I hadn't heard of "Cross-Carrying-Chuck" the day my mom rolled down the window and asked me to yell out of the car to the skinny man with a beard and a 7 foot white cross on wheels, who was walking down the Black Mountain road on a sweltering summer day. "What am I supposed to say?" I asked. "Hi" was all I could think of. O course my mom took over from there...she is never at a loss for words, and proceded to ask him if we could take him to lunch. We pulled our car over to the first restaurant we saw...KFC...he stowed his backpack and cross behind some shrubbery next to the entrance.
"I've been on the road 11 years, carried 12 different crosses, and crossed the United States 10 times" was his initial introduction of himself...which I could tell he had said too many times, to too many strangers. "Some people call me Forest Gump!"
I googled Chuck as I got home, and saw a much younger and healthier version of himself on multiple blogs, home videos, and new articles. He really is quite famous! I felt honored to meet someone who had given up what they knew to be normal and comfortable to do something...well, radical! Wouldn't you say that walking across the entire country on foot, sleeping wherever you could, and eating whatever food God provided for you is radical? Chuck had numerous accounts of times that our Papa opened doors for him, provided for him, and created encounters with His people so that Chuck could share God's Agape love. I want to live like that! Oh that we would let God ordain our steps. Oh that we would let our Papa get all the glory for everything that happens in our lives! I just finished watching "The Adjustment Bureau", in which they call God..."The chairman". It was an amusing and well put together film about God ordaining our steps and us not veering from His plan for our lives. (Well, that is my interpretation) The main characters spent the entire movie trying to do what they though was the best plan for their lives...all the while God knew exactly what the best posible outcome would be. It made me think about the choices I have made in my life...and where they will take me. It made me think about how radical I have been...or not been. Our church is reading a book entitled "Radical". Reading it has made me realize that I am not radical enough! How radical were the disciples? How radical was Moses? Are there ANY people in the Bible who were following every step of God's plan that weren't radical?
In order to be radical, we must stop trying to veer from God's plan, and accept that His is the best. He knows us, and He knows the future. When we listen for His directions and obey them at every intersection...then we will be radical...because we will not be living our life for ourself anymore...but living each day to bring glory, worship, and love to the creator of the universe...and that is radical.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
My Papa keeps His promises!
Hi friends!
Yesterday I had a wonderful talk with a beautiful friend of mine! She confirmed something I had been feeling lately...that I was relying on my provision from my supporters more than I was relying on my Papa God to provide for me. So I surrendered my time and my heart...and spent a wonderful morning with my Love. When I got home today, in the mailbox was the biggest donation I have received so far! It was incredible....like God was saying, "See! You can trust me!". When we give God room to do something miraculous....He always comes through! That's what I love about my Papa! So....we are now at 30% of our monthly goal!
Yesterday I had a wonderful talk with a beautiful friend of mine! She confirmed something I had been feeling lately...that I was relying on my provision from my supporters more than I was relying on my Papa God to provide for me. So I surrendered my time and my heart...and spent a wonderful morning with my Love. When I got home today, in the mailbox was the biggest donation I have received so far! It was incredible....like God was saying, "See! You can trust me!". When we give God room to do something miraculous....He always comes through! That's what I love about my Papa! So....we are now at 30% of our monthly goal!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
What would you give to hear God's voice?
We are at 25% of our monthly goal!!!
We have been having a blast on our mini vacations. Today is the last day in Wilmington, then I am headed back to Asheville for church meetings and ballet lessons. Next weekend we will be back in Greensboro to see the "Meredith Girls" (yay!) and to clean out the storage unit (boo!). Then I think we will ride back down here to the beach for the Fourth with my sis. This is her favorite holiday, and she has made camping on the beach a tradition! Then we will be back in Asheville before one last hurrah at Dionne's Wedding in Ocean Isle!!! THEN, we will hopefully be on our way to Hawaii!
Wow, I have a booked schedule!
However, I let all that stress go Wednesday at the beach. It was a warm and slightly overcast day, and the waves were small yet powerful. I was sitting in a beach chair at the break line, and watching Ava out of the corner of my eye as she played with some random kids. As I was looking out at the vast, immense ocean, I decided to talk to God. :) It was such a peaceful feeling and so refreshing to have all my focus be on my Papa and Love. He said to me very clearly that I am following Him to the right place, and that He has a rainbow for me at the end of the storm. (Ava always says "Mama, you know what makes the storm stop? A RAINBOW!")
It was such a powerful moment to me...that of course Satan had to try and ruin it!
Immediately afterward, we all went into the water. Pappy was holding Ava, and I accidentally wore my favorite and very expensive polarized sun glasses out. Pappy was promising Ava that no water would get in her face when a very very big wave came and crashed over us. Pappy and Ava went tumbling into the sea, as well as my favorite sun glasses. Of course I was upset, but soon after thought...It doesn't matter what I lost today, because I gained that beautiful conversation with my Papa!
(oh, and Ava was okay!)
