It's late at night on a Saturday, I'll have to get up super early for church tomorrow but for some reason I can't sleep. This week has been crazy, I feel that every bomb that could have been dropped was and all the while I was still recovering from sedation.
Life is so strange if you think about it. Everywhere you go, millions of new people, hundreds of hellos, dozens of goodbyes. I'm starting to get better at them. I used to bawl and bawl over after every "see you later" but now I know that's just a part of life and sometimes no matter how much you love somebody sometimes you never see them again. (Never say never however)
I got my wisdom teeth out wednesday and in usual dramatic Cassandra fashion I had a few tears before they even started. Before I was even in the chair actually. I don't remember much after that though, people tell me it's Saturday but all I can remember is tuesday. Until of course I hit the International Travel Clinic. Oh yes, one of the many joys of conquering the world is the needles you get along the way. "I've done this before" I tell the nurse. A few hours later though achy as can be I passed out on the couch from exhaustion doubting even the thought of Ecuador. Let alone Thailand.
I'm such a pack rat at heart and if I could I probably would keep every letter you and the stranger you passed on the street ever wrote me. However stuffing my life into a suitcase I try to purge as much as I can every chance I get. While doing so I stumbled across an old "Time" magazine article on the Sudan stating "Genocide in Slow Motion". (A quote I've heard all to much over the last year) But what was interesting was the paper I had covering it. I had to smile as I read "Security is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of Jesus" It was written next to a couple other encouraging quotes and Bible verses as well as my old Congo flight itinerary. So funny. Sometimes I wonder if somethings wrong with me as it appears I lack fear in this department. I love rebel soldiers and don't understand why at the news of genocide the entire world doesn't jump off it's seat with the joy that we have the answer. It's probably a good thing though as if we all would rush to Sudan, Congo and Timbuktu who would take care of the Americas and my oh so beloved England? It's so peculiar how the world works. I love it. I'm so tired though. And sore on so many levels. My parents and I just laughed as I listed the places of pain in my body and questioned the next beautiful hour when I could pop the next round of Advil liquid Gels. Thus the reason for my ramblings.Sorry. But hey, those of you who complain at my lack of....blog-age (haha) can complain no longer. Unless you were hoping for something a little more coherent. Can't help you there. At least not now. Who knows though, next entry might be from breath taking Quito, Ecuador. Yay for yet another adventure, even if it does mean getting all four wisdom teeth out at christmas and aches, pains and nausea from the needles in my arm. ALL my love to everyone and anyone who reads this and of course MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
California Tidbits
Hi guys!
I feel like I have no contact with the outside world! Somehow I got stuck in intern land and can’t seem to get out (Yes I’m still cell phone-less) =) But I do like it here. Anyway, some juicy tidbits for other bloggers…
Normally I don’t really share these stories but they’re just so fun I thought that maybe if any of you are suffering and sick, you can take these as your own and see God ‘bust a move’ in your life.
So I’m hanging out outside church one Tuesday night, I’m suppose to be a “welcomer” (not my favorite job) but I make the most of it. Suddenly a man walks by assisted by a cane. I stop him and as we’re talking I find out he has a spinal infection and is in extreme agony. I start telling him testimonies of times I’ve seen Jesus heal people and ask him if I can pray for him. He sort of shrugs his shoulders in agreement and I put my hands on back asking God to come and take his pain away. Afterward I asked him what he was feeling. “I feel warmth all inside and my back... my back doesn’t hurt anymore!” Jesus healed him right on the spot!!! Isn’t God AMAZING!!!
Another story. So I’m walking with the other interns down the street and there’s a park on one side of the street. I look and there are about ten homeless men lying on the grass trying to get some shut eye. My heart literally felt like it was being ripped out of me and I knew I couldn’t just walk by. Turning on the tips of my toes I made eye contact with one of the guys lying down. I go over, sit down beside him and introduce myself. We start talking and he’s obviously very uncomfortable and confesses he has arthritis in his hips and can barely walk. He’s been in severe pain for over a year. I explain that Jesus LOVES healing people and HATES sickness and ask if I can pray for him. He was quite open and at the end when I asked him how he felt he got very quiet then looked up at me and said “I feel God”. I thought that was a good start and made him stand up to do the healing dance (lol when you make them move and do whatever they couldn’t do before) So he climbs to his feet and his jaw drops, “My hips, my hips are healed!!” I started jumping up and down laughing hysterically as once again God radically showed up and changed some guys’ life. After my leader came up to us and we started explaining the story. She agreed that our relationship shouldn’t end there and we decided on dinner and are still friends today. lol
And just one more healing that I want to write. Ok. So this time I was in a team of about four, walking the streets seeing what Jesus wanted to do when we stumbled across a little “event” at a park with a bunch of people hanging out eating, watching some singer or something. When suddenly…(lol) my friend Bryan sees a lady in a wheelchair. He gives me the eye and asks if I want to go pray for her. I give the smile back and we walk over to her ( the “eye” and “smile” is having part of your brain know that God is big enough to heal her and wrestling with the other part that knows she’s pretty comfortable in that wheelchair) So we start talking to her and go right into testimonies of God healing people, before we could even finish telling stories she looks up at us and says “Well can you pray for me?” She had bad problems in her feet so we crouched down on the grass and cupped her heels in our hands. We asked Jesus to show up and bring his Kingdom and then turned to the lady, “How do they feel?” “Well I have to test them out!” So we carefully helped her out of her wheelchair and she starts hobbling around. She then stopped, looked at us and said “They don’t hurt” as the realization hits, her eyes like bulged out of her head “They don’t hurt!!!” She started walking faster and jumping and we all started celebrating. (After being confined to a wheelchair for two years she was pretty pumped) Bryan then asks if anything else is wrong with her. Well turns out she was pretty much deaf in her right ear. So we pray for her and she wasn’t completely restored but due to a series of tests (covering one ear and whispering in the other) she said she could hear better then she has heard since she was seven (now in her 60s ish)!!! Isn’t that amazing!!! We then told her that God could use her and she ran up to someone with a walker to pray for them (turns out the man didn’t speak English and was a little annoyed that she was talking to him but still!) She was so cute cause even as we were walking away we turned around and saw her dancing around doing this little booty dance, she just kept saying “This made my year!”
So God is good and I love seeing him ooze out on the streets.
Gotta run tho, will update more another time!
I feel like I have no contact with the outside world! Somehow I got stuck in intern land and can’t seem to get out (Yes I’m still cell phone-less) =) But I do like it here. Anyway, some juicy tidbits for other bloggers…
Normally I don’t really share these stories but they’re just so fun I thought that maybe if any of you are suffering and sick, you can take these as your own and see God ‘bust a move’ in your life.
So I’m hanging out outside church one Tuesday night, I’m suppose to be a “welcomer” (not my favorite job) but I make the most of it. Suddenly a man walks by assisted by a cane. I stop him and as we’re talking I find out he has a spinal infection and is in extreme agony. I start telling him testimonies of times I’ve seen Jesus heal people and ask him if I can pray for him. He sort of shrugs his shoulders in agreement and I put my hands on back asking God to come and take his pain away. Afterward I asked him what he was feeling. “I feel warmth all inside and my back... my back doesn’t hurt anymore!” Jesus healed him right on the spot!!! Isn’t God AMAZING!!!
Another story. So I’m walking with the other interns down the street and there’s a park on one side of the street. I look and there are about ten homeless men lying on the grass trying to get some shut eye. My heart literally felt like it was being ripped out of me and I knew I couldn’t just walk by. Turning on the tips of my toes I made eye contact with one of the guys lying down. I go over, sit down beside him and introduce myself. We start talking and he’s obviously very uncomfortable and confesses he has arthritis in his hips and can barely walk. He’s been in severe pain for over a year. I explain that Jesus LOVES healing people and HATES sickness and ask if I can pray for him. He was quite open and at the end when I asked him how he felt he got very quiet then looked up at me and said “I feel God”. I thought that was a good start and made him stand up to do the healing dance (lol when you make them move and do whatever they couldn’t do before) So he climbs to his feet and his jaw drops, “My hips, my hips are healed!!” I started jumping up and down laughing hysterically as once again God radically showed up and changed some guys’ life. After my leader came up to us and we started explaining the story. She agreed that our relationship shouldn’t end there and we decided on dinner and are still friends today. lol
And just one more healing that I want to write. Ok. So this time I was in a team of about four, walking the streets seeing what Jesus wanted to do when we stumbled across a little “event” at a park with a bunch of people hanging out eating, watching some singer or something. When suddenly…(lol) my friend Bryan sees a lady in a wheelchair. He gives me the eye and asks if I want to go pray for her. I give the smile back and we walk over to her ( the “eye” and “smile” is having part of your brain know that God is big enough to heal her and wrestling with the other part that knows she’s pretty comfortable in that wheelchair) So we start talking to her and go right into testimonies of God healing people, before we could even finish telling stories she looks up at us and says “Well can you pray for me?” She had bad problems in her feet so we crouched down on the grass and cupped her heels in our hands. We asked Jesus to show up and bring his Kingdom and then turned to the lady, “How do they feel?” “Well I have to test them out!” So we carefully helped her out of her wheelchair and she starts hobbling around. She then stopped, looked at us and said “They don’t hurt” as the realization hits, her eyes like bulged out of her head “They don’t hurt!!!” She started walking faster and jumping and we all started celebrating. (After being confined to a wheelchair for two years she was pretty pumped) Bryan then asks if anything else is wrong with her. Well turns out she was pretty much deaf in her right ear. So we pray for her and she wasn’t completely restored but due to a series of tests (covering one ear and whispering in the other) she said she could hear better then she has heard since she was seven (now in her 60s ish)!!! Isn’t that amazing!!! We then told her that God could use her and she ran up to someone with a walker to pray for them (turns out the man didn’t speak English and was a little annoyed that she was talking to him but still!) She was so cute cause even as we were walking away we turned around and saw her dancing around doing this little booty dance, she just kept saying “This made my year!”
