goodbye and hello

Today, the longest day ever, I said goodbye to Thailand and my Valentour adventures. I woke at 4:15 am Thai time and it is currently 11 pm Pittsburgh time and I am still awake. I crossed the international date line somewhere in there and gained an extra 12 hours...exhausted but still standing. As I am able, I may write more but I just wanted to publically let everyone know that I am safe and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the prayers and words of encouragement!

Now I hit the ground running at New Wilmington Mission Conference tomorrow morning...ready or not...

signing off.

love and God bless,

beth

one final tidbit- on our last day in Bangkok Katie and I headed in to the redlight district to talk to a woman at a really cool ministry called "night light bangkok" (shout out to Chip who told me about it) ...here is their website, check it out! www.nightlightbangkok.com

children of the light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light. ~Ephesians 5:8

While in Sibu, Malaysia I had the opportunity to explore the town center/quad which was very close to my guest house. I was able to explore, get my own meals, and even find a place to get wireless internet and cheap mochas. On my final night when my host asked if she could drop me off a few blocks from my guest house because of traffic and one way streets and because she had a meeting, I of course said yes.

Not only was it dark but it was also busy. There was a cultural fair going on and there were wall to wall people and distractions of every shape and color. I quickly got disoriented and had no clue how to get to my home. As the fear and worry started to rise up in me and I continued to try to get home by my own knowledge, the panic started to come upon me. Then the realization hit: my guest house was right next to a Methodist church- and all Malaysian Methodist Churches have a cross on the steeple. As I searched the sky for the cross I knew was there, I felt comfort and peace. I quickly found my way “home” through the beacon of the cross.

Now I reflect on that story as I sit in Thailand, notably a place of great spiritual oppression and darkness. For those of you who do not believe this- CS Lewis said that the greatest accomplishment Satan ever did was convince us that he did not exist. Over and over again I am hearing stories of spiritual darkness in this beautiful yet broken land. I confess in this, a moment of transparency, that I have fallen prey to this as well.

My sister joined me in Thailand for the last leg of my journey. We have spent much needed time catching up, laughing, and playing together. It was not until last night that I realized ashamedly that I had let my time with God completely suffer in my time in Thailand. I realized that I have been completely spoiled traveling alone as well as living alone in the states. As life gets more complicated I must recall these moments both in Malaysia and Thailand. In the darkness of my life, physical as well as spiritual I need to look to the cross. I need to look towards Jesus for my direction. And when I have not, I am not walking as a Child of the light. The following verses in Ephesians continues “for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth…” –how can I teach the Truth if I am not in it daily.

As I am humbled by this realization and yet again reminded of the need to be brought to my knees day after day, I am praying for Thailand. I ask that you join me in this adventure of prayer. I can tell you of many organizations and workers who would covet your prayers as they work to bring the kingdom of God a little closer in this beautiful but dark nation, to be the light representing the Light.

love and God Bless,

beth

sister time

For those of you who did not know, my sister joined me in Thailand. In all actuality she beat me here...she arrived on Sunday and I joined her this morning. We are currently staying with one of her former students and his wife- this picture is of Katie holding their adorable daughter (who I may be carrying on as my carry on luggage if they are not careful) named Psalm. We are well and it is good to catch up. She is currently sleeping next to me on the couch because she does not want me to wake her when I go...some things never change- even in Thailand!

