Posts
Today is December 13th. DECEMBER 13TH! Santa Claus is at Walgreens (yes, Santa goes to Walgreens. Twice this year, actually!), I just returned from Christmas shopping, and my car radio is set on Christmas music stations. I know it's December 13th, and I know Christmas is less than two weeks away. I'm just not sure HOW we got to this point.
The last month has been a whirlwind of Romanian, Walgreens, teaching...and a brief break from all of that to spend time with family and friends at Thanksgiving. Which was wonderful. I remembered how fun it can be to have a social life! :-) Now, Romanian is done (my final was on Monday), my weeks teaching in youth are over for now, and yes indeed the wonders of working retail at Christmas are setting in. Would you believe this is my 7th Christmas in retail? I have decided that whoever wrote that this is "the most wonderful time of the year" apparently never had finals and obviously NEVER worked in retail. My old roommate, in an attempt to avoid working on her own final projects, researched this and discovered that it is indeed true.
In the middle of all that craziness, I've needed the reminder of why we celebrate this season. I've KNOWN it my whole life, but how easily I forget. How many people out shopping today understand that the reason we celebrate this holiday has nothing to do with huge TVs or new DVDs? It has nothing to do with those, but has everything to do with our Heavenly Father loving us enough to give His Son. It has everything to do with God becoming man, being born as a baby, with the realization that ultimately He would die for the sins of those who He has called to be His children. We celebrate Christmas to remember that, but I've lost the awe. I've forgotten how WONDERFUL that is. I've forgotten that this season truly is worth celebrating. Think about it! "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us"! Why? Because the plan of His Father, from ages past, was to save His people from their sins. In spite of ourselves, He loves us. Wow. Yes, this season truly IS worth celebrating.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
So what's happened in the last couple of weeks? Not much, really. The big news is that I DO have a meeting set up with a church in January, which is great...but so far, that's it. I know my timing is horrible, with the economy and the holidays quickly approaching. As my mother just said, it's not promising. I'm not sure what's next, what I should DO next, or if I even have time to do it! So at least right now I feel like I'm just sitting and waiting and trying to decide...what's next. God's waiting room, so to speak. Can you tell I was just reading about Joseph? :)
I've also decided not to take another quarter of Romanian. This quarter has been good and helpful, but I at least have a start now, I have all the books, and I can keep working on it myself. Ah, the benefits of having been homeschooled...knowing how to discipline yourself to learn! :-) Plus, it will save me some money, which is always nice, AND give me more free time...in theory! So I have another month or so, and then I'll be done with my "formal" Romanian training until I'm actually in Bucharest!
In all the craziness of the last 10ish days (my Grandma is in the hospital, my cell phone is dead, my car is dying, and the election results were, in many areas, not what I would have chosen), I've been reminded that the same God that I trust to be in control of MY life is all in control of all of history and of the lives of the people I love.
I've also decided not to take another quarter of Romanian. This quarter has been good and helpful, but I at least have a start now, I have all the books, and I can keep working on it myself. Ah, the benefits of having been homeschooled...knowing how to discipline yourself to learn! :-) Plus, it will save me some money, which is always nice, AND give me more free time...in theory! So I have another month or so, and then I'll be done with my "formal" Romanian training until I'm actually in Bucharest!
In all the craziness of the last 10ish days (my Grandma is in the hospital, my cell phone is dead, my car is dying, and the election results were, in many areas, not what I would have chosen), I've been reminded that the same God that I trust to be in control of MY life is all in control of all of history and of the lives of the people I love.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A Day Off From Jesus
I've been saying I needed a day off. Just one day where I didn't have to be anywhere, and could do something fun...like go shopping, as I mentioned. Well guess what! I got it! Kind of. Not how I would have expected, but as I've told several people, I think the circumstances were God's way of telling me to take a break. There was an accident on the freeway, and I couldn't make it to class on time, so instead of stressing about it, I decided to enjoy it. And I did indeed. I went shopping. And had lunch at Chipotle. And I made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. What a great day! So if you were praying that God would give me a chance to relax or something like that...He did indeed, and I'm so thankful! I actually woke up this morning feeling rested emotionally AND physically. So thank you friends. And thank You, Lord...for hearing and answering even "little" prayers.
Monday, October 20, 2008
So...October 19th....
Can someone please tell me how in the world it is already October 19th???
It has been almost a month since "school" started, and with my new schedule, time absolutely flies. I think I've at least gotten used to the new schedule, which isn't to say I'm really crazy about it, but at least I've figured out how it works. I do have enough time to get it all done, and (minus this blog...) I've managed to stay on top of things fairly well, for which I'm thankful! My biggest frustration is I that don't have much free time to do "fun" things (like shop-I need nice, winter skirts and such and haven't had time to shop!) or stay in touch with friends here and all over the world. I think I'm more emotionally exhausted than anything else. It can be hard to have no time to talk to anyone for days. But only for a season.
Romanian is going well! Thank you all for praying. Languages are definitely still really hard for me, but I'm thankful to have a head start! I got a 97% on my first test (quite a difference between Moody grading and OSU grading, I'm finding!), and I generally UNDERSTAND most of what's going on. As is the case with learning any language, though, it is harder for me to figure out how to say things, and especially pronounce things. I keep thinking "I don't know that my mouth can do that!", but the sounds are slowly becoming less foreign to my lips, and I can see that I AM making progress. Which is encouraging.
As far as the support raising goes, I gave my presentation at my church a few weeks ago, and they voted to support me for 15% which is a HUGE encouragement! That brings my support level to (about) 30%! I've also called and talked with several pastors (TERRIFYING!!!) and my father has talked to others. We've sent lots of letters to lots of churches, so now...we wait, and then call again. Most churches are booked through the beginning of the year. Please keep praying that God would give me supporting churches that are excited about what God's doing in Romania and willing to support me both financially and in prayer.