So God is good and I love seeing him ooze out on the streets.
Gotta run tho, will update more another time!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
So it feels like I’ve been here about 2 years but turns out it’s only been like a month.
Oh My!
Life is going good. Very busy. Every day we have class from 8:30-3. The classes range in topics from like Jesus stuff to parenting orphans stuff, and weekends are spent doing conferences. (Secret eye roll)
You know when there is so much to say that you just draw a blank?
Well, last Tuesday the director of Exp58 got asked to go have a meeting about God stuff with some people from Disney Studios, (Apparently it’s the norm. for him) But he was aloud to bring some “associates” and I was one that got picked. My friends and I giggled as we sang “A whole new world…” (very quietly) up and down the halls, we were amused.
Last week we also started some training for working with trafficked children and women. We pretty much just bawled the entire day. There’s one more official training day this week and then we start out on the streets the week after. We’ll be hooked up with a ministry that’s actually affiliated with the FBI. What will we be doing exactly? Well I think it varies week to week. A huge part of it is basically just asking Jesus were the trafficking action is taking place, he gives them clues and they stumble across massive scenes that caught the police’s attention. So yes, that’s that.
Sorry I don’t have much time, there’s a big Salsa Party tonight that I’m helping set up for but I just wanted to do a quick blog to let you all know a bit of what’s going on and I’ll try and email in the next while as well. All my love! (sorry, yes i see a common pattern)
Oh My!
Life is going good. Very busy. Every day we have class from 8:30-3. The classes range in topics from like Jesus stuff to parenting orphans stuff, and weekends are spent doing conferences. (Secret eye roll)
You know when there is so much to say that you just draw a blank?
Well, last Tuesday the director of Exp58 got asked to go have a meeting about God stuff with some people from Disney Studios, (Apparently it’s the norm. for him) But he was aloud to bring some “associates” and I was one that got picked. My friends and I giggled as we sang “A whole new world…” (very quietly) up and down the halls, we were amused.
Last week we also started some training for working with trafficked children and women. We pretty much just bawled the entire day. There’s one more official training day this week and then we start out on the streets the week after. We’ll be hooked up with a ministry that’s actually affiliated with the FBI. What will we be doing exactly? Well I think it varies week to week. A huge part of it is basically just asking Jesus were the trafficking action is taking place, he gives them clues and they stumble across massive scenes that caught the police’s attention. So yes, that’s that.
Sorry I don’t have much time, there’s a big Salsa Party tonight that I’m helping set up for but I just wanted to do a quick blog to let you all know a bit of what’s going on and I’ll try and email in the next while as well. All my love! (sorry, yes i see a common pattern)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Ok, bad news. Internet is costing me $10 and cell phone would be $1.60 a minute. SO I don't know if i'll have any contact for the next three months. Now this may seem like a joke...lol but...it's not.
Cali is going great. Life seems like it's flying by, it feels like I haven't had contact with the outside world in FOREVER (even though it's only been like a week). Camping was an adventure. I froze! Who would have thought.
School is going great, Ralph and DOnna Bromely come next week to do the complete lo-down on children at risk.
Church is amazing, still in this guy Shawn's house but might be moving to a real building in the next few weeks.
Other interns? Love 'em. Turns out when you live, eat and breathe the same people for forever and day you become very close. very quickly.
And me, well I still secretly think we should be driving on the left side but am adjusting to the American lifestyle (fast food, no exercise, and starbucks every 10 minutes) (just kidding Americans, i love you!) I am also trying my best to learn spanish. I have daily classes with another intern from Ecuador, it's great.
WELL tons of love, hope you're all well!
Hopefully i'll write again within the next month or so?
add-on
CAITLIN, yes your family has vanished from the country but if worse comes to worse, corduroy does indeed make a lovely substitute.
Cali is going great. Life seems like it's flying by, it feels like I haven't had contact with the outside world in FOREVER (even though it's only been like a week). Camping was an adventure. I froze! Who would have thought.
School is going great, Ralph and DOnna Bromely come next week to do the complete lo-down on children at risk.
Church is amazing, still in this guy Shawn's house but might be moving to a real building in the next few weeks.
Other interns? Love 'em. Turns out when you live, eat and breathe the same people for forever and day you become very close. very quickly.
And me, well I still secretly think we should be driving on the left side but am adjusting to the American lifestyle (fast food, no exercise, and starbucks every 10 minutes) (just kidding Americans, i love you!) I am also trying my best to learn spanish. I have daily classes with another intern from Ecuador, it's great.
WELL tons of love, hope you're all well!
Hopefully i'll write again within the next month or so?
add-on
CAITLIN, yes your family has vanished from the country but if worse comes to worse, corduroy does indeed make a lovely substitute.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Hey ya'll! JK! I haven't turned that American yet.
I made it to Cali! Everything is going well, I had trouble getting into the country with customs and missed my flight but eventually I made it here. There are 11 interns in the program and we're actually at the directors mom's house right now on our way to a camping trip! (team bonding?)
The program keeps us busy with classes during the day and outreach at night. The most exciting outreach we'll be doing (most exciting in my mind) is called "Night life" that works with prostitutes and girls that are being trafficked in the scanky dens in LA.
Will share more about it later. Love you all, sorry it's so short. Might get a phone next wekk. loves!
Speak soon,
Cass
I made it to Cali! Everything is going well, I had trouble getting into the country with customs and missed my flight but eventually I made it here. There are 11 interns in the program and we're actually at the directors mom's house right now on our way to a camping trip! (team bonding?)
The program keeps us busy with classes during the day and outreach at night. The most exciting outreach we'll be doing (most exciting in my mind) is called "Night life" that works with prostitutes and girls that are being trafficked in the scanky dens in LA.
Will share more about it later. Love you all, sorry it's so short. Might get a phone next wekk. loves!
Speak soon,
Cass
Monday, September 10, 2007
Hey guys,
Thank you so much for all your prayers and numerous emails, just want to say I am doing fabulous. Well, maybe not fabulous, tired is more like it BUT my emotions have stabilised. (ptl) After saying goodbye to laura while working nine consecutive days and then trying to sell this flat all I really wanted to do was see my mom, HOWEVER work is now finito, I kicked out the real estate agents and i'm half way through packing! i've also hit the 'goodbye groove' so all is well with the world. (Not to mention I got my eyebrows waxed which always makes life just that much better. (lol it's the little things)) The next time I write I will be on the other side of the ocean hopefully developing a brilliant looking tan. (suffering for the gospel yet again. life is so rough) hope you're all doing great, speak soon!
Thank you so much for all your prayers and numerous emails, just want to say I am doing fabulous. Well, maybe not fabulous, tired is more like it BUT my emotions have stabilised. (ptl) After saying goodbye to laura while working nine consecutive days and then trying to sell this flat all I really wanted to do was see my mom, HOWEVER work is now finito, I kicked out the real estate agents and i'm half way through packing! i've also hit the 'goodbye groove' so all is well with the world. (Not to mention I got my eyebrows waxed which always makes life just that much better. (lol it's the little things)) The next time I write I will be on the other side of the ocean hopefully developing a brilliant looking tan. (suffering for the gospel yet again. life is so rough) hope you're all doing great, speak soon!
Friday, August 31, 2007
I always forget how much work big moves are. Just over a week ‘til I go and I’m overwhelmed at all that still needs to be done. Funny but if me moving isn’t enough Laura, my flat mate is also moving out of the flat when she returns from holidays (she went to visit some friends in America) So this past week was mixed with estate agents, and lots of packing. I had a few more days off (trying to make sure I take all my paid holidays) and I found myself running around switching currencies, picking up parcels and trying to close bank accounts. Which totally did not work. Somehow I managed to freeze my account three times. That’s right three. I kept, saying wrong codes and passwords and then you have to queue for ages to get the attendants to unlock and verify identification. Uh it was awful. I became great friends with all the cashiers though lol. But still.