Old arguments and new friends

Two things have happened in the past few days that have forced me to pause and think. First of all I have gotten in some"discussions," (as my uncle max and father would say.) I met a man last night who began the conversation by asking to see my Bible- he proceeded to read through it (mainly the introduction and not the actual biblical text) for about 20 minutes. Finally he asked me if I actually believed this. It turns out that althogh I was at a Christian gathering, technically a mission outreach to an "indigenous people group" this man was attending, for the "social" aspects of the events. This man rode on a bus for three hours each way to sit and listen to a preacher he did not believe and argue with me, someone he just met. As I sat and discussed creation, nature of scripture and God etc I realized the age old truth: no one can be argued into the kingdom of God. Augustine said it 1700 years ago and it is still true today. This man wanted me to come up with some clever level of wits to prove that my belief was worthy. In the end, it did not matter. Although he claimed my believe was "wishful thinking" and indoctrination, his lack of faith is just as much a faith in his own reason and science as mine is in a God that is beyond my reason. In the end our presuppositions both are a kind of faith. Despite this, this man demands that God prove Himself to him or he will not believe- yet he refuses to ask God to do so. I return to the truth that me and my words will never save anyone but only the inbreaking of God and the softening (or warming, if you prefer) of ones heart. I understand now why so many of my professors shy away from apologetics more than I ever have before.

Despite this, there are also conversations that make my heart smile. I met a young woman named Liz many years ago when we were camp counselors. We hit it off immediately and have been fast friends. We remain friends today although we have only been in each others presences for less than 2 weeks of our entire lives. I have met other amazing new friends and am touched by their kindness and amazed at how quickly we are able to mesh and enjoy deep conversations of faith as well as joyous laughter. I pray that like my friend Liz many years ago some of my new friends are the lasting variety- that this is just the beginning, not the end!

Now, I am in route to Thailand...only a few more hours in Malaysia which is sad. BUT I will see my sister in a few short hours- she is joining me in Thailand and is already there waiting for me (i am sure with baited breath, right)

signing off- love and GodBless,

beth

the things I will miss

Here are some final images of some of the girls at AG Home!

I cannot believe how fast this trip is flying! I have reached my 6th of 7 countries. I have spent practically one week of my 6 sitting in airplanes and airports. Although I have had many moments when I have been “babysat” by very generous individuals, I have also had much alone time to think, read, and pray. As of late I have been thinking of the things I will miss when I return as well as the trade off the occurs for those things.
I will miss the hospitality of complete strangers and the sufficiency of simply knowing someone they know being enough to take care of a stranger. It is amazing how knowing one or two people can be so effective in the body of Christ. I will miss the greetings of people all of the world. I kind of stick out like a sore thumb and all want to greet me. Although some are not sincere, many truly are and want to talk and show me hospitality. I currently miss the silence of old friends, being able to sit and not talk, not explain myself, not make small talk unless I want to. I also miss those same old friends and the ease of conversation that flows when we are together. I miss hugs!
I will miss the variety of foods my taste buds have experienced. I already know I will have to venture to the Korean restaurant in Pittsburgh for a little Kim Chi, Bulgogi, etc. and I will miss mangos terribly as I have gotten used to eating them in every country at little or no expense (unlike the US). I currently miss a steaming cup of coffee (that can accompany or not accompany those old friends) as well as simply cooking for myself.
I will miss the fervor of worship in various countries and contexts. It is amazing to see people of different languages and races crying out to my same God. The world and the Church is not so far apart after all! I miss worshipping in English. Not only do I miss this, but I especially miss the gifted leadership of friends like Kelli, Megan, and Lori who God has gifted in many ways to lead me into God’s presence through worship: song and prayer.
I will miss the significant time to brood. Being alone for 6 weeks has been good, challenging, lonely, exhilarating and much much more. I have enjoyed the time to think and pray. My journal is full of thoughts and prayers more so than I ever do journaling when I am at home. I will miss this time alone because I know that in America the schedule will fill up quickly whether I want it to or not. I have had more time to read than 3 years in seminary (reading that which I want to, I should say). I will miss the quiet time. I currently miss the down time. The time when my mind does not have to be working in overdrive. I have never thought much about American culture, especially pop culture but I miss the opportunity that my culture affords to just shut off for a short time. I look forward to an evening of a movie or two, a large bag of popcorn, and darkness, no thoughts, or broodings, but just some down time (any takers from my Pittsburgh people, let me know) is welcome.
Although I have not missed my cellular phone and enjoyed the freedom from it I also have missed the option of having the ability to call my friends and family. I have spent more than 6 weeks apart from my family in the past but I appreciate so much more the ability to call just to say I am thinking of them or tell them a funny or profound story. Although I hope and pray I do not revert back to the American way of having the phone glued to my ear I do look forward to catching up with my friends and family in the US upon my return.
I leave you with some pictures from my time- this has been a long blog because it may be my last here in Malaysia. I have limited internet access until Monday. I join my sister (who leaves 7 am Eastern Standard time to go to Thailand) on Tuesday the 7th of July…until then…

