September 15, 1999.
14 years 10 months and 12 days ago.
One moment.
One action.
A generation of student's lives would never be the same.
I was supposed to be there that night. I later dealt with that fact in both guilt and humility.
It was supposed to be a Wednesday night for the record books. It was "See You At The Pole" day (a day each year in the US and across the world on which students gather around the flag pole at their schools to pray). We had all prayed at our schools that morning, and we were REALLY looking forward to the gathering of Christian students that was to happen that night. I was one of the people who helped organize that our youth group would go to this event, being that I was the one who brought the idea to our youth pastor and convinced him to take us there, rather than to do our regular Wednesday night youth group meeting.
That evening, when my friends and I and all our extra friends (who wanted to get in on going to a big event) got to the church, we were met by some surprising news. Our youth pastor informed us that we would, in fact, not be attending this big youth conference, but instead would be doing service as usually on the church grounds. The reason we were given for this was that the Pastor of the church was overseas on a missions trip at the time and the youth pastor had not been able to get a hold of him all week to get permission for the excursion. So, the answer was simple, we could not go.
My friends and I were SO bummed out. In fact, we were quite horrible to our youth pastor that whole evening, giving him dirty looks and the silent treatment. However, all that quickly changed as we got word that something had happened. Something unthinkable. Our pastor's wife burst through the door and into the room where we were having our youth meeting, and quickly announced to us that we were to stop the meeting and begin to pray. There was a person inside a church in Fort Worth shooting the members of a service going on there. That's all we knew at that moment, and the only reason we knew at all was because one of our own church members just so happened to live across the street from the church where the shooting was happening. He was an off duty police officer, and before heading into the church to see what was going on (being the very first responder), he called our church to ask us to pray.
So we prayed. I didn't realize in those moments in which we were praying that evening exactly where this shooting was happening. When I got home that night, as I walked through the door, I knew something was not at all right. Gazing towards the TV, my whole family was silent. Entering the house, I dropped my stuff, didn't even shut the door and began to get a true revelation of what had actually happened. The headlines read "Youth Group Tragedy" and "Shooting At Youth Rally" and "Wedgwood Baptist Church Shooting". Only in that very moment did I realize, the shooting was not at some random church with some random Wednesday night faithful members. The shooting was at that rally. That "See You At The Pole" meeting that I was supposed to be at, and the same one I had begged my youth pastor to take us to. The same one we treated him so badly for NOT letting us go to.
I have to say, if any moment has ever changed my life forever...
If anything has ever left a lasting mark...
If anything sticks with me every waking breath, even unto this very day...
...it is this.
To make a very long and complicated story a little shorter and readable, I will skip to the point. There were 7 people killed and 7 injured that night by a mad man who, police say, had no motive at all for doing what he did. Two of the young people who caught his bullets that night were from my high school. Joey Ennis, a freshman just like me, was killed by a bullet to the back of his head. He would have been one of the school's shortest ever basketball stars if he had been left to live out his life.
Justin Laird had driven himself to the meeting that night. It was the first time he had ever driven alone, as it was his 16th birthday and he had only, that morning, gotten his license to drive. He was our star football player, and he never walked again after that night. A bullet to his spinal cord has left him paralyzed.
I am quite sure by now that you are touched by my story, and I am certain that you are asking yourself what the point of it is. Well, there is a big point.
For years (15 this September), this tragedy has left a stain on my soul. A depression, a pain, and an empty gaping hole. As the years passed by, I have found it easier to move on, most of the time. However, every year as September rolls around, I find myself hating that month more and more because I know it holds the anniversary of this tragedy and I will be reminded by well meaning friends, family and news outlets of the horrors that my 14 year old and completely not ready self had to face that day and in the days thereafter. I will be reminded of the friends running to my front door with the news of who we knew that had been shot and who was dead and who was in the hospital. I will remember the moment my friend collapsed in my arms in a fit of tears and I had no idea how to help. I was proud and I didn't want my family to know how badly this affected me. I think that might have been my biggest mistake. I will be reminded of the quotes I gave the newspapers, of the strength of Pastor Al Meredith in a time where he had to stand up and lead his congregation. I will be reminded of the comfort given by President (then Governor) George W Bush. I remember that the way he stood beside us during our tragedy was the very reason I voted for him for president and it is the reason I will give even today for saying I would vote that way again, if given the chance. I will be reminded of the bells rung on the Texas Christian University campus for our victims. I will be reminded...
...and I will continue to hate September.
From the very moment this tragedy happened, I have warned the devil and the powers of darkness that be, that I would, one day, stand up strong and turn the evil committed that day into something good. I promised I would use it to glorify God and I promised the devil that he would NOT have the last say in this matter.
So, after a long story bringing you up to date on why I am doing this, I would like to announce to you that on September 15, 2014 (the 15 yr anniversary of the shooting) I will be doing a fundraising walk from Elbasan, Albania (the city I currently live in) to Tirana (the capitol city of Albania).
This walk is intended to be a fundraising walk to benefit the work I do with the Roma gypsy girls here in Albania, and 50% of the proceeds I will personally donate to Wedgwood Baptist Church.
It is not a long walk, 26 miles in all. It will take me about 8 hours to complete. I am not in shape and I have been training throughout the summer to make sure I will be in the best shape possible to make the walk. I am very exciting about dancing on the devil's head the whole 26 miles and it brings me nearly to tears to imagine being able to, personally, give the 50% to Wedgwood Baptist Church after the walk.
I want to challenge YOU, my old classmates (whom I know this will affect), my family, my friends and even my simple acquaintances to GIVE towards this cause. Help me be a part of turning something terrible into something good. After all... oh wait... I haven't told you that part yet =)
The missions trip abroad my pastor was on (when the youth pastor couldn't get a hold of him to get permission).
Ya, he was in Albania, building the ministry in a nation that I am now a part of. Paving the way for me to come one day and continue the work here. You see, so after all...
Albania saved my life.
So now lets give to the work in Albania and to the wonderful works in abundance that go on day in and day out at Wedgwood Baptist in Fort Worth, TX.