It seems I’m not handling this move as fabulous as I handled the last one however. Either Laura or myself have been caught crying every night for the past week. I love life, I love moving and new adventures but sometimes the thought of more goodbyes, I just, I’ve never been a pro with them either. It seems that every time I turn around I’m telling someone new about me leaving. It sucks. And packing. This time I can’t ship things, I can’t leave things here and I can’t carry them all on my back. Any solutions? I think I’ll be purging half my life which I’m dreading but it’ll be great cause then if someone tried to steal my stuff I could just laugh and say “ha! I already gave half of it away, take that”. Deep sigh.
So yes, for those of you who know me and my heart, I’d love your prayers.
Should head out though, sorry for the repeat if you received my e-mail. Tons of love, will update again soon.
It seems I’m not handling this move as fabulous as I handled the last one however. Either Laura or myself have been caught crying every night for the past week. I love life, I love moving and new adventures but sometimes the thought of more goodbyes, I just, I’ve never been a pro with them either. It seems that every time I turn around I’m telling someone new about me leaving. It sucks. And packing. This time I can’t ship things, I can’t leave things here and I can’t carry them all on my back. Any solutions? I think I’ll be purging half my life which I’m dreading but it’ll be great cause then if someone tried to steal my stuff I could just laugh and say “ha! I already gave half of it away, take that”. Deep sigh.
So yes, for those of you who know me and my heart, I’d love your prayers.
Should head out though, sorry for the repeat if you received my e-mail. Tons of love, will update again soon.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
So long my fair England...
Whenever asked how long I’ll be in England, you’ve probably all heard me say “Oh I don’t know, maybe another week, maybe another year” Well it’s now official, one more month.Back in May I was talking with God and asking him about what’s next after London. Hoping he was going to say “I’m glad you asked, we’re actually going to Sudan next to work with orphans and child soldiers!!” He totally shocked me and instead said we were going to America. A very specific move and I would be working with these certain people and their ministry that deals with child injustices in third world nations. It was sort of strange and totally out of my box at the time. As God and I are still chatting my friend comes over to me and starts saying that God just told her I was going to be moving on and it was a very specific move and goes off on one saying what we were just secretly speaking about.
That night I went to bed still pondering everything and Jesus says “Don’t tell anyone, don’t even speak out what I’ve just told you.” So a week goes by and nobody knows what’s transpired when one night while washing dishing he says “You can speak it out now, and start thanking me for it”. Later that evening Laura gets home, looks at me and says “God just told me He told you what’s next. What are you doing, where are you going?” So after some humming and hawing I confess that I think I’m going to America. She paused and then without blinking an eye says “Yeah, and he’s going to hook you up with Global Children’s Movement Etc. ” (the ministry that God had already said) SO this was June 1st. A month and a half goes by, I have no idea how it’s going to happen or what it’s going to look like when out of the blue God brings it up and I know it’s time to contact them. Not knowing much about what they’re up to or if they have any opportunities for strangers to work with them I look up some websites. Turns out they have a little internship program that starts in September and they are taking applicants. Two days later my 10 page application was in and just over a week later I was on the phone with them discussing when I should arrive. SO great story but what exactly am I talking about? Well, I’m leaving London and moving to LA, California to do an internship with a ministry called Expression58 (affiliated with Global Children’s Movement) The directors are Shawn Bolz and Jennifer and Jonatan Toledo, some great people that really love Jesus and kids work in third world countries. It starts September 15 and then in January I go with the Tolledos to Colombia and Ecuador. So that is life as I know it. I was a tad nervous at first as I wasn’t sure I wanted to move to LA (far cry from Sudan) but I’m excited now, ready for yet another international move.
Hope you’re all doing well! Speak soon!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Photo Central
The typical tourist shot
"Mommy and Me"
Bisou!
Laura and I stopping to smell the roses at Hever Castle
London lovin
Don't you just want to squeeze him?
Here are some pictures of the last little while. My mom was here visiting which was nice as I had forgotten how much I missed her! We did all the tourist jazz and now life is back to normal.
London has finally realised it's summer and it's hot hot hot. I love it. It's still London therefore we will randomly have 20 minute down pours BUT it keeps it green right?
"Mommy and Me"
Bisou!
Laura and I stopping to smell the roses at Hever Castle
London lovin
Don't you just want to squeeze him?
Here are some pictures of the last little while. My mom was here visiting which was nice as I had forgotten how much I missed her! We did all the tourist jazz and now life is back to normal.
London has finally realised it's summer and it's hot hot hot. I love it. It's still London therefore we will randomly have 20 minute down pours BUT it keeps it green right?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
One of the best things about working in the high rise commercial part of London is the walk home. My late night shifts finish around midnight and it’s about a twenty minute walk back to my flat. It starts around the now quiet high rises, I then pass brick lane, where all the amazing clubs are, and then finish in residential area, where I live. Anyone who knows the walk hates that I do it, even my “guys from the park” and my ex-cons shudder whenever discussing it. But for me it’s bliss. I’ve always loved walking at night but because of the danger don’t get to do it leisurely, so here’s my chance. I absolutely love staring at the sky and even though I usually can’t see any stars I have faith enough to know they’re still there. I’ll never forget star gazing in Africa in the middle of the bush with no electricity for miles. Honestly the poor little city girl didn’t even know so many existed. But now here I am in London where city takes on new meaning and so does a “starless night”.
I love London though. Laura and I have started realizing that this time isn’t forever and are trying to savor each bit. (Not that we really want it to be forever but…)
Hey good thing about Sudan! A huge body of water has been found under the earth in Darfur! Well digging is going to commence within the next while and they say “hope is returning to the war ravished area”. Now I know the only thing that’s going to bring lasting hope is Jesus but he’s amazing to bring water to the dry land. =)
I’ve been studying Child Soldiers lately and am annoyed at the lack of immediate action I can take. It’s eye opening though learning about the Government soldiers and the Rebel soldiers and then thinking back to my brief encounters in the Congo. I laugh of the naivety of my team at the time, not that I know much more now, but I don’t think we quite realized who we were really dealing with.
Hey ONE more THING. I got a baby! We’ve become good friends with this couple who have four kids aged 10mo-7yrs. Every time I see them I steal the youngest and kiss him until exhaustion. =) God is good! I’ll try to get pictures up and going within the next little while.
I love London though. Laura and I have started realizing that this time isn’t forever and are trying to savor each bit. (Not that we really want it to be forever but…)
Hey good thing about Sudan! A huge body of water has been found under the earth in Darfur! Well digging is going to commence within the next while and they say “hope is returning to the war ravished area”. Now I know the only thing that’s going to bring lasting hope is Jesus but he’s amazing to bring water to the dry land. =)
I’ve been studying Child Soldiers lately and am annoyed at the lack of immediate action I can take. It’s eye opening though learning about the Government soldiers and the Rebel soldiers and then thinking back to my brief encounters in the Congo. I laugh of the naivety of my team at the time, not that I know much more now, but I don’t think we quite realized who we were really dealing with.
Hey ONE more THING. I got a baby! We’ve become good friends with this couple who have four kids aged 10mo-7yrs. Every time I see them I steal the youngest and kiss him until exhaustion. =) God is good! I’ll try to get pictures up and going within the next little while.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Cass is grouchy
I've been in London 4 months today. Or yesterday. Maybe the day before. It's great, i love it, amazing city but I'm sick of the west! I miss orphan babies, I miss Africa, i miss any and all adventure. not regular adventure but like ends of the earth, almost driving off cliffs, what's that fungus on my arm? adventure. OH MY GOODNESS! And breathe
Saturday, June 16, 2007
It’s been quite a while since I blogged an update so here’s a quicky (sorry for the delay) I’m a working girl again! I got a nanny job a few weeks back but it fell through last minute and instead of waiting for another one I got a job as a waitress. Funny but tips included, it in fact pays better then a nanny job would. So that’s nice. It’s a fancy little Italian restaurant in the business area of London. I really like it actually. I still will sometimes break out in tears as the job in itself is miles away from my heart. It’s fine though, God’s totally been blessing me loads in it all. I finished my training a week early and was opening shortly thereafter. (which is good as you don’t get tips while training) I’ve also had amazing customer experiences, as people from other tables randomly come up to me, put their arms around me and tell me how much they like me, or say that I’m the “happy waitress”. The other day I got talking to some high class business people about my long term goals. Haha I started sharing Jesus and how he’s the only answer for a war torn Africa etc etc. and they welled up with tears! They gave me the “who are you” look and their business card and we’re supposed to go out for tea and talk more.(lol) So it’s been fun. The kingdom is a comin and I’ll settle for nothing less.
