Esther's Amazing Race

Swinging a New Direction...

2009-03-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

Enjoying a warmer winter day with my friend, Sherry

After years of praying and training and trusting the Lord to direct my steps, as of February 16, I am an official member of New Tribes Mission!

Perhaps I should back up just a tad… Things have changed a lot for me since returning to the NTM training center in Missouri. As you all know, I came back to study linguistics. After a couple of weeks, I was really struggling, and it became clear that I don't have a high aptitude for linguistics. After praying and seeking counsel, I withdrew from the program.

So what's next? In talking with the staff here, they asked me to consider serving as the director's administrative assistant. After more prayer and counsel :), I decided to become a member of New Tribes Mission and commit to serving here at the training center through May. I am praying about the future--whether God would have me serve here long term or if He has something else.

I am taking a short trip to California this month. And, Lord willing, I will return there in the summer and do some traveling--sharing what the Lord is doing in me and through NTM. I look forward to seeing many of you then!!

January 2009

2009-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe the date is now 2009! It seems like just yesterday I was graduating high school and agonizing over which college to attend. That was 9 years ago! I’m starting to feel old. :) It’s pretty crazy to look back over the last 9 years and see what has transpired in my life; it’s not the road I would have imagined, but then God is the one directing my steps regardless of the plans I make (Proverbs 16:9).

My road is taking another turn that I didn’t plan when I began my training with New Tribes Mission. I officially graduated from the MTC (Missionary Training Center) on December 19th; however, I am headed back to Missouri in a couple of days after spending Christmas break here at my parents’ house in Texas. This last semester I became more interested in further study in linguistics; the MTC offers a course which includes roughly 5 months of study in Missouri and then a 7 week practicum in Oklahoma. There are limited spaces, and although the program was full in August, the Lord opened up a spot for me in November. After praying and seeking counsel, I decided to take the spot. So the plan is to be in Missouri until May and then, Lord willing, spend the summer in Atascadero, CA. Towards the end of August, I will head to Oklahoma for the 7 week Cherokee practicum, which puts me finishing the training some time in October.

What will the next step be after that? I am asking myself the same question. :) Will you continue to pray with me for direction for the future? I am open to whatever the Lord might have—whether it’s a “support” ministry or a tribal church planting ministry. I would truly appreciate your prayers for patience, wisdom and steadfast faith as I continue to seek the Lord and His will for my life.

I trust this finds you all looking forward to what God wants to do in and through you in the coming year! In a time when many things seem uncertain, it’s a comfort to know that God is in control, and we can trust Him—regardless of the circumstances.

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

Colossians 1:9-12

Summer 2008

2008-07-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a short update on what's been going on with me this summer. I arrived here in Atascadero, California, in time for my church's annual service in the park. It was crazy running around and saying hello to everyone after being gone for one year—crazy but FUN! My dad was with me, and my brother and his girlfriend came down from the Bay Area; it was great spending time with family. We all missed my mom, though!

I have spent the last month and a half working and catching up with LOTS of people. I told someone the other day that all I've done since I arrived is EAT and TALK. There are worse things! I have really enjoyed reconnecting with everyone. I've enjoyed it so much the time has flown by… I can't believe it's already mid July.

God was faithful to provide a job for me. I've been working for a company called SevnOne; it's owned by a couple of guys from my church (Atascadero Bible Church). These guys have a heart to reach youth through extreme sports and the arts, and this year they started a camp to do just that. They needed someone to take care of last-minute details and purchases, and I needed a job, so we're all happy!

I know I have mentioned my trip to the Czech Republic. I can't believe it's just around the corner! There are eight of us on the team; we will partner with a Czech church to run a week-long English camp. You will probably remember I took a similar trip two years ago, and I'm excited to return and reconnect with some of my students and (of course) meet new people. We return August 5th, and shortly after I will head back to Missouri for my final semester at the Missionary Training Center.

I would love it if you would join our team in prayer for the next two weeks in the Czech Republic; here are some specifics:

**Pray for safe travels.

**Pray we would display the love of Christ in our interactions with each other and with the Czechs.

**Pray God would open the hearts of the Czech people to the message of Christ and His gospel.

I'll post an update (and pictures, of course) when we get back! :)

Time Flies!

2008-05-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I've really completed two semesters at the Missionary Training Center (MTC)! It seems like just yesterday I was packing up and leaving California. I recall the difficulties of adjusting to a new place yet again--wondering if ROACH, Missouri, could ever feel like home. :) I am pleased to say that it was hard to leave the MTC; our semester ended one week ago, and looking back, God granted me some special friendships and taught me a great deal about myself and who I am because of Him. Of course, that comes with a growing awareness of who I am apart from Him... and it's not pretty. It just makes me all the more grateful for His love, patience and faithfulness!

I am currently at my parents' house in El Paso, Texas. My plan is to arrive in California late next week; I will spend the summer there--working (Lord willing!) and enjoying time at my church in Atascadero. If God wills, I will be joining a team from my church on a trip to the Czech Republic towards the end of July. You all may remember I was part of a team that went to Czech during the summer of 2006, and I am excited about returning and being part of an English camp once again!

I plan to return to Missouri in the fall for my final semester at the MTC. Lord willing, I will complete the training with New Tribes Mission by December of this year, and we'll see where God takes me from there! :)

Scroll down for LOTS of pictures! :)

Snapshots of Spring

2008-05-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

More Pics - Spring '08

2008-05-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

I have plenty of room; come and visit me! Ha, ha... Just kidding!

Sarah and I did work detail together...

Enjoying some time on a boat with friends (Renae here)...

Melanie

The lake...

Renae and Kevin

Dress up with Renae :)

Learning about the sounds that make up languages in Phonetics class

Getting into the Missouri culture :)

In our Health and Wellness class, I learned to take blood pressure and give a shot!

Raul and Melanie Salaverria - teachers from my MK school in Mexico

An outing to Springfield--shopping and Olive Garden! :)

Surprise birthday party for Mel

Some guys in our class built a very impressive cabin in the woods!

Renae and me at the "jungle camp" cabin

Spring 2008

2008-03-27T13:56:00.001-07:00

Jim and Connie Turek... a staff couple who have really blessed me this semester.

Good friends - Micah and Kristy Goulart (with adorable little Sofia!)

Valdecio and Suzy Da Silva (staff)... I enjoy watching American Idol with them! :)

With my friend, Sherry... That was one stubborn lid on those artichokes!

God has blessed me with getting to know Melanie this semester; I so enjoy her friendship...

With Renae at her graduation; she's now working in the child care dept., so I haven't lost her yet!

