tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9424442635817182852024-03-13T01:53:32.392-04:00Long Way HomeBrooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-82987350177176890372018-11-02T17:57:00.002-04:002018-11-02T17:58:44.249-04:00Getting Subject Specific in ELL<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;">When you think of an ELL classroom what first comes to mind? Children practicing the English alphabet, repeating English words and phrases, or using flashcards? All of these are tools an ELL teacher can employ, but there are many other ways a teacher can teach non-native English speakers. There may be times that a teacher has to teach specific subjects in the ELL classroom, because the students are falling behind in their regular classroom. For example, the teacher I work with has a group of fifth graders to whom she teaches Social Studies. These students are given the opportunity to leave their regular classroom during a set time and spend an hour with the ELL teacher going over the same book as their peers, but with the help they need.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">There are several benefits to teaching ELLs in this way. Teaching a subject in the ELL classroom gives those students a chance to catch up with their peers, helps them be able to take the subject in smaller bites and ask clarifying questions, and they receive more content that American students may not need.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Students in an ELL classroom are usually at the same grade level in every way, in fact, if they were taught the same material in their native language they would learn just as quickly as their English-speaking peers. Teaching them in English throws a curve into their learning process that specific subject focus in the ELL classroom can help. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Focusing on a specific subject can also give EL students an opportunity to take things as they can and ask questions when they don’t understand. The environment may also give the students more freedom to ask questions about something that may seem like common knowledge to everyone else. They are less likely to be embarrassed by their own ignorance,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">We all know that culture plays greatly into education. Some of the students that end up in the ELL class have very little background in American culture. This is where the ELL teacher focusing on specific subjects can be useful. Going back to the example of my practicum class, non-native students will have little to no background for United States History, so having them in the ELL classroom gives the opportunity to stop and explain why certain things are happening what something means.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Being an ESL student in a regular class can be hard, but the ELL teacher can be a great help. By not only teaching students how to read, write, speak, and listen in English teachers can help them to grow in their understanding. Taking time to focus on a specific subject for those students that need it will help them stay on track with their peers, receive the subject in manageable parts, and learn more content not required by their American counterparts.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-12352309412925045232018-10-29T16:21:00.000-04:002018-10-29T16:21:21.055-04:00An assignment for my TESL class<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Parents, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Welcome to our school. We are so
glad you have chosen to join us in your child’s education journey. You are receiving
this letter to let you know about one of the resources your student can receive
should they need it. Our school is privileged to have a wonderful English
Language Learning (ELL) program with brilliant teachers. We and our teachers
have worked hard to ensure that every student that may need this program and
their parents are made aware of it and what it will entail. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When you attend our school, you will
fill out a form indicating whether your child’s primary language or the primary
language spoken in the home is something other than English. Upon receiving this
form our ELL teachers, depending on your answers, will give your student a test
that will let us know where they are in their English proficiency. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If they score in the range of being
highly proficient that’s great! Our ELL teachers will be available to them if
they are in need of extra help, and we will only give them a test every year to
make sure they are still keeping up with their peers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If your student scores in the range
of beginner or intermediate English proficiency that is also great, because our
ELL teachers will be excited to work with your student on their English, so that
they can continue to grow in their proficiency and continue learning with their
peers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Each student is different, so once
it is confirmed that your student will get to join the ELL class, our teachers
will work on deciding what kind of practice and learning your student needs in
order to best gain high English proficiency. In the ELL classroom students will
work on Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening in English. Your child will attend
the ELL class along with other students during times that are best suited to
their learning. Students usually attend ELL during a reading hour in the normal
classroom, so that they do not miss regular classroom teaching, and they can
work on this area in the ELL class. Our ELL teachers strive to have good
communication with our classroom teachers so that students do not miss special
events or speakers in their class. Our teachers also work together to ensure
that what is taught in the classroom is reinforced in ELL and vice-versa.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If you ever have any questions
about what your child is learning in ELL or any concerns, our ELL teachers
would be glad to meet with you either over the phone or in person to discuss
your questions and concerns.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We hope this information has been
helpful to you and look forward to having your student as part of our school
family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-indent: .5in;">
Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">School Principle<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ELL Teacher<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ELL Teacher<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-15783226589192736272017-04-23T02:19:00.000-04:002017-04-25T02:19:54.066-04:00Realization<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today I met a World Race alumni that
lives in my town and attends the seminary. It was, in human terms,
completely by chance. My church was not having service due to working
in the community. I ended up following a group of friends to their
church, after some nudging from the Holy Spirit, where thie fellow
Racer shared about what God has her doing now. <br /><br />Today after
church I read some World Race blogs, they made me cry and long for
that life and community. I miss the depths of trust and relationship
with God and people. I miss the miracle stories and the fun
adventures. I'm proud of the ones I love who are still out on the
field or have returned there. <br />Today while settling in for some
focused homework time I received a message from a friend asking if
I'd be willing to connect with her sister who is interested in going
on the World Race. Excitedly I said yes. I love talking about the
moment that God used to completely change the direction of my life
and do more work in my heart than I thought possible in just short of
a year. <br /><br />Today I am dreaming of and longing for the world, for
adventure, for deeper depths with/into Christ. Today I am reminded
that I was created for much more than sitting still and watching.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today God reminded me of the joy I had
when I fully trusted Him with reckless abandon and put action to it.
