Who...are YOU?

Hello again! I just need to comment on the title: I wrote/read it like the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland (the old cartoon). I have to be honest, not a huge fan of that movie, but for some reason when thinking of the title for this post, that's what came to mind.

So first off, Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! Whatever it is you celebrate this time of year, I hope that it will be a wonderful celebration filled with family, friends, and lots of love! I love this time of year, lights, music, family, delicious food... Most of all I love the uncontrollable sobbing that comes upon me when I think about Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus. Seriously, I'm not sure what's going on with me this year, but anytime I hear a song about how Jesus came down as a tiny little baby, or all the crap poor Mary had to go through (cause seriously guys, it was not easy for her...) I just want to burst into tears of joy and gratitude. I'm scared for the future, what if I'm pregnant, or just had a kid around this time of year? It's going to be horrendous! And if O come, O come Emmanuel comes on, forget it. It's done. I might literally drown in my own tears...

But I digress, I did not want to discuss my weepy Christmas issues here today. Much as I adore Christmas, and the beauty and wonder of it all, I want to shift gears here and talk about something else. I want to share with you a little bit of reflection. See, today marks a very important day. Today I've been back in the States for one year. Yes, it has been one year since I have been back from living in Marseille. I can't believe it! So, that being said, I need to talk about some things. I need to share a bit, because it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to (see what I did there?).

So here's the thing: When you get back from living overseas, your life changes. A Lot. Some of you are saying "Well, duh." most of those who said that, you've had experience in this area. Some of you said, "How? It was just a year..." oh good! Glad you asked! That's what this is about. I'm going to share a few key points as to how this experience changes your life, and how you, as someone who may not understand from experience, can be an understanding friend, sister, brother, mom, dad, etc. to someone you know who has experienced this. Understand that our identities have changed in a way, and as we're readjusting to life here, we're also readjusting to our roles, and who we are (hence the title of the blog!).

1. You lived in that country for one year, [Insert home country here]'s your real home. That was just a place you lived a while...

Okay, writing that statement was so hard for me. Anyway, here's why that thinking can really hurt someone who lived overseas (especially a missionary). When I was living in Marseille I invested so much in that place, in the people there. I loved it very deeply. I had to choose either to put down roots, or not. As a missionary, even though I knew I would only be there for a short while (one year and one month to be exact) I had to make a decision: either I would put some roots down, or I would stay aloof, and not be connected at all. So I chose roots. And while I do not regret it at all, not for a second, it was extremely painful to uproot myself from that place. It was my home, the people there had become family. My heart had grown very attached. So when people say things to me like "How can you miss [insert something French here] that much?" or "How can that feel like home? You lived in America your whole life!" it makes me sad. Because there is no way I can convey how I feel if you have not experienced it. 

So if someone says something like "I miss [insert country, tradition, cultural experience, etc. here]" Don't criticize them, just say something encouraging or supportive, like "I'm sure you do!" or "What about it do you miss?" or something, anything other than "You're American, in America, how can you miss that place? Get over it!" (This is an extreme example, but you get the point.)

2. Understand that if we talk about the country, language, people, etc. we're not trying to brag, once again, we probably genuinely miss it.

So it's hard for me to do this sometimes. I feel like I have to hold back when I miss something, or I get excited about something French, because I have gotten backlash from this. People thinking that I'm trying to brag about having lived in France. I'm not. And, while there are exceptions to this, most people aren't bragging, we just genuinely miss the place, people, singing in [insert language here], customs, etc. We are not better than you because we lived somewhere else, and most times, we don't think so. A lot of the time, this can be a hinderance for us to assimilate back into "normal" life, because this was such a big part of our lives, and who we are now, and if people are rejecting this part of us, we can often feel that all of us is being rejected. 

3. Speaking of assimilating back into "normal" life, this is a CHALLENGE. 

So be patient with us as we navigate it. For me it has been extremely difficult to reintegrate myself into my church. I almost feel like I don't know how to talk to people anymore. Because of the experiences I've had with sharing about my time overseas with certain people, I have become so shy. Which is so not me, if you know me at all. I've become shy because I'm afraid of people. And I know, this is something I need to work on, but when you've had people kind of look at you like you think you're better than them because you lived for a year as a missionary, in France no less, you become a little closed off. I went from being at a small church plant in Marseille, to Bethany (where almost everyone around you completely understands what you're going through) to a church with several hundred people, most of which whom I do not know anymore. It's been hard for me, and I'm trying to figure out healthy, good ways to reintegrate. So as we figure out ways to reintegrate, please be patient, and understand that this is not easy for us. Help us if you can, but pushing us, not such a good idea to be honest....

4. Finally, we are not the same people we were when we left.

As a missionary, and having one year on the field under my belt I can tell you this: I am a VERY different person from when I left for Marseille. I see the world differently now, I feel a part of two different cultures. I see the world through new eyes, and I have grown in my faith and my relationship with God so much! This doesn't mean that my life is easier, or my walk with Him is simple now, but this means it is deeper, and more a part of who I am than ever. I had to rely completely on Him in EVERY way. I also grew very close with my team, because I had to rely on them for a lot as well. Through living in a another culture, leaning on God completely, and learning to love others no matter what, I have changed so incredibly much. I don't even recognize myself anymore, and I really love it. Because I have changed for the better, I'm still me, and I'm in no way shape or form perfect, but I'm a better me than I was two years ago, and that makes me happy.

That being said, be understanding that the person you knew before may not be there anymore. That is not to say that your relationship with them has completely changed, or that all is lost. This means that you might have to get to know them a little bit again. They are still them, but a newer, better them. Take the time to understand where they are coming from, how life has changed for them, it'll be worth it.

Okay, so now that we've covered all those topics, here's my closing: be patient with us, and get to know us again. We've gleaned some wisdom from living in another culture (if we've spent our time at all wisely), we're different, but we're still us. Let us share a little bit about our experience, not because we're bragging, or because we're better than you, but if we're building a friendship with you, we want to share this part of our lives, because it's a vital part of who we've become, and because it's a part of us now. If we like you enough to share, that's saying a lot. Be understanding, be kind, and know that we're trying, hard as it can be fore us at times, we are trying.

So, have a Merry Christmas, have happy holidays together with your loved ones, and remember you are loved. God became a baby, who grew into a man that died and rose again for you whether you believe in Him or not, He believes in you. He loves you.

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

The Father's Heart in a Time of Crisis

Normally I don't write here in such a way, but this week I just want to again, address some of the things happening in the world, and the church's response to it.

Now here is my disclaimer: this is the first, and very possibly (depending on the future which only God knows) the last time I will be posting in any sort of political way in this blog. The reason I am doing so is that the Lord has been moving on my heart to do so, which is why I am writing this at almost one o'clock in the morning. And by saying this, I am not saying that what I say is gospel. But I do feel this is on God's heart, and it's actually something that has been on my heart since even before the attacks and subsequent division in America about the Syrian refugee crisis. So here it goes, and bear with me, whichever way you lean on this issue, please try to understand where this is coming from, and that this is a Christian post, so it won't be riddled with facts and statistics because it is not my aim to convince to you to join my side, but rather a challenge to think about this from a  different perspective, from a perspective of Christ. Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's dive in, shall we?

The Dangers...