Closing thoughts: I was talking to a friend tonight who is in "full-time ministry". He was sharing how he spends his days studying to teach, getting lessons ready, and then teaching throughout the week. I was so jealous! It was a good reminder, though, that this really, truly, is what I want to do, what I love to do, what God has called and gifted me to do. And that really WILL be my life one of these days. In God's time.
It has been almost a month since "school" started, and with my new schedule, time absolutely flies. I think I've at least gotten used to the new schedule, which isn't to say I'm really crazy about it, but at least I've figured out how it works. I do have enough time to get it all done, and (minus this blog...) I've managed to stay on top of things fairly well, for which I'm thankful! My biggest frustration is I that don't have much free time to do "fun" things (like shop-I need nice, winter skirts and such and haven't had time to shop!) or stay in touch with friends here and all over the world. I think I'm more emotionally exhausted than anything else. It can be hard to have no time to talk to anyone for days. But only for a season.
Romanian is going well! Thank you all for praying. Languages are definitely still really hard for me, but I'm thankful to have a head start! I got a 97% on my first test (quite a difference between Moody grading and OSU grading, I'm finding!), and I generally UNDERSTAND most of what's going on. As is the case with learning any language, though, it is harder for me to figure out how to say things, and especially pronounce things. I keep thinking "I don't know that my mouth can do that!", but the sounds are slowly becoming less foreign to my lips, and I can see that I AM making progress. Which is encouraging.
As far as the support raising goes, I gave my presentation at my church a few weeks ago, and they voted to support me for 15% which is a HUGE encouragement! That brings my support level to (about) 30%! I've also called and talked with several pastors (TERRIFYING!!!) and my father has talked to others. We've sent lots of letters to lots of churches, so now...we wait, and then call again. Most churches are booked through the beginning of the year. Please keep praying that God would give me supporting churches that are excited about what God's doing in Romania and willing to support me both financially and in prayer.
Closing thoughts: I was talking to a friend tonight who is in "full-time ministry". He was sharing how he spends his days studying to teach, getting lessons ready, and then teaching throughout the week. I was so jealous! It was a good reminder, though, that this really, truly, is what I want to do, what I love to do, what God has called and gifted me to do. And that really WILL be my life one of these days. In God's time.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Only For A Season
Well, after doing half a week of this school thing I think I might be entirely crazy to think that I can balance all of the things in my life right now. What's even crazier is that I was sitting in church this morning listening to announcements thinking, "I can do that! Maybe I should do that!" to several different ministries that need help. NO! I CANNOT take on anything else. There, I said it. Anyhow, as I've been reminded, this is LIFE, life is busy, and still somehow, this is only a season of my life. Here's hoping that the next season involves less Walgreens...
Romanian is going well, I think. I managed to get everything I needed on Wednesday (student ID, parking permit, books) and I also figured out how to get on a bus and get to class on time without much confusion! I have to say, I miss Moody, where "running across campus" meant running across the plaza. Now, it involves buses. Weird. I also had to stop expecting my professor to pray at the beginning of class. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I spent four years at Moody, so it is just kind of ingrained in me. BUT, I think it will be good. Part of the reason I wanted to do this is because I needed to have the adventure of doing all this ON MY OWN, somewhere where they speak English, before I have to have adventures on my own in Romania. It really is helpful in developing both my sense of direction and my self confidence! Oh, yeah...and the learning Romanian thing is probably good, too! :-) I have my first test next Friday. WHAT?!? TEST?!? I thought I was done with that...Groan...
Another "groan" would be Walgreens. I am REALLY struggling to have a good attitude about being there lately. I find myself ready for another vacation, which isn't good...because I don't have any vacation days left! :-) I would really appreciate your prayers. There are just days that are really long and frustrating, and I have to admit, I'm not very Christ-like on those days. It is a hard neighborhood to work in, with hard people to love, and some days I just can't do it...at least on my own. So please pray for me; that I'd be Jesus at Walgreens. I'm not even a very good version of "Kristie" most days, I'm afraid!
"Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living, just because He lives."
Ahhh....re-focusing...There we go.
Blessings, friends.
Romanian is going well, I think. I managed to get everything I needed on Wednesday (student ID, parking permit, books) and I also figured out how to get on a bus and get to class on time without much confusion! I have to say, I miss Moody, where "running across campus" meant running across the plaza. Now, it involves buses. Weird. I also had to stop expecting my professor to pray at the beginning of class. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I spent four years at Moody, so it is just kind of ingrained in me. BUT, I think it will be good. Part of the reason I wanted to do this is because I needed to have the adventure of doing all this ON MY OWN, somewhere where they speak English, before I have to have adventures on my own in Romania. It really is helpful in developing both my sense of direction and my self confidence! Oh, yeah...and the learning Romanian thing is probably good, too! :-) I have my first test next Friday. WHAT?!? TEST?!? I thought I was done with that...Groan...
Another "groan" would be Walgreens. I am REALLY struggling to have a good attitude about being there lately. I find myself ready for another vacation, which isn't good...because I don't have any vacation days left! :-) I would really appreciate your prayers. There are just days that are really long and frustrating, and I have to admit, I'm not very Christ-like on those days. It is a hard neighborhood to work in, with hard people to love, and some days I just can't do it...at least on my own. So please pray for me; that I'd be Jesus at Walgreens. I'm not even a very good version of "Kristie" most days, I'm afraid!
"Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living, just because He lives."
Ahhh....re-focusing...There we go.
Blessings, friends.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I'm In!
