In Time Of Sorrow

There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.

~Author Unknown

I don't always understand why certain things happen.  I can't answer every unspoken 'why'.

But I know that through the most difficult of times He is holding my hand, surrounding me with people who care, giving me strength to keep going and hope that better times are yet to come.

Natasha's Visit

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."

- Abraham Lincoln

It was so wonderful to have my friend Natasha with us this weekend. For years we've been joking about how she just needed to visit me in New York and it finally happened.

It is truly amazing how with some friends it's so easy to catch up even when you have not seen them in 6 years.

Mexico Adventures (The Ultimate Quest)

QUEST FOR LOVE

Mexico Adventures (Days 3+4)

Adventure #6

QUEST FOR SPEED

Riding ATV's in the sand dunes

Mexico Adventures (Day 2)

Adventure #3

QUEST FOR PEACE

(morning view - cup of coffee in hand, still in PJ's - nowhere to rush)

(afternoon view - speaks for itself - still nowhere to rush)

Adventure #4

QUEST FOR SIMPLE FUN

Time to kick off shoes

go look for sea shells

and play in the sand

Adventure #5

QUEST FOR NATURAL BEAUTY

One of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

Mexico Adventures (Day 1)

Adventure #1

QUEST FOR JAVA

Of course we brought coffee with us but we felt like exploring. So we're off to scavenge the land for a good coffee shop.

There is no Starbucks in Puerto Penasco but smart locals have come up with a substitute coffee shop called Santana's Coffee (check out their logo). The logo looks just like Starbucks from far away and draws the tourists in.

Our choice of the day however was a small place called Max's - located away from the busy tourist area.

Max's Cafe boasts free Wi-Fi and a full espresso bar.

(Milky Way Latte - yummy goodness of espresso, caramel, chocolate and milk)

(We ended up having lunch @ Max's and here's the photo of my Nachos Supreme
- doesn't look too exciting but it was oh so yummy)

Adventure #2

QUEST FOR ICE-CREAM

So... we like ice-cream... a lot... And how can you experience the culture without trying what you like?

(aren't these ice-cream bars so super cute??? - they were yummy too)

... to be continued ...

Merry Christimas to All

...in search of all things beautiful...

One of my facebook friends once had a profile status: [name] is in search of all things beautiful.

What is beautiful to you? Where do you see beauty?

In a majestic tapestry of fall colors? In steady breath of a sleeping child? In a hand of your wife firmly planted in yours as you pray over your meal? In undefeated strength of the Alps? In the hand of Michelangelo?

I saw beauty this week.

On Monday Metro Ministries with the generous financial support of Kraupner Pharmacy hosted our annual event called "Night of 100 Stars". The event is organized by a man who used to be a transvestite prostitute and drug addict. After Christ set him free from this lifestyle, his heart was broken for people just like him who are “looking for love in all the wrong places” and wouldn’t come to Christ because most churches are afraid to reach out to them. So he decided to create a night that shows these women God’s true love in a way they never have experienced before. The ladies are picked up from local drug rehabs and shelters and treated to a grand day out. It starts with a makeover. They have their hair and nails done, and receive a gown that they get to keep after the event. Then they are escorted into a banquet in their honor and are announced by name as honored guests as they enter. After dinner the gospel message is presented with a powerful drama. Many women come to the altar and allow Jesus to set them free.

They were so beautiful. I wish I could post many pictures but I am choosing not to (to protect the ladies' privacy). Even more than having you look at the pictures - I wish you could have been there. I wish you could have seen all that inner beauty and strength burst out from under the layers of toughness and the toil that the substance abuse would take on your life. There was joy in their eyes now. I would look at them and couldn't help but say "You look fabulous" and their teary-eyed response made me see how it was so worth it.

At the banquet I sat at one of the tables with the ladies. It was a blessing to see all 5 of them respond to the altar call. My prayer today is that they will be able to stand strong through the testing of their decision to follow Christ and come to church on Sunday and get rooted in the Word of God.

Washington, D.C.

Last Monday our team went on a road trip to Washington DC. It was amazing for all of us foreigners to visit the capital of the nation that we serve in ministry. A few of us have been here before but it was great to be reminded once again of the freedom that this country offers to those who come here.

What have we been up to...

Wow - there's a lot going on here in NYC and we have been very busy. Soon we'll find a time to do a good update on this blog but for now we hope you enjoy the condensed version ;)

Fall is beautiful here. For years I was more of a spring fan but this year the majestic colors and the fresh crisp air captured my heart. Bryan & I took a lovely walk in Prospect Park on Monday and I am now officially in love with fall.

Fall is also the busiest time in ministry. Somehow people are more open to the gospel during holiday season. It is getting colder outside but we still do our best to reach as many kids and adults for Christ as possible every day.

The church has also done (and continues to do) many different events. 2 weeks ago we held a beautiful event called "All Nations" (Bryan will write an update on it soon). Last Sunday there was a private screening for "To Save A Life" - an amazing movie that raises a lot of questions about hurting high school teens but also provides answers. The movie will be out in January. This coming Sunday is a couple's meeting. And of course for the past couple of weeks we've also been wrapping Christmas gifts for our Christmas outreach. Needless to say we've been busy busy busy.

Please keep praying for us to stay close to the heart of God and minister His love to those who are hurting.

Thankful

I am thankful for freedom...

http://www.charter97.org/en/news/2009/10/16/22875/

Bounce House Praise Report

Just wanted to share our joy - in less than a week all the money needed for the bounce house was raised... Yay!!! It'll be coming soon.

Bounce House

Hey!

So... we have a slight issue in our Preschool Class... the bounce house we use is not too bouncy any more... [sniff sniff]... that means we need a new one...
Isn't it beautiful?

Beautiful - yes! and more durable.

But expensive too. We only have $100 to buy it and the price is $599.

We would like to get one. If you'd like to help us out and donate towards this purchase - please shoot me a quick email and I'll let you know how you can do that.

This is why...

Welcome to the Army!!!

Here we are - a new semester of Sidewalk Sunday School started today. I would like for you to meet my team this semester

Janelle from Canada (my "old" staff), Bryan & I, Susi from Germany (my new staff - yay!!!), Jessica from Germany, Zanita from USA and in the front - Stephan from Holland

Watch out - they are the ones that are making it happen this semester ;)

We kicked off with a great day today. It was cold and windy in Queens but we had a great time teaching the kids how they are soldiers in God's army and what that means for them.

Please pray for us this semester.

“Fight on for God” (1 Timothy 6:12a)

What Am I Laboring For?

"Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psalm 127:1)

I am not laboring for acceptance or promotion, recognition or reward.
I am laboring to see His fruit in my life.

Our trip to Belarus

Bryan and I returned from our trip to Belarus on Friday. Bryan will write more about his observations later but for now I just wanted to share a quick slide show from the trip with you.

I found Chester!!!

Looks like Chester is doing really well these days...



if you're like... WHAT??? - then watch the post below ;)

"Chester"

So... this is Jeremiah - my brother-in-law... I think this video is hilarious...

Fun Zone 2009

(by Helen)

We have just finished 2 weeks of Summer Day Camp here in New York. It is difficult for me to find proper words to express to you what a wonderful time this had been. So I put together a small video instead.