Dear family and friends,
Today is my last day in Knoxville for the summer. Emily left bright and early this morning for her 10 or so hour long drive home. As you know she will be going to Africa this fall semester for 16 weeks and I will be returning to Covenant College- both our last years as undergrads. My mom flies up tonight and we will start our 11.5 hour drive home tomorrow morning.
Emily and I are going to try to continue this blog for those of you who'd still like to keep updated with us. The posts may not be very consistent, but we'd like to share our senior year with you, although in different continents for half of it.
Knoxville has been an incredible experience. I've grown personally and have learned more about the complexities of working alongside a community. The Frazers, my host family, have been the kindest and most welcoming family I could've ever asked for and have absolutely loved staying with them this summer. I hope to see them again soon, or at least keep them updated on my life. I have been blessed to have such amazing people to work with and Bill Goosie was great to work with.
It's hard to believe that the internship is basically over. I still need to go back to FBC and print off my internship work and I need to touch up some things, but after all of the worrying and researching, it's done. Coming here I didn't know what to expect and now I'm leaving with a LOT of new friends.
I'm about to start another new branch of my life, I just hope that I can continue to recognize that and enjoy every moment of it.
Prayer Requests:
1. Keep Emily and I safe in our travels
2. Pray that I will work hard my senior year, but enjoy it to the full
3. Pray for Western Heights, the Western Heights Community Alliance, and all those willing to give their lives towards the community
4. Pray that Emily and I will put our complete trust in Jesus in everything we do.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Pray for the persecuted Church
A quick blog:
The other night I had a dream that certain Christians were being persecuted in the United States. In my dream there were certain people that you knew if they came to visit you, you'd either be killed by them or they would send someone to kill you soon after the visit. At the end of my dream, although I didn't see it, I knew that some Christians who didn't convert were tortured to literal death by being cut with pizza cutters (I realize it sounds silly, but in my dream it was scary).
It took me a while after the dream to apply this to real life. I think God sent this dream to me because of my previous lack of concern and empathy for the persecuted church. I now realize that there are Christians out there today who have to fear for their lives every day. The Holy Spirit gives them strength, but I'm sure the spirit of fear can still be overwhelming at times!
Please remember with me to pray for those who are living each day not knowing whether they'll live or die for Christ. Pray that they may have Paul's mentality of "to live is Christ, to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21) and to remember Jesus' blessing: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mat. 5:10-12)
Pray that they will be bold for Christ and that I will do the same.
-Anna-
The other night I had a dream that certain Christians were being persecuted in the United States. In my dream there were certain people that you knew if they came to visit you, you'd either be killed by them or they would send someone to kill you soon after the visit. At the end of my dream, although I didn't see it, I knew that some Christians who didn't convert were tortured to literal death by being cut with pizza cutters (I realize it sounds silly, but in my dream it was scary).
It took me a while after the dream to apply this to real life. I think God sent this dream to me because of my previous lack of concern and empathy for the persecuted church. I now realize that there are Christians out there today who have to fear for their lives every day. The Holy Spirit gives them strength, but I'm sure the spirit of fear can still be overwhelming at times!
Please remember with me to pray for those who are living each day not knowing whether they'll live or die for Christ. Pray that they may have Paul's mentality of "to live is Christ, to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21) and to remember Jesus' blessing: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mat. 5:10-12)
Pray that they will be bold for Christ and that I will do the same.
-Anna-
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The end is coming.
___
Tomorrow I will have 2 weeks left till I leave for home--crazy!
Then, when that happens, I will have 2.5 weeks till leave for Rwanda--even crazier.
I'm starting to get more excited about Africa as the time approaches, but also more overwhelmed, which I guess is to be expected.
I've been super busy with Africa work and internship work and trying to balance it all on top of just being a friend to the people I'm around everyday.