Rebekah, Melanie and Candace

Beth and Melanie

Our worship band

Mel and I take band practice very seriously! :)

Grammar - Sorry this picture isn't very clear, but at least it gives you an idea of what I'm doing!

Grammar homework - Analyzing languages and then charting... and charting... AHHH!!!

Yes, that is me soldering! Tech Tips taught us about living in a remote location--solar panels, wiring, water filtration, etc. I understood a few things along the way. :)

My poor lab partner, Valerie

Helping with "Jesus Loves Me" at "Rowdy Worship Night at New Tribes" :)

Thoughts...

2008-03-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while... This semester has been busy! I'm learning more about languages (in Phonetics and Grammar classes), which has been challenging... and fun... sometimes. :) I continue to meet with Lisa; I pray that she will be drawn closer to our Father through our time together. Switching gears... I enjoyed housesitting for a staff friend for almost two months. Now--that may not seem like a big deal, but remember... That means a shower and a washer/dryer INSIDE! :) Thank you, Lord, for little blessings!

I am giving a 10 minute "speech" tomorrow, and I thought I would just post it here... It's a little rough, but it will give you some idea of what God has been showing me these past months. I know it's kinda long, so if words aren't your bag, scroll up for some pictures. :)

Good morning. Thank you for allowing me to share with you. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Esther Irwin, and I am training to be a missionary with New Tribes Mission. I have spent the last 10 months or so in Missouri, taking all kinds of classes—some spiritual in nature and others more hands on (like Tech Tips where I learned about soldering and solar panels and wiring). For those of you that know me well, you know that was a real stretch! But God is good, and He is always faithful to teach me things that I wouldn’t choose to learn on my own.

It’s hard to look at all I’ve learned and choose something to share with you all. Sometimes I feel that the busyness of classes and life in Missouri distracts me from what is most important—and that is cultivating my personal relationship with God. I get caught up with classes and the work program and local outreach and maintaining friendships… On and on it goes. And I find myself losing focus—even losing motivation at times.

I was really challenged in one of our chapels when our speaker talked about having an undivided heart. I was reminded (yet again!) that the reason I get off track and discouraged is because the affections of my heart are being pulled in a million directions. This morning I want to talk about fixing my affection on Christ and the truths of His Word.

In one of our classes, we were given this list of questions; they were called “x-ray” questions because answering them honestly gives a pretty accurate reflection of your heart. I just want to read them for you.

i) What am I preoccupied with?
ii) What is the first thing on my mind in the morning and the last thing on my mind at night?
iii) How would I complete this statement: "If only _____________, then I would be happy, fulfilled, and secure"?
iv) What do I want to preserve or avoid?
v) Where do I put my trust?
vi) What do I fear?
vii) When a certain desire is not met, do I feel frustration, anxiety, resentment, bitterness, anger, or depression?
viii) Is there something I desire so much that I am willing to disappoint or hurt others in order to have it?

Those are some pretty scary questions in my opinion. And answering them showed me how misguided my affections are. Do I truly desire to know God and obey Him above all else? Or am I being driven by other things—pleasing my friends, being entertained, checking off my “To Do” list?

When I think about an undivided heart, the first person that comes to mind is the apostle Paul. I have been studying Philippians this last semester, and it has been so challenging. Throughout the book, Paul’s desire to know Christ above all else is so evident. In chapter one, he says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” In chapter three, he says, “But whatever was to my profit I consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” He goes on in chapter three to talk about life as if it were a race for a prize. He uses words like “straining” and “pressing on”; he wanted to run with urgency and with a clear purpose out in front—to know Christ and to be obedient to His instructions.

I like the word picture that Paul uses—that of a runner. I try to put myself in that position; I’m running in a race—not one of those in a stadium where you go around and around… but more of a cross-country race, maybe like a triathlon. I can’t see the finish line. I find myself in difficult circumstances; maybe the swimming or the biking isn’t my strong suit. I’m thirsty and exhausted, and at times I feel like quitting. I can’t see the path to the end, and I can’t imagine how I will make it… What am I going to do? Give up? Or will I keep going—one step at a time, remembering my training and focusing on what I know to be true? That perseverance and discipline will draw me closer and closer to the prize at the finish line?

I want to pause for a second and talk a little bit about those difficult circumstances and how they can affect me. Probably one of the most trying things for me this past year has been trusting God to show me what direction I should go in the future. I don’t have a really clear picture yet of how God wants to use me to reach tribal people with the gospel. I know that I want to be involved in the task, but the HOW eludes me… I think God is trying to show me that I need to simply trust Him day by day. I need to focus on one thing: knowing Him and abiding in His Word. As I walk with Him, He will be faithful to guide me in His timing.

Resting and not being anxious is a real struggle for me. Again, going back to Philippians, chapter four says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

One thing that struck me about these verses is that they say the PEACE of God will GUARD your HEARTS and MINDS. I know it’s kind of funny, but I really started getting this image of a Roman centurion (holding a spear, of course) standing outside my heart and mind—only allowing that which is true and right to enter and fighting off all the rest.

Chapter four goes on to tell us to think about that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, etc. And Paul tells us, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

There’s that PEACE thing again. I can’t help but notice that PEACE is directly tied in to what we dwell on and what we do. When we dwell on truth and reject lies, and when we put into practice that which God has commanded, we will experience peace—the peace of walking in fellowship with our Father.

I am so grateful for who God is; His character doesn’t change. In the midst of my struggles and my discouragements, He is constant. He is good, loving, faithful, patient… It is my prayer that I will be steadfastly fixed to those truths—no matter what circumstances I find myself in. And that, like Paul, I will run the race with an undivided heart—running to know Christ, but not JUST to know Him—also to be a “doer” of His Word.

Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”

Christmas 2007 - El Paso, TX

2008-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

My baby, Alaska :)

The fam

Mom (left) and her friend, Mary

Proof that men DO work in the kitchen occasionally... :)

Colombian breakfast!

My bro, Art

We went to the Sun Bowl--where Oregon destroyed USF...

Can't ya see I'm tryin' to work here? ;)

Dad and Alaska are buds while I'm away...

Pictures - MTC 2007

2008-01-10T14:54:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving in Michigan (Butch and Pat Bennett--left; Valerie; Aimee)

The 12 hour ride home - Mandz and Aimee

Butch and Pat - I love these guys!

Renae and me :)

Our beautiful campus

Ha Ha Tonka Park (about 10 minutes away)

View of Lake of the Ozarks from Ha Ha Tonka

My bedroom

Our living room

My work detail partner, Sarah (left) and my roommate, Renae (right)

Renae is wonderful and carries my computer when my back is bugging me. :)

Check out my most recent newsletter!

