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:
On Day 5 Adam and I had a long layover in Amsterdam so I convinced him to travel into the city and sightsee a little bit. I had no coat and was pretty much freezing but it was still very much worth it! We took a canal cruise and our captain was awesome and hilarious. We also got to see Ann Frank’s house. All in all, a pretty great layover!
Then we continued on to Thailand. We arrived late on day 6 and checked into the most amazing hotel EVER! Wycliffe got a great rate for us and I did not expect this when I arrived. It’s just beautiful all around. Only a few more days and then it is back to Manila. Please keep praying for us!
Good news. My toes are still here. After walking around in the pouring snow for hours, I’m surprised but happy to announce that there is no gangrene in sight. The snow was so beautiful as it fell but it was COLD outside. I’m having a great time with the guys and we are getting some amazing footage. I cant’ wait to show you all. But until then, enjoy this tidbit from day 3.
Hello the faithful readers! Yes that means you mom. I thought it might be fun for you to see one short video for each day I am working on this video project in Slovakia and Thailand. It’ll be interesting because it’s COLD here. FREAKING COLD. And in Thailand it will be warm. Quite a contrast. I’m glad to be spending this trip with Adam, my great friend from Doulos. Also with us is a new friend, Jay from the US. We’re having a good time and I hope you have fun with us. And you won’t have to endure the frostbite like I am. See…everyone wins. Except for maybe me. I hope Clarence still loves me if I come back with no toes…
Day one
Day two
I’m aware you cannot really hear a word I am saying from all the wind. Here is the gist. It is REALLY cold and the steps we were standing on were REALLY steep.
The month of December is going to be a crazy month. Take a look:
December Travels
Of course I’m living in Philippines and Thursday make a trip to Singapore. I return to Manila on the 6th. On the 8th, I fly into Vienna, Austria and take a bus into nearby Slovakia. I stay there for a few days recording part of a video shoot. Then on the 13th, I fly to Thailand to shoot the rest of the story (this is the second story for our video project). Then on the 18th, I fly back to Manila.
Just when you think I’m done….
On the 24th I fly back to Singapore for a yet unnamed number of days to spend the holidays with Clarence. I hope I remember to breathe somewhere in there. In case you think I’m complaining, I’m definitely not! I feel blessed to be able to see different parts of the world because of my job. I would appreciate your prayers as I am traveling. Pictures to come!!