Just a quick update to you let you know that I was able to get on my OSU account today and saw that Romanian was added to my scheduled today! That means I'm off the waiting list and in the class!! Yay! My school bill is paid now and everything. Thank you to those of you who prayed! :-)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Still Alive!
Yes I AM still alive! For those of you who thought that I (a) wasn't, or (b) dropped off the face of the earth, or (c) hated you all and decided never to blog again, I can assure you, none of those are true! It has just been a crazy few weeks (do I say that every time I update? I think I do!) and we lost power for several days, thanks to Ike. That's a whole OTHER story, but in the end it all worked out fine. I'm still surprised that Ike managed to make it all the way to Ohio! Definitely makes me more sympathetic to those in Texas.
The "missionary" stuff is beginning to take off! I sang and gave a testimony this morning at a women's meeting (I still haven't managed to do something like this without crying. Maybe someday!), and my prayer cards came yesterday! I have 1000 now, which looks like a whole lot more in person than on paper, let me tell you. Pretty exciting stuff! Next on the list is putting together a presentation and display so that I can begin setting up meetings at churches. I'll do my very first presentation at Immanuel (my home church) in two weeks on Oct. 5, which is coming quickly.
Also coming quickly is my Romanian class! In theory I start at OSU on Wednesday, but as far as I know I'm still #2 on the waiting list. I say "as far as I know", because in classic Kristie style, I've gotten lost in technology somehow and can't actually figure out how to sign on to OSU's student website, so I can't check my position. I'll call and talk to someone on Monday. Regardless, I plan to show up for class on Wednesday and ask the professor to sign me in. Please pray that God makes the professor sympathetic toward me. Once THAT gets figured out I'll have to run all over campus to get an ID, buy a parking permit and eventually pay my school bill BUT none of that can happen until I'm officially a student. So there's a lot up in the air right now and I think God is once again teaching me to go with the flow and be flexible. Which seems to be a continuing theme in my life. Hmm...
Also, one last reminder that if you'd like to be on my updated prayer list, please email me at: kabernathy@abwe.cc
Eventually I'll send out email updates. But right now my list consists of two people, sooo.... :-)
Blessings, friends!
The "missionary" stuff is beginning to take off! I sang and gave a testimony this morning at a women's meeting (I still haven't managed to do something like this without crying. Maybe someday!), and my prayer cards came yesterday! I have 1000 now, which looks like a whole lot more in person than on paper, let me tell you. Pretty exciting stuff! Next on the list is putting together a presentation and display so that I can begin setting up meetings at churches. I'll do my very first presentation at Immanuel (my home church) in two weeks on Oct. 5, which is coming quickly.
Also coming quickly is my Romanian class! In theory I start at OSU on Wednesday, but as far as I know I'm still #2 on the waiting list. I say "as far as I know", because in classic Kristie style, I've gotten lost in technology somehow and can't actually figure out how to sign on to OSU's student website, so I can't check my position. I'll call and talk to someone on Monday. Regardless, I plan to show up for class on Wednesday and ask the professor to sign me in. Please pray that God makes the professor sympathetic toward me. Once THAT gets figured out I'll have to run all over campus to get an ID, buy a parking permit and eventually pay my school bill BUT none of that can happen until I'm officially a student. So there's a lot up in the air right now and I think God is once again teaching me to go with the flow and be flexible. Which seems to be a continuing theme in my life. Hmm...
Also, one last reminder that if you'd like to be on my updated prayer list, please email me at: kabernathy@abwe.cc
Eventually I'll send out email updates. But right now my list consists of two people, sooo.... :-)
Blessings, friends!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Road Trip!
I'm home again!
I was gone for about eight days on what I jokingly referred to as my "Goodbye Tour". The whole thought process behind this trip is a long story, and it didn't quite work out as originally planned, BUT it was a wonderful trip. I spent time in Indianapolis, Beloit, Chicago, and Bloomingdale, and got to see many friends. God was really gracious is giving me special time with many people I love dearly, and probably won't see for a while! It was a really relaxing trip, despite all the driving, because I was with people who know me well so I was able to just be myself. And the icing on the cake was that I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my favorite couples last Saturday. What a special trip it was! Thanks to those of you who prayed for me during my time away.
I also really enjoyed the freedom of being on this trip by myself. It was FUN just to have time on my own and be able to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. I was kind of surprised by how much I liked it...but I really did!
So I returned and hit the ground running. Last night was the first night of Youth (I'm a youth leader this year) which is always exciting. Then today, I had an appointment with my advisor at OSU, where I am now officially enrolled! Well, sorta. I'm on the waiting list for Romanian 101. I'd appreciate your prayers about THAT! My advisor thinks I should just go to class and ask the professor to sign me in on the first day of class (Sept. 24) and seems to think that will be a good possibility. Still, I'm a little concerned, especially since I've kind of rearranged my life around taking this class. I have to admit, though, it IS kind of weird to be back in school again and having to talk about school bills, parking permits and student IDs. I'm torn between being excited and...not! :-)
So other than that, God continues to remind me in small ways that He's taking care of me and giving me exactly what I need. I've really been blown away recently by how gracious He is, not just in big things, but in little ways. Example? I've suddenly acquired a sense of direction. Laugh if you want, but those of you who know me know how surprising that is! :-) In the last three months, something has clicked in my head, and as silly as that sounds it really is a reminder that God's taking care of me. He's gracious. He loves His children, and He loves to take care of them. Of us. Of me. Wow.
PS Support update: 7.33% Yay!!! :-)
I was gone for about eight days on what I jokingly referred to as my "Goodbye Tour". The whole thought process behind this trip is a long story, and it didn't quite work out as originally planned, BUT it was a wonderful trip. I spent time in Indianapolis, Beloit, Chicago, and Bloomingdale, and got to see many friends. God was really gracious is giving me special time with many people I love dearly, and probably won't see for a while! It was a really relaxing trip, despite all the driving, because I was with people who know me well so I was able to just be myself. And the icing on the cake was that I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my favorite couples last Saturday. What a special trip it was! Thanks to those of you who prayed for me during my time away.
