As I walked into the Orphanage of the Handicapped, my eyes at first needed to be adjusted to the darkness in the room (no electricity). I started to make out figures, and then saw four children wheelchair bound and one boy sprawled out across the floor. Before I could even reach out to them, a large boy ran up and embraced me tightly. He led me away to a different room where the remainder of the orphans were finger painting. I knelt down next to a girl (who I later learned was Autistic, deaf, and mostly blind), and stroked her back. Upon sensing my touch, she frantically grabbed my arm and tucked it in close to her abdomen, and hugged it tightly. I wrapped my free arm around her waist and lay my head on her back. This child was abandoned at the hospital, left to starve to death due to her disabilities, and she was blessing me with her affection. Burning tears stung my eyes and I whispered to God, "Father, is this how you feel when I cling to you? Is this just a fraction of the joy you have when I love you?"
We spent the first hour of the day doing VBS type activities outside. A skit, songs, crafts, and such, but soon discovered that these lower functioning children really just wanted affection and company. So the remainder of the day was spent just being flexible and doing whatever the kids wanted to do. At one point, I walked back inside to get a drink of water, and caught a glimpse of those five children that I initially saw when I entered. I immediately felt guilty for neglecting to include them. I took one of the girls in a wheelchair and started to push her to the door that led outside with everyone else, only to realize that there wasn't a wheelchair accessible ramp. I pushed her back and decided to just play with them inside. I retrieved a few toys and stuffed animals and just loved them. When I reached the boy (Ricky) that was sprawled out across the floor, I started by stroking his back and playing peek-a-boo, but at some point realized that he probably wanted to get off the floor for a little bit. I picked the him up and set him upright in my lap. He immediately started belly laughing, clearly very thankful to be sitting up. He kept grabbing my arms and wrapping them around his belly for a hug.
It's a bit emotional to look at such lively, spunky children and know that the reason they are at the orphanage and not in a home of their own is because they are considered cursed and undesirable. That these same children that brought laughter and joy to us were left for dead at some point in their lives. It's inspiring to see that although they have every right to be miserable, they're so incredibly happy. The children fight like brothers and sisters, but they also love one another in the same way. I think every one of us interns would have swooped up at least one of the children and adopted them on the spot if we could.
I will never know if I made an impact on those children's lives. Part of me wonders if they even remember who I am right now, or if they'll remember how much I love them. Considering that nearly all the children were nonverbal, it's not as if I'll ever hear them express their appreciation. But thankfully, that's not why we do what we do. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus tells us not to invite in those who can repay us, but those who cannot. That we are called to invite the crippled, the poor, the lame, and the blind and that we will be blessed. I'm so happy that although I'll never know if I made a difference in the lives of those children that I so dearly love, God blessed me. He gave me this incredible surge of joy and He revealed His heart to me. I can better understand God's love for myself, and He has opened my eyes to the need in the world. A very, very successful first day, and I just can't contain all these wild emotions that I'm feeling. I'm so thankful to be a part of this experience.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Here In Haiti.
We were welcomed by Haitians playing festive music in the airport, and I couldn't help but smile as I looked out of the windows and saw the largest, most beautiful mountains that I've ever seen. As we walked out of the airport, a man threw our luggage into a "tap tab", and I assumed that would be the vehicle strictly for hauling our luggage, but soon learned that it would also be our transportation to the compound. A tap tab is a vehicle similar to a bus, but there are wooden benches along the inside, with no door on the back. You tell the driver where you want to go, pay him, and then hop in until you arrive at your destination where you will then bang on the metal, which lets the driver know that you need to stop.
Our stay is very nice in comparison to other living conditions in Haiti. We have an air conditioning unit (which is actually broken and serves as a small fan. Given that the electricity is on), and we were each welcomed to cute beds and two bathrooms with running, cold water for showers. The weather in Haiti is incredibly humid and hot. It's almost difficult to breathe. (I think we all learned that it's possible to sweat 24/7, and that ice cold showers are the only real relief.)
I love being in a place like this. A place where I can sit outside in the rain, thankful for a break from the heat. A place where I praise God for things that I might grumble about back home. I have not even been here in Haiti for twelve hours and I already realize how much I take for granted. Everything from dependable electricity and wireless internet, to the basics like free, clean water and a single meal.
I look forward to sharing personal stories and experiences. I just have a gut feeling that this is going to be life changing. Let's do this.
Luke 14:27
"Whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
Blessings, Bailey
June 20, 2013.
Let's just say we've had an interesting start to our trip. As Anna, my roommate, and I were napping before it was time to check out of our hotel, I received a text message from one of the interns informing me that not only will our 50+ pound bags of luggage need to be downsized to a maximum of 40 pounds, but also the bags of supplies would need to be downsized as well. Oh, and the shuttle would be arriving in half an hour to take us to the airport (we were initially told it would arrive much later). I woke up Anna and we frantically tried to get dressed, pack up all our things, throw out loads of toiletries that weren't absolutely essential, and help the other girls do the same. A little late, we managed to meet the shuttle with our bags weighing just under 40 pounds. What a relief that was.
