I'm getting married in one week.
It's strange to think about my life changing in one week.
The rest of my life.
It's exciting, but also a bit overwhelming.
I'm glad we have our place figured out, even though we can't move in until the end of May. We have a place to stay for the first month though. :-)
Everything is coming together.
We decided to have a small family wedding, but we are having our reception 2 weeks later on the 17th.
Everyone is invited to the reception. It'll be Sunday May 17th 2009, at 7pm. The Grove Wichita, at 29th and Oliver.
Love you all!
-Bethany
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wedding plans
I suppose I should say that Kale and I are getting hitched May 2nd.
We are looking for a house to buy.
And we really haven't done much in the way of wedding planning. (We've been so busy!) But I do need to get on that.
We plan to marry in Oak Park.
Our reception will be 2 weeks later.
Love you all!
We are looking for a house to buy.
And we really haven't done much in the way of wedding planning. (We've been so busy!) But I do need to get on that.
We plan to marry in Oak Park.
Our reception will be 2 weeks later.
Love you all!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
I got engaged!!!
Last Tuesday Kale asked me to marry him.
I said yes!
:-)
Were planning the end of January or beginning of February.
I'm excited.
I don't feel like writing on here right now though.
The end.
-Bethany
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Keep swimming.
I love my job, but I am not the biggest fan of not getting a day off until next Tuesday. HOWEVER, I must say that I am quite pleased with the fact that I MAY JUST BE ABLE TO PAY ALL MY BILLS NEXT MONTH AND PAY MY PARENTS BACK FOR LAST MONTH. Praise GOD!!! I should also be able to get my debt paid off within a few months. and this is thinking realistically. Financial freedom is something I have been longing for.
I look forward to being able go back to having my regular weekly coffee shop time, and not feel guilty for buying myself coffee when I owe money. (BECAUSE I WON'T OWE ANY!)
I'm not sure why I am writing in caps. Maybe I am feeling the need to be heard or something.
Who knows!? I am sleepy. I would like to go work out. AND I would like to rest. but I don't really have much time for either. :-/
Kale and I were supposed to go swimming this morning. He even came over, but my physical with the doctor (for work) took longer than planned and I had to be at my training for work. Bummer! He is an amazing man by the way. I feel so blessed to have him in my life, and look forward to having him in my life forever. :-)
Everyone should come to bible study at my house tonight at 7:30pm If for noting else but to say hi to me, for sanity sake. Thank you all!
OH YES! and I did something creative this week. It certainly made me feel happy. I finished my desk that I have been working on for over a month. It's white with green distress. and LOVELY. At least, I like it. :-)
Love you all!
-Bethany
I look forward to being able go back to having my regular weekly coffee shop time, and not feel guilty for buying myself coffee when I owe money. (BECAUSE I WON'T OWE ANY!)
I'm not sure why I am writing in caps. Maybe I am feeling the need to be heard or something.
Who knows!? I am sleepy. I would like to go work out. AND I would like to rest. but I don't really have much time for either. :-/
Kale and I were supposed to go swimming this morning. He even came over, but my physical with the doctor (for work) took longer than planned and I had to be at my training for work. Bummer! He is an amazing man by the way. I feel so blessed to have him in my life, and look forward to having him in my life forever. :-)
Everyone should come to bible study at my house tonight at 7:30pm If for noting else but to say hi to me, for sanity sake. Thank you all!
OH YES! and I did something creative this week. It certainly made me feel happy. I finished my desk that I have been working on for over a month. It's white with green distress. and LOVELY. At least, I like it. :-)
Love you all!
-Bethany
Monday, September 15, 2008
I only have a few minutes but I feel like posting.
It's been a pretty good week aside from the lingering sickness that is trying to attack me. I am feeling better though.
Kale and I went 7.5 miles on Saturday (Him running and me riding. Easy for me, difficult for him.) I officially got a job with the Children's Home. I am so pumped!!!! I go in to fill out paperwork tomorrow morning.
I'm not sure how I am going to pay my bills this Friday. I need about $200. Or 4 people that want massages. We'll see how it goes. God always provides.
Well, I'm going to go paint a house with my lovely boyfriend.
Blessings to you all!
-Bethany
It's been a pretty good week aside from the lingering sickness that is trying to attack me. I am feeling better though.
Kale and I went 7.5 miles on Saturday (Him running and me riding. Easy for me, difficult for him.) I officially got a job with the Children's Home. I am so pumped!!!! I go in to fill out paperwork tomorrow morning.
I'm not sure how I am going to pay my bills this Friday. I need about $200. Or 4 people that want massages. We'll see how it goes. God always provides.
Well, I'm going to go paint a house with my lovely boyfriend.
Blessings to you all!
-Bethany
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Eating Salad With A Spoon Is Not Easy
I'm not sure what I am going to write.
It's been so long, I feel I should really write something.
I'm pretty content right now in life.
This morning has been peaceful.
Yesterday was a wonderful day! Kale and I went for a 6.4 mile run/ride (I road a bike while he ran.) We did it in 41 minutes, which is pretty good for the runner, but I really didn't work hard except on a few hills. We went climbing at the ymca after the run/ride and then to "Da Cajun Shack" for a bite, pretty good place really.
Last night, was our youth bible study, it was really sweet. We had a lot of neat people there; including our friend that is homeless and another friend that grew up with guns all around him and whose brother was shot right in front of him. I feel so blessed and honored to have people with such different backgrounds that have things that we can learn from. To me, this is what church is really about. It's not about a bunch of middle class white kids getting together because that's what they are supposed to do, and sharing some convicting message about why we need to stop lusting. No, it's about being a family and loving each other and helping one another learn to walk like Christ. Helping each other up when we fall down. No matter who we are. It's about finding the lost and hurting even if it means going to the streets of San Francisco and bringing them home.
I must say however, that this is all heavy stuff. I constantly find myself not knowing what to say when I haven't been there, BUT I am learning that God speaks though one's silence, and sometimes people just need an ear to listen, and not advice. You have compassion for a person and their heart and understand (to a degree) their pain. Though you may not be able to relate, you can still understand.
Perhaps all of this is preparing me for what is to come?