I also really enjoyed the freedom of being on this trip by myself. It was FUN just to have time on my own and be able to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. I was kind of surprised by how much I liked it...but I really did!
So I returned and hit the ground running. Last night was the first night of Youth (I'm a youth leader this year) which is always exciting. Then today, I had an appointment with my advisor at OSU, where I am now officially enrolled! Well, sorta. I'm on the waiting list for Romanian 101. I'd appreciate your prayers about THAT! My advisor thinks I should just go to class and ask the professor to sign me in on the first day of class (Sept. 24) and seems to think that will be a good possibility. Still, I'm a little concerned, especially since I've kind of rearranged my life around taking this class. I have to admit, though, it IS kind of weird to be back in school again and having to talk about school bills, parking permits and student IDs. I'm torn between being excited and...not! :-)
So other than that, God continues to remind me in small ways that He's taking care of me and giving me exactly what I need. I've really been blown away recently by how gracious He is, not just in big things, but in little ways. Example? I've suddenly acquired a sense of direction. Laugh if you want, but those of you who know me know how surprising that is! :-) In the last three months, something has clicked in my head, and as silly as that sounds it really is a reminder that God's taking care of me. He's gracious. He loves His children, and He loves to take care of them. Of us. Of me. Wow.
PS Support update: 7.33% Yay!!! :-)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Just An Update
Hi Friends!
I'm trying my best to update more! I feel like I don't really have much to say, which is why I don't write. Mostly right now, my life consists of Walgreens, phone messages and emails. And the Olympics! :-) I cheer for the USA, of course, but I also cheer for Romania (WOOHOO!) and Germany, and feel a warm fuzzy in my heart for other places I've been, too. Kind of more fun this way. More chances "I'll" win!
I've also taken on a small writing project for ABWE. The Eastern Europe Regional Team is having their bi-yearly conference in the Fall in Greece (wish I was going to be there!), and one of my teammates was given the job of getting all the devotionals for the adults, teens, and children written for the ten days PRIOR to the conference. Apparently something fell through with the children's devotional, and he asked the Romania team (which includes me now! Yay!) to help. So I've been given one of the days, and will be working on writing a devotional about why passion (or hunger/excitement, for the kid's sake) is important. NOT an easy topic to convey to kids, I'm discovering! Really abstract! So I certainly would appreciate your prayers in this new endeavor! I like writing and I love teaching, so despite the fact that this is kinda intimidating, I thought I'd give it a shot. How cool to be part of the "team" before I'm even there!
In other news, my "little" baby brother (Caleb) leaves on Friday to go to college for the first time. I'm excited for him and very proud of him, but will miss him...not just at home, but at work, too! So please also pray for him over the next week as he says goodbyes...and then begins a whole bunch of new hellos! There isn't a doubt in my mind that he'll do great, but it IS still scary and a big adjustment for him! And for those of us at home, too! :-)
More to come! I have a road trip coming up next week, and I'll have to tell you about that soon! Blessings!!
I'm trying my best to update more! I feel like I don't really have much to say, which is why I don't write. Mostly right now, my life consists of Walgreens, phone messages and emails. And the Olympics! :-) I cheer for the USA, of course, but I also cheer for Romania (WOOHOO!) and Germany, and feel a warm fuzzy in my heart for other places I've been, too. Kind of more fun this way. More chances "I'll" win!
I've also taken on a small writing project for ABWE. The Eastern Europe Regional Team is having their bi-yearly conference in the Fall in Greece (wish I was going to be there!), and one of my teammates was given the job of getting all the devotionals for the adults, teens, and children written for the ten days PRIOR to the conference. Apparently something fell through with the children's devotional, and he asked the Romania team (which includes me now! Yay!) to help. So I've been given one of the days, and will be working on writing a devotional about why passion (or hunger/excitement, for the kid's sake) is important. NOT an easy topic to convey to kids, I'm discovering! Really abstract! So I certainly would appreciate your prayers in this new endeavor! I like writing and I love teaching, so despite the fact that this is kinda intimidating, I thought I'd give it a shot. How cool to be part of the "team" before I'm even there!
In other news, my "little" baby brother (Caleb) leaves on Friday to go to college for the first time. I'm excited for him and very proud of him, but will miss him...not just at home, but at work, too! So please also pray for him over the next week as he says goodbyes...and then begins a whole bunch of new hellos! There isn't a doubt in my mind that he'll do great, but it IS still scary and a big adjustment for him! And for those of us at home, too! :-)
More to come! I have a road trip coming up next week, and I'll have to tell you about that soon! Blessings!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Psalm 16
1. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take reguge.
2. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
3. As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
10. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
11. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Just one of my favorite Psalms, especially over the summer. And, just for good measure, here is verse eight...in Romanian! :-)
1. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take reguge.
2. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
3. As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
10. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
11. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Just one of my favorite Psalms, especially over the summer. And, just for good measure, here is verse eight...in Romanian! :-)
Psalmi 16:8
Am necurmat pe Domnul înaintea ochilor mei: cînd este El la dreapta mea, nu mă clatin.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm going to try something new. I'm going to be short, sweet, and to the point, while trying to answer many of the questions people have been asking me. The whole being concise thing is new to me :-) but I'll give it a shot!
1. "What will you be doing?"
Good question! A large part of my work will be administrative. The members of the team there are headed in so many different directions! I'm hoping to take some of the pressure of paper work and communication and details off them so they can focus on other aspects of their ministry. Cause I LIKE details and organizing and nerdy things like that! :-) Other opportunities include:
*A small (English-speaking!) Christian school.
