Capture: Life

Postsecret strikes again

2011-10-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

...so true...
Hope everyone has a happy Halloween!

4 blissful days in Miami

2011-10-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a quick 4 day trip to Miami...if you've never been...GO! It was so much fun!

Another attempt at a family photo

2011-09-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, when the whole family was up at my aunt's house, we got out the camera for another round of continuous pictures....here are just a few.

one good Mexican shirt

2011-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

"Let grace displace complacency,
and move our souls to action.
Truth breaks the hold fear has on us,
and love is our reaction."

I have no idea who wrote this, I saw it on a shirt in Mexico. But I love it!

We are warriors!!

2011-09-13T22:17:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, my best friend Brittany and I headed to Portland to compete in the Warrior Dash. This is a 5K obstacle course that included jumping over fire, swimming through a swamp, crawling under barbed wire...and much more!!

Amazingly....we survived! It was so much fun. Afterward there was live music, beer and turkey legs oh and thousands of crazy people!! I'm already looking forward to next year!

Free Fallin

2011-09-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

2 days ago was my friend Dans birthday...so yesterday I took him on a little surprise adventure to celebrate!! And What better surprise adventure than skydiving???
It was Dan's first time skydiving and I'm pretty sure he loved it...

Dan is always joking how I am so much more adventurous than him, well now he is catching up...Happy Birthday Dan Hamlin!!!

365 days ago....

2011-08-26T07:45:00.001-07:00

I was just getting home from South Africa!!
I arrived home today on my mom's birthday to surprise her while she was at a restaurant.
I cannot believe it's been a whole year since coming back, time flies!

It's definitely been a crazy, wonderful, super fun year...and now that I've been home settlin' for a year...it's time to move along to the next adventure...like moving up to Portland!

sweet summer time

2011-08-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how quickly summer is coming to an end!!
The weather in Medford has not been that hot until recently making it seem as if summer is just starting...unfortunately it's not but over the past few weeks of summer it sure has been fun soaking up some good summer sunshine!!

Slightly Stoopid...a great concert!

Thank goodness for another 2 week of this wonderful season!!

Postsecret strikes again

2011-07-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

me+3

2011-07-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I have the fun experience of watching 3 kids for 4 days while their dad was out of town on business.
call me crazy but it was so much fun
These kids go to the preschool I work at so I'm well acquainted with them but me showing up at their house to spend the night was a whole different ball game. Needless to say I kept them plenty busy in hopes they wouldn't even notices how long their dad was gone...I think it worked.

Maili "MayMay"

Rhyan

Peyton

Medford

2011-07-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

My hometown of Medford sometimes gets a bad rap...it's sort of small, kind of back woods, and a little country...

But I've spend most of my life here and still think it's one of the most beautiful places ever.
Some of the best sunsets are seen from my aunt's house, no city lights are around to keep us from witnessing a star filled sky and the view from Tablerock is and always will be breath taking.

So if you happen to be driving through, stop by and see for yourself how pretty Medford really is...even if it is a little kicktown.

Sun, fun and Sacramento

2011-07-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to title this post, "tearing up the Sac river" because that is pretty much what we did :)
Over the 4th of July weekend I went to Sacramento to go wake boarding with my cousin, her husband and some friends. It was an awesome time, with perfect weather and just the right amount of soreness after two days of wake boarding.

Antone

Derek

Me

Katy

Nacho- wake surfing

4th of July celebration

4 new homes in Mexico: part 2

2011-06-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

In order to get an Amor home built, there is an application process that families must fill out and get approval from pastors. This process can take a while...a very long while.
One of the families we got to build a house for had waited 13 years to get a home! Before Amor would build a house they had to own the land, before they could own the land they had to save enough money to buy it. 13 years later they now have a new house to call a home and hopefully enjoy for decades to come.

Another family we build a home for was a double home, with two extra room because before a family of around 8 were living in a 2 room house. All of these stories are similar but the biggest common denominator is that God always provides, and 4 new homes in Rosarita Mexico are proof of just that!

4 new homes in Mexico

2011-06-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a 8 day mission trip to Mexico and it was incredible!
Our church senior high youth group goes there every summer to build homes with Amor ministries (click on the link to learn more about Amor) and being that I lived in California for high school I never got to go. As this trip was coming together some people asked if I wanted to go as an adult and of course I jumped on that opportunity.

So 8 days, two 18 hours truck rides, and 4 houses later...I am back from Mexico and still stand amazed at how awesome our God is. Everyone that went said this was one of their favorite years and I feel so blessed to have gotten to be apart of that!

More to come on the families we build for in the next few days!!

one proud sister

2011-06-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

This past week I was in California for my sisters college graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After 5 years she has graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education and I could not be more proud!!!

My sis has worked her tail off in college and already has a job to welcome her into the real world. We had a great time celebrating her success this weekend and was sure to make time for shopping, the beach, eatting, and just kickin it in California!

Way to go Cass!!

happy memorial day

2011-05-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

with love from Postsecret.

Name that band...

2011-05-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

"Shine, make 'em wonder what you've got, make 'em wish that they were not on the outside looking bored. Shine, let it shine before all men, let' em see good works, and then, let 'em glorify the Lord"

Well if you guessed the Newsboys then right on!! those are lyrics are from the song Shine, just one of the many awesome songs they sing. The Newsboys were my ALL TIME favorite band back when I was about 13. I was hard core about my obsession towards them, stealing my mom's cd and listening to my favorites on repeat for hours.
This past Thursday they made their way here to Medford OR for a concert; standing there in the crowd, listening to them, I was transported back to 13 where I adored their music all over again!

What a great night of worship!