So I figured we'd start with the obvious. The world was rocked once again, on Friday, October 13th when several attacks were carried out in Paris, killing 129 people, injuring over 300, and changing countless lives forever. My heart broke as the news reports came flooding in. I lived in France for over a year of my life. I had stayed in a little apartment just twenty minutes from Bataclan when I had visited Paris last year, I had friends in Marseille, a highly Muslim populated area. What would happen there? There are no words to describe how I felt. The people of this nation that I love so dearly were being terrorized. And I could only begin to imagine how they were feeling. It reminded me of how I felt when I was eleven years old, and the planes hit the towers in my native state of New York. I felt like that little girl again, confused, angry, grieved. While I was not deeply connected to the situation, I could empathize, I felt touched, even if it was just barely.

I share this because I want you to understand: While I may not have been directly effected by these horrible events, I was effected in some way. I was deeply saddened, and wanted retribution for these heinous acts. And as you can see my immediate thought was: what about my friends that live in a city surrounded by Muslims? Marseille has a population that is made up of close to, if not over 50% Muslims, from North Africa, the Middle East, etc. That was my gut reaction: will something happen there? But nothing did. Northing happened in Marseille.

Fast forward to now, our country is being divided: do we let in all of these refugees, where a terrorist could easily smuggle themselves in under the guise of being a refugee? What if there's another attack because we let them in? And again I have to admit that my initial reaction is: Ummmm..... NO! I mean this is stupid, how is this even an argument? We're going to put all our lives at risk so these people have a place to escape to? Why doesn't Saudi Arabia take them in? There's got to be other countries that are closer, and not my country that can take them in, surely! 

Now let me say this: this is a very valid argument. I understand, we don't want more bloodshed. We do not want another attack. I've heard both sides, that there is an excellent vetting and backing process for each refugee, and that that is a bunch of crap and there is no way to guarantee that each citizen that comes through is a "safe" person. So is this the right answer? Should we just leave it here, and be done. I mean let's be honest, all the vetting in the world still couldn't really weed out all the terrorists, could it? But that's most definitely not the end....

Stuff Christians Say...

I said this was a Christian article, didn't I? So I want to address Some things that I've been hearing: "Let's just turn the Middle East into a parking lot." "We should just kill them [Middle eastern Muslims] all."  Hm. 

That sounds super Christ like, right? Yeah, no. So we have this situation on our hands now: letting refugees get caught in all this crossfire, killed, tortured, mutilated, or offering them sanctuary. It would be simple except they're Muslim and could be hiding terrorists in their ranks. So would it just be easier to let them all die then? To let them starve, to let the children be abused, to let ISIS get to them and perform unspeakable horrors? 

"It would be easier if they were Christians, but they're not, so oh well." "Tough." "We're safe, they're not, it's the luck of the draw." "Sucks to be you." "Close the borders and let them figure this out on their own." "This is not my problem." we say as we sip over priced coffee from our ombre red Starbucks cups, which we're totally offended by, by the way. But whatever, we need our caffeine fix and Starbucks is everywhere. 

We sit in our comfy chairs in our big houses watching our flat screen tv with pictures from halfway around the world, and we're told one way or another how we should think. So we listen and accept like a spoon fed baby. Meanwhile these refugees are wondering where their next meal will come from, if they will be gunned down, if their children will survive the flight from their home. Their home. But this problem is just too great, there's too great a threat to our safety, so we don't think twice about it.

I don't say this to be overly critical, guys, I thought the same thing almost literally hours ago. I felt the same way. I didn't want to deal. I knew this was a rock and a hard place because I, among many Christians, do actually care about these people, but we also care about our safety, and the safety of our children. I get it! Really, I do. It is massively dangerous to open our land to so many people, some of which could be coming here with the intent to harm. But here's something else we need to think about....

What the Bible Says...

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. " (John 15:19-20 ESV)

Not what you thought I'd post, is it? I could post any number of verses on refugees, to care for foreigners, for those in need, and I might still include some at the end, but I want to talk about this for a little bit. See, the West has largely forgotten these verses. The persecuted are in Africa, the Middle east, the jungles of South America maybe, but not here not in America! But guess what, we are not exempt from persecution. Does this mean we want to be persecuted? No! Does this mean we want to let those who would persecute us through violence and fear waltz right through our front door? No! That's unwise. Haha, I anticipated that one too guys. I told you I've thought about this. A lot. But does that mean that we shut out the orphan and widow so that we can avoid persecution? Absolutely not.

Church we did not do our part and we are reaping what we've sewn. "Say what now?!" Here's what I'm saying: Missions has been largely neglected over the past several years. And there were very few who would be willing to set foot in the Middle East. I mean let's be honest, why would you trade in your Cadillac, white picket fence, living on a cul de sac with sparky and 2.5 kids, and a nine to five job for the desert and a possible beheading? Not many people would... Sure, let's go to church every Sunday. That works, but taking the gospel to the Muslims? Um, no. It isn't until recently (within the last ten or fifteen years) that this has begun to actually take off.

So now, because we did not, as a church, go to these people, who clearly desperately need to know Christ, they are strapping bombs to themselves, and shooting civilians in cafes and concert halls because they think that's how they'll get to heaven. They are terrorizing their own people because it's comply or die. The devil just waltzed right in there and wreaked havoc so fully on these people that we have become terrified to do exactly what God commands us to do: take care of the hurting, take care of those in need.

So here's how I see it: There is an entire mission field of people coming to the States. Instead of us going to them, they are coming to us. And yes, there might be a terrorist, or two, or five, or eighty, or one hundred mixed in there. But guess what? "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Those terrorists, they need Jesus just as much as you or I do. And what if, just imagine with me for a second here, we as a church gathered around these refugees, we gave time, effort, and whatever else we can give, to show them that they are loved. To show them Jesus. What if those terrorists see the love of Christ in us, and instead turn around and realize that what they are planning is evil? What if they get saved, turn around, return to these terror cells and share Christ with them? Oh church, how beautiful that would be. Now you may call me a dreamer (John Lenin reference intended), but here's something that you need to remember: the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. If that power can raise Christ from the dead, I think that power can change the heart of a terrorist, of five, ten, eighty, hundreds, thousands of terrorists.

Guys, Jesus came to bring us life, and these men will have to answer for what they do and have done before the judgement seat of Christ, but I have to be honest, I would rather see them come to know Christ, love Him, and share Him with others, than obliterated. And that is the power of Christ in me, because my flesh wants retribution, but my spirit wants more brothers in Christ worshiping alongside me for all eternity.

The Father's Heart...

So, I just want to share this last bit with you, on the Father's heart, hence the title of my blog post.

 I recently re-watched the movie Blood Diamond. It's a great movie on the conflict diamond trade and child soldiers. It's a double whammy, so bring the tissues.