<br />That is who I want to be. I want to be a girl so devoted to God
and His word and so in love with my Savior that I have no fears and
caution is thrown to the winds. I believe God has led me here this
far, but I have allowed the ideas, the concerns, the "safety"
of culture to overshadow the truth of His freedom and calling. I have
convinced myself I need to be frozen in place to complete the task
given me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is not true.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can move freely in the calling God
has laid before me. These paths are new, but they are still laid by
the same One who called me to the world, to be wild in my love for
Him, and to live out joy. I can do all those even as I fulfill His
right now plans.</div>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-13329681836631899622017-03-27T17:20:00.001-04:002017-03-27T17:20:14.120-04:00I'm Not on the World Race Anymore<p dir="ltr">Location: Medellín, Colombia<br>
Team: Steve, Tanner, David, and myself (yeah, being the only girl has its blessings and curses)<br>
Mission: Spread the Love and Light of God </p>
<p dir="ltr">We arrived in Medellín, Colombia on Friday. The Seminary we are staying at is beautiful!  It is on the side of one of the mountains and so much of the city can be seen from the balcony (it's not quite the roof but it'll do). Just about everything for the first three days has given me flashbacks to my time in South America while I was one the World Race- the view, the work (painting), the language (and lack thereof on my part), the food (mangos, naranjillos, empanadas- oh my!), and the people. There's only one thing, <i>I'm not on the World Race anymore</i>. I didn't think about it much for the first four days. It wasn't until last night when I was journaling, asking God why I was here that it hit me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Let me back up. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Tuesday our team joined a group from a local church and went out evangelizing door-to-door. We had a good time, made new friends, and saw forty-four decisions to follow Christ! Unfortunately, I was not feeling invested. I was going through motions of giving my testimony, allowing for translation, presenting the Gospel using an EvangeCube, and listening as the local team member prayed with the person. It was a great experience, but very exhausting. It was not how I would have done things based on my Race experience. <br>
That's what led me to wonder why God sent me on this trip. It was as I was questioning that God hit me with a novel thought- this trip is not the World Race. Though I learned so much while I was on the Race, it is time to let go of the Race itself. I cannot make every trip I go on fit into my "World Race" shaped box. I can keep the lessons and the memories, but I have to move forward. God challenged me to take off the "World Racer" title and live the "Kingdom Builder" title. <br>
Both last night and this morning I asked God to remove anything of me, including the World Race, and instead fill me with His Spirit. He did! I was still exhausted as we went door to door, but I had joy in what we were doing. I got to see beauty, excitement, and encouragement as I walked the streets of Medellín with my team spreading the Light and Love of Christ. <br>
I may not be on the World Race anymore, but I am doing something even better. I am building the Kingdom of God. </p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-19025510321678231262017-01-22T17:41:00.001-05:002017-01-22T17:54:23.994-05:00Here We Go Again<div dir="ltr">
I have entered another season of fundraising. I really didn't want to; I honestly hate asking people for money. I have pushed it back, prayed for miraculous provision, and hoped I could make enough money to meet my fundraising goal. I have tried so hard to keep from asking people for money...again. Don't get me wrong, I cannot put into words how thankfully and blessed I am when people have given in the past to various mission trips. I guess in some ways I'm still "too American" as a missionary.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Yesterday God called me out on this lack of humility, and even as I write He is showing me more. I was asking Him how I was going to do this. He invited me to go on this trip, so where are the funds? That's when I heard Him, "Ask My people."<br />
"But, God, I really don't want to ask people for money- again."<br />
"Why?"<br />
"Um, ah...I've asked so many times over the years. What if people are tired of it?"<br />
"Don't you believe I will speak to My people on your behalf?"<br />
"...yeah, well..."<br />
"Do you trust Me?"<br />
*groans* "Yes."<br />
"Ask My people."<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So here I am asking you, friends. I'm inviting you to join me again for another Kingdom journey to spread the Gospel. <br />
*Pause:That is another thing God reminded me- on top of being prideful in not asking for help I was also robbing you of being a part of the collateral blessing from this trip.* <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Basically I need $300 by the end of this month and another $600 before March (the total cost is $1,895).<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This time I will be going with One Mission Society (OMS) to Colombia. There is actually a very small group of us going, but God doesn't take size into account. We will be working with a seminary in Medellína doing manual labor, teaching, ministering in a local prison, and helping with street ministry. The trip takes place over spring break, March 13-17, and will also help me fulfill an Asbury requirement for cross cultural experience. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
If you feel led to donate, checks can be made out to One Mission Society. The picture below is of the response card. I can also send you a copy of it in the mail.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I cannot thank each of you enough for every way you have helped and blessed me over the years!!</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Through Christ,<br />
Brooke</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
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Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-50879394680622799632016-08-05T10:21:00.001-04:002016-08-05T10:21:49.662-04:00Little did Bilbo and I know...<p dir="ltr">Today I feel a little like Bilbo Baggins- a simple, unassuming person who went on a great adventure. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Growing up I was the girl that, while all my friends wanted to get out of our smallish town, wanted to stay. I had everything I needed right there, why leave? I was the little girl that cried at night when I thought about growing up, because I knew it meant leaving home. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Looking back at that little girl I smile, for little did she know where God would take her. <br>
Little did she know that she would carry the gospel literally around the world. <br>
Little did she know that she would live in another state for a year. <br>
Little did she know that by saying yes to God and one ten day adventure her life would never be the same. She would never look back at that moment in regret, for with that simple yes the world was open to her. </p>
<p dir="ltr">So yes, this morning I feel a bit like Bilbo as I get ready to embark on yet another adventure. Each one continues to stretch me and change me, but unlike Bilbo; when I come to my last adventure I will not feel thin "like butter scraped over too much bread." No, I shall feel full, because God is leading me on this journey. He fills me every day as He calls me closer to Him.</p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-28660093306472875832016-05-31T01:14:00.001-04:002016-07-08T10:13:50.178-04:00Boxes and Bounderies<p dir="ltr">One of my favourite things about my church is the way we have broken out of the box of what "church" looks like. We have not only broken out, but we've crossed certain boundaries too. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Stop.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Did you noticed the terminology I just used there? Box, boundaries, broken out, crossed. Those words cause me to stop and think a minute. A box has to be broken out of whereas bounderies can just be crossed. There is something significant in that.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I really hate boxes! Bounderies are great. I have bounderies to who I am. You have bounderies to who you are. But for goodness sakes don't try to neatly put me in a box! Bounderies imply space also. Space to roam and grow. Space that hasn't been seen by everyone even me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A box says, <i>"Here you are. I have you safely contained in these four walls and a lid of who and what I think you are. You can't go anywhere. This is you."</i> The problem with that is it gives me no room to grow, to spread out, to stretch, or to learn. A box has no mystery to discover! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Give me boundaries and I will flourish. I will grow in the space I am given. I will stretch. I will discover hidden things. I may see the sky and decide one day to fly. I may outgrow the boundaries and have to set up new ones. There will be times I'll test the boundaries and maybe even cross them; I will learn. <br>
