I haven’t updated since Feb 8th? Sometimes I am a great blogger and then other times I’m just terrible! Obviously lately I fall into the terrible category. Sorry about that. I’d say that I’ll be better but that might end up being a lie, so I’ll just say nothing and make a really terrible segue to my next subject…
So I’ve been home from the Philippines for almost a month now. Honestly, it feels normal. I have been busy visiting family, applying for jobs, and missing my boyfriend now living on the other side of the world (boo). I’ve also been on this new “remake” fix. One blog I looooove to follow is Better After. All these people send in pics of things they bought that were less than stellar, then redid. And now it looks awesome. So I started perusing craigslist and hoping to find some things to redo. I have bought a few things but they are not done. My first item that is done is this:
Obviously this is the before. While in Nashville, my awesome, over-90 granny had to be moved into a nursing home. We went to clean out her apartment and this lamp was about to go in the Goodwill pile when I thought “wait! I can fix it!” So we brought it home. I knew I wanted to paint it turquoise and recover the lampshade. First I bought the spray primer and paint color and then was on the hunt for the perfect fabric. While at Target a few days later I came across a beautiful bedding set AND they sold a sham to it separately. I bought the sham and brought it home hoping that I could use it to cover the lampshade.
I spent some time while watching TV pulling out all the seams with a seamripper and then traced the lampshade on to the opened sham. I knew it would be tight. Once I cut it out and started wrapping it around the wire frame I wasn’t sure it would fit. I started pinning them in place and sometimes it was really really REALLY tight. My original plan was to hot glue the fabric on but I doubted glue would be strong enough so I came up with an alternative: keep the pins in and cover them with some kind of ribbon detail. So I tracked down some bias tape that blended with it’s shade of blue and hot glued it overtop. Today I finally got around to painting the lamp and it is now complete! It is not perfect, but I am really proud of my first project. See for yourself.
I hope you sang along when you read that title cause I was definitely singing when I wrote it. Even went so far as to take serious consideration into which letter is extended when singing. I went with ‘w’. You with me?
Ok, this post is not about the strange thoughts rumbling in my head. Actually, it is.
I leave for home in two weeks. TWO WEEKS!! How is that possible? It’s one of those moments where you’re completely torn on what kind of emotion to feel. I will really miss Manila and the people I’ve met here. I’ll miss $6 pedicures too. Sigh. At the same time, I’m excited to see my family and begin the next stage of my life. Am I sad? Am I happy? My mind is so confused!
I love change. I thrive in that kind of environment. Especially since the changes over the next few years involve me starting a life with Clarence. A life that doesn’t include me in Manila, he in Singapore, and seeing each other every few months. I’m TOTALLY over that. We’re continuing to pray and trust God for His provision on the work front. We have not heard anything job-wise yet, but I keep hearing a certain kind of word in my quiet time:
Don’t spend time with God for what He can do for you. Do it to know Him better and worship him fully.
He will provide in His timing. I will just continue to draw near to Him. I’m looking forward to having a few months at home, completely free to do just that. So thanks for your prayers. Keep them coming!
Clarence told me that at this point everyone understands my hatred for bugs…especially huge cockroaches. Still, I can’t NOT share this story. In my head this is what happened: There was a cockroach conference meeting sometime last week. The CEO stood up and announced while pounding his antenna on the table “What are we going to DO about Rachel? She leaves in a month. The time to attack is now!” The discussions went round and round.
“We could block her path to the front door!”
“That’s been done.”
“We could scare her when she goes to throw something away by flying out of the garbage!”
“Again, it’s been done. Think creatively, insects!”
Suddenly the yoda cockroach clears his throat from the back of the room. Silence envelops the group as they wait for his inevitable words of wisdom. His soft voice whispers the most perfect plan:
“We could touch her. That will be her worst nightmare.”
And I’m sorry to say they carried through on this evil scheme. Let me set the stage. It’s 7pm on Thursday night. I’ve just finished my Zumba workout (which is super fun and you all need to try). Clarence had called me on skype and I told him to sit put while I jumped in the shower. Little did I know the terror that waited ahead. I turned on the shower, disrobed (sorry, but this is the natural order of things people), and jumped inside. Immediately I saw a huge cockroach on the wall in front of me. So OF COURSE I screamed. And jumped out of the shower not paying attention to where the cockroach scurried to.