love and God Bless,

beth

ps. as I write this "I will survive" is playing on the radio in the office I am in- STRANGE!
This is me in front of a missionary monument here in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. This is a predominently muslim nation but the government paid for this monument....

safe

I am safe in Malaysia- 11th flight and 11th bed. I will try to write more but I am having problems with my computer attaching to internet. After spending 30 minutes trying to connect we just decided to quickly use the computer of my host. It is a small world though- I am staying with another former student of my professor, Dr. Scott Sunquist, but she also knows my friend and housemate...small world!!
I hope to write more later and share some more pictures of the end of my Singapore time and the beginning of my Malaysia time internet permitting.
Thanks for those of you who prayed for me and my sharing. I not only got to share a bit with about 1/2 of the girls but I also got to talk to one girl for over an hour about theology, nature of God, end times, and bunches of other questions...I have never been so thankful for my theological education or my Bible content exam :)
signing off for now. Love and God Bless,
beth

ridiculous

It is ridiculous how many amazing people I have met in such a short amount of time. And I have been asked to speak. I want to say "what do I have to offer?" but instead I say yes and pray about what God wants me to say.
I am "sharing" tonight for 52 teenage girls, many of whom are not Christian and many are a step away from jouvy. Then on Sunday I am preaching to an indigenous church in Malaysia that still struggles with syncretism. I feel overwhelmed by these requests but know this is God's desire. I remind myself of my verse: the verse that God laid on my heart when this trip and what I have undertaken gets overwhelming..."God has not given you a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7 This becomes my mantra when I want to give in to the fears that surround me. Although many of you tell me I am brave, I am not. I am blessed to have many people take care of me when the fears could control. I have met so many amazing people that I cannot wait to tell you all about: men and women of faith, some of whom have given up everything to serve God in very unique and powerful ways!
Signing off for now...prayers much appreciated for these "preaching" opportunities- I am much out of practice! Luckily, I am given more notice than I have been in the past!
love and God Bless,
beth

every culture

I am currently staying at AG home. http://www.aghome.org.sg/ This is an amazing place started by a pastor 20 years ago when he started letting troubled girls into his home. Now this is an institution that up to 60 girls can live at. For some, this is the last stop before jail. This has become a place for those mandated by the court system as well as a safe haven from those who suffer from abuse or are orphaned. The girls live together, play together, and work together. Many go to school outside the home and are also taught vocational skills here at AG home. Currently I hear a drum lesson or practice session going on- a very talented group of musicians, artists and athletes reside here if they are given a chance to shine.
But there is also a lot of pain. Many of these girls have lived rough lives that I cannot even imagine- some by their own making and some through no fault of their own. I have had to face this fact as I accidently saw scars from cutting, a practice of self harm, discussed what it was like to be an orphan, and discussed with a young woman who is already incredibly slender her weightloss goals of losing 15 pounds (completely not needed but she cannot see past her own version of her own self image). This is coupled with a spirit of childhood joy- I have seen teenage girls relish in games that an American teenager would NEVER participate in and have them enjoy doing it. Below is a picture of the girls taking on a game of laser tag that lasted 2 hours. I have been embraced fully here in only 2 days when it took me months to earn the respect from the American teenagers I have worked with.
There is a song, I am not even sure who wrote it that asks God to break our hearts for what breaks His heart. I think this is one of those things. Please pray for troubled youth everywhere. Those that do not know that they are beautiful the way God made them, those who turn to self harm or drugs to separate themselves from their pain, those who have been abused, those who run away for whatever reason, and the orphans of this world. Pray not only for the girls of AG home but for those in your neighborhood…the more I travel and learn and experience the more I know that you may have one in your own school, neighborhood, church, or home. I am amazed at the similarities in all cultures. I have seen these faces and issues many times before and I fear this is far from my last chance as well.