Donations can be made through my organization by clicking HERE and by selecting 'Julie Shelley' from the campaigns menu. Please denote (in the comments section) that the donation is for the fundraising walk.
If you would like to read more about what happened on that dark day in 1999 plese click on of the following links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Gene_Ashbrook
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,31191,00.html
http://www.wedgwoodbc.org/joyful-relationships/church-information/wedgwood-shooting/
Thank you for reading.
Julie
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Life On The Farm
So far my day has gone something like this:
630a: Alarm goes off. I snooze
7a: Alarm goes off. I really have to get up this time. Bummer.
Wonder into the bathroom, pet the cat on the way in cause she sleeps on top of the washing machine these days for some unknown reason.
Get slightly uncomfortable kitty snuggles while I am trying to pee.
Carry laptop to the kitchen table. Sit down check emails, bank accounts, news etc.
Begin to prepare breakfast for me and Jack (the Doberman). We are both having eggs. Only thing is his are supplemented with a cup of dog food, mine are supplemented with a cup of coffee, milk, no sugar.
Mix Jacks eggs, get them cooking. Start mixing my own eggs. Once mixed, put electric kettle on to boil water for instant coffee. My filtered coffee machine is currently in need of repair and I can't justify making 3-4 cups minimum when I know I will only drink 1.
All that done, still waiting on Jack's eggs to finish. Walk into bathroom, poor kitty a little milk. Yes I spoil her sometimes.
Chase Dallas (small inside dog) out of bathroom cause she is terrifying kitty and trying to steal her milk.
Give Dallas some milk too.
Jack's eggs are done. Put them in his bowl to cool. Add 1 cup dog food and mix.
Put my eggs on to cook.
Pour cup of coffee with milk.
PUT MILK BACK IN FRIDGE. This is how I say this to myself because last week I forgot to do so and ruined a perfectly good bottle of milk. Sad.
Dish up my eggs.
Give Jack his meal.
Sit down to eat mine... finally.
Dallas wants out.
I can't let Dallas out until Jack is done eating because they will fight. So I play referee at the door, while Jack scarfs up food and Dallas sits there shaking and miserable looking cause she needs to go do her business. Thankfully she waits.
I take Jack's empty bowl. He is cute cause he has egg all over his nose.
Make Jack move cause Dallas gets edgy if he is in the way when she tries to go outside. If I don't make room for her she will growl and snap at him. He is big and so I try to keep her happy cause I don't know how badly he would hurt her if he responded in anger one day.
Go to get iPhone to take picture of Jack's eggy nose. Get to door, his nose is no longer eggy. Sad again.
Sit down...again... to eat my breakfast.
Dallas starts barking up a storm outside. It is still early and I do not want to disturb the neighbors. I do not need the wrath of seven old Albanian women to come down on me at any point in my life.
So I stand up and go command Dallas back inside.
She comes, thankfully. I close the door.
Again, I sit down to eat my breakfast.
Then I write this blog.
So now, I think I will go so I can finally finish this so called breakfast.
Hope you all have a great day.
I know we will on this little farm.
Thanks for reading.
Julie
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Adventure, Party of One...
Oh...
How am I?
Good.
Or, at least, that's what I would like to say. Even if its a lie. I wish I could say it without tears welling up in my eyes.
Moving across the world, forsaking your family, friends, church, work, ability to drive... everything one might hold dear... well, it breaks you in a way. However, I have been really blessed to say that I have not been alone for the past three years of this beautiful journey God has me on.
I have been spoiled, really. Not many missionaries step out into the luxury of having a great friend already waiting for you on the missions field. I met Kerri in 2007 on a short term mission trip to Albania. She was there in the same city at the same time on a short term missions trip with the Bible College she was a part of in South Africa. Through no coincidence, we happened to have mutual friends, who suggested out two short term teams have a get together one night.
If you have ever been to Elbasan, you have been to L'oasi ice cream shop. That is where our colliding of worlds first took place. My team, consisting really only of me and my pastor at the time, went out for ice cream to get to know the team from South Africa. We were only two people, but their team must have consisted of about 20 people.
It just so happened that Kerri and one of her team leaders sat at the same table as my pastor and I. Because my pastor and her team leader sparked a conversation right off the bat about mutual friends of theirs (is their coincidence in the Kingdom of God? I think not.), Kerri and I were left with the slightly awkward task of trying to spark our own conversation. It proved not to be a difficult task at all. In fact, we both had a burning passion to live in Albania long term and help its people grow to know God.
This conversation led to emailing which led to us finding each other on Skype. Life went on and Kerri eventually got to lead the dream, living full time in Elbasan. I was super jealous in some ways but also super happy for her. We kept in contact and were great encouragement to one another in life's struggles.
Then the day came when I decided I needed to take a longer term trip to Albania. My plan was to stay for 3 months, but I knew in the back of my mind that if those three months went well, that I would be staying longer than that. I think Kerri knew this too, even though I never told anyone. So when she suggested that we become roommates, I was stunned and felt like God was opening the door for me to finally get to my dreams and calling.
So we became roommates, and from that moment began a life full of great friendship, lots of struggles and a million giggles. I do not know if I would be in Albania today if it was not for this girl. Not only because she gave me the financial opportunity by sharing expenses, but for a million other reasons as well.
Yesterday, at 430am, I caught a taxi to the airport to see Kerri for one last time. For whatever reason, her time in Albania has come to an end. She left on an airplane about 24 hours ago now.
As I sit and write this, I am saddened to the depths of my heart to have to have said goodbye to someone so dear to me. I have no idea what God is going to do through all of this, but I know I will continue my work in Albania with the gypsy girls and with a new and exciting project that God is speaking to me about for this fall. More to come on that...
For now, I guess its adventure, party of one...
My God is enough. In my loneliness. In my financial hardships. He is enough.