Anyway, there is this scene towards the end of this movie, and if you don't like spoilers, then just skip over this part. Now I need to give this back bit before I continue: Solomon (our protagonist) has spent almost this entire movie searching for his family. He finds his wife and two daughters, but finds that Dia (his son) has been taken and made a child soldier, made to kill, steal, do drugs, etc. So Solomon sets off with Danny Archer (our amoral sidekick to the protagonist) to find Dia. Danny's in it because he's looking for a giant diamond Solomon buried in the hills at a diamond mining camp. After a series of events, including finding Dia again, and reuniting father and son, Danny, Solomon, and Dia end up in the hills, digging up this diamond. These soldiers, Danny knows, are going to kill Solomon, Dia, and Danny, and take the diamond for themselves. So before Solomon finds it, Danny kills the soldiers, Solomon digs up the diamond, and Danny calls Solomon's name with warning. Solomon looks up, and his own son, that he loves so dearly, is pointing a gun at him. He had spent all this time getting his son back, only to face this monster, that was threatening to kill him, his own father. But Solomon looks his son in the eye, he knows that the child is scared, and reacting from all the previous gunfire, and he says these words to him:

"Dia, What are you doing? Dia! Look at me, look at me. What are you doing? You are Dia Vendy, of the proud Mende tribe. You are a good boy who loves soccer and school. Your mother loves you so much. She waits by the fire making plantains, and red palm oil stew with your sister N'Yanda and the new baby. The cows wait for you. And Babu, the wild dog who minds no one but you. I know they made you do bad things, but you are not a bad boy. I am your father who loves you. And you will come home with me and be my son again." 

Now, just so you can get the full effect I'm going to insert the clip here: 

So why am I sharing this? Because we need to start humanizing people again*. This is God. He reminds us who we are. We have done bad things, some (not all) of these men that are training in these terrorist groups have been made to do bad things, just like Dia. But God loves them anyway. We have all been Dia, we have all been in a place where we were even trying to separate ourselves from God, but He reminded us who we are. God created us, He created them, with a purpose, with a plan. Sometimes we deviate from that plan, but we are still created by Him none the less. We are still loved by Him none the less. Jesus still died for us. We have got to remember that when taking into account all of these people, from the refugees to those terrorizing them: God knew us before we were formed in our mothers' wombs. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. Every life is precious.

*I am not saying we should not go to war, or try to stop terrorists, but if there ever is another way (and again, not saying there is) we should always try to find it, we should seek the way that gives the most opportunity for people to live, and have a chance to know Christ.

So Now What...?

I've given you more than enough to chew on. All I am asking, is not that you change your mind, or stance, but that you consider all sides. That you truly think about what Jesus would actually do. We all wore those bracelets a few years back, WWJD? Well I'm asking it now, and I really want you to think about your answer. Remember, Muslim is not synonymous with terrorist, and remember that every person should have a chance to hear the gospel, so far as we can give them that chance, we should do our best to. Food for thought is all this is, like I said in the beginning, I'm not throwing statistics, or highly researched facts around, I'm just thinking from a biblical perspective of things, and asking that you do too.

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

Is This Home?

Hi Everyone!

Sorry it's been a while... I've been going, going, going since I've been back! But now I've found a little bit of time to write, so I'll fill you all in on what life's been like back here in the States!

First though, I want to say thank you. Through all of your prayers, support, encouragement, and love I made it through internship! It would not have been possible without you, please know that in your heart of hearts, I am truly thankful for all that you have done to help me get to France! Lives were touched, friendships were made, and I have been forever changed. So thank you, from the very depths of my heart, thank you for answering the call to be part of my team.

Well, it's been a little over a month since I've been back. And it's surreal. After a lot of running around during break (New York, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, and finally Minnesota to return for my senior semester) I've been able to actually sit down and begin processing. It has not been easy. For a while there I couldn't even talk about France because I just wanted to cry. I missed it. I still do. I built a life there, made friends, learned a language, loved, laughed, cried, lived. And now, I'm back here, in a place that was once familiar, but seems so foreign to me now. The food tastes funny, everyone speaks English, and I'm supposed to just pick back up where I left off? No. This is a time for readjustment, this is a time to reflect back, close one chapter, and move forward with the next.

This is one thing I'm so thankful for here at Bethany, during senior semester, everyone on staff is so gentle with you! They know, they understand, and they don't push you too much. I love it! I feel like I have a safe place, with plenty of people to talk to, who understand what I'm going through. I can be open, honest, and just vent if I have to. This is very much needed during reentry, it is a fragile time in a person's life, and it is important to treat them with the respect and understanding they need.

As I reflect back to my time in France I can see all of the amazing, awesome things God did. He gave me a friendship that I will always cherish, He gave me a family in Marseille, He gave me direction, and a love that I will never lose. During my time in France my heart for Europeans has grown exponentially. I am in love with Europe. Not just because of the beautiful scenery, the languages, the accents, but because God has such a deep, deep love for the people there, and He has shared this love with me. I know that He has such wonderful plans for the people there. I also know the darkness, the hopeless oppression that the live under, and I desperately just want to love the people there. I want to be used by God to shine the light of His love in these dark places. It makes me sad to see how so many people in the church remain ignorant of the need there. It genuinely hurts my heart. I know now though, God has not forgotten them, He has not abandoned them, and He continues to send people like me to them, to remind them of, to show them Jesus. I am so excited for my future, and all of the wonderful things God has in store for me and Europe!

So that's just a little glimpse into my life back in the States. I miss France, I'm glad to be back though, and I'm excited for this summer when I can share with you all in person! Sending you lots of love from the frozen tundra (aka Minnesota)!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

My Year in a Blog....

This is the end of one journey. Words cannot describe how I feel, a blend of emotions, sentiments, thoughts, and dreams pour out of me. My life has been forever changed by the time I've spent this last year. I've fallen in love with this place, I've met people whom I will love long after I've left. I have poured out and received so much. I have grown beyond measure, and I have learned who I am. A chapter of my life is coming to a close, and while it is sad, and it is hard, it is also exciting to think about all that is to come.

Marseille is a special and beautiful place. It is an ancient city, full of so many different kinds of people it would be impossible to count. There is art, architecture, history, science, and just plain beauty. This city has been my home for the past year, and while I sometimes struggled to embrace that, it has embraced me. I have met people that have encouraged and loved me when I needed it most. I have a family here, I made a home here. While many in Europe might think badly of this place, I think most highly of it, and I feel honored to have lived here even for a short time.

Most importantly I have received so much from the Lord in this year. He has grown me in so many ways. He has shown me so much of Himself, including how He loves me, and how He loves others. I have learned to see as He does, to listen to His voice, and the be unafraid to follow His instruction. He has given me strength to carry on when I didn't think I could. His love has given me hope and a purpose. He has guided me, and led me, and by His grace I have been able to follow. It is only in and through Him that I have not only been able to remain here, but to grow and flourish here. My heart has been completely captivated by Him, and I want nothing more than to continue serving Him, loving Him, and following Him for the rest of my life.

So in this holiday season, in this closing chapter, I need to say thank you. Thank you for your support and prayers. Thank you for every encouraging, kind word you have shared. Thank you for your love. Also take this time to be encouraged. The Lord can use any and every season to grow us, and often times we don't realize how much we've grown until we reach the end of it. Take difficult times to fall into His arms, to draw closer, and in the end you will see that you have grown exponentially. It's the hardest times that we grow the most. His desire is to know, and be known to us. Seek His face, draw closer.

Blessings, Love, and a Merry Christmas,

Chrissy

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...

Hello all!

Well, it's December 1st. I'm leaving for the States in exactly two weeks.... I can't believe it! Really, I can't, it hasn't hit me that I'm leaving France so soon. I keep saying it, wondering if it will hit me. But it doesn't. I'm excited to see many of you soon! But I'm also sad to leave behind those that I have grown to love and cherish so dearly...