Last night during fellowship I just wanted to cry. I felt so blessed that God would bring so many different people with different backgrounds, different baggage and even different ways they talk to God, and he’s brought us all together as one body, one family, and we can all be on the same page together. Setting disagreements aside and focusing on what really matters. As I was sitting on the floor with my knees to my chest looking down at the words we read, the bible (for the first time in months) again seemed so full of life to me. As I went to bed last night I felt His presents for the first time in a while as we spoke back and forth.
Thank you Father.
-Bethany
It's been so long, I feel I should really write something.
I'm pretty content right now in life.
This morning has been peaceful.
Yesterday was a wonderful day! Kale and I went for a 6.4 mile run/ride (I road a bike while he ran.) We did it in 41 minutes, which is pretty good for the runner, but I really didn't work hard except on a few hills. We went climbing at the ymca after the run/ride and then to "Da Cajun Shack" for a bite, pretty good place really.
Last night, was our youth bible study, it was really sweet. We had a lot of neat people there; including our friend that is homeless and another friend that grew up with guns all around him and whose brother was shot right in front of him. I feel so blessed and honored to have people with such different backgrounds that have things that we can learn from. To me, this is what church is really about. It's not about a bunch of middle class white kids getting together because that's what they are supposed to do, and sharing some convicting message about why we need to stop lusting. No, it's about being a family and loving each other and helping one another learn to walk like Christ. Helping each other up when we fall down. No matter who we are. It's about finding the lost and hurting even if it means going to the streets of San Francisco and bringing them home.
I must say however, that this is all heavy stuff. I constantly find myself not knowing what to say when I haven't been there, BUT I am learning that God speaks though one's silence, and sometimes people just need an ear to listen, and not advice. You have compassion for a person and their heart and understand (to a degree) their pain. Though you may not be able to relate, you can still understand.
Perhaps all of this is preparing me for what is to come?
Last night during fellowship I just wanted to cry. I felt so blessed that God would bring so many different people with different backgrounds, different baggage and even different ways they talk to God, and he’s brought us all together as one body, one family, and we can all be on the same page together. Setting disagreements aside and focusing on what really matters. As I was sitting on the floor with my knees to my chest looking down at the words we read, the bible (for the first time in months) again seemed so full of life to me. As I went to bed last night I felt His presents for the first time in a while as we spoke back and forth.
Thank you Father.
-Bethany
Saturday, July 5, 2008
It sure has been a while...
Hello all!
My goodness! I have not written in a lot time. I am sorry.
This last month has been BUSY! I finished my Massage Therapy Certification at the beginning of June. I had my 23rd Birthday! Kale took me to Cornado Heights for a picnic. :-)
My sister got married on the 28th. Her wedding was LOVELY! Brett and her arrive this evening from a week long honeymoon in Florida, where Ashley saw the ocean for the first time.
My British friend Naomi came to town a week ago. She was in Africa with Kara and I. Kara and I drove her to Kansas city where she is now enjoying a week at IHOP. (house of prayer, not pancakes.) I spent the 4th with Kale and his family. We had some home made ice cream, blew some things up and then watched a movie.
Today was Nathan's 17th birthday. (He is the autistic boy I care for.) We had a party for him at Pizza Hut in Vally Center. He enjoyed it greatly.
Tomorrow I leave for Kansas City, where I will be attending Ruth Burrow's wedding. After that I am leaving with Kara and Kale for Wisconsin. We will be attending a Holy Spirit Renewal Conference at Green Lake. I am looking forward to it! While I am gone, my family will be getting a new roof built on our house. (So sad I won't be here for early morning hammering. HA!) I'll be back on Friday sometime.
Tonight is the music coffee house night at the Bayleaf Cafe. (It's in Clifton square on Douglas between Hillside and Oliver on the north side of the street.) It starts at 7pm everyone should come! It'll be a lot of fun. :-)
Anyway, I hope you all are well! many blessings and love to you all!
-Bethany
Here is a picture of Kale and I at Ashley and Brett's wedding.
And here are two pictures of the Mr and Mrs Wickham!
My goodness! I have not written in a lot time. I am sorry.
This last month has been BUSY! I finished my Massage Therapy Certification at the beginning of June. I had my 23rd Birthday! Kale took me to Cornado Heights for a picnic. :-)
My sister got married on the 28th. Her wedding was LOVELY! Brett and her arrive this evening from a week long honeymoon in Florida, where Ashley saw the ocean for the first time.
My British friend Naomi came to town a week ago. She was in Africa with Kara and I. Kara and I drove her to Kansas city where she is now enjoying a week at IHOP. (house of prayer, not pancakes.) I spent the 4th with Kale and his family. We had some home made ice cream, blew some things up and then watched a movie.
Today was Nathan's 17th birthday. (He is the autistic boy I care for.) We had a party for him at Pizza Hut in Vally Center. He enjoyed it greatly.
Tomorrow I leave for Kansas City, where I will be attending Ruth Burrow's wedding. After that I am leaving with Kara and Kale for Wisconsin. We will be attending a Holy Spirit Renewal Conference at Green Lake. I am looking forward to it! While I am gone, my family will be getting a new roof built on our house. (So sad I won't be here for early morning hammering. HA!) I'll be back on Friday sometime.
Tonight is the music coffee house night at the Bayleaf Cafe. (It's in Clifton square on Douglas between Hillside and Oliver on the north side of the street.) It starts at 7pm everyone should come! It'll be a lot of fun. :-)
Anyway, I hope you all are well! many blessings and love to you all!
-Bethany
Here is a picture of Kale and I at Ashley and Brett's wedding.
And here are two pictures of the Mr and Mrs Wickham!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
God is good. :-)
Hello all!
I haven't written in quite some time.
Life has been mostly lovely.
Massage school is a blast! I got my table last week, which is so exciting to me! I can't wait to start working! It's been so neat learning so much too! I got a 100% on my last anatomy test. (Total blessing from God!)
I have an old dressing table/desk I got, that I spent a lot of today painting. Kale helped me. :-) He is such an amazing boyfriend! I can't explain how blessed I am to know him.
I got to see Shriena this weekend. (Which doesn't happen as much now that they have moved to Boloit KS)
My wonderful cousin Jami graduated from Friends last weekend. (congrats cuz!)