Pray that He will bring more strong friendships along my path, but also pray that He strengthens me in the times that are not as full of people. Pray that He will open new doors of financial opportunity, but also pray that I can withstand the hardships.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
Friday, January 24, 2014
How To Care For Your Missionaries
It may be forward of me to write this blog, but who better to tell it how it is than one right in the middle of it all? So, if you find the fact that I, a missionary myself, am writing this blog then please just stop reading here. For those of you brave enough to read on:
For a few days I have been thinking about the little things in life, because it is the little things that can make or break a day. For example, if I am having a terrible day, but my friend does or says something unusually thoughtful and caring, I can be cheered up and almost immediately more capable of seeing life from a different or more positive perspective... even in my biggest problems and hurts.
In today's church there are many causes to be supported. We as modern Christians are always looking for the next way to help people and projects in the world that could not go on without our help. It is a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ in action first hand from the vantage point of the missions field. It is truly astounding (big and small) what the church can accomplish when it pulls together behind a common cause.
This blog is not to tell you where to give and focus your time, money or prayers. It is to help you once you have already made that decision. It is written to help you help those who you have chosen to get behind as a church or individual.
That being said, let us commence with the list making, shall we?
10 Ways You Can Care For Your Missionary
1. Communication
This is a major factor. So many times, with life as busy as it can be, we get caught up in the giving side of things and lose the relational side. I assure you that something as small as a FB message or a "how are you" will go a long way once in a while. Missionaries can often feel very alone. They may be linked to organizations and churches (as they should be) but they may really feel as if they have very few friends. Your small note can remind them that they do, in fact, still have friends all over the world. The ones from their home town/church/past can mean a lot when they are feeling caught up in a culture that is not naturally theirs.
2. Prayers
Often times we as the church have a huge fault in that we tend to put people on pedestals. This meaning that we assume those in any type of leadership or full time ministry are somehow spiritually better than we are. The Bible says that iron sharpens iron, so please don't forget we are all metal being purified by God's fire. This is a never ending, life-long process and from time to time even your leaders struggle. They might even struggle for weeks or months at a time. Your heartfelt and sincere prayers are felt and they do help. Your missionary is neck-deep in a pool of cultural setbacks and often times first generation Christian surroundings, meaning that they are fighting spiritual battles on the behalf of others (and nations) on a daily basis. Reinforcements are highly recommended and appreciated in this area.
3. Read Their Updates
I know. I even struggle with this one. Our emails on Monday morning are filled with things that we label and prioritize from the bottom "junk" type things to the top "priority/time sensitive" things. Somewhere in the middle things like newsletters get put aside with full intentions of reading them at a later time when life is a little less busy. We all know life doesn't get any less busy, so please take the time to read that newsletter when you get it. I am not exaggerating when I say you could miss something as serious as "life and death" situations that you may need to be aware of. It is easy... VERY easy to miss out or fall behind on what is happening with your missionaries. Read what they send you. It is important. Along with that goes fundraising, which will carry us on to number 4...
4. Support Them
About 99% of people when they read the title to #4 and possible even this blog's title rolled their eyes and thought something along the lines of "Oh, no... here we go again. The missionary is begging for money". Truth be told, the only way the missionary lives AT ALL is by begging for said money. However, you as the "supporter" also must consider the broader definitions of the word support. Your missionary completely understands that not everyone can give to every cause out there. However, they do fully intend to keep you in the loop because you are their friend. The way they keep you in the loop will often times be by sending you their mass produced updates and newsletters which, yes, will include how people can give to this particular cause. When missionaries ask for your support, please don't roll your eyes and assume you cannot do anything for them just because you can't send $5 this month. What they are asking for is any kind of support you can give. Financial, prayer and even moral support. As I said in #1, it is lonely on the missions field and a small note from home can make all the difference. That being said, one very important way you can care for your missionary is by giving, especially is you have committed to do so. Missionaries understand that life is hard and money is a big issue, but please also understand that they often plan their next month based on your commitments. If you will miss a month of giving, or need to make a change, please do the honorable things, and drop your missionary a note. They will appreciate the ability to plan ahead.
5. Send Something
Your missionary has given up their life and comforts to make Jesus known, often times in a very different part of the world. Sometimes the little things can make all the difference. For example, in Albania it is very expensive to buy peanut butter. So, when other missionaries who travel home to places like England more often than those of us who come from farther away, they will bring back a jar of peanut butter for me because they know it is something that is hard to come by (practically) in Albania. Or like the other day when the missionary family living in another Albanian city sent me a care package of "Sour Patch Kids" candy, it very nearly changed my life. Ok, I know that is dramatic, but if you know me well, you get it. So, when possible, check into the prices of "flat rate" international shipping boxes. Then drop your missionary a note and ask the what little things they miss from home. Filling said box with those items and sending it to your international missionary friend is a great great great way to show that you care. Care packages mean a lot to people the world over whether they are students studying abroad, military stationed in war zones or your missionary fighting the spiritual battles world over. If a care package isn't possible, even something as small as a handwritten note is much appreciated. Pen pals never go out of style. Also appreciated, if possible are pictures (real ones) of your missionary's family and friends.
6. Accountability
It is quite likely that your missionary needs a little accountability in their life, as does anyone else. We all have goals we wish to meet more often than we do. Who doesn't have the desire to read the Bible more often or lose that extra ten pounds or just eat healthier? Drop a note to your missionary and set up a monthly/weekly accountability email where you can encourage each other in those areas you are both struggling in. Your missionary needs someone to spill to about this sometimes.
7. Understand Your Missionary
Missionaries are a unique people. They are a people without a state. For example, I am no longer 100% American. Sure I was born in Texas and I carry the all coveted blue passport, but you will see, as you get to know me again, that there are some things that I do differently or even words that I say in a slightly British accent. I will never be the complete American with no concept of the outside world again. I will also never be 100% Albania. Actually I will probably always be a far cry from it. Your missionary needs you to accept them and love them for who they are now, not who they used to be. Things will change. They will not be the exact person you used to know. They will have matured in many ways, and they will get on your nerves in ways, because they are different than you remember. Cherish them anyway. They need a little TLC when they come home. They are pointed out for being different ALL the time in the international city they live in, when then come home, they just need you to understand.
