City Bus - "Walk in Her Shoes"

The bumpy city bus screeched to a stop at the Jefferson Lot under the freeway. Dozens of students streamed into the already full bus headed to Eastern. The last lonely passenger caught my eye. Her dirty, brittle hair sprayed over her bony back; her clothes sagging away from her unhealthy and tattoed body. She awkwardly set down a Target bag and a rolled-up tent. She stood at the front, fidgeting with the bag handles and running her thick, tan fingers through her stringy hair. My first thoughts were, "druggy," "is she really homeless?" and "she looks terrible!" I watched her carefully, wondering if the passengers seated behind me were staring, too.

My heart suddenly sank as she unhooked her long jeans from under her heels. Dirt clods and dust sprinkled around her filthy feet. My attitude of criticism instantly changed to a heart of compassion. One familiar song replayed in my mind several times, "Everyone needs compassion, love that's never failing; let mercy fall on me... Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior; the hope of nations..." As my eyes continued searching her, I started viewing her as a person instead of a scene. My heart became heavy with guilt. I wanted to brush her hair. I wanted to show her love. I thought, "my shoes are clean..." I wanted so badly to trade with her. I felt the Spirit saying, "walk in her shoes. Walk in her shoes." My throat closed and my eyes swelled as I pondered a day in this woman's shoes.

She was off the bus before I could do anything. I couldn't help but wish I had gotten up, even in front of a loaded, quiet bus, and offered to trade shoes. God is breaking my heart for what breaks His, and it is terribly wonderful. He is showing me how compassion, generosity, and humility dance together. He is answering my plea and changing my heart. He is moving.

Mission Report

This school year at Ecola Bible School God has really been softening my heart for the lost and making known to me the importance of making disciples (Matt. 28:19). My spring break trip to Kaiserslautern, Germany was incredible! Serving the Stock family with Suzanne provided me with the opportunity to experience Cadence Ministry as well as broaden my perspective on missions.

I was able to attend Cadence ministry nights, such as a dinner and discussion, meet with women involved in the Single Women in Ministry, and interact with Malachi, or Cadence Youth Group leaders. Participating in the ministry expanded my expectations of missions. It made me realize that there is much more to it than a typical trip to Mexico putting up houses (which is great, but often clichéd). There are so many more opportunities to serve using the specific way God has gifted and prepared me.

I have realized that Cadence may not be the specific means for me to do that right now, but the trip opened my eyes to the possibilities and provoked significant thought on the subject. I have been asking myself questions, such as: How am I disciple-making where I am now? What is currently hindering me? Am I becoming too comfortable where I am at? How has God equipped me to serve in the U.S. as well as in foreign countries? What’s next?

The missions week at church was ironically on the Sunday after our trip. I don’t know what God has in store for me next, but I am trying to be open and attentive to His will. All I know is that I cannot stop thinking about and praying for His work in the Ukraine. I would love to invest time teaching English in another country sometime. While these thoughts are bubbling, I intend to begin supporting a mission team with finances and prayer. I am praying about my current purpose, as well as where He wants me in the future.

Thank you so much for providing the support for my irreplaceable journey this year! It has been such a remarkable gateway in my relationship with the Lord.

Visiting My German Family

On Sunday Suzi and I rented a car (35 euro versus the 100 euro single train ticket) to visit Alo and Addi in Bensberg.










We got to go to a Schloss and out to coffee with Addi and Jan. He is studying music and looks so much like my dad!































Then we rode a train to Koln with Addi and visited the Dom (Cathedral), walked around by the Rhein River, and ate at one of the oldest breweries in the city. (Suz and I had Malz Bier - "Kinder-bier").













When we got back to Alo and Addi's Alex was there. It had been eleven years since we had seen each other! Alex is a helicopter pilot in the German Army.










I didn't get to see Claudia and Adrian, but I talk with Claudi on Facebook. She is still in school, studying to be an engineer of some sort. Adrian is studying to be a physical therapist.
It was so much fun to see everyone, even if only for a day trip.

"A Well Ordered House"

Over the course of our time with the Stocks, Suzi and I have been using our organizational skills around the Hospitality House. Suzanne runs a personal organizing business called A Well Ordered Life, and was excited to find Diane in need of her assistance.
The Kaiserslautern House is the oldest Cadence Hospitality House in Europe and has been run for 37 years under several different missionary teams. With an overabundance of "donations" and insufficient order, there were definitely areas of the house desperate for organization.
We tackled a few different projects, beginning with the basement pantry, laundry room, "drum" room, and Kinder-room. It's been great to not only get to know the Stock family and Cadence ministry, but to use our hands and participate in the house.

Strasbourg, France

On Saturday we took a trip down to Strasbourg, France, where we were awed by the Cathedral, walked down by the canal, and enjoyed the city. We also went to Calmar and explored the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Amazing!