know the best technique for disposal, but you'll figure it out
22. yes you get water bottles each day
23. no, you can't drink from the tap or the sewage canal. You can but shouldn't
24. yes your heart will be changed
25. yes, I get scared too meeting people that I don't speak their language
26. yes, there will be food you like
27. no you won't go hungry
28. no I don't know what projects we will be assinged to do yet
29. no, KFC is not just like ours in the states
30. yes Andrew is leading music
31. No I haven't heard him sing
32. I don't know, his wife says he's good.
33. It's up to you what time you get up in the morning.
34. yes, we start morning devotion at 8:00 AM
35. no, lunch is not always good.
36. yes, dinner is always good.
37. I don't know. Last time they had chocolate and strawberry pop tarts.
38. yes, they have a phone and calling cards there.
39. yes they have internet and wi-fi
40. yes, you have to be careful about what you write.
41. no, I don't know any swear words in Chinese but I do know that "missionary" is one for our team
42. yes, I really do think it will be one of the greatest things you will ever do in your lifetime!
OK--really this is just answers to most of the questions that I have heard from our team and previous teams--
1. You get two suitcases, 1 carry on, and a personal item.
2. The max weight of a suitcase is 50 pounds
3. yes it's a long flight
4. yes you should exchange your money at the Beijing airport for a better rate.
5. it's up to you but I would bring a minimum of $250 for personal spending
6. The $2174 does cover all costs except souvenirs
7. I haven't heard from Leah about commuting or Kaifeng
8. Try to get supplies donated and not spend your own money.
9. the flight is nonstop from Seattle to Beijing
10. It's an airbus 330 so it has tvs in the facing seat
11. get to the airport 2 1/2 hours early since it's an international flight
12. yes you will get your tickets and passports when the PPs are sent back to me
13. I still have no news about mine and Judy's
14. yes we will all ride the same bus from Beijing airport to Phf
15. it's about 1 hour to PHF
16. yes you will be tired
17. yes the rooms are clean and nice
18. yes they have western toilets at PHF
19. No, you can't flush your toilet paper
20. yes it's awkward for all of us
21. no, I don't know the best technique for disposal, but you'll figure it out
22. yes you get water bottles each day
23. no, you can't drink from the tap or the sewage canal. You can but shouldn't
24. yes your heart will be changed
25. yes, I get scared too meeting people that I don't speak their language
26. yes, there will be food you like
27. no you won't go hungry
28. no I don't know what projects we will be assinged to do yet
29. no, KFC is not just like ours in the states
30. yes Andrew is leading music
31. No I haven't heard him sing
32. I don't know, his wife says he's good.
33. It's up to you what time you get up in the morning.
34. yes, we start morning devotion at 8:00 AM
35. no, lunch is not always good.
36. yes, dinner is always good.
37. I don't know. Last time they had chocolate and strawberry pop tarts.
38. yes, they have a phone and calling cards there.
39. yes they have internet and wi-fi
40. yes, you have to be careful about what you write.
41. no, I don't know any swear words in Chinese but I do know that "missionary" is one for our team
42. yes, I really do think it will be one of the greatest things you will ever do in your lifetime!
Monday, October 6, 2008
FAITH...
I just love how the Lord speaks. I have been praying about how I am going to finish paying for my trip. I still have a good amount to raise and have been wondering how i should do it. It seems that we haven't had too many tickets sales for our big fundraiser of the Dinner Theatre and that started to but some "thoughts" into my head - like "i hope we are able to raise enough to help cover costs of travel" and then to finish buying supplies. Lance and i did reserve the Albertson's Express on Clearwater to do a car wash on Oct. 18th if we feel that we need it. But, i'd like not to have to do that b/c across the street Taylor's hockeyteam will be selling popcorn stuff and i'd like to help with that too:) So, i have been praying and praying about $ and what verses did i wake up to this morning!! :)
In my devotion this is what I read:
"Cause by faith to continue to grow, O Lord" 2 Cor. 10:15
"Lord, please help me to be like Abraham who, by faith, when called to got o a place he would later recieve as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" Heb. 11:8
In my Bible i happened to be at 2 Timothy 1:1 - the whole chapter is an encouragement to be faithful!!!
So, i am yet again reminded about having faith! I just love that!!!
In my devotion this is what I read:
"Cause by faith to continue to grow, O Lord" 2 Cor. 10:15
"Lord, please help me to be like Abraham who, by faith, when called to got o a place he would later recieve as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" Heb. 11:8
In my Bible i happened to be at 2 Timothy 1:1 - the whole chapter is an encouragement to be faithful!!!
