October 26, 2010
October 24, 2010
Africa update
God reveals Himself to us in many ways and today, in a small dirt field, in one of many villages in Chikudzulire, His presence was undeniable.
The day started like many, but ended in great celebration. Our team, along with the direction of somebody cares, set out with the task of leading the youth of chikudzulire in building 2 market stands, called hawkers (pronounced ho-kuhs). These stands will enable the community to display and sell the items they have learned to make; soaps, jewelry, hats, totes.
To see the community and teamwork in this group made from about 30 teenage boys and girls was inspiring in itself. They listened intently, encouraged each other, and worked diligently. They laughed and sang as they dreamed together about what the future might hold with this new skill in carpentry. As the first of two stands was completed, the youth burst into celebration. They cheered, laughed, danced, and crowded as many as could fit inside the stand. To say they were beaming barely begins to explain the emotion.
As they continued in their celebration, the clouds rolled in with a beautiful breeze which created the most serene setting in what was moments before, a dry, dusty, mostly empty field. Looking around, there were kids swinging, playing jump rope, kicking soccer balls. The youth were gathered together, working together. The women were crafting and singing. A peace filled the cool air and quieted each of our souls. In the hour that followed, it was clear that the Lord is at work. We could see His joy in the faces of the children, His hope in the singing of the youth.
A new generation is being raised up in the Word of God. Faith and hope in Jesus is changing lives. God is working and He is using the people at Mission and Somebody Cares to provide for the poor, and share His great love. Today, we left humbled, grateful and hopefully transformed.
Today was a gift for us to be a testimony to, and our hearts are overflowing.
The day started like many, but ended in great celebration. Our team, along with the direction of somebody cares, set out with the task of leading the youth of chikudzulire in building 2 market stands, called hawkers (pronounced ho-kuhs). These stands will enable the community to display and sell the items they have learned to make; soaps, jewelry, hats, totes.
To see the community and teamwork in this group made from about 30 teenage boys and girls was inspiring in itself. They listened intently, encouraged each other, and worked diligently. They laughed and sang as they dreamed together about what the future might hold with this new skill in carpentry. As the first of two stands was completed, the youth burst into celebration. They cheered, laughed, danced, and crowded as many as could fit inside the stand. To say they were beaming barely begins to explain the emotion.
As they continued in their celebration, the clouds rolled in with a beautiful breeze which created the most serene setting in what was moments before, a dry, dusty, mostly empty field. Looking around, there were kids swinging, playing jump rope, kicking soccer balls. The youth were gathered together, working together. The women were crafting and singing. A peace filled the cool air and quieted each of our souls. In the hour that followed, it was clear that the Lord is at work. We could see His joy in the faces of the children, His hope in the singing of the youth.
A new generation is being raised up in the Word of God. Faith and hope in Jesus is changing lives. God is working and He is using the people at Mission and Somebody Cares to provide for the poor, and share His great love. Today, we left humbled, grateful and hopefully transformed.
Today was a gift for us to be a testimony to, and our hearts are overflowing.
October 20, 2010
Africa Day 1
Check out our church blog @ mission68.org/visionafrica and click on the blog tab. More coming from the Liles soon...
October 19, 2010
Almost There
We left Phoenix about 30 Hours ago and are now sitting in the airport of Jo-berg, South Africa. We flew directly from Phoenix to London and had a brief 7 hour layover in London. Our group decided to make the most of our time and jumped in a taxi headed to the Windsor castle. It is the oldest and largest castle that is still occupied. The queen spends part of her year there and uses it for entertaining. It was stunning-Our first experience seeing a Castle up close. It was filled with priceless artwork, furniture, swords, jewelry, china and more. It was a quick look into the rich history of the Castle and London. It was an amazing few hours being a tourist and getting to experience something so unexpected.
We are now about to board our final flight into malawi and everything is still surreal. Looking forward to an incredible couple weeks and seeing what God will do through this amazing opportunity...
We are now about to board our final flight into malawi and everything is still surreal. Looking forward to an incredible couple weeks and seeing what God will do through this amazing opportunity...
Almost There
Greetings from our third airport of the day!
We left Phoenix about 30 Hours ago and are now sitting in the airport of Jo-berg, South Africa. We flew directly from Phoenix to London and had a brief 7 hour layover in London. Our group decided to make the most of our time and jumped in a taxi headed to the Windsor castle. It is the oldest and largest castle that is still occupied. The queen still spends part of her year there and uses it for entertaining. It was stunning-Our first experience seeing a Castle up close. It was filled with priceless artwork, furniture, swords, jewelry, china and more. It was a quick look into the rich history of the Castle and London. It was an amazing few hours being a tourist and getting to experience something so unexpected.
We are now about to board our final flight into malawi and everything is still surreal. Looking forward to an incredible couple weeks and seeing what God will do through this amazing opportunity...
We left Phoenix about 30 Hours ago and are now sitting in the airport of Jo-berg, South Africa. We flew directly from Phoenix to London and had a brief 7 hour layover in London. Our group decided to make the most of our time and jumped in a taxi headed to the Windsor castle. It is the oldest and largest castle that is still occupied. The queen still spends part of her year there and uses it for entertaining. It was stunning-Our first experience seeing a Castle up close. It was filled with priceless artwork, furniture, swords, jewelry, china and more. It was a quick look into the rich history of the Castle and London. It was an amazing few hours being a tourist and getting to experience something so unexpected.
We are now about to board our final flight into malawi and everything is still surreal. Looking forward to an incredible couple weeks and seeing what God will do through this amazing opportunity...