When we checked in at the airport and arrived at our gate, we discovered that our flight to Florida was delayed by over three hours, and that would mean that we would miss our flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port Au Prince. After our leader, James, talked through our options with Spirit Airlines (I would not recommend, by the way), we figured the best solution would be to continue with our flight to Fort Lauderdale, stay for a day at a hotel, take a taxi to Miami the following morning, and catch one of the flights to Haiti from there. So here I am, writing this journal on the plane because even the melatonin I took can't help me get some sleep.
I am so thankful for every little obstacle that has been placed in front of us. God commands us to be joyful always and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18), and our team has done exactly that. We have been praying for flexible hearts and minds and that we would be open to God's plan no matter the cost. I'm not entirely sure why God would allow us to lose a day of service in Haiti, but I am now more certain than ever that God has His hands in this trip and that He is going to do incredible things. The enemy's attempts at causing bitterness and discord among us has failed. For the first time in a long time, I feel unstoppable through the strength of Christ.
Blessings,
Bailey
When we checked in at the airport and arrived at our gate, we discovered that our flight to Florida was delayed by over three hours, and that would mean that we would miss our flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port Au Prince. After our leader, James, talked through our options with Spirit Airlines (I would not recommend, by the way), we figured the best solution would be to continue with our flight to Fort Lauderdale, stay for a day at a hotel, take a taxi to Miami the following morning, and catch one of the flights to Haiti from there. So here I am, writing this journal on the plane because even the melatonin I took can't help me get some sleep.
I am so thankful for every little obstacle that has been placed in front of us. God commands us to be joyful always and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18), and our team has done exactly that. We have been praying for flexible hearts and minds and that we would be open to God's plan no matter the cost. I'm not entirely sure why God would allow us to lose a day of service in Haiti, but I am now more certain than ever that God has His hands in this trip and that He is going to do incredible things. The enemy's attempts at causing bitterness and discord among us has failed. For the first time in a long time, I feel unstoppable through the strength of Christ.
Blessings,
Bailey
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Where It Began.
I'm sitting here in a room at the Palm Garden Hotel in California and under me is a plush bed, in front of me I see a large flat screen TV, and I'm typing this very blog post from my laptop. To the average American, this scene is not abnormal or spectacular. But tomorrow night I will find myself sleeping in much different conditions (Well, actually, I will be having a layover in Florida tomorrow night, but you know what I mean). For the next nine days, I will experience the kind of poverty and suffering that I have never been exposed to here in the States. I will not have this comfortable bed or television, and my laptop will serve little to no purpose where I'm going.
Around January of this year, I started feeling an odd calling. God began stirring my heart for the nation of Haiti. Initially, I thought that my adventurous spirit was starting to get the best of me, but after mulling over the idea of travelling to the most impoverished country in the western hemisphere (alone), I realized that it was actually quite daunting. But I prayed regardless, asking for God's will to be done in my life and asking for clarity on His plans for me in a nation that I knew virtually nothing about.
God began pressing the issue further and further until I finally posted a status on Facebook asking if any churches knew of a missions opportunity in Haiti. I had a few responses, but I didn't feel peace about any of the options presented before me. A few weeks later, a lovely lady that goes to my grandparent's church informed me of missions opportunities at Joni and Friends. I had actually never heard of the organization before (I later learned that my mom is actually a huge fan of Joni Eareckson Tada), but decided to look into the opportunities. And then I found it. An internship: "Cause 4 Life: Ministry and Missions Bootcamp". I read through the description to discover that it included class time, a week serving at a Family Retreat, and nine days in Haiti.
At that moment, I was overcome with different emotions. I felt a peace from God that this was what He wanted me to do, but the fact that He wanted this so badly for me suddenly made me feel very selfish and afraid to travel alone again (for those of you who don't know, my experience travelling alone in Spain was not exactly pleasant). I stared at the computer screen for several minutes, and God kept saying "Just apply. Just apply. If you don't do it now, you never will." I took a deep breath, and plunged in.
I partly hoped that I wouldn't get accepted, but deep in my heart I felt as if I already had been because God made it apparent that this was all part of the plan. I was not surprised on the first of April when I received my acceptance email. Along with the email, however, I received a timeline of when all my funds would be due. My travel deposit was due in January, my paperwork was due in March, and on April 24, my total funds were due. This meant that I would need to raise $200 pronto, and the remainder ($2800 including airfare) in 24 days. I immediately began to panic and stress, and I doubted that God would supply the money. He did anyway. (By the way, for those of you who have supported me financially, I thank God that you were so obedient and selfless and that you helped me get here. I am so very grateful!)
I am humbled that God would use someone so faithless and fearful to be His servant. When I think of how ill-equipped I am, I am reminded of the many examples in Scripture where God chooses those you would least expect Him to choose. He used the tiny guy, David, to kill a giant. He used fearful Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. He used Paul, who formerly persecuted Christians, to write letters from behind bars that would later become the majority of the books in the New Testament. I am so thankful that God doesn't require us to be holy in order to bring ourselves before Him, and that He uses us when we are so undeserving by all standards.
I ask that you would pray for me and the other interns as we leave for Haiti tomorrow. As you may or may not know, Haiti is a very dark nation that was devoted to the enemy upon foundation, and the practice of voodoo is very common. We will be serving the disabled in both a church and an orphanage, and in this country, to be disabled means that you must have been "cursed", which results in extreme neglect and oftentimes leads to death. Please pray that God would humble us, and use us as He sees fit and that we would be flexible to His plan.We may never see the results of what we do in Haiti over the next nine days, but I know that God is going to do mighty, powerful things.