Thursday is my last day at the daycare. :-( I'm glad, but yet sad too. I love those kids so much!
I'm looking forward to Nathan being out of school, so I can work with him in the day.
Other than that, hmm... well, I'm not sure.
God is good!
Love you all!
Bethany
PS I like this Picasso picture.
Friday, April 18, 2008
A lovely week.
Why hello my friends!
Life has been pretty good. I started massage school last Monday. I am loving it so far! Jennifer is a great teacher and it making muscle learning quite easy actually. We started bodywork on Wednesday night, I think I am getting it pretty well. I am not going to be able to be there on Saturday, so I have 8 hours I am going to have to make up. I got massaged for an hour lastnight before class which counts as an hour toward making up class time. (life is so rough!) :-)
Brianna and I are going out to lunch in a bit, I am excited to see her.
I think I should go have a cup of tea. Love you all!
-Bethany
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A fun life
Hmm, what to write... It's about 6pm this Tuesday evening. I am at the Rowley's. Kale, Josh and I have been working on putting a zipline up. (actually, they worked and I pretty much just watched.) Life has been good these days. I start Massage school Monday, I am working 2 jobs that I enjoy. and I have a decent amount of free time. I decided this is my life and I am going to be who I want to be. It's been freeing. I've wanted to go to massage school for 5 years now, and finally found the guts to just do it. I'm finding the freedom to do many things I've always wanted to do. I plan on starting pottery classes soon as well.
I am pleased the weather is finally warming up. It makes being outside a lot more enjoyable. Church On The Street has been good. This week I noticed the sense of community that it has. It's not always been this way. Not only did I see many people switch tables to chat with more and more people, but several people stood up to share their gifts. Richard sang this week, as did Jean. I missed Brenna's teaching but I heard it was such a blessing to people that everyone clapped. Simply amazing! Another person wrote a prayer and asked me to read it for everyone. God is so cool. My family also started a church 2 Sundays ago. It's held Sunday nights, and it's a church where we have a different person teach/share each week. actually we have 2 people, one older and one younger. I thinks it's neat that my family is stepping up and doing what they feel called to do. I don't know how I want to be apart of it yet, but I am enjoying being there.
This Tuesday will be my last bible study night for a while. (massage school is in the evenings monday-thursday. and every other saturday during the day.)
I found a baby bunny in the middle of the road yesterday. I almost ran over it but I stopped and got out. I couldn't think of anywhere it could have come from, and there was no mother around. it's eyes were still closed too. Tonda (Kale's mom) has been taking good care of it. it's eyes opened today, and it's doing very well.
Africa feels like it was but a dream.
I feel like God is teaching me a lot about myself these days. This relationship I am in with Kale has been great, but it sure teaches me a lot about myself too. So many times in life I have just wanted God to show me exactly who I am, but then I am also learning that so many things about me are a choice. He gave me interests for a reason. I have desires in my heart that have been placed there for a reason, not just to take up space. The Lord has been good in teaching me this. I still desire to see the world and live many places. I don't want to just have one thing going in life forever, I want to try many things and enjoy every day the Lord gives me. I'm excited for this life and the places it will take me. I'm gonna have a fun life. :-)
I'll work of keeping up with this thing. (as you can see, I am trying) love you all!
-Bethany
I am pleased the weather is finally warming up. It makes being outside a lot more enjoyable. Church On The Street has been good. This week I noticed the sense of community that it has. It's not always been this way. Not only did I see many people switch tables to chat with more and more people, but several people stood up to share their gifts. Richard sang this week, as did Jean. I missed Brenna's teaching but I heard it was such a blessing to people that everyone clapped. Simply amazing! Another person wrote a prayer and asked me to read it for everyone. God is so cool. My family also started a church 2 Sundays ago. It's held Sunday nights, and it's a church where we have a different person teach/share each week. actually we have 2 people, one older and one younger. I thinks it's neat that my family is stepping up and doing what they feel called to do. I don't know how I want to be apart of it yet, but I am enjoying being there.
This Tuesday will be my last bible study night for a while. (massage school is in the evenings monday-thursday. and every other saturday during the day.)
I found a baby bunny in the middle of the road yesterday. I almost ran over it but I stopped and got out. I couldn't think of anywhere it could have come from, and there was no mother around. it's eyes were still closed too. Tonda (Kale's mom) has been taking good care of it. it's eyes opened today, and it's doing very well.
Africa feels like it was but a dream.
I feel like God is teaching me a lot about myself these days. This relationship I am in with Kale has been great, but it sure teaches me a lot about myself too. So many times in life I have just wanted God to show me exactly who I am, but then I am also learning that so many things about me are a choice. He gave me interests for a reason. I have desires in my heart that have been placed there for a reason, not just to take up space. The Lord has been good in teaching me this. I still desire to see the world and live many places. I don't want to just have one thing going in life forever, I want to try many things and enjoy every day the Lord gives me. I'm excited for this life and the places it will take me. I'm gonna have a fun life. :-)
I'll work of keeping up with this thing. (as you can see, I am trying) love you all!
-Bethany
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Aww the Joy of Spring.
I haven't written in forever. I would still like to share more on Africa. I have a few posts I wrote while there, but haven't put on here. Life has been good lately. I'm currently at Dunn Bros sipping on green tea. (One of my favorite things to do.) I am currently working 2 part time jobs, for a total of 21 hours a week. I need another part time job, but I would like a flexible one. I am getting ready to start Massage school. and I am hoping to start pottery classes soon.
I've been trying to stay warm for the past 3 months. Finally, Spring is coming! This is my favorite season. I am pleased. Life is good. I also met an amazing man, and have been busy getting to know him. :-)
Well, maybe I'll write more soon. (I'll try and get better at this.)
I've been trying to stay warm for the past 3 months. Finally, Spring is coming! This is my favorite season. I am pleased. Life is good. I also met an amazing man, and have been busy getting to know him. :-)
Well, maybe I'll write more soon. (I'll try and get better at this.)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Hello Friends! Sorry it's been so long. Getting to town to use the internet is just a hassle. Life has been good. Outreach was different than anything I have ever done. I had a nice time, but I am pleased to have a shower again and more than a hole in the ground. Actually holes in the ground felt like luxery in the bush, often we would just go behind a tree. No Bom! I'm currently feeling really sleepy, probably due to being intown for a while in the sun and then eating chinese food. I need an afternoon nap.