*A camp that is being started by my teammates, Andrew and Leah Postema.
*The youth group and young adults group at the church in Bucharest.
*Sunday School teacher training.
*A ministry to unwed mothers.
*An orphanage visitation group.
These are just some of the things I'm aware of, and I'm sure I'll see more once I'm in Bucharest. I'm excited about the various opportunities, and many seem to be a good fit for me!
2. "When will you leave?"
Really, there is nothing holding me here in Columbus. I'll leave as soon as I have raised all my support (ABWE requires that I have 100% before I can go), but I have no idea how long that will take. I could be home for six months or two years, it just totally depends.
3. "How much support do you have to raise?"
The total amount is $2,704.05 a month, for two years. Housing is the biggest expense, because rent in Bucharest is ridiculous. Originally, they had me budgeted at $1600 a month JUST for rent, but they have bumped it down to $1000 a month with the stipulation that I find a roommate. Because of the weak US dollar and the fact that Bucharest is in the top five of the most expensive cities in Europe, this amount really IS necessary.
4. "What are you doing now?"
I'm working full-time at Walgreens still. I'm also just beginning the process of raising support. I finished copying and addressing the first round of support letters just yesterday, and will meet with the Missions Committee and Deacons at my church this week. I'll soon be making prayer cards, working on a presentation and display, and then contacting churches where I can present. I will also (hopefully) be starting Romanian classes at OSU in September. Added to that, I'm thinking and praying about how I can be involved in my home church while I'm here. As you can see, I am indeed busy.
5. "How can I help?"
I'm so glad you asked! :-) First of all, you can pray. I'll be sending out regular prayer updates, and I'd be happy to send you a prayer card as well. If you'd like to be involved that way, email me at: kabernathy@abwe.cc
I'd love to add you to my prayer list!
Second, of course I need financial supporters as well. The nice thing about being short term is that I can accept monthly gifts and one times gifts, and both are REALLY helpful to me as I begin this process. If you'd like to be involved this way, you can also email me (see above), and I would love to send you a support letter, or give you information about how to contact ABWE.
Third, there are a MYRIAD of other ways you can help me, if you'd like! I need people who are good with computers and PowerPoint to help me with a presentation. I need people who like talking on the phone to help me make contact with churches and figure out which ones would be good opportunities for me. I need people who are good at public speaking and can help me and give me pointers. And I ALWAYS need creative people who will brainstorm will me, help with prayer cards, and think about how to make a display. As you can see...I need a lot of help. If any of this sounds up your alley...please email me!
I think that's about all I have. Thanks for your interest in me as I prepare to go. And sorry that the whole "short, sweet, and to the point" thing didn't work out so well! ;-)
1. "What will you be doing?"
Good question! A large part of my work will be administrative. The members of the team there are headed in so many different directions! I'm hoping to take some of the pressure of paper work and communication and details off them so they can focus on other aspects of their ministry. Cause I LIKE details and organizing and nerdy things like that! :-) Other opportunities include:
*A small (English-speaking!) Christian school.
*A camp that is being started by my teammates, Andrew and Leah Postema.
*The youth group and young adults group at the church in Bucharest.
*Sunday School teacher training.
*A ministry to unwed mothers.
*An orphanage visitation group.
These are just some of the things I'm aware of, and I'm sure I'll see more once I'm in Bucharest. I'm excited about the various opportunities, and many seem to be a good fit for me!
2. "When will you leave?"
Really, there is nothing holding me here in Columbus. I'll leave as soon as I have raised all my support (ABWE requires that I have 100% before I can go), but I have no idea how long that will take. I could be home for six months or two years, it just totally depends.
3. "How much support do you have to raise?"
The total amount is $2,704.05 a month, for two years. Housing is the biggest expense, because rent in Bucharest is ridiculous. Originally, they had me budgeted at $1600 a month JUST for rent, but they have bumped it down to $1000 a month with the stipulation that I find a roommate. Because of the weak US dollar and the fact that Bucharest is in the top five of the most expensive cities in Europe, this amount really IS necessary.
4. "What are you doing now?"
I'm working full-time at Walgreens still. I'm also just beginning the process of raising support. I finished copying and addressing the first round of support letters just yesterday, and will meet with the Missions Committee and Deacons at my church this week. I'll soon be making prayer cards, working on a presentation and display, and then contacting churches where I can present. I will also (hopefully) be starting Romanian classes at OSU in September. Added to that, I'm thinking and praying about how I can be involved in my home church while I'm here. As you can see, I am indeed busy.
5. "How can I help?"
I'm so glad you asked! :-) First of all, you can pray. I'll be sending out regular prayer updates, and I'd be happy to send you a prayer card as well. If you'd like to be involved that way, email me at: kabernathy@abwe.cc
I'd love to add you to my prayer list!
Second, of course I need financial supporters as well. The nice thing about being short term is that I can accept monthly gifts and one times gifts, and both are REALLY helpful to me as I begin this process. If you'd like to be involved this way, you can also email me (see above), and I would love to send you a support letter, or give you information about how to contact ABWE.
Third, there are a MYRIAD of other ways you can help me, if you'd like! I need people who are good with computers and PowerPoint to help me with a presentation. I need people who like talking on the phone to help me make contact with churches and figure out which ones would be good opportunities for me. I need people who are good at public speaking and can help me and give me pointers. And I ALWAYS need creative people who will brainstorm will me, help with prayer cards, and think about how to make a display. As you can see...I need a lot of help. If any of this sounds up your alley...please email me!
I think that's about all I have. Thanks for your interest in me as I prepare to go. And sorry that the whole "short, sweet, and to the point" thing didn't work out so well! ;-)
Monday, July 21, 2008
A Decision...At Last!