silence is golden

I find myself thinking a lot about silence. One resounding theme that has arisen is the idea of silence and listening. I think that I already knew this but it is always good to be reminded. I am reminded that in order to effectively serve any people you have to truly listen to them. You have to care enough to say less than they do. A classmate once said that “God gave me one mouth and two ears…I think He was trying to tell me something” and this has stuck in my mind. In order to minister to a people group you have to listen to their needs, mission, and vision. In order to minister to those who are doing the ministering to those people in the long term you have to listen. As a long term worker in a foreign culture, my guess is that the best thing you can do is let them do the talking: a ministry of presence. And heed their life experience in country.
It is ironic (or providential- you pick) that while I am discussing ideas of truly listening to those we visit I am reading a book by Dr. Allison (a professor at my seminary). He wrote a book called “Luminous dusk: finding God in the deep, still places” that I found in Haiti and have brought with me (book swapping with those I meet has been wonderful!). I began reading this before the discussions of silence came up in my last stop but wonder if this was the way to prepare my mind for the discussions. Some quotes:
“Only someone who knows how to remain essentially silent can really talk” ~Kierkegaard
“Silence is sacred. It cannot be made secular.” ~Allison
It is ironic to be thinking of these in the juxtaposition of many cultures. I have been in many cultures that do not value silence and noise is all around me. It is in this environment that I must guard my silence. I heard a friend say recently that she feels naked without her ipod. I have only recently purchased one of these new technologies (I am always behind in the time) and in the craziness of the worlds I am entering, this ipod that is supposed to provide comfort actually barrages my already overwhelmed brain. Instead I sit in silence. I hear the tapping of my computer keys, the low whirring of the fan beside me and the ever present passing cars (but no honking here in Singapore…yeah!!)
I am safely in Singapore and with much to think about…
hoping you are well wherever this finds you!

Last Night in Korea- final images

I will leave you swith some final images of Korea. I have loved it. The food is interesting and wonderful. The people are generous. And I think I have seen more culture than most people do...one week and a lot was jammed in.

This is a palace for the king.

Korean war memorial- with J Sarchet- a little BBUPC far away from home!

One of the views from Building 63 (because it has 60 floors plus 3 basements) of the sunset over Seoul

This is my host Elder Park on the Left and Dr. Lee, a physician as well as father of JB- who had thanksgiving with my family last year- talk about small world!!!

I sign off for now. I will not be able to write anything for a while. Know that I am safe. Know that I miss you. Know that I covet your prayers. Signing off. Love and God Bless, beth

When in Rome

I have been having many exciting experiences in Korea. I have seen a Korean history museum, a Korean performing art group, watched what I think is Korean version of Saturday night live, and eaten many new and different things! I have been trying to take it all in stride although I am told that I wear my emotions on my face a little too much (by my Korean translator who has spent 6 years in the US and had no problem telling me so! :)) The lunch experience he is talking ab

out was a spicy meal of noodles and salted fish. The meal was actually great but I was struggling to use chopsticks with it and they thus thought I hate the food! oy...gotta learn to have a poker face because the food was good. I have gotten better with chopsticks with certain foods, but others (like long slippery noodles) are my downfall.

Yesterday I was asked if I have eaten dog before. I swallowed and said no. I was asked if they could treat me to some- so I said yes, I would be open to that. I kept praying that it tasted good because I did not know what I would do if it was bad. It actually tasted like a very tender roast beef. The disconcerting thing was that not only did we have to walk past a kennel full of dogs before walking into the restaurant but every once in a while during the meal there would be a chorus of barking- just to remind me where I was and what I was doing!?!? I have been wondering what makes some foods gross vs. acceptable in each culture. I don't have an answer but I am thankful that God has not given me a squeemish stomach or problems with texture since I have tried many new things!