I was treated to a scuba trip last week, which was amazing. we only went down 12 meters, but I had never been so that was awesome. however I think I may have messed up an ear. It's causing me a headache off and on. it just feels weird.
Christmas was amazing! I will write something long about that, but right now my buddies want to go back to base and I don't want to take a cap alone. so I better get going. I head home pretty soon. I think it will be nice. but, I do enjoy the beach. western everything else is something to look forward to though.
love love,
Bethany
I was treated to a scuba trip last week, which was amazing. we only went down 12 meters, but I had never been so that was awesome. however I think I may have messed up an ear. It's causing me a headache off and on. it just feels weird.
Christmas was amazing! I will write something long about that, but right now my buddies want to go back to base and I don't want to take a cap alone. so I better get going. I head home pretty soon. I think it will be nice. but, I do enjoy the beach. western everything else is something to look forward to though.
love love,
Bethany
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Hello friends!
Life has been so busy! I graduate tomorrow! I had maleria this last week which was horrible! But I am better now. I leave for outreach Saturday and won't be back until the 17th. Therefore I won't be back on the internet until atleast the 18th. I love you all! and I'll tell you stories later.
In His Joy,
Bethany
In His Joy,
Bethany
Thursday, November 22, 2007
11/22/07 Thanksgiving.
I'm am doing a horrible job of updating, and I am sorry to all of you. I rarely make it to town, and when I do, the internet is the last thing on my mind. I try to write out my letters at home and then bring them here, but it never happens this way. However the Lord has really been speaking to me about journaling. I see amazing things every day here, and they're are not to be forgotten!
Last weekend I went on an amazing medical outreach in the bush! We went to a place that still has elephants (however, we did not find any.) It was a 6 hour drive away. We set the clinic up early on Saturday morning. Our main focus ended up being scabbies treatments. (everyone here gets scabbies- sorry if I am spelling it wrong, I have no idea how it is spelled.) To our surprise, the Lord decided that we would be healing blind eyes as well. 4 blind people visited us through the day, and we prayed for them and they were healed. No joke! I was amazed! I still am! Later that night, we met another blind person that asked for prayer and he too was healed!
Jesus is amazing!
Early Sunday morning, I got a team together at about 4:30am to go searching for Elephant. We went on a 2 hour hike in the African Jungle, it was so beautiful! We found their tracks, but they were no where to be found. (Possibly a blessing because they are not friendly creatures.) We did however see many baboons. but I was unable to get pictures at the time. I did get a picture of a tucan however :-)
And I got some amazing pictures of the children. I'll upload them when I am back in the states. It's too slow here though.
I don't know what I did to the computer, but the puctuation is all off. so I am sorry if it turns out funky.
Today was my day to work in the baby house. I had two 1 year olds crawling all over me. it was a blast though. I love the children here! They are so beautiful, and want hugs all the time. they all need to be loved.
The Pastors are done with their schooling, so my Portuguese is not progressing much. It's not the same without them around. Eating lunch isn't the same. We can wear caprees whenever now though. (Before, we had to wear capulanas or skirts when the pastors joined us for class.) In the bush we always have to wear capulanas.)
I often think of fun things to share with people, but when it comes time to write, I forget. I wish it was safer to bring a bag with my journal in it to town. Wearing a bag is just a way of drawing attention to something people can steal from you. I hardly take pictures for this reason. Atleast not in town.
A girl here got her camera taken right out of her hands a few weeks ago. I guess all the village kids helped find the person, and the police ended up getting it back to her. (this never happend.)
Oh, something random! On the way back into town from outreach The police made all of us get out of the car to wash our hands in bleach water, because we were leaving an area where there was a breakout of something. (I found this kind of funny. because someone probably told them the best way to prevent spreading such a thing is to wash your hands. so they have people do it at the border! haha.) It was a bit scary because none of us were quite sure why we were getting out, and then the driver said don't ask questions, just wash your hands. The police want to get money any way they can. any ticket they give usually goes to them personally. and if you don't pay they can put you in jail. (most tickets have to be paid upfront or you will go to jail) It's terrible.
We had our thanksgiving yesterday. It was interesting, because there are so many people here from all over the world. 3 of us dressed up like indians (Myself being one of them) and we kept having to explain Thanksgiving to people. haha. it was nice to get together to have a big meal though.
It was different than home, but still fun never the less. I do wish I was at home cooking with the fam though. and eating amazing pumpkin pie. :-) I would also really like some mexican food. I think I miss that the most. everyone should take me to dinner at different times when I get back. because I crave many things. haha. (However, eating out might actually be difficult for me. I dunno. maybe not. I eat out here sometimes, and the most beautiful places ever. beach side dinners are wonderful! (The food is different though) I like just about anything these days. I had some icecream not too long ago, and I doubt it's very good, but it tastes amazing because I never have it. haha. It's actually a blessing I think.
I have to go to the fruit market before heading home, so I better get going. Love you all and I'll see you sometime in January! :-)
-Bethany
Last weekend I went on an amazing medical outreach in the bush! We went to a place that still has elephants (however, we did not find any.) It was a 6 hour drive away. We set the clinic up early on Saturday morning. Our main focus ended up being scabbies treatments. (everyone here gets scabbies- sorry if I am spelling it wrong, I have no idea how it is spelled.) To our surprise, the Lord decided that we would be healing blind eyes as well. 4 blind people visited us through the day, and we prayed for them and they were healed. No joke! I was amazed! I still am! Later that night, we met another blind person that asked for prayer and he too was healed!
Jesus is amazing!
Early Sunday morning, I got a team together at about 4:30am to go searching for Elephant. We went on a 2 hour hike in the African Jungle, it was so beautiful! We found their tracks, but they were no where to be found. (Possibly a blessing because they are not friendly creatures.) We did however see many baboons. but I was unable to get pictures at the time. I did get a picture of a tucan however :-)
And I got some amazing pictures of the children. I'll upload them when I am back in the states. It's too slow here though.