8. Visit Them
I cannot stress this one enough. Your missionary knows that it is not possible for everyone to be jet-setting all the time, flying all over the world to every exotic location that exists. However, that being said, when a missionary goes two years without seeing anyone they know from their previous life, while others all around them have constant visitors, it is very difficult. All I am saying is if at all you can find a way, make a short visit. It will lift your missionary's spirits in a way you could never imagine.
9. Help Them Visit Home/Other Places
If money is not a problem, but time is because your job is demanding and you just can't even find time in the day to take a shower, then consider giving towards your missionary's furlough visits. I know many a missionary who have gone up to 4 years without being able to exit the country they are working in. It may not be possible to fly an American family living in Russia home, but consider asking them if there is a Christian conference in a neighboring country they would like to attend and see how you can help make that happen. As with any job, your missionary needs a break. The difference is that your missionary is LIVING at work 24/7. Keep that in mind as you think about how you can help.
As for now, that is what is on my heart. If you are a missionary reading this and have something to add to the list or would like to comment on something said here, please feel free to share. I might even extend the list.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
For a few days I have been thinking about the little things in life, because it is the little things that can make or break a day. For example, if I am having a terrible day, but my friend does or says something unusually thoughtful and caring, I can be cheered up and almost immediately more capable of seeing life from a different or more positive perspective... even in my biggest problems and hurts.
In today's church there are many causes to be supported. We as modern Christians are always looking for the next way to help people and projects in the world that could not go on without our help. It is a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ in action first hand from the vantage point of the missions field. It is truly astounding (big and small) what the church can accomplish when it pulls together behind a common cause.
This blog is not to tell you where to give and focus your time, money or prayers. It is to help you once you have already made that decision. It is written to help you help those who you have chosen to get behind as a church or individual.
That being said, let us commence with the list making, shall we?
10 Ways You Can Care For Your Missionary
1. Communication
This is a major factor. So many times, with life as busy as it can be, we get caught up in the giving side of things and lose the relational side. I assure you that something as small as a FB message or a "how are you" will go a long way once in a while. Missionaries can often feel very alone. They may be linked to organizations and churches (as they should be) but they may really feel as if they have very few friends. Your small note can remind them that they do, in fact, still have friends all over the world. The ones from their home town/church/past can mean a lot when they are feeling caught up in a culture that is not naturally theirs.
2. Prayers
Often times we as the church have a huge fault in that we tend to put people on pedestals. This meaning that we assume those in any type of leadership or full time ministry are somehow spiritually better than we are. The Bible says that iron sharpens iron, so please don't forget we are all metal being purified by God's fire. This is a never ending, life-long process and from time to time even your leaders struggle. They might even struggle for weeks or months at a time. Your heartfelt and sincere prayers are felt and they do help. Your missionary is neck-deep in a pool of cultural setbacks and often times first generation Christian surroundings, meaning that they are fighting spiritual battles on the behalf of others (and nations) on a daily basis. Reinforcements are highly recommended and appreciated in this area.
3. Read Their Updates
I know. I even struggle with this one. Our emails on Monday morning are filled with things that we label and prioritize from the bottom "junk" type things to the top "priority/time sensitive" things. Somewhere in the middle things like newsletters get put aside with full intentions of reading them at a later time when life is a little less busy. We all know life doesn't get any less busy, so please take the time to read that newsletter when you get it. I am not exaggerating when I say you could miss something as serious as "life and death" situations that you may need to be aware of. It is easy... VERY easy to miss out or fall behind on what is happening with your missionaries. Read what they send you. It is important. Along with that goes fundraising, which will carry us on to number 4...
4. Support Them
About 99% of people when they read the title to #4 and possible even this blog's title rolled their eyes and thought something along the lines of "Oh, no... here we go again. The missionary is begging for money". Truth be told, the only way the missionary lives AT ALL is by begging for said money. However, you as the "supporter" also must consider the broader definitions of the word support. Your missionary completely understands that not everyone can give to every cause out there. However, they do fully intend to keep you in the loop because you are their friend. The way they keep you in the loop will often times be by sending you their mass produced updates and newsletters which, yes, will include how people can give to this particular cause. When missionaries ask for your support, please don't roll your eyes and assume you cannot do anything for them just because you can't send $5 this month. What they are asking for is any kind of support you can give. Financial, prayer and even moral support. As I said in #1, it is lonely on the missions field and a small note from home can make all the difference. That being said, one very important way you can care for your missionary is by giving, especially is you have committed to do so. Missionaries understand that life is hard and money is a big issue, but please also understand that they often plan their next month based on your commitments. If you will miss a month of giving, or need to make a change, please do the honorable things, and drop your missionary a note. They will appreciate the ability to plan ahead.
5. Send Something
Your missionary has given up their life and comforts to make Jesus known, often times in a very different part of the world. Sometimes the little things can make all the difference. For example, in Albania it is very expensive to buy peanut butter. So, when other missionaries who travel home to places like England more often than those of us who come from farther away, they will bring back a jar of peanut butter for me because they know it is something that is hard to come by (practically) in Albania. Or like the other day when the missionary family living in another Albanian city sent me a care package of "Sour Patch Kids" candy, it very nearly changed my life. Ok, I know that is dramatic, but if you know me well, you get it. So, when possible, check into the prices of "flat rate" international shipping boxes. Then drop your missionary a note and ask the what little things they miss from home. Filling said box with those items and sending it to your international missionary friend is a great great great way to show that you care. Care packages mean a lot to people the world over whether they are students studying abroad, military stationed in war zones or your missionary fighting the spiritual battles world over. If a care package isn't possible, even something as small as a handwritten note is much appreciated. Pen pals never go out of style. Also appreciated, if possible are pictures (real ones) of your missionary's family and friends.
6. Accountability
It is quite likely that your missionary needs a little accountability in their life, as does anyone else. We all have goals we wish to meet more often than we do. Who doesn't have the desire to read the Bible more often or lose that extra ten pounds or just eat healthier? Drop a note to your missionary and set up a monthly/weekly accountability email where you can encourage each other in those areas you are both struggling in. Your missionary needs someone to spill to about this sometimes.