Portland or bust

2011-05-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

These past few days I had an awesome time making the quick trip up to Portland to hang out with Brittany (this is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do)

We hit our regular places like the Saturday Market, Powell's bookstore, H&M, Trader Joe's and plenty of coffee shops, but we also hit a few new places like OMSI. (never heard of it? well let me tell you it's amazing)

It's a huge science museum with lots of interactive activities and a IMAX movie theater dome thing. We saw a movie on Extreme Adventures (like skydiving) and watching it in there literally made you feel like you were doing it. Now Brittany and I are both not that into science but I will say this place is pretty cool considering...definitely a place I would go back to. If you're ever in the Portland area check it out.

So despite the rain...I'd say it was a great weekend!

Half Marathon...CHECK!

2011-05-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Since New Year's I have been planning on running in the Annual Eugene City Marathon, so this weekend my mom and I made our way up to Eugene along with 8000 other people to enjoy a good run. I competed in the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) which took us all over Eugene and the UofO campus right to the finish line in the Hayward stadium which was filled with cheering strangers! I must say races are a great way to explore a city!

(getting ready)

(yep 8000 others)

(mile 12...so close)

(DONE! notice all the sweat on my hat...eww)

Hopefully a whole marathon is in my future...maybe next year.

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone one had a fabulous Easter doing whatever you were doing. I know I did spending time with my (wonderful) family, going to church, egg hunts and always...yummy food! But beyond the excitement of candy and fun I am so thankful that today Jesus rose from the dead...that is my reason for celebrating!

We make people work for their basket...Andrew's was on the roof...after this picture he dropped it :(

Get your run on!

2011-04-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

Every year, our town of Medford holds the Pear Blossom Parade. Apart from the festivities of the parade it is well known for the running events. There is a 2 mile, 5K and 10 mile run. I've done the 5K before and this year I decided to conquer the 10 mile. I convinced my uncle to run with me, so this morning bright and early we laced up our running shoes and joined the masses (literally in the thousands) to hit the pavement for 10 miles.

before

I was so excited to cross the finish line, I've ran 10 miles on my own in preparation for this but this but there is bit more excitement when you come to a FINISH sign with your name announced over the speaker along with your time (mine was 1.25.something). Sweaty and tired we were all smiles and quite proud of ourselves...thanks uncle Doug for being my running partner!

after

Surprise!!!

2011-03-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, my grandma celebrated her 74th birthday, I gave her a card that said..."Get ready for a surprise because on March 5th you are mine!"
Well this past Friday as March 5th rolled around, my grandma and I hoped in the car and set out for Auburn California.

Surprise 1.
we were staying overnight

Surprise 2.
My sister was meeting us there!

(upon my sisters arrival at the hotel, my gram shut the door in her face and started crying)

Surprise 3.
A concert to Matthew West and Josh Wilson

We had such a great weekend, full of birthday celebration and surprises!
Happy Birthday Gram, I love you!

PORTLAND TOWN

2011-02-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

I just came back from a weekend long trip to Portland with my Best Friend Brittany.

we had such a great time, can I just say...I LOVE PORTLAND! I'm hoping to move there in August and these little weekend long trips are such a tease becasue I can't wait to be there! Brittany and I drank lots coffee, stood in line for 2 hours to get doughnuts (so true), shopped, bought loads of books, ate amazing food, walked, walked, ate and walked some more. Of course there were hours of conversation and plenty of photos taken as well.

What a great weekend in Portland, thanks Brittany for being so awesome...our next adventure...SEATTLE!

Postsecret strikes again

2011-01-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago this was shared on Postsecret and my friend Brittany was 100% convinced I posted it. Well I didn't but am I amazed that I share that exact same secret...

I miss those children in South Africa so much and after 3 weeks of college and 5 more years ahead of me, I still look down that long road and am reminded...I am doing this for them.

Sidewalk art

2011-01-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

It's been raining here for a few days and that means all the kiddos at school must stay in, it's a huge bummer but it makes for even more excitement when the sun finally decided to come out.

When it finally did on Friday the kids had a ball outside getting to run around and release all that energy. They were also excited with the new chalk we had bought and decided to cover almost every inch of our sidewalk with beautiful artwork!

college...

2011-01-15T22:20:00.000-08:00

(taken from postsecret)

Well I'm not a sophomore but I know this feeling. I recently enrolled for my first college class (ever!) as a start to getting my teaching degree. Although it was a little nerve rakcing at first, I have to say after 2 weeks I love it...and still manage to have an A!!

I think I have to agree...

2011-01-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

Duck fever

2011-01-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

For all you college football fans out there, I'm sure you know how awesome Oregon did by making it to the BCS Nation Championships! Well today was the big game and of course we all wore our Yellow and Green very proudly!

Unfortunately we lost 19-22...but we held our own right up until the very end!!
Way to go ducks!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 2011 already! my gosh time does fly.
So long 2010...what a great year, here are some highlights

Got to be apart of the DTS with 15 amazing students...

and made some awesome memories...

went to Zambia where I did this...

and saw this...

and ate this...

went to Mozambique for a little R&R...

got to go to this thing you may have heard of...the World Cup???

Ten Thousand Homes finished building the care center in Kabokweni...

made the decision to come home and get my teaching degree...

saw one of my best friends after almost 2 years!!!

got lots of quality cousin bonding...

got to spend Thanksgiving AND Christmas at home!!!

and got a car!!!

yes it's definitely been a good year...goodbye 2010, thanks for the memories!

breathe

2010-12-30T18:53:00.000-08:00

the other day as I was leaving the gym I heard this song on the radio and a line from it went something like this...Pray just pray, take the world off your shoulders and put it on me...

I thought it was so beautiful so I went home and tried to google it and couldn't find it anywhere. So I kept listening to the radio and waiting for days to hear it again until finally I did and realized they weren't talking about praying at all they were saying BREATHE. Well mystery solved but I can't help replacing the word breathe with pray in my head every time it comes on, I guess I just think it sounds better that way.
Here's a bit more of the song...