I don't know what I did to the computer, but the puctuation is all off. so I am sorry if it turns out funky.
Today was my day to work in the baby house. I had two 1 year olds crawling all over me. it was a blast though. I love the children here! They are so beautiful, and want hugs all the time. they all need to be loved.
The Pastors are done with their schooling, so my Portuguese is not progressing much. It's not the same without them around. Eating lunch isn't the same. We can wear caprees whenever now though. (Before, we had to wear capulanas or skirts when the pastors joined us for class.) In the bush we always have to wear capulanas.)
I often think of fun things to share with people, but when it comes time to write, I forget. I wish it was safer to bring a bag with my journal in it to town. Wearing a bag is just a way of drawing attention to something people can steal from you. I hardly take pictures for this reason. Atleast not in town.
A girl here got her camera taken right out of her hands a few weeks ago. I guess all the village kids helped find the person, and the police ended up getting it back to her. (this never happend.)
Oh, something random! On the way back into town from outreach The police made all of us get out of the car to wash our hands in bleach water, because we were leaving an area where there was a breakout of something. (I found this kind of funny. because someone probably told them the best way to prevent spreading such a thing is to wash your hands. so they have people do it at the border! haha.) It was a bit scary because none of us were quite sure why we were getting out, and then the driver said don't ask questions, just wash your hands. The police want to get money any way they can. any ticket they give usually goes to them personally. and if you don't pay they can put you in jail. (most tickets have to be paid upfront or you will go to jail) It's terrible.
We had our thanksgiving yesterday. It was interesting, because there are so many people here from all over the world. 3 of us dressed up like indians (Myself being one of them) and we kept having to explain Thanksgiving to people. haha. it was nice to get together to have a big meal though.
It was different than home, but still fun never the less. I do wish I was at home cooking with the fam though. and eating amazing pumpkin pie. :-) I would also really like some mexican food. I think I miss that the most. everyone should take me to dinner at different times when I get back. because I crave many things. haha. (However, eating out might actually be difficult for me. I dunno. maybe not. I eat out here sometimes, and the most beautiful places ever. beach side dinners are wonderful! (The food is different though) I like just about anything these days. I had some icecream not too long ago, and I doubt it's very good, but it tastes amazing because I never have it. haha. It's actually a blessing I think.
I have to go to the fruit market before heading home, so I better get going. Love you all and I'll see you sometime in January! :-)
-Bethany
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Praise the Lamb!
Hey everyone!
I didn't prepare a post before coming here so this is going to be bref. but I just wanted to update a little. Life here is pretty neat. I am however starting to really miss comfort. I would love so much to be able to hop in my car for some icecream. Going to the movies sounds like a blast right now too.
This weekend was amazing however!
We went on outreach, and the second day there we went into this little village to share some things and sing some songs with the kids. This boy brings up his little sister to myself and Jeann. The little girl had a horrible eye infection, so we prayed for it and watched the white in her eyes go from yellow to white. we then cleaned her eyes, and realized that this child was deaf and possibly mute, so I held her for an hour just praying for her, it was then time to leave and I was so sad, I didn't want to leave here there, but we left. we then came back that night and I find the girl again, and lay hands on her ears and start praying for her. her mother shows up and through body language tells us she is her mother. and then she is trying to tell me to stop praying for the childs ears. (I wonder then if the child was even deaf) the mother says "Salama in the little girl's ear and the girl responds with a bit of niose from her mouth. at this point I am so confused! I find a translater, and the mother tells him that before we came that morning, the child was deaf and mute, but she is now healed by Jesus. and the mom starts dancing. we were all joyous! God is so good!
I know this is hard for many of you, but it happened, I watched it with my very eyes.
I also killed a pig that weekend. haha. I'll tell this story later. my internet time is up. blast! Love you all! (sorry, I don't even have time to edit!)
-Bethany
I didn't prepare a post before coming here so this is going to be bref. but I just wanted to update a little. Life here is pretty neat. I am however starting to really miss comfort. I would love so much to be able to hop in my car for some icecream. Going to the movies sounds like a blast right now too.
This weekend was amazing however!
We went on outreach, and the second day there we went into this little village to share some things and sing some songs with the kids. This boy brings up his little sister to myself and Jeann. The little girl had a horrible eye infection, so we prayed for it and watched the white in her eyes go from yellow to white. we then cleaned her eyes, and realized that this child was deaf and possibly mute, so I held her for an hour just praying for her, it was then time to leave and I was so sad, I didn't want to leave here there, but we left. we then came back that night and I find the girl again, and lay hands on her ears and start praying for her. her mother shows up and through body language tells us she is her mother. and then she is trying to tell me to stop praying for the childs ears. (I wonder then if the child was even deaf) the mother says "Salama in the little girl's ear and the girl responds with a bit of niose from her mouth. at this point I am so confused! I find a translater, and the mother tells him that before we came that morning, the child was deaf and mute, but she is now healed by Jesus. and the mom starts dancing. we were all joyous! God is so good!
I know this is hard for many of you, but it happened, I watched it with my very eyes.
I also killed a pig that weekend. haha. I'll tell this story later. my internet time is up. blast! Love you all! (sorry, I don't even have time to edit!)
-Bethany
Monday, October 29, 2007
A few more things...
Hey everyone that has commented, thank you so much for your encouragement. I would respond personally, but the internet is just too slow. About my needs, I think I have everything taken care of. There would really be no way to mail me anything anyway, because regular mail probably won't reach me (unless it's a letter, and in this case, maybe maybe not) Sending it fedex or something else would cost upwards of $100 (seriously.) Financially you can always help by paypal via www.xanga.com/bohemian_bliss or www.myspace.com/bethawhatevr (or there is more info for other ways via myspace) But really my needs are met right now. (I did charge some things for this trip before coming, so having my credit card paid off when I return would be a blessing, especially because I think God may send me out again pretty quickly. but we'll see. I am fine for now. but also may need more by next month. We'll see.