September 23, 2010
Africa Update
We are so thrilled and humbled to be on a path that leads to Africa! We were able to raise enough funds to purchase our airfare and are so thankful for the generous gifts of others and the way God has moved people to be a part of this Journey. At just over three weeks from departure, we are still needing to raise funds for the rest of the trip, but are trusting God to provide.
Last weekend, I spent 4 days (my longest ever) out of town and away from the Chris and the kids. I think it finally hit me how long 2 weeks is going to be... wow! Branson actually didn't even ask about me while I was gone or really care all that much that I was back. Surprisingly, I think this made me feel a little better knowing that he will likely be having so much fun with his "Grandma Mendy" that the time will fly by for Him. However, Asher actually missed me- which I thought was surprising for a 1 year old! Based on the accounts of Chris, Asher wandered aimlessly around the house looking for me and babbling "Ma Ma." When he saw me he literally hugged me and smiled for five minutes, pausing only to look at my face, and then back to hugging. Heart melting -- one of the best mommy moments ever! I kind of want to take him with me...
All that to say, we ask for prayer for Gods protection over our children while we are away and a peace in trusting Him. I know this will be one of that more difficult things about leaving but don't want to let it be a source of doubt/anxiety. THANK YOU for being a part of this!
September 8, 2010
AFRICA!?!
We are in the process of preparing for our trip to Africa and have hit a little bump in the road known as "funds." We have already been so blessed by those who have given to support what we will be doing in Malawi. However, we are quite short as of now and not entirely sure what this looks like... Basically, we would love for you to prayerfully consider being a part of what God is doing in Africa and our desire is to be a part of the team leaving October 15th. We have a great passion to go and share the love of God with poor, hurting, and oppressed people in the village of Chikudzulire. So, the question is... Want to be a part of this journey with us?
GIVING INFORMATION:
If you would prefer to donate securely online, please go to Africa.mission68.org and select the “Give” tab on the far right. Set up a quick login account if you don’t already have one and follow the simple prompts. Select the trip which I am participating and input my name, amount of donation and payment info. If needed, please contact me for additional instructions or details about giving online.
August 11, 2010
AFRICA BOUND
About 2 years after Christopher returned from Africa, we have been given the opportunity to travel back together. We are BEYOND excited for this chance to go and serve in this capacity, and somewhat nervous too. Actually, I think I am the only one who is nervous since Chris has been there before and knows a little of what to expect. I am looking forward to what God will teach me through my time away and trying to keep my expectations low since I have been told over and over again that our plans will be thrown out the window once we arrive. Probably a good lesson to learn in itself. We leave in just over 9 weeks from today, WOW!! My mom will be coming to stay with our boys for the 2 weeks we are gone. I have never been away from them for longer than 2 days and I know as the trip gets closer, I will become nervous to leave... But I can't think about that yet :) Just another way to lean on God and learn to trust Him. Excited for the process that gets us to Africa!
A Bit of our Letter we mailed out:
In July of 2008, my heart was forever changed as I spent 10 days in Malawi, Africa. The trip involved visiting the village of
Chikudzulire that our church, Mission Community, has adopted in partnership with the organization Somebody Cares. The
Village of about 900 people consists mostly of young children left orphaned due to the AIDS pandemic. I went with a
desire to love and serve the people of Africa while beginning construction on a new feeding/community center. However, I
left with a stronger faith in God and a deeper understanding of trusting Him. I witnessed those around me truly trusting
God to provide their next drink and their next meal. Trusting in His promises and the Salvation He brings. Living for and
being thankful in each new day. God began to work in me and reveal the things I let worry, distract, and simply come
before trusting in Him. I left with a refreshed perspective, thankful for what God had shown me and what he had begun to
change in me. Through my experience, God deepened my relationship with him and gave me such a passion to love and
serve the people of Africa.
Recently, Fallon and I were presented with the opportunity to travel back to Chikudzulire together with about 6 others from
our Church. This trip involves spending time with the youth of the village, offering practical training on ways to earn and
maintain livings, bringing hope to those who may have little and healing to those who are wounded. Additionally, we will be
traveling with two pastors from our church who are going to help train some of the pastors in the area and help equip the
youth for leading the next generation in a positive direction. Most importantly, we will get to show the amazing love of
Jesus to some of the most hurting and impoverished people on the planet. We are both excited to be able to go and serve
in this capacity, and even more excited about what God will do in us while we are there.
Our team is scheduled to depart on October 15th and return the 30th. Each individual team member will need
approximately $3000 to fully fund this trip, which means we need to raise $6000. Any funds that are donated will directly
help us cover the cost of airfare, food, lodging, local transportation and supplies to aid the children of the village we will be
visiting. We ask that you would consider offering a financial gift and participate in what God is doing through this time in
Africa. Equally important is your prayer support for our safety on the trip, the strength of the team, and the hearts of the
people of Malawi. We also ask for prayer for Gods protection over our children. While it will be difficult to be away from
them, we trust that what God will be doing in and through us during this time will be a blessing in our family.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you God.” Micah 6:8
July 4, 2010
The 4th of JULY, 2010
This year we spent the 3rd of July at our friends, the Wines, housewarming party. They have a beautiful new home and we had a fun night hanging out, eating delicious food, and playing pool volleyball. We also took our annual "4th of July" photos with the Lundbergs and Blocks. The next night we had some of our family and friends over for a little feasting and fireworks. We had a great night and Branson loved the fireworks almost as much as I did. He was actually scared of them for a couple minutes until he started singing, "God is bigger than the boogey-man..." And then he realized he wasn't afraid anymore. Cute Kid!
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