She's fine most of the time
She takes her days with a smile
Moves like a dancer in light
Spinning around to the sound
But sometimes she falls down

Breathe, just breathe (pray, just pray)
Take the world off your shoulders, put it on me
Breathe, just breathe (pray, just pray)
Let the life that you live be all that you need

Let go of our fear, let go of our doubt
Let go of the ones who try to put you down
You're gonna be fine, don't hold it inside
If you hurt right now then let it all come out

Breathe, just breathe (pray, just pray)
Take the world off your shoulders, put it on me.

Pray, just pray.

Wedding bliss

2010-12-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today I got to go celebrate the wedding of a very good friend of mine, Ed Fregoso. It all began when I saw him walking past my house everyday to get to school just to end up in the same class I had, so I offered to give him rides, and rides turned into coffee every Thursday and coffee turned into dinners, church, and just hanging out. I feel so blessed to call Ed my friend and April is a very lucky girl to have Ed to call her husband.
(I didn't give a toast but I think I would have done a good job!)

Anyways the wedding was beautiful...

I brought my sis and Maddie...

we may have been sitting at the kids table...

but we had the chance to learn a heck of a lot about the ipad, it was facinating...

Congratulations April and Ed!!

This years Family Photo

2010-12-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

While trying to take a family photo on thanksgiving, we discovered that you can do self timer + 8!!! So you can set the self timer up and then have it take 8 pictures in a row!

This turned out to be WAY to much fun so after, dancing, sweating, posing, jumping, fist-pumping, blowing kisses and flexing and we ended up with a whole series of about 1000 photos....here's a little preview...enjoy.

now how in the world will we decide which one to put on the Christmas Card?

a little lesson in clamming

2010-12-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

I love clams...their ooey and gooey and oh so delicious!
but in order to get clams at the Oregon Coast, you have to find them...

so find a place to go...

grab you boots...

head to the water...

dig...

dig some more...

and if you get tired, sit and relax, just hope a crab doesn't come bite you in the bum...

afterward...steam, eat and enjoy!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-29T19:35:00.000-08:00

I look forward to thanksgiving every year, not only is it the one day I completely stuff my face and not feel guilty when I'm getting my fifth helping, but I also get to be surrounded by family, spend the day baking, watch football, and be remind of all the things in life I have to be thankful for.

my uncle. the chef

cousins

the table

Danny enjoyed his pizza

Doug enjoyed his beer

Cassidy and gram and I

Hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving!

my sis

2010-11-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

this year, much to my disappointment, my sister Cassidy told me she wasn't going to drive up to Oregon for thanksgiving. This wasn't ok...I needed her help filling out college papers, who was I going to bake with? who would kick my butt at poker at my aunt's house?
so...after much convincing she changed her mind.

So what am I thankful for this year...my sister!!!

a little breath of coastal air

2010-11-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

Every year, around the same time my family rents a house and heads to the Oregon Coast for a little vacation and a lot of fun.

This year was no exception...the weather was awesome, the beaches were beautiful as always, the clams and crab...plentiful and delicious, and of lots of laughing, eatting, and of course...football!!
Charleston, Oregon

reconeccted at last

2010-11-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

One of my biggest worries before going to S.A was my roommate...would I like her...would she like me...would we get along...
God could not have answered my prayer in a more amazing way than with Brittany. She is one of my cloest friends now and I love that fact that we've gone from living in S.A together, back to the states all the while keeping up a great friendship and talking all the time and what's ever cooler...she only lives about 12 hours away from me here!

I stole this picture from her blog

All this to say...this past weekend we met up on a whim in Portland to hang out after way to long of not seeing each other. We got to drink coffee (arguably one of our favorite things to do together) shop, look at colleges and just hang out like old times in South Africa.

Photo Booth Find

2010-11-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old photos on my computer the other day and came across these on my photo booth. Arielle and Zoe used to come over and love to get their photo taken whenever I had my computer out. I think Arielle could spend forever on that thing striking different poses...here's just a few...enjoy.

oh how I miss these girls...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-11-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

My Halloween festivities started Friday with a party at my work...cookies, candy, and costumes galore!

Continued Saturday with pumpkin carving leading to delicious roasted pumpkin seeds.

and ended Sunday of course with trick-or-treating. Not for me but taking my two cousins
(because I know you were wondering)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Postsecret

2010-10-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

wow who would have thought?
thanks for the secret.

Pumpkin roll anyone?

2010-10-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

I was finally inspired to bake again when I saw an amazing recipe in a magazine that included pumpkin. With autumn in the air I literally crave pumpkin all the time (I'm still not sure what that's about) but I came across a recipe for a "Pumpkin Roll" and of course it looked and sounded amazing, so I had to give it a try.

and viola...my first pumpkin roll, and if I might say...it was delicious!

obedience

2010-10-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sometime in life we do just have to take chances. As of recently since being home I've found myself asking God..."are you sure??"
are you sure you wanted me here? are you sure I was supposed to come back?
are you sure your still leading me???

and the answer is always YES. Coming back home wasn't an easy decision, (and part of my heart just really misses South Africa) but I know it's what I'm supposed to be doing. God spoke and I listening and although I sway and think and challenge and quesiton I know sometimes it's just about jumping in with two feet and knowing God will always catch you and taking a chance.

they see me rollin...

2010-10-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

in my new car!!!

That's right, I recently bought my first car. When I came back from S.A my old one (a hand me down) mysteriously wasn't working, so after shopping around a bit I found this little cute Suzuki and fell in love.

It's a bit older but runs great, has 4 wheel drive, big windows and lots of room oh and did I mention I LOVE IT!

My time to share

2010-10-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday at church I got to share the whole story of my time in South Africa. I feel so blessed to have a church family who cares about me, supports me and wants to invest time into me.