I didn't mention that lunch and dinner are good! I only mentioned that tea in the morning is gross. haha. (thought I better share that!) Also, I thought up a few gross odd things about Africa:
1. Be careful when walking on the side of the road, people poop anywhere.
2. You know you are in Africa when you use the toliet and throw your TP in the toilet to remember that it can't flush! you then pick it out with your hands and go to wash just to find the water is off! ewww!
3. Washing clothes it almost a lost cause. They always look kind of dirty. (I only wash to get the smell out, and perhaps any scabies the kids may have rubbed off on me.)
4. My hair loves Africa! maybe being dirty is just good for the frizz? I don't know. haha.
I'll post more as I think of them.
Love you all! thank you for your love and support!
I didn't mention that lunch and dinner are good! I only mentioned that tea in the morning is gross. haha. (thought I better share that!) Also, I thought up a few gross odd things about Africa:
1. Be careful when walking on the side of the road, people poop anywhere.
2. You know you are in Africa when you use the toliet and throw your TP in the toilet to remember that it can't flush! you then pick it out with your hands and go to wash just to find the water is off! ewww!
3. Washing clothes it almost a lost cause. They always look kind of dirty. (I only wash to get the smell out, and perhaps any scabies the kids may have rubbed off on me.)
4. My hair loves Africa! maybe being dirty is just good for the frizz? I don't know. haha.
I'll post more as I think of them.
Love you all! thank you for your love and support!
10/28/07 Life in Africa #2
So, here I sit in Pemba Mozambique. It’s about 11pm Sunday night, (which is very late for Mozambiquens considering that the sun raises at 4:30am and sets at about 5pm)
I honestly don’t even know where to begin an update for you all. So much has happened. Life here is so different, but for some reason I find myself feeling very at home. I never need an alarm, because the 200 children that live here, plus the 100+ village kids that hang around are all up playing by about 5:30am. The breakfast bell rings between 5:45 and 7am (This is Africa and time means nothing… haha!) Breakfast is a roll and nasty hot tea that is so sugary! I usually make myself coffee or have coffee in “Man Town” with my buddies there. Sometimes I eat the roll, but usually I just make oatmeal, or skip breakfast.
I head over to the big tent around 8am for school, which is different most every day! We usually play some music together and then Leslie lectures. That woman is crazy awesome! She’s been all over the world, doing whatever God has her do.
Two days a week, the Mozambiquen pastors from the bible school join us. We had a feet washing ceremony Friday to build community with each other. It was really neat. I usually spend lunchtime with either the pastors, or the children; which has been the best way for me to learn Portuguese. 2 weeks in, and I can communicate pretty all right. I’m sure I sound 2 years old, but they seem to get it mostly. I think I get more frustrated with myself than they do.
It’s interesting though… I don’t only have to learn a verbal language, but I have an all new body language to learn as well. It’s so hard to read people here, because even their facial expressions are somewhat different. I am sure I look like a freak to them most of the time. The guards laugh at me a lot. I’ll say “bon dia!” and they return with “bon dia” and then I say either “to the bon?” or “como esta?” then then they say “to the bon.” and then I don’t know what to say after that, so I say “bon!” and then “chao!” and then they all laugh. Maybe I am pronouncing it funny? (Certainly spelling it all wrong, sorry!)
The kids here are very aggressive. There are 4 horses that run around all over in the day, and the kids chuck rocks at them, which make the horses very scared and angry, but this evening I spent about an hour with them (the horses) just petting them. Which is really quite amazing because they don’t come up to people, but 2 of them were all the way up to the fence with their heads peeking through for me to hug and pet. I’ve pet all 4 actually, and they are beautiful! I feel very honored that they allowed me to touch them this evening.
One of the hardest things for me has been dealing with people asking me for money like I am an ATM. My new friend Adiza doesn’t speak any English, and very little Portuguese. Today after church I had a kid translate for us and she said she wanted to ask me if I would give her some money. Haha! It’s such a frustrating thing really. There is a need, but at the same time, people have lived in Africa for a long time. And they are getting by. I refuse to feel guilty for being from America. (Though it can be hard.) People here also try to scam all the time in hopes that you will give them money. We luckily aren’t supposed to give any money. Which makes it easier because there is a rule about it. Really, it’s good because giving people money is only feeding the lie that money will fix everything. We feed everyone on Sunday. And we feed the village children every day. (we don’t feed adults outside of Sunday church, because in the past, riots broke out, and the children were threatened with knives. We still have a guard stand by when we feed though, because you just don’t know what will happen in a community that is starving.)
I fed the children twice this week, and the first time we ran out of food. We kept praying, and it just so happened that the kitchen had enough to give us more (which is so unlikely) and then the second day, we had less food and twice as many children, and every child ate! All the way to the last plate. God MUST have multiplied the food or something! I mean, we are talking 50-70 more people with less food. Crazy! He is so good!
Church here is so hardcore! These people sing and dance for hours! I feel like I have run 10 miles by the time they are done with Praise and Worship. They are so full of joy too! The church works a lot like the first church did too. Everyone serves! People take turns leading the songs. And there are usually 2 or 3 dances the kids have put together, and then the pastor teaches. It is translated into Makua and English. It’s crazy! Sometimes Heidi teaches, and other times it’s one of the student Pastors. They sometimes have skits too. Their teachings are also kind of like skits, it’s wonderful!
Today God told me to pray for a blind guy, I didn’t really want to, but I went up to him and laid hands on his head and he had tears dripping to the ground, it felt powerful. I then prayed for another blind man, and then many others. I went to the corner where the older woman tend to sit together, and I started praying for them, many of them are lame, one of them just held on to my hand the whole time. Several of them hugged me many times.
Part of the time I was ministering to people I was holding this baby boy. Children curl up in our laps during church and often fall asleep. It was so cute. ‘
Starting next week, I will be working in the preschool one day a week. (This means I will miss half a day of class every week, but it’s counted as an elective.) Preschool is age birth – 3 years old. Should be neat. I haven’t even been to the baby house yet. I may also be working in the clinic as an assistant with Eric. He is one of the doctors here. Erica G has been going to the villages to do scabies treatments on the children; I may join her as well. I think I may have scabies on my arm, or, they might just be funky bug bites. We’ll be able to tell in a couple days. Put some triple antibiotic ointment on it and call it good. Haha. It’s actually neat, I have not worried about getting things like this because worrying would hinder me from being able to love these people, and they so badly need love.
