Worst Customs Experience Ever!

During our training in Dallas this week, we were told to go pack an overnight bag for a "mystery trip" we were about to take. We all fussed over what to pack and what to leave behind--should we bring blankets, shampoo, Bibles, journals, etc.? All we were told was that we needed comfortable clothes, a photo ID, a water bottle, and our immunization records (something most of us did not bring to Dallas!). Where could we possibly be going?!

The frustrating experience began before we even left. We were given a visa application for China (of all places!) and told to fill everything out before we got to the airport. (Airport?!) We rushed through the application, filling in every blank we knew off the top of our heads and frantically asking each other for answers to the unknown information. Before we could finish, we were told that we needed to leave if we were going to make our "flight."

Piling about 12 of us into the back of a pickup and another ten or so into a mini-van, we discussed where we might be going. "Riding in the back of a pickup isn't legal in Texas, is it? Could they really be taking us off the campus?" We didn't have too long to wonder as we rounded the corner to the other side of the campus and unloaded in front of a warehouse. "Okay, so we are pretending to go on a trip in a strange kind of simulation..." This relief didn't last long.
 

We were handed mock passports and told to hurry up and finish filling out our visa applications if they were not done. Entering the building, we found ourselves standing in a long line, waiting to be cleared by "customs." This may have been a PRETEND trip, but this is where the REAL frustration began.

The customs lady rejected most of us once or twice for some minuscule reason that we could barely make out in her half-Tok-Pigin-half-German language. As each of us were sent to the back of the line, we started to compare notes. "What were you sent back here for? What did you do wrong?" We gained a little knowledge each time as we were sent back to try again, making us a little more knowledgeable each time.Some were rejected because they marked "tourist" but had no camera. Others were sent back because they didn't write their names clearly or hadn't signed their passport. One woman in our group refused to pay a bribe for her visa and was promptly sent back to rethink things. Some even were sent back because they were blacklisted (their photo was found in a confidential file) and were escorted out with security.

All of this was compounded by our leader telling us to hurry up because the plane was about to leave!...and this was only the FIRST table we needed to pass through before boarding.

This frustrating process continued through the whole warehouse as we had our immunization records checked, our luggage searched (or stolen), taxes paid, beggars bugging us constantly, and over six languages being spoken to us. Needless to say, we were getting the point! Eventually they called everything to a halt and we returned to the classroom.

Here we debriefed the experience. What was it like? How did we feel? What frustrated us most? How would we handle this in real life? Was paying a bribe okay? How would Wycliffe want us to act? How can we sidestep some of these frustrations?

I was surprised at how insecure I felt during this process, even knowing it was all a set-up. As you might expect, I left with more questions than answers from this experience. However, I had been shocked out of my naivety just a little and humbled in prayer once again. I really will need the Lord every step of this journey. There are things I just won't know how to handle and there are things I cannot be prepared for. Thankfully, my Heavenly Father does know everything ahead of me and He has promised never to leave me (Matt. 28). I'm so glad I am in His hands.

Just the Right Bible

Some new friends I met in Dallas at Wycliffe training have made a video about the need for Bible Translation. CHECK IT OUT!!

VISA!!!

I heard something out on my porch this morning. It was a miracle in progress...my VISA!!!! I now have official permission to live and work in PNG from now until April 26, 2013. After that time I will need to renew the Visa if I choose to stay.

I am SO blessed that this came so quickly. All the tears...the medical exams...the police clearance...the tears...the character reference letters...the never ending forms...the tears...the money...the passport photos...and the tears. It's over!!!

Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Crossroads Career Group...Goodbye!

Tonight I had the privilege and honor of being "sent out" by the Crossroads Career Group at my home church, Salem Heights. I shared (a lot!) about what I'm going to be doing and they prayed for me. It was such a sweet time with this group that has grown with me and taught me so much.

Matt read Colossians 2:5 "For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ."

This is what I need so desperately. I am so weak, so imperfect. I crave the prayers of others that I will remain stable and disciplined in my faith. That the difficult steps that are ahead will not deter me in my obedience. Thank you to each one of you who has been praying for me this far. I will continue to be with you each in spirit, praying for you as well.

I love you guys!!

Great Message about Missions

I recently listened to a great message called "His Plan, Our Part" by Josh Mann, a youth pastor at Salem Alliance. Check it out. It is transformational!

Black Butte, OR

I recently had the opportunity to spend a weekend away with my closest friends. It was like a gift from God to have beautiful weather, relaxing surroundings, and memorable activities. I personally enjoyed every second...well, almost. :)

Dixie, Mary, Rachel, Me, and Teri getting
"caught" having too much fun in Sisters.

Cameron and Evan pretending to be detained

Our group was very creative with our activities, blending the perfect amount of activity and relaxation. We cooked all our meals together and ate around the dinner table. We walked around Black Butte and Sisters, taking in the sights. We also were able to kayak and have an Old Time photo taken! Each night ended with a favorite childhood bedtime story and lots of rest. It was AWESOME!! I think we were all able to go home feeling full of fellowship and rested.

I am so blessed to have friends who serve God and love each other. Thanks for a wonderful weekend!

Blessed

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:4-6

This morning I had the privilege to pray with joy for each of my financial partners by name. As I moved through the list of family, close friends, and even some people who have never met me, I was overwhelmed by being a part of the body of Christ. What a blessing to see name after name of believers who are willing to share what God has given them to reach out to those who have not heard. I am humbled to be the conductor of this grace from the United States to Papua New Guinea.

As I prayed for these families, I asked God to complete the good work He has started in each household; to bring up their children in the faith, to bless marriages, and to provide for each need. What a beautiful thing it is to be part of God's work around the world and right here in my hometown.

I am blessed.

Dependence upon God and His People

I've just recently started reading a missionary biography called, "God's Word in a String Bag" written by Marshall Lawrence who worked in PNG on a translation project. His words have got me thinking. This paragraph was especially impacting...

"So often I portrayed an air of independence--that I didn't need help, I could do it on my own. That attitude kept people from getting involved. When I gave the impression that I could do it on my own, others were not willing to offer help or to take ownership. Like it or not, mistakes exposed the mask of self-sufficiency. They revealed my weakness and provided a context for people to give of themselves in a meaningful way. But allowing people to see that I was weak and needed help was not easy. Sometimes it took an experience...Other times I had to hit bottom before I was willing to admit that I needed help...An honest expression of genuine need encourages people to get involved in a meaningful way."

I suppose I have a similar problem. I very rarely admit that I need help. What I find difficult about this is that I've lived so long as an independent person that I don't even know what I need help with! When someone comes along to offer help I think, "Yeah! That would be great!" but I can't anticipate my own needs before someone asks.

I pray that God will open my eyes to how needy I really am. That I will "move from independence toward dependence upon God and His people."