The month of November has been an interesting one. I spent the first part of this month in Belfast (See last blog post), and it seems as though it's been one event after another since then. Claire's family came to visit, I was glad to be able to see them before they left since they arrived while I was gone. Last week I was able to reconnect with one of my dearest friends here. We hadn't seen each other for so long because of busy schedules, but we were finally able to make time for each other and catch up with each other. This week was Thanksgiving, and what a lovely Thanksgiving it was! I was able to cook the turkey, which to be honest, I loved! It was a fun job! Everyone involved, the new interns, our team, and Sarah and Cece all pitched in, and everything that everyone made was completely delicious! It was a little taste of home for all of us I think. It was a time of thankfulness, and sharing our lives together. I was also able to meet, and connect with a young woman who is new to Evolution 13. I am so excited that I'm able to make this connection, even if it is right before I leave. We both had seen each other a few times, but didn't really know each other. Then one Sunday at church, during and intense and beautiful time of worship, we ended up praying for each other. The Lord used that moment in such a big way, we both had words for each other, and in a way, it brought a deep connection between us. I'm excited to be hanging out with her this evening!

Now, it's December 1st. Two more weeks, then I'll be heading back to life in America. But I will not be the same. I have been changed by my time here, in so many ways. The Lord has grown and changed me, making me more like the woman He has called me to be. I have been touched by each person I have had the privilege to know here. I have come to know a little bit about other cultures, not just French, but German, South African, Gabonese, North African, just to name a few. Many of these people in my life here have become family, they are relationships that I cherish, and pray will continue even after I leave. I cannot describe how I've changed, and I do not know how deeply leaving here will affect me, but I do know that I am not the same person you knew when I left. My eyes and my heart have been opened. I cannot wait to share, in person, with you, all that I've learned. Be blessed!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

The End is Near....

It's the end of October... I only have about a month and a half left here in France. It's bizarre! I can't believe that it's almost time for me to go home. The new interns arrived last week, and it's been such a joy having Kate and Cassie here! It's given a bit of a fresh perspective, and a new light on life here. It has become so normal living here, so seeing it through their eyes has been quite refreshing!

I leave for Ireland on Wednesday to learn more about church planting. I'm so excited to be able to experience this, and learn more from the people I'll be working with. I'll be writing a special post next month after I get back to let you know how it all went, and share what I learned!

This month has been a bit of a whirlwind. Since Jenny, our dear friend from Florida, had to go back to the States for a bit, I've been heading up children't ministry, working under Cece. It's been so great! I really love doing lesson planning, and working with the kids. I feel like I've really found something that my heart really enjoys, and I think it's because it's so similar to what the Lord has called me to do with my life. I feel so blessed, and so privileged to work with these children, and I have so much love for each of them. Grayling and Sandra have also arrived (yay!!!) If I haven't mentioned them before here's a little background: They were missionaries in France for twenty-five years, then went back to the States for a while, and Grayling was working on Bethany campus. I was able to meet him and Sandra there, and they've been support raising to come back here. Praise the Lord, they're here! It's so nice to have them here with us, and to be able to hear their perspectives on things here, and hear their hearts for the people here. They are truly a blessing to have around!

Now a little bit of reflection on my time here. I have changed since living here. I've begun to really think about when first arriving and how I am now, and while at the core of myself I am still me, I have been changed by my time here. I have experienced life in such a different way, met some of the most interesting and wonderful people, and had my eyes opened to a totally different culture. My faith has been challenged and tested, the Lord has walked with me through all of it. I have learned more about life, love, sadness, and joy. I have made friends that I will keep for the rest of my life, and met strangers that have changed my view on life in one single moment. My heart is all at once saddened and elated at the prospect of going home. There is no way to really describe this on a deep level to someone who has not experienced this for themselves, but I can try. I love this place, and I love the people here, the ones I've met, and the ones that I've just talked to in passing. I pray that I've been as much of an impact on them as they have been on me.

So here we are. On the edge of a new season. It's scary, but exciting all at the same time. I pray that I will be able too see you all, my supporters, my friends, who have stuck with me through this whole process. I am excited to share, in more detail all of my experience here. I am blessed by your support, by your prayers, by your love. You have been as much part of this as I have. So thank you, and I hope to see you all soon!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

KidsGames...

Bonjour Tout le Monde!!

Hope all is well with you! I wanted to take this particular blog post to share about a very special opportunity I had last week! I was invited to to go to Geneva, Switzerland to work at a day camp for kids called KidsGames! It was an incredible week full of challenges, laughter, and Jesus! So in this post, I will be sharing with you about this incredible experience.

First off, I have to say in the midst of the week and a half I spent with these kids, I would not have said it was incredible. I would probably have said it was awful, miserable, and I wanted to leave. Why? Well it was an incredibly challenging time for me. My language skills were really put to the test, being as most of the kids in my group didn't speak English, the coach (or counselor as we would call them in America) I was working with spoke almost no English... in fact most of the people I was working with didn't speak English. We were with them from morning until night, completely surrounded by French. It was EXHAUSTING! So I have to admit, that while I was going through it, I didn't always have the best attitude. But looking back on it, I am so glad I did it! My language has improved, my fear of speaking French is pretty much gone, and the Lord moved this week in such incredible ways I feel completely blessed to have been there to see and experience it! So now, let's have a run down of a typical day, then I'll share some cool stories!

A typical day began with waking up around 7:15 or 7:30. We'd go eat breakfast, then stand outside in front of our team flag (mine was equipe 17! Woot woot!!) and wait for the kids to arrive. Then around 9:30 or so we'd head into the huge tent where all group activities were held. There would be singing, storytelling, announcements, etc., then snack, mid morning activity, lunch, then afternoon activities which could consist of tchukball (a very fun game to watch, but hard to explain in the written word!), kinball(another fun but hard to explain game!), stilts, planting herbs, making flower arrangements, or slacklining. In the evening, around 5:30 or 6 the kids would head home, and we'd have a debrief meeting. After that was dinner, then "tent time" where we would have worship, prayer, and sharing from guest speakers. It was an incredible time that the Lord used to speak to all of us, and really move on the hearts of the young people we were working with. See, most of the coaches we were working with were no older than 18, and a large percentage of them were not saved either. So it was cool to see how the Lord would move in the morning, with the kids, then in the evening with the teens!

So, story! There's one that I really want to share. It really blessed me, and I hope it blesses you as well. There was a little boy in my group. He was the youngest and smallest. He was sweet, but a little wild. He had blond hair, glasses, and a big smile. He was just so precious, and loved to talk! One morning we had a time for the kids to come forward and talk with some of the spiritual leaders that were in leadership over the camp. They could ask questions, or pray with them if they like (Many of the children were not coming from Christian homes). So this little boy, Florian, went to the front. He went and talked with Alex, a man who had become a good friend of mine during the week. I watched as Florian spoke with Alex, and Alex prayed for Florian. Florian began to cry, softly, and prayed as well. I didn't know if I should go up and help, and when Alex had moved on to working with another child, but Florian stayed there, tears silently falling down his small ruddy cheeks, I went up. I tried to talk to him, but Alex stopped me, "No," he said to me, "He's having a moment with the Lord." So I nodded silently and just held little Florian's hand in mine. I prayed, that Jesus would move in this child's life, that He would continue to move on Florian's heart. After a few minutes I was pulled away to pray with a girl who only spoke English. I was blessed to be able to pray with her, and tell her that she could talk to Jesus whenever she wanted, because He was always with her. After I was done praying with her, we had snack time. I went outside with my group, and Florian was sitting in the grass quietly, a small smile on his face. I smiled at him, and picked him up. "How are you?" I asked him, but he didn't reply. "Are you okay?" I asked, and still he didn't answer. This was strange, he was usually very talkative. Suddenly he laid his head on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "God is in me." I smiled, "Really?" I replied softly. He nodded, "Yes." and I said, "That's true. He's in me too." he lifted his head, looked at me, smiled, and nodded. I smiled back and twirled him around. My heart was so lifted by this moment, knowing that even if I couldn't communicate perfectly, and I couldn't be the perfect coach, the Lord could still use me.