Luke 14:21 "... 'Go out quickly, into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'"
Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 10:13-15 "For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
1 Chronicles 16:24 "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
Blessings,
Bailey
Around January of this year, I started feeling an odd calling. God began stirring my heart for the nation of Haiti. Initially, I thought that my adventurous spirit was starting to get the best of me, but after mulling over the idea of travelling to the most impoverished country in the western hemisphere (alone), I realized that it was actually quite daunting. But I prayed regardless, asking for God's will to be done in my life and asking for clarity on His plans for me in a nation that I knew virtually nothing about.
God began pressing the issue further and further until I finally posted a status on Facebook asking if any churches knew of a missions opportunity in Haiti. I had a few responses, but I didn't feel peace about any of the options presented before me. A few weeks later, a lovely lady that goes to my grandparent's church informed me of missions opportunities at Joni and Friends. I had actually never heard of the organization before (I later learned that my mom is actually a huge fan of Joni Eareckson Tada), but decided to look into the opportunities. And then I found it. An internship: "Cause 4 Life: Ministry and Missions Bootcamp". I read through the description to discover that it included class time, a week serving at a Family Retreat, and nine days in Haiti.
At that moment, I was overcome with different emotions. I felt a peace from God that this was what He wanted me to do, but the fact that He wanted this so badly for me suddenly made me feel very selfish and afraid to travel alone again (for those of you who don't know, my experience travelling alone in Spain was not exactly pleasant). I stared at the computer screen for several minutes, and God kept saying "Just apply. Just apply. If you don't do it now, you never will." I took a deep breath, and plunged in.
I partly hoped that I wouldn't get accepted, but deep in my heart I felt as if I already had been because God made it apparent that this was all part of the plan. I was not surprised on the first of April when I received my acceptance email. Along with the email, however, I received a timeline of when all my funds would be due. My travel deposit was due in January, my paperwork was due in March, and on April 24, my total funds were due. This meant that I would need to raise $200 pronto, and the remainder ($2800 including airfare) in 24 days. I immediately began to panic and stress, and I doubted that God would supply the money. He did anyway. (By the way, for those of you who have supported me financially, I thank God that you were so obedient and selfless and that you helped me get here. I am so very grateful!)
I am humbled that God would use someone so faithless and fearful to be His servant. When I think of how ill-equipped I am, I am reminded of the many examples in Scripture where God chooses those you would least expect Him to choose. He used the tiny guy, David, to kill a giant. He used fearful Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. He used Paul, who formerly persecuted Christians, to write letters from behind bars that would later become the majority of the books in the New Testament. I am so thankful that God doesn't require us to be holy in order to bring ourselves before Him, and that He uses us when we are so undeserving by all standards.
I ask that you would pray for me and the other interns as we leave for Haiti tomorrow. As you may or may not know, Haiti is a very dark nation that was devoted to the enemy upon foundation, and the practice of voodoo is very common. We will be serving the disabled in both a church and an orphanage, and in this country, to be disabled means that you must have been "cursed", which results in extreme neglect and oftentimes leads to death. Please pray that God would humble us, and use us as He sees fit and that we would be flexible to His plan.We may never see the results of what we do in Haiti over the next nine days, but I know that God is going to do mighty, powerful things.
Luke 14:21 "... 'Go out quickly, into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'"
Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 10:13-15 "For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
1 Chronicles 16:24 "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
Blessings,
Bailey
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Family Retreat
How does one even begin to describe a week as fast-paced and emotional as the one I just experienced? How could I put into words just how powerful the Spirit moved on that campus from start to finish? It would take me hours and hours to adequately document all of the little moments that gave me goosebumps or brought stinging tears to my eyes. I could go into detail of the many areas that families could relax and enjoy their week, but for the sake of time, I think it would be best to give you an idea of what my work was like and what it looks like to love like Christ.
FYI: The Joni and Friends Family Retreat is a five day camp for families and individuals affected by disabilities of many kinds. An STM (short term missionary) is assigned to a special needs child/adult or a typical sibling, and it is our job is to care for them and serve them from sun up to sun down throughout these days while the parents enjoy much needed relaxation.
No amount of course-work, statistics, or personal stories could have fully prepared me for what I would see in Mission Springs, California this past week. Upon arrival at the campus, I realized just how much prayer had gone into this Family Retreat. We prayed over every area, even the lawn, and begged God to do mighty things through us and despite us in these places. As we did exercises to help us experience what it was like to have certain disabilities, we prayed for understanding and wisdom on how to reach those with disabilities. We prayed for safety, fellowship, and for God to be glorified through it all. Boy, was He glorified...
The following day (CAMPER DAY!), I found myself with many other STMs waiting at the bridge waving a banner with my camper's name plastered on it. Whenever someone entered campus (yes, even for the UPS man), we would wave our banners wildly and holler out excitedly. The families that come onto campus do not typically have such warm welcomes. In fact, we live in a society that pushes those with disabilities to the sidelines. Our goal is to make everyone affected by disability feel like a rock star, and we truly see them as such.