This picture shows a traditional Korean restaurant with people eating on the floor (more difficult in a skirt!) with my host mom and new sisters, Deborah beside me and Esther across the table!

family

I have always had the impression that Family is an important concept to Asian families. And I have also had the assumptions that their families are strong. I have figured out a small reason why this may be so. Tonight I was invited to join for family worship. Weekly this extended family joins together for worship outside of the church. Sometimes the individual family unit does this as well but every friday night the extended family gather. My hosts, the Parks (Mr Park is left of me and Mrs. Park is Left of him on the floor) drove 20 minutes bother directions to gather, sing, prayer, listen to me "preach," and fellowship over eating fruit and playing with children. We were in the car almost as long as we were together but it was important to be there. Nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews all are welcome. And the noise of children is not a distraction. If mom is busy, dad or aunt pick them up as the family gathers around the table to humbly worship God. When Americans have said a little too flippantly "A family that prays together stays together" I have a feeling that they were not thinking of this intentional family prayer life but it was beautiful to be invited to be a part of it! g'night and God Bless, beth

sleep deprivation

Today's lectionary reading was 2 Cor including v 30: "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." This follows the litany of all of the bad stuff that Paul has been through! God reminds me that I don't always have to be the tough and ready traveler. It is okay to admit that although this trip is extremely good and I feel so blessed, it is also stretching beyond belief.
Last night I fell into bed exhausted at 11 pm to be woken up promptly at 4 am and pretty much remain awake the rest of the night. A friend, mentour, and another one of my adopted mother's, Linda Ruby, said once that if God wakes her up in the middle of the night she asks who He wants her to pray for. That has stuck with me. And years later as I begged for sleep last night I began to think and pray for many of you. Prayers for those sick and dying. Those who have surgury or need healing. Those of you that are getting married and starting a new life as well as those who are struggling with divorce in their family. I prayed for those discerning calls and those looking for jobs. I was reminded of those of you who worry about your children and those who worry about your parents. As so many of you came to my mind, I prayed; but I also thanked God for you as well. I thank God that my weakness of insomnia and jet lag can be used...I so often forget these lessons and God is gracious and brings me back.

It is also important to mention that I met with the Barry Jackson of Korea yesterday- Dr. Kim and I had a wonderful conversation that started with Christian mission but eventually covered the gamut of topics. Despite it being finals week and the myriad of work I could see all over his desk he gave his undivided attention. Finally we talked about where we need to start before we think about missions. After our discussion we both came to the conclusion that if we as the church (both the US and Korean Church) are not careful we may fall into grave mistakes. We need to go back to our roots of worship and prayer! How can we know God's will for us in mission if we are not in regular conversation. We as the American church need to reclaim this sacred conversation before we can ever hope to do missions, short or long term effectively. How providential that prayer seems to be the theme of the day.
Off to meet more people- I feel utterly blessed by my hosts! blessings!
beth

Safely in Korea- even if a little bumbling

Wow- jet lag is a bummer! I arrived last night at around 5 pm to Seoul. My flight was early so I got to people watch and hang out in the airport. My other two flights were 1-2 hours late...interesting the difference between Island time and this...we will have to wait and see if this is a trend or not?!?!?
I was so tired that I was falling asleep in the car. I felt like a child nodding off and scolding myself for doing so. Somehow when I was asked if I had eaten dinner yet my answer of no brought me to a Korean "American" all you can eat buffet restaurant complete with many steak options. I was not even sure I could eat the buffet let alone the steak and had to decline the wonderful meals on the menu (I am not sure if this was okay or not, but oh well). I imagine that utter sleep deprivation looks very much like being under the influence of certain questionable substances. My head was swimming and I felt like a Kindergartener again- when in Kindergarten I remember having that feeling, not knowing what it was and thus not being able to control it before I promptly vommitted on the classrooms brand new alphabet rug! Traumatic memories. This time I am adult and I started deep breathing and praying that I did not lose anything :) which I did not although my grandparents would disappointed in the amount of food i ate at this "all you can eat" and would not have thought it sufficient.
The night ended with my arrival at the Park family apartment. It is beautiful and they are so utterly generous. I am being hosted by an Elder of my friend from the seminary's church in Korea. I feel so utterly blessed. But when I tried to go to the bathroom I could not figure out how to flush the toilet and had to ask because it was written all in Korean (before I went, of course)- What I actually asked my poor modest host about was a bidet which embarassed him and he replied it was a woman thing. I finally found the flush and all is good despite both of our embarassment! :)
No pictures yet. I was left alone today to my own devices to plan for the coming week and entertain myself. I promptly took a nap- Jetlag is a killer!
Now I am off to try to make some connections. Blessings on you and I will try to post some pictures when I figure out how to get my own computer connected to the internet- currently using the family computer which can be rather difficult because everything is in Korean...sometimes even the keyboard but I have learned how to fix that one!!
blessings- beth