So I think I've regaled you long enough with stories of camp, and how difficult and wonderful it was! I wouldn't have traded this experience for the world (even the cold that came after)! I loved being able to meet so many amazing people, and work with some pretty incredible kids. My heart was so blessed during this week, and I am truly fortunate to have been able to go!

Okay, so just a quick update on newsworthy things! Only four more months of internship! WOW! Time has flown by! I am excited, but sad all at the same time! The end of September my mom is coming to visit, which I am completely excited for! The end of October I am making plans for a survey trip to Belfast, Ireland! This is a trip to learn more about church planting, get ideas for how church planting works in a different context, etc. I am really excited for this trip, and can't wait to head over there, learn more about what God's doing, and how I can use what I learn there back here in Marseille. After that trip I'll be coming back to get ready to head back to the states on December 15th! So time is flying, but hopefully not too fast! Thank you all for your continued love, prayer, and support! It means the world to me!

Blessings and Love,
Chrissy

Florian and I!

Kinball

Shenanigans! 

Thcukball

Flower Arrangements!

Equipe 17!

The Power of Prayer

Salut Tout le Monde!

I apologize for not having written in a while, things have been a bit hectic lately! So this month I really wanted to touch on a subject that's very important to me, and I think that it's very important for all missionaries: Prayer. It is really important that not only are we cultivating a strong, healthy prayer life, but also that our supporters are also supporting us with prayer. This is something that I've been thinking a lot about lately because I have definitely have been experiencing some difficulties lately, and I thought it would be a good idea to discuss prayer specifically this month.

I know, some of you may not believe in these things, or may have differing theological views on what I'm going to be saying here, but I'm going to say it anyway. We may differ on some views, but we are all part of the body of Christ, so bear with me. I believe that in being here in France, as a missionary, trying to share Jesus, and love others as He has called me to I am in the middle of a battleground. While Jesus is the light, that shines through me, there is a darkness that we are fighting here. The powers and principalities of this world that Paul talks about in Ephesians 6 are at war with what we are trying to do here. That being said, they are none to happy with us being here, and are going to try attacking us in any way they can. This is one of the reasons it is important for me to be spending time with Jesus, reading God's word, and cultivating a deep relationship with Him, so I can fight back the enemy. But there is another aspect to this. This is where you come in, and why I'm sharing on this subject with you, I need my family and friends to be coming alongside me in prayer. There is power in numbers, we know this in a physical battle, and the same goes in a spiritual battle as well. Sure, I can fight my enemies alone, or even with just the people on my team here, but how much stronger are we when we're fighting together, from all over the world? Much, much stronger.

Now here is thing: this past month has been one of the hardest yet. I've felt attacked spiritually, and it's been extremely hard to get back on my feet. I've been doing my best to fight, and ask others to fight alongside me, but now I'm asking you. Please, please, commit to praying for me. Commit to praying for our team. commit to praying for what God is doing in Marseille. I have seen so much progression here, people getting baptized, and starting a new, deep relationship with the Lord, people in leadership classes, learning all they can about sharing their faith with others in an effective, loving way with those around them. People have been healed, freed, and I've been able to deepen my relationships with people, even helping to disciple others. God is moving in a big way here, and the darkness that is here, does not like it. At all. So the darkness has been pushing back, and I have been feeling it. So once again, I ask, please continue to pray, to intercede for us. You are our family on the other side of the world, you are standing with us against the darkness in this place. You are just as vital and important to this team as I am. I love you all very much, and appreciate all your support so far. Thank you, and remember, you are part of my team, I love and appreciate you more than you know!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

The Start of a Movement: Part 2....

Hello All!

I'm sorry it's been so long! I've been quite busy since returning from my break. I wanted to continue updating you as well as share what's been going on these past few weeks!

So I left off telling a bit about the conference in Ales. It was truly a lovely time in a small town about two hours north of Marseille. We were able to attend this conference, a gathering of believers all throughout France, met to discuss the miraculous and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a time of inspiration for me, to see so many believers gathered together to celebrate the power of God. The Lord spoke very deeply to my heart during this time, telling me so many incredible things. I know that the Lord is really moving in this country, and there is a revival coming that will bring the healing power and love of Christ to a nation so desperate for a God they don't know they need. i am so excited to be a part of this time to come. France is being talked about all over the Christian world. Seeing so many who are sold out for Him in such a big way at this conference was truly amazing. Worship was so beautiful, the presence of the Holy Spirit was felt, and it was incredibly refreshing for me.

Shortly after the conference we headed out for our two week break. First we headed to London, and we were able to visit our friends from the London team. It was so fun to be able to take a break, relax, and just be! We went sightseeing quite a bit, and were able to experience the beauty and history that London had to offer us. We also sampled some British cuisine during our stay. It was delicious! in the middle of our time there we went up to York to visit our friend, Annie. She works at the YWAM base in York, so we were able to stay there with her, which was such a blessing! Our time in York was very relaxing, a time to just pause, and breathe. I really enjoyed our time there, and while we were there we had an interesting conversation, and while we were sharing with some people about what we're doing in France, one woman shared with us: France had recently come up at a conference she had been at. That the Lord would start a revival in Europe right here, in France. It blessed my heart to hear yet another conformation in the coming revival here. The Lord is doing something big here, and even though we can't see all of it in the natural right now, I believe the Lord is working in a big way in the supernatural here in France. Please continue to join me in praying for the softening of hearts, the breaking of strongholds, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit here in France.

After our stay in York we returned to London for a few days before heading off to Paris. We did quite a bit of sightseeing there as well. Upon returning to France I felt more confident in my language abilities. It was very encouraging for me to realize this. I was really excited to actually be aware of the progress I have made, since I had begun to really wonder if I had been making progress.

Since returning to Marseille I feel as though I've been quite busy! Since Sarah was here by herself, she began to really build relationships with the people we have mostly been acquaintances with, so I've been able to hang out with them more as well. This has really helped with my progress in language, as well as deepening the connections I have here. I've also been growing closer with one of the local girls here. She has really become a dear friend to me, and I am so thankful every day for her friendship. I love her very much, and really enjoy spending time hanging out with her, sharing with her, and talking about the Lord with her.

So that is pretty much where I'm at now! We are heading on a retreat tomorrow with our Global Internship Leaders, Paul and Amy. I'm excited to spend this time away, just getting to debrief, and really reflect on life here. Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement! I really appreciate all you do! Please continue joining me in prayer for this nation. Your prayers for our team, and for the people of the nation of France are truly appreciated!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

The Start of a Movement: Part 1.....

Bonjour Tout Le Monde!