As of now, I’ve sort of stopped the “celeb banquet job” though. It was great and all but I didn’t want to get taxed and lose money, so I’ve been putting it off. As fun as it was all in all people are people and Beyonce doesn’t even tip that well. ;)
My neighbourhood has been quite the place lately .In the past few weeks the gangs have gotten quite restless. Whether just walking home from work or from the tube or wherever they have suddenly decided that we need to…get to know each other. It’s weird cause they never used to bother us but now they’re starting to cause some trouble. A pimp even tried to pick me up at the grocery store the other day! I was very annoyed. After a few rude encounters with some of the gang guys and a group of “wannabe gang” guys I got really frightened for a while and was ready to become a hermit in my flat. Funny that I’d be more scared here then I was in Africa.( I think just cause there I always had guys to protect me and here all of our friends live miles away) But, I had a good talk with God about it and he reminded me who he is and who I am and that (oh my word) he’s actually pretty big. And what can man do to me anyway? (Again, don’t wry, I’m not stupid just not scared)
Sorry that’s not too exciting. I have another cold and am pretty tired. My mom’s coming to visit me in just over a month though. That’s blog worthy. So that’ll be end July, if you want to come and visit (cough cough, Evan and Crissy) end Aug. would be great.
So there you have it, my one month flaky update. :)
Tons of british lovin to you all, speak soon!
As of now, I’ve sort of stopped the “celeb banquet job” though. It was great and all but I didn’t want to get taxed and lose money, so I’ve been putting it off. As fun as it was all in all people are people and Beyonce doesn’t even tip that well. ;)
My neighbourhood has been quite the place lately .In the past few weeks the gangs have gotten quite restless. Whether just walking home from work or from the tube or wherever they have suddenly decided that we need to…get to know each other. It’s weird cause they never used to bother us but now they’re starting to cause some trouble. A pimp even tried to pick me up at the grocery store the other day! I was very annoyed. After a few rude encounters with some of the gang guys and a group of “wannabe gang” guys I got really frightened for a while and was ready to become a hermit in my flat. Funny that I’d be more scared here then I was in Africa.( I think just cause there I always had guys to protect me and here all of our friends live miles away) But, I had a good talk with God about it and he reminded me who he is and who I am and that (oh my word) he’s actually pretty big. And what can man do to me anyway? (Again, don’t wry, I’m not stupid just not scared)
Sorry that’s not too exciting. I have another cold and am pretty tired. My mom’s coming to visit me in just over a month though. That’s blog worthy. So that’ll be end July, if you want to come and visit (cough cough, Evan and Crissy) end Aug. would be great.
So there you have it, my one month flaky update. :)
Tons of british lovin to you all, speak soon!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
a little AYS action
Completely strapped for cash I recently got a job as a banquet server. The company is AYS and they do fancy dinners such as movie premiers, celeb parties, rich people’s gatherings etc. (The fact that I got the job was such a miracle as I showed up to the interview late, soaking wet and without being able to hear in my left ear due to an ear infection). I had my first job on Friday at a millionaire’s house. Now most of you know, I don’t really care who you are or how much money you have. Truthfully (as bad as it is) I find it easier to love the poor and broken then the rich and “whole”. (cough cough) So I’m on my way to wait at this dinner and I start crying realizing just how far this is from my heart, I do my best to suck it up but it doesn’t get much better. When I arrive the other workers weren’t very nice to me and my supervisor didn’t seem to like me. I bolted to the bathroom and did a panicky “God what’s up!” He was so sweet and just said “Cass, just do it for me.” Instantly a joy comes over me and I go back out to serve a platter of 260 pound “mini beef burgers” (about $630 for one of many plates of canapés). Well the night shifted and it seemed that all the guests liked me best! Suddenly the supervisor wasn’t so mean and by the end of the evening instead of cleaning up I was in charge of all the guests, making sure they were all topped up and happy. Haha. It was very sad though as those hundred pound dishes often went in the trash. We were aloud to eat some so long as we kept working and I found it soon became “one for me, one for the garbage”. That could only last so long however before the nausea kicked in.
It was so frustrating though seeing all the food going in the rubbish bin that I soon began to collect it. I think everyone thought I was a little weird at first as I start talking about the homeless and how we could develop programs to give the leftovers to street sleepers. They said I could do what I like and by the end of the night I had a trash bag of food that I hauled home.
My job Monday was much different. It was a L’Oreal party (is that even how spell it?) for the upper class and celeb’s. Apparently big shots were there and I felt quite out of the loop as I didn’t know any of them. I had two VIP tables where people would walk straight from the runway to my table but I didn’t know them. They didn’t tip either so I don’t know why they were so special. Lol. (Rumor had it that Beyonce was there but I looked for her and didn’t see her so I think it was made up)
So there you have it. London takes a twist as I now work for the richest of rich yet the poorest of poor. lol
It was so frustrating though seeing all the food going in the rubbish bin that I soon began to collect it. I think everyone thought I was a little weird at first as I start talking about the homeless and how we could develop programs to give the leftovers to street sleepers. They said I could do what I like and by the end of the night I had a trash bag of food that I hauled home.
My job Monday was much different. It was a L’Oreal party (is that even how spell it?) for the upper class and celeb’s. Apparently big shots were there and I felt quite out of the loop as I didn’t know any of them. I had two VIP tables where people would walk straight from the runway to my table but I didn’t know them. They didn’t tip either so I don’t know why they were so special. Lol. (Rumor had it that Beyonce was there but I looked for her and didn’t see her so I think it was made up)
So there you have it. London takes a twist as I now work for the richest of rich yet the poorest of poor. lol
Monday, May 14, 2007
Cornwall Vaca 2007
The Plan: Surf Holiday in the Province of Cornwall
The Result: A rained out weekend of bed rest
So the weekend started out great. We spontaneously left a day early to the beautiful story book village of Gwithian, Cornwall for a few days of fun in the sun and surf on the sea. It had been an intense couple of weeks and we were all ready for a lazy good time ("We" as in Laura, Me and a girl visiting from Canada whom we had met in Africa 2 years previous). The forecast however called for rain and even before leaving London it started pouring. We get there and I'm not feeling to hot. I had been sick all week but it had seemed I was on the mend. Not the case. As the night went on my ears started getting all funny and before I went to bed it sounded like I was "underwater". Well two o'clock in the morning rolls around and i'm pacing the floor in excruciating pain. I honestly thought my had was going to explode out my ears. When I would try to be still and sleep my body would convulse from pain. (lol not the highest pain tolerance) So after almost an hour I woke up the girls in the other room ( I had been quarantined in the lone bedroom due to a bad cough) and collapsed on their bed cring. They prayed for me, found me drugs and put me back to bed but it wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that I managed to get back to sleep. The next day after having my head in the toilet as a mean of coping with the pain we headed to the doctor. The verdict: A nasty ear infection. So we were off the the pharmacy and then I went straight to bed. The end result: No surfing for Cassandra. Exhausted I spent most the vaca sleeping. It seemed that if I rested 3 hours I had energy for 2 and personallity enough for about 30 minutes. I still managed to visit the beach however and see some pretty shops. And due to the chilly weather nobdoy went surfing anyway.
So that was my weekend. I was going to give a full update but I'm bored so maybe another night.
The Result: A rained out weekend of bed rest
So the weekend started out great. We spontaneously left a day early to the beautiful story book village of Gwithian, Cornwall for a few days of fun in the sun and surf on the sea. It had been an intense couple of weeks and we were all ready for a lazy good time ("We" as in Laura, Me and a girl visiting from Canada whom we had met in Africa 2 years previous). The forecast however called for rain and even before leaving London it started pouring. We get there and I'm not feeling to hot. I had been sick all week but it had seemed I was on the mend. Not the case. As the night went on my ears started getting all funny and before I went to bed it sounded like I was "underwater". Well two o'clock in the morning rolls around and i'm pacing the floor in excruciating pain. I honestly thought my had was going to explode out my ears. When I would try to be still and sleep my body would convulse from pain. (lol not the highest pain tolerance) So after almost an hour I woke up the girls in the other room ( I had been quarantined in the lone bedroom due to a bad cough) and collapsed on their bed cring. They prayed for me, found me drugs and put me back to bed but it wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that I managed to get back to sleep. The next day after having my head in the toilet as a mean of coping with the pain we headed to the doctor. The verdict: A nasty ear infection. So we were off the the pharmacy and then I went straight to bed. The end result: No surfing for Cassandra. Exhausted I spent most the vaca sleeping. It seemed that if I rested 3 hours I had energy for 2 and personallity enough for about 30 minutes. I still managed to visit the beach however and see some pretty shops. And due to the chilly weather nobdoy went surfing anyway.
