I'm pretty stoked today because my parents are coming to visit us for two weeks! They'll be getting in late tonight, so in preparation I'm making beds and re-cleaning the bathroom and mopping. Dad has a LOOOONG list of fix-it jobs that he can take his pick from: everything from fixing a cabinet door hinge, to replacing a toilet's water valve, to chopping firewood! Mom and I will be scrubbing mildew off the wall, working in the garden, and making some cute stepping stones! Then, next weekend, we'll go with the kids to Chinauta, in "warm country." It's about four hours away... remember last January when we went with Tony and Laura to an awesome house with a pool and fruit trees? Well, we're heading back to repeat the bliss!
Here's to a great visit with my parental units!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
snacktime!
One little boy at "The Jungle" Bible club really wanted his snack, and fast!
To help with organization, kids who must wait to be picked up (as opposed to being allowed to leave on their own) have their hands marked with a smiley face in magic marker. Since, however, snacks are handed out as the children leave, this means that the "unaccompanied minors" get theirs first!
Having learned this rule in the past, he stood off to the side of the lines of his happy peers, sucking his grimy hand with great gusto, to wash off the mark and pass through the line sooner, rather than later!
A little before...
Some smallish children started lining up, even though there was still plenty of time to play. One volunteer encouraged them to go enjoy the games and toys, the climbing wall and swings, the hanging bridge and other play spaces.
Their response?
---"We want the snack!"
The volunteer, not a regular at the Jungle, reassured them:
---"Don't worry; they'll call you when it's time."
---"But we don't have to wait for them to call us. We have to be ready!"
This reminds me of a story that Jesus tells in Matthew chapter 25:
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
He also tells other stories about being ready, about being on the lookout and being wise in one's actions and decisions.
Maybe they were just some kids wanting cookies and juice... but they understood that the world (spiritual and physical) isn't waiting on them and that good things come to those who desire them and are willing to make the necessary arrangements (albeit sacrifices) to receive what they long for.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(Matthew 7:9-11)
We are in the process of buying and remodeling the buildings that house the Jungle. This is an important step in Formando Vidas' work of building friendship and trust with at-risk kids and their families, and sowing seeds of the gospel in their lives. We've been approved for a match-grant of up to $36,000 US dollars. That means if we raise that money, it'll be doubled to a total of $72,000, which is enough to pay off what we owe and finish the initial rennovation!
Formando Vidas is not in the business of buying and owning properties. We view property and buildings as tools to reach the kids, where they are. Wanna help the Jungle keep going, keep reaching more kids? Please consider joining us in this venture! If you want more information to share with your friends/family/church group, let me know. Check out the website, too: www.colombiastreetkids.org
Also, to donate toward that match-grant fund raising, you can send a check to Formando Vidas at:
Formando Vidas, Inc.
c/o Robyn Patzig
4520 Shadowridge Dr.
The Colony, TX 75056(just include a separate note that says it's for the BigFoot fundraiser)
or see this page: http://colombiastreetkids.org/get-involved/donate/ to donate through paypal or from another country!
To help with organization, kids who must wait to be picked up (as opposed to being allowed to leave on their own) have their hands marked with a smiley face in magic marker. Since, however, snacks are handed out as the children leave, this means that the "unaccompanied minors" get theirs first!
Having learned this rule in the past, he stood off to the side of the lines of his happy peers, sucking his grimy hand with great gusto, to wash off the mark and pass through the line sooner, rather than later!
A little before...
Some smallish children started lining up, even though there was still plenty of time to play. One volunteer encouraged them to go enjoy the games and toys, the climbing wall and swings, the hanging bridge and other play spaces.
Their response?
---"We want the snack!"
The volunteer, not a regular at the Jungle, reassured them:
---"Don't worry; they'll call you when it's time."
---"But we don't have to wait for them to call us. We have to be ready!"
This reminds me of a story that Jesus tells in Matthew chapter 25:
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
He also tells other stories about being ready, about being on the lookout and being wise in one's actions and decisions.
Maybe they were just some kids wanting cookies and juice... but they understood that the world (spiritual and physical) isn't waiting on them and that good things come to those who desire them and are willing to make the necessary arrangements (albeit sacrifices) to receive what they long for.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(Matthew 7:9-11)
We are in the process of buying and remodeling the buildings that house the Jungle. This is an important step in Formando Vidas' work of building friendship and trust with at-risk kids and their families, and sowing seeds of the gospel in their lives. We've been approved for a match-grant of up to $36,000 US dollars. That means if we raise that money, it'll be doubled to a total of $72,000, which is enough to pay off what we owe and finish the initial rennovation!