Humbled

I am alive and well! Tired but alive and well...

I am humbled by the people of the mountains of Haiti. They live in a beautiful but harsh land. The people throughout history have been very harsh on the land in return it is harsh back. The topsoil has washed away and people of the mountains farm on hills that are 45 degree angles or worse. They try to cultivate their land under the leadership of CODEP in order to not only provide means of supporting themselves and their families with crops that produce food but also plants that has the sole purpose of slowing the erosion that is so devastating.

I am humbled by how much I take running, drinkable water for granted. I helped put in a cistern in a home in the mountains. The woman told us that she typically walks 1 hour both directions for water. And so she tries to limit her travels to that water source as much as possible. With the cost of $1000 (from CODEP and Americans, not this economically poor family) providing it rains she will have water at her finger tips. I must confess “helping” consists of handing Rick tools as he calls out for them much like an OR nurse would hand a surgeon a scalpel but it was interesting to say the least.

I am humbled by the leadership of Kathy and Rick Land. They are the interim directors of CODEP. In my last night there we stayed up “til past (their) bedtime” talking about the missions, there 20 year service in Haiti and the love of the people, and short term missions in general. I know the new directors will be fabulous but I am humbled by their servant leadership. It is evident by the interactions I observed that the people love these two. One cannot walk down the beach without a child asking if I am friends with “Miss Kathy” or work on a project without Rick joking around with the people.
I am humbled by Monica who I met on my first flight today. She is an American that moved to Haiti 5 years ago to work as a nurse. She has since married a Haitian Pastor and left her nursing profession. She felt God calling her to care for the orphaned children. She and her husband run a home where 10 children aged 1.5-12 make their home and call them mom and dad. She was returning to the states not for pleasure but for Cancer treatment for her newly discovered tumor. She is hoping to return amidst her treatments to see her kids despite the drain on her health and the cost to her pocketbook.
I am currently in between stops- I am sitting in the LAX airport. I have completed 2 flights and have 2 more before I arrive in my next stop, Seoul Korea!

The world is wireless!

I have safely arrived in Haiti. I will be working a good portion of my time with the Haiti Fund and CODEP. You can look at their websites at… haitifundinc.org
It has already been fun. I have already have learned so much from my experience in the Dominican Republic and am able to apply that here when talking. God has so much to teach me about missions and I am excited to be here! Made for a lively dinner conversation! Not to mention April (PTS alum and missionary here) is here which is wonderful. The sounds here are quite different. I went to bed last night with music and dog barking in the background in the DR. Tonight and possibly tomorrow night I am staying in a house on the beach before I head up to the mountains with April for a few days and a few interviews! I hear bugs in the background and the lapping of waves on the shore! It is craziness!!
I am off to bed early. Good night!

beth

ps. Mandi- did you notice the shirt? That is why I had to take the picture tonight so you could see it! :)

Last night in the DR

This is my last night in the Dominican. I am not sure what the game plan is for tomorrow except flying out to Port Au Prince at 4 pm. I will take a 1 hour flight and land in Haiti at 4pm...weird!