I’ve been asked about marriage 3 times I believe. And many people (mostly young boys) say they want to “spend time” with me. (Which spending time with anyone of opposite gender means you are dating. And holding hands means you are probably sexually engaged.) Some things lead people to believe you are dating. So one has to be careful, and it’s difficult!
Last night I went to the Dolphin with my outreach group, so that we could do some team building. I ate lobster, and this restaurant is on the beach. Pemba has one of the nicest beaches one has ever seen! I also had ice cream, and the whole thing seemed too good for mission work, however, taking a break is good things sometimes I do believe.
Lobster is $4 here! So cheep! Food is priced differently here, and of course the currency is different. It’s 25 Metici to the doller. It’ll be funny when I try to pull out 500 dollars at the ATM in America. (meaning to get about $20)
I love wearing Capalianas here! I seem to live in them. At home we tie them around like a dress (but this is considered rude when out of our homes. In fact we are only to wear them as skirts when worn as clothing, because it offends the people.)
Last week the pastors were trying to teach me different body parts in Portuguese. They would point and say the word, and then I would point and repeat the word. Well, they got to “breasts” and the pastor cupped his hands over himself and said mamos! My whole face turned SO RED! We have a saying “A boob is a nose here” it’s so different, because knees are offensive! Actually their own knees aren’t as offensive, but thanks to Hollywood white woman’s knees are very sexual. (An African woman would not show hers in church though. Yet they do show their breasts in church!)
Next weekend I will be in the Bush for 3 days. It should be pretty neat. I hope I learn a bit more Makua before leaving.
I love walking on the beach and finding shells! It’s so wonderful; I just wish it were safe for me to do it myself. Kathryn from my house does all the time, but she is from Uganda, and blends in a bit better.
I am making many friends. And all of my housemates are amazing. It’s neat to meet people from all over the world. There are so many English! Ruth that lives in my house is from England, and says so many things we get confused with. The word “trash” is never said, they say rubbish. Etc…It’s neat. We introduced her to PPJs, and Gramcrackers. She’s never heard of smores. And she asked if our proms are the same as in the movies. Haha!
Anyway, I am so very sleepy, so I am going to go to bed.
Blessings and love!
-Bethany
I honestly don’t even know where to begin an update for you all. So much has happened. Life here is so different, but for some reason I find myself feeling very at home. I never need an alarm, because the 200 children that live here, plus the 100+ village kids that hang around are all up playing by about 5:30am. The breakfast bell rings between 5:45 and 7am (This is Africa and time means nothing… haha!) Breakfast is a roll and nasty hot tea that is so sugary! I usually make myself coffee or have coffee in “Man Town” with my buddies there. Sometimes I eat the roll, but usually I just make oatmeal, or skip breakfast.
I head over to the big tent around 8am for school, which is different most every day! We usually play some music together and then Leslie lectures. That woman is crazy awesome! She’s been all over the world, doing whatever God has her do.
Two days a week, the Mozambiquen pastors from the bible school join us. We had a feet washing ceremony Friday to build community with each other. It was really neat. I usually spend lunchtime with either the pastors, or the children; which has been the best way for me to learn Portuguese. 2 weeks in, and I can communicate pretty all right. I’m sure I sound 2 years old, but they seem to get it mostly. I think I get more frustrated with myself than they do.
It’s interesting though… I don’t only have to learn a verbal language, but I have an all new body language to learn as well. It’s so hard to read people here, because even their facial expressions are somewhat different. I am sure I look like a freak to them most of the time. The guards laugh at me a lot. I’ll say “bon dia!” and they return with “bon dia” and then I say either “to the bon?” or “como esta?” then then they say “to the bon.” and then I don’t know what to say after that, so I say “bon!” and then “chao!” and then they all laugh. Maybe I am pronouncing it funny? (Certainly spelling it all wrong, sorry!)
The kids here are very aggressive. There are 4 horses that run around all over in the day, and the kids chuck rocks at them, which make the horses very scared and angry, but this evening I spent about an hour with them (the horses) just petting them. Which is really quite amazing because they don’t come up to people, but 2 of them were all the way up to the fence with their heads peeking through for me to hug and pet. I’ve pet all 4 actually, and they are beautiful! I feel very honored that they allowed me to touch them this evening.
One of the hardest things for me has been dealing with people asking me for money like I am an ATM. My new friend Adiza doesn’t speak any English, and very little Portuguese. Today after church I had a kid translate for us and she said she wanted to ask me if I would give her some money. Haha! It’s such a frustrating thing really. There is a need, but at the same time, people have lived in Africa for a long time. And they are getting by. I refuse to feel guilty for being from America. (Though it can be hard.) People here also try to scam all the time in hopes that you will give them money. We luckily aren’t supposed to give any money. Which makes it easier because there is a rule about it. Really, it’s good because giving people money is only feeding the lie that money will fix everything. We feed everyone on Sunday. And we feed the village children every day. (we don’t feed adults outside of Sunday church, because in the past, riots broke out, and the children were threatened with knives. We still have a guard stand by when we feed though, because you just don’t know what will happen in a community that is starving.)
I fed the children twice this week, and the first time we ran out of food. We kept praying, and it just so happened that the kitchen had enough to give us more (which is so unlikely) and then the second day, we had less food and twice as many children, and every child ate! All the way to the last plate. God MUST have multiplied the food or something! I mean, we are talking 50-70 more people with less food. Crazy! He is so good!
Church here is so hardcore! These people sing and dance for hours! I feel like I have run 10 miles by the time they are done with Praise and Worship. They are so full of joy too! The church works a lot like the first church did too. Everyone serves! People take turns leading the songs. And there are usually 2 or 3 dances the kids have put together, and then the pastor teaches. It is translated into Makua and English. It’s crazy! Sometimes Heidi teaches, and other times it’s one of the student Pastors. They sometimes have skits too. Their teachings are also kind of like skits, it’s wonderful!