7. Understand Your Missionary
Missionaries are a unique people. They are a people without a state. For example, I am no longer 100% American. Sure I was born in Texas and I carry the all coveted blue passport, but you will see, as you get to know me again, that there are some things that I do differently or even words that I say in a slightly British accent. I will never be the complete American with no concept of the outside world again. I will also never be 100% Albania. Actually I will probably always be a far cry from it. Your missionary needs you to accept them and love them for who they are now, not who they used to be. Things will change. They will not be the exact person you used to know. They will have matured in many ways, and they will get on your nerves in ways, because they are different than you remember. Cherish them anyway. They need a little TLC when they come home. They are pointed out for being different ALL the time in the international city they live in, when then come home, they just need you to understand.
8. Visit Them
I cannot stress this one enough. Your missionary knows that it is not possible for everyone to be jet-setting all the time, flying all over the world to every exotic location that exists. However, that being said, when a missionary goes two years without seeing anyone they know from their previous life, while others all around them have constant visitors, it is very difficult. All I am saying is if at all you can find a way, make a short visit. It will lift your missionary's spirits in a way you could never imagine.
9. Help Them Visit Home/Other Places
If money is not a problem, but time is because your job is demanding and you just can't even find time in the day to take a shower, then consider giving towards your missionary's furlough visits. I know many a missionary who have gone up to 4 years without being able to exit the country they are working in. It may not be possible to fly an American family living in Russia home, but consider asking them if there is a Christian conference in a neighboring country they would like to attend and see how you can help make that happen. As with any job, your missionary needs a break. The difference is that your missionary is LIVING at work 24/7. Keep that in mind as you think about how you can help.
As for now, that is what is on my heart. If you are a missionary reading this and have something to add to the list or would like to comment on something said here, please feel free to share. I might even extend the list.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
January 14, 2014
As many of you may have already heard from Facebook or my updates, I (with my roomie) have recently moved into a new house. I was so happy to be able to make the move because it is a bigger house in a quieter, yet more central neighborhood, and all for the same price as we were paying in the apartment. You can't ask for much better than that. We worried that the bills might be more expensive in a bigger house, but as it turns out it looks like it might all add up to be about the same; possibly even LESS.
God has taken care of our every desire in this move, but one thing I can certainly say is that it has made me very TIRED. You see, when we made the decision to move, we did it rather quickly, seeing as the house was everything we have been looking for for more than a year and it was being offered at a STEAL of a price. If we were going to make the move we needed to do it quickly. So, the 2 weeks we were scheduled to move house, I had also agreed to house sitting for another family in town while they were on a small vacation. Oh, and did I mention we did it all over the week of Christmas as well?
So, now I am finally feeling a little more settled in and I am almost feeling like the house is my home now. I love it so much, even though it has its own various quirks as would any house. It is what is known in Albania as a "cold house", meaning it gets very little sun throughout the day. Thankfully, though, the rooms in the house heat up a million times faster than our apartment (also cold) ever could have. Every evening we can heat up the living room with our wood burning stove, and once it is warm, little by little is is nearly possible to adequately heat the whole house. The only down side to that is that we are using more wood than before, but if you knew how grumpy I can get in the cold, you would use the wood too.
Another of the houses noticeable quirks is that it has concrete floors. This, in Albania, is a sign of being poor and is an absolute shame to many of our "working class" friends. We have heard many snide comments from many people and have even watch a few turn their noses up. However, little by little we will refinish the floors, likely with a stain of some sort. We are very excited about this option, because it is unique in Albania. No one has stained floors in their house. You either have unfinished cement or you have ceramic tile. A few people here and there may even have linoleum now, but this is a fairly new trend and hasn't completely caught on just yet. Like I said, we are excited to try out something simple, yet uncommon. Here's to stained concrete.
The worst quirk of our house, and it may even be found a considerable fault, is the bathroom. Thankfully it is not an eastern toilet, as you might have imagined. However, it is only one step up from that. It does have a porcelain toilet, which (I'm sorry) is SOOO cold to sit on in these winter months. I mean seriously? Other than that it is also what is considered a "wet bathroom". This means that it has a faucet and a shower head when the shower/bath should be, and a drain in the floor for the water to run to. No shower base, just freezing cold ceramic tile beneath our feet and covering the walls around. The water almost runs directly to the drain with a slight miss that can cause major flooding. So, with various towels directing run away water, we have managed to make it work, and although I had a grumpy outburst about it in the beginning, I am happy to say that the routine is working well for us now. How we can improve that situation in the future is still yet to be decided, but for now it helps me feel more like a missionary.
All this to say, that above all else, what matters is that God has provided for us in such a miraculous way. We prayed long and hard for just the right house. We would offer more than we could afford (in reality) for houses that were not quite right for us, and somehow it still didn't work out each time. But GOD. He KNEW. It never ceases to amaze me how much He cares about the little details in our lives. I mean, not only is the house cheaper than any price we had offered for any of the other house, but it even came with a cactus. I know, I know... a cactus????
For the longest time I have been talking about buying a little cactus to take raise in our garden. This has been a huge step for me because I am dubbed (by my own choosing) a plant killer. This all originates with a sweet little TINY baby cactus someone gave me when I moved out of my parents house and into my first apartment. I LOVED this cute little plant. It was like my baby. I'm sure I even gave it a name. However, the day I came home from work to realized I had over-watered and killed it ended everything plant related in my soul. Ok maybe that's dramatic, but for a long time I have not touched plants. My roommate, having heard the baby cactus story before, got very excited when I started to toy with the idea of trying again. So, one of my Christmas gifts for me this year was a beautiful ceramic pot with butterflies painted all over it. At this point we had nearly finished all our moving and had spent a lot of time in the new house. However, it wasn't until just a couple of days ago, that my roomie, while working in the garden, discovered a tiny potted plant that had been tipped on its side and fallen out of sight. As she picked it up she nearly shrieked. It was a tiny cactus. Yesterday I planted the little guy in my butterfly pot and I have studied the internet over to make sure I don't kill him (your prayers are much appreciated). Only time will tell, but I know that God took such good care of us that He found us the right house at the right price at the right time... and a cactus on top of it all.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
God has taken care of our every desire in this move, but one thing I can certainly say is that it has made me very TIRED. You see, when we made the decision to move, we did it rather quickly, seeing as the house was everything we have been looking for for more than a year and it was being offered at a STEAL of a price. If we were going to make the move we needed to do it quickly. So, the 2 weeks we were scheduled to move house, I had also agreed to house sitting for another family in town while they were on a small vacation. Oh, and did I mention we did it all over the week of Christmas as well?