Who I am is ever changing. My personality is a living thing that needs to have the okay to grow and be shaped by God. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Do not put me in your box of lables; let me roam the fields within my own (God's) boundaries of who I am. Encourage me to grow and ask myself and God who I really am to be. Call me "further up and further in" to who God has designed me to be, but don't be angry or surprised if I choose to stay within my boundaries or instead soar from them. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Even in my changing, growing, stretching, and shaping know that who I am at my core will remain the same. The identity God has given me will not change, it will only be made more firm in all my growing.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Let us learn not to put each other in boxes, but instead be willing to cross some boundaries and learn to love each other where we are. </p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-13843509707520731752016-05-27T22:05:00.002-04:002023-04-28T15:34:21.169-04:00When 20 seconds of courage turns into 10 minutes<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Several weeks ago I was asked to be the speaker at my brother's high school graduation. Well, graduation is over and my brother is officially an adult. I thought I"d share the speech God gave me for the graduates. I left just as I wrote it, in a speech format.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What
does it take to change a life? Two things came to mind as I was
praying about this speech. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Time
and courage. </b></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">There
are many, many more that others can and have covered, but today I
want to focus on these two.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br />Everything
you and I do take time and at least an element of courage. How much
time and courage am I talking about? Right now let's take it in a
small amount- <b>twenty seconds.</b><br />Twenty seconds doesn't seem
like much time, but before we keep going I want to give you a frame
of reference for it...</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AU84OFjll9Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AU84OFjll9Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There
it is. Twenty seconds. Such a small amount of time in the grand
scheme of things, but, as you probably noticed, in a moment it can
feel forever long. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">So,
why twenty seconds? What does this small amount of time have to do
with your life, especially now-- at graduation?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br />There
is a great quote from the movie <i>We Bought a Zoo</i>, the main
character Benjamin Mee says, <b>"You know, sometimes all you
need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally, twenty
seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you something great
will come of it."</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br />What
would happen if you decided to make that quote your motto and live by
it? What would twenty seconds of insane courage look like in <b>your</b>
life?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">I
know, at times in my life it has looked like starting a conversation,
asking to pray for someone, making a decision, sending a note or
text, and many other similar moments. (Adventures in Missions visit
with Cody)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">I
could go on to give you more examples from the lives of others, but
it really comes down to <b>your</b> twenty seconds, <b>your</b>
moment. You will have many of them; it's all in what you decide to do
in each one. You never fully know what God will do with those
moments.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Since
it really is such a small amount of time, what keeps you and me from
that twenty seconds of courage? </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Fear.
</span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">That
feeling of apprehension that something unpleasant will happen,
whether imagined or real.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It
can look different in each of our lives and even at different times
of our live- <b>fear of rejection, fear of what others think, fear of
inadequacy, fear of messing up, fear of the unknown</b>- in all
cases, though, it does the same thing,--- stops us from moving
forward in the plan God has for us. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I am
sure most of you have heard most of your lives, God has a plan for
your life. Well, <b>you</b> are the one that has to choose to walk in
it, and that takes courage. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">God
tells us several times throughout the Bible to "fear not,"
and a few more times He says "be strong and courageous." </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Graduates,
you are facing a new future, and it can be intimidating and confusing
at times, please don't let fear keep you from God's plan.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">I
don't speak without my own experience in this area of fear.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">After
my graduation I pretty well knew I would go to school. Two years
later, though, I had my Associate in Arts and no idea what God wanted
for me. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">That
is when fear began to set in. My fear took the form of being afraid I
would make the wrong decision. I was constantly questioning every
decision I made. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br />“Is
the really what God wants?"<br />"What if I'm
wrong?"<br />"What if God is telling me to do something
else?" </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br />These
questions haunted me every time I started to take a step, big or
small. Then one Tuesday afternoon I shared some of my thoughts with
my spiritual father.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><i>(Sidenote
here guys, find a man or woman of godly wisdom to mentor and pray for
you) </i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Anyway,
he shared a quote with me from his spiritual father, <b>"God can
fix your mistakes, but He won't tolerate your disobedience."</b>
This changed my life. No longer did I have to worry about or fear
everything going wrong or not. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br /><b>Graduates,
as long as you truly are pursuing God and listening for His direction
He will not lead you down a wrong path, and if there is a mistake
that needs to be corrected, He will show you. Just don't let fear
cause you to disobey His direction.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Now
then, I echo the poet Mary Oliver, <b>"Tell me, what is it you
plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"</b><br />You, my
friends, are about to step out on a new adventure of your own. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Some
of you have been preparing for this moment for the last five years.
You've got it all planned, out and you know what you're doing. <b>That's
great.</b> Now have the courage to trust God and walk in His calling
and do it. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Some
of you may have no idea what you are doing now, much less come fall.