2008-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

“Sasa, sasa, sasa…” Does that mean anything to you? :) I won’t blame you if it doesn’t! I only came to understand its meaning a few months ago. If you were to walk by the classrooms at the Missionary Training Center, you would hear groups of students chanting “sasa” and similar “words” with varied stress and pitch on each syllable. What is this? It is a class called Phonetics, which is (simply put) the study of physical sounds found in human speech.

Perhaps I should back up and fill in the gaps for those who may have lost track of me in all my travels. :) Most of you probably know that I spent the last two years (August 2005 to 2007) living in Atascadero, California, where I had the joy of not only working at Atascadero Bible Church but forming many special friendships with the people there. However, my desire to continue my missions training led me to apply to New Tribes Mission’s training center (known as the Missionary Training Center or MTC) in Roach, Missouri. Yes, I did say ROACH, and you will be relieved to know that the town is named after the original postmaster—NOT those creepy-crawly insects you are picturing!

In August 2007 (last year already!), my mom and I embarked on another one of our famous road trips. She flew out to California and helped me pack, and then we drove to El Paso, Texas, where I spent a little over one week with my parents. Then Mom and I packed ourselves and an unbelievable amount of stuff in my ’99 Buick (provided by God through a wonderful friend in California) and drove to Missouri. It was as simple as that—no crazy breakdowns this time! Thank you, Lord!

I have spent the past months living on a beautiful campus on the Lake of the Ozarks. I have had the joy of sharing my small apartment with a friend I grew up with in Colombia; Renae and I have known each other for about 17 years now! We have been through many things over the years, and now we have new shared experiences, including walking to the “Wash House” to take a shower and do laundry, which gets a little messy if it’s raining or snowing! :)

What does life look like at the MTC? I attend classes in the mornings; here are a few of the classes we had last semester: Animism, Teamwork, Philosophy of Biblical Foundations, Cross-Cultural Communication, Biblical Foundations, New Testament Church, Phonetics and Teaching Skills. In the afternoons, I am involved in the on-campus work program; I work in the office of a prayer ministry that supports New Tribes missionaries worldwide. In addition, I am part of a team that works with a local ministry called Woman to Woman. I am mentoring a lady named Lisa; she is married with two children and is endeavoring to find a job after experiencing some difficulties in life. God has also blessed me with the opportunity to continue singing! We have a worship team that plays for chapels, and I have really enjoyed being a part of it.

I would love it if you would join me in prayer as I go through this training! Here are a few specifics:

Pray I would purpose to know God FIRST—above classes and work and the busyness of life.

Pray I would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in my interactions with people.

Pray I would be sensitive to God’s ultimate leading – where He would have me minister long term – and for peace, patience and contentment in the waiting stage.

Pray for Lisa—that she would be drawn to Christ through our friendship.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

“…a person is incapable of living out the kind of life that God requires of him, but… God is capable of living out that life in a person who yields to His Spirit.” James Montgomery Boice

Field Fair, etc.

2007-09-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

I guess it's about time I updated this thing, huh? I am determined to get better at this blogging thing! Unfortunately, I have no new pictures to post at this point, so ya'll will have to be satisfied with the words flowing from my pen... er... keyboard.

I am settling into a routine here in the great state of Missouri--classes, work detail, P.D. (discipleship), etc... Oh! And, most exciting of all, there are the trips to Wal-Mart. It is almost 100% guaranteed that you will see a "New Triber" while at Wal-Mart; we are everywhere! The community here just can't get rid of us.

I joined the worship team on campus, which has been fun. We have chapel every Monday and Friday, and we do 3-4 songs to start it off. The team is great, and I love to sing (no matter what), but I definitely miss my team at ABC! It was such a joy to be led by Bryan Baldwin; he is immensely talented and truly humble of heart.

I have been church "shopping" since I got here. It's such a cultural change after being in California--and at ABC, specifically. I know I won't find a church that measures up in my mind and heart, but you all could pray that I find a place that is a good fit. And pray that I would keep an attitude of giving and serving... not of... "What can I get out of this?"

Thursday and Friday we had "Field Fair." Representatives from many different countries were here to present the needs of their fields. One of the biggest questions facing all the students is where to serve; it's certainly bouncing around my head all the time. Every day, I pray God would show me the gifts I have and where He wants to use them. PLEASE join me and PRAY for clarity and direction...

Friday night we had a bit of a reunion; a staff family that used to serve at Bible school invited all the Jackson alumni over to their house. We knew there were a lot of us, but it was crazy to see really how many when we were all together! There were a few students I didn't know (those who started in 2005 after I left), but the vast majority came through Jackson when I was there. It was a fun time of re-connecting... and of drinking coffee and eating chocolate. :)

All for now...

Camdenton, Missouri (okay, Roach...)

2007-08-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Julia Pfeiffer Burns National Park, CA

Good friend - Matt Knorr

More friends - Hannah, Aaron and Matt

Joint good-bye party at church (with the Children's Ministry Pastor)

Scott Bermingham (tech director @ church / friend) and me

Good-bye BBQ: Girls from Bible Study--Amy V., Bethanie, and Amy D.

Wonderful friends (who did the BBQ for me): Mike and Nan Madding

With Dad on my 25th birthday (El Paso, TX)

My apartment building on the left (MTC--Missionary Training Center--Missouri)

Where I take a shower and do laundry--lots of fun!

View of Lake of the Ozarks (on campus)

The lake...

My apartment (312--door on the left)

So, I'm still in denial about the name here... I can't really call it a city or a town; it's Roach, but the nearby town is Camdenton, and that just sounds so much better. :)

Let me back up... I left Atascadero at the beginning of August; my mom and I drove to El Paso, TX, where my parents live. I spent a little over one week there, during which time I celebrated my 25th birthday. Hard to believe--a quarter of a century! Okay, maybe it's not that big of a milestone, but there's something about 25 that feels significant.

Mom and I drove out here to Missouri and arrived exactly one week ago. I have actually lived on this campus before, but I guess I had forgotten the reality of tiny apartments, heat and humidity, dirt roads, and walking to the "Wash House" to take a shower and do laundry. It was a bit of a shock, and I am still trying to adjust. We had pretty heavy rain for a few days, and that created MUCK, as they call it here. Lugging my computer back and forth to class in pouring rain on a dirt road is definitely a stretch for the old attitude. :)

I had two days of orientation, and then today was our first day of classes. My schedule is basically this: 8 AM to 12 PM--Class; 2:30 to 5 PM (Mon.-Wed.)--Work Detail. In addition, I have a one-hour discipleship session once a week, and we're all encouraged to get involved in a local church and a local outreach.