So that was my weekend. I was going to give a full update but I'm bored so maybe another night.
Friday, April 20, 2007
“If your dreams don’t make you want to crap your pants, then they’re probably not from God”.A guy I know recently said this and it was an oh so timely reminder.
With the wrong perspective big things can look very small. The moon for instance as massive as it is, can easily disappear behind your thumb when caught at the right angle. The same with God. So often we’re so focused on our own problems that ‘our fingers look bigger then the moon’. Funny that we’re called to a life of impossibilities yet we run around only doing the things that look possible. Everything Jesus did was impossible without God so why would we think we’re to live any differently? I’m saying all this because at this exact moment everything seems impossible. Everything I want, everything I’ve planned, even my basic needs. Everything. So really, if God doesn’t show up I’m screwed. Pretty much. It’s amazing, I’m really happy with it and looking at history the “odds are for me” but I’m really learning to rest in what feels like the unknown. Anyway,
The last couple weeks have been ones to ponder, good but interesting. A while back God was talking about me going to Paris. It was right when my job at the clinic ended and I had no money to spare. He wouldn’t drop it however so I made a budget and said that if he wanted me to go he’d have to pay for it. Well, suddenly the job started up again and by the time it ended, it was exactly my budget.
So I got back from Paris Wednesday and have determined that England takes the cake over France ;) . It was an amazing trip I’d do it over in a heartbeat but I probably wouldn’t recommend Paris for the lone lady traveler. The French guys lived up to their reputation and I was actually shocked by their aggression. Even with my diamonds they still persisted! (thus the reason England gets cake) The food was amazing though. A chocolate crepe and the Eiffel tower at night…quite a feat.
One week left in April and I’m looking forward to May. Bring on the heat.
(I saw this in the Paris Metro and thought of Jarett, can you believe it's been 2 years?)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Happy Resurrection day!
Laura and I went to the cottage for the Easter Weekend. Friday we tanned and Saturday we managed to slip up to Blenheim Palace. The Sunday was beautiful and topped off with a chocolate egg hunt that that we put on for the parents and baptismal service in the evening. (LOVE baptisms) Don’t really feel like blogging much else so here are some pics instead. Yay for spring
Laura and I went to the cottage for the Easter Weekend. Friday we tanned and Saturday we managed to slip up to Blenheim Palace. The Sunday was beautiful and topped off with a chocolate egg hunt that that we put on for the parents and baptismal service in the evening. (LOVE baptisms) Don’t really feel like blogging much else so here are some pics instead. Yay for spring
Friday, March 23, 2007
So a day turned into a week. Seems about my blogging style. Sooo much has gone on. My goodness. I was thinking what to say and I’ll just give a fluffy life summary.
Well last weekend our tiny little church put on a conference. Rolland and Heidi Baker (With Iris Ministries, whom I worked with in Africa) are old friends of my Pastors so they came in with a lil team to be the speakers. It went really great. So Eleos style, as it had free admission and the first three rows were reserved for the homeless. Laura and I ended up running most of it as Kurt and Asha caught up with the Bakers. We joke that the pictures below best represent the practical part of the weekend “Eleos-Iris Style”.
Things here are still going amazing. New little development, I’m now the keyboard player for my church. Haha. I guess they’ve been praying for a keyboard player for quite some time and even though I haven’t played in a worship band or even really practiced for about two years for some reason I agreed to do it. It was funny as I arrived at church about a half hour before the service the Sunday I was suppose to play and even though everything was set up, nobody had any intention of practicing. I noticed the piano was well, a tad tiny and missing a pedal so I asked if I could quickly have a go at it. I sat down only to discover, they don’t have sheet music. They sort of laughed and asked if I could play by ear. We started practicing and turns out they only have one monitor for two vocals, one guitar and now a keyboard. I don’t know which was more difficult, trying to learn a new song by ear or simply trying to hear myself over the bongos and guitar. One guy was sent on a mission to find music to a song that I didn’t know and came back claiming he was successful. Only one small problem. “Can you transpose music?” “Can I what?” Turns out it was the right song, wrong key. So they gave me a pen and about 5 minutes to try and transpose this song. In the end I did figure it out (proof alone that God is in love with me) and they find music to another song. Except with this song the cords are right but in the wrong spot. “Well you just sort of make it up” The drummer tells me. And the lead vocalist/guitar player agrees, “Yeah just make it up”… Not reassuring. So we play around a bit, made a total new song list and then just waited for people to show up.
Lol Was funnier at the time I think.
It was really good though, I loved every minute. God totally showed up and did his thing and we worshiped for the next two hours, completely skipping the sermon.
A couple weeks ago I also got a chance to leave London and see some country side as Laura and I took a train to visit her parents in Oxfordshire. It was great, her parents are moving to a new little village that we visited that is all thatched cottages! No joke. The whole thing looked straight out of a movie, topped off with a 16th century pub next door and a castle up the way. Below are some pics.
Work is going better. I’m working part time now while secretly looking for a way to love on babies and annihilate poverty in London. No luck as of yet but I’ll keep updates.
Laura and I went with Kurt and the team to “Church without Walls” last Saturday. In short it’s breakfast, a short talk and prayer with about 40ish homeless guys under a tree at about 7 in the morning. Kind of similar to what I did in S’toon.
The shear quantity of homeless people in London though, has been quite the issue lately. There is a solution, I know there is, I just don’t know what it is yet. Giving up my futon isn’t it and neither is throwing a pound or two at their feet. Lol I’m not going into that now but man, I refuse to sit on the fence for this one.
Anyway there’s some of life’s basics, below are some pictures. Cheers
-The location of the conference was moved across the street so to avoid confusion we posted a sign, we feel this picture sums up the practical aspect of the weekend.
-The place that it was held in was an old anglo-catholic church probably older then my country. The bathrooms were ancient and a joy not only to use but also to clean.
-Just got off the train and still a little tired and cold. (laura’s parents new cottage)
-16th Century Pub
Well last weekend our tiny little church put on a conference. Rolland and Heidi Baker (With Iris Ministries, whom I worked with in Africa) are old friends of my Pastors so they came in with a lil team to be the speakers. It went really great. So Eleos style, as it had free admission and the first three rows were reserved for the homeless. Laura and I ended up running most of it as Kurt and Asha caught up with the Bakers. We joke that the pictures below best represent the practical part of the weekend “Eleos-Iris Style”.
Things here are still going amazing. New little development, I’m now the keyboard player for my church. Haha. I guess they’ve been praying for a keyboard player for quite some time and even though I haven’t played in a worship band or even really practiced for about two years for some reason I agreed to do it. It was funny as I arrived at church about a half hour before the service the Sunday I was suppose to play and even though everything was set up, nobody had any intention of practicing. I noticed the piano was well, a tad tiny and missing a pedal so I asked if I could quickly have a go at it. I sat down only to discover, they don’t have sheet music. They sort of laughed and asked if I could play by ear. We started practicing and turns out they only have one monitor for two vocals, one guitar and now a keyboard. I don’t know which was more difficult, trying to learn a new song by ear or simply trying to hear myself over the bongos and guitar. One guy was sent on a mission to find music to a song that I didn’t know and came back claiming he was successful. Only one small problem. “Can you transpose music?” “Can I what?” Turns out it was the right song, wrong key. So they gave me a pen and about 5 minutes to try and transpose this song. In the end I did figure it out (proof alone that God is in love with me) and they find music to another song. Except with this song the cords are right but in the wrong spot. “Well you just sort of make it up” The drummer tells me. And the lead vocalist/guitar player agrees, “Yeah just make it up”… Not reassuring. So we play around a bit, made a total new song list and then just waited for people to show up.
Lol Was funnier at the time I think.
It was really good though, I loved every minute. God totally showed up and did his thing and we worshiped for the next two hours, completely skipping the sermon.
A couple weeks ago I also got a chance to leave London and see some country side as Laura and I took a train to visit her parents in Oxfordshire. It was great, her parents are moving to a new little village that we visited that is all thatched cottages! No joke. The whole thing looked straight out of a movie, topped off with a 16th century pub next door and a castle up the way. Below are some pics.
Work is going better. I’m working part time now while secretly looking for a way to love on babies and annihilate poverty in London. No luck as of yet but I’ll keep updates.
Laura and I went with Kurt and the team to “Church without Walls” last Saturday. In short it’s breakfast, a short talk and prayer with about 40ish homeless guys under a tree at about 7 in the morning. Kind of similar to what I did in S’toon.
The shear quantity of homeless people in London though, has been quite the issue lately. There is a solution, I know there is, I just don’t know what it is yet. Giving up my futon isn’t it and neither is throwing a pound or two at their feet. Lol I’m not going into that now but man, I refuse to sit on the fence for this one.