Have the courage to ask God, and as you ask be willing to wait for
His answer and then do it.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Whatever
it is that is coming next, remember that it will take time and
courage. <b>Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather trusting
God and taking action in spite of that fear.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This
life you have now will be the only one you can live. Don't let fear
hold you back. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Live.</b>
</span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Live
your one wild and precious life as you walk courageously in the God's
will knowing that He will direct your paths. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span><span style="color: white; font-family: "times new roman";"><br /><b>After
all, sometimes all you really need is twenty seconds of insane
courage.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;"><br />
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-8468107965507344222016-04-18T23:07:00.001-04:002016-04-18T23:07:35.394-04:00I'm Giving Up God's Promises. <p dir="ltr">"That's it. I'm done. I'm throwing in the towel. God gave me promises, and I don't see them happening. God has asked me to do things, and they don't make sense."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Those are probably things that came to your mind when you read that title, but rest assured, that is not the vein in which I'm moving. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm giving up God's promises, because He has so much more for me. I am a entering state of surrender, or at least I'm trying to. You see, I've come to realize that while God does keep His promises, sometimes, oftentimes, they don't look the way we want or expect them to look. Sometimes we get so focused on the promise we forget Who gave it to us, then it becomes an idol. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Would I be willing to go in a new direction even if it means letting go of a promise?<br>
What if God is leading me on a path and we take a sudden detour that seems to lead directly away from the promises of God. Will I still trust Him?<br>
What if I told everybody God is leading "here" and then, by God's direction, I end up somewhere else. Am I willing to stand the questions and look foolish before them?<br>
What if God started to fulfill a promise and then asked me to give it up? Oh, flashbacks to Abraham and Isaac...can I do that?  </p>
<p dir="ltr">So what does it mean to give up God's promises?<br>
To me it looks like opening my hands so that God may give and take away as is His plan. He may empty my hands; He may fill them. <br>
It looks like climbing each mountain before me with my hands wide open. Giving up God's promises looks like throwing a stone in the depths and seeing the effects. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am giving up God's promises that I may have God Himself.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I will fix my eyes not upon the promise, but upon the Promise-Giver. </p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-41015189829312851652016-04-12T10:56:00.001-04:002016-04-12T10:56:46.941-04:00A Call<p dir="ltr">O Christians, rise up! <br>
Do not lay in the ditch of defeat. Your enemy cannot trample you; he does not have that power. <br>
Reach out; take the hand of you Captain. Let Him pull you to your feet and renew your strength. <br>
We are the victors; that is already set. We need now to claim the territoy that belongs to the Kingdom. Whether it be a whole nation or a small field of beans, let us fight until the sword sticks to our hands and the enemy is driven back!*</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sound the battle cry- <b>Rak Chazak!</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">*2 Samuel 23:8-23</p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-4728241824764264852016-02-23T19:20:00.000-05:002016-02-23T19:20:26.876-05:00This Side of a Challenge A year ago I was in Zambia.<br />
<br />
This is the week God did one His biggest works in my heart on the Race.<br />
<br />
This is the week we were challenged by our squad leader to become more vulnerable with our teammates.<br />
<br />
This is the week I faced my hardest feedback on the Race.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the week I opened up to my team about being unsure of how to tread this new terrain of having guys on my team, being vulnerable, and still guarding my heart .That night instead of our usual feedback we were asked to write some feedback for each of our teammates. When I later received my notes my heart fell. Several of them had to do with the very thing I had shared with my team. I was upset, mad, hurt, and wasn't sure what to do with it. I took it to God, but I was a little upset with Him too. After several minutes of tears and question I finally stopped long enough for God to speak. He asked one question.<br />
<br />
"Who has been guarding your heart all these years, you or Me?"<br />
<br />
It took a week of struggle before I finally admitted the truth. I had, often in my own strength, tried to guard my heart and not completely trusted God. I still argued a little bit, but it finally came down to another question. This one I had heard often.<br />
<br />
"Do you trust Me?"<br />
<br />
I immediately knew that I had to. Not that God was making me, but because I knew that He is so much more qualified for the task than I am. When I finally relinquished it to God the freedom was so sweet. No longer did I have to fear crossing an indistinct line, because I was trusting the One that knew my heart better than I did, and He would guard it well.<br />
<br />
That feedback turned out to be the hardest of my year, but also the best. It challenged my comfort zone and beliefs. It caused me to see that I needed to surrender so much more to my God and Beloved and allow Him to be my strength, provider, and guard. That week in Zambia taught me the freedom I can have when I walk in God's truth and not man's rules.<br />
<br />
That lesson is still very precious to me now.<br />
<br />
I still have those letters, and they are some of my favourite memories from the Race.<br />
<br />Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-46993851405079186302016-02-08T15:01:00.000-05:002016-02-08T15:01:28.824-05:00“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-85963418405070062222016-01-30T10:27:00.002-05:002016-01-30T10:28:15.756-05:00Where Did My Expectations Go?<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once accepted on the World Race, one of the first subjects we are asked to write about on our blogs is our expectations. What do we expect to encounter? Do? Gain? Experience? Whatever our expectations, we are encouraged to share them, though, not required.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWxcGjCAk6v1Ct9W12X3R9y8fuFTRVOxtsNhGQOAoMJ3RzumUX_JG3LfDJvlLF3H3JXDLdSWt7CsEe14mC8U7x7HpMPdCyCpCQLElXN1V_31M6l2kRkouJTs5uB8U9TPyo4bsc-QlTn8/s1600/Expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWxcGjCAk6v1Ct9W12X3R9y8fuFTRVOxtsNhGQOAoMJ3RzumUX_JG3LfDJvlLF3H3JXDLdSWt7CsEe14mC8U7x7HpMPdCyCpCQLElXN1V_31M6l2kRkouJTs5uB8U9TPyo4bsc-QlTn8/s400/Expectations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This is a snapshot of what I expected from my time on the World Race. Now, I will admit that I was an avid WR stalker. I had read many a blog from Racers on the field, getting ready for the journey, and back home. I had a pretty good grasp on what to expect, and that was to expect nothing and everything. When it came down to it, though, I knew I had expectations for the Race and myself.<br />