After composing myself I glanced around trying to find it. I figured it would be easier if I was covered up, so I grabbed the towel off the rack. Then….
*shudder*
…to my dismay, the cockroach had hidden behind the towel. So as it was pulled hurriedly from the rack, the cockroach came with it and flew directly towards me. It was like slow motion. Out of the corner of my eye I see a dark shadow. It is too late to do anything. It lands on my arm. I scream and flail and generally go completely insane. It falls to the floor. I am still screaming and flailing.
I’ll spare you the rest of the story. It basically involved a lot of me trying to gather courage to kill it, Clarence telling me to just do it already (and laughing at me), and ultimately it scurrying off w/o being killed.
So I’ve lived to tell another tale. I’d rather not have to tell it, but that is life in the tropics, my friends. One more month. I can make it one more month. Then no more huddling in corners, gripping brooms, and muttering “why is this my life?”.
It is 80 degrees here in Manila and I have been a bit cold at times. Yes, you heard me correctly. After spending the past two years in Asia where it is always hot, my body is a bit confused about what the definition of cold weather actually is. Sunday after church I was walking around outside with some friends. The sun was behind the clouds. There was a slight breeze. The air was cool. Normally back home I would live for that kind of weather. And while it was very nice…I was thinking how I wouldn’t mind having a jacket.
What is happening to me?
I’ll tell you what is happening…
I’m asian now. You might not think so to look at me, but my body sure thinks it is. It’s in for a rude awakening when I go home in a month. Snow? Gloves? Sweaters? Boots? What are those??? It’ll find out soon enough. Let’s hope my asian self quickly remembers my American self.
I can’t believe it but I will be headed back to the States in a little over a month. My year in Manila has been absolutely amazing! I thought I’d make a list of some of the things I will miss of my home this past year.
The people. Especially my office mates. Filipinos are some of the friendliest individuals in the world!
Being asked by taxi drivers if I was a movie star. Ha! Though I never considered any of the marriage proposals, it was sweet. There is not a better place in the world to be for pale people like me. I’ve never felt so beautiful.
Delivery! Everything in Manila delivers. McDonalds, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut. I can even call and have someone come to my house and give me a massage. Which leads me to #4
Cheap pampering. I can actually afford to get a pedicure and massage from time to time. A pedicure costs about $6 and a massage the same. I won’t have that luxury when I get back home so I’d better enjoy it while I can.
Jeepneys. These are only found in the Philippines and so fun to ride in. It’s a cultural experience I will definitely miss.
Carla. It has been nice to be in the same country as my sponsored child and spend a couple days with her
The food! I have always been a picky eater but after spending two years in Asia, I have eaten a lot of stuff I didn’t think I would. Sisig. Adobo. Tocino. Pancit. Mangosteen. Rhambutan. Yummmmmm
Beauty. There is some stunning beauty in this country. You saw some of it when I traveled to Palawan. I’ll see more when I go to Boracay for my birthday. I’ve heard it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world so I can’t wait to see for myself!
Cheap movies. I can go see a movie in a comfortable recliner with popcorn and a drink for $6! I couldn’t even see a regular movie for that in the US.
Tagalog. I absolutely love hearing people speak in a different language around me. I’ll miss the familiarity of the Tagalog language. It’s beautiful to hear!
So those are just a few things I will miss. I ♥ the Philipines!
I’m not always the best at having faith. True, undiluted faith. The kind where I believe something so boldly that I do not worry or fret about what could happen if…by some chance…I am wrong.
God is slowly breaking me of that.
My church is going through a 7-day process together. Each day there is a devotional to do and as the days roll on, we are to sit before the throne of God and listen. Just draw close to Him. Talk. Listen. Just be. I’m not so good at being still, but I am listening intently because there are a lot of life decisions coming up this year and I want, with all of my heart, to follow God’s leading…not my own.