Well these past two weeks have been quite busy! At the beginning of the month we had a team from London in town to help us jump start some new ministries as well as be an encouragement to us, and help out in any way that was needed. Man they were such a blessing to us! Then this past weekend we went to a bill Johnson conference a few hours north of here, in Ales, which was an incredible conference! SO since there's so much to share, I'll be doing this in two parts: first, the London team, and all of the incredible things God did during their time here, then a second part about the conference we went to this past weekend. The second part will come in about two weeks (After my two week break for which I will be traveling to the UK and Paris! Courtesy of my lovely tax return!) So here we go!

Well, the London team arrived on a Saturday evening, and we met them that evening at a special dinner. The next day was the first church service for Matt's new church plant. It was such a great service! The Spirit of God was moving, and it was an incredible thing to witness! It definitely got me really excited for the coming week!

So Monday we hit the ground running! After an amazing time of prayer and worship we went to the train station across the street from one of the big universities here in Marseille. We were handing out flyers for the new English conversation groups we were starting as well as doing "God tests" where basically you do a survey to see what people believe while also sharing what you believe. It was incredible, and heart breaking to hear some of the answers that I heard. Every one of the students I spoke with were Atheists, with no belief, no strong hope in anything really. It broke my heart to see the lack of purpose in their lives. We also spoke to a young man who had an intestinal disorder and was told he would only live to be forty, so we laid hands on him and prayed for healing. While he didn't believe in what we were doing, he still allowed us to do this, and I truly believe that the Lord has healed him.

Over the course of the next two days we did the same things, handing out flyers for the conversation groups, handing out chocolate with little messages written on them, and doing God tests. Some of us had some pretty amazing conversations, that's for sure! Then Wednesday we had the first English conversation group. We got to meet some pretty amazing ladies who we are still getting to know in our weekly meetings. I am truly happy and excited about the friendships forming through these conversation groups we have!

On Wednesday afternoon, and the next few days (The last few days the London team was here) we went to Cour Julien, the more artistic area of Marseille, and did some praise and worship there. It was amazing just singing at the top of our lungs worship to God, and seeing people gathering around us, attracted to the music. During this time Thea was also able to help lead a woman to the Lord! It was a beautiful thing to see. My heart was so full of all that God was doing. We have seen the fruits of it since, especially in the building of friendships through our English conversation groups. I cannot wait to see what God does during these times, but He is definitely doing something through all of this, as of course none of these meetings were by chance or by accident.

I am thankful for all that God is doing, as He is moving, and teaching me. He is showing me more and more, every day, that He has me here for a reason. He really loves the people here in this city and in this country. He is starting something here, and I feel blessed to be part of it! I will definitely share some more of that when I write about the conference we went to in Ales! So stay tuned!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

Parlant and Other Difficult Things....

Well, it's been about two weeks that we've been here! I'm beginning to get out of my "mission trip" haze and realize that, I'm not going home for a while.... It's a strange feeling, especially when I've been going on mission trips for the past three years, most of which last two weeks. It's about now we'd be heading home, but obviously, that isn't happening. So I'm working on settling in, getting used to life here, and understanding my surroundings. Needless to say it's not always easy.

We started language classes last week! It's been a fun and challenging experience so far... The word parler (to speak) being one of those challenges as well. It's a difficult word to say, and in many ways my frustration with trying to say it (properly in French, where pronunciation is key!) is embodied by the word itself: to speak. I cannot speak here! Not French anyway. And for those of you who have not been in this sort of situation, trying to learn a foreign language whilst in said foreign country, let me tell you, it is INCREDIBLY frustrating! Simple things become nearly impossible because, well, you can't say what you want to say, and you can't understand the other person when they are trying to talk to you.... You feel like a child again, constantly looking around for help (even when everyone you're with is in the same boat...), and feel quite helpless at times because help cannot be found. But in all of this I am also realizing how reliant I need to be on the Lord. Sure, I can learn a language, but if I am trusting the Lord to help me do it, I will be that much more proficient at it.

The longer we are here, the more I can see my own struggles. It's a daily battle not to take things personally, or start picking at myself for offhanded comments others make. It's interesting how when we are put in situations such as this, and things we barely struggled with before become magnified. I know the Lord is bringing these things into the light so that they can be worked through, with Him. I'm a sensitive person, but man has it been amplified this past week! The Lord is definitely working on this area of my life with me. It's not easy, these things never are, but it's so worth it!

We are continuing in ministry here with Matt and Christy, working with them at Evolution 13, a meeting held every Wednesday night for college age adults. It's been great being able to spend time with local Christians our age, worship with them, and see where their hearts are. I am excited to continue working with Matt and Christy as we continue doing outreaches, and have more ministry opportunities with them! Seeing how things are growing and changing here in Marseille is making me really excited for what the Lord has in store!

Thank you for all your prayers and support! The Lord is doing amazing things here, and I am excited to continue sharing them with you!!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

It's Time to Begin....

Our little team: Me, Claire, Linda, and Christine

Well, after all that we've been through, it pleases me to say: I made it! I'm here in Marseille! PRAISE JESUS!!!!!! I have been here a week now, and what a week! Where do I even start? I suppose the beginning would be a good place....

At Notre Dame de la Garde: Linda, Me, Christine, Claire, Elodie, and Ania

Well, this time last week, maybe a bit earlier than this, I boarded a plane with Claire and Linda to fly from Minneapolis to D.C. where we would meet Christine. It was one of the scariest, and most wonderful moments of my life. I knew that stepping onto that plane there would be no going back. I knew that once I got in the air I was saying good-bye to the familiar, to the comfortable, to my old self, and saying hello to uncomfortable, confused, and a brand new person. So I took a deep breath, prayed a quick prayer, and took that step.

Our little group touring the city!

And as the plane was landing in Marseille tears filled my eyes. Because as we flew low over the beautiful landscape, I remembered a promise whispered many months ago, a promise made by a God who never fails to keep the promises He makes: "You will return, this place will one day be your home." and now this promise, that seemed almost impossible when it had been spoken, was being fulfilled. And so, I stepped off the plane, and entered the city that would be my home.

It's been a wonderful week since then. I've done things like learning more about the public transportation system here, get a metro pass, done a bit of sightseeing, met new friends from all over the world, gone out exploring with just my teammates, bought bread (in French! Which indeed felt like an accomplishment since I have not started language learning classes yet!), gone grocery shopping, and many, many other exciting experiences! I have enjoyed my time here thus far, and I have definitely seen evidence of the Lord moving here in this place. Last night we were able to go out and do ministry with Matt, our missionary contact here who we will be doing much of our ministry with. We went to a high traffic area and did worship, prayer, free hugs, and just had conversations with passersby. I watched in utter joy as our French contacts went out and fearlessly spoke with people who stopped to see who we were. They asked questions, listened, and shared their testimonies with people who were interested to hear. I felt so much joy singing at the top of my lungs in the street about the goodness of my God, knowing that even though people may not understand me, I was able to worship and intercede for those that were having wonderful, meaningful conversations with others. It was a beautiful experience for me, and a great way to kick off my ministry experience here in Marseille. 

Christine and I at Palais de Longchamp!

So, to all of you at home, THANK YOU! Your prayers and continued support have been a blessing to me, and gotten me here! God is moving here, and I am excited to keep you all updated on what goes on. My heart is full of new promises from the Lord, which makes me even more excited about what is happening in Marseille! Please continue to keep my team and me in your prayers, as I'm sure that if God is moving, satan will be doing all he can to block what the Lord is doing, but as we know, our God is GREATER than any obstacle the enemy can use. So stay tuned for upcoming news about my adventures here, I'm looking forward to having you along for this adventure!