<br />
I look back on this post now almost two years later, post Race, and I can see how God truly did bring each of this expectations to life, sometimes by seemingly tearing them apart. I expected a lot from God, because I knew He was bigger than any expectation I could have, and He met those and even went beyond them.<br />
<br />
So now, in this moment I pose a few questions to...myself.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Where have my expectations gone?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Where is that spirit of expectancy?</i><br />
<br />
Here I am seven months off the World Race with no sense of expectancy of the God I saw work mightily for the past year and a half. Oh, yes, I know He is working, and He is going to do amazing things. That's not the expectation I am missing.<br />
<br />
Every expectation I had for the World Race was so big, yet He them in a way I couldn't imagine and so much better than I dreamed. I am amazed as I remember, yet also dumbstruck. Not a single one of those expectations is limited to the World Race. Those can still be realized right now, in the everyday American life.<br />
<br />
<i>Why haven't they happened yet?</i><br />
<br />
The answer is, because I no longer expected and searched for God to move in the every day.<br />
My God is still the same. He is still able to do whatever needs to be done (and sometimes what wants to be done) for His children and His church. I think it's time I stopped filing things away to pull out and remember later, and put my expectations back on the table.<br />
<br />
Starting now I am laying out my expectations once again. I expect God to continue what He has already begun, because that is who my Jesus is. He is a fulfiller of promises, and He finishes what He starts!Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-34119443194487338062015-12-06T13:31:00.000-05:002015-12-06T13:31:43.745-05:00I crave foreign language. I realized it last night as I listened to two ladies converse in Spanish. I realized it when I landed back in the States where I was comfortingly surrounded by English yet uncomfortable. I realize it now as my heart aches and my tongue twitches to learn a new language.<br />
<br />
I could go out and learn one, perhaps through a program or something, but that just wouldn't be the same. It would lack the hospitality of being invited into another person's world, the laughter of a miss pronounced word, and the joy of finally understanding a phrase.<br />
<br />
I suppose along with missing the beauty of other languages, I miss the people that speak them.Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-9343131441329749412015-11-30T20:52:00.000-05:002015-11-30T17:26:47.525-05:00My Christmas Wish List...seriously <div dir="ltr">
As this holiday season has rolled upon us I have found myself somewhat excited but also overwhelmed. After spending this past year outside the United States, being thrown back into the materialism is slightly disturbing. Don't misunderstand me, I am super excited to be with my families, but I will miss the simplicity of not being constantly bombarded with the idea of needing or wanting stuff. As I've thought about it these past few days I have decided to make up my "wish list" just a bit differently. There are a few things I want or need, but if you were to ask what I really want here it is.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
*Prayers and/or a donation for <a href="http://%20http//twchaiti.org">Together We Can Haiti</a> and the <a href="http://%20http//twchaiti.org/daniel.html">Agape House</a> <br />
*Prayers for Bolivia and Hermano Lucho<br />
*Prayers for the church in Huanuco, Peru<br />
*Prayers for <a href="http://%20http//www.pazyesperanza.org/ec/">Paz y Esparanza</a>, Bob and Lori Leek and MPF, Rachel and Ivan and YWAM Ecuador, and Inca Link in Ecuador<br />
*Prayers for Pastor Ghent and his family and Bethel Chapel Mission in Malawi<br />
*Prayers and/or donation for <a href="http://%20http//www.kidsalive.org/where-we-work/zambia/">Kids Alive Zambia</a> and the children there<br />
*Prayers and/or a donation for <a href="http://%20http//www.zimoutreach.org">Mark and Helen Begerly</a> and my squadmate <a href="http://cultivateruth.zimoutreach.org/" target="_blank">Jen Kaiser</a> in Zimbabwe<br />
*Prayers for the KJ Center in Malaysia<br />
*Prayers and/or a donation for <a href="http://%20http//lighthouseinaction.org">Lighthouse in Action</a> in Thailand<br />
*Prayers for the Roeung family in Cambodia<br />
*Prayers for Daniel and Esther Ahn and the Vision English Café in Vietnam<br />
*Prayers and/or a donation for <a href="http://%20http//www.childrenshopeukraine.org/index.php/en/">Children's Hope Ukraine.</a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
These would be the best gifts anyone can give! Gifts like this are actually helping the people that need it. The exciting part is I know exactly where these gifts are going and have seen first hand the way they work. It would bless me so much to know the people and places I love are being so blessed!</div>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-37981998664891959552015-11-11T08:10:00.001-05:002015-11-11T08:24:00.702-05:00November 11th<div dir="ltr">
Today is a special day. Some people know what today is. It is a day to celebrate one thing. Well, today is actually a day to celebrate three things. Two of them are for all Americans and the last one is for a certain set of people around the world. What could these be? I'm glad you asked.</div>
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<br /></div>
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November 11, 1620<br />
A great day in history, especially American history. Just two days before (Nov. 9th) the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock. Before disembarking the people of the ship, who were not all there for the same reasons, realized that they were not where they should have landed and therefore were under no set government. William Bradford and several other men realized this was no way to start a new settlement and on this day 1620 the Mayflower Compact was drafted and signed by the whole ship's company. <br />
Today marks a great day in history. Though still under the reign of the king of England, this was the first form of self government written in the US. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
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(Video) <a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/1620films/32598516" target="_blank">The Mayflower Compact</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
November 11<br />
First set apart as being the day World War I ended, sixty years later it became what it is now. This is the day we honor all veterns of every war. This is the day we specifically set aside to say thank you to every life lost and life lived for our freedom. It definitely should not be only one day out of the year, but even so, make sure to remember and thank all those who have fought and are fighting now. They are the people who make this nation great. <br />
There is a new campaign to turn on a green (the color) light today and keep it on for all veterns as a way to say thank you. While it should not be a replacement for an actual "thank you", I like the idea. As the ad says, our veterns are most camouflaged when they are at home living their lives. Let's show them our gratitude. </div>
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11/11<br />