They gave me some time after the 2nd church service to share about Ten Thousand Homes, my time in Africa and what's going on next in my life. I could have talked for hours (I mean how do you sum up 15 months into 15 minutes?) but it went great, with plenty of pictures, stories and best of all, getting to share the amazing testimonies of what God did is doing in Africa.

a special thanks to everyone who came out and listened!

fun.fun.fun

2010-10-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in a previous blog, I spend a few days in Santa Barbara where I got to see my best friend from the 8th grade: Molly!!

KAIMI

2010-09-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

Pronounced "key.ee.mee"

"the seeker"

The other day on my flight home from California, I ended up sitting next to a young guy from Hawaii whose name happened to be Kaimi. When I asked him if it had any significant meaning he said it means "the seeker"
Who cares you may ask???
Well...Rich Hodge a wonderful speaker and person I worked with at YWAM Ten Thousand Homes teaches a series on new names in Christ, it's quite fascinating to pray and discover a new name Christ has called you. Throughout the bible God is constantly changing peoples names and I believe he also can give us new names...not only earthly names from our parents but heavenly names from him.

"...I'll also give a clear, smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name" Revelations 2:17

Well, awhile back I was given a new name in Christ and over time I have grown in this name and discovered more about myself through this name.

That name is "the seeker"....Kaimi

cal.if.or.nia

2010-09-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

When going back to California it's no small trip...since I lived there for 4 years, I have friends and family all over the place.
Since coming home from South Africa there's lots of catching up to do so these past 2 weeks were spent in California going from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo, to San Jose to San Fransisco, back to San Luis Obispo then to Santa Barbara...lots of people to see, so little time and tons of fun to be had!!!!

Pismo Beach

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo

San Jose

San Fransisco

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara
(I learned to pump gas! this may sound weird...or pathetic...but in Oregon we don't pump our own gas, but when in California it was time to learn)

Let's go Giants, let's go!!!

2010-09-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

ok so I'm not a huge baseball fanatic, but living in San Jose for 4 years you sort of have to become a Giant's fan. So this Saturday I found myself packed into the crowded Giants stadium with my family and about 50,000 other people wearing our black and orange and cheering on those San Fransisco Giants!!

Unfortunately the Giants lost...but it was still fun none the less with yummy soft pretzels, the "fist pump song" and best of all it couldn't have been a more perfect night for baseball...no wind or fog in the bay at all, what a wonderful day in San Fransisco!

ROAD TRIP!!!

2010-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Friday Night Lights

2010-09-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

Just like the movies portray, in any small town football rules.
So last night I found myself in the middle of a packed stadium cheering on the black tornadoes, wearing my red and black and taking in all the essence of Friday night football.

This is my cousin...#20

When I was writing this blog a song came on the radio by Kenny Chesney it seemed so appropriate, it's called "Boys of Fall"
In little towns like mine, that’s all they’ve got
Newspaper clippings fill the coffee shops
The old men will always think they know it all
Young girls will dream about the boys of fall

Well it’s turn to face the stars and stripes
It’s fighting back them butterflies
It’s call it in the air, alright
Yes sir, we want the ball
And it’s knocking heads and talking trash
It’s slinging mud and dirt and grass
It’s I got your number, I got your back
When your back’s against the wall
You mess with one man, you got us all
The boys of fall

Postsecret

2010-09-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Way to go!! and thanks for the secret

Daycare Love

2010-09-02T18:23:00.001-07:00

I've been feeling a bit uninspired for blogging since coming home from S.A, not sure why but the other day at work I let some of this kids use my camera and this is what they captured in their world.

I just love these kids...but please pray for some good inspiration!!

Beautiful Oregon

2010-08-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Coast is one of my favorite places ever. It is beautiful, never to hot, always green, and always wonderful. My family just spent the weekend up there and it was so nice being with everyone after not having seen them for so long, relaxing, enjoying the ocean and just playing around.

Surprise!!!

2010-08-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

Well I'm home! yesterday was my moms birthday and although I had told her I was coming into town on September 4th...I surprised her today by showing up a few days early for her birthday. I had been planning this since March so the excitement and build up was huge. I walked into the restaurant where my mom and sis were having dinner and it went something like this...

me: "happy birthday mom!!"
mom: "what?" "oh my gosh" 'hayley?" "oh my gosh" "what are you doing here" "oh my gosh this is my daughter" (spoken to the people next to us)

and then there were tears and it was wonderful!

happy birthday mom!!

Brittany Joan Deniston

2010-08-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

Brittany has been my roommate since I moved to South Africa a little over a year ago. She will be the first to tell you, she did not want a roommate.

She thought I was annoying, possibly and little weird and quirky, but things started to change, probably when I started to make coffee for her every morning.

Despite her "where's my coffee women" attitude every morning, I started to like her too.

My weird habits became endearing to her and her singing in the car became less annoying.

Time went by and this friendship blossomed.

Although I often forgot her middle name, and the fact that she doesn't like green peppers

I did remember the important things like...she likes her coffee strong, she could listen to Coldplay anytime, and rubbing her head is the quickest way to her heart.

We often ask each other if we think we'd be friends back in the states and honestly...

I can't imagine it any other way

I am going to miss Brittany so much, she was there through my emotional crybaby moments, she can make me laugh so hard I cry and can listen to me talk for hours, literally.

Luckily for me, she going back to the states around the same time I am to pursue her dreams of massage therapy, so I don't have to imagine never seeing her again.

So Brittany this is my way of saying thank you, I love you and when I leave I'll see you later.

living: together

2010-08-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

The wonders of community living never cease to amaze me, how people, sometimes strangers, not only live together, work together, fellowship together, but get share life together everyday.
some of my favorite moments of this are...