So, now I am finally feeling a little more settled in and I am almost feeling like the house is my home now. I love it so much, even though it has its own various quirks as would any house. It is what is known in Albania as a "cold house", meaning it gets very little sun throughout the day. Thankfully, though, the rooms in the house heat up a million times faster than our apartment (also cold) ever could have. Every evening we can heat up the living room with our wood burning stove, and once it is warm, little by little is is nearly possible to adequately heat the whole house. The only down side to that is that we are using more wood than before, but if you knew how grumpy I can get in the cold, you would use the wood too.
Another of the houses noticeable quirks is that it has concrete floors. This, in Albania, is a sign of being poor and is an absolute shame to many of our "working class" friends. We have heard many snide comments from many people and have even watch a few turn their noses up. However, little by little we will refinish the floors, likely with a stain of some sort. We are very excited about this option, because it is unique in Albania. No one has stained floors in their house. You either have unfinished cement or you have ceramic tile. A few people here and there may even have linoleum now, but this is a fairly new trend and hasn't completely caught on just yet. Like I said, we are excited to try out something simple, yet uncommon. Here's to stained concrete.
The worst quirk of our house, and it may even be found a considerable fault, is the bathroom. Thankfully it is not an eastern toilet, as you might have imagined. However, it is only one step up from that. It does have a porcelain toilet, which (I'm sorry) is SOOO cold to sit on in these winter months. I mean seriously? Other than that it is also what is considered a "wet bathroom". This means that it has a faucet and a shower head when the shower/bath should be, and a drain in the floor for the water to run to. No shower base, just freezing cold ceramic tile beneath our feet and covering the walls around. The water almost runs directly to the drain with a slight miss that can cause major flooding. So, with various towels directing run away water, we have managed to make it work, and although I had a grumpy outburst about it in the beginning, I am happy to say that the routine is working well for us now. How we can improve that situation in the future is still yet to be decided, but for now it helps me feel more like a missionary.
All this to say, that above all else, what matters is that God has provided for us in such a miraculous way. We prayed long and hard for just the right house. We would offer more than we could afford (in reality) for houses that were not quite right for us, and somehow it still didn't work out each time. But GOD. He KNEW. It never ceases to amaze me how much He cares about the little details in our lives. I mean, not only is the house cheaper than any price we had offered for any of the other house, but it even came with a cactus. I know, I know... a cactus????
For the longest time I have been talking about buying a little cactus to take raise in our garden. This has been a huge step for me because I am dubbed (by my own choosing) a plant killer. This all originates with a sweet little TINY baby cactus someone gave me when I moved out of my parents house and into my first apartment. I LOVED this cute little plant. It was like my baby. I'm sure I even gave it a name. However, the day I came home from work to realized I had over-watered and killed it ended everything plant related in my soul. Ok maybe that's dramatic, but for a long time I have not touched plants. My roommate, having heard the baby cactus story before, got very excited when I started to toy with the idea of trying again. So, one of my Christmas gifts for me this year was a beautiful ceramic pot with butterflies painted all over it. At this point we had nearly finished all our moving and had spent a lot of time in the new house. However, it wasn't until just a couple of days ago, that my roomie, while working in the garden, discovered a tiny potted plant that had been tipped on its side and fallen out of sight. As she picked it up she nearly shrieked. It was a tiny cactus. Yesterday I planted the little guy in my butterfly pot and I have studied the internet over to make sure I don't kill him (your prayers are much appreciated). Only time will tell, but I know that God took such good care of us that He found us the right house at the right price at the right time... and a cactus on top of it all.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
Friday, October 18, 2013
October 18, 2013
Sitting here staring at an empty page and wondering what to write. I have so much on my mind, and so much has happened since I last wrote a blog. I have no idea which part of life to write about, so maybe I will just write about them all.
It feels like it has been a hundred years since I last blogged, and life has been FULL of changes, ups and downs. I feel like I have aged immensely through it all, but I guess if I'm looking at the bright side, that could also be used to say I have matured in many ways.
With the winter coming up, I am trying to be positive about life. I HATE the cold hahaha. When I say cold, I am very blessed, because in my city it doesn't really get below freezing very often. I am just a baby when it comes to the cold. However, to make my point, it is VERY cold inside the houses here in Elbasan. They are build from cement, which when it gets cold STAYS cold for a very long time. Above and beyond that, the houses here are rarely built with insulation, so trying to keep a house warm is impossible. In winter, the way the Albanian people (and the missionaries among them) live is that they will heat one room and if you are in your house, you will stay only in that room. Its a good thing there are only two people in my house, because often times whole Albanian families will be found sleeping/living together in one tiny warm(ish) room.
With that complaint out of the way, let me get on to more important things...
There is a little girl that I have met this year that has touched the heart of both my roommate and myself. She is a two year old who was taken into the Catholic orphanage this spring. Her name is Dafina and she has a myriad of problems. First of all, she was born nearly deaf. I say nearly because very loud noises surprise her and make her jump, so our theory is she can hear very loud things. Above and beyond that, her mother died in child birth and her father decided he did not want her. Therefore, our precious Dafina got stuck with some distant relatives who used her to help them beg for money in the streets. She was swaddled and kept (probably drugged) in a stroller for hours upon hours each day, probably in the median of a busy intersection while her caretakers begged for money to care for "their" poor baby. Because of this, my precious little Dafina was forced to face the sun all day, and as a result of it has become blind.