FYI: The Joni and Friends Family Retreat is a five day camp for families and individuals affected by disabilities of many kinds. An STM (short term missionary) is assigned to a special needs child/adult or a typical sibling, and it is our job is to care for them and serve them from sun up to sun down throughout these days while the parents enjoy much needed relaxation.
No amount of course-work, statistics, or personal stories could have fully prepared me for what I would see in Mission Springs, California this past week. Upon arrival at the campus, I realized just how much prayer had gone into this Family Retreat. We prayed over every area, even the lawn, and begged God to do mighty things through us and despite us in these places. As we did exercises to help us experience what it was like to have certain disabilities, we prayed for understanding and wisdom on how to reach those with disabilities. We prayed for safety, fellowship, and for God to be glorified through it all. Boy, was He glorified...
The following day (CAMPER DAY!), I found myself with many other STMs waiting at the bridge waving a banner with my camper's name plastered on it. Whenever someone entered campus (yes, even for the UPS man), we would wave our banners wildly and holler out excitedly. The families that come onto campus do not typically have such warm welcomes. In fact, we live in a society that pushes those with disabilities to the sidelines. Our goal is to make everyone affected by disability feel like a rock star, and we truly see them as such.
When Mr. Jeremy Kim, my 11 year-old camper, jumped out of the car, I knew I had my hands full. He took off running, which I ended up doing quite a lot of throughout the week, and headed straight for the trees where he began climbing. Jeremy has autism, and I knew that I would need to be careful as I discovered what things would make him upset and what things he was really passionate about. As a more reserved, calm person, I remember looking up at him climbing on the Redwood trees and praying, "God, use Jeremy to teach me something. Allow me to get inside of his world and learn from him." He answered my prayer.
I learned that Jeremy has more joy than I will ever know. Sometimes he would just look at his chicken tenders and burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but laugh with him. With gobs of barbecue sauce or ketchup on his face, he'd lean in close to me and touch his nose to mine, and we'd both giggle childishly. I'll never forget taking him to the slip 'n slide for his very first time. I pushed him down once, and after that he just wallowed in the puddles and splashed around for a couple of hours. The first fifteen minutes of this time was spent repeating "happy, happy, happy, happy". Other kids would accidentally hit him in the head with water guns, and my immediate reaction was to rush to his side to keep him from crying or being upset with the other kids, but instead he completely ignored it. Some children would take the water hose from him or take the toys he was playing with, but instead of pulling back or fighting, he would sit patiently and wait for the hose to become unoccupied again. It's as if he was so completely joyful that no amount of selfishness or rudeness around him could bring him down. I was incredibly proud to say "that's my camper!" and to watch him interact with other children in such a selfless and joyful way. Jeremy lives an unfiltered and genuine life. God used an 11 year-old boy who is so different from me to show me things that I need to change about myself. Jeremy lives in his own little world and doesn't base his preferences or emotions on what society says is normal. I think we could all learn from Jeremy.
Forgive me, I could talk about that sweet kid all day. As far as camp in general goes, I have never seen something so beautiful. On Tuesday night, we had a square dance. Jeremy sat through the whole thing and we watched as people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and colors danced together joyously. I had tears in my eyes nearly the entire time as I saw beaming faces and laughter and I knew that this is what it must be like to experience heaven on earth. Administration, STMs, and families were one. I could see it. Nobody was "too cool" for anyone else. We all got out there and acted goofy and I could sense the Holy Spirit working.
The talent show was incredibly special to watch. David played "bop it", Brooke hissed like an Avatar, Nick played the tambourine. It was an opportunity for every one who had something to share to make it up on stage and have an audience wildly applaud them. Only at Joni and Friends Family Retreat can you be moved to tears by the silliest forms of talent that you've ever seen.
My favorite part of the entire week was the last day during worship. Jeremy doesn't like going into the worship center (I think it might be that the music is too loud for him) so I never did get to participate in worship throughout the week. But on the last day, we got Jeremy to sit outside of the worship center in a chair by the doors. I had "spirit bumps" and tears began streaming down my face as I looked inside at the people worshiping. It was so messy. Kids were sitting in the floor, campers were participating by playing tambourines and toy drums on the altar, and some of the campers were dancing or walking around.
Isn't this how the Church should be? Welcoming in those who are ostracized and excluded and making them feel loved? Allowing those with disabilities to play the tambourine on stage or lead a Sunday school class because they too have spiritual gifts to share? God uses down syndrome, and autism, and quadriplegia, and every disability for His glory. So why doesn't the church seem to see that?
Leaving Jeremy was much more difficult than I had anticipated. That morning we walked to the playground and he didn't even really want to play. We kind of walked around aimlessly and after a while I pulled him into me and said with all sincerity, "I love you, bud." He looked into my eyes and said, "I love you."
I plan on participating in a Family Retreat every year. I have never experienced something so beautiful in my life. I can't think of a better way to spend a vacation than providing rest and love and spiritual growth for a family that so desperately needs it. For some, Family Retreat is the only event of the year where they feel loved and accepted, and it's the one thing they look forward to year after year. As glad as it makes us to know that they love camp, it's also incredibly sad that families feel isolated the remainder of the year. This is something I plan on working on in my church/community.