I can't say that the transition is easy. I struggle with new places and new people. I really miss Atascadero--especially the church and everyone I came to love there. I know it will take some time to settle in here, and I would appreciate your prayers as I endeavor to persevere.

Melancholia: Pensive reflection or contemplation (from Late Latin)

2007-06-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

It seems strange that I'm leaving Atascadero in a little less than 2 months. Being here for the last 2 years has been... a growing experience. I had a really hard time adjusting to living here, and breaking in to a church of 1500 people is no small thing, especially for a person with my personality.

I remember getting to church on Sundays and wanting to turn around and run back to my car; I felt so alone, and the crowd of people was so intimidating (and I was even working part time in the church office). I still don't enjoy huge crowds; I don't think I ever will... It's not how I'm made up. But I can see such a difference now; I walk in to an event at church and I know 60 to 70% of the people. I eventually started working in the office full time, and I can see how God provided that job as a way for me to get to know more people and feel a part of it all.

As the time to leave approaches, I think about the details--packing, moving, etc. I'm having car issues and need to make decisions, which I vowed I would never do again... Hmmm, it seems that decision making is one of life's plagues.

But above the details and the decisions, I think most about the people I will be leaving. Another of life's cruelties is that you are always saying good-bye to those you have come to care about. I have been blessed to meet and love many people in my life, but I hate that they are scattered around the globe, and some I may never see again. I wish for a utopia where I could live surrounded by all those I love.

Here are a few of the people who have touched my life here in Atascadero:

Amy Douglas... She hosts our girls' Bible study; she also went with us to the Czech Republic.

Kathryn Morgan... She would MURDER me if she knew I was posting this picture. This is the wonderful lady who has allowed me to share her home for the last 9 months. I can get away with posting this because she doesn't have a computer--never has and never will!

Matt Knorr... This is a picture from when we were dating; now we are good friends, which is rather unusual in this world. We are grateful to still have our friendship.

Girls from my Bible study (l to r): Kerrin, Amy V., Mary (I'm in the back)

Kellie Wenzel... I lived at her house the first year I was here; we work together in the church office; she was also on the Czech team.

Sarah, Hannah, and Terri; Sarah and Hannah and their husbands are planning on doing missions. Sarah and Abel just got back from Tanzania, Africa. Hannah and Aaron aren't sure where they're going yet. Terri is Matt's mom and has been incredibly loving and accepting; she gives great hugs!

This picture epitomizes Hannah; she is full of life and full of joy. She and I have a special connection because she is an MK from PNG; I was so surprised when I met her at my chiropractor's office. I asked her where she was from, and she said, "Papua New Guinea." I said, "PNG?" She was shocked that I knew what she was talking about. We've been very good friends ever since; that MK connection is something you just can't explain.

Mexico Slide Show

2007-05-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

So I know I said I would post pictures of our High Tea in Mexico, but the missions' department at church posted a slide show on their website.

If you're interested in seeing it, click here:

http://abcmissions.blogspot.com/

And then scroll down to the photobucket window that says "Esther Project" and click Play! No, it's not named after me; that is the name of a group of women at church who minister to our missionaries' wives. :)

Enjoy...

Roachite?

2007-05-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

This is what my dad has now labeled me. Perhaps I should back up and explain. The decision has been made, and I will be heading to Missouri in the fall to attend the Missionary Training Center with New Tribes Mission. It is located in Camdenton / Roach, hence my dad's lovely nickname for me. I think I'll skip it.

In the end, I had some help deciding where to go. I was leaning towards staying in the US and had already requested an application. I was beginning that process when I got an e-mail from England saying they are full for the fall. Honestly, it was a relief to have the decision simplified in such a manner. I've decided I'm done with decisions in life; I don't need to make any more. It's too taxing on my entire being.

Anyhow, I will be leaving the beautiful California central coast around the end of July / beginning of August. For so long, I have looked forward to this--moving on and taking the next step in my life. Now that it's here, I'm sad. I have grown to love and appreciate many people here, and for the first time in my life, I actually feel like I have a church family. It's pretty incredible what God has done in the 2 years I've been here. Okay, enough of that for now; I'll leave the tears for later...

Last weekend I went down to Baja with a group of ladies from church (ABC); we put on an English High Tea for some Christian women in a local town where an ABC missionary family is working. To be honest, I was skeptical--an English High Tea put on by Americans in Mexico? It went surprisingly well, though, and about 40 ladies came and enjoyed themselves (I think). The highlight for me was our team; we all had a blast together, and it was fun spending time with people I'm normally not around.

One of the ladies who went is a professional photographer, and she is making a CD for everyone. When I get mine, I will post some pictures and add a few more details.

Missouri or England?

2007-04-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is the question that occupies my thoughts day and night. So, back up... Last week my missions pastor and the missions committee at my church gave me the go-ahead for the NTM training in the fall. I have been working towards this goal, and now that it's before me, I'm struggling with the decision.

Around here, the standard response I get is, "Hmmm... Doesn't seem like much of a decision to me--ENGLAND or Missouri." That's the way they say it. Of course, Europe seems so glamorous to everyone; they conjure up images of folks bundled up in sweaters drinking tea in quaint stone cottages dotted along the lush English countryside.

I am attempting to put all of that aside and focus on what's important--what is the best fit for me and my possible future ministry. I am leaning towards staying in the US for various reasons but haven't yet finalized it in my mind and heart.

If anyone happens to read this, please pray. :) Pray that I wouldn't drive myself insane in this process; there are so many unknowns--even beyond the training. I am open to going and doing whatever God wants. I feel like I've been saying that for years, and some clear direction would be SO nice.

Cheerio...

Car Pics

2007-04-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

So, I don't know that anyone actually cares... but I finally took some pictures of my car. I was waiting for it to be clean, but it seems every time I wash it, I turn around and it's dirty again. It might have something to do with the cats that think it makes a good bed--go figure. Anyhow, all that to say... Here is my miracle car; I still can't believe the way God dropped it in my lap. Thank you!

CA Central Coast

2007-02-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

Family

2007-02-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

Pictures taken by Art Irwin

Back row: Grandma, Rebecca, Me, Mom

Front row: Aunt Sandy, Nelly (cousin), Aunt Victoria

Uncle David, doing what he does best--cooking!

Art (my bro) and Nelly

My daddy (I love this picture!)

Near Half Moon Bay, CA

2007-02-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

My parents (picture taken by Art Irwin, my bro)

San Francisco Day Trip

2007-02-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

Left to right: David and Victoria (Barclay); Lowell and Sandy (Fast)

Slacking...