Having little darling girls come over, play sleepy time and put lip stick on

always having someone to eat dinner with

Sharing our home with strangers, who when they leave aren't strangers anymore

Girls night

Leaving your house open, and coming home to find this on your computer

getting to spend everyday with great people like the Price's (sorry guys, I stole this photo from you)

having to only walk 30 seconds to get to our Monday morning meetings

always having people around to talk to, pass time, and hang out with

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"
Matthew 18:20

called to teach...part 2

2010-08-18T02:14:00.000-07:00

BIG NEWS....#1

I'm coming home soon!! I'll be home at the beginning of September and would love to see all of you.

BIG NEWS...#2
I'm coming home to stay!! at least for awhile. I have been praying and processing for awhile what this dream of teaching looks like, and what I'm suppose to do with it. So after long conversations with God and other people I have decided to go to school and get my teaching degree in order to use that in the future as my mission field and bring hope through education to children around the world.

Since living in South Africa, I have seen the huge need for education and qualified teachers. I have written before about how children drop out of school at an early age to help raise their family and become the head of their household. There are so many uneducated children here who miss the opportunity to learn, and I feel like God has really impressed that upon my heart since living here.

All this to say, I'm so excited to come home and pursue this dream and gift of teaching. I feel like this is a passion God has given me and I can't wait to use it.

See you in September!

Where in Africa?

2010-08-14T02:45:00.000-07:00

Over the past year of living in South Africa and working with Ten Thousand Homes, I have devoted a huge chunk of my time to working in the three communities that Ten Thousand Homes works in.

In each of these communities we have a feeding program, a care center or place children can feel safe and receive love, local volunteers who diligently work on their behalf pouring time and energy into serving the children there, and so many kids that I look forward to seeing every week.

These communities are...

SALT

2010-08-11T01:06:00.000-07:00

Salt is the church I've been attending since I moved here over a year ago. Just after I started going I was asked to help teach Sunday school, I helped back in the states and loved it so of course I said yes!!

(In these photos we were learning about God's light and making candle jars to go with the lesson of shining God's light)

Over the past year I have had a lot of fun getting to know the few young girls that attend there and help teach their Sunday school class, they are all so bright and eager to learn more about God and his word.

dog love

2010-08-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

Brittany and I have had our dog Jewels for about 8 months now. We adore her!!
Anyways, a few weeks ago the prices got a new puppy named Austin and at first Jewels was very weird about it especially when we went to pet the new pup. But as time goes on Jewels is starting getting used to Austin and watching the two of them bond is hilarious.

Jewels still acts weird sometimes but secretly I think she loves the new companion!

Matthew 25:40

2010-08-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

"Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me"
(The Message)

One of the main things we do as Ten Thousand Homes is feeding programs. We help in 3 different communities, with 3 different feeding programs every week. Although it may seem like just a meal, the joy on the faces of these children when handing them a hot plate of food is something I wouldn't trade for the world.

bust a move

2010-07-31T00:12:00.000-07:00

Out in Kabokweni there is an adorable little girl names Alisha.
She is not only smart, hilarious to talk to, and sweet as ever, but she can also DANCE!
The other day while I was out there, I asked her to bust a move for me, this is what I got.

Postsecret

2010-07-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the secret.

The Care Center

2010-07-26T03:23:00.000-07:00

In Kabokweni, there has been a dream of building a Care Center for the past few years. Everything that goes on out there such as feeding programs, homework help, projects with children and so much more, would be more effective by having a real structure to do all that from.
This structure will now be the place that children can call 'home' where they will receive plenty of love, care and support.
So...with the help of so many generous people, we have been in the process of building this Care Center for the past 6 months and it is just about finished!!! HOORAY!!!

"Home is not where you live but where they understand you"
Christian Morganstern

another batch of blankets

2010-07-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

As I've written about before, Ten Thousand Homes works with another organization called knit-a-square. We often receive handmade blankets from all over the world, specially made for the orphans and vulnerable children we work with.
A few weeks ago we got another batch of blankets, and have been handing them out as the children come to the care center. These are some pictures of the children and their beautiful new blankets.

Thank you knit-a-square for all the beautiful blankets, you've made so many children very happy!!

a reason to celebrate

2010-07-18T02:56:00.000-07:00

This past week in Dwaleni we celebrated 1 year of volunteering out there. It was around a year ago this time, that we met a group of ladies who had a desire to see a feeding program taking place in their community, because of the many orphans and vulnerable children there. They couldn't do this alone, nor could we start a feeding program without them, so with the help of Ten Thousand Homes, and the hard work of 14 women, we have been feeding over 100 children out in Dwaleni every week for 1 year now!!

Soccer day

2010-07-14T01:19:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, in spirit of the World Cup, we had a soccer game with Ten Thousand Homes staff vs. the Mbonisweni youth. Our staff wasn't enough to make up a whole team so a visiting team and our workers from base came out and joined us, thanks to all their and hard work...WE WON. Most importantly, now, until we play again we have all the bragging rights!

Brittany also had fun taking picture of herself in my sun glasses, and I had fun going home and playing with the colors of it, so just for fun...

and the winner is....

2010-07-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

SPAIN!!!

woohoo for Spain winning the World Cup!!!

ps. I wrote this post days ago, with high anticipation of them winning...so glad they didn't disappoint.

When Laepo steals my camera...

2010-07-10T02:04:00.000-07:00

Laepo was a boy I met and fell in love with while in Mozambique.
We spent a lot of time at his house getting to know his family and hanging out there. Every time we came around he loved to take my camera and snap pictures of everything that passed.
This is the world from his perspective...

Meet Laepo

Mozambique

2010-07-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

Stanley, Monique and myself, just came from from a 6 day trip to Mozambique. They have friends there that run a ministry working with street children so we went to check it out, oh yeah and hang out on the beach.
With only a 4 hour taxi ride, a quick border hop and a few days off work, we were in the land of beaches, sunshine, good food and lots of fun!!

weekend fun

2010-07-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Dave Song organized a fun paintball outing for all our staff here...