Blessings,
Bailey
I learned that Jeremy has more joy than I will ever know. Sometimes he would just look at his chicken tenders and burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but laugh with him. With gobs of barbecue sauce or ketchup on his face, he'd lean in close to me and touch his nose to mine, and we'd both giggle childishly. I'll never forget taking him to the slip 'n slide for his very first time. I pushed him down once, and after that he just wallowed in the puddles and splashed around for a couple of hours. The first fifteen minutes of this time was spent repeating "happy, happy, happy, happy". Other kids would accidentally hit him in the head with water guns, and my immediate reaction was to rush to his side to keep him from crying or being upset with the other kids, but instead he completely ignored it. Some children would take the water hose from him or take the toys he was playing with, but instead of pulling back or fighting, he would sit patiently and wait for the hose to become unoccupied again. It's as if he was so completely joyful that no amount of selfishness or rudeness around him could bring him down. I was incredibly proud to say "that's my camper!" and to watch him interact with other children in such a selfless and joyful way. Jeremy lives an unfiltered and genuine life. God used an 11 year-old boy who is so different from me to show me things that I need to change about myself. Jeremy lives in his own little world and doesn't base his preferences or emotions on what society says is normal. I think we could all learn from Jeremy.
Forgive me, I could talk about that sweet kid all day. As far as camp in general goes, I have never seen something so beautiful. On Tuesday night, we had a square dance. Jeremy sat through the whole thing and we watched as people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and colors danced together joyously. I had tears in my eyes nearly the entire time as I saw beaming faces and laughter and I knew that this is what it must be like to experience heaven on earth. Administration, STMs, and families were one. I could see it. Nobody was "too cool" for anyone else. We all got out there and acted goofy and I could sense the Holy Spirit working.
The talent show was incredibly special to watch. David played "bop it", Brooke hissed like an Avatar, Nick played the tambourine. It was an opportunity for every one who had something to share to make it up on stage and have an audience wildly applaud them. Only at Joni and Friends Family Retreat can you be moved to tears by the silliest forms of talent that you've ever seen.
My favorite part of the entire week was the last day during worship. Jeremy doesn't like going into the worship center (I think it might be that the music is too loud for him) so I never did get to participate in worship throughout the week. But on the last day, we got Jeremy to sit outside of the worship center in a chair by the doors. I had "spirit bumps" and tears began streaming down my face as I looked inside at the people worshiping. It was so messy. Kids were sitting in the floor, campers were participating by playing tambourines and toy drums on the altar, and some of the campers were dancing or walking around.
Isn't this how the Church should be? Welcoming in those who are ostracized and excluded and making them feel loved? Allowing those with disabilities to play the tambourine on stage or lead a Sunday school class because they too have spiritual gifts to share? God uses down syndrome, and autism, and quadriplegia, and every disability for His glory. So why doesn't the church seem to see that?
Leaving Jeremy was much more difficult than I had anticipated. That morning we walked to the playground and he didn't even really want to play. We kind of walked around aimlessly and after a while I pulled him into me and said with all sincerity, "I love you, bud." He looked into my eyes and said, "I love you."
Blessings,
Bailey
Friday, June 7, 2013
C4L Internship: Day Five.
Today is our last full day of classes/training at the IDC, and it's oddly bittersweet. God has used this week to equip each of us for the tasks ahead, and although I am very excited to see how God is going to use each of our unique talents, I feel somewhat disappointed that my time for learning in the classroom is coming to an end. The staff and interns at JAF are welcoming and make it a point to learn your name and basic information upon the first meeting.
Today will be a long day of preparing for the trip to Haiti. We will need to brainstorm ideas for skits, dances, worship music, crafts, and ways to serve the people of such an impoverished country. The main language in Haiti is French-Creole, and although we will have translators to aide in communication, I am so thankful that you don't have to share the same language with someone in order to share the love of God.
Tomorrow, we leave for the six hour drive to Family Retreat in Mission Springs, California. There I will be paired with a family and it will be my job to be a "buddy" to a child affected by disability while the parents enjoy a time of relaxation and worship. If you've been praying for me, I would ask that you send a special prayer to the child that I will be befriending. I pray that God would absolutely break my heart the moment that I see my "buddy", and that He would fill me with an overwhelming, unconditional love.
"If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? If we are the body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way?"
This is such a powerful statement. 1 Cor. 12:12 says "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." We, the church, are the body of Christ. Pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, and everything in between make up one body and serve different functions with a mutual goal of being Christ's body for the earth. We are to serve and love and work together harmoniously for the glory of God. Don't you dare think for a minute that you don't have a purpose, because God has a very special plan for you. Seek Him, SURRENDER, and obey.
I may or may not be able to update while in Missions Springs, but I promise to journal and update you all when I can :)
Blessings,
Bailey
Today will be a long day of preparing for the trip to Haiti. We will need to brainstorm ideas for skits, dances, worship music, crafts, and ways to serve the people of such an impoverished country. The main language in Haiti is French-Creole, and although we will have translators to aide in communication, I am so thankful that you don't have to share the same language with someone in order to share the love of God.