2007-02-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

It seems I have been slacking in the communication department as of late. I have spent a lot of time catching up on e-mails and phone calls in the last week or so. I guess I should post more often, although I don't know that I have much of interest to share...

Life here on the central coast of CA is kind of same ol', same ol'... I work from 8:30 to 5--Tuesday through Friday--in the office at my church. I'm involved in some missions stuff, choir, worship team, a couple of Bible studies, and a community group.

What's been happening over the past few months? Well, I guess I never posted pictures of my car, as I said I would. It seems every time I think of it, it's dark... Oh, well, maybe some day I'll get around to it. I'm happy to say that I can drive a stick now, thanks to the combined efforts of several members of the male gender who were generous enough to offer me their time and talents! I confess, however, that I have not become a manual aficionado as of yet. Maybe with time... I doubt it. :)

I was able to go to my parents' house in El Paso, TX, for Thanksgiving, which was a blessing. It's still a little surreal that my parents OWN a home; chalk it up to the constant wanderings of a missionary family, I guess.

We had a family reunion of sorts over Christmas and New Year's. My parents came out from Texas, and we headed up to San Jose to join my grandparents, my brother, and 4 of my dad's brothers and sisters (and their families). It's rare for us all to be together, so we took advantage of the time to visit and... eat, of course. Some of us took a day trip to San Francisco, which was wonderful; the weather was absolutely clear (due to TONS of wind), which afforded a beautiful view of the bridge and the bay.

While we were there, my parents and I stayed in the same house we had lived in as a family on furlough (2000). It brought back all kinds of memories, especially since the house is quite old and a bit quirky. One of its most endearing quirks is that the staircase is conveniently located in the bathroom... yes, you read that correctly. So you better enjoy where you are right now (upstairs or downstairs) 'cause you could be stuck there for a while. Actually, it's amazing how quickly you get used to something, and it just becomes normal. We were grateful for the provision of the house in 2000 and again during the 2 weeks we were there for Christmas!

I am thinking and praying about my future. I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom and direction as I walk through life, endeavoring to see what God's path is for me.

I will post again when I have something more to share. :)

Team Members

2006-10-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

This is Hannah Miller, a good friend of mine. Her husband, Aaron, was our team leader. This picture came out kinda neat; it was taken on Charles Bridge in Prague.

Left to right (also taken on the bridge): Laurel, Hannah and Aaron, Cory (my teaching partner)

Laurel and Hannah (in HB, the city where the church is; the full name is too difficult :)

Me :) (We took a field trip with the students to a picturesque city called Telc.)

Left to right: Matt Douglas (Amy's brother) and Stephen (climbing up a tower in Telc)

Keith and Chris Anderson (We went to a Dvorak symphony together in Prague.)

Left to right: Kellie (I rented from her and her husband all last year), Hannah, Laurel, Matt Knorr, Stephen

Czech Students

2006-10-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is Denisa; as you can see, she is FULL of life! :)

Left to right: Amy Douglas (good friend/team member), Denisa and Lenka (who made the cake for me), me

Happy Birthday!

Making t-shirts with our class...

Every class did a skit at the end of the week; we did a comic version of a makeover TV show they have in the Czech Republic.

Our class (I'm holding a birthday card they all made for me.)

Top row, left to right: Bara, Libor, Vojta, Martin

Bottom row, left to right: Iva, me, Dana, Lukas, Denisa

Czech Trip

2006-10-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

I never really wrote much about my trip... It's really hard to summarize something so powerful in a few words. I will try.

Ten of us from ABC went, and I think we had a really great team. Some of the people on the team I knew quite well, and some relationships were new. We had younger and older, married and single, and I think we all balanced each other out nicely.

We went to work alongside Brian and Jill Dagen and the Czech church they had been ministering in for years. (They are just recently moving to a different city and getting involved in a new ministry.) The pastoral intern and his wife (Blajo and Stepanka) and the older youth of the church are instrumental in running the English camp, especially this year when the Dagens were on furlough and just returning to the Czech Republic as we arrived for camp.

We spent a couple of nights in Prague before we went to Trest, the town where the camp was held. We all lived together for a week in a school building; it's a trade school where some high school kids actually go and live, so it was kind of like being in a college dorm.

My teaching partner's name was Cory; he and I are pretty much the same age. We taught an upper intermediate class of 18-20 yr. olds. We were in class all morning, and it was divided into different sections--vocabulary, grammar, activity time, discussion, Bible lesson, etc. In the afternoon, there were various things to participate in--sports, art class, a ladies' tea, and a discussion time. After dinner we had an evening program with worship music (led by the Czech youth) and a main event. These ranged from watching The Chronicles of Narnia to having a Czech pastor come in and speak to a concert done by a Christian alternative band from Slovakia... After that there were usually some CRAZY games led by a Czech guy named Honza (one of the youth from church), and then there was just hang out time or bed time (for some!). As you can see, the schedule was non-stop, and I was exhausted by the end of each day and the next morning when I got up (and I even went to bed by 11 or 12, not like some others...).

Even though it was exhausting, it was definitely worth it. Cory and I were really blessed to have a GREAT class; we had 8 students--4 girls and 4 guys. The Czechs are very intellectual people; they value education very highly, and they are much smarter than we are! :) I was amazed at the conversations that we had. We talked about so many LIFE issues like religion, morality, right and wrong, dating and marriage, the purpose of life... You name it; we talked about it.

They were very open to discussing Christianity, although they made it clear that they do not believe it to be true. Still, we had some discussions that I believe planted seeds in their minds and hearts. There were 2 students in particular, a girl named Denisa and a guy named Libor, with whom Cory and I had some very deep conversations about God. I pray that through my friendship with them, they will continue to see Christ in me and be drawn to Him.

It was a wonderful trip; I would love to go back and see the people again. I really fell in love with them, especially the students in my class. I had my birthday while I was there, and 2 of the girls (one of them was Denisa) surprised me with a cake made from scratch; they presented it to me in the cafeteria at dinner infront of everybody... AHHH!! (For those of you who know me well, you know this frightens me. :) Anyway, I have some great memories to hold on to and some special relationships to keep up; Denisa and I clicked right away. If we lived in the same place, I'm certain we would be inseparable.

Well, that's a FAIRLY short summary... :) I will attempt to post some pictures, if this thing decides to cooperate.

God's Provision

2006-10-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

I guess those terrible pictures of a charred van have remained at the top of my blog long enough. I should have some new pictures to post soon! God has once again provided for me; what a shocker, huh? :) My dad sent out an e-mail to all their contacts about what happened, and he got a response from an old friend who had a '93 Ford Taurus SHO sitting in his driveway. He was actually going to try to sell it, but he and his wife prayed about it, and they decided to give it to me!