We have been having a blast on our mini vacations. Today is the last day in Wilmington, then I am headed back to Asheville for church meetings and ballet lessons. Next weekend we will be back in Greensboro to see the "Meredith Girls" (yay!) and to clean out the storage unit (boo!). Then I think we will ride back down here to the beach for the Fourth with my sis. This is her favorite holiday, and she has made camping on the beach a tradition! Then we will be back in Asheville before one last hurrah at Dionne's Wedding in Ocean Isle!!! THEN, we will hopefully be on our way to Hawaii!
Wow, I have a booked schedule!
However, I let all that stress go Wednesday at the beach. It was a warm and slightly overcast day, and the waves were small yet powerful. I was sitting in a beach chair at the break line, and watching Ava out of the corner of my eye as she played with some random kids. As I was looking out at the vast, immense ocean, I decided to talk to God. :) It was such a peaceful feeling and so refreshing to have all my focus be on my Papa and Love. He said to me very clearly that I am following Him to the right place, and that He has a rainbow for me at the end of the storm. (Ava always says "Mama, you know what makes the storm stop? A RAINBOW!")
It was such a powerful moment to me...that of course Satan had to try and ruin it!
Immediately afterward, we all went into the water. Pappy was holding Ava, and I accidentally wore my favorite and very expensive polarized sun glasses out. Pappy was promising Ava that no water would get in her face when a very very big wave came and crashed over us. Pappy and Ava went tumbling into the sea, as well as my favorite sun glasses. Of course I was upset, but soon after thought...It doesn't matter what I lost today, because I gained that beautiful conversation with my Papa!
(oh, and Ava was okay!)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Dessert Party in Wilmington!
Hi friends! Well, Ava and I are in Wilmington. We are hoping to get to see as many of our Wilmy friends as possible. I am having a dessert party this upcoming Friday night...and if you are in Wilmington, you are invited! Let me know if you want to come. If you can't come, please be praying that the right people can attend, and that God will bless our time together.
I am currently at 22 percent of my support goal! I only need 13 more monthly partners at 20 dollars a month and 15 at 50 dollars a month! This is such a wonderful time for me of trusting my Papa to provide....but I know He will... He always does. I am praying right now that God will show up in your life in a huge, exciting way today. I love you all!
I will write soon...We are currently without internet, as we are staying in my parents' RV at the beach! This past weekend we traveled to VA to Bush Gardens, and then came straight down here. We had a blast...of course, how could we not with Ava jumping up and down all the time screaming happiness all over the place!
I hope you are all having a wonderful blessed summer too!
I am currently at 22 percent of my support goal! I only need 13 more monthly partners at 20 dollars a month and 15 at 50 dollars a month! This is such a wonderful time for me of trusting my Papa to provide....but I know He will... He always does. I am praying right now that God will show up in your life in a huge, exciting way today. I love you all!
I will write soon...We are currently without internet, as we are staying in my parents' RV at the beach! This past weekend we traveled to VA to Bush Gardens, and then came straight down here. We had a blast...of course, how could we not with Ava jumping up and down all the time screaming happiness all over the place!
I hope you are all having a wonderful blessed summer too!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Progress
I'm at 20% of my monthly support goal! Thank you Jesus! I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel! Keep praying for us. The Chick Fil A night last night was fun, but slow. I made about 60 dollars...but it was totally worth it. We always love hanging out there!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Hope!
Hi friends!
I just received another monthly partner yesterday! They will be supporting us $25 a month. I am soooooo happy! I also have come up with a monthly partner campaign which I am calling "15&15". You will be receiving the postcards in the mail soon. I have broken everything down into exactly how many monthly partners I need, and I also included our detailed budget. Ava and I only need 15 more monthly partners at supporting us at $50 a month, and 15 partners supporting us at $20 a month. If you don't receive the postcard in the next few weeks, please email me so I can get one out to you. My hope is strengthened today! Even so, Papa help me to be strengthened by you alone.
I also have my Chick Fil A fundraiser coming up on Tuesday.
Thank you so much for all your prayers today. I love you all so much!
Yesterday we went up to Waynesville to eat lunch with one of my friends from
Meredith College. My very first roommates and suite mates TRY to keep in touch...but it is so hard because we all have different lives. I have made it my goal to see all of them at least once more before I leave. They are such special girls to me! It was such a nice lunch, and I got to meet her 19 month old son for the first time! I love reconnecting with old friends...even if it is only through Facebook sometimes. Encourage one another! Oh, and stay cool...like Ava has been doing in the fountains!
Love you!
Brooke
I just received another monthly partner yesterday! They will be supporting us $25 a month. I am soooooo happy! I also have come up with a monthly partner campaign which I am calling "15&15". You will be receiving the postcards in the mail soon. I have broken everything down into exactly how many monthly partners I need, and I also included our detailed budget. Ava and I only need 15 more monthly partners at supporting us at $50 a month, and 15 partners supporting us at $20 a month. If you don't receive the postcard in the next few weeks, please email me so I can get one out to you. My hope is strengthened today! Even so, Papa help me to be strengthened by you alone.
I also have my Chick Fil A fundraiser coming up on Tuesday.
Thank you so much for all your prayers today. I love you all so much!