                                                     Blessings and Love,

The lovely Palais de Longchamp

Chrissy

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                       Claire and I on the very windy day we toured the city!

On the escalator down to the Metro! 

It's Time to Begin...

Hello all! So this is going to be a mostly informative blog. Things have been pretty crazy around here because we're getting ready to leave! I've been trying to spend time with friends before I go which has been fun, yet sad. So here is all the information! I am at 100% for my funding! Praise God! My plane ticket was bought, and I leave on November 8th at 12:30 PM for Marseille. Claire, Christine and I are the three young ladies that will be going, which we are all excited about! We have started our Bible study class, studying the book of Philippians, which has been SO great! The Lord has definitely been using what we're learning in class to teach me lessons that are applicable outside of class.

Please continue to pray for us in these last few days in the states. We are all going to have a hard time with good-byes, packing, and getting last minute things together. I am excited to share with all of you about Marseille, and what life is looking like when we get there! It still doesn't quite seem real yet, but in some ways it does feel very real.

Thank you all for all of your support in getting me here! I could not have gotten this far without your prayers and financial support! I thank God for all of you, and please remember that I would always love to hear from you, and pray for you all specifically if you wanted to share prayer requests with me, please feel free! I love you all very dearly, and once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your support! Stay tuned, because my next post will be written from France!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

Waiting Patiently....

Hello everyone! My sincerest apologies for not writing sooner! It's been a hectic month, and things have been pretty crazy! I'll start with news: 1. I got my visa! Which was super exciting! Claire also received her visa later that week, after a very interesting trip to Chicago (which included some delicious deep dish pizza!). 2. I am about 76% funded! Yay! I still need about $900 for set up, and $600 in monthly pledges. 3. I was approached by a new friend, Candy, who is helping me do a candle fundraiser to raise the rest of the money I need! It's such a great and exciting opportunity! If you're interested in helping me financially (and getting a little something extra in return!) Please check out the link at the bottom of this page! 4. My team has shrunk DRASTICALLY! We are now down to three team members: Christine, Claire, and me! I am excited to share this experience with these two wonderful women! 5. My classmates that were headed to Kenya had a huge change in plans, and will now be joining with out Thailand team! That was a big, but exciting change for many friends of mine! Please keep them all in prayer as well! That is all for the news updates!

So, what is God teaching me in this season? PATIENCE! It is definitely a lesson the Lord is constantly teaching me! It is an area in my life that I have had to grow in quite a bit, so I am continuing to grow in this area now, through this process. The Thailand team has their plane tickets bought, and will be leaving in about two weeks. I am SO excited for them! Our France team is still waiting to buy plane tickets. There are a few logistical things being worked out still, as well as Christine and I needing to fundriase a bit more. It's hard. Hard when you want to leave, you want to go out, and share the gospel, learn a new language, and start ministering overseas. But we're having to wait. And pray. And wait. While it feels like there are constant obstacles in our way, and we are barely inching forward, I am having to be content, and stay joyful. It's hard! But the Lord is always speaking to my heart, reminding me that while it feels like I'm not in the right place, I am right where He wants me to be. That while I feel like I'm stuck in limbo, I'm not. I'm right where I should be. And when I stop trying to see far beyond my sight, take a second, and look around, I realize all that I have right here in front of me. I have been so blessed by my friends that surround me here in Minnesota, people I thought I wouldn't see again until after I got back from internship are able to hang out with me a few times a week. I am able to share in the celebrations, the trials, the joy, and the sadness that they are experiencing. Able to be there for them, and with them. And more importantly, the Lord is teaching me to learn from them, to glean wisdom from them, and love on them while I can. I am blessed to be in a place where I am able to spend time with Jesus. To slow down, and take time to let Him speak to me. To read His word when everything isn't making sense, or I am frustrated beyond belief. And most importantly, He is teaching me all about patience in the times when we're ready to jump out of the gate, but the gate just isn't opening yet. I am also learning to be patient with the people around me, to learn that not everyone thinks the same way that I do. It's a hard lesson to learn.

So be encouraged! If God has you in a place that feels like a waiting room, you aren't the only one! Trust that He has a plan for the time He has you there. Learn from the people He has around you, and never write anyone off as someone you can't learn from, they might be teaching you the biggest lesson of all!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy


P.S. Here is the link for my fundraiser (mentioned at the beginning of the post!): https://www.facebook.com/events/554631631276534/

As Summer Ends and Autumn Falls....

Well hello again everyone! I'm sorry for the delay in writing, things have been pretty hectic! I am now back in Minnesota, living on campus until we leave for internship. I was able to apply for my visa before I left Florida, which was an interesting experience to say the least... But still a fun little adventure to take! I am pretty sure that I got it, although I can't say that officially yet, at least not until I have it in my hands.

To update you on finances, I am doing incredibly well! I am so excited to see what God does to bring in the rest of the money! I am currently at about 70%, maybe more. I have pretty much all of my set up, pending a few donations, so that takes care of $12,500 of my budget, praise God! As far as my monthly, I currently have $1,100 of it pledged! At this point I still need $700 pledged monthly for thirteen months. That's it! Isn't that wonderful? I'm so excited to see what happens with this last little bit that I need! I figure if I can get 28 people to give $25 a month for thirteen months, everything will be taken care of, so we'll see what happens!

I was able to take a road trip with my best friend Claire to North Dakota last weekend, for our friends' wedding. Manny and Ranee had a celebration of their union in Ranee's hometown of Elgin. It was gorgeous! I never knew North Dakota could be that beautiful! It was such a special time, being friends with both Manny and Ranee, and being able to celebrate with them, I was beyond happy to be there! I love them both very much, and I'm so excited to see what god does in and through them on this journey of their lives! Claire and I also enjoyed our time getting there, and getting back. Things explored were the world's biggest cow, Salem Sue, and the world's biggest buffalo, Dakota Thunder, as well as Frontier Village, or and we can't forget the French Gratitude train car we came across in Bismark! Needles to say, we had a great time! It was such a blessing to spend so much time with some pretty amazing people, who love Jesus with all their hearts!

Well it's starting to cool off here in Minnesota, it's still warm, but not hot. It's so strange to be back here, almost like a dream. There's plenty of new faces, and not so many familiar ones, but I'm excited to get to know some of these new faces! Campus is so lovely this time of year. Almost like a living picture. It's funny, to see everything around me changing, and I feel like I'm waiting to jump into the water, to start this new season in my life. But God has me waiting here, for now, and I know I will do plenty of growing, and searching while I'm here. It's a beautiful time, to reflect, and look forward all at the same time.

So stay tuned for what God is doing! I'm sure it'll continue to be an exciting ride!

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

The Heart and Soul...

Hello friends and family! Thank you all for your continued support! First to start off I want to praise God for His faithfulness and unfailing love! I am blessed to serve such and amazing and awesome God! He sends encouragement when I need it most!