Anyway there’s some of life’s basics, below are some pictures. Cheers
-The location of the conference was moved across the street so to avoid confusion we posted a sign, we feel this picture sums up the practical aspect of the weekend.
-The place that it was held in was an old anglo-catholic church probably older then my country. The bathrooms were ancient and a joy not only to use but also to clean.
-Just got off the train and still a little tired and cold. (laura’s parents new cottage)
-16th Century Pub
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Floods in Mozambique
Hopefully most of you know about the floods in Mozambique, probably through Rolland and Heidi's email. If you didn't get the email, the pictures or you have no idea what i'm talking about, you can go to www.irismin.org.
but here's my friend Jessie's update. I'll try and write about my little London life tomorrow.
There has been serious flooding in one of our southern regions because of all the rain we’ve been having in this part of Africa. It has affected not just Mozambique but Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia as well. But, with the rain in those nations, because of the river systems, a lot of their excess water comes to Mozambique and adds to our flooding problems here. It has washed away over 4,500 homes as well as a lot of crops. There are people even now still isolated because of the swollen rivers and thousands of displaced people living in temporary camps until they can rebuild.
Iris sent a team down to Zambezia, the province that was hit the hardest. I was so happy that I got to go! I found out Thursday night before and left 12 hours later. (There were issues because I was the only girl, but Josham went so they said I could.) There were 8 of us with 1 Land Rover and 1 camiao/truck. On the way we stopped in Nampula, a large city, and bought rolls of plastic, rice, sugar, salt, soap and cookies for the kids. Going down we had no idea what we would find or even what we would be doing. It took us two long days to drive down to our center there. We worked with the provincial pastor in talking to the Governor and getting approval by the government, as well as actually visiting the camps where the people were.
We got permission to visit 12 camps where people had set up temporary residence. Since their houses were made of mud, with all the wind and rain they either melted or blew away/apart. They had built temporary ‘houses’ out of bamboo and the grass that grows everywhere. The conditions in the camps were so bad. Some of the people had lost everything as their houses were carried away in the flood, they didn’t even have a way to cook food. Some had more than that, but still it wasn’t much at all. We tried to visit about 7 camps, though we couldn’t get in to all of them. Even though we had the blessing of the head of the province, we still had trouble with the local governments leaders. They wanted us to leave the food we brought with them instead of giving it directly to the people. If we did that, food would disappear before it got to the people, or the corrupt officials would turn around and sell it to the people. Who, by the way, had just lost everything and had no way to buy the food they needed to survive. It was heartbreaking. In one place we ended up driving 3 hours back home with the food still in our truck. That was one of our worst days.
At the camps we visited we always gave food, and in a lot of them one of our team was able to preach. Even though we brought them food, it wasn’t much for all the people that had been displaced. But they were so thankful, there was always clapping and cheering African style. We visited some of our churches and were able to give them food as well. We also bought some supplies for them to start rebuilding some of the churches that were washed away by the rain. Even though we couldn’t do much, the people were so encouraged that we had come all that way to help them. We were the first people in a lot of places, even though there were other world aid organizations there and aware of the problem. They were still in the planning stage while people were starving. So when we came with what food we had, they were encouraged that they weren’t forgotten and that more help was on the way. Even though we gave out food everywhere we went, our main purpose was to share the love of God with the people there. He’s the only way they can get through the next few months or even year of trying to rebuild their lives.
I’m still trying to process what I saw down there.I’m still trying to process what I saw down there.
I’ve never been faced with such poverty, devastation or overwhelming need. I still cry when I think of the conditions down there. Even with the realization that God is the only way that the people can get through the process of rebuilding their lives, I’ve realized that He is the only way I can get through it too. How do you see things like that and keep going on? Even with what we could do, it seemed like so little in the face of such great need. But then I think back to the face of one of the children as they received a roll, or the face of a mother as she’s able to give a roll to her crying child and that alone makes it worth it. To be able to help the one if front of you, it makes a difference in one life. I don’t have to do it all, I can’t do it all, but I can be the hands, feet, smile of Jesus to that one person in front of me. So on I go with Jesus holding my hand as I embrace the heart of Iris Ministries and stop for the one in front of me.
but here's my friend Jessie's update. I'll try and write about my little London life tomorrow.
There has been serious flooding in one of our southern regions because of all the rain we’ve been having in this part of Africa. It has affected not just Mozambique but Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia as well. But, with the rain in those nations, because of the river systems, a lot of their excess water comes to Mozambique and adds to our flooding problems here. It has washed away over 4,500 homes as well as a lot of crops. There are people even now still isolated because of the swollen rivers and thousands of displaced people living in temporary camps until they can rebuild.
Iris sent a team down to Zambezia, the province that was hit the hardest. I was so happy that I got to go! I found out Thursday night before and left 12 hours later. (There were issues because I was the only girl, but Josham went so they said I could.) There were 8 of us with 1 Land Rover and 1 camiao/truck. On the way we stopped in Nampula, a large city, and bought rolls of plastic, rice, sugar, salt, soap and cookies for the kids. Going down we had no idea what we would find or even what we would be doing. It took us two long days to drive down to our center there. We worked with the provincial pastor in talking to the Governor and getting approval by the government, as well as actually visiting the camps where the people were.
We got permission to visit 12 camps where people had set up temporary residence. Since their houses were made of mud, with all the wind and rain they either melted or blew away/apart. They had built temporary ‘houses’ out of bamboo and the grass that grows everywhere. The conditions in the camps were so bad. Some of the people had lost everything as their houses were carried away in the flood, they didn’t even have a way to cook food. Some had more than that, but still it wasn’t much at all. We tried to visit about 7 camps, though we couldn’t get in to all of them. Even though we had the blessing of the head of the province, we still had trouble with the local governments leaders. They wanted us to leave the food we brought with them instead of giving it directly to the people. If we did that, food would disappear before it got to the people, or the corrupt officials would turn around and sell it to the people. Who, by the way, had just lost everything and had no way to buy the food they needed to survive. It was heartbreaking. In one place we ended up driving 3 hours back home with the food still in our truck. That was one of our worst days.
At the camps we visited we always gave food, and in a lot of them one of our team was able to preach. Even though we brought them food, it wasn’t much for all the people that had been displaced. But they were so thankful, there was always clapping and cheering African style. We visited some of our churches and were able to give them food as well. We also bought some supplies for them to start rebuilding some of the churches that were washed away by the rain. Even though we couldn’t do much, the people were so encouraged that we had come all that way to help them. We were the first people in a lot of places, even though there were other world aid organizations there and aware of the problem. They were still in the planning stage while people were starving. So when we came with what food we had, they were encouraged that they weren’t forgotten and that more help was on the way. Even though we gave out food everywhere we went, our main purpose was to share the love of God with the people there. He’s the only way they can get through the next few months or even year of trying to rebuild their lives.
I’m still trying to process what I saw down there.I’m still trying to process what I saw down there.
I’ve never been faced with such poverty, devastation or overwhelming need. I still cry when I think of the conditions down there. Even with the realization that God is the only way that the people can get through the process of rebuilding their lives, I’ve realized that He is the only way I can get through it too. How do you see things like that and keep going on? Even with what we could do, it seemed like so little in the face of such great need. But then I think back to the face of one of the children as they received a roll, or the face of a mother as she’s able to give a roll to her crying child and that alone makes it worth it. To be able to help the one if front of you, it makes a difference in one life. I don’t have to do it all, I can’t do it all, but I can be the hands, feet, smile of Jesus to that one person in front of me. So on I go with Jesus holding my hand as I embrace the heart of Iris Ministries and stop for the one in front of me.
Friday, March 9, 2007
The more people I meet and the more places I visit the more sure I become that the only thing I can be sure of is the love of God. That he loves me unconditionally and that I can trust him with everything. All my hopes, all my fears. The desires that everyone knows and the ones that I’m even afraid to admit to. I’m learning that if I do nothing for the rest of my life but love him and the ones around me then that’s enough. Whether it’s the Queen of England or the homeless man by the tube station. It’s all about love. I always thought I had to become something fancy or do great impressive things but now I know that if I do that then fine but all that matters is that you love. And love selflessly. Not expecting anything in return. And extravagantly, going above and beyond what’s “normal”. Love is always a risk, but when your hearts in the hands of a trustworthy God we can afford to take that risk.
There are such extremes here. The extremely rich and the extremely poor. In the past we’ve gotten annoyed at the poor. Thinking they’re a “burden to society” or something, completely missing what they have to offer. In my little “London adventure” I hope to be taught by some of the best. (of the west that is) I hope to never forget the presence of God at church last Sunday when a little broken “homeless” guy stepped up to the mike and softly sang a song to Jesus. With his thick Scottish accent I barely knew a word of what he was saying but I did know that that place became electric. Something about the pure love from this man got all of Heavens attention. There needs to be such a balance though. To be completely satisfied yet to live with complete dissatisfaction. Loving Jesus and those around you has to be enough yet you must always be desperate to see more, to have more and just know more of God. His presence and his power. Talk is not enough. Talk is never enough. It must always be backed with action. Love requires action. Such a simple revelation but for me so profound. Love is so huge and like God, we’ve often made it small. In the words of Misty Edwards [God] “Won’t you let me love you more”! I love the fact that he’s everything. He’s my “enough” and everything else comes from that.