A few weeks ago I drove up to Modesto with a friend, and we picked up the car and brought it back here. God certainly has a sense of humor... The car is a stick, which I don't know how to drive. It's been at my mechanic's for over a week now, so I haven't learned to drive it yet. I did have one lesson in someone else's car, and I did okay, so we'll see what happens... I guess it's good to have a lesson in humility now and then, right?

When it's sitting in my driveway, I will take some pictures and post them here...

Pictures of the damage...

2006-09-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

One Last Hoorah!

2006-09-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! (This is an e-mail I sent out yesterday.)

Well, I have been intending to send out an update ever since I came back from the Czech Republic. Things have been busy, as I have been moving from one house to another, etc.

HOWEVER, today God gave me a little nudge, and so here I am writing this message. The little nudge I just referred to comes in this form: I just stood and watched my MINIVAN be CONSUMED by FLAMES before my very eyes!

I was on my way back from Home Depot with the lady I am now living with when the van started smelling kind of funny. I pulled over and walked around it several times, but nothing seemed to be amiss. After a few minutes, I noticed some steam (or so I thought) coming out from underneath the hood. As the seconds went by, it became clear that it was smoke, and it literally started pouring out. At that point, I called 911, and they said someone would be on the way. A couple minutes later I saw a small flame burning on the road underneath the hood, and I knew that something was seriously wrong.

To make a long story short, almost the whole van was eventually consumed by flames. I have NEVER been so thrilled to hear the wail of sirens getting closer and closer. A few fire trucks and police cars showed up, and soon I could see the charred skeleton of my trusty van. After all our adventures together, it was only fitting that it go out with a bang, although it's easier to say that now. Panic kind of took over earlier.

Please pray for me as I deal with a lot of details in the next few days, including disposing of a big mass of metal! Please pray, too, that God would lead me to another vehicle. Kathryn (the lady I am living with) had eye surgery not long ago and is not able to drive, so I can use her car for a couple of weeks. But I will be needing to buy something else in the very near future. Thanks so much!

In Christ,

Esther

A few more San Fran pics...

2006-07-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

San Francisco pics

2006-07-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I drove up to the Sacramento area to see 2 friends (Sherry Karum and Martha Hatton) from NTBI. They came out from Michigan for a wedding, and we all reunited for a day in San Francisco (including a trip out to Alcatraz). Fun, fun!

El Paso/Mexico Trip

2006-07-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my second trip to El Paso since my parents got their house. I spent a week with them, part of the time in El Paso and part down at the NTM annual conference in Mexico.

I got to see a lot of friends, including Leanne (whom I graduated from high school with) and Butch and Pat Bennett (friends/former boss from NTBI, Jackson). I also spent time with my beloved cat, who wanted to fit into my suitcase and come home with me! :)

Beach pics...

2006-07-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the beach in Morro Bay and Montana de Oro... That is my friend, Amy Douglas. We are in a Bible study together, we hang out, and she is going to Czech, too!

Off again, off again!

2006-07-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I realize that I haven't posted in forever, but I'm not sure many people besides myself actually look at this thing... so it's probably not that big of a deal.

Anyhow, yes, as my title indicates, I am once again off to the other side of the globe. This time it's the Czech Republic with my church, Atascadero Bible Church. I was named the "coordinator" for this trip, so I've been involved in some of the planning aspects, which has been very enlightening... It has given me a whole new perspective on communication. That is to say: there are always exciting and unexpected things that pop up when you work with people. That's a shocker, huh? Why are we humans always the problem? :)

On to more important things... our team (10 people) will be teaching conversational English in a camp in the Czech Republic. We are all working in pairs, and my partner and I will be teaching an upper intermediate class of mostly 18-20 yr. olds. It will be stretching for me, as I don't have tons of experience in this area, and I generally like to hide in groups of people rather than stand infront and speak. God has such a sense of humor!

As for my long-term plans, my church would like me to stay here one more year. So, Lord willing, I will begin the second phase of the NTM training in the fall of 2007. I will most likely go to England for the training, since my current goal is to work in Italy with NTM.

I will post some pictures here of the house where I live... They were taken some weeks ago when it started warming up out here...

Still Alive in California...

2006-04-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tim Harness, Perry Knorr, Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad's "new" house in El Paso, TX

The guys getting ready for a day of hard work...

Me with my BELOVED cat, Alaska :)

So, it's been forever since I've posted on here. To be honest, I didn't really know if anyone would be checking since I've gone back to "normal" life. Then I got a call the other day from my aunt, and she chewed me out (well, not really :) for not posting anything. So here ya go, Aunt Sandy; this is for you!

After returning from Italy, I eventually started feeling better and went back to work at my church, Atascadero Bible Church. One of the secretaries had become quite ill while I was gone, and she wasn't able to come back to work. (I miss ya, Sallie!) I loved working with her, although we did tend to feed off each other's sarcasm. :) Anyhow, they needed someone to fill in her hours, so I got bumped up to "official" full-time status, which was a real blessing from God. I was not looking forward to looking for a second job. Thank you, Lord!

So I've just been doing the regular thing--getting up, going to work, eating, sleeping, and filling in with church activities and friends.

I would like to pursue going back to Italy. In order to do that, I need to complete the training with New Tribes Mission, which I could do here in the States (Missouri) or in England. I am leaning towards England at this point because it makes sense to be trained where I am going to work (Europe). I am praying and talking with my church about the timing of the training. That's still kind of up in the air...

One neat thing that happened last month was that I got to go see my parents' house in El Paso, Texas. The Lord moved in such a way that they were able to purchase an older home, which needed some work done on it. My church (ABC) sent a couple of guys to work on the bathrooms and a few other little things, and I got to go with them! :) It was wonderful to see Mom and Dad and to be involved in the whole remodeling process, which was very new to us all.

That's all for now... I will post a few pics of the trip Texas...

Home again, home again...

2006-02-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well, this finds me back in my comfy room in Atascadero, CA, half paying attention to my computer and half watching the Super Bowl... actually, mostly watching the commercials.

I had a pretty uneventful trip back from Italy. We had to drive 2.5 hours to Rome the morning of my flight, so I got up just after 2 AM... It was a very long day, but I'm thankful for safe flights, etc. Oh, my first flight from Rome to Munich was in a TINY plane, which I was kind of worried about. However, I was later grateful because it flew lower than the monster planes, and it afforded me a beautiful view of the snow-capped Alps! We flew right over the mountain range, and I just sat staring out the window with my mouth hanging open. It was magnificent!