Well yesterday was day 4 and BOY did God speak. He’s been speaking everyday, but yesterday was different. I’ve spent too much time recently worrying about me and Clarence being in the same country. Of course I have prayed about it, but I have never truly let it go. Well yesterday God spoke and it all started with a sermon on faith. This verse stood out to me the most:
James 1:5-6
If you need wisdom–if you want to know what God wants you to do–ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Ooops. So all those times that I pray and then worry about what will happen or try to make back-up plans (cause God really needs those, you know) it’s essentially not believing that God will give me the wisdom I need.
Then I started listening to some praise music. Planetshakers “Nothing is Impossible” was first as we had just sung that in church. Then I moved on to Chris Tomlin “Our God”. This song I’ve heard a million times but I felt God calling me to claim those words as truth!
Our God is GREATER, our God is STRONGER, God you are higher than any other. Our God is HEALER, AWESOME IN POWER, Our God.
And if our God is for us, than who can ever stop us and if our God is with us than what can stand against?
In prayer we claimed this promise. God is with me so what can stand in the way of Him completing the things He wants? Or what is going to stop Him from answering His daughter’s prayers? Nothing. Cause nothing can stand against.
Then as I was reading the devotional of the day from our church, I was hit again. We are going through Joshua and the title of that day’s devotional was…..Conquering Faith. There’s that word again. This part stood out to me the most:
The walls of Jericho did not come down because of man’s ability–they fell because of God’s power. In the same way, no matter how huge the obstacle or impossible the situation before us may be, we can trust God to fulfill His promise and give us the victory.
There is nothing I can do to bring victory. Not worry. Not working harder. Nothing. God’s power is what breaks walls and boundaries that we think are impossible. And the thing that seemed impossible for me was Clarence finding a job in the US because of the economy and him needed an office that will sponsor his work visa. But this reminded me that nothing is too huge for God to conquer. He will bring victory.
Since this theme seemed to be all about faith I turned to Hebrews 11. I was struck by verse 30.
It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down.
I heard God saying “Rachel, how many days did they march?”
“Seven”
“And how long is this fast with the church?”
“Seven days”
BOOM. God’s word to me. HAVE FAITH. Pray and believe that I am going to work. Just as the walls of Jericho fell in seven days, at the end of your seven day fast I am going to break down the walls and provide a job in the US for Clarence. All you need to do is keep drawing near to me and BELIEVE IN FAITH.
How can I doubt with such a clear word from the Lord? How amazing is our God?
So now we just sit, listening, praying, joyfully waiting for God to reveal His plan. Only 2 more days until the walls fall. I’m looking forward to dancing with joy on the rubble and singing a song of praise to God. You’re welcome to join me!
I am resisting the call of “all aboard” and instead of jumping on the train of resolutions, will reflect on this past year and how God provided.
I had the blessing of unexpectedly ringing in 2010 in the US. I was able to see my nephew for the first time and spent a wonderful time of rest with my friends and family. There were visa difficulties, but God provided in His timing.
In early February I arrived in Manila! There was such joy as I walked into my second year of serving overseas with Wycliffe. It was a long time coming, but God was so faithful to bring to completion all he had promised. God also provided me with a perfect apartment. It only took me 3 weeks to find, was a good location, and a price I could afford. I’ve loved living here (despite the cockroaches)
In April I started helping out with a local ministry which is something I really wanted to do. It was also the month I went to visit Clarence for Easter and our relationship started to shift. I would say he is the biggest blessing of the year. When I look back at 2010 I will remember how God brought us together. How we started as friends, starting praying about a possible future together, and then gradually fell in love. He balances me in the best ways and makes me want to be a better person. He’s so selfless and sweet to me, it makes me want to forget about my own selfishness and do things for him. I cannot say how thankful I am for this man!
In May, I was able to get LASIK eye surgery for a great price and am so blessed by the perfect vision I now enjoy! Also I ran a “marathon”. Ok, it was only a 3k portion of the main marathon but for me that was quite a feat. I hate running!