I've returned home from Harrisburg, and though my body is still exhausted, my spirit is so refreshed! I can't remember that last time I was so encouraged and...spiritually refreshed. The sessions were good and helpful, but the people that I met and spent time with really made the week. I met people of all ages, from all over the world, with all kinds of personalities, and gifts and talents, but who ALL truly desired to serve God and are willing to make sacrifices in obedience to Him. Between the other people in AMP (Assistant Missionary Program) and all the veteran missionaries and new appointees, I was surrounded all week by incredible people. There are so many stories I could tell, so many people I'd love to share with you..but of course at this point, you've probably seen the title of this post and are wondering when I'm going to get around to telling you about my decision. So here we go.
When I wrote that post last Sunday night after I arrived in Harrisburg, I had mostly made up my mind. (Sidenote: I did eventually get a roommate! Ironically, she was a girl I graduated from Moody with six weeks ago, and though we didn't know each other, we recognized each other immediately. How funny!) By the time we were each asked to share our testimonies on Monday, I could say that I was going to "Romania...I think". Which was of course followed by tears. Lots of tears.
The question everyone asks me, of course, is how I decided. If you ask me that in person, I'll probably start to cry. But even though I'm not exactly SURE how I've reached that decision...I have, and I'm happy to share it with you. My dilemma the last six weeks has been between Germany and Romania. Some of you knew that. If you talked to me much at all, you know that I love Germany. I love the country, I love the people, I love the team there. It seems like such a perfect fit in so many ways. I have come so close to choosing Germany, and in fact almost told everyone two weeks ago that I would be going to Germany. But I couldn't. I just couldn't quite do it. And so I began to reconsider Romania. During that time, I also got a call from the team leader in Romania officially inviting me to join their team. At the time, I wanted to push it out of my mind, but I couldn't. I could see a spot on that team for me, a hole I could fill, and I found myself EXCITED about the prospect of the ministries I could be involved in there, much to my surprise. Something had changed, and I realized that while going to Germany may not be wrong, God's best for me would be Romania.
To me, it honestly doesn't make sense in a lot of ways. My logical mind doesn't see how it fits together, and there are many questions in my mind about Romania that remain unanswered. I still cry when I talk about NOT going to Germany. But I realized this week that even though the desire of my heart is to return there, it isn't where God is leading me right now. God doesn't always lead us to our heart country. I heard that in the testimony of others this week, too. As one of the girls I met this week likes to say, our God is wild and unpredictable, and we can't put Him in a box.
When I entitled this blog "Steps of Faith", I didn't realize what exactly that would entail, but this is a bigger step than I anticipated. Maybe you're even reading this and thinking, "Are you sure, Kristie? It really sounds like Germany make more sense, and you love it so much!" But I AM sure. Despite the fact that I have doubted and wondered and worried in the last week about whether or not this is the right decision, God has very graciously confirmed, even in the last few days, that this is indeed His best. I can't even tell you how much strength that gives me. To know that regardless of what Romania holds, it IS His will for me, brings so much peace. I can't describe it as anything other than a peace that transcends all understanding. I haven't felt this confident that I am exactly where God wants me since I made the decision to go to Moody five years ago. And let me tell you, it is a great feeling!
I'll write again soon about what I'll be doing in Romania and what is next for me. Until then, be encouraged, friends. God is working in the lives of His people and it is exciting to not only OBSERVE, but also to be a part of it.
"I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8)
When I wrote that post last Sunday night after I arrived in Harrisburg, I had mostly made up my mind. (Sidenote: I did eventually get a roommate! Ironically, she was a girl I graduated from Moody with six weeks ago, and though we didn't know each other, we recognized each other immediately. How funny!) By the time we were each asked to share our testimonies on Monday, I could say that I was going to "Romania...I think". Which was of course followed by tears. Lots of tears.
The question everyone asks me, of course, is how I decided. If you ask me that in person, I'll probably start to cry. But even though I'm not exactly SURE how I've reached that decision...I have, and I'm happy to share it with you. My dilemma the last six weeks has been between Germany and Romania. Some of you knew that. If you talked to me much at all, you know that I love Germany. I love the country, I love the people, I love the team there. It seems like such a perfect fit in so many ways. I have come so close to choosing Germany, and in fact almost told everyone two weeks ago that I would be going to Germany. But I couldn't. I just couldn't quite do it. And so I began to reconsider Romania. During that time, I also got a call from the team leader in Romania officially inviting me to join their team. At the time, I wanted to push it out of my mind, but I couldn't. I could see a spot on that team for me, a hole I could fill, and I found myself EXCITED about the prospect of the ministries I could be involved in there, much to my surprise. Something had changed, and I realized that while going to Germany may not be wrong, God's best for me would be Romania.
To me, it honestly doesn't make sense in a lot of ways. My logical mind doesn't see how it fits together, and there are many questions in my mind about Romania that remain unanswered. I still cry when I talk about NOT going to Germany. But I realized this week that even though the desire of my heart is to return there, it isn't where God is leading me right now. God doesn't always lead us to our heart country. I heard that in the testimony of others this week, too. As one of the girls I met this week likes to say, our God is wild and unpredictable, and we can't put Him in a box.
When I entitled this blog "Steps of Faith", I didn't realize what exactly that would entail, but this is a bigger step than I anticipated. Maybe you're even reading this and thinking, "Are you sure, Kristie? It really sounds like Germany make more sense, and you love it so much!" But I AM sure. Despite the fact that I have doubted and wondered and worried in the last week about whether or not this is the right decision, God has very graciously confirmed, even in the last few days, that this is indeed His best. I can't even tell you how much strength that gives me. To know that regardless of what Romania holds, it IS His will for me, brings so much peace. I can't describe it as anything other than a peace that transcends all understanding. I haven't felt this confident that I am exactly where God wants me since I made the decision to go to Moody five years ago. And let me tell you, it is a great feeling!