Anna and I have a secret goal of getting 100 interviews (or listening conversations) before we leave, and right now, it looks like we might, just might, reach that mark...we should have about 97 by the end of next week. But, that just leaves us one week to try and get 3 more, so we'll see...its attainable. I'm certain of it. Maybe Anna and I will just interview each other to get 2 more. :)
Our resource directory has been coming along. I've had several spontaneous field trips to different organizations this week to interview people and get a list of all the resources and services they offer so I can put all this information into the directory so that when Anna and I leave, the directory will be as complete as we could get it so that it is ready to be used to connect, engage, and mobilize. How's that for cliche. But for real, our boss really wants it complete with all the information we can gather so that he knows what's out there for him to use to connect people to what is already offered. Because my time here is winding down, I'm running out of people to call to set up interviews and have run out of things to enter into the asset base, so this lady, who knows everyone in Knoxville I'm convinced, takes me on these outings and we just stop by different ministries, she drops the name of the person we need to say to get in, and then we end up getting an impromptu tour of the facilities, an overview of their programs, an interview on the spot, and connections and networking to help for the future...getting the Alliance name and vision out to as many people who they should be connected to as possible. Its great to be out and about everyday, but I'm falling behind on my office work now because I'm getting all this information. I'm learning about how its sometimes so much more efficient to go out with someone who knows people and the right thing to say in person instead of calling and trying to get information over the phone as a summer intern because so often people won't give you the time of day, and I don't blame them. I wouldn't talk to me either. But, when you drop in, sometimes people are so willing to show you around and talk and I get all this great information. But, I'm kind of on information overload and have so much to enter into the database, but its a good thing. I thought my work would wind down towards the end, but its kind of picking up. Its going to fly by and then it will be over and I'm sure that there will be loose ends that I won't have tied up, but I know that what Anna and I have done this summer has been helpful. I wasn't sure about it for awhile, but now I'm beginning to see the bigger picture for this Alliance and have seen my place in it this summer and am thankful for what I have learned and for how I am growing. Its probably been the toughest 10 weeks of my life, but I know that God is working.
Some prayer requests:
-Rest: sometimes I work 15+ hour days...I'm going to bed really late and getting up really early, so I'm just really tired all the time.
-Perseverance. Some days I just want to quit, because I'm tired, frustrated, or just weary.
-God's love: for me to show God's love to all those around me, both near and far.
Emily
___
Tomorrow I will have 2 weeks left till I leave for home--crazy!
Then, when that happens, I will have 2.5 weeks till leave for Rwanda--even crazier.
I'm starting to get more excited about Africa as the time approaches, but also more overwhelmed, which I guess is to be expected.
I've been super busy with Africa work and internship work and trying to balance it all on top of just being a friend to the people I'm around everyday.
Anna and I have a secret goal of getting 100 interviews (or listening conversations) before we leave, and right now, it looks like we might, just might, reach that mark...we should have about 97 by the end of next week. But, that just leaves us one week to try and get 3 more, so we'll see...its attainable. I'm certain of it. Maybe Anna and I will just interview each other to get 2 more. :)
Our resource directory has been coming along. I've had several spontaneous field trips to different organizations this week to interview people and get a list of all the resources and services they offer so I can put all this information into the directory so that when Anna and I leave, the directory will be as complete as we could get it so that it is ready to be used to connect, engage, and mobilize. How's that for cliche. But for real, our boss really wants it complete with all the information we can gather so that he knows what's out there for him to use to connect people to what is already offered. Because my time here is winding down, I'm running out of people to call to set up interviews and have run out of things to enter into the asset base, so this lady, who knows everyone in Knoxville I'm convinced, takes me on these outings and we just stop by different ministries, she drops the name of the person we need to say to get in, and then we end up getting an impromptu tour of the facilities, an overview of their programs, an interview on the spot, and connections and networking to help for the future...getting the Alliance name and vision out to as many people who they should be connected to as possible. Its great to be out and about everyday, but I'm falling behind on my office work now because I'm getting all this information. I'm learning about how its sometimes so much more efficient to go out with someone who knows people and the right thing to say in person instead of calling and trying to get information over the phone as a summer intern because so often people won't give you the time of day, and I don't blame them. I wouldn't talk to me either. But, when you drop in, sometimes people are so willing to show you around and talk and I get all this great information. But, I'm kind of on information overload and have so much to enter into the database, but its a good thing. I thought my work would wind down towards the end, but its kind of picking up. Its going to fly by and then it will be over and I'm sure that there will be loose ends that I won't have tied up, but I know that what Anna and I have done this summer has been helpful. I wasn't sure about it for awhile, but now I'm beginning to see the bigger picture for this Alliance and have seen my place in it this summer and am thankful for what I have learned and for how I am growing. Its probably been the toughest 10 weeks of my life, but I know that God is working.
Some prayer requests:
-Rest: sometimes I work 15+ hour days...I'm going to bed really late and getting up really early, so I'm just really tired all the time.
-Perseverance. Some days I just want to quit, because I'm tired, frustrated, or just weary.
-God's love: for me to show God's love to all those around me, both near and far.
Emily
___
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hi-ho Hi-ho it's off to work we go (lots of whistling) Hi-ho Hi-ho Hi-ho Hi-ho
I have been one of the few lucky interns who actually get to see familiar people during their internship. This last weekend I was able to go to a family reunion in North Carolina. The Bacheldor family has gotten together for about 30 years now, once every three years. I've only been to one or two of these reunions before, the last one being six years ago. The highlights of my trip:
1. Seeing my sister, brother-in-law, 6 nephews, and 1 niece. I got to re-meet my second to youngest nephew for the 2nd time and meet my youngest 3 month old nephew for the first time. Those kids stole my heart. One of my favorite things in the world: to hear them call out for their "Aunt Anna".