So to keep you all updated on fundraising, here is where I'm at: For one time donations I've got about $10,500! Which means that I still need roughly $3,000 still. This is very exciting for me, because I'm almost done with fundraising for one time donations! I'm so much closer to my goal! Now for monthly I'm still sitting at $800, so I still need monthly pledges of $1,000. At this point I am asking that if you are thinking of supporting me financially, please consider a monthly pledge! Every little bit helps, even if it's only $10, it adds up over the 13 months and brings me closer to my goal! Thank you to all who are praying for me, and supporting me, it does not go unnoticed, and is appreciated more than you know!


So this week has been a week of loving encouragement from the Lord. And I really want to share this with you, because He has also brought me back to the heart and soul of the work He is doing in me, and the work that He has called me to.

Early this week I was challenged, by my sister, to really examine what I was doing. And I really took it to the Lord, because honestly I've been so focused on my goals, I haven't stopped to think about what I am giving up and sacrificing by answering the call to be a missionary. I saw before me a life, that I could choose if I wanted to, a life that was simple, and comfortable, and beautiful. A life that was cozy, and lovely. And I wept, because it was a life that I would never know. But then I saw the life I was choosing, and in my heart I felt such a powerful warmth, knowing that I was not wasting my life, or ignoring its purpose. I was answering the call that had been placed on my life, to be a mother to orphans, to show women the strength and beauty that they could only see when looking at themselves through God's eyes. And I wept in pure joy and excitement for what my future held.

Now, I am not trying to say that if you are not doing what I'm doing your life has no meaning. Please, do not think that is what I am saying at all. We are all called to a different purpose. Mothers that raise their children, whether that's while holding down another job as a single mom, or being a stay at home mom that homeschools her children, are just as important to the kingdom of God as I am. We all play a part, and have a purpose in the kingdom of heaven. Moms and dads alike are raising up a generation of believers! Bravo and hats off to you all because you are fulfilling your purpose right there! But my purpose is different. I do feel called to be a wife and mother, but not just a mother to my children, but to children without families. and I am so incredibly excited to do so!

That being said, I began to ask God for help. To get to that place, to go on internship, and begin down the road of being a missionary. And man did He help me! He sent me so much encouragement this week I am blown away! I was able to meet with Tim and Heather Williams, who are very excited to hear what God is doing in and through me, and in this ministry to Marseille! And I was just so incredibly blessed and encouraged by them, and their enthusiasm! They are such a wonderful couple, and I couldn't begin to thank them enough for their encouragement and support, so I pray many blessings over them and their beautiful family!

Then today, I was so blessed in meeting with Pastor Violet. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement. And I truly began to catch the vision once again of my mission: love. This is not a mission to hurt people, tear them down, or cause anger and strife. I am on a mission to love people, to show them how Christ has loved me. To witness in love, and speak in love to them. It is not a message of hate, or an argument of my God is better than yours, but rather a message of hope, and of love. Now, in saying this, do not confuse love with tolerance of anything and everything, and do not confuse hate with speaking up when something is wrong. I would not be a very good mother if I did not grab my child up as he wandered off into the street, would I? Now he might get upset about it, but once he sees why it was dangerous he knows I did it out of love, to protect him from being hit by a car. It all comes from a heart full of love.

So, thank you, to everyone who has encouraged me this week! Thank you all for being so faithful to God, and His purposes and promises for your lives! Keep pushing on, set aside those things that could have been, and look at the possibilities of what God has for you, I promise you they are so much better than you can begin to imagine!

Love and Blessings,

Chrissy

Pressure of the Ticking Clock

Hello all! Well just to give a quick update: I am currently at about 57% of my funds raised! Yay! This is SO great! But I still have a little ways to go. To put things into money terms here's how it looks: In my one time set up donations I have $9,000 which means that I still need $5,000 towards one time donations. For my monthly pledges I have $800, which means that I still need $1,000 in monthly pledges. Our budget has also been revised since there are less people going now, so my monthly has increased about $100. Prayers and support are highly encouraged and appreciated!

Thank you all for what you have done to help. I am starting to prepare for departure to Minnesota. In other news, our departure date has been pushed back to October 15th. So I will be living on campus until we leave. I will be leaving Florida for Minnesota on August 30th, just in time to make it to the wedding of some very dear friends of mine on September 1st! I am very excited, and happy to be able to stay on campus, and see people I haven't been able to say good bye to before I leave.

I am so excited to be heading to Marseille to do ministry, and learn, and grow. It almost seems unreal because it isn't super close yet, but I know once it's upon me I'll be getting even more excited! I can't wait to see what the Lord does, and how He'll work in this time I'll be spending in France.

Please continue to pray for preparedness, and finances to come in! i appreciate all the support you have already provided! Thank you.

Blessings and Love,

Chrissy

Remember Who You Are...

Hello all! Well I keep on trekking through fundraising! I'm close to 40% now which is GREAT! But I'm still needing some more funds, majorly in my monthly giving. To give you a better picture of where I'm at, in my one time giving I still need about $7,500; in my monthly I still need $1,400 in monthly pledges. So, if you're reading this, and thinking that you would like to give, please feel free to contact me, or go ahead and check out the "Ways to Give" tab up at the top of this page! I'm really excited to be closer to my goal, and I pray that someone who reads this will be able to bring me even closer! To all those that have already supported, THANK YOU! You have done so much for me in giving towards my internship!

So this past week I watched The Lion King, one of my all time FAVORITE Disney movies! I love that movie a lot. One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Simba sees his father, Mufasa in the clouds, and Mufasa says to him: "Simba you have forgotten me." Simba replies: "No, how could I?" then Mufasa tells him: "You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba you are more than what you have become..." so Simba asks: "How can I go back?" and Mufasa tells him: "Remember who you are. You are my son, and the one true king. Remember...who you are.... Remember." and Mufasa fades out. Well if you've seen the Lion King, you know that Simba does go back, to challenge his uncle, and take his place as king of Pride Rock. You also know that it took the urging of his lady lion, Nala, AND the strange, albeit wise shenanigans of Rafiki and finally this interaction with his father's ghost to get him to return.


I always tear up during this scene, because it reminds me so much of our interactions with our heavenly Father. So often we veer off the path he has set us on because we are afraid of letting past decisions, and the fear of others to stop us. Simba felt he couldn't go back because Scar had convinced him it was his fault that Mufasa had died, and Simba feared that all the other lions in the pride would feel the same, that if it hadn't been for Simba, Mufasa would still be alive. I know I have this problem more often than I care to admit. I know that sometimes I'm afraid to walk out in the calling on my life because of my past, and what others will think of me. But God reminds me, in the same way Mufasa reminded Simba, to remember who I am. I am his daughter, and a princess. I am royalty. I should not be afraid to do what He tells me to, I should not fear the outcome of different situations, because I am a daughter of the King, and this King is ruler over ALL things! He KNOWS what will happen when I step out and walk out in the calling over my life, to follow the destiny that has been prepared for me.

So you need to remember this. Remember who you are. Do not ignore your calling, your destiny  because you are afraid of the shadows of your past. God has forgiven you all of your sins, and you are spotless and new. You have a calling on your life, and it is time. Time to answer the call, to follow God's leading, and walk down the road you were destined to walk. It may be dark, and perilous, the night is dark and full of terror, but guess what? The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, is walking beside you! He will not let you fall, He will guide you through the valley of the shadow of death, and you will not fear, because He is with you. So jump, and trust that He will catch you. Go back, challenge the devil for the land he has taken, and take your rightful place of royalty.


“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 7:9-11


Love and Blessings,

Chrissy