I got a bit of a cold the second week I was there, but I felt like I was just getting over it before I came home. Then I got on the plane, and all that changed... I don't know if it was the enclosed space for germs to circulate or the cabin pressure or what, but when I landed, I felt horrible! I've been battling this nasty cold for the past days now... ugh. I am just grateful that I didn't feel this yucky while I was in Italy.

I landed Tuesday afternoon and spent the next couple of days at my grandparents' in the LA area. Thursday afternoon I drove back up here to Atascadero. I am so thankful to the Lord for James and Kellie Wenzel and their providing me with a room in their home. It was so nice to come back to all my stuff and a WARM, comfortable bed! :)

I've been flying under the radar since I got here--just trying to recover from my trip and dealing with this cold... I'm enjoying the few days of relaxation because Tuesday I go back to work, back to the daily grind.

All for now...

Last pics

2006-02-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

Antonio and Dolores Marino (Anna and Sofia)

The very narrow street that the missionaries live on (in Naples)...

The port in Naples...

The port again...

Outside the amphitheater in Naples...

Heidi (missionary in Naples) and the Marino girls--Anna and Sofia

The amphitheater (the inside of the arena)

More Italy pics

2006-02-04T22:32:00.000-08:00

This is Campobasso, a larger city that is about 20 minutes away from Pietracatella. This is most likely where I would live if the Lord takes me back to Italy.

Another view from the house...

This is a street in what used to be a medieval village; it is in the city of Termoli.

This is underneath the 3rd largest amphitheater in Italy (in Naples). The lady in the pictures is named Heidi; she and her husband are missionaries in Naples.

The view from the house after we got a ton of snow!!!

Italy pics

2006-02-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

The view (looking out the window to the left) from the Marinos' house in Pietracatella...

The streets of Pietracatella...

Pietracatella

Another street...

More pics...

2006-02-04T22:09:00.000-08:00

One of the many canals in Amsterdam...

My friend, Femke, is the one in the middle. The other two girls (Miryam and Laura) are a couple of her "flatmates," as they say there.

Typical view in Amsterdam...

Pictures!

2006-02-04T21:52:00.000-08:00

This is a city called Gouda, which is where the cheese comes from. They pronounce it much differently than we do, though!

This is also in Gouda. The Dutch people ride bicycles EVERYWHERE, and this shot shows a typical bicycle "parking lot."

This is a typical street in Holland. Every door that you see is a different house, but as you can tell, they are all attached. They call them row houses. That is my friend, Femke, standing next to the bicycle.

Leaving... on a jetplane...

2006-01-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it is hard to believe that my time here has come to an end. It seems like for so long I have been talking about this trip, and now it is over! My flight is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:30 AM. Rome is about two and a half hours away from here, so we are planning to leave at about 3:30 AM. Yikes! My connection is in Munich and then on to LAX.

I think last time I wrote I had just been able to move in here with Antonio and Dolores. It has been nice being in their home, despite the challenges--a broken furnace and a broken washing machine! It is a good thing I brought a lot of clothes. :) See, it pays to be a girl at times.

Being in the house has allowed me to get to know them better and also to see what their daily schedule is like. I have sat at the computer with Antonio and seen a little of what he does. He had me edit a vision statement that they had drawn up for NTM Italia. It was good to have some work to do, and working so closely on the vision statement kind of cemented some things in my head.

The ministry they are doing here is unique for NTM. They have a dual ministry--serving as representatives for NTM and being involved in a church plant in the city of Campobasso. We have talked about ways I could be involved in both. Antonio needs a lot of administrative-type help in the office, which I have a lot of experience doing. He has also talked about my being involved in following up with people who are interested in serving with NTM in some way, whether it is going to Bible school, going on a short-term trip, etc. He would like to have someone who can develop a relationship with those who are interested and answer their questions. I might even be involved in going on some of the short-term trips or taking people to the NTM Bible school in England to check it out. On the church plant side, we have talked about helping with the music in some capacity and also developing relationships/doing discipleship with young girls or women.

Of course the first thing I will have to do is learn Italian! :) I have been able to understand a little, thanks to my Spanish. However, I would probably come and first take a chunk of time to study and learn the language.

On the lighter side, I have done a little traveling around this area. Last weekend we went to Termoli, which is on the coast. We met some missionaries there, and they showed me a medieval village. By the time we got there, though, it was evening and VERY cold, so we did a rather quick run through. I did get to eat gelato while I was there, which made me happy. :) Here in this area they do not have gelato due to the weather, so I was glad to find some there!

This weekend we went to Napoli to visit another missionary couple. They are considering coming to work in this area, so it was fun to meet them--potential future co-workers if God leads us both here. I have to say that I was kind of shocked when we got there because Napoli is a huge city, and it is extremely dirty. There is trash everywhere, and most of the buildings are very run down. Antonio and Dolores said it is the only city in Italy that is that way. Also, the people drive like maniacs! I am grateful we got there and back safely. :)

One interesting thing I did get to see in Napoli is the third-largest amphitheater in Italy. The others are in Rome and Verona. The ruins are actually in pretty good shape, and we got to go down underneath to where the gladiators and the Christians would have been. There were a lot of columns, carvings, and statues here and there--some very deteriorated and others in fairly decent condition.

Well, I should probably wrap this up. I need to head upstairs and do my final packing. When I get back and have an opportunity, I will post some pictures of my time here.

Arrivederci!

Ciao!

2006-01-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

I hope I am able to type as this is an international keyboard, and my fingers are mostly frozen as I write this!

I really have not had a chance to sit down at a computer for a long period of time since I arrived. A few days ago I did get some time, and I used it to call my parents on Skype (free through the computer). It was a much-needed conversation, as I had not spoken with someone at home since I arrived.

Let me back up... I arrived in Holland on January 11th, and my friend Femke was there to pick me up. I was starving, so my first meal in Europe was Burger King in the airport! I have learned that in Europe everything is smaller than in the US, and they also take every opportunity to charge you for small things like ketchup for your french fries. Yikes!

Anyhow, I will not give a blow by blow of my time in Holland because I would be here forever. I will try to summarize. I stayed with Femke in her college flat, otherwise known as an apartment, for a couple of days. She shares it with 5 other girls, and her room is very small, so it was quite an adventure, but we made it work! She is going to college to become a teacher, so I attended class with her. The classes were quite different than anything I am accustomed to; it was an interesting window into education in another country.