Although it was fun, paint-balling can be a little dangerous, luckily I only came home with a few of these...

Kabokweni

2010-06-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to get out to Kabokweni after my week of vacation time. On Monday we went out there for our normal feeding, and I snuck away from dishing up food to spend some time playing, hanging out with, and taking pictures of the kids.

"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me" Matthew 18:5

Postsecret

2010-06-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the secret

Show your pride...

2010-06-25T02:47:00.000-07:00

So what team are you rooting for??

Italy vs. New Zealand

2010-06-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the World Cup!!!
(my view of it anyways)

Italy vs. New Zealand, June 20th, in Nelspruit. The game was 1-1 and we rooted for Italy (because we thought they were cuter)

A time to rest...

2010-06-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

With DTS over and all the "ZAMFAM" gone, and a very busy 5 month behind me, it has all come to a sad end and the base seems oddly...quiet

So what now you may ask?
Well a holiday of course! After coming back, the outreach leaders were giving two weeks of holiday time to rest, hang out, relax and get used to being back.
So last week I read a whole book, saw a movie, spent a lot of time at Zannaz, went to the gym, cleaned my house, babysat, enjoyed the World Cup and even slept it!

It was wonderful...but I really missed work. After being gone two month I couldn't wait to be at staff meetings, go out to Kabokweni, and Mbonisweni and see everyone and get back into the swing of things. So with some strong convincing, a bargained down to a week...so what's on my schedule: meetings, feeding programs, helping with the team here, and going to Kabokweni...it's so good to be back!

Called to teach?

2010-06-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

While on outreach these past two months, I had the opportunity to work in an orphan school and help in a preschool. Although I had been in similar environments before with children, it was this time that God really began to open my eyes to the passion I have for teaching, this love to see children grow and learn new things, to help a child understand something and then share in the joy when they finally get it.
While working in the school, it felt so comfortable and exciting, and it was in Joburg at the preschool where God was saying to me..."you can do this!"

Everyday I see how huge the need for education is. Children drop out of school at a young age to take care of their families, get jobs, or they simply can't afford it.

Teaching is an amazing mission field, not only do you get to speak wisdom and education into a child's life but also truth and love.
I'm not sure what this will look like for me in the future, maybe I'll come back to the states and go to college, maybe I'll stay here and keep volunteering at schools and working at care centers, but I do know this is something God is laying heavily on my heart so I'm exciting to explore where this passion may take me.

DTS slideshow

2010-06-10T02:18:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I took this off Brittany's blog and put in on mine, but for all my friends and family who haven't seen this please watch! Its fun and beautifully made by Brittany Deniston

DTS Slideshow '10 from Brittany Deniston on Vimeo.

Graduation

2010-06-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

After 5 months the DTS is officially over with a beautiful graduation to wrap it all up.

3 students are sticking around for awhile and 5 students live close to our base, but for all the others who I am not going to see soon, I will miss you all!!
It has been a wonderful past 5 months, with so many great memories made.
Love you guys and so proud of all of you!

Wrapping up

2010-06-06T01:31:00.000-07:00

After spending one night at home, all DTS staff and students headed off to debrief for 4 days of resting, fun, and unpacking the last 5 months. We had a really great time hanging out together, doing skits, having group discussions, interviews, yummy food and re-entry talks.

Ain't no burger like a Jo-burger

2010-06-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

After leaving Zambia, our team headed to Johannesburg to finish up the last 3 weeks of outreach. There we worked with the Joseph Project, which is a ministry focused on raising up leader and equipping and disciplining them to help impact their community.
We helped work in a preschool, painted a mural, did park evangelism, and went to local schools to help raise awareness against human trafficking.
It was an amazing time of ministry there, and a great way to finish our outreach. The contract between small, slow village life in Zambia and fast, sometimes dangerous city life in Joburg was so evident, it was great getting to experience both dynamics of life in Africa.

Being that is was almost the end of outreach we had a few fun days thrown in there such as a shopping trip to Mandela square, going to a Bafana Bafana soccer game in the new World Cup stadium, made a couple trips to "lattelicious", oh yeah and celebrated my birthday!

one WHOLE year

2010-05-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today marks one whole year of living in South Africa, and what a year it has been...

leaving Medford...

making the long trip to South Africa...

all to join...

and get involved...

with helping orphans...

and bringing them hope...

learning to adjust...

to living in Africa...

seeing this...

and falling in love with this...

spending Christmas on a beach...

getting a dog...

staffing my first dts...

going to Zambia...

discovering how beautiful, wonderful, amazing South Africa is...

feeling at home...

meeting great people...

and gaining a few wrinkles :)

someone turns 21 today....

2010-05-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

and that someone is me!!
Mom thank you for bringing me into this world 21 years ago today, here's a drink to you.

Cheers

more Zambia

2010-05-22T03:48:00.000-07:00

If you ever have the opportunity to go to Zambia...GO!!