Like I said before, only a select group of people will know today in another light. Those that can be called "the Wild Ones" that have left a life of normalcy to journey deeper into the heart of God. These Wild Ones have heard a call and answered it. Today is not so much a celebration or memorial of a certain day in history for these people, but it is a reminder of the call they answered. Today is World Race Day. The World Race is a program of Adventures in Missions in which you travel to 11 countries in 11 months (11n11) doing missions. It is so much more than a mission trip, though. The World Race is a challenge to go with God on a specific journey around the world and deeper into His heart. Only a few are called to it, those can tell you that it changed them in some way. Those "Wild Ones" may not celebrate this day, but my guess is that when they catch a glimpse of the date at some point, they will remember and perhaps have their own quiet rememberance. </div>
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Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-83312219704377826882015-11-04T08:54:00.001-05:002015-11-17T10:57:53.782-05:00Am I Part of Something?<p dir="ltr">I have been home from the World Race now for four and a half months (WHAT?!), and I often find myself wondering what exactly I am doing here. </p>
<p dir="ltr">On the Race it's easy, sometimes, to say I'm part of something more. Even if it was setting stones for a path in a camp in Bolivia or allowing a child to "fix" my hair in Zambia or just showing up at a café in Vietnam to say hi to a lady we had met earlier in the week, I always knew that God had me in that moment for a reason. Here in Georgia, USA I find it a bit harder to see how I'm part of the bigger story. </p>
<p dir="ltr">These days I'm teaching in a preschool and once a week attending a Bible study. My life is routine and pretty normal compared to a World Race life, and I have gotten lost in the routine. It took a conversation with a former squadmate to inadvertently remind me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">What I'm leaving out of the story is that God placed me here. God knew that I would be teaching three year olds letters, numbers, school manners, and more. He knew that I would be attending a Bible study that is actually the start of a new church. This life may not be as in my face as the World Race, but I am still very much a part of God's story. </p>
<p dir="ltr">God used a squadmate to help me see that but it was a journal entry from Zambia and the conversation He and I had following my reading it that helped me understand. On the Race I was actively pursuing "deeper depths" with God and He was constantly showing me something. After reminding me of that He asked me why I would not pursue those deeper depths now. I walked in faith; I allowed God to take me deeper into His heart then; why not now?</p>
<p dir="ltr">It doesn't matter where I am, what I'm doing, or who I am with, God is still God; He is still writing this story, and He is still using me- even in the smallest part. He still desires to take me to deeper depths. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am part of God's Kingdom.</p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-70710150457636078162015-10-10T17:18:00.001-04:002015-10-10T17:18:20.404-04:00A Life of Repentance<p dir="ltr"><br>
<i>Before I was a Christian I lived a life of sin, but when I became a Christian I lived a life of repentance. </i><i>~A.W.Tozer</i> </p>
<p dir="ltr">On the surface this quote sounds nice, and most of us would agree with it. A lot of times people equate repentance with forgiveness. That thinking is not necessarily wrong, after all, God does say if we will repent He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. So a lot of people would say, to live a life of repentance is to live a forgiven life and stop there. We cannot just stop, though, there is a deeper meaning to this "life of repentance". You see, repentance does not equal forgiveness. They go together, but they are not the same thing. Repentance is a literal turning away from sin. <br>
Picture it like this. You are walking a path in the woods. As you go farther down to path you reach a split with a sign that says do not enter on one side. You choose the blocked path. As you continue on nothing seems wrong until you suddenly stumble across a bear trap (you know, the kind that can break your leg). You have another choice, keep going or turn back. Perhaps you choose to skirt that trap and continue on, only to find the path and even the woods are filled with them. You realize your error. Now you still have a choice continue forward or turn back. To repent would be to turn back and return to the correct path. <br>
To live a life of repentance takes on a whole new meaning now. Living this life (aka. the Christian life) literally means to stop, confess the sin, seek forgiveness and completely walk away from it, constantly. <br>
No matter the perceived size of the sin, it still has to be done away with. I know this is a hard lifestyle. We as people stumble and fall, but God will forgive us when we ask, and He asks that we repent too. He will pick us up, clean us, and mend the brokenness. He may leave a scar as a reminder, but He is faithful, just, and merciful. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Let us truly live a life of repentance as we constantly turn away from sin. </p>
Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-79427140159197796742014-02-13T11:05:00.001-05:002014-02-13T11:05:47.769-05:00The Voiceless Part Three<p>Orphans.  This is where my heart truly lies the most.  I’m not exactly sure what stirred up the tug once more.  Perhaps looking back on my pictures from Ukraine.  Since I first learned about the plight of orphans, from Eric and Leslie' Ludy’s books, my heart has been broken for them!  Children have always had my heart.  I love children!  That’s all there is to it.  I wouldn’t have worked at a daycare off and on for four years and worked as a nanny for two if I didn’t.  I would not be working a bunch of crazy, loud, beautiful fourth grade girls in AWANA or spend a week at camp with seventy odd children if I didn’t love them.  And that love extends to a point of pain sometimes.  When I hear of children hurting it breaks my heart to pieces.  </p> <p>When I found out the statistics on orphans I was crushed.  Approximately 148 million <u>children </u>do not have a mommy and a daddy.  These children are not comforted when they wake up with a bad dream (most of them live a bad dream every day).  They have no one to run to for protection from the school bully.  Most don’t even attend school.  Those that are in an orphanage are actually not much better off than those who aren’t (especially socially).</p> <p>In Ukraine orphans are considered worthless.  No one wants to hire an orphan even if they did go to school  and even university.  It’s the stigma. And it’s not just Ukraine….around the world.</p> <p>What are we as Christians doing about it? I like what Eric Ludy shared in one of his podcasts a few years ago.  His son, Hudson, was three at the time and his solution was- “if we bring all the orphans in to our family, they won’t be orphans any more.” From the mouths of babes as the saying goes. </p> <p>So there are roughly 148 million orphans in the world today and about 3 billion people on earth claiming to be Christians.  If just 30% would take <strong>one</strong> child there would be no orphans.  </p> <p>I may not be able to do much now is a single twenty-four year old lady living as a daughter at home, but I can be a voice.  