Formando Vidas is not in the business of buying and owning properties. We view property and buildings as tools to reach the kids, where they are. Wanna help the Jungle keep going, keep reaching more kids? Please consider joining us in this venture! If you want more information to share with your friends/family/church group, let me know. Check out the website, too: www.colombiastreetkids.org
Also, to donate toward that match-grant fund raising, you can send a check to Formando Vidas at:
Formando Vidas, Inc.
c/o Robyn Patzig
4520 Shadowridge Dr.
The Colony, TX 75056(just include a separate note that says it's for the BigFoot fundraiser)
or see this page: http://colombiastreetkids.org/get-involved/donate/ to donate through paypal or from another country!
May you hunger and thirst for righteousness -- so that God will fill you up!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
farm girl
Like these:
forefront: beets, broccoli
behind: rosemary, strawberries, lettuce, thyme
far right: weeds, scrawny potatoes
TabbyCat and one of the girls came over to check out the new growth.
Happy Valentine's Day, by the way!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
family reunion!
First off, sorry I've been rubbish at the whole blogging thing for the last month! I hope you still like me. :)
So, I got to come home to beautiful North Carolina for 10 days! (I leave tomorrow to go home to beautiful Colombia.) Motive for the trip: My cousin, Jeanne's wedding. Jeanne Kearney Moore is my closest cousin in age, less than a year older than me. She's a beautiful woman with a sweet spirit, and I was so thrilled to be able to celebrate with her and her beloved, Joseph (Jody) Moore. Jeanne is from my mom's side of the family, which is the big side of the family. There are 6 children, 20 first cousins, and 12 (or more?) great-grandchildren. Not everyone could go, but a large majority of the family was present, including folks I hadn't seen for more than three years!
(Beth, Marjory, Iris, Miriam, Jeanne, and Emily)
I also had a lot of quality time with my parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, niece and nephew, and paternal grandparents.
(Emily and Finley)
(Candice, Emily with Abel, and Ryan)
It has been a great time, a time of rest and enjoying the company of others. I'm really grateful to be here!
So, I got to come home to beautiful North Carolina for 10 days! (I leave tomorrow to go home to beautiful Colombia.) Motive for the trip: My cousin, Jeanne's wedding. Jeanne Kearney Moore is my closest cousin in age, less than a year older than me. She's a beautiful woman with a sweet spirit, and I was so thrilled to be able to celebrate with her and her beloved, Joseph (Jody) Moore. Jeanne is from my mom's side of the family, which is the big side of the family. There are 6 children, 20 first cousins, and 12 (or more?) great-grandchildren. Not everyone could go, but a large majority of the family was present, including folks I hadn't seen for more than three years!
(Beth, Marjory, Iris, Miriam, Jeanne, and Emily)
I also had a lot of quality time with my parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, niece and nephew, and paternal grandparents.
(Emily and Finley)
(Candice, Emily with Abel, and Ryan)
It has been a great time, a time of rest and enjoying the company of others. I'm really grateful to be here!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
childish
When I was a child I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a [woman], I put childish ways behind me.
(1 corinthians 13:11)
I think that I may have found my verse for the year. Lord willing, (and the Bible tells us that He is the one who gives us the desire and the ability to act -- see Philippians 2:12-13 below) this year will be one in which I will take bold steps of faith into growing up the childish patterns of speech, thoughts, and reasoning -- all of which lead to actions -- that have been cropping up more and more of late.
As 1 Cor 13:11 will be my mantra (written on my mirror in dry-erase marker as of today), the Israelites' taking of the Promised Land will be my point of reference and my reassurance of God's faithfulness. In Numbers 13 and 14, the people of God choose fear instead of faith and courage. God tells them to get up and go capture the land he is giving them, but they think it's impossible to beat the fearsome giants that inhabit the place. (Note: The result of their disobedience, that decision to disbelieve Him, were 40 years of wandering until the whole generation died out.)
But the trick is this: God was going with them! He already had the victory over those literal giants, and he already has the victory over my emotional and spiritual giants today! So, if he's inviting me to go up and fight against them, I'm in!
Later, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites chose to believe and act upon that faith. The result was that they defeated the cities and people groups exactly as God said they would, when they followed his instructions to a T. This year, I don't know what the strategy is, I don't know what He'll ask of me, but I know that I choose to believe, because my God is Bigger!
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phil. 2:12-13
(1 corinthians 13:11)
I think that I may have found my verse for the year. Lord willing, (and the Bible tells us that He is the one who gives us the desire and the ability to act -- see Philippians 2:12-13 below) this year will be one in which I will take bold steps of faith into growing up the childish patterns of speech, thoughts, and reasoning -- all of which lead to actions -- that have been cropping up more and more of late.
