Those In Between Moments

Our time in Kenya is going by so quickly. We our team has spent a lot of time preaching, teaching, learning, and listening to the Word of God. That’s why we are here, to share the good news of our Lord Jesus. 

While we are here the daily needs of life continue. Some of the very special moments are the in between.  The unplanned events…

Walks to the river to get water. Each one carefully carrying their jug of water back home. 

Helping in the smoky kitchen as the ladies work hard to make everyone food. I will admit I think I’ve become a pretty good good chapati maker. 

Teaching the kids and youth how to play wiffle ball.

We were ready to go one day and the vehicle needed gas. So we got out and played with the kids. Sitting in a circle, bare toes pointed up to the sky singing, clapping, laughing. 

Getting our hair braided by the hotel housekeepers. As we visited with them about family, their childhoods, their work and Jesus.

These are just a few short examples of moments here in Kenya. 

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:1-5

The next few days we have plans in the city and the slums. Your prayers are much appreciated. 

There is always time for Fika

I learned about 3 words in Swedish, the most important one being Fika. Amanda shared this discription with me and I think it’s perfect.

It’s the perfect word for my trip to Scandinavia. A refreshing pause between 2 destinations. Last night we spent the evening visiting and singing. So encouraging and refreshing to me, because now I’m off to a different continent:  Africa here I come! I thank the Lord for this blessed little time of rest and I feel ready for this next adventure (or whatever you may call it.) I promise to share more of Scandinavia later, I had some amazing hosts and loved catching up with friends and making new ones (most of my good photos are on my camera). But for now I request your prayers as our team makes our way from several countries and states to serve in Africa.

“For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

-Julie Ann

Sisu- Finnish Adventures

Just a quick update. I spent my last week in Finland. Since its my heritage I have always heard much about Finland and the people of Finland growing up. Saunas, Mukkara, sisu..its all part of the culture haha. Over time I have met so many Finns and always been invited to visit, so it was nice to finally make a trip.

Never have I been to another country with so many familiar faces/looks. Friends and family have told me that everyone is so welcoming and of course you will never go hungry, I have found this all to be true.
Monday was a special day. I stayed with Terese, she is a teacher and had invited me to come share with her class about life as a missionary, the love of Jesus and my travels.
It was so much fun. The 5th and 6th grade students were excited to learn. They helped me to point out countries on the globe, were fascinated by the photos and asked excellent questions. Questions like, “what is the craziest thing you have done” and “what is your saddest experience” were among them.
I also enjoyed getting to know the staff they have a love for the students and want to teach them well. We helped the 1st graders with needlework, got to peak in on woodworking and sewing. In art the kids painted leaves with frost on them.
I have heard Finland as some of the best schools with good mix of fun (walks through the forest) and academics. It seemed to be true. Of course this is just one school in the system but what a wonderful place it was.
The rest of the week was filled with food, fellowship and friends.
I told Terese to let her students know that I have changed my answer to what is the craziest thing I have done. Now I must say it was going into the lake when the air was -1.5°c, then to the sauna, back to the lake, then sauna, then lake. Now that is crazy, but I did it. I guess that means I’m true Finn 😉 Now I spend a few days in Sweden and next stop Africa 🙂

Fall Photo Sessions

Hello everyone,

Just a quick update. I have been in the US for the summer and am currently making plans to go overseas again soon. I’m looking forward to traveling to Finland and Sweden on my way to Kenya. As many of you know, photography is one way I help to support myself as I work with The Foreign Mission.

I just wanted to update and let you all know when/where I am available for photo sessions.

New Hampshire: September 1-September 23rd & November 14th- December 20th

Washington: September 25th-October 15th

Schedule quickly as my availability will be limited and the Summer/Fall weather is slipping away fast.

Details: Family, Senior, Newborn, Sisters Shoot, Engagement, Anniversary…

Price: $45.00 

The photo session includes: 40-80 edited photos given to you on a flash drive + an online album to view and share. Contact me for more details.

Are you getting married in the next year? I am also available for weddings and I am happy and willing to travel to pretty much anywhere. Contact me. We can talk details and check availability.