Guess I’m rambling and I’m sorry but words can’t properly describe what God’s up to right now.
Anyway… My first week at work is over (sigh of relief) It wasn’t bad just super stressful. I just kept looking around thinking “Do they know who I am and my qualifications?” as I typed up “Urgent Cancer” this and “Brain Surgery” that, desperately praying I didn’t make a mistake. Not to mention learning new computer programs and formatting new templates at the same time. Yeah, almost cried at first, lol but no it was fine. I think the worst part was just being chained to my desk all day. They offered me long term, which I thought I wanted, but now I know it’s not.
Last night Laura and I went to see Rolland Baker speak in Eeling. (area in London about two hours away) Gotta love Iris, Laura and I were quite a scene. (sloshed, not groupies;) Kind of been struggling with keeping my emotions for Africa in line though, and that certainly didn’t help. So in the meantime I’m going to ask God for English babies. Might as well, at least until I hit up the Sudan I guess. ;)
Well that's a lot and i'm running out of time.
*NOTE to mum* -Got your parcel! Fell head over heels at the sight of the Sweet Chili Heat Chips!
*NOTE to others*- I normally don't ask for specifics but if God puts it on your heart to send me Sweet Chili Heat chips, I won't refuse them. :)
There are such extremes here. The extremely rich and the extremely poor. In the past we’ve gotten annoyed at the poor. Thinking they’re a “burden to society” or something, completely missing what they have to offer. In my little “London adventure” I hope to be taught by some of the best. (of the west that is) I hope to never forget the presence of God at church last Sunday when a little broken “homeless” guy stepped up to the mike and softly sang a song to Jesus. With his thick Scottish accent I barely knew a word of what he was saying but I did know that that place became electric. Something about the pure love from this man got all of Heavens attention. There needs to be such a balance though. To be completely satisfied yet to live with complete dissatisfaction. Loving Jesus and those around you has to be enough yet you must always be desperate to see more, to have more and just know more of God. His presence and his power. Talk is not enough. Talk is never enough. It must always be backed with action. Love requires action. Such a simple revelation but for me so profound. Love is so huge and like God, we’ve often made it small. In the words of Misty Edwards [God] “Won’t you let me love you more”! I love the fact that he’s everything. He’s my “enough” and everything else comes from that.
Guess I’m rambling and I’m sorry but words can’t properly describe what God’s up to right now.
Anyway… My first week at work is over (sigh of relief) It wasn’t bad just super stressful. I just kept looking around thinking “Do they know who I am and my qualifications?” as I typed up “Urgent Cancer” this and “Brain Surgery” that, desperately praying I didn’t make a mistake. Not to mention learning new computer programs and formatting new templates at the same time. Yeah, almost cried at first, lol but no it was fine. I think the worst part was just being chained to my desk all day. They offered me long term, which I thought I wanted, but now I know it’s not.
Last night Laura and I went to see Rolland Baker speak in Eeling. (area in London about two hours away) Gotta love Iris, Laura and I were quite a scene. (sloshed, not groupies;) Kind of been struggling with keeping my emotions for Africa in line though, and that certainly didn’t help. So in the meantime I’m going to ask God for English babies. Might as well, at least until I hit up the Sudan I guess. ;)
Well that's a lot and i'm running out of time.
*NOTE to mum* -Got your parcel! Fell head over heels at the sight of the Sweet Chili Heat Chips!
*NOTE to others*- I normally don't ask for specifics but if God puts it on your heart to send me Sweet Chili Heat chips, I won't refuse them. :)
Monday, March 5, 2007
Saturday I was fully immersed in London shopping. Laura and I went to Oxford Circus and tackled the shops and…crowds. I have never seen so many people in all my life. Or at least never so many people with the same goal of shopping. It was like the entire population of my hometown in Canada on one street. I felt so small town as I gazed at the massive stores. Every time I lost sight of Laura I thought I was a goner. But the shoes! All the beautiful shoes, floor after floor after floor. I didn’t buy any as I didn’t want to spend money until I was making it, but after a few hours I got used to it all and fell in love with the never ending racks of clothes.
Life is going great, pretty intense at times but good never the less. I love London and my area is really growing on me as I learn my way around and have even been asked directions! It’s sort of strange as some areas look and smell so much like Dar Es Salaam in Africa, it kind of pricks my heart and makes me fully want to pack up and head South. Really, what I wouldn’t give to love on my orphan babies. (lol I know, Tanzania in London, but Laura agrees, it’s really strange)
Anyway, I’m pretty much settled in now. I got a job last week and start tomorrow. It’s only part term doing a “special project” at a Mission Doctor’s clinic (paper pushing I think) for about two weeks and then they’ll see if something opens long term. Honestly I think they’re just checking me out as the job I applied for is above my qualifications and they probably don’t want to spend crazy amounts of time training me if I’m a dud. So I’m praying they love me and maybe offer me full term. :)
(It’s a “Mission” clinic meaning it works in the inner city, which is great because I can walk to it and not have to pay for public transport. That and if I get into any human relations I’ll be working with the poor which would be perfect)
It’s not my dream job as I don’t quite get the child interaction I want but its neat how God worked it as it was the only job I applied for. ;)
That’s all the generic stuff I can think of for now. I still love the little church that I’m now calling family. They are so pure and so raw. None of the fake phony stuff, God just loves hanging out with them. Funny how you’ll get a big Church that says all the right things and does all the right things yet God is absent and then you get a little group of “nobodies” and Jesus just rocks the place. I so love that, his heart is so great. Sort of sad how easily we can miss it though, to chase after a religion instead of a relationship. Get stuck in “religious routine”. Lol Not with this church. Honestly, if you ever get a chance to visit London, add “Eleos” to your list of places to visit.
Life is going great, pretty intense at times but good never the less. I love London and my area is really growing on me as I learn my way around and have even been asked directions! It’s sort of strange as some areas look and smell so much like Dar Es Salaam in Africa, it kind of pricks my heart and makes me fully want to pack up and head South. Really, what I wouldn’t give to love on my orphan babies. (lol I know, Tanzania in London, but Laura agrees, it’s really strange)
Anyway, I’m pretty much settled in now. I got a job last week and start tomorrow. It’s only part term doing a “special project” at a Mission Doctor’s clinic (paper pushing I think) for about two weeks and then they’ll see if something opens long term. Honestly I think they’re just checking me out as the job I applied for is above my qualifications and they probably don’t want to spend crazy amounts of time training me if I’m a dud. So I’m praying they love me and maybe offer me full term. :)
(It’s a “Mission” clinic meaning it works in the inner city, which is great because I can walk to it and not have to pay for public transport. That and if I get into any human relations I’ll be working with the poor which would be perfect)
It’s not my dream job as I don’t quite get the child interaction I want but its neat how God worked it as it was the only job I applied for. ;)
That’s all the generic stuff I can think of for now. I still love the little church that I’m now calling family. They are so pure and so raw. None of the fake phony stuff, God just loves hanging out with them. Funny how you’ll get a big Church that says all the right things and does all the right things yet God is absent and then you get a little group of “nobodies” and Jesus just rocks the place. I so love that, his heart is so great. Sort of sad how easily we can miss it though, to chase after a religion instead of a relationship. Get stuck in “religious routine”. Lol Not with this church. Honestly, if you ever get a chance to visit London, add “Eleos” to your list of places to visit.
Police accessing the scene
Laura accessing the scene
Cassandra enjoying her cameraOk, so i'm not the technical genius I thought I was. Hopefully the pictures work this time.
As for her car... It's a write off. Sort of sucks but we know God will totally use this situation for our good so we're not really worried. The gang is still a problem as they insist on trying to terrorize the neighbourhood at night provoking fear in all the residents. Again, we're not really worried, we're not being stupid, but we're definitely not living in fear.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Just for the record, I'm ok and so is Laura. (it's never really a good thing when you start off like that) But just a super quick update...
Things here are great, went to the Eleos Church on Sunday and am totally in love with the little church. Also went to Holy Trinity Brompton (Tim Hugh's Church)...still decided that for now I'll definitly call Eleos "home".