As 1 Cor 13:11 will be my mantra (written on my mirror in dry-erase marker as of today), the Israelites' taking of the Promised Land will be my point of reference and my reassurance of God's faithfulness. In Numbers 13 and 14, the people of God choose fear instead of faith and courage. God tells them to get up and go capture the land he is giving them, but they think it's impossible to beat the fearsome giants that inhabit the place. (Note: The result of their disobedience, that decision to disbelieve Him, were 40 years of wandering until the whole generation died out.)
But the trick is this: God was going with them! He already had the victory over those literal giants, and he already has the victory over my emotional and spiritual giants today! So, if he's inviting me to go up and fight against them, I'm in!
Later, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites chose to believe and act upon that faith. The result was that they defeated the cities and people groups exactly as God said they would, when they followed his instructions to a T. This year, I don't know what the strategy is, I don't know what He'll ask of me, but I know that I choose to believe, because my God is Bigger!
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phil. 2:12-13
Thursday, January 5, 2012
twenty-twelve
Another new year!
I'm pleased to say that I am becoming more of a "new years" person... I was able to enjoy a nice dinner with "family" and friends here in Colombia, and I didn't give in to the urge to sleep at ten o'clock. The night was gorgeous, with a clear, starry sky that we enjoyed looking at as we all stood around a bonfire talking, laughing, and praying for the new things that God has for the coming year.
There are Big Things on the horizon for 2012, friends. I'm still not sure what that will look like, but it's exciting, and I want to continue learning to live in the present and enjoy each moment.
In sad news, another kitten died. She got really sick with diarreah and her eyes were all gunky. After several days like that, she couldn't make it anymore! I took the remaining two to the vet today, where I bought some eye drops and got them de-parasited. Hopefully that will help their immune system get stronger and they will be able to grow big and healthy! (And hopefully their adoptive families will receive them SOON, because I'm tired of all the mess in the laundry room, and I want my cat back to normal again!)
I don't feel like I have much to write, honestly... is this some sort of writer's block? Patience, perseverance, living each day... is this part of the new "season" I've entered, where the changes are less dramatic? Even though I see big changes on the horizon, I think it may be a slow dawn, taking her time to revel in shades of gray and pale gold. May I (and you) learn to revel in the first light as well.
I'm pleased to say that I am becoming more of a "new years" person... I was able to enjoy a nice dinner with "family" and friends here in Colombia, and I didn't give in to the urge to sleep at ten o'clock. The night was gorgeous, with a clear, starry sky that we enjoyed looking at as we all stood around a bonfire talking, laughing, and praying for the new things that God has for the coming year.
There are Big Things on the horizon for 2012, friends. I'm still not sure what that will look like, but it's exciting, and I want to continue learning to live in the present and enjoy each moment.
In sad news, another kitten died. She got really sick with diarreah and her eyes were all gunky. After several days like that, she couldn't make it anymore! I took the remaining two to the vet today, where I bought some eye drops and got them de-parasited. Hopefully that will help their immune system get stronger and they will be able to grow big and healthy! (And hopefully their adoptive families will receive them SOON, because I'm tired of all the mess in the laundry room, and I want my cat back to normal again!)
I don't feel like I have much to write, honestly... is this some sort of writer's block? Patience, perseverance, living each day... is this part of the new "season" I've entered, where the changes are less dramatic? Even though I see big changes on the horizon, I think it may be a slow dawn, taking her time to revel in shades of gray and pale gold. May I (and you) learn to revel in the first light as well.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
seasons
Since February of 2009, when I moved to Bogota, I have missed the Seasons more than many other things in North Carolina. The changing weather -- from a wet, bone-deep chill to start off the year, in NC the daffodils, forsythia, quince, and the dogwoods' white blossoms appear to lighten the naked forest. After that, the trees bud into leaves, and those leaves deepen their green as the springy dampness evaporates and hangs, dense, in the air. After breathing 98% humidity during those summer months, the leaves begin to fade from vibrant green to gold, bronze, leather, pumpkin, and crimson hues. The air changes, abandons that heavy feel for crisp freshness and the excitement of autumnal expectation. The forest loses half her cloak as the deciduous sisters fall asleep. There may be snow - or just freezing rain - coating branches and stopping vehicles. We spend time inside, ideally by a fireplace; our diet changes too, from fresh produce to stews and hot drinks.
Yet, as other Carolinians breathe in the changes every few months, I live in a static, 12-month season. The Rolos (Bogota natives) say that here you can get all four seasons in one day. While it's true that the weather changes suddenly from hot and sunny to chilly and rainy, or anything in between, the air quality and the flora stay consistent. I miss my seasons.
As we close out 2011, I am naturally thinking of what 2012 will bring: what to expect, what to plan, what to attempt.
I expect and plan to continue in Kiwi House, with Formando Vidas. I find myself wondering if I should (watch out for that sense of obligation!) change anything, implement something new, set new goals with the kids or carry out new projects. Surely something should be different? Am I okay if not? Does God approve of what I'm doing, or doesn't he want something different?