I'll share with you the short summary of what our time looked like in Zambia...
We arrived in Lusaka and stayed the night there, the next day we took an 18 hour bus ride to Mpulungu, Zambia where we were greeted by a ton of very excited children.
Our first week there we worked in the orphan school, teaching, doing projects, crafts and games with the kids.
Our second week there we helped at a youth camp put on by the ministry we were working with. This camp was a lot more like a boot camp than any youth camp I've ever been to. We woke up everyday at 5am to go running, we had to compete in obstacle courses and a "run-around" The guy explained the run around like this..."we call this a run-around because we do not walk we run. Does anyone here not have feet? Good you will all be running" It was quite an interesting week.
The 3rd week we helped at the orphan school again. During this week a lot happened, we had a run in with a komodo dragon running into our house (yes they are real and HUGE), we also were painting the new school that was getting ready to open. We had our village stays and had a fun day hiking Kalambo falls (the 2nd tallest waterfall in Africa).
The night before we left, 9 out 11 girls were sick and only 1 out of our 2 bathrooms were working. The next day we took the 18 hour bus ride back to Lusaka, which I was sick on the whole way. Not fun. We stayed at a YWAM base in Lusaka where we were able to rest and have some fun before continuing on back to South Africa.
Ok one more crazy story...Some girls and I were sitting in front of a cafe and I looked in the window into the cafe and a couple sitting there looked exactly like the people whose house we had just been staying in, in Mpulungu. (the owners of the house had been in S.A and the reason we had to leave on the 9th was because they were coming back home, so although staying in their house we never actually met them) But I was very convinced it was them so Derek and I walked right up to them and said..."do you live in Mpulungu..yes? well I think we just stayed at your house for the last month" awkward...not at all haha. It was such a coincidence that we would run into them in Lusaka.
ok so this wasn't so short but seriously how do you sum up a whole month into something short?

Lake Tanganyika

2010-05-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

For a little geography lesson for those of you who don't know, Lake Tanganyika is at the very northern part of Zambia bordering Tanzania and the Congo. It is long and narrow and the 2nd largest freshwater lake in Africa with much of the lake bordering Tanzania.

We got to spend much time on the lake because the Pro Christo ministry we were working with does a lot of evangelism around the lake and has missionaries living in the villages bordering the lake. They also run an orphan school that we got to be apart of that sits right on the shore of the lake.

10K Tuesday

2010-05-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Keys to a New Home

Not too long ago and with the help of many people, Ten Thousand Homes was able to purchase a house that had been nearly destroyed by violent riots last year in the community of Mbonisweni [read more]. We bought the house intending to fix it up for two orphaned, young boys Themba and Sunnyboy. It took time and lots of hard work, but the repairs have been completed and the boys have finally moved in!

Creative Action:
This week, every time you take your keys out to unlock your house, pray for these two boys and their new home. Pray for safety and security and that this house would truly become a place of belonging and hope.

Thank you for participating in 10K Tuesday! We love to hear from you so take a moment and post any comments, questions, or stories on our discussion board.

Zambia

2010-05-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin with what has been going on this past months. So to start I'm going to make a list of the top 5 things I did while on BEAUTIFUL Lake Tanganyika, Zambia.

1. My absolute favorite moment by far was going to a little village on the lake called Nzovwe. It was a 2 hour boat ride from Mpulungu and there were about 40 houses with 200 people living in the village. There was no electricity, fishing was the main livelihood, women were married and having children by 14, no stores, clinics, nothing just little mud houses with grass roofs and the most wonderful people I have ever met.

2. I got to see the most amazing sunrises and sun sets nightly. Some people may think well you can do that anywhere. But can wake up, walk 20 feet, sit on the shore of a lake an watch those sunrises every morning?

3. I climbed the 2nd tallest waterfall in Africa! it was tough but so worth it! It took about 6 hours and when we got to the top we got to swim in it and had we been daring enough (we weren't) we would have swam right into Tanzania.

4. I got to spend a month on a LAKE! for those of you who know me know I LOVE WATER. So swimming became a weekly routine, boat rides were the best part of my week and the water, oh the water...so nice and warm. yes there were hippos, crocs, snakes, and many other not so friendly animals but all that was worth it to be in the water.

5. The children!! One of the activities we were doing was helping run an orphan school for 2 weeks. The children there were as you can imagine, adorable, sweet, beautiful and so excited to have us at their school.

There will be plenty more to come of stories and pictures of what my time was like in Zambia.

Welcome back

2010-05-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

As amazing...beautiful...adventurous...spectacular Zambia was... I'd like to welcome myself back to the wonderful land of computers and internet in South Africa!
For the past 4 weeks while I've been in Zambia I haven't' been able to access internet so I apologize for not blogging, emailing people and respond to facebook messages but I'm back and excited to catch up on blogs, emails, facebook, flickr and everything else!
So stay tuned for stories, pictures and updates on what I've been doing the past month in the beautiful country of Zambia.

Zambia bound

2010-04-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

Today myself and 17 other people will be headed to Lake Tanganyika, Zambia for our DTS (discipleship training school) outreach. As you may remember two years ago I went to Venezuela for two months on my DTS outreach, and now two years later the tables have turned and myself and two others are getting ready to lead this school on an outreach here in Africa.

Stanley

Derek

Me

In Zambia we will be working in the village of Mpulungu on the lake and helping run an orphan school and youth camp. Malaria and HIV/AIDS have left many orphaned in that area and sadly only 1% of the people living around the lake are christian. Our team has many fun dramas and skits planned, lots of fun games and art projects, and plenty of love to shower these children with.

We will be staying in Zambia for 4 weeks, then heading back to South Africa where we will continue our outreach in Johannesburg for 3 more weeks. There we will be working in the intercity, with a church that focuses specifically on orphans and vulnerable children.

Please keep myself, the two other leaders and our 15 students in your prayers over the next two months. This is going to be a stretching, challenging time for everyone but I have no doubt God is going to use us all in mighty ways! Please pray specifically for safety, openness and unity during this outreach.

Legogote

2010-04-11T01:10:00.001-07:00

This weekend we had a fun day hiking Legogote. We all woke up bright and early to make the hour and a half hike up to see the beautiful view of Hazyview, Masoyi, and Kruger Park.

while I'm gone...

2010-04-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I'm leaving for Zambia on Tuesday. I'm so very excited but a little sad too...over the past (almost) 11 months I've grown quite accustom to this great little town of White River, South Africa. It truly has become my home here.
I have my one-stop-shop stores... my favorite coffee shops...I know the best night to go to the movies....where the best Chinese food in town is and all the places to find internet! It really has grown so familiar.