I can advocate their rescue and adoption, and I can support those who are doing what they can. Are you doing what you can? </p> <p>This is also one reason I am so excited about this mission journey through the World Race.  I cannot wait to love on the orphans! </p> Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-88405800980918657712014-02-13T11:02:00.001-05:002014-02-13T11:02:24.672-05:00The Voiceless Part Two<p>At the beginning of 2013 I was able to take part in Passion via internet.  Once again they highlighted  slavery and slaves. Once again my heart stirred within me.  No man, woman, or child should ever be the property of another person.  Many people think slavery was abolished from the United States 150 years ago, but the truth is as many as 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States annually. That’s nearly 48 people a day.  There are more slaves now, 27 million to be exact, than there were in William Wilberforce’s day.  </p> <p>At times I feel so apathetic about the whole thing.  What can I do to help them?  </p> <p>One of the things I heard during Passion was that slaves often ask “Where is God when I am here suffering?”  Where is He?  The only way these people can see God is through you and me so in essence what they are really asking is “Where are God’s people?  Why are the people of God not coming to save me as He saved them?”</p> <p>So men and women of God, where are we? Are we turning our backs?  Are we turning up the music so we don’t hear their cries? Are we quickly passing them in the streets because we don’t know any better?</p> <p>We need to be better informed.  In order to fight a battle you must know what you are doing.  Polaris Project has a good <a href="http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-the-signs">article</a> on what signs to look for in a suspected trafficking case. <br />There are people already on the front lines fighting, but they need our help.  They don’t just need our funds (though greatly appreciated), they need our hearts and our voices. </p> <p>There are so many ways to help those trapped in the deception and terror of human trafficking. </p> <p>A few ministries dedicated to this are <a href="http://www.ijm.org/">International Justice Mission</a>, <a href="http://enditmovement.com/">End it Movement</a>, <a href="http://www.thea21campaign.org/">A21</a>, and <a href="http://www.polarisproject.org/">Polaris Project</a>. </p> <p>Another way to get involved is to help stop the demand. Find out what products are being produced by slaves (its not just the sex industry, though that’s a big part) and either refuse to buy that product or send the company/producer a letter letting them know your stand. Let major companies know you want their products, all the way down the line, to be made by men and women not in bonds. <a href="http://slaveryfootprint.org/">Slavery Footprint</a> is a good way to do this. While you’re there you can check out just how many slaves are working for you right now. It is eye opening.</p> <p>I honestly cannot put into words what I want to say in this post. There are men, women, girls, boys, brothers, daughters being <strong>used</strong> to the point of death both in their bodies and in their spirits. What are we doing to help them? What are we doing to show them that God is indeed there loving them and rescuing them?  What are we doing to be the hands, feet, and heart of the One who saved us? </p> <p>What are we doing to save those that are enslaved?</p> Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-71288928602234222652014-02-13T10:24:00.001-05:002014-02-13T10:26:37.373-05:00Loose Ends<p>I realize I have left some loose ends here on my humble little blog.  I do not intend to let this blog fall into disrepair while on the World Race and blogging through that.  From time to time I may stop by to let those of you still here know what is going on with me.  When or how often I cannot actually say, but hopefully it will happen. For now though I do hope you will forgive me for the lateness of these next two posts.  I know I started my series on The Voiceless last year and I haven’t forgotten it.  Here now are the last two installments of that series. </p> <p>Through Christ, <br /><em>Lady B</em></p> <p><em>PostScript- To get more updates come on over and visit my World Race blog at <a href="http://brookeconn.theworldrace.org/">Build YOUR Kingdom Here</a></em></p> Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-85108624217227336472013-12-10T14:55:00.000-05:002013-12-10T15:00:41.074-05:00Support Letter for the World Race<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
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Dear <o:p></o:p></div>
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For many years my heart has been burdened for missions. God began working this into my heart after my
first trip to Romania in 2006. A few
months after returning home, I felt God’s call to surrender completely to
missions. At the time I wasn't sure what that would entail, and after a few
years I believed I had lost the passion I once felt. In October of 2011, God
began to reawaken that call. Last year I was able to go to the Ukraine on two
separate trips. One was a work trip on a home for graduated orphans, and the
other was to help host a camp for orphans. Both trips solidified my desire for
missions. This year, I was able to
travel with my church (joined by my mom and brother for their first trip) to
Belize and minister to other missionaries there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I first became aware of The World Race through a friend, and about a year later I came across a
newspaper article about a young lady leaving for the Race. At that point I
began researching and reading about the program, but I had to trust God’s
timing for when I should go. After another
year, the World Race was again brought to my attention. This time I began seriously praying and felt
it was time for me to step out and take the leap of faith. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The World Race is an eleven month journey around the
world. In those eleven months I, with my
team, will visit eleven countries and team up with ministries already in place
to reach that area for Christ. What we will be doing will look different
country by country, day by day. Some days we may be in the streets ministering,
hosting VBS, or working in construction. Other days may simply encompass the
daily grind of grocery shopping and caring for those on my team. Every day will be full of prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So why go? Ultimately I have been asking God for a long time
what I’m supposed to be doing as a twenty-something, and this is an opportunity
for me to step out in the call I believe He has on my life. It is a journey to
minister to the least, lost, orphans, widows, and poor. I don’t take this call and trip lightly. I am essentially committing two years of my
life to this endeavor with the hope of making a difference for Christ and being
fashioned to look more like Him. With everything surrendered to God, here I am
preparing for another, very different, mission trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have signed up to leave in September 2014 for eleven
months. Not only will I need a lot of prayer, but I have to raise all financing
for the trip. I will need to raise
$15,500 plus $764 for insurance. That is a bit overwhelming, but that’s why I
am trusting God and asking if you will partner with me. Would you consider a monthly donation? Or even a one-time gift? If you can help in any way it will be much
appreciated. As I have heard often (and
believe) “little is much when God is in it.”