Yesterday we went up to Waynesville to eat lunch with one of my friends from
Meredith College. My very first roommates and suite mates TRY to keep in touch...but it is so hard because we all have different lives. I have made it my goal to see all of them at least once more before I leave. They are such special girls to me! It was such a nice lunch, and I got to meet her 19 month old son for the first time! I love reconnecting with old friends...even if it is only through Facebook sometimes. Encourage one another! Oh, and stay cool...like Ava has been doing in the fountains!
Love you!
Brooke
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Videos about The Learning Center
This one is specific to the "Learning Center"
http://vimeo.com/14595205
This one talks about all the elementary schools on the base in Kona.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-_grQzO270
http://vimeo.com/14595205
This one talks about all the elementary schools on the base in Kona.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-_grQzO270
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Trust
It's a beautiful sunny day on my parents' mountain this morning! Ava and I plan on being here until we leave....the date to leave is still up in the air though!
Our time in Greensboro was wonderful...I got to see so many good friends. I went out with the "Teacher Girls" as I call them, saw my old Bible study friends, and even went to Charlotte to see my awesome friend from Meredith College! I am really enjoying this time I am getting to reconnect with and spend quality time with the people I love. I even got to see my cousins at the Dessert Night I had. The night went very well, and I am praying that some partners were born out of the sharing about Hawaii I got to do.
Now we are back in Black Mountain, and it is beautiful! Next week I have a fundraiser planned for Chick-Fil-A that I am really excited about. Please be praying that it goes well for us. Also, if you are in the area, please come out and support us! It is on Hendersonville Rd. in Asheville. June 7th. from 5pm to 8pm. It is really going to be fun! All you have to do is eat there to support us.
Also, coming up on June 15th, my mom and I are planning a house concert for the band "Carolina Story". I am also going to use the night to talk about the school in Hawaii. I'll put more of the details on Facebook about this.
I also want to plan a dessert night down in Wilmington. Right now I am thinking of June 26th....but I don't have anywhere to have it yet, so let me know if you would be interested in hosting or just attending!
So, I have a lot planned for this month! Please, please keep praying for us! We have a long way to get to our financial goal....but speaking of that....this week I received another $100 dollars in monthly support!!! So now we have $200 of our $1200 in monthly support!
God is working for us, and fighting for us!
This is such a time of growth in trusting my Papa. It is so much harder to believe that God is right beside us, when it seems like He isn't doing anything! But He is....we just don't see what He is doing....and HE IS THERE! He is standing right beside us saying..."I'm here! I am right here! Trust me!" I have been reminded of this as I am reading the Old Testiment and the book GREEN by Ted Dekker. In the OT the Isrealites were constantly questioning God's provision for them, and yet God was constantly speaking to Moses "I am here! Why are they doubting me?"
In the book GREEN, (which if you haven't read this series of books you are truly missing out) the people are waiting for Elyon, or God, to show up...and they have forgotten that He is always with them!
I hope that whatever you are praying for today, you remember that your Papa, your Father, your love is standing right beside you!
Our time in Greensboro was wonderful...I got to see so many good friends. I went out with the "Teacher Girls" as I call them, saw my old Bible study friends, and even went to Charlotte to see my awesome friend from Meredith College! I am really enjoying this time I am getting to reconnect with and spend quality time with the people I love. I even got to see my cousins at the Dessert Night I had. The night went very well, and I am praying that some partners were born out of the sharing about Hawaii I got to do.
Now we are back in Black Mountain, and it is beautiful! Next week I have a fundraiser planned for Chick-Fil-A that I am really excited about. Please be praying that it goes well for us. Also, if you are in the area, please come out and support us! It is on Hendersonville Rd. in Asheville. June 7th. from 5pm to 8pm. It is really going to be fun! All you have to do is eat there to support us.
Also, coming up on June 15th, my mom and I are planning a house concert for the band "Carolina Story". I am also going to use the night to talk about the school in Hawaii. I'll put more of the details on Facebook about this.
I also want to plan a dessert night down in Wilmington. Right now I am thinking of June 26th....but I don't have anywhere to have it yet, so let me know if you would be interested in hosting or just attending!
So, I have a lot planned for this month! Please, please keep praying for us! We have a long way to get to our financial goal....but speaking of that....this week I received another $100 dollars in monthly support!!! So now we have $200 of our $1200 in monthly support!
God is working for us, and fighting for us!
This is such a time of growth in trusting my Papa. It is so much harder to believe that God is right beside us, when it seems like He isn't doing anything! But He is....we just don't see what He is doing....and HE IS THERE! He is standing right beside us saying..."I'm here! I am right here! Trust me!" I have been reminded of this as I am reading the Old Testiment and the book GREEN by Ted Dekker. In the OT the Isrealites were constantly questioning God's provision for them, and yet God was constantly speaking to Moses "I am here! Why are they doubting me?"
In the book GREEN, (which if you haven't read this series of books you are truly missing out) the people are waiting for Elyon, or God, to show up...and they have forgotten that He is always with them!
I hope that whatever you are praying for today, you remember that your Papa, your Father, your love is standing right beside you!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
8 Weeks left??
Hi friends! I hope you are all doing wonderfully! I miss you all so much!