(my house)

(this beautiful area)

I know, I know, I'm only going to be gone 2 months but the places in town are only scratching the surface of the things I'm going to miss some other things will be...
-Everyone that lives on base (Kaufman's, Price's, Shaw's, Keri, Mo and everyone else)
-taco Tuesday
-my other work (pathetic I know, but true)
-all the children in the communities we see everyday
-my adorable dog Jewels
-the birth of the 3rd Price baby!!!
-my church
-and more than anything else...my roommate Brittany!

I never thought I would consider this place my home and I never thought I would be sad to leave it...but it is and I am

10K Tuesday

2010-04-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sacrificial Giving

Last week, a local volunteer at our Kabokweni Care Center was seen counting her money. When asked why, the volunteer replied that she had seen that one of the orphaned children needed new school clothes and she wanted to help. This volunteer is a single mother with several children of her own and she struggles everyday to put food on her table, but despite all of her own trials she gave from her heart even though it must have hurt.

Creative Action:
This is a challenge for all of us this week. Find a way to give even when it hurts. Whether that means sacrificing your money, time, or emotions, find your own way to give sacrificially, which means ESPECIALLY when it hurts.

Thank you so much for your participating in this week's 10K Tuesday! Please take a moment and post and questions, comments, or stories on our discussion board. {by: Brittany Deniston}

Happy Easter

2010-04-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

"...and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privileged and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name." Romans 1:4-5

LOVE feast

2010-04-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

It is YWAM tradition to do a LOVE FEAST during a DTS.
A love feast is a time to bless the students, shower them with love, get dressed up, have fun and eat yummy food.

We had our love feast on Friday at the Hodges house. All the students and staff came together for dinner followed by skits, which everyone had to be involved in!

yes it was a very fun, entertaining time!

Josie

2010-04-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Josie.

she's a beast. A loving, very affectionate, thinks she's a puppy, beast.

I am a huge dog lover, especially big dogs, they are so fun, so over the past few days of house sitting its been fun getting to hang with Josie.

10K Tuesday

2010-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Meet David

A little less then a month ago we starting building a home for a boy name David. David lives in a local community called Masoyi. David lost both of his parents and was staying alone in his one room shack, he is currently living with a neighbor. Since he is living with his neighbor he is also selling fruit for her at a street stand. A couple of weeks ago some of the staff were able to meet David and learn a little more about him. David loves to play football (soccer), he is in grade 10, and his favorite subject in school is English. When he has free time he likes to hang out with his friends and he has big dreams for his future.

Creative Action:
This week, take a small piece of paper cut it into a circle and draw it into a soccer ball. With that soccer ball put it in your wallet and every time you see it send a little prayer up for David, and for the community of Masoyi.

Thank you so much for participating in this week's 10K Tuesday. If you have any questions, comments, or stories, please post on our discussion board. {by: Monique Slaughter}

Day of prayer at the new Mbombela stadium

2010-03-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday I went out to the new Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit built just for the 2010 World Cup! A day of prayer was being held there for all churches in the area to ask for repentance and praise God for the exciting upcoming events that are going to be held there.
It was a good time of worship and prayer and obviously getting to check out the huge, beautiful new stadium.

This stadium is only about 20 minutes from our base and we get a beautiful view of it every time we drive into Nelspruit.

just a few special people....

2010-03-25T02:07:00.000-07:00

Meet a beautiful princess
The beautiful princess is from Texas and and can sing like an angel.
She bakes delicious food for us all the time, and has a funny story for just about any situation.
Although shy when you first get to meet her, she will bust out the "Thriller" dance if asked.
She has a sweet tooth that is unmatched and right now is supporting cornrows in her hair!
This one-of-a-kind girl with is full of life, and if you know her, you may want to grab her autograph. This is Rebekah.

and the beloved...
This beloved gal is also from Texas.
Also known as the therapist, counselor and encourager, she will let you talk her ears off for hours just listening. Not usually found without a toy of some sort in her hand (usually a mega-phone) she brings out the child in us all.
With a heart of gold, that famous "sure!!" answer and an optimistic attitude towards everything she really is just fun to be around.
If you want to get her going just turn the radio on and watch this girl bust a move.
This is Kacy.

These two women are my one-on-one girls, who I get to meet with each week and have coffee, chit-chat, hang out and just talk with.
these names came from our Identity week where we asked God to give us new names , names we believe he calls us and created us to fulfill.

10K Tuesday

2010-03-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Preparing for Outreach

These last few months, time has flown by and now our Discipleship Training School is just three weeks away from leaving for their two-month outreach. With a 48hr bus ride to Zambia looming in the distance, the students are expressing both excitement and nervousness.

Creative Action:
This week, carry a small stone around with you in your pocket and every time you feel the weight, pray for these students. Pray that all their funds would come in on time, pray that God would prepare their hearts for what He has for them, and pray for the unity of the team as they work together to bring new life to the people they go to serve.

Thank you for participating in this week's 10K Tuesday! If you have any questions, comments, or stories, please post on our discussion board. {by: Brittany Deniston}

Welcome Back!

2010-03-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

This past week all our DTS students were gone on their home stays from Tuesday-Sunday. This was their chance to see and experience first hand what it was like to live in an African community. The communities they stayed in were the same communities they've worked in the past 2 months of being here. From living in child headed households, eatting chicken feet and pap, bucket bathing...they got to experience it all!
But since they were gone for 5 whole days...all the students were missed. The base was unusually quiet and community dinners seemed so small. So when they came back Sunday we were excited to greet them and welcome them back! We had to celebrate in style (and make up for the fact they had been eatting pap, cow intestines and chicken feet all week).
So...we went to McDonald's!!!

Yes we sure did miss those 15 crazy students!