In the spring, for whatever reason, her caretakers brought her to stay in the orphanage here in Elbasan. Upon medical evaluation, the nuns of the orphanage were informed that Dafina also has inoperable brain tumors and only has a matter of time to live because of them.
Today, Dafina in is one of the best orphanages that Albania has, however, that does not mean her situation is the best. Even in this amazing orphanage filled with wonderful staff, there just is not enough time for the workers or the sisters to have one on one time with all the children. So, Dafina ends up on the floor in a play room most of the day. She is with other children, but the biggest problem is that from being swaddled most of her life, from developmental delays because of her life, and possibly because of her medical condition, she cannot move around very well at all. So she lays on the floor of this room most of the day, except for when it is time to eat or sleep.
My heart cries out for this little one. My prayers for her are numerous, but here are a few:
- I pray that the God who I know is bigger than any sickness brings a miracle of healing into this baby's life.
- I pray that we can get a second opinion from more experienced neurologists about the real life expectation/operation expectations of these brain tumors. Please pray that God opens doors as both my roommate and I continue to stir the waters in this area, looking for someone who could help. Albanian doctors opinions are not highly valued for many reasons. I would like to have her medical records reviewed by the best of the best so that the best decisions can be made on behalf of this precious little girl.
- I pray that God will bring people into Dafina's life that can show her true love and value, as she has never been shown before. Her family never valued her and now the people who care for her have all but give up on her because of her prognosis, but I believe she is worth fighting for.
For another good read about Dafina, check out and follow my roommate, Kerri Nixon's blog: Click Here
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Thank you for reading.
Julie
It feels like it has been a hundred years since I last blogged, and life has been FULL of changes, ups and downs. I feel like I have aged immensely through it all, but I guess if I'm looking at the bright side, that could also be used to say I have matured in many ways.
With the winter coming up, I am trying to be positive about life. I HATE the cold hahaha. When I say cold, I am very blessed, because in my city it doesn't really get below freezing very often. I am just a baby when it comes to the cold. However, to make my point, it is VERY cold inside the houses here in Elbasan. They are build from cement, which when it gets cold STAYS cold for a very long time. Above and beyond that, the houses here are rarely built with insulation, so trying to keep a house warm is impossible. In winter, the way the Albanian people (and the missionaries among them) live is that they will heat one room and if you are in your house, you will stay only in that room. Its a good thing there are only two people in my house, because often times whole Albanian families will be found sleeping/living together in one tiny warm(ish) room.
With that complaint out of the way, let me get on to more important things...
There is a little girl that I have met this year that has touched the heart of both my roommate and myself. She is a two year old who was taken into the Catholic orphanage this spring. Her name is Dafina and she has a myriad of problems. First of all, she was born nearly deaf. I say nearly because very loud noises surprise her and make her jump, so our theory is she can hear very loud things. Above and beyond that, her mother died in child birth and her father decided he did not want her. Therefore, our precious Dafina got stuck with some distant relatives who used her to help them beg for money in the streets. She was swaddled and kept (probably drugged) in a stroller for hours upon hours each day, probably in the median of a busy intersection while her caretakers begged for money to care for "their" poor baby. Because of this, my precious little Dafina was forced to face the sun all day, and as a result of it has become blind.
In the spring, for whatever reason, her caretakers brought her to stay in the orphanage here in Elbasan. Upon medical evaluation, the nuns of the orphanage were informed that Dafina also has inoperable brain tumors and only has a matter of time to live because of them.
Today, Dafina in is one of the best orphanages that Albania has, however, that does not mean her situation is the best. Even in this amazing orphanage filled with wonderful staff, there just is not enough time for the workers or the sisters to have one on one time with all the children. So, Dafina ends up on the floor in a play room most of the day. She is with other children, but the biggest problem is that from being swaddled most of her life, from developmental delays because of her life, and possibly because of her medical condition, she cannot move around very well at all. So she lays on the floor of this room most of the day, except for when it is time to eat or sleep.
My heart cries out for this little one. My prayers for her are numerous, but here are a few:
- I pray that the God who I know is bigger than any sickness brings a miracle of healing into this baby's life.
- I pray that we can get a second opinion from more experienced neurologists about the real life expectation/operation expectations of these brain tumors. Please pray that God opens doors as both my roommate and I continue to stir the waters in this area, looking for someone who could help. Albanian doctors opinions are not highly valued for many reasons. I would like to have her medical records reviewed by the best of the best so that the best decisions can be made on behalf of this precious little girl.
- I pray that God will bring people into Dafina's life that can show her true love and value, as she has never been shown before. Her family never valued her and now the people who care for her have all but give up on her because of her prognosis, but I believe she is worth fighting for.
For another good read about Dafina, check out and follow my roommate, Kerri Nixon's blog: Click Here
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Thank you for reading.
Julie
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Welcome To Burleson
Burleson, Texas.
Population 37,000.
Home town of famous pop singer Kelly Clarkson.
Birthplace of the world wide day of prayer "See You At The Pole".
Burleson is not my hometown. I was not born there, nor have I ever actually even lived there. For five amazing years of my life, however, I did work there. I was the secretary of Freedom Church, you know... the one that met in the old Movie Theater/Bowling Alley? Ya... that one.
For five years of my life I had the extreme pleasure of working for a church in a community that not only values their faith in Jesus Christ, but that also values churches working together.
Unfortunately, these days, it is rare to see a Pastor's alliance that works well. I have even heard of some alliance meetings (not in Burleson) ending in fist fights. Yes. Fist fights between Pastors. Isn't that just lovely?
Burleson, however, seems to me to be a very different kind of place. I was never directly involved in their pastor's alliance, but I was blessed enough to be able to work very closely with the Youth Pastor's alliance of the city. How cool is that? How many cities actually even have something like that?