Well, this week Ava and I are in Greensboro. I have been diligently cleaning out my storage unit, as Ava diligently tries to KEEP everything I am trying to get rid of! We are having a huge yard sale this Saturday, and I am just praying that I can get rid of all of my stuff! I feel like I own so much....that I never use...and so then why do I own it? However, I have been feeling nostalgic as I am sorting through Ava's old clothes, toys, and my school supplies. So, I have to keep a few things....and I definitely can't get rid of all my books. The yard sale will mostly be clothes and kitchen items, and toys....stop by if you need...er...want any of that!
Next Tuesday I have also planned a small dessert night, where I will be sharing my Brazil slideshow we made, and giving a little more information about what I will be doing in Hawaii. It will be a really nice chance just to chat with some of you, and to catch up before I leave. I am really looking forward to it...I only hope more of you can come. Right now I only have one RSVP...a very special one....but I want to see ALL of you! If you are in the Boro...please try to make it over. Tuesday, my sister's house, 7 pm...did I mention there will be dessert? ;)
My trust in my Papa has definitely been tested the past couple of weeks....no new monthly supporters. I know that God wants to bless me, and I know that He will get me where I need to be...but right now it doesn't seem like anything is happening...not to my small eyes anyway. So, please pray that I will be able to see with my Papa's eyes, and put my trust in Him.
Recently my contact in Hawaii, at the Learning Center, called me to encourage me about support raising, and see how she could pray for me. She also said that she didn't want me to stress about getting there at a certain date. She wants me to come when I have at least 80% of my monthly support...which will be about $900 a month. Right now I have pledged $100 a month. I have a ways to go...which is the reason for the question marks after the title '8 weeks'. It could be longer if I don't reach 80%...yikes!
Thank you greatly to all of you who have been praying for me...and thank you to all of you who have already supported me financially. I love all of you, and desperately need your encouragement right now!
Love and Blessings,
Brooke
Well, this week Ava and I are in Greensboro. I have been diligently cleaning out my storage unit, as Ava diligently tries to KEEP everything I am trying to get rid of! We are having a huge yard sale this Saturday, and I am just praying that I can get rid of all of my stuff! I feel like I own so much....that I never use...and so then why do I own it? However, I have been feeling nostalgic as I am sorting through Ava's old clothes, toys, and my school supplies. So, I have to keep a few things....and I definitely can't get rid of all my books. The yard sale will mostly be clothes and kitchen items, and toys....stop by if you need...er...want any of that!
Next Tuesday I have also planned a small dessert night, where I will be sharing my Brazil slideshow we made, and giving a little more information about what I will be doing in Hawaii. It will be a really nice chance just to chat with some of you, and to catch up before I leave. I am really looking forward to it...I only hope more of you can come. Right now I only have one RSVP...a very special one....but I want to see ALL of you! If you are in the Boro...please try to make it over. Tuesday, my sister's house, 7 pm...did I mention there will be dessert? ;)
My trust in my Papa has definitely been tested the past couple of weeks....no new monthly supporters. I know that God wants to bless me, and I know that He will get me where I need to be...but right now it doesn't seem like anything is happening...not to my small eyes anyway. So, please pray that I will be able to see with my Papa's eyes, and put my trust in Him.
Recently my contact in Hawaii, at the Learning Center, called me to encourage me about support raising, and see how she could pray for me. She also said that she didn't want me to stress about getting there at a certain date. She wants me to come when I have at least 80% of my monthly support...which will be about $900 a month. Right now I have pledged $100 a month. I have a ways to go...which is the reason for the question marks after the title '8 weeks'. It could be longer if I don't reach 80%...yikes!
Thank you greatly to all of you who have been praying for me...and thank you to all of you who have already supported me financially. I love all of you, and desperately need your encouragement right now!
Love and Blessings,
Brooke
Friday, May 6, 2011
10 Weeks to go!!!!
Hi friends and supporters!
I hope you all had a wonderful week. I am becoming very aware that I won't see some of you for a very long time! It makes me sad, and so I am trying to come visit as many people as I can before we go. If I haven't come to your house, and you want me too...let me know! I'll be there...well if you live within reasonably driving distance that is!
My sister is going up to New York next week, and I am debating about whether to go with her or not.
Yesterday I happened to come across the blog of the first grade teacher who is currently teaching at the Learning Center in Hawaii. I absolutely loved reading about her journey to the school, and reading about what the kids there are like. It encouraged me soooo much!
I also made a super cool event page on Facebook that I hope will get the word out about what we are doing.
AND....I set up a Chick Fil A Spirit night fundraiser for June 7th to raise money! I am super excited about it, and if you live in the Asheville area...PLEASE come out! I'll put the event on Facebook as well.
So I had a busy day yesterday!
As far as my support raising goes, I have $100 a month pledged right now....so just $1100 a month more to go!
I am doing the possible, and I KNOW God can do the impossible!
Love you all!
I hope you all had a wonderful week. I am becoming very aware that I won't see some of you for a very long time! It makes me sad, and so I am trying to come visit as many people as I can before we go. If I haven't come to your house, and you want me too...let me know! I'll be there...well if you live within reasonably driving distance that is!
My sister is going up to New York next week, and I am debating about whether to go with her or not.