I am not professional, I just enjoy giving you good quality photos at a reasonable price and try to make your session as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Here are some examples of my work.

 

 

Contact: 360.609.1445 or email authenticbeautydesigns@gmail.com

The Best Cup of Coffee

Heres some thoughts from a trip to The Philippines in April.

The van went only as far up the winding road as it could, then there was a little dirt bike brigade waiting for us. Many of them with wood racks on the side. We had noticed several coming down using these racks hauling timber. There were 19 of us and about 6 or 7 dirt bikes and a few extra village people + some bags of rice. If you do the math, that doesn’t seem feasible, but this is the Philippines.

We got onto a bike. Pastor Bert and a large sack of rice on the side of one. A young girl whom I recognized from being at the youth event (she was so happy to know we were going to their village the next day) and Pastor Bernie on the opposite side. I was on the back of the motorbike.

The road/trail was bumpy, winding and the views  amazing as we wound our way up the mountain and into what seemed to be more of a jungle area. The youth girl leaned on me for balance, then she clung unto my hand and smiled big at me as her long hair covered her face and blew in the wind. I noticed the drivers feet were on the ground in several areas to keep us in balance on the rocky ground.

At the end was a valley, a little homes and lush green areas surrounded by mountains. The small street led us to a gate. There was a wood two story home next to a church.

Inside we met “The blind guitar player”, an old friend of Randy and Brain. Randy gave him his guitar and he played some songs while a young woman sang along.

We were invited into the kitchen, a pot boiled on an open fire. The smoke from the fire went out the cracks in the wood, as the sun shone rays across the kitchen.

I picked up a small mug with a heart shape on it and sat down. My cup was filled with water and instant coffee added someone had saved creamers stored from a previous meal in town. I fully enjoyed my coffee with a roll that had been bought from the bakery in town. It was just instant coffee and but it was delicious.

As I was soaking in the beautiful moment I was startled back to reality. Apparently too many people were in this little kitchen and the floor gave out from Brian and Randy causing everyone to jump. This home was very old, and the wood was in much need of replacing, they began discussing how to brace it from underneath.

This was a special day and memory for me. Perhaps because it reminded me of my grandma Doris’ kitchen when I was young, the same pleasant feeling. And the small woman at the stove, she is the blind mans wife. I felt so blessed to get to visit there, to be invited into her little kitchen; the others went out and I remained. Seated, watching as she poured a few more cups, stepping up on a little platform to reach the stove.

It was one of the best tasting cup of coffee I have ever had, maybe because it was made with a whole lot of love for a stranger.

Everyone gathered in the church to worship, Brinna and I had little lesson with the kids in the home, then joined the others for the service. Many in the village joining us and we had lunch with them after before balancing our way back down the winding path.

I helped the girls wash the lunch dishes here at the “sink”

GivethLyn

As I have traveled through the years I have met so many people, and certain people really stick in my memory and my heart. Givethlyn is one of those. I met her 5 years ago in The Philippines. I was hoping to see her next week when I go, however she is now in heaven and someday I will see her there.

Five years ago, Givethlyn was a very small, especially quiet little girl and for most of the trip we did not know this was mostly  because she was sick. Her father Pastor Bert spent much time with us along with his wife and Givethlyn. The day before we left they were very worried and had brought her to the hospital. We went there and prayed with her, with the family and I remember singing Jesus Loves Me. After we arrived home we learned that she had Leukemia. We all rejoiced when over time with much prayers and support the Lord healed Givethlyn.

Recently we had received word that Givethlyn’s Leukemia had returned, and just a few days later we were told this time God chose to take her home.

Please pray for Givethlyn’s dear family that God would give them peace and comfort. Please pray for the team of us as we go to The Philippines that we can above all share The Gospel message and that hearts will receive it. Please pray that we can be an encouragement for Givethlyn’s family and all those who love her. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1

These photos are from my trip in 2011:

 

 

Animal Balloons and Laughter

When I travel I attempt to count Joys in my journal. Special moments in the midst of the day. Last week we returned from India. Here’s a taste of the Joys I wrote in my Journal along the way.