Today God told me to pray for a blind guy, I didn’t really want to, but I went up to him and laid hands on his head and he had tears dripping to the ground, it felt powerful. I then prayed for another blind man, and then many others. I went to the corner where the older woman tend to sit together, and I started praying for them, many of them are lame, one of them just held on to my hand the whole time. Several of them hugged me many times.
Part of the time I was ministering to people I was holding this baby boy. Children curl up in our laps during church and often fall asleep. It was so cute. ‘
Starting next week, I will be working in the preschool one day a week. (This means I will miss half a day of class every week, but it’s counted as an elective.) Preschool is age birth – 3 years old. Should be neat. I haven’t even been to the baby house yet. I may also be working in the clinic as an assistant with Eric. He is one of the doctors here. Erica G has been going to the villages to do scabies treatments on the children; I may join her as well. I think I may have scabies on my arm, or, they might just be funky bug bites. We’ll be able to tell in a couple days. Put some triple antibiotic ointment on it and call it good. Haha. It’s actually neat, I have not worried about getting things like this because worrying would hinder me from being able to love these people, and they so badly need love.
I’ve been asked about marriage 3 times I believe. And many people (mostly young boys) say they want to “spend time” with me. (Which spending time with anyone of opposite gender means you are dating. And holding hands means you are probably sexually engaged.) Some things lead people to believe you are dating. So one has to be careful, and it’s difficult!
Last night I went to the Dolphin with my outreach group, so that we could do some team building. I ate lobster, and this restaurant is on the beach. Pemba has one of the nicest beaches one has ever seen! I also had ice cream, and the whole thing seemed too good for mission work, however, taking a break is good things sometimes I do believe.
Lobster is $4 here! So cheep! Food is priced differently here, and of course the currency is different. It’s 25 Metici to the doller. It’ll be funny when I try to pull out 500 dollars at the ATM in America. (meaning to get about $20)
I love wearing Capalianas here! I seem to live in them. At home we tie them around like a dress (but this is considered rude when out of our homes. In fact we are only to wear them as skirts when worn as clothing, because it offends the people.)
Last week the pastors were trying to teach me different body parts in Portuguese. They would point and say the word, and then I would point and repeat the word. Well, they got to “breasts” and the pastor cupped his hands over himself and said mamos! My whole face turned SO RED! We have a saying “A boob is a nose here” it’s so different, because knees are offensive! Actually their own knees aren’t as offensive, but thanks to Hollywood white woman’s knees are very sexual. (An African woman would not show hers in church though. Yet they do show their breasts in church!)
Next weekend I will be in the Bush for 3 days. It should be pretty neat. I hope I learn a bit more Makua before leaving.
I love walking on the beach and finding shells! It’s so wonderful; I just wish it were safe for me to do it myself. Kathryn from my house does all the time, but she is from Uganda, and blends in a bit better.
I am making many friends. And all of my housemates are amazing. It’s neat to meet people from all over the world. There are so many English! Ruth that lives in my house is from England, and says so many things we get confused with. The word “trash” is never said, they say rubbish. Etc…It’s neat. We introduced her to PPJs, and Gramcrackers. She’s never heard of smores. And she asked if our proms are the same as in the movies. Haha!
Anyway, I am so very sleepy, so I am going to go to bed.
Blessings and love!
-Bethany
Friday, October 19, 2007
In Africa
Hello friends!
I only have a few minutes at this internet cafe,
but I wanted to tell you all that Africa is amazing! It's kind of just like I pictured it, only... more real? haha. The childen follow me everywhere, always hugging me and wanting to hold my hands. they sit in my lap everytime I sit. I was learning clap songs by one of the girls yesterday.
My Portuguese is getting better. The bible student pastors have been teaching me. Some of them are teaching me Makua as well (which is needed when in the bush, because bush people don't speak Portuguese. ) Things here are different. Our feet get so dirty that I sleep in a sandy bed (Because the water is often off when it's time for bed) We went to the bush lastnight. We danced with a whole village Mozambiquen style which was awesome! Didn't do much medical outreach lastnight. (we do those usually on the weekends) We feed the village children every afternoon and people come from all over for church every sunday! (hundrends of people!)
The people in my casa are neat. I enjoy all of them. every morning I walk outside and have a beautiful view of the ocean. (a lot different from Kansas)
Rules of the road are... there are no rules. People drive as fast as the want, and people never have the right away. Plus, the biggest truck always wins! Well, my time is up. I'll see if I can update sometime next week. Things are going well! and I already feel at home! Prayers for the language would be good though.
Love you all!
-Bethany
I only have a few minutes at this internet cafe,
but I wanted to tell you all that Africa is amazing! It's kind of just like I pictured it, only... more real? haha. The childen follow me everywhere, always hugging me and wanting to hold my hands. they sit in my lap everytime I sit. I was learning clap songs by one of the girls yesterday.
My Portuguese is getting better. The bible student pastors have been teaching me. Some of them are teaching me Makua as well (which is needed when in the bush, because bush people don't speak Portuguese. ) Things here are different. Our feet get so dirty that I sleep in a sandy bed (Because the water is often off when it's time for bed) We went to the bush lastnight. We danced with a whole village Mozambiquen style which was awesome! Didn't do much medical outreach lastnight. (we do those usually on the weekends) We feed the village children every afternoon and people come from all over for church every sunday! (hundrends of people!)
The people in my casa are neat. I enjoy all of them. every morning I walk outside and have a beautiful view of the ocean. (a lot different from Kansas)
Rules of the road are... there are no rules. People drive as fast as the want, and people never have the right away. Plus, the biggest truck always wins! Well, my time is up. I'll see if I can update sometime next week. Things are going well! and I already feel at home! Prayers for the language would be good though.
Love you all!
-Bethany
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
And I'm off!
Just wanted to let you all know that I'm leaving at 6am tomorrow morning. God has been so wonderful in provision and is still always providing! I leave is just about 10 hours.
Thank you all for your support, and encouragement, and love!
I feel so blessed!
I'll try and keep this thing updated while I am gone.
Many blessings and love,
Bethany Flesher :-)
Thank you all for your support, and encouragement, and love!
I feel so blessed!
I'll try and keep this thing updated while I am gone.
Many blessings and love,
Bethany Flesher :-)
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