Yesterday I happened to come across the blog of the first grade teacher who is currently teaching at the Learning Center in Hawaii. I absolutely loved reading about her journey to the school, and reading about what the kids there are like. It encouraged me soooo much!
I also made a super cool event page on Facebook that I hope will get the word out about what we are doing.
AND....I set up a Chick Fil A Spirit night fundraiser for June 7th to raise money! I am super excited about it, and if you live in the Asheville area...PLEASE come out! I'll put the event on Facebook as well.
So I had a busy day yesterday!
As far as my support raising goes, I have $100 a month pledged right now....so just $1100 a month more to go!
I am doing the possible, and I KNOW God can do the impossible!
Love you all!
Monday, May 2, 2011
New Paypal Button!
Thank you to Alan, my wonderful YWAM school leader, for helping me get this button on my blog!
Now it will be easy for my friends and family and YOU to partner with Ava and I in our journey to being on staff in Hawaii. Please be praying and asking God how you can help support us. As of right now we have two monthly supporters! Which we are so grately blessed by. I know God is preparing the hearts of the perfect people to partner with us.
I have been praying more and more about how this school in Hawaii will be able to help shape the future of education on a global scale. I can't tell you how excited I am about the possibilities! It would be so wonderful to have you on board with us so that I could continue to share my heart and vision with you. I love all of you who are reading this, and I am praying that God continues to bless you and to show you how much He loves you!
Now it will be easy for my friends and family and YOU to partner with Ava and I in our journey to being on staff in Hawaii. Please be praying and asking God how you can help support us. As of right now we have two monthly supporters! Which we are so grately blessed by. I know God is preparing the hearts of the perfect people to partner with us.
I have been praying more and more about how this school in Hawaii will be able to help shape the future of education on a global scale. I can't tell you how excited I am about the possibilities! It would be so wonderful to have you on board with us so that I could continue to share my heart and vision with you. I love all of you who are reading this, and I am praying that God continues to bless you and to show you how much He loves you!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Pay Pal Button
Hi friends,
I am working on putting a PayPal Button on here so that you can easily support us. However, I can't figure out how to do it! If you know how, please email me and let me know!
Love you guys!
I am working on putting a PayPal Button on here so that you can easily support us. However, I can't figure out how to do it! If you know how, please email me and let me know!
Love you guys!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Countdown to Hawaii....12 weeks!!!!
Hi my favorite followers!
I hope you are doing well on this GREAT FRIDAY that Jesus exchanged His life for ours. I love Easter, because despite the feeble attempt of the world to mask the reason for this holiday in commercialism and chocolate, (although I do love chocolate), I can only think about my great love more and more everyday. Ava is also grasping the idea of Jesus on the cross more this year. It is so wonderful to hear her ask me at the gocery store..."does that lady have Jesus in her heart?" She will be spreading God's passionate love in no time! Of course she already is, and doesn't know it!
I am currently in the process of sending out my support newsletters, so please pray for us as my friends and family read them. Ava and I will need a strong financial support team to live out this mission we have set out upon. But, as I was reading about Moses this morning....my faith was increased. I am reading the New Testiment now, and I LOVE it! It is the best nonfiction book, that reads like fiction, I have ever read! (Did that make sense?) Anyway...reading about the people that God sends out for a specific mission, and covers them 100 percent in provision and courage, inspires me so much!
I know that God is my provider, and I know that He will provide in HIS OWN WAY. Not in any way that I could dream up....but in His perfect plan.
I love you all so much, and I pray that my words inspire you this morning in whatever you are hoping God provides for you. HE WILL!
I hope you are doing well on this GREAT FRIDAY that Jesus exchanged His life for ours. I love Easter, because despite the feeble attempt of the world to mask the reason for this holiday in commercialism and chocolate, (although I do love chocolate), I can only think about my great love more and more everyday. Ava is also grasping the idea of Jesus on the cross more this year. It is so wonderful to hear her ask me at the gocery store..."does that lady have Jesus in her heart?" She will be spreading God's passionate love in no time! Of course she already is, and doesn't know it!
I am currently in the process of sending out my support newsletters, so please pray for us as my friends and family read them. Ava and I will need a strong financial support team to live out this mission we have set out upon. But, as I was reading about Moses this morning....my faith was increased. I am reading the New Testiment now, and I LOVE it! It is the best nonfiction book, that reads like fiction, I have ever read! (Did that make sense?) Anyway...reading about the people that God sends out for a specific mission, and covers them 100 percent in provision and courage, inspires me so much!
I know that God is my provider, and I know that He will provide in HIS OWN WAY. Not in any way that I could dream up....but in His perfect plan.
I love you all so much, and I pray that my words inspire you this morning in whatever you are hoping God provides for you. HE WILL!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Our journey to Kona, Hawaii....