Tomorrow, we leave for the six hour drive to Family Retreat in Mission Springs, California. There I will be paired with a family and it will be my job to be a "buddy" to a child affected by disability while the parents enjoy a time of relaxation and worship. If you've been praying for me, I would ask that you send a special prayer to the child that I will be befriending. I pray that God would absolutely break my heart the moment that I see my "buddy", and that He would fill me with an overwhelming, unconditional love.
"If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? If we are the body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way?"
This is such a powerful statement. 1 Cor. 12:12 says "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." We, the church, are the body of Christ. Pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, and everything in between make up one body and serve different functions with a mutual goal of being Christ's body for the earth. We are to serve and love and work together harmoniously for the glory of God. Don't you dare think for a minute that you don't have a purpose, because God has a very special plan for you. Seek Him, SURRENDER, and obey.
I may or may not be able to update while in Missions Springs, but I promise to journal and update you all when I can :)
Blessings,
Bailey
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
C4L Internship: Healing (Day Three).
For those of you who don't know Joni Eareckson Tada's story, she was a very active young woman when she broke her neck in a diving accident. She struggled with bitterness and depression, as anyone affected by quadriplegia might. She held on to the hope that God would heal her of her disability... but He didn't.
Today, Joni spoke to us on suffering and healing. She answered the questions that I have always wondered about: "If God is a Healer, why are there so many people with disabilities who have not been healed?" "Does God desire to physically heal everyone with a disability, and if so, what can I do to help?" "What can I say to nonbelievers who blame God for the chaos and suffering in the world?" I can't hit on all of these questions in one blog post, but if you have questions, feel free to ask me!
In Mark 1:32, we read that Jesus healed the sick and the demon-possessed, but in Mark 1:38, the following day, the disciples say "Everyone is looking for you!" but Jesus says instead "Let's go somewhere else- to the nearby villages- so I can preach there also. This is why I have come." We see that Jesus turns down an opportunity to physically heal a group of people affected by sickness so that he can meet the spiritual needs of people in another area. This shows that the Savior backs away when people only want to be saved from affliction. To Christ, the soul is so much more important than the physical.
When I was in high school, I must admit that I really struggled with depression. I begged God over and over to take this affliction away from me, and He never did. I couldn't understand why He would choose to let me live in pain. It wasn't until the moment that I fully surrendered my life to Christ one mid-March night last year that He finally took away my pain and filled me with unfathomable joy. My desire was to be spiritually healed in that moment, and by choosing that, God also healed me emotionally. While Joni has not been physically healed, after being spiritually and emotionally healed, she will tell you that the real disability was not her quadriplegia, but the resentment and pent up bitterness that she was holding on to.
Some of the quotes I was able to jot down from her lesson day are:
"We are hellbent on having our problems taken away, when the purpose is to awaken spiritually."
"Spiritual healing come from struggles."
"Suffering is a little reminder of the hell that we escape through the love and grace of Christ."
"A splashover of heaven is when we find Jesus in the middle of the splashover of hell."
"Suffering is the textbook that shows us who we really are."
"Cancer does not win if you die; it wins if you fail to cherish Christ." - John Piper.
I wish I was long-winded enough to share all of the profound things that I have discovered in my short time here so far, but unfortunately I do not have the time. My prayer is that if you happen to be reading this that you might find joy in suffering (as we are called to in 1 Thessalonians 5:16) and that you would come to a point where you can appreciate the sovereignty of God in the midst of trials. He is faithful, loving, omnipotent, and He has your best interest at heart- even when He causes us to face obstacles.
"Our primary reason many believers today have a hard time accepting the role of suffering in their lives or in the lives of friends and loved ones is that they have failed to understand and accept the reality of divine sovereignty. Many also fail to see adversity of God, which, when rightly understood and properly embraced, serves as the foundational lens through which Christians may see all truth in Scripture more clearly. Knowing about God's sovereignty in all things does not mean we will have comprehensive understanding, but it gives us a proper hope in midst of the more difficult and less clear aspects of His working in our lives (Gen. 18:25; Isa 55:9)."
"As Creator, God assumes responsibility for disabilities. When Moses questioned his own ability to speak for God, the Lord told him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf or blind? It is I, the Lord!' (Exodus 4:11). That is ownership!"
"However, God is still at work in the world; he is not like the watchmaker who wound the clock and then stepped away from it. God is still all-powerful and he knows the future and allows certain things, like disability, to happen. He knows how to respond, and he provides his grace and guidance in order to ultimately accomplish his purposes."
Blessings,
Bailey
Today, Joni spoke to us on suffering and healing. She answered the questions that I have always wondered about: "If God is a Healer, why are there so many people with disabilities who have not been healed?" "Does God desire to physically heal everyone with a disability, and if so, what can I do to help?" "What can I say to nonbelievers who blame God for the chaos and suffering in the world?" I can't hit on all of these questions in one blog post, but if you have questions, feel free to ask me!
In Mark 1:32, we read that Jesus healed the sick and the demon-possessed, but in Mark 1:38, the following day, the disciples say "Everyone is looking for you!" but Jesus says instead "Let's go somewhere else- to the nearby villages- so I can preach there also. This is why I have come." We see that Jesus turns down an opportunity to physically heal a group of people affected by sickness so that he can meet the spiritual needs of people in another area. This shows that the Savior backs away when people only want to be saved from affliction. To Christ, the soul is so much more important than the physical.