I will tell you one thing, it was one of the biggest pleasures of my career to have worked with the LINC in Burleson. I mean, this was the very group that decades ago began the world changing prayer event that is called "See You At The Pole", an event that marked me for life on September 15 1999... but that is a story for another time.
From the very first meeting, I felt completely honored to be working with other youth pastors. We had a similar vision. We wanted to equip today's young Christians and evangelize their friends. It was simple, and we always worked peacefully together, even helping to steer and direct some major events, featuring names such as Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Francis Chan and so many more.
When I was a part of the LINC, I felt like I was seeing Christianity in action in the world I lived in. It was an awesome experience, and even better than that were the relationships formed with other youth pastors and workers in town.
You see the LINC is where I met great people. People like Sam Dallas who is an amazing theology and apologetics guy. People like Darin Brannon, who was an awesome youth leader and later went on to be an amazing worship pastor at Victory Family Church. People like Sandra Ruiz who helped connect us to the big names. People like Jonathan Moore, who is the youth pastor at the church I now attend. Had I not connected with him through a Battle of the Bands sponsored by the LINC, then I would probably not be in the church I am at today, Metroplex Family Church. That would be one of the biggest blessings in life that I could have ever missed out on. I thank God for the timely appointments during my time at the LINC, for the connections made and for all the youth (and more than likely adults too) reached through all the work during my time there and now.
Another person I met through my time at the LINC was BJ Jennings. I remember working with him on many events. He was always a great and encouraging guy, and all of us at the LINC had many a conversation over a box or ten of pizza with this amazing man.
Today in Burleson Texas, the Christians pulled together once again. We didn't want to do it in this way, but we did not have a choice in this divine appointment. Today we attended the memorial service of BJ Jennings. Early this Father's Day, BJ was killed in an accident while trying to help a stranded motorist.
The venue where the memorial was seats a thousand people, but still the overflow rooms were filled to capacity and people had to watch the service from monitors because there were already 1000 seats filled in honor of this man. Today I was reminded of a unity that I want to hold on to and remember forever. The unity of those believers in Burleson Texas who have fought for freedom in their own lives and the lives of others. Just the thought of it still brings me to tears.
BJ left this earth WAY too early, no doubt about that, but the impact he left will reach generations to come.
In honor and loving memory of a brother in Christ who fought the good fight and is now breaking it down "Hammer Time" style with his Father God in Heaven. He lived his life a good man, and he died helping someone out.
Brian "BJ" Jennings
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Check out news coverage of the memorial service HERE
Also if you missed today's memorial service, you can see it all by clicking HERE
Population 37,000.
Home town of famous pop singer Kelly Clarkson.
Birthplace of the world wide day of prayer "See You At The Pole".
Burleson is not my hometown. I was not born there, nor have I ever actually even lived there. For five amazing years of my life, however, I did work there. I was the secretary of Freedom Church, you know... the one that met in the old Movie Theater/Bowling Alley? Ya... that one.
For five years of my life I had the extreme pleasure of working for a church in a community that not only values their faith in Jesus Christ, but that also values churches working together.
Unfortunately, these days, it is rare to see a Pastor's alliance that works well. I have even heard of some alliance meetings (not in Burleson) ending in fist fights. Yes. Fist fights between Pastors. Isn't that just lovely?
Burleson, however, seems to me to be a very different kind of place. I was never directly involved in their pastor's alliance, but I was blessed enough to be able to work very closely with the Youth Pastor's alliance of the city. How cool is that? How many cities actually even have something like that?
I will tell you one thing, it was one of the biggest pleasures of my career to have worked with the LINC in Burleson. I mean, this was the very group that decades ago began the world changing prayer event that is called "See You At The Pole", an event that marked me for life on September 15 1999... but that is a story for another time.
From the very first meeting, I felt completely honored to be working with other youth pastors. We had a similar vision. We wanted to equip today's young Christians and evangelize their friends. It was simple, and we always worked peacefully together, even helping to steer and direct some major events, featuring names such as Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Francis Chan and so many more.
When I was a part of the LINC, I felt like I was seeing Christianity in action in the world I lived in. It was an awesome experience, and even better than that were the relationships formed with other youth pastors and workers in town.
You see the LINC is where I met great people. People like Sam Dallas who is an amazing theology and apologetics guy. People like Darin Brannon, who was an awesome youth leader and later went on to be an amazing worship pastor at Victory Family Church. People like Sandra Ruiz who helped connect us to the big names. People like Jonathan Moore, who is the youth pastor at the church I now attend. Had I not connected with him through a Battle of the Bands sponsored by the LINC, then I would probably not be in the church I am at today, Metroplex Family Church. That would be one of the biggest blessings in life that I could have ever missed out on. I thank God for the timely appointments during my time at the LINC, for the connections made and for all the youth (and more than likely adults too) reached through all the work during my time there and now.
Another person I met through my time at the LINC was BJ Jennings. I remember working with him on many events. He was always a great and encouraging guy, and all of us at the LINC had many a conversation over a box or ten of pizza with this amazing man.
Today in Burleson Texas, the Christians pulled together once again. We didn't want to do it in this way, but we did not have a choice in this divine appointment. Today we attended the memorial service of BJ Jennings. Early this Father's Day, BJ was killed in an accident while trying to help a stranded motorist.
The venue where the memorial was seats a thousand people, but still the overflow rooms were filled to capacity and people had to watch the service from monitors because there were already 1000 seats filled in honor of this man. Today I was reminded of a unity that I want to hold on to and remember forever. The unity of those believers in Burleson Texas who have fought for freedom in their own lives and the lives of others. Just the thought of it still brings me to tears.
BJ left this earth WAY too early, no doubt about that, but the impact he left will reach generations to come.
In honor and loving memory of a brother in Christ who fought the good fight and is now breaking it down "Hammer Time" style with his Father God in Heaven. He lived his life a good man, and he died helping someone out.
Brian "BJ" Jennings
.JPG)
This is how every Christian should go out. Leave a legacy so big that even the liberal media wants to be there to cover your memorial service.
Check out news coverage of the memorial service HERE
Also if you missed today's memorial service, you can see it all by clicking HERE
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