I have drunk from a coconut- and then proceeded to eat the actual coconut. Good but not quite a sufficient dinner. I have eaten many other wonderful things but have also been able to cook for my hosts- eggplant parm is currently in the oven awaiting- my parents taught me well and those skills are going to good use here!

I also made some new friends. These are some of the people from the foundation for peace. They have a staff of both Americans and Dominicans that make it possible for Americans to come down on short term missions. They are the bridge that helps interface the differences in culture so all are able to have a good time as well as build relationships with brothers and sisters from other cultures! What an amazing work they do down here. Join me in praying for these amazing servants as they participate in God's work here in the DR.

And now, the breeze is blowing, the fans are blowing too and the sounds of the DR are coming in to the house. I can hear music and radios from cars or houses despite being inside. Sounds of children sometimes reach my ears and the occassional dog bark (many strays in the streets from what I have seen). It is sweltering but if I go out the door and walk on to the roof it was down right wonderful!! Maybe I will get up early and grab some pictures before I go!

On to the next stop. Thanks for reading. Blessings. beth

random thoughts from a tired traveler (who has wireless so compelled to post)

I am exhausted from too many days of long hours, getting up early, and staying up late. I was getting 5-6 hours sleep the week before I left because of seminary finals week and now I am maintaining that schedule which is really not good- very difficult to stay awake when I don't understand people's conversations for long stretches of time ;)...oh wait, sometimes I feel that in seminary!!
I am missing my classes graduation tonight- wishing you all the best but glad I am not there because I think I would have been a little too jealous to sit and watch you knowing I could not walk with you.
I found a CD of my friend david bailey here in the DR- we listened to it yesterday. Craziness!
I am also having a hard time breaking "the zikomo habit." Ie. Whenever I don't know what to say because I don't speak the language I want to slip into the language of the Malawian people. Zikomo means thank you (and your welcome, and anything else!). Papani means sorry...etc. And thus I am having a hard time of switching to the simple Hola of Spanish after a total of 13 weeks in Malawi in the past.
And lastly- I am makeshifting spinach artichoke dip for my host (who was craving it)- gotta go do that- oh the creature comforts. We all miss the weirdest things!
:) I'm off for now!
beth

people actually read this?!?!?

I feel incredibly welcomed in the Dominican Republic! I have a bunch of new homes. I have had opportunities to meet with multiple people in four communities and have invites from all of them to come back with or without my own team! Such hospitalitiy puts me to shame as an American.

Today I played with kids in an elementary school. I am amazed at how kids of all cultures have similar behaviors. If it were not for the language, different school uniforms etc I would have thought I was in Palestine or Malawi. Kids are kids across all cultures. Acting out for attention. Clinging to something familiar. Reaching out to the strange American. Posing for pictures (in ridiculous ways!) etc. etc. I am also yet again amazed at how children in other cultures are able to entertain themselves in the simplest of ways. a kid playing hacky sack with a bunch of rubber bands. A group of girls playing chinese jumprope with one that has been broken and remended more times than I could count from my vantage point. A group playing some kind of hand game that I had difficulty catching on to! Yet again, kids are kids and in the two thirds world this is especially evident. They play the same or similar games even though there is an ocean between them!

Finally, I am used to traveling with a team. I am used to being a part of a team whether in Jamaica when I first experienced another culture to Malawi with my summer service team. I thought it was going to be incredibly difficult to do so without a team. But God has graciously eased me in. I have two Americans that work for the Foundation for Peace http://www.foundationforpeace.org/ and we have had a chance to spend time together, talk, and pray together. They have included me without question and I feel so incredibly blessed!

On that note, I think I am going to go check out the kitchen and see how I can help!

love and God Bless,

beth

Kids pose in every country!!! see!

I feel like Stephanie...

I feel like Stephanie- one of the students that went to Malawi with me last summer. She logged everything we did. I did not quite realize how much video footage she got of everything, from the sunrises to the bathrooms and bugs. Because I don't get to share this with a team, here is where I am staying! This is the common room between two bedrooms. Normally it houses several people. The room off to the left has four bunk beds...