When I was in high school, I must admit that I really struggled with depression. I begged God over and over to take this affliction away from me, and He never did. I couldn't understand why He would choose to let me live in pain. It wasn't until the moment that I fully surrendered my life to Christ one mid-March night last year that He finally took away my pain and filled me with unfathomable joy. My desire was to be spiritually healed in that moment, and by choosing that, God also healed me emotionally. While Joni has not been physically healed, after being spiritually and emotionally healed, she will tell you that the real disability was not her quadriplegia, but the resentment and pent up bitterness that she was holding on to.
Some of the quotes I was able to jot down from her lesson day are:
"We are hellbent on having our problems taken away, when the purpose is to awaken spiritually."
"Spiritual healing come from struggles."
"Suffering is a little reminder of the hell that we escape through the love and grace of Christ."
"A splashover of heaven is when we find Jesus in the middle of the splashover of hell."
"Suffering is the textbook that shows us who we really are."
"Cancer does not win if you die; it wins if you fail to cherish Christ." - John Piper.
I wish I was long-winded enough to share all of the profound things that I have discovered in my short time here so far, but unfortunately I do not have the time. My prayer is that if you happen to be reading this that you might find joy in suffering (as we are called to in 1 Thessalonians 5:16) and that you would come to a point where you can appreciate the sovereignty of God in the midst of trials. He is faithful, loving, omnipotent, and He has your best interest at heart- even when He causes us to face obstacles.
"Our primary reason many believers today have a hard time accepting the role of suffering in their lives or in the lives of friends and loved ones is that they have failed to understand and accept the reality of divine sovereignty. Many also fail to see adversity of God, which, when rightly understood and properly embraced, serves as the foundational lens through which Christians may see all truth in Scripture more clearly. Knowing about God's sovereignty in all things does not mean we will have comprehensive understanding, but it gives us a proper hope in midst of the more difficult and less clear aspects of His working in our lives (Gen. 18:25; Isa 55:9)."
"As Creator, God assumes responsibility for disabilities. When Moses questioned his own ability to speak for God, the Lord told him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf or blind? It is I, the Lord!' (Exodus 4:11). That is ownership!"
"However, God is still at work in the world; he is not like the watchmaker who wound the clock and then stepped away from it. God is still all-powerful and he knows the future and allows certain things, like disability, to happen. He knows how to respond, and he provides his grace and guidance in order to ultimately accomplish his purposes."
Blessings,
Bailey
C4L Internship: Radically Inclusive (Day Two).
For a very long time I have had a special love for those affected by disabilities of many kinds, and I am incredibly blessed to work as an aide to the therapists who change the lives of the disabled every single day. From autistic children to amputees, disability is the norm where I work, and throughout my short year of employment at the hospital, my appreciation and love for these patients have grown incredibly. But is this enough?
This internship has taught me more than a lifetime in any physical/occupational therapy setting ever could. It has taught me the spiritual and emotional struggles associated with disabilities. I have learned that those affected by disability don't necessarily want people in their lives who are paid to be there, but want true, genuine friendships and love just as anyone would. I've been made aware that of the 18 "wounds" associated with disability, only two of them are actually related the disability itself while the remaining 16 involve heart-breaking responses from society such as lack of acceptance, exploitation, segregation, and abuse/neglect.
If I've learned anything today it's that our God is radically inclusive. It doesn't seem to matter whether we've deliberately disobeyed Him, suffered addiction, or have been deemed social outcasts; He pursues us with a radical, inclusive, incomprehensible kind of love that can only come from our Father in Heaven. We, every single follower of Christ, are called to love as lavishly and dangerously as He.
But... it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day routine of life, isn't it? I am absolutely guilty of saying "Okay, I work full time and I'm going to school. A ten minute devotional is simply all I have time for." By making this excuse, I have subconsciously put God's will for my life on the back burner and have made work and school my number one priority. Instead, I should be on my knees daily praying "Father, I ask that YOUR will would be done in my life despite my hectic schedule. I pray that you would use me as your hands and feet as you see fit, and that you would make the time for service and place opportunities in my path for me to love those in need."
It's completely impossible for me to condense all of the wonderful things I've learned about God's heart into one blog post, but my prayer is that the few who took time to read this would be encouraged in some small way. I pray that God would use the following posts about my trip to awaken you from spiritual slumber and that you would seek to know the heart of God and that He would open your eyes to His will for your life.
"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, and you will be blessed." - Luke 14:13
"When Jesus came to earth, in addition to dying on the cross for sin, his mission was to repair the effects of the curse and fulfill what the law commanded. He revealed what wisdom prescribed and the prophets had predicted for persons with disabilities. As he commissioned agents, we continue the work he began. Yet, many are surprised to discover that part of God's plan for people with disabilities was to not only glorify Jesus, but also minister to others not just in their disabilities, but because of them." - Dr. David Deuel.
"The single greatest need of the Christian Church is to understand that Christianity is not just a relationship with Jesus. But it's a way of seeing all reality... I am convinced that the biggest single weakness of the Church is that we have a reductionist view of Christianity- it's just me and Jesus. We think we're in good shape. Jesus is taking care of me, and I've got a great relationship with Jesus. That's an abomination." - Mr. Colson.