It is common for students to go home on the weekends, so we went to the home of her grandparents (I cannot find the apostrophe on this keyboard!). We spent a couple of days there, or rather we slept there. During the day, we took the train to various locations, including Gouda (where Gouda cheese comes from), Utrecht, and Amsterdam. It seems like almost all cities in Holland have a canal system running through the center of town, which is very picturesque. Many of the stereotypes are true: there are windmills everywhere, there are bicycles EVERYWHERE, and they do eat a lot of cheese, bread, and potatoes. However, I did not see anyone wearing wooden shoes! This, apparently, is not common anymore.

I had a wonderful visit with Femke, and I really got to see quite a few things in the short time I had there. We went to the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, which was extremely interesting, and we also went to a museum which houses some of the work of Rembrandt. I have to confess, though, that I do not get excited about looking at endless paintings of people posing in chairs, etc. I guess I am not very cultured after all.

I certainly will not get fat here; I do not think I have ever walked more in my life! Actually, I have really enjoyed it; however, when it is freezing outside, it does tend to dampen the spirits a tad.

Anyhow, moving on... On Monday (the 16th) I left Holland and flew to Rome via Dublin, which geographically did not make any sense but financially it did! It took me about 2 hours to get through immigration, etc, in Rome, which was rather unexpected and rather distressing. I was afraid Antonio Marino would eventually give up and leave, but thank the Lord he did not! Apparently, several 400 passenger planes arrived from other countries all at the same time and completely bogged down the passport control line. Oh well, it was a good cultural experience!

I was not able to stay with the Marinos right away. They had gone to Panama for the holidays (to visit relatives) and had some trouble getting back here. Consequently, only Antonio and Anna (his older daughter) were here when I arrived, and it did not seem a good idea for me to stay in the house without his wife being here. For the first few days I stayed with an Italian couple (believers) who were wonderful and very hospitable but barely spoke a word of English! Somehow we communicated, though, and had fun in the process.

On Thursday, Dolores and Sofia (the younger daughter) flew back from Panama, and I was able to come stay here at the house, which was very nice as I was craving clear communication. Antonio and Dolores live in a little town called Pietracatella, which is a short drive from a slightly larger city called Campobasso. They are both up in the mountains, but Pietracatella is higher. If you picture a little village high in the mountains where everyone knows each other and the buildings are all thousands of years old, you have Pietracatella! It is very stereotypical and very beautiful as well. The view is unbelievable!

It is a very picturesque spot, but it is definitely not a tourist trap, so I kind of stand out. The other day I walked around with my camera, and everyone stared at me as I walked by. It is just the camera that stands out, though, because I do not look that different.

Anyhow, I am starting to ramble on here. I have had a very interesting visit with Antonio and Dolores. I now have a much better picture of what they are doing here and how I could possibly fit into the ministry, etc. Over the weekend I attended a small gathering of believers, which is the beginnings of a church--very exciting! If I get another chance on the computer, I can write a bit more on that subject.

I should go because Antonio is back from town, and he will most likely need the computer soon. He is battling with the heating system, which is broken. He has somehow acquired two wood stoves, which are not really working properly. Mostly we get smoke, not heat! So you can picture me all bundled up in layers and layers in a freezing house in the mountains of Italy--smelling like I just came from a campfire! Ah, the joys of missions...

Hope this finds you all well. I am sorry I have not been able to post pictures so far. I would need help as I am not familiar with this system, and Antonio is already so busy that I hate to ask him. If I do not figure it out, I shall do it when I get back to the US!

Ciao for now...

California Dreamin'

2006-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

Well, the holiday rush is through. It seems like this year was a little different than other years with Christmas and New Years falling on a Sunday. I know it threw some of our family traditions off, but it was a good reminder of what should come first--celebrating Christ's birth! We had a really nice service at my parents' home church in San Jose.

Currently I find myself in San Gabriel (the LA area) at my grandparents' house. I spent Christmas with my parents, my other grandparents, and my brother up in San Jose, and then my parents and I came down here for New Years.

Mom and Dad are leaving tomorrow morning, but I will stay for a few more days. On Tuesday I begin my trip! :) Can't believe it's already here... I will fly to Amsterdam and spend 4 days with a friend there, and then I'm off to Italy for 2 weeks to meet the Marinos and see what NTM is doing in Italy.

I'm mostly ready to go, although there are always the last-minute details to take care of. Ah, there I go ending my sentence with a preposition... shame, shame!

Thanks to all of you who posted comments; it was an encouragement as I forge ahead in this new technological enterprise! :)

Cheerio, and the next time I post, it will be from the Continent! AHHHH!!!! :)

Recent Newsletter

2005-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all enjoying the anticipation of Christmas! After spending four winters in Michigan, I am trying to adjust to the holiday season minus the snow. I am grateful for the sunny skies of California, but I have to say that there is definitely something magical about a white Christmas. :)

To back up a little, as I mentioned above, I am living in California. After spending most of the summer with my parents in Texas, I drove here to Atascadero, California, around the beginning of August. My mom accompanied me, and I was very grateful to have her with me, especially when we blew a tire just outside Phoenix! By God’s grace, we just happened to be quite close to the home of some friends, Dave and Peggy Coots. Thanks to their hospitality, we were able to get the van fixed and back on the road the next day. Just another story to add to the “Adventures in Esther’s Van” book! More on that later…

Here in Atascadero, God provided me with a room in a family’s house and two jobs: working for one of the church elders in his business office in the mornings and working in the church office in the afternoons. Being in the church office has really helped me get to know the staff and different members of the congregation. I am also involved in choir, our Christmas musical, the missions team, and a home group Bible study.

Moving to a new place is always difficult, and I have struggled these past few months. However, God has been SO faithful! He has used many people here to encourage me and to provide for me. I have formed a friendship with a very special lady who has an amazing heart for prayer and giving. Through her, God provided me with a new computer. In addition, to add to the continuing saga, my van has needed several repairs, and she has been right there through it all! God truly is Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

I know I have shared with you all the possibility of a trip to Italy. I am excited to say that a few days ago I finally bought my ticket! The goal of my trip is to meet the New Tribes Mission Italia team and to see firsthand the ministry they are doing. I am praying about continuing the training and joining New Tribes Mission, and Italy is one of the fields I am considering. My trip will begin with four days in Holland, where I will visit a Dutch girl whom I met and became friends with in Malaysia earlier this year.

Once again, I ask you all to pray for me during this journey, specifically from January 10 to January 31. Please pray for safety and good health, but most of all, please pray that God will use this trip to direct my steps for the future.

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas with your families and friends. In the midst of the frenzy, let us remember that we enjoy a relationship with our Heavenly Father all because a little baby was born in Bethlehem so many years ago!