Thankfully, I don’t have to have all of the funds all at once. Here is
an actual break down of my financial needs:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><s><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></s><!--[endif]--><s><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">$150 Deposit - Due
11/11/2013 (2 weeks after your acceptance date.)<o:p></o:p></span></s></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">$3,500 - Due 6/28/2014
(2 weeks before Training Camp)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">$7,500 - Due 8/18/2014
(2 weeks prior to your trip)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">$11,000 - Due
12/1/2014 (End of 3 months on the field)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">$15,500 + $764</span><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>(*Insurance)</i> </span><span style="color: #2e3638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">= $16,264 - Total Due 3/1/2015
(End of 6 months on the field)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I cannot begin to thank you enough for taking the time to
read this letter, and for your prayerful consideration of helping me reach this
goal God has given me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You may feel free to contact me or check my World Race blog: <a href="http://brookeconn.theworldrace.org/">http://brookeconn.theworldrace.org/</a>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Through Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-49480363044178613922013-10-31T13:30:00.000-04:002013-11-05T16:35:07.026-05:00Grand Announcement or Life is About to Change...a lot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a few days ago I got a call that I had been praying about for a few months now.</div>
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"You've been accepted!"</div>
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What!!!!...</div>
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Okay, let me back up.</div>
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At the beginning of this month I applied for a mission trip called<a href="http://worldrace.org/"> The World Race</a>. I wasn't really sure what I was doing, but I knew that God was asking me to take a step of faith (remember <a href="http://steppingheavenward-ellerslie.blogspot.com/2013/09/step-of-faith.html">this</a> post?). So I stepped out and waited to see what God would do (<a href="http://steppingheavenward-ellerslie.blogspot.com/2013/10/did-i.html">here</a>). Little did I know this is what would happen. I was hoping but...</div>
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<a href="http://worldrace.org/?tab=routes#september"><img height="147" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1376649_10151738586763095_1755924222_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So as it stands now I will be leaving in September 2014 for eleven months and each month will be spent ministering in a different country.</div>
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Here is my tentative route. To learn more hit the banner above.</div>
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<img src="http://haiti.adventures.org/blogphotos/adventures/haiti/churchinruins.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Haiti</span></b><br />
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<img height="267" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/bolivia.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bolivia</span></b><br />
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<img height="300" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/WRPeru.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Peru</span></b><br />
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<img height="302" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/ecuador.png" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ecuador</span></b><br />
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<img height="265" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/malawi.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Malawi</span></b><br />
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<img height="265" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/wr-route-zambia.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Zambia</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-923931009"><img height="302" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/Zimbabwe-Botswana.png" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Zimbabwe</span></b><br />
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<img src="http://jamieneumann.theworldrace.org/blogphotos/theworldrace/jamieneumann/fly.jpg" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thailand</span></b><br />
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<img height="267" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/malaysia.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Malaysia</span></b><br />
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<img height="265" src="http://worldrace.org/tabs/routes/locations/img/vietnam.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Vietnam</span></b><br />
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<img height="300" src="http://updates.theworldrace.org/blogphotos/theworldrace/updates/3661197067_4535d4bb5d.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cambodia</span></b><br />
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To say I'm excited is an understatement!</div>
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I am still in shock at times and yet my brain has kicked into overdrive. Yes I have a year but that's really not all that long to get ready for a whole year of travel!</div>
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I wish I could say more but time constrains me at the moment. I will say that in the coming days I will begin blogging on the World Race site. As soon as I get that set up I will post the link here so you can keep up with me.</div>
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For now I ask for your prayers as I start this process. I do, as any other missionary, have to raise my own support. This trip will cost roughly $16,000 plus the gear I will be needing. And I know there will be a lot of changes in store for me and those around me.</div>
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I cannot wait to see what God does in the coming weeks and months!</div>
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Through Chirst,</div>
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Lady B</div>
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(Brooke)</div>
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Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-66351348578153673762013-10-28T13:32:00.002-04:002013-10-28T13:33:31.471-04:00Memories. or The One Where I May Have Lost My Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A year ago I was getting ready to leave for the land that stole my heart. Today I am getting ready for a Father/Daughter dance I've been a part of coordinating (that I'm really excited about). Last year my heart was bursting with excitement; this year my heart is breaking with longing. It's odd to be excited about the dance and yet so sad about Ukraine at the same time. So as a way to brighten my mood and let y'all laugh at me I give you the things I miss...</div>
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Airports- I know right, but there is something about the adventure and exhaustion of being in them and finally arriving at the destination<br />
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Ukrainian food- Oh my goodness, stuffed dumplings (w/ potatoes or cherries, yum), campfire in a cup (aka Uzvar- <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">ошав),</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> the juices, more of this below</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Chocolate- the best I have ever had!! I couldn't tell you what kinds I had but they were amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">The Chocolate Cappuccino- Ukraine has made me a possible coffee drinker, but nothing I've had can compare with the ones there.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Ice cream- I can't even describe it except oh so good!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19.1875px;">(see a trend in the last three ;))</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: center;">Ukrainian bread- Okay I like bread but this had to be my favourite</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Tea is better than coffee- No kidding the tea cups were twice the size of the coffee cups, and we got tea every morning with breakfast at the camp!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Salo- (this is one of the parts where you say I'm crazy) Yes. it's nasty (in my American opinion) and yes I almost gagged, but I would eat it in a heartbeat if it meant being back in the Ukraine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Bogdan's peppers- so hot but so much fun to watch others try to master them. And the time Alla and I each ate one and then drank our drinks and others because our mouths were on fire.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myinternationalblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/100_4366.jpg">Photo credit</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Squatty potties- (Maybe I have lost it) Okay, I don't actually miss these but just the initial experience (when in Rome...)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">The roller coaster drives- rattle your teeth, loosen your joints, and a few bust your head on the ceiling jolts- again the experience</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">The language(s)- Russian and Ukrainian and something in between. I loved learning new words and just listening to everyone talk, although I hated not being able to reach out and being a listening ear or a word of encouragement.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Futbol- Aka soccer at 7-7:30 in the morning and any other free moment. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">The worship- Some songs I knew (in English) some I only learned a few words (in Ukrainian) but all had the same meaning. Bringing God the glory and praising Him</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Snow- </span></span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">сніг!</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">More than all the fun and craziness, I miss the people! I miss getting to know new friends and meeting up with old ones. I miss learning to reach out and be a friend over the barrier of language. I miss the smiles, the tears, the games, the laughter. I miss being Jesus to the children and experiencing Him through them. The other counselors were amazing and I'll miss working with them. I know they are having a great time and I'm praying for them!<br /></span></span><br />
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PostScript: Since I'm a little behind in posting this I'll say, the Father/Daughter dance turned out fantastic! Definitely a lasting memory.</div>
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Through <span style="font-size: large;">Christ</span></div>
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Lady B</div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></span>Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942444263581718285.post-21664279772177994322013-10-10T15:21:00.000-04:002013-10-10T15:23:00.574-04:00Did I?<div style="text-align: center;">
Did I really just do that? Did I really just take a leap of faith? </div>
It's kind of odd to take a leap of faith and then have to wait. In a sense it feels like your just hanging out there not sure what is going to happen, but the truth is I have landed just where God wants me to- in His arms resting and waiting. Who knows what will come of this jump. Perhaps nothing. Perhaps everything. Maybe it is just one step on the journey. Maybe it's the beginning of a whole new adventure. Only God knows and it is in Him I trust!<br />
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Brooke O'Sheahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825996952214056866noreply@blogger.com0