Well friends, it is finally official...Ava and I will be moving to Kona, Hawaii this July to be on staff with Youth With A Mission. Both of us are very excited! I will be teaching third grade in the Learning Center which is the elementary school for the kids of the staff at Kona. Ava will be attending the preschool on the base. The Learning Center is fairly new, but they have a huge vision of impacting and changing the American education system. This is exactly what God has placed in my heart to do as well. I believe so strongly that the only way we will permanently change the future, is to permanently change our kids, and the children in this upcoming generation. If we want the future to be different, we have to make the leaders of the future different. What better place to do that than teaching in elementary schools? After hearing about this schools goals, I know that this is the perfect place to learn and grow in my vision to change education. I will be free to think creatively about how to influence children, and how to bring them directly into the Kingdom of God. I will be ushering these children into the presence of God, and helping them to learn their true identity in Jesus. I will also get the chance to train other teachers how to do this.
There are so many incredible ways that this opportunity is perfect for Ava and I. I feel that God is directing us and launching me and Ava into our exciting futures. God has the perfect plan, and has equipped us for such a time as this. I am so honored that God would choose us to be able to work for His Kingdom in this way.
We plan on moving to Kona this upcoming July. The school will begin in August. However, we need monthly supporters in prayer and financial partners to help us in this mission. I am asking all of you to search for God's voice and listen to whether He would have you partner with us. We cannot bring God's Kingdom here on earth if we do not lift each other up and support each other in every way. We are the body, and each member has specific purpose.
I love you all so much, and I can't wait to tell you more about Hawaii!
Please email me if you would like to support us monthly in any way!
Brooke and Ava
There are so many incredible ways that this opportunity is perfect for Ava and I. I feel that God is directing us and launching me and Ava into our exciting futures. God has the perfect plan, and has equipped us for such a time as this. I am so honored that God would choose us to be able to work for His Kingdom in this way.
We plan on moving to Kona this upcoming July. The school will begin in August. However, we need monthly supporters in prayer and financial partners to help us in this mission. I am asking all of you to search for God's voice and listen to whether He would have you partner with us. We cannot bring God's Kingdom here on earth if we do not lift each other up and support each other in every way. We are the body, and each member has specific purpose.
I love you all so much, and I can't wait to tell you more about Hawaii!
Please email me if you would like to support us monthly in any way!
Brooke and Ava
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Life after Brasil
Hello my faithful blog followers,
I hope that you are all doing great. Ava and I are having so much fun together...we aren't really doing much, but it is so wonderful just to get to wake up to her every morning! All day long she squeezes my head and says, "I'm so glad you came here!" I can really tell how much she missed me these past two months. I hope I will never have to leave her again like that. It was such a challenge, but I know that I grew in amazing ways while in Brasil. I know that God used that time to teach me how to trust Him, and how to gives up the rights I think I am entitled to. God showed me what it was like to truly have to trust Him in every circumstance, and in every second of my day. I know I will need to trust Him like that now, as I prepare for the next step in my life.
Right now I am finding out more information about the school in Hawaii. I am still praying about going to the Kona YWAM base to teach third grade in the school they have for staff children. God is growing my compassion for the project, and the people there, and I think He will confirm the move to me soon. Please keep praying for me and Ava as I make this decision. God continually tells me that He will provide for us, as long as we listen to His voice, and move in the direction and places He takes us.
In my next entry I want to tell you all some of the incredible stories that I got to be a part of in Brasil. I also would love to talk to each of you individually and share the experiences with you. Please be praying about how you can support us on this journey of ours.
I love you all, and can't wait to see you all!
I hope that you are all doing great. Ava and I are having so much fun together...we aren't really doing much, but it is so wonderful just to get to wake up to her every morning! All day long she squeezes my head and says, "I'm so glad you came here!" I can really tell how much she missed me these past two months. I hope I will never have to leave her again like that. It was such a challenge, but I know that I grew in amazing ways while in Brasil. I know that God used that time to teach me how to trust Him, and how to gives up the rights I think I am entitled to. God showed me what it was like to truly have to trust Him in every circumstance, and in every second of my day. I know I will need to trust Him like that now, as I prepare for the next step in my life.
Right now I am finding out more information about the school in Hawaii. I am still praying about going to the Kona YWAM base to teach third grade in the school they have for staff children. God is growing my compassion for the project, and the people there, and I think He will confirm the move to me soon. Please keep praying for me and Ava as I make this decision. God continually tells me that He will provide for us, as long as we listen to His voice, and move in the direction and places He takes us.
In my next entry I want to tell you all some of the incredible stories that I got to be a part of in Brasil. I also would love to talk to each of you individually and share the experiences with you. Please be praying about how you can support us on this journey of ours.
I love you all, and can't wait to see you all!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Back in the USA!
Hi friends, supporters, Americans, and Brazilians!
I am sad and happy to tell you that I am back in the States. We arrived in Nashville yesterday and I will be here "debriefing" until Saturday. Our graduation from DTS will be Saturday night, and then I will be headed to NC!!!! My last week in Brasil was incredible and I want to write extensively about it...and I will soon! I just wanted to quickly let everyone know that I am safe and home....for now!
Love you!
I am sad and happy to tell you that I am back in the States. We arrived in Nashville yesterday and I will be here "debriefing" until Saturday. Our graduation from DTS will be Saturday night, and then I will be headed to NC!!!! My last week in Brasil was incredible and I want to write extensively about it...and I will soon! I just wanted to quickly let everyone know that I am safe and home....for now!