Blessings,
Bailey
This internship has taught me more than a lifetime in any physical/occupational therapy setting ever could. It has taught me the spiritual and emotional struggles associated with disabilities. I have learned that those affected by disability don't necessarily want people in their lives who are paid to be there, but want true, genuine friendships and love just as anyone would. I've been made aware that of the 18 "wounds" associated with disability, only two of them are actually related the disability itself while the remaining 16 involve heart-breaking responses from society such as lack of acceptance, exploitation, segregation, and abuse/neglect.
If I've learned anything today it's that our God is radically inclusive. It doesn't seem to matter whether we've deliberately disobeyed Him, suffered addiction, or have been deemed social outcasts; He pursues us with a radical, inclusive, incomprehensible kind of love that can only come from our Father in Heaven. We, every single follower of Christ, are called to love as lavishly and dangerously as He.
But... it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day routine of life, isn't it? I am absolutely guilty of saying "Okay, I work full time and I'm going to school. A ten minute devotional is simply all I have time for." By making this excuse, I have subconsciously put God's will for my life on the back burner and have made work and school my number one priority. Instead, I should be on my knees daily praying "Father, I ask that YOUR will would be done in my life despite my hectic schedule. I pray that you would use me as your hands and feet as you see fit, and that you would make the time for service and place opportunities in my path for me to love those in need."
It's completely impossible for me to condense all of the wonderful things I've learned about God's heart into one blog post, but my prayer is that the few who took time to read this would be encouraged in some small way. I pray that God would use the following posts about my trip to awaken you from spiritual slumber and that you would seek to know the heart of God and that He would open your eyes to His will for your life.
"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, and you will be blessed." - Luke 14:13
"When Jesus came to earth, in addition to dying on the cross for sin, his mission was to repair the effects of the curse and fulfill what the law commanded. He revealed what wisdom prescribed and the prophets had predicted for persons with disabilities. As he commissioned agents, we continue the work he began. Yet, many are surprised to discover that part of God's plan for people with disabilities was to not only glorify Jesus, but also minister to others not just in their disabilities, but because of them." - Dr. David Deuel.
"The single greatest need of the Christian Church is to understand that Christianity is not just a relationship with Jesus. But it's a way of seeing all reality... I am convinced that the biggest single weakness of the Church is that we have a reductionist view of Christianity- it's just me and Jesus. We think we're in good shape. Jesus is taking care of me, and I've got a great relationship with Jesus. That's an abomination." - Mr. Colson.
Blessings,
Bailey
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
C4L Internship: Day One.
Hey, everyone! I know that many of you asked me to keep in touch and to let you know how my trip was going. I thought the easiest way to accomplish this was by starting a blog! For those of you who blog (or keep up with people who blog) I'm an amateur, so please bear with me. :)
My first day in California was a day of orientation and fellowship. We interns woke up bright and early in order to be ready for pick up at 8:00 am. We then made the short drive from the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks to the Joni & Friends International Disability Center in Agoura Hills. Upon arriving at the IDC, we received our training materials (books, itinerary, handbooks, etc.) and briefly discussed the schedule for the remainder of our internship. We then had the opportunity to tour the facility where we met some of the most interesting, compassionate people that I've encountered, including Joni Eareckson Tada herself.
To conclude a morning of orientation, we had a yummy lunch and enjoyed an ice cream social with the JAF staff and fellow interns. Directly from the JAF IDC, we took a tour around Thousand Oaks so that we could see the many things that we are capable doing in our free time while here in California. We ate fro-yo (as if ice cream wasn't enough) and enjoyed one another's company under the gorgeous California sun for about an hour. The remainder of the day was spent eating (in my case, sushi) by the fire pit and playing fun "question" games which resulted in tons of laughter. The people that I am experiencing this with are truly beautiful inside and out. I consider it such a blessing to be among these people. Despite our backgrounds, home towns, and hobbies, we all share mutual love for God and for serving the disabled community. God has His hands all in this internship, and He is going to use us for mighty things. Thank you so much for your prayerful, financial, and moral support. :)
My first day in California was a day of orientation and fellowship. We interns woke up bright and early in order to be ready for pick up at 8:00 am. We then made the short drive from the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks to the Joni & Friends International Disability Center in Agoura Hills. Upon arriving at the IDC, we received our training materials (books, itinerary, handbooks, etc.) and briefly discussed the schedule for the remainder of our internship. We then had the opportunity to tour the facility where we met some of the most interesting, compassionate people that I've encountered, including Joni Eareckson Tada herself.
To conclude a morning of orientation, we had a yummy lunch and enjoyed an ice cream social with the JAF staff and fellow interns. Directly from the JAF IDC, we took a tour around Thousand Oaks so that we could see the many things that we are capable doing in our free time while here in California. We ate fro-yo (as if ice cream wasn't enough) and enjoyed one another's company under the gorgeous California sun for about an hour. The remainder of the day was spent eating (in my case, sushi) by the fire pit and playing fun "question" games which resulted in tons of laughter. The people that I am experiencing this with are truly beautiful inside and out. I consider it such a blessing to be among these people. Despite our backgrounds, home towns, and hobbies, we all share mutual love for God and for serving the disabled community. God has His hands all in this internship, and He is going to use us for mighty things. Thank you so much for your prayerful, financial, and moral support. :)
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