I'll write again soon about what I'll be doing in Romania and what is next for me. Until then, be encouraged, friends. God is working in the lives of His people and it is exciting to not only OBSERVE, but also to be a part of it.
"I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8)
Monday, July 14, 2008
A "C" To Be Sure!
"You may bog down in the details of the decision-making process.
You can make major decisions, but may be criticized for the amount
of time you take to gather and analyze information. Although you
like to hear the opinions of your managers, you take risks when
you have facts that you can interpret and use to draw conclusions."
I'm officially in Harrisburg now, in a hotel room, waiting for all the fun to start tomorrow. Granted, finding my way to Harrisburg today was fun in and of itself, but...one plane, two trains, and a mini-van later, I'm where I'm supposed to be. (But I still don't have a roommate...I think I have one...maybe??)
The quote above is from a personality test that I had to take in preparation for this week. If you're familiar with the "DISC" personality test, I'm a high "C", and have the classic "Perfectionist Pattern", which is shocking to those of you who know me, I'm sure! :-) I found the assessment of my decision making process to be amusing and probably true. I DO like to have all my info, which is why I STILL don't have a decision. To be honest, I think I probably have already made it, but there is still that one little last piece of information I need to add. And so I can't quite say it. Sigh. Sometimes the logical side of me has a problem with faith.
All that said, I'm looking forward to a week (without Walgreens!)) where I can focus on THIS part of my life and really think and pray. I mentioned in my last post that I really just wanted a day away from everyone to think and pray, and while that definitely didn't happen last week, I think God DID answer that prayer by giving me today (and a very tardy roommate...or no roommate...we shall see!) and I'm thankful for it!
...So off I go, to gather and analyze more information! :-)
You can make major decisions, but may be criticized for the amount
of time you take to gather and analyze information. Although you
like to hear the opinions of your managers, you take risks when
you have facts that you can interpret and use to draw conclusions."
I'm officially in Harrisburg now, in a hotel room, waiting for all the fun to start tomorrow. Granted, finding my way to Harrisburg today was fun in and of itself, but...one plane, two trains, and a mini-van later, I'm where I'm supposed to be. (But I still don't have a roommate...I think I have one...maybe??)
The quote above is from a personality test that I had to take in preparation for this week. If you're familiar with the "DISC" personality test, I'm a high "C", and have the classic "Perfectionist Pattern", which is shocking to those of you who know me, I'm sure! :-) I found the assessment of my decision making process to be amusing and probably true. I DO like to have all my info, which is why I STILL don't have a decision. To be honest, I think I probably have already made it, but there is still that one little last piece of information I need to add. And so I can't quite say it. Sigh. Sometimes the logical side of me has a problem with faith.
All that said, I'm looking forward to a week (without Walgreens!)) where I can focus on THIS part of my life and really think and pray. I mentioned in my last post that I really just wanted a day away from everyone to think and pray, and while that definitely didn't happen last week, I think God DID answer that prayer by giving me today (and a very tardy roommate...or no roommate...we shall see!) and I'm thankful for it!
...So off I go, to gather and analyze more information! :-)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Busy Days and Unanswered Questions
My brother tells me that I need to update this or people will stop including me in their circle of blogs that they regularly check. I wonder how many people other than him even HAVE a circle of blogs that they regularly check, but I get his point. So here I am.
The last few weeks have been very full, and the next couple will be as well. Lots of work, and coffee with friends, and lesson plans. I like to be busy, but I'm realizing that I haven't left myself a whole lot of time to think, and suddenly the decision making deadline I gave myself is only a week away. It isn't that I haven't thought and prayed about it, but just because of the pace of life right now, most of my thought and prayer lately has been only in passing when I find a free minute at work. What I would love more than anything is to be able to take a day to myself, and just LEAVE and be by myself, away from everyone, to reflect and pray and listen for a long period of time. That isn't realistic, at least in the next week...but maybe I can find half a day! :-)
VBS at Immanuel starts on Monday, which will add to the madness, but I'm looking forward to it! I mean seriously, this is what I love and want to do! (I just look forward to the day I don't have to work at Walgreens and THEN go to VBS! :-)) I'm a "teacher" for the 5-7 year olds. My prayer has been that we will do this WELL and that the parents and kids will see that we think they are important because GOD thinks they are important. Please pray that we see whole families impacted by Christ's love through us and the truth of His Word.
I'm also thankful for the ways God is giving me opportunities to be involved while I'm home. It is hard to commit much without knowing how long I'll be home, and then realizing that I'll be traveling and raising support in the near future, but He keeps dropping things in my lap that encourage me, keep me busy, and help remind me how much I do love the church. Besides VBS, I also get to teach the Jr High class tomorrow, and sing at Grandpa's service at the retirement home. I'm teaching the Sr High girls in a few weeks too, and I'm also working on some curriculum for the children's ministry at IBC. These are all things I ENJOY, and despite the busy-ness, I really am thankful for the chance to be involved while I'm here.