And this is my bedroom- complete with its own bathroom off to the back and right.

Sorry I don't have any other pictures. I have pictures from the historic district on a very rainy yesterday!

Sorry for the frequent blogs. But since I will be internet-less for a while might as well take advantage of it!

Signing off! beth

ramblings of a seminary student (who emailed her last paper in to the seminary)

I have always loved flying. I have actually appreciated it more since 9/11. I always seem to spend time in contemplation (which is, I guess good for me since I will be on a bazillion flights this summer), thinking not only about the blessings but remembering how fragile life can be. And I am always struck by the beauty of God’s creation from so far above it. The sun started to set over the water as we made our descent into Miami. I wish I had been by the window but I am sure others are glad I was not because I would have snapped a picture or two.
As I flew into I was also struck by the steadfastness of God. I complain regularly that the sun does not shine in Pittsburgh. But it always does. Just because the clouds cover it does not mean the sun is not shining. God is always steadfast as well, always present, and if I cannot see it, then maybe it is my perspective that needs adjusting.

Enough with the deep thoughts...I am safely in the Dominican Republic. My flight was an hour and half late! By the time I collected my suitcase and went through customs my host had waited 2 hours for me. What a lesson in patience and hospitality that I need to learn from her! Ruth will be my host, translator, and sister for the next week + (she is also blonde so that is the immediate assumption, although spiritual sister works too)

I worshipped today in a Dominican Church. Shockingly enough, they do not believe in forcing God into a 1 hour block. Church started only a little late but ran over at least a half hour. The reason I know this is because there is a second service at 11 and we worshipped until 11:30!! Everything was great- I think we (meaning I) have a lot to learn from their worship. Worship is experiential. It is anything but passive. There is singing, clapping, and even dancing in the isles. And the sermon did not only include response but required it. There was no sitting passively and listening to the preacher. Which is why I know the whole message because it was not at all obtrusive for my new friend Ruth to translate everything!
signing off...blessings,
beth

D day

It is D day. Not death day. but departure day! And let me tell you all, I never would have ever been able to get on the plane without my family's help. Not because they were carrying my scared self on to the plane (cause my father would probably have chosen to pick me up and carry me back to the car) but because they did so much in the last week to make this possible. I don't know how I would have done all my school work, all my planning, as well as sleep without their help- so props to them. Do we think I can send my sister my Greek paper so she can edit it when my last paper is finally done!?!?! ; )

As I sit in the airport I just thankful that the marathon of preparation is over and the Marathon of the next 56 days has begun.

For those of you that don't know I am going around to several countries to study the affects of short term missions on the national church. What happens when a team leaves? Is it all good? All bad? or a mixture of both? And I find it utterly ironic that I am sitting right across the row of the terminal from a group in highlighter yellow t-shirts that say "making a difference for someone"- Mexico 2009.

And I will sign off with one final thought that is running through my head (I am trying not to think of the Greek paper that I have yet to finish but have been dreaming of thanks to the side effects of anti malaria medicines that cause vivid dreams)...My friend david bailey's airport song. Makes me smile as I take one of MANY MANY flights in the next weeks!

Signing off for now.

Blessings

picture of my sister who spent the last two days at my beck and call!! Thanks Kt!

hello, my name is...

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Beth. I have been given an amazing opportunity this summer. I applied for a travel grant from my seminary, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and was selected. I leave in 12 days for 8 weeks of travel and study in 7 countries.

I am currently not sure what this blog will entail but it will prove to people that I am still alive and give you ideas what I am experiencing as well as how you can be praying for me. And what I am going through right now is stress! In the next 12 days I have to finish 4 papers and one take home final- I mean, no pressure!

The sad thing about this whole blog is that I cannot make my friend Meredith write it for me! I spent last summer in Malawi, Africa with 6 college students and thanks to Mere's wit people actually read and enjoyed our blog. This time I am traveling alone so you are stuck with just me and my own mindless ramblings. Sorry!

Stay tuned and God Bless.