2. Seeing my parents, brother, and cousins. My dad flew into Knoxville last Thursday. I enjoyed showing him around old Knoxville, Western Heights, and my workplace at FBC. We drove over to NC on Friday, leaving bright and early a little after 6am. I had a lot of fun driving the 8 1/2 hour drive over and back again with my dad. On the way back to Knoxville this last Tuesday, we had a surprise stop at a Revolutionary War historic park site. We ate at the provided picnic tables and watched a quick 15 minute video on why Camden, SC is historical.
There is both a positive and negative side to my going to the reunion
Positive: I got to see my family, which can be a rare occurrence. Seeing my sister and her family was a chance in a life time and I am so grateful I was able to meet my newest nephew while he was still young. It had also been a while since I'd seen my brother and parents, and it's always great to see them! The time will henceforth fly by and the internship will be done before I know it....and I'll get to see them again for a bit before going back to school.
Negative: At first last night and this morning, it was slightly difficult getting "back into the game" mentally. I hope I can start focusing again. I slipped into a meeting last night and found myself wondering what it was that I am supposed to be doing. At the reunion I let myself forget about internship work, so coming back was initially a bit hazy. I only have 3 1/2 weeks left of my internship before returning home. I am going to miss my host family - they have been so wonderful to me and I hope to visit them sometime this school year or at least once before I graduate. However, I haven't been home since March. It's something I am eagerly looking forward to while dreading at the same time. As much as I want to go home and see my family and friends, I don't know if I'm ready to see all the change that's been going on as I've been gone to college and/or if I'm ready to soften my heart to being home just to leave 2 weeks later.
Prayer requests: Please pray that I will stay eager towards Western Heights. God did provide me with a good day today. The FBC staff opened their arms to Emily and I and we were invited to go to two staff meetings, a root-beer float party, and a Missions staff/family party next week.
Pray that I will be passionate for God and that I will love my neighbor as myself and put others before my own selfish desires.
Pray that I can accept change and be open to it.
And please pray that I do not get sick or get anyone else sick. Yesterday and today it's sounded like my voice is going in and out. It could just be allergies or a pre/light-cold, but please pray that I'm not getting laryngitis.
Thanks to all!
~Anna B.~
1. Seeing my sister, brother-in-law, 6 nephews, and 1 niece. I got to re-meet my second to youngest nephew for the 2nd time and meet my youngest 3 month old nephew for the first time. Those kids stole my heart. One of my favorite things in the world: to hear them call out for their "Aunt Anna".
2. Seeing my parents, brother, and cousins. My dad flew into Knoxville last Thursday. I enjoyed showing him around old Knoxville, Western Heights, and my workplace at FBC. We drove over to NC on Friday, leaving bright and early a little after 6am. I had a lot of fun driving the 8 1/2 hour drive over and back again with my dad. On the way back to Knoxville this last Tuesday, we had a surprise stop at a Revolutionary War historic park site. We ate at the provided picnic tables and watched a quick 15 minute video on why Camden, SC is historical.
There is both a positive and negative side to my going to the reunion
Positive: I got to see my family, which can be a rare occurrence. Seeing my sister and her family was a chance in a life time and I am so grateful I was able to meet my newest nephew while he was still young. It had also been a while since I'd seen my brother and parents, and it's always great to see them! The time will henceforth fly by and the internship will be done before I know it....and I'll get to see them again for a bit before going back to school.
Negative: At first last night and this morning, it was slightly difficult getting "back into the game" mentally. I hope I can start focusing again. I slipped into a meeting last night and found myself wondering what it was that I am supposed to be doing. At the reunion I let myself forget about internship work, so coming back was initially a bit hazy. I only have 3 1/2 weeks left of my internship before returning home. I am going to miss my host family - they have been so wonderful to me and I hope to visit them sometime this school year or at least once before I graduate. However, I haven't been home since March. It's something I am eagerly looking forward to while dreading at the same time. As much as I want to go home and see my family and friends, I don't know if I'm ready to see all the change that's been going on as I've been gone to college and/or if I'm ready to soften my heart to being home just to leave 2 weeks later.
Prayer requests: Please pray that I will stay eager towards Western Heights. God did provide me with a good day today. The FBC staff opened their arms to Emily and I and we were invited to go to two staff meetings, a root-beer float party, and a Missions staff/family party next week.
Pray that I will be passionate for God and that I will love my neighbor as myself and put others before my own selfish desires.
Pray that I can accept change and be open to it.
And please pray that I do not get sick or get anyone else sick. Yesterday and today it's sounded like my voice is going in and out. It could just be allergies or a pre/light-cold, but please pray that I'm not getting laryngitis.
Thanks to all!
~Anna B.~
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