I do leave a week from tomorrow (July 13th) for Harrisburg for my training with ABWE. I'm looking forward to a week off from work (woohoo!) and the chance to meet people, hear their stories....and learn whatever it is we need to learn! I still know very little about the whole thing, and a year ago that would have driven me nuts, but now...Eh, it'll all work out! :-)
So that's where I am these days. Thank you all for your encouragement and the reminders that you're praying for me. I'm very thankful for that, especially when everything looks so confusing and muddled. Please do pray for VBS this week, and the decision that I really would like to make soon. Also pray that I don't get so caught up in DOING (see above!) that I don't take time to listen and just be in His presence. God knows what He's doing. And sometimes He lets us see that, too! :-)
The last few weeks have been very full, and the next couple will be as well. Lots of work, and coffee with friends, and lesson plans. I like to be busy, but I'm realizing that I haven't left myself a whole lot of time to think, and suddenly the decision making deadline I gave myself is only a week away. It isn't that I haven't thought and prayed about it, but just because of the pace of life right now, most of my thought and prayer lately has been only in passing when I find a free minute at work. What I would love more than anything is to be able to take a day to myself, and just LEAVE and be by myself, away from everyone, to reflect and pray and listen for a long period of time. That isn't realistic, at least in the next week...but maybe I can find half a day! :-)
VBS at Immanuel starts on Monday, which will add to the madness, but I'm looking forward to it! I mean seriously, this is what I love and want to do! (I just look forward to the day I don't have to work at Walgreens and THEN go to VBS! :-)) I'm a "teacher" for the 5-7 year olds. My prayer has been that we will do this WELL and that the parents and kids will see that we think they are important because GOD thinks they are important. Please pray that we see whole families impacted by Christ's love through us and the truth of His Word.
I'm also thankful for the ways God is giving me opportunities to be involved while I'm home. It is hard to commit much without knowing how long I'll be home, and then realizing that I'll be traveling and raising support in the near future, but He keeps dropping things in my lap that encourage me, keep me busy, and help remind me how much I do love the church. Besides VBS, I also get to teach the Jr High class tomorrow, and sing at Grandpa's service at the retirement home. I'm teaching the Sr High girls in a few weeks too, and I'm also working on some curriculum for the children's ministry at IBC. These are all things I ENJOY, and despite the busy-ness, I really am thankful for the chance to be involved while I'm here.
I do leave a week from tomorrow (July 13th) for Harrisburg for my training with ABWE. I'm looking forward to a week off from work (woohoo!) and the chance to meet people, hear their stories....and learn whatever it is we need to learn! I still know very little about the whole thing, and a year ago that would have driven me nuts, but now...Eh, it'll all work out! :-)
So that's where I am these days. Thank you all for your encouragement and the reminders that you're praying for me. I'm very thankful for that, especially when everything looks so confusing and muddled. Please do pray for VBS this week, and the decision that I really would like to make soon. Also pray that I don't get so caught up in DOING (see above!) that I don't take time to listen and just be in His presence. God knows what He's doing. And sometimes He lets us see that, too! :-)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Question, Of Course!
I'm home from my world travels and getting settled in at home. (After being sick for a week! My body just had too much excitement, I think!) As most of you know, I left a couple days after graduation to go to Romania and Hungary for about 11 days on a survey trip. The question everyone is asking now, of course, is "So do you know where you're going yet?" And the answer is no. I don't. The trip was a good one, though exhausting in so many ways. I saw so much and met so many people that I just came home really overwhelmed. Over the past two weeks, though, the reality of the fact that I don't have to do EVERYTHING I saw has begun to sink in, and I'm relaxing a little. There are so many things to weigh, and I see a couple options that would both be GOOD...it is just a matter of trying to decide if one is BETTER. I'm beginning to finally be at the point where I can talk to people about it, instead of just blankly saying "Yeah, it was a good trip, just overwhelming", like when I first got home. Still, I'm not really telling many people what I'm thinking at this point, cause to be honest, I go back and forth so much it really depends on the day what I'm thinking.
So that's really all I have to report right now. If you want to sit down and have a cup of coffee with me, I'll probably tell you more, but for the time being, I'm not willing to post my thoughts for all to see! :-) My goal is to have a decision made before July 13th, which is when I leave for a week of training at ABWE's headquarters in Harrisburg, PA. I'm sure when I DO have a decision, I'll update on here and be quite relieved to have the decision making process over with! Until then, I'm just praying alot, and trying to be faithful with where God has me right now...which is mostly Walgreens! :-) I'd definitely appreciate YOUR prayers, though! Some days this seems waaaaay too overwhelming!
So that's really all I have to report right now. If you want to sit down and have a cup of coffee with me, I'll probably tell you more, but for the time being, I'm not willing to post my thoughts for all to see! :-) My goal is to have a decision made before July 13th, which is when I leave for a week of training at ABWE's headquarters in Harrisburg, PA. I'm sure when I DO have a decision, I'll update on here and be quite relieved to have the decision making process over with! Until then, I'm just praying alot, and trying to be faithful with where God has me right now...which is mostly Walgreens! :-) I'd definitely appreciate YOUR prayers, though! Some days this seems waaaaay too overwhelming!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Steps of Faith Indeed
I've entitled this blog "Steps of Faith", because I'm beginning to see that's what the Christian life is. Or at least, I think that is what the Christian life SHOULD be. It isn't about being comfortable or safe or even happy. Life is about something so much bigger than that and so much bigger than me. It is about advancing Christ's kingdom, regardless of the cost or risk. At the same time, I see God's grace through the fact that in my own life, He has asked me to take STEPS of faith...each a little harder than the last, and each something that is a little more beyond what "Kristie" is capable of doing. But I've found (amazingly!) that He's given me the grace and the faith to take each step as I've needed it.
As I enter a new phase of life, I know that I have "steps of faith" ahead of me. Many of them are unknown, but ALL of them will be scary. Life is an adventure. But God knows what He's doing, and THAT gives me the strength to take each step of faith as it comes.
As I enter a new phase of life, I know that I have "steps of faith" ahead of me. Many of them are unknown, but ALL of them will be scary. Life is an adventure. But God knows what He's doing, and THAT gives me the strength to take each step of faith as it comes.
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