Love you!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Brasil Dia 41
Tudo Bem,
I hope you are all doing well! I can't believe that I am only 13 days away from the end of the outreach portion of my YWAM (or JOCUM as it is called here in Brasil) DTS (Discipleship Training School)!!!
It really seems like yesterday that Ava and I began this journey. It is a bittersweet end. I have made a tight connection with the people of Brasil and made friendships that I hope will be lasting. My relationship with my Papa God, and the love of my life has continued to expand to new levels. He teaches me something new everyday, and continues to humble me and create patience within my character. The only thing I want to live for is to love Him passionately and make Him know throughout the world to His people.
As I return to the States, I will be fasting and praying for Ava and I, and I encourage you to do the same. I want to step exactly in the footsteps that He has marked for Ava and I. I still feel led to go to the Kona base in Hawaii in July, so I will be praying for confirmation for that. I will also begin to raise financial support to be in full time missions. Please pray about how you could support us monthly.
Our school leader, Alan, has joined us this week in Brasil. He has been such a refreshing joy to us! He also has brought us all kinds of goodies....like peanut butter, granola bars, and reeses cups! On Sunday night, he took us out to dinenr at a Churrascaria. If you don't know what that is...and you live in Greensboro...they have one there! It is a Brazilian Steakhouse...or Brazilian Barbeque as they call it here. We went to a very, muito, muito fancy one. They even pulled out my chair for me to sit in! Then, there is an all you can eat buffet of salads, pastas, and carne (meat)! The waitors bring around the chicken, sausage, and various cuts of steak to the table. They even had lamb and chicken hearts....which I did not partake of!
It was a very elegant surprise for us, since we have been roughing it for so long!
This week has been one of my favorite weeks here. Beginning on Monday, our team has split up, and we are working at the various JOCUM houses each day. Monday and today, my group was at Casa Rocha (The Rock House). It is a sort of community center for the kids of a local favella (slum). It is actually the oldest favella in Belo. Part of the day we helped with classes they have for the kids in the house, and the other part of the day we went out in the favella to visit the families of the kids.
Try to imagine with me....a very steep dirt and rocky road, surrounded by very dirty, and falling apart stone buildings. There tired, old and young men on every corner....sometimes even children...are the lookouts for the drug traffickers. They signal when the police are coming in. We turn down a narrow, tiny hallway between the buildings, and arrive at one of numerous metal doors which is scattered with bullet holes. Our guide yells up to one of the windows, and a lady motions for us to come up. We enter a dark building, and climb two flights of stairs before entering a very tiny room. We go up another flight of stairs and are suddenly flooded by sunlight as we are out on the roof, overlooking the entire city of Belo Horizonte....mountains and all. As we talk to this tired mother of three children, and pray over her....we can here the neighbor screaming at one of his kids.
Each family that we visit, is overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit. The people that I have met in these immpossible situations have had the most hunger for God's presence that I have ever seen. It has been such an honor to meet them and be able to bless them and speak into their lives. They are so hungry for the word of God and for His love. They are begging the JOCUM workers to come visit them everyday.
And of course the workers are few.
Please keep the Casa Rocha in your prayers.
I can't wait to talk in person to more of you about the work YWAM is doing here.
I will talk to you all soon,
Brooke
I hope you are all doing well! I can't believe that I am only 13 days away from the end of the outreach portion of my YWAM (or JOCUM as it is called here in Brasil) DTS (Discipleship Training School)!!!
It really seems like yesterday that Ava and I began this journey. It is a bittersweet end. I have made a tight connection with the people of Brasil and made friendships that I hope will be lasting. My relationship with my Papa God, and the love of my life has continued to expand to new levels. He teaches me something new everyday, and continues to humble me and create patience within my character. The only thing I want to live for is to love Him passionately and make Him know throughout the world to His people.
As I return to the States, I will be fasting and praying for Ava and I, and I encourage you to do the same. I want to step exactly in the footsteps that He has marked for Ava and I. I still feel led to go to the Kona base in Hawaii in July, so I will be praying for confirmation for that. I will also begin to raise financial support to be in full time missions. Please pray about how you could support us monthly.
Our school leader, Alan, has joined us this week in Brasil. He has been such a refreshing joy to us! He also has brought us all kinds of goodies....like peanut butter, granola bars, and reeses cups! On Sunday night, he took us out to dinenr at a Churrascaria. If you don't know what that is...and you live in Greensboro...they have one there! It is a Brazilian Steakhouse...or Brazilian Barbeque as they call it here. We went to a very, muito, muito fancy one. They even pulled out my chair for me to sit in! Then, there is an all you can eat buffet of salads, pastas, and carne (meat)! The waitors bring around the chicken, sausage, and various cuts of steak to the table. They even had lamb and chicken hearts....which I did not partake of!
It was a very elegant surprise for us, since we have been roughing it for so long!
This week has been one of my favorite weeks here. Beginning on Monday, our team has split up, and we are working at the various JOCUM houses each day. Monday and today, my group was at Casa Rocha (The Rock House). It is a sort of community center for the kids of a local favella (slum). It is actually the oldest favella in Belo. Part of the day we helped with classes they have for the kids in the house, and the other part of the day we went out in the favella to visit the families of the kids.