And just a quick funny story for ya, Laura, her friend from America and I were all hanging out in her flat last night when we heard a knock at the door and someone calling "Police". Totally thinking it was a joke or something I didn't want to open the door but eventually gave in to find a tall man in a little blue vest asking for Laura. He told her that she should probably come with him to see her car and when we get down there find out it had been tipped by a local gang. The window was smashed but nothing was stolen. It's was pretty crazy but all we could do was laugh. Guess we're known in the neighbourhood. Like I said everything is fine though and I love what Guy Chevreau says in one of his books "We're not the ones at risk".
I was able to upload some pics of it. that I thought were funny. Will try to write more in a few days. (sorry they're a bit blurry but that's "night vision" for ya)
Things here are great, went to the Eleos Church on Sunday and am totally in love with the little church. Also went to Holy Trinity Brompton (Tim Hugh's Church)...still decided that for now I'll definitly call Eleos "home".
And just a quick funny story for ya, Laura, her friend from America and I were all hanging out in her flat last night when we heard a knock at the door and someone calling "Police". Totally thinking it was a joke or something I didn't want to open the door but eventually gave in to find a tall man in a little blue vest asking for Laura. He told her that she should probably come with him to see her car and when we get down there find out it had been tipped by a local gang. The window was smashed but nothing was stolen. It's was pretty crazy but all we could do was laugh. Guess we're known in the neighbourhood. Like I said everything is fine though and I love what Guy Chevreau says in one of his books "We're not the ones at risk".
I was able to upload some pics of it. that I thought were funny. Will try to write more in a few days. (sorry they're a bit blurry but that's "night vision" for ya)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
I made it to London! Everything went well, I think the most stressful part was packing before hand. But I did it, my entire life in a suitcase, 2 backpacks, and a computer case. My flights were good too. I wasn't sad or anything until TO when a man started an unusual conversation with me. He was from Tanzania travelling back to Dar and wanted me to go with him. After I said no he decided we should meet up in London then. Now it wasn't bad but it triggered something inside. Suddenly I realised where I was and started panicking. The whole.. What did I just do? I'm travelling across the ocean with no real plans, direction, anything, just clinging to a couple promises from my jesus. What on earth? Like, oops? I'm doing good now. We had a nice long chat and i'm enjoying London life. The area i'm living in now is Bethnal Green. It's 50% muslim and 50% "other". It has a split personality. On one hand it's known for it's gangs and "Jack the Riper" and the other side it's known for it's trendy stores and "posh" streets.
It's a very heavy area but on the verge of transformation :)
Seeing Laura (my new flatmate) lol was great. We went out for Indian food last night :) to celebrate my arrival and just talked about what God's been saying to us bout London. WELL our chins were quickly bruised as it's so similar for the most part and EXACTLY the same in others. To a "tee". It's just crazy. (Speaking of tea. Turns out it really is the thing you do in London.) But yeah, so good seeing her again. I think it'll still take a couple days to just catch up but it'll be fun. I think that sums up my little intro to the english life. My flat is super cute, apparently Laura really likes Ikea and most of the place looks fresh from the magazine. Sometimes I look around and totally wonder how I got here BUT i'm sure that will pass with time?
And so to end, here are just some random facts of life.
-I love Indian food
-It took us about an hour and a half to drive home from the airport. Turns out London roads really don't make sense. That and they have stop lights every 2 meters...
-Laura's flat is directly across from where Rolland and Heidi did their London street church 15 years ago. Coincidence?
-After hearing nothing but english accents for only a day I find my thoughts are already "polluted" :)
-Guess what genius brought the wrong converter?
-Things here are green and budding
-Just for my Dad... My computer works again! I didn't fiddle with Norton I just told God that with you not here he was my only dad so it was his job to fix it. Next time I turned on my computer (like for the billionth time) it worked. perfect. So now it just needs juice and i'll be set.
It's a very heavy area but on the verge of transformation :)
Seeing Laura (my new flatmate) lol was great. We went out for Indian food last night :) to celebrate my arrival and just talked about what God's been saying to us bout London. WELL our chins were quickly bruised as it's so similar for the most part and EXACTLY the same in others. To a "tee". It's just crazy. (Speaking of tea. Turns out it really is the thing you do in London.) But yeah, so good seeing her again. I think it'll still take a couple days to just catch up but it'll be fun. I think that sums up my little intro to the english life. My flat is super cute, apparently Laura really likes Ikea and most of the place looks fresh from the magazine. Sometimes I look around and totally wonder how I got here BUT i'm sure that will pass with time?
And so to end, here are just some random facts of life.
-I love Indian food
-It took us about an hour and a half to drive home from the airport. Turns out London roads really don't make sense. That and they have stop lights every 2 meters...
-Laura's flat is directly across from where Rolland and Heidi did their London street church 15 years ago. Coincidence?
-After hearing nothing but english accents for only a day I find my thoughts are already "polluted" :)
-Guess what genius brought the wrong converter?
-Things here are green and budding
-Just for my Dad... My computer works again! I didn't fiddle with Norton I just told God that with you not here he was my only dad so it was his job to fix it. Next time I turned on my computer (like for the billionth time) it worked. perfect. So now it just needs juice and i'll be set.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
So i'm going to London in two days and found out most people are still a little confused as to why... haha SO, here are some basic answers to some of your questions.
Why: Well It's kind of a long story so i'll try to summarize. God actually brought up the idea of moving to the UK after a really random email from my English friend whom I had met in Pemba. I had no idea what he was talking about but said that if he wanted me to move there then he'd have to figure it all out. Well he did, and after talking to the girl on the phone we discovered God had actually told us both the same thing about "the move" and it was decided, I'd leave for London in just over a month.
Now I know that seems sudden but way back when I was in Africa, God told me how my next move after Canada would happen. Not where I would go but how I would go. Now he's pretty reliable so I just believed him and came back and waited. (little did I know his timing was much different then mine) What I thought would be a quick three month turnover turned into a long nine month "Private HS School of Ministry" haha. (if you missed that then n/m) It was long and hard and I almost caved a couple of times wanting to leave the country prematurely, once to Rwanda and once to Malaysia. Each time God so lovingly reassured me that his plans are amazing and to keep waiting for this "impossible series of events". Well FINALLY it happened just like he said and I'm sooo glad I waited.
What: Now I don't quite yet know what I'll be doing when I get there. My heart is still for the poor and Godly transformation and plans are actually in the works for me to work with an inner city ministry there (that turns out to be only blocks away from my flat!).
Basic Vision: My ideal Vision would be to work on the streets seeing God totally shake up London for about 3-9 months. I would then proceed to travel to the Sudan. Now for those of you who don't know, the Sudan is currently suffering a horrific genocide. The death toll is sickening and it has to stop. I would love to move to a village and work in an orphanage having Inner healing with the children as my focus. After seeing parents, siblings, friends and family just chopped in front of them these poor kids are severely traumatized, technically a lifetime of working with the best shrinks couldn't fix them. HOWEVER, just a few moments with my Jesus and these kids can be completely healed.
So I think I covered the generics, I hope this answered most ppl's questions! I'll be trying to post semi-frequently, not sure if it will happen but i'll try!
Why: Well It's kind of a long story so i'll try to summarize. God actually brought up the idea of moving to the UK after a really random email from my English friend whom I had met in Pemba. I had no idea what he was talking about but said that if he wanted me to move there then he'd have to figure it all out. Well he did, and after talking to the girl on the phone we discovered God had actually told us both the same thing about "the move" and it was decided, I'd leave for London in just over a month.
Now I know that seems sudden but way back when I was in Africa, God told me how my next move after Canada would happen. Not where I would go but how I would go. Now he's pretty reliable so I just believed him and came back and waited. (little did I know his timing was much different then mine) What I thought would be a quick three month turnover turned into a long nine month "Private HS School of Ministry" haha. (if you missed that then n/m) It was long and hard and I almost caved a couple of times wanting to leave the country prematurely, once to Rwanda and once to Malaysia. Each time God so lovingly reassured me that his plans are amazing and to keep waiting for this "impossible series of events". Well FINALLY it happened just like he said and I'm sooo glad I waited.
What: Now I don't quite yet know what I'll be doing when I get there. My heart is still for the poor and Godly transformation and plans are actually in the works for me to work with an inner city ministry there (that turns out to be only blocks away from my flat!).
Basic Vision: My ideal Vision would be to work on the streets seeing God totally shake up London for about 3-9 months. I would then proceed to travel to the Sudan. Now for those of you who don't know, the Sudan is currently suffering a horrific genocide. The death toll is sickening and it has to stop. I would love to move to a village and work in an orphanage having Inner healing with the children as my focus. After seeing parents, siblings, friends and family just chopped in front of them these poor kids are severely traumatized, technically a lifetime of working with the best shrinks couldn't fix them. HOWEVER, just a few moments with my Jesus and these kids can be completely healed.
So I think I covered the generics, I hope this answered most ppl's questions! I'll be trying to post semi-frequently, not sure if it will happen but i'll try!
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