• Color; clothing, vehicles, flowers its everywhere.
• Animal balloons and laughter.
• Medicine to help the sick.
• People listening from the doorways, rooftops and scattered about as The Word is preached and broadcast through the village.
• Music and singing with passion.
• Butterflies fluttering about.
• Ruth and her servants heart.
• Devotions on the rooftop.
• Clothes being washed near the well.
• Walks on the dusty streets, spinning and laughter with the village children.
• Ice Cream for Everyone (200+ people)
• Psalm 42 read in Telugu by on of the children.
• That woman with the huge smile.
• Understanding when feeling overwhelmed.
• Children in uniform with little backpacks on a cool, hazy morning.
• Messages about The Living Water.
• A team that can laugh, learn and share together.
• Crowds that disappear into the darkness at the night street services.
• Quite time, rest.
• Sunday school lessons of David and Goliath.
• Long walk up a mountain side to the tribal area, and hearing the singing from a long ways down the road.

Just to list a few 🙂

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Krismasi Njema, Ni ti Burunya Chou, Christmas Subhakankshalu, UKhisimusi omuhle, Feliz Navidad! 

I hope this time of year each of you are filled with the peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ. I pray that in the busyness of family, gift giving, caroling, baking and shopping you are able to  rest and reflect on the birth of our Savior.

When I look back on 2015,  and try to write about the experiences, I’m always worried that maybe I won’t be able to explain it all or somehow won’t tell it just right .  Although I would love to explain it all, that’s impossible. As I wrote in my blog back in March “most moments and days must just be LIVED. Not so that they can be posted online for others to like. Or so that the person at home can ‘experience’ it. But because this is life and it’s worth living. Memories are worth making. People are worth loving. Strangers are worth knowing. Places are worth seeing. God’s love is worth sharing. And along the way we live. If during this, I capture photos or have stories to share that’s great. But this is not the reason for the journey. This is not the reason I travel. What is? To know HIM and to make Him Known. Jesus my life, my breath my All.”  With that in mind, here I’ll do my best to update you all and answer the “usual” questions.

Where do I live? 

When I am not traveling I live in New Ipswich NH with John and Colleen. They have been so generous and I am so very thankful! My sister Christy lives really close and I am so blessed to have my grandparents just around the corner.

What do I do when I’m overseas? 

Since the main focus of The Foreign Mission is to preach the Gospel, the speakers and pastors who go on a trip spend much of their time preaching, training pastors and seminars. Youth often like to join the trip, and as the Foreign Mission youth leader, I help to coordinate and work with them on the trip doing various things like Sunday School, teaching local youth, Woman’s bible studies, medical camps, playing with kids, and filling in however needed. Sharing the Gospel, the message of the Lord Jesus Christ in a variety of ways and loving people wherever we go is always central. We also spend time praying for those preaching and teaching and attend services.

What do I do when I’m not traveling? 

I work about 30-40 hours a week in The Foreign Mission office. I help with various administrative things, updating materials, newsletters, updates, email, communication, ect. In addition I work on my photo board business (Thanks to Christy & Konrad I have a lovely large work space in their basement!) and I do as much photography as possible. This year has been fun with weddings in Florida and Washington  along with family, baby and senior sessions. I also spend time with my NH family and friends, try to be involved with the church, bible study and girls group as much as possible. I enjoyed hiking and getting to know my new area.

How do I get financial support? 

God has provided this year in so many ways! I do receive a $200 monthly income from the Foreign Mission, this covers my health and car insurance. While in my spare time (which is not so often) I work on my photo boards, selling a few online every now and then. I also do photography as often as possible. This year I was asked to go back and work at Waterways for a couple weeks which was also very helpful. I am learning to live on little and prioritize. Many of you have been so generous in many ways along the way,THANK YOU! May God bless you for your generosity.  I was blessed beyond imagination after my phone was stolen, I was able to replace my phone and get a much needed laptop. Thanks for taking a bad situation and turning it around. God is so good at that!

Where have I been? 

January/Feb: The year started off by moving to NH. I left 1 week later for 2 weeks in South Africa, spending a lot of time with the youth of the area in Bible Studies and walking the dusty streets  with them doing local evangelism.