So, i am yet again reminded about having faith! I just love that!!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
September 29th Mission Trip Meeting
Well... there was a meeting last Sunday but i didn't go - i was kind of amazed that i didn't go. Usually when i make a committment to do something, i make sure that i do everything that is asked of me and juggle everything else around to see to it that i do it (does that make sense?) Anyway, i had planned on going right up until 5 minutes before it was time to leave but things were just happening to where i felt that God was telling me to slllloooowwww down and stay home with your family. SO I DID!! And i was so glad that i did:) when i called to tell Steve that i wasn't going to make it, Taylor was in the car with me and after i hung up, he turned to me and said "so mom, does that mean that your not going to miss my hockey game? - oh -good" right then, i knew that i had made the right decision! it was worth it!!
It doesn't sound like i missed too much. Several others weren't able to make either... There are several people that are feeling a spiritual attack - i've been aware of this possibility, so i've been praying for that. Usually when Satan knows that you are doing something awesome for the Kindgom of God that he will try to bring you down! so please pray for the team against that. They talked about the dinner theatre fundraiser - it is going to be our main fundraiser and right now ticket sales are down so we are hoping that many are just waiting until the last miniute to get their tickets:) And, the price of our trip has gone up a bit - it was supposed to be $1900 and since we only have 15 people (not enough for the group airplane rate) it has gone up to $2174. So, it looks like we'll be needing to raise more money than expected... We are still unsure about going to Keifang orphanage - we need at least 5 people to go and it will cost an additional $250 per person. We are trying to get some specifics on the trip or to figure out where and what else we can do - i really want to work more at an orphanage while we are there - possibly we can help John at Harmony Outreach.
I am busy finalizing VBS plans. I purchased a great curriculum from CEF and it has some great ideas that we will be using. I will have to post more about that later...
But i also wanted to share some more praises:
1. Vista Family Health gave me more meds - penicillin!!!! and more albuterol (which will be great! the air quality is aweful over there - we may need it too!!)
2. I called Carol Bush at CEF and she has some extra curriculum that i can take with me to give to John at Hamony (he had asked if we could bring some over for him to use)
3. I emailed PHF yesterday to find out what kind of supplies they have there to use for my VBS - like a sensory table and butcher paper etc..and told her that i taught preschool here and that i am trying to do some of those types of things as activities for our VBS. She was really excited and said that sensory activities is what their kids are lacking the most -which must be why i have had that sooo much on my mind from the beginning! And she asked if i could help train their preschool teachers while i am there! I am thrilled that i will be able to help!!! so stay tuned for details:):) that's all that i know so far!
It doesn't sound like i missed too much. Several others weren't able to make either... There are several people that are feeling a spiritual attack - i've been aware of this possibility, so i've been praying for that. Usually when Satan knows that you are doing something awesome for the Kindgom of God that he will try to bring you down! so please pray for the team against that. They talked about the dinner theatre fundraiser - it is going to be our main fundraiser and right now ticket sales are down so we are hoping that many are just waiting until the last miniute to get their tickets:) And, the price of our trip has gone up a bit - it was supposed to be $1900 and since we only have 15 people (not enough for the group airplane rate) it has gone up to $2174. So, it looks like we'll be needing to raise more money than expected... We are still unsure about going to Keifang orphanage - we need at least 5 people to go and it will cost an additional $250 per person. We are trying to get some specifics on the trip or to figure out where and what else we can do - i really want to work more at an orphanage while we are there - possibly we can help John at Harmony Outreach.
I am busy finalizing VBS plans. I purchased a great curriculum from CEF and it has some great ideas that we will be using. I will have to post more about that later...
But i also wanted to share some more praises:
1. Vista Family Health gave me more meds - penicillin!!!! and more albuterol (which will be great! the air quality is aweful over there - we may need it too!!)
2. I called Carol Bush at CEF and she has some extra curriculum that i can take with me to give to John at Hamony (he had asked if we could bring some over for him to use)
3. I emailed PHF yesterday to find out what kind of supplies they have there to use for my VBS - like a sensory table and butcher paper etc..and told her that i taught preschool here and that i am trying to do some of those types of things as activities for our VBS. She was really excited and said that sensory activities is what their kids are lacking the most -which must be why i have had that sooo much on my mind from the beginning! And she asked if i could help train their preschool teachers while i am there! I am thrilled that i will be able to help!!! so stay tuned for details:):) that's all that i know so far!
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