In the summer I was able to travel to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea for work. It was so special to try to help our partners there in some small way. Nothing I did was mind-blowing, I’m sure, but God called me to something and He is taking care of the outcomes. I’m just glad I get to be apart of his work!
I went to South Korea.
I became an aunt for the 5th time.
I was able to attend my brother’s wedding and introduce Clarence to all the family.
I worked with a video team to capture stories of how small churches in the world are participating in missions…and still continue to gather these stories.
I can’t believe a year has almost gone by since I arrived here in Manila. There are so many ways in which God blessed that it’s impossible for me to discuss them all. He has blessed and I’m so happy I get to serve Him. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for 2011. May He richly bless all your lives this year as well! Being surrendered to Him and His will for your life is a great place to start.
Christmas this year has been different but still very special. Doesn’t feel like Christmas to be honest. On the 24th, I traveled to Singapore to spend the Holidays with Clarence. That is what has made it so special. I have to say, I love him more and more everyday…if that’s possible. He understands me so well and is always seeking to understand me more. It’s pretty overwhelming to be so cherished by one person. And to think that is only a glimpse of the way God feels about me. Enough of the gushy stuff.
We have mostly just relaxed the past few days. Christmas Eve we exchanged gifts at midnight because Clarence could not wait any longer. He got me a beautiful purse that was exactly what I needed. He also gave me a tshirt and movie. The rest of the day we spent just hanging out at his house. Over the past few days we have relaxed, hung out with his family, spent time with his friends, read at the park, went out to eat, and skyped with my family back home.
We’ve also talked about our future. There are only two more months before my commitment is done in February. I’m desperately hoping that we can find a job for Clarence in the US but I’m also applying for jobs in Singapore in case I can get a job there instead. Amidst it all, we are seeking God’s guidance. We know He has placed us together so now it’s a matter of resting in that and His ability to continue to guide us together. Then trusting wherever that may be. Yes I’d love to be back home but my home is now with Clarence so wherever he is, I am. I’d appreciate your prayers for us. For peace, wisdom, and faith. It’s exciting to see where God will lead us.
It’s also crazy to know that in two months, my two years with Wycliffe will be done. Though i don’t think it’s the last they will hear of me! God is so faithful. Ok, it’s bedtime. I’m tired and I need to have energy for the water park tomorrow!!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas and will have an equally happy New Year
She loved to travel and see the world. While at work she was given a challenge: fly to Slovakia and Thailand to film a story about missions and a small church’s involvement. Competitive to the core, Rachel dusted off her American Gladiator’s costume (back in the days when she was known merely as Storm)* and jumped on a plane.
First stop: Slovakia. Rachel met her crazy videography team there and toasted their good fortune.
Clink
They began their shoot. Through the driving cold and wind speeds of 10,000 mph, they gritted their teeth and worked through the pain of frostbite. Rachel was cold. The others laughed.
"I'm cold, stop laughing"
A big task lay ahead. Climb a questionable tower made about 2,000 years ago (this story is full of exaggerations) to get a clear shot of Slovakia countryside. They gripped the rail. Took step by precarious step. Some stairs gave way in a shower of pebbles, but the team trudged onward. They got the shot. They lived to tell about it. Quite a monumental moment in the trip.
Climb at your own risk
They rewarded themselves with a Slovak meal. Pasta with meat and sheep’s cheese. Very tasty but gave the immediate feeling of expanding once in their bellies. An experience never to forget.
Cheese from sheep...why not?
While finishing their meal, they heard a commotion outside. People running and screaming. The team looked around in confusion. Why didn’t they pay attention in Slovak language class? They bursted through the doors of the restaurant to find the local castle under attack! Grabbing their sword and shield (that is the sword of the spirit and the shield of righteousness) they bounded into the fray. They didn’t stop until peace reigned one again on the castle grounds. It was a good thing these civilian super heros were around.**
Peaceful again
After the good they had done in this town, they felt it only proper they moved on to share their skills with other parts of the country. It began with an interview of a pastor of an amazing small church. One where the members, though few, accomplished much under the name of their Father.