Why am I feeling this pressure to change something?
The answer, I believe, lies in SEASONS.
I realized, today, that I may be entering into a new season of life, and that's why I feel a little unsettled.
From 1990 to 2003 (13 years!), I lived in the seasons of school - every year there was a new grade level, new classes, and new friends.
From then until 2007 (4 years), I changed even more frequently -- every six months there were new college classes, and every year I moved in and out of a dorm or an apartment.
For almost 2 years after that, I continued moving residences, as I worked two jobs. My main job was at a community college, which meant that three times a year I changed classes and students, experiencing the varying challenges of teaching and also of waiting tables!
Then, I came to Colombia for 1 year. (Intentionally understated, because that involved too many changes for a blog post dedicated to another topic!)
After my first year here, I went to do a DTS with YWAM -- a 6 month commitment that involved more moves and new people and challenges.
Now, I've been back for almost 1 1/2 years here, and I think I am so accustomed to yearly (or more frequent) changes that it has almost become a neccesity!
A friend of mine wrote me the other day, in a way that really encouraged me, as I was experiencing this doubt or unsettled feeling of needing to change something, yet not seeing what it could be.
...God has put that passion in your heart for [the kids]; He has filled you with an extraordinary love. Don't get discouraged if others don't have the same passion that you do... sometimes the dreams that God gives us are so strong that we can only understand them in our souls.
God has seen your perseverance; don't grow faint. You have planted, invested in the Kingdom of Heaven and I know that that seed will produce eternal fruit. You have been God's hands in the lives of each one of them: hands that give love, hands that accompany, hands that build lives and don't tear them down. Emily, I keep praying for your life, that nobody and nothing will take you out of God's purposes for you...
What words of encouragement and blessing! She didn't know that I was questioning the coming year, and what it SHOULD look like, yet she told me to "keep on keeping on."
I will press on, although I do not know what the future will be like, nor what it "should" be like. God has not directed me anywhere other than Kiwi House, Formando Vidas, Colombia. This new "season" calls for Perseverance Beyond the Short-Term.
Yet, as other Carolinians breathe in the changes every few months, I live in a static, 12-month season. The Rolos (Bogota natives) say that here you can get all four seasons in one day. While it's true that the weather changes suddenly from hot and sunny to chilly and rainy, or anything in between, the air quality and the flora stay consistent. I miss my seasons.
As we close out 2011, I am naturally thinking of what 2012 will bring: what to expect, what to plan, what to attempt.
I expect and plan to continue in Kiwi House, with Formando Vidas. I find myself wondering if I should (watch out for that sense of obligation!) change anything, implement something new, set new goals with the kids or carry out new projects. Surely something should be different? Am I okay if not? Does God approve of what I'm doing, or doesn't he want something different?
Why am I feeling this pressure to change something?
The answer, I believe, lies in SEASONS.
I realized, today, that I may be entering into a new season of life, and that's why I feel a little unsettled.
From 1990 to 2003 (13 years!), I lived in the seasons of school - every year there was a new grade level, new classes, and new friends.
From then until 2007 (4 years), I changed even more frequently -- every six months there were new college classes, and every year I moved in and out of a dorm or an apartment.
For almost 2 years after that, I continued moving residences, as I worked two jobs. My main job was at a community college, which meant that three times a year I changed classes and students, experiencing the varying challenges of teaching and also of waiting tables!
Then, I came to Colombia for 1 year. (Intentionally understated, because that involved too many changes for a blog post dedicated to another topic!)
After my first year here, I went to do a DTS with YWAM -- a 6 month commitment that involved more moves and new people and challenges.
Now, I've been back for almost 1 1/2 years here, and I think I am so accustomed to yearly (or more frequent) changes that it has almost become a neccesity!
A friend of mine wrote me the other day, in a way that really encouraged me, as I was experiencing this doubt or unsettled feeling of needing to change something, yet not seeing what it could be.
...God has put that passion in your heart for [the kids]; He has filled you with an extraordinary love. Don't get discouraged if others don't have the same passion that you do... sometimes the dreams that God gives us are so strong that we can only understand them in our souls.
God has seen your perseverance; don't grow faint. You have planted, invested in the Kingdom of Heaven and I know that that seed will produce eternal fruit. You have been God's hands in the lives of each one of them: hands that give love, hands that accompany, hands that build lives and don't tear them down. Emily, I keep praying for your life, that nobody and nothing will take you out of God's purposes for you...
What words of encouragement and blessing! She didn't know that I was questioning the coming year, and what it SHOULD look like, yet she told me to "keep on keeping on."
I will press on, although I do not know what the future will be like, nor what it "should" be like. God has not directed me anywhere other than Kiwi House, Formando Vidas, Colombia. This new "season" calls for Perseverance Beyond the Short-Term.
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