We flew from there (via Dubai where we had a 24 hour layover, we had intentions of touring but just saw a little of the city as we were mostly exhausted and just used the time for much needed rest).

Then we went to India where we met up with a large team. In India we did many medical camps (each ending with a service for the people), there was a lot playing with kids of the ALC children home and some of the local children. We acted out Noah’s ark and explained what a great God we serve who we can Trust and He always keeps His promises. We “helped” the Children with homework, assisted in washing clothes and worked with the ladies preparing the food.

After being home for about a month, I then went to West Africa. Serving in Ghana and Togo with Sofia Tupeli. She recently had graduated as a Medial Doctor in Finland and wanted to volunteer with the foreign mission. I was a medical assistant checking blood pressures, blood sugars and praying for people. This was a very special and challenging trip. I was there for about 6 weeks.

I went for a week in May to Guatemala with the Ashburnham Confirmation class. It was wonderful to work with them and see the youth and some of the parents travel for the first time. It was special for me to get to know more of my fellow New Hampshire-ites a little better.

Oct/Nov I was in South Africa for a few days and then Kenya. This was my 2nd time to each of these countries, it was wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones. In South Africa much of our time was spent with the youth and the family we stayed with. The youth (ages 8-16) were so full of questions like “why did God save us if he knew we were bad?” this was encouraging to see their faith challenged/growing.

Kenya was full of rain, mud and thunderstorms. Several times the services stopped because the rain was too loud on the tin roof to continue. It was however a great time. We spent time with the children sharing bible stories and talking about Jesus. We walked the muddy streets visiting, singing and encouraging people along the way. We stayed with them in their villages and experienced their everyday life, some with no plumbing or electricity, many working hard just to cook each meal over the open fire.

How do I do this? 

It’s not me, it is Christ in me.

• “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil 4:13
• “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
• “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

Random Facts: (maybe more like random opinions) 

•Those who have little seem to be some of the happiest.

•I have sweated more in the last year than I have in my entire life combined (think 90’s + humidity)

•My feet have experienced more blisters, dust, dirt and mud than my entire life combined.

•My hair is most often in a bun with a headband.

•I have eaten all kinds of delicious and not so delicious food. Ugali (a favorite in Kenya) Ostrich, eggs, rice, escargot to name a few.

•Plumbing is the worlds best invention. ever.

•I can go without electricity, and sometimes its much better than an old sound system squealing and static during a church service. (Supper by candle light is lovely.)

•I have heard some of the most beautiful singing ever in some of the Churches, and schools I’ve visited and I’m pretty sure it’s a little how heaven will sound.

•The best path is never the easiest, however the best is the most peaceful!

•One of the hardest things about traveling so much is the more people you meet, the more people you say goodbye to. The more people you miss….

•There have been “Oh Lord, how did I get here” moments in hard times and “Oh Lord how did I get here” happy moments in special times.

•Playing favorites isn’t good, but I do have a few little favorites I have met around the world. Kids that touched my heart so deeply and I wish I could pack up and take home with me.

•I got to pet baby elephants and hold an alligator within a weeks time.

•Emirates is the worlds best airline.

•       “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting in spite of it”  Mark Twain

What is next? 

This was a 1 year commitment, After much prayer I have decided to stay with the Foreign Mission in the next coming year. Currently I am home in Washington for Christmas. Our Team will be leaving January 19th to India, please pray for us as we prepare and go.

THANK YOU for your prayers and please keep them up!  I pray that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year of 2016.

with Love,

Julie Ann

Logan & Renee – August 14, 2015

I haven’t updated my blog lately. This summer has been a busy one of working in the US with the Foreign Mission, a few trips back to Washington, photo boards, photography, youth camp and some summer fun. Here is a lovely wedding I photographed while in WA. Congratulations Logan and Renee God bless you.

O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,
Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy throne,
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
Whom Thou forevermore dost join in one.

        

       

Because This Is Life

A glimpse of life the past few weeks. Since pictures are worth 1000 words… 

   What’s next? Well next week I go HOME to Washington for 2 weeks.