Try to imagine with me....a very steep dirt and rocky road, surrounded by very dirty, and falling apart stone buildings. There tired, old and young men on every corner....sometimes even children...are the lookouts for the drug traffickers. They signal when the police are coming in. We turn down a narrow, tiny hallway between the buildings, and arrive at one of numerous metal doors which is scattered with bullet holes. Our guide yells up to one of the windows, and a lady motions for us to come up. We enter a dark building, and climb two flights of stairs before entering a very tiny room. We go up another flight of stairs and are suddenly flooded by sunlight as we are out on the roof, overlooking the entire city of Belo Horizonte....mountains and all. As we talk to this tired mother of three children, and pray over her....we can here the neighbor screaming at one of his kids.
Each family that we visit, is overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit. The people that I have met in these immpossible situations have had the most hunger for God's presence that I have ever seen. It has been such an honor to meet them and be able to bless them and speak into their lives. They are so hungry for the word of God and for His love. They are begging the JOCUM workers to come visit them everyday.
And of course the workers are few.
Please keep the Casa Rocha in your prayers.
I can't wait to talk in person to more of you about the work YWAM is doing here.
I will talk to you all soon,
Brooke
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Brasil Dia 34
Oi!
I hope you are all trying to stay warm in the States! I heard there was a big snow in NC and TN. We are having NO problem staying warm...it is so hot down here! We are getting sun and excercise everyday...not to rub it in or anything! I really love it here, and feel that I will one day be back down here if I get the chance. I love the people, and my compassion is ever growing for the homeless and the street kids living in the slums and favellas. I try to smile at everyone on the street and pray for anyone I get the chance to. The people of Brazil need hope and a true image of who Jesus is.
We just got to a new city this past Saturday. We left Sao Paulo on Friday night, and rode a bus ten hours through the night to Belo Horizonte (Beautiful Horizon). We will be flying out of this city on February 28th.
Leaving Sao Paulo was bittersweeet because of the incredible friendships I made there. The girl that we stayed with and her family were more than encouraging to me, and treated me as a part of their family. They called me Brazilian at heart, and made me promise to one day return. Ana's mom gave me her own Portugese Bible, and Ana gave me a Brazilian flag. I also became close with her friends at the Korean church she attends. The people there were amazing.....filled with the Holy Spirit and pouring it out on the community. I think that is the key.
But it was also exciting to come to a new part of Brazil as well. Our adventure is over half way completed! I can't believe it! We are staying in the YWAM "Restoration House". It is a home for boys. They have 8 right now living there. YWAM has a book written by the founders of the house called "A Cry In the Streets". I read it before I came here. It is so neat to actually be here! The YWAM ministry here in Belo is huge. They have 8 different houses...or ministries. We have been visiting the different houses the past two days, and next week we will be working at them.
I am so excited about the time we have left here, and I know I am going to be so sad to leave. However, I am more than ready to see my baby Ava!
I love you all so much. Thank you for praying for me. Please keep praying for our team...that our energy would be renewed, and that we would continue to be bold in our witness.
PS. Nate...I just began writing a narrative of my trip here in Brazil!
I will talk to you all soon!
Love and Blessings,
Brooke
I hope you are all trying to stay warm in the States! I heard there was a big snow in NC and TN. We are having NO problem staying warm...it is so hot down here! We are getting sun and excercise everyday...not to rub it in or anything! I really love it here, and feel that I will one day be back down here if I get the chance. I love the people, and my compassion is ever growing for the homeless and the street kids living in the slums and favellas. I try to smile at everyone on the street and pray for anyone I get the chance to. The people of Brazil need hope and a true image of who Jesus is.
We just got to a new city this past Saturday. We left Sao Paulo on Friday night, and rode a bus ten hours through the night to Belo Horizonte (Beautiful Horizon). We will be flying out of this city on February 28th.
Leaving Sao Paulo was bittersweeet because of the incredible friendships I made there. The girl that we stayed with and her family were more than encouraging to me, and treated me as a part of their family. They called me Brazilian at heart, and made me promise to one day return. Ana's mom gave me her own Portugese Bible, and Ana gave me a Brazilian flag. I also became close with her friends at the Korean church she attends. The people there were amazing.....filled with the Holy Spirit and pouring it out on the community. I think that is the key.
But it was also exciting to come to a new part of Brazil as well. Our adventure is over half way completed! I can't believe it! We are staying in the YWAM "Restoration House". It is a home for boys. They have 8 right now living there. YWAM has a book written by the founders of the house called "A Cry In the Streets". I read it before I came here. It is so neat to actually be here! The YWAM ministry here in Belo is huge. They have 8 different houses...or ministries. We have been visiting the different houses the past two days, and next week we will be working at them.
I am so excited about the time we have left here, and I know I am going to be so sad to leave. However, I am more than ready to see my baby Ava!
I love you all so much. Thank you for praying for me. Please keep praying for our team...that our energy would be renewed, and that we would continue to be bold in our witness.
PS. Nate...I just began writing a narrative of my trip here in Brazil!
I will talk to you all soon!
Love and Blessings,
Brooke
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