Pastor Juraj
They continued the interviews with the determination of a needy toddler in a toy store. But eventually it was time to face the cold again. Not only was it cold, now it was snowy. With fear and trepidation, Rachel stepped outside in her thin jeans and insubstantial pair of socks. Thankfully, that is not all she wore. For hours, the team trudged through the cold and snow, resolved to capture the beauty of Slovakia on camera.
The Snow Walk....
Before long, it was time for lunch. Even explorers need food. Rachel devoured her delicious meal like it would be her last. Her team did the same with their massive pizzas. Bad idea. Though excited and slightly cautious before-hand, that was nothing compared to the food-coma induced afterwards.
Before
After
After a few successful days in Slovakia. It was time to move on., to travel to Thailand and film more for the video. Sadly, the team had to split up. Through a haze of tears, Rachel and Adam sent Jay back to the US and traveled onward alone. First was a long layover in Amsterdam. They could not merely sit in an airport for 8 hours. Oh, no! They ventured out. Explored. But first, figuring out the train system. They did so flawlessly. Well, pretty much. There was an almost disastrous non-validating a train ticket issue. Almost.
Once safely on board a canal boat, Rachel had one mission. Find Anne Frank’s house. With the help of Captain Louis, it was a piece of cake.
House in the middle, Anne Frank's dwelling
While snow fell from above, Rachel and Adam experienced all the canals had to offer (except for the red-light district)…all while in the safe, capable hands of their captain. It was a layover to remember.
Captain Louis
When arriving in Chiang Mai, Thailand they were joined by a new videographer–equally talented–Pedro.
Hard at work
Suddenly, there was a new assignment. It was important. And it was up to Adam to complete. If he was up to the task. Keeping the camera and Pedro dry while filming outside. It was not for the weak of heart…or arms. For hours, Adam cheerfully…make that resignedly kept dangerous, camera-killing raindrops at bay. And the sunshine radiating from his face could brighten anyone’s day.
Joy of the Lord
Much like in Slovakia, our video capturing was cut short by the commotion of a crowd. Since I had become fluent in Thai in just a day, I knew what they needed: an American brunette to hit the gong of truth. I did a quick once-over of the area where we were standing. Confirmed: I was the only American brunette in the area. I would have to step up. And step up I did.***
Boooooooonnnnnngggggg
After basically saving the world, we did some more exploring and video capturing. There are some amazing buildings. We even came across one that was made completely of hand-hammered silver. Amazing. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of gold leaves set against the silver temple.
Gold and silver
The trip was almost complete. Interviews, footage gathering, saving all mankind. Seemed like their work was pretty much done. Just one more important detail. Rachel couldn’t leave Thailand without one final photo.
sigh...adorable asian child
Looks like our work here is done….
*Rachel was never an American Gladiator but thinks that would’ve been pretty awesome if she were.
**Ok so maybe it didn’t happen exactly like this. There was no fight. And no declaration of peace. Perhaps we just walked around the castle and took pictures like a bunch of tourists.
***Interesting, but completely false tale.
For a more factual account of our trip, feel free to check out what I wrote here.
Well, only one more day until I fly back to Manila. I’ve greatly enjoyed this trip but it will also be nice to be back in my apartment again.
On day 8 we interviewed Eva and also filmed her around her office. She is being sent from her church in Slovakia and is one of the highlights of the video we’re working on. Day 8 was also Pedro’s bday…which I forgot about until I started recording the video (as you will see). Oops. Guess I’m not perfect after all. There goes your whole belief system. I have to say that this team of Me, Adam, and Pedro, and is pretty perfect. Sarcasm abounds and that gives me so much joy. I have spent so much of this trip laughing and verbally sparing. I love it! So here is the video highlight from day 8:
Today, day 9 started off with rain. Lots and lots of rain. The ground wasn’t the only thing getting wet. While our driver waited for us in the lobby, he fell into the small pool situated behind some chairs. I do not know how this happened. All I know is that I am trying really hard not to laugh thinking about it.
Our day was spent traveling around Chiang Mai and gathering b-roll for the video. And by “our” I mean Pedro. Adam was the official umbrella holder and I was the official lurker. Regardless, “we” got some great footage. And we also saw this:
