Currently: packing (3rd road trip of the summer: South Jersey!)
Friday night, I had the opportunity to share a little bit about my journey and upcoming ministry at Carlisle BIC. It was an intimate group which afforded me the chance to not only speak in front of everyone, but also chat a little bit afterwards as well. I truly enjoyed being able to share my full story with various people that have had an impact on my own life. And once again, God showed up and proved his faithfulness through the obedience of his people. I am so blessed to have people in my life that love me and want to support me!
I look forward to continue to share my story this next week in South Jersey!
At this point my support thus raised (by God!)
One-time needs: 55%
Monthly: 12%
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Impact Ethiopia
I have the privilege of speaking at Carlisle BIC this Friday night and I would love to see you there!! It's going to be a casual get-together with desserts and some time for me to share a little bit more about my journey so far and my ministry in Ethiopia.
Impact Ethiopia
Come hear about this
new adventure in Danielle’s life at Bingham Academy!
When: Friday June 29 at
7pm
Where: Carlisle BIC (Multi-purpose Room)
1155 Walnut Bottom Rd
Carlisle PA
Hope to see you there!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Blessings in Ohio
Currently watching: soccer (football) with my grandparents :)
I came to Ohio this week to hang out with my grandparents, work a little at the store, and see people from the past- it's been all that and more. I've had the chance to reconnect with old friends, go to my favorite Chinese restaurant, (Lee's is the best. Hands down.) spend a day shopping with my grandma, learn how to make my favorite pie from the pro, (woot zucchini pie!) work in the store, talk at a local church... and it's only Wednesday!
Tonight, I had the privilege to speak at Pleasant Hill BIC at their Wednesday Night Live dinner. They graciously allowed me to share a little bit about my journey to this point and the ministry of Bingham Academy, not to mention how excited I am to be serving there soon. The beginning of the talk was a little emotional, because just before I started, they handed me a check- with a significant contribution to my support. I am astonished, grateful, baffled, and blessed beyond words. To see God's faithfulness even in my first foray into speaking in churches is a testament to not only the blessing of his people who choose to obey him but especially the amazing power of God.
I know this is not the norm- I do not expect it to happen every time. But I do know that the God I serve has the ability to make this happen again and again and I will follow and rejoice in the journey ahead.
I came to Ohio this week to hang out with my grandparents, work a little at the store, and see people from the past- it's been all that and more. I've had the chance to reconnect with old friends, go to my favorite Chinese restaurant, (Lee's is the best. Hands down.) spend a day shopping with my grandma, learn how to make my favorite pie from the pro, (woot zucchini pie!) work in the store, talk at a local church... and it's only Wednesday!
Tonight, I had the privilege to speak at Pleasant Hill BIC at their Wednesday Night Live dinner. They graciously allowed me to share a little bit about my journey to this point and the ministry of Bingham Academy, not to mention how excited I am to be serving there soon. The beginning of the talk was a little emotional, because just before I started, they handed me a check- with a significant contribution to my support. I am astonished, grateful, baffled, and blessed beyond words. To see God's faithfulness even in my first foray into speaking in churches is a testament to not only the blessing of his people who choose to obey him but especially the amazing power of God.
 |
| Speaking at Pleasant Hill BIC |
I know this is not the norm- I do not expect it to happen every time. But I do know that the God I serve has the ability to make this happen again and again and I will follow and rejoice in the journey ahead.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Happy Father's Day!!
Need to: pack! Second road trip of the summer: Ohio!!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the fathers out there!! I want to say a special thank you to my father- who has provided such an example of love and service throughout my lifetime. Without his model, I would not be the person I am today- love you Daddy!!
And may we always remember our Heavenly Father and the unconditional love he gives us- which covers over a multitude of blessings in every moment of our lives. May we never forget his son, Jesus Christ and may our actions strive to emulate his perfect example in everything that we do.
I believe my (earthly) father's life verse sums it up nicely: John 3: 30 He must become greater, I must become less.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the fathers out there!! I want to say a special thank you to my father- who has provided such an example of love and service throughout my lifetime. Without his model, I would not be the person I am today- love you Daddy!!
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| There's some matching rosy cheeks. |
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| Who knew we had a similar head tilt... |
And may we always remember our Heavenly Father and the unconditional love he gives us- which covers over a multitude of blessings in every moment of our lives. May we never forget his son, Jesus Christ and may our actions strive to emulate his perfect example in everything that we do.
I believe my (earthly) father's life verse sums it up nicely: John 3: 30 He must become greater, I must become less.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Lasting relationships
Currently reading: Ninth Witness by Bodie and Brock Thoene (part of the AD Chronicles series- I highly recommend them!)
This last week I have had the privilege of observing first-hand the impact of lasting relationships. First, my mom had two life-long friends come to visit for the weekend. And I truly mean life-long- they met when they were four, walked to school together every day from K-12, and still remain best friends today. The sheer amount of history represented in the decades they have known each other amazes me. The fact that they know family members, friendships, and so much about the lives of one another- even as they have spent the last couple decades living hundreds of miles away from each other.
Having moved a couple times as a kid, I have very few relationships that have lasted since childhood. However, I was privileged to have lunch this week with my friend, Brittney, whom I have known since I was two. Since that time, we haven't lived in the same town and now we don't even live in the same country. Still, I am blessed by the reality that no matter the time or distance we've spent apart, we can pick up where we left off and share in one another's lives. It's such a blessing to have that sort of history- someone who has been a life-long friend.
I consider this now, because I hope that even though I will be only in Ethiopia for two years (at least to start), I look forward to building these kinds of friendships. Whether with colleagues or students, to find someone that you can consider a friend for many years to come- no matter the time or distance you spend apart.
This last week I have had the privilege of observing first-hand the impact of lasting relationships. First, my mom had two life-long friends come to visit for the weekend. And I truly mean life-long- they met when they were four, walked to school together every day from K-12, and still remain best friends today. The sheer amount of history represented in the decades they have known each other amazes me. The fact that they know family members, friendships, and so much about the lives of one another- even as they have spent the last couple decades living hundreds of miles away from each other.
Having moved a couple times as a kid, I have very few relationships that have lasted since childhood. However, I was privileged to have lunch this week with my friend, Brittney, whom I have known since I was two. Since that time, we haven't lived in the same town and now we don't even live in the same country. Still, I am blessed by the reality that no matter the time or distance we've spent apart, we can pick up where we left off and share in one another's lives. It's such a blessing to have that sort of history- someone who has been a life-long friend.
I consider this now, because I hope that even though I will be only in Ethiopia for two years (at least to start), I look forward to building these kinds of friendships. Whether with colleagues or students, to find someone that you can consider a friend for many years to come- no matter the time or distance you spend apart.
Friday, June 8, 2012
One Step at a Time
Currently listening: Adventures in Odyssey- so many childhood memories wrapped up in these stories.
First, CONGRATULATIONS to all my LD grads (and all the other class of 2012 grads)!! I was so proud to watch you all walk across the stage last night to receive your diplomas. I wish you all the best and God's blessings as you move into this next stage of life!
Second, thank you to my fabulous family for hosting me in VA Beach this last week~ always fun to hang out and do life together- plus I think I even learned a thing or two about pools! It is the first of the goodbyes, but a wonderful time to spend together before this next step.
*deep breath* Attempting to leave the country in three months, with support raised and preparations made, seems like a lofty goal. Some may call it crunch time, some may call it impossible- I call it an opportunity for God to work.
However, as I'm sitting at home and thinking of all the things on my to-do list, it seems a tad overwhelming.
I think back to one of the sessions we had at our first orientation at SIM- the speaker was commenting on this moment (of being overwhelmed) and reminded us of a simple phrase.
One step at a time.
As I think about the visa paperwork, the ever-growing reading list, the money to be raised- I just have to remember, it's one step at a time.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1-2
All right Lord, let's go.
First, CONGRATULATIONS to all my LD grads (and all the other class of 2012 grads)!! I was so proud to watch you all walk across the stage last night to receive your diplomas. I wish you all the best and God's blessings as you move into this next stage of life!
Second, thank you to my fabulous family for hosting me in VA Beach this last week~ always fun to hang out and do life together- plus I think I even learned a thing or two about pools! It is the first of the goodbyes, but a wonderful time to spend together before this next step.
*deep breath* Attempting to leave the country in three months, with support raised and preparations made, seems like a lofty goal. Some may call it crunch time, some may call it impossible- I call it an opportunity for God to work.
However, as I'm sitting at home and thinking of all the things on my to-do list, it seems a tad overwhelming.
I think back to one of the sessions we had at our first orientation at SIM- the speaker was commenting on this moment (of being overwhelmed) and reminded us of a simple phrase.
One step at a time.
As I think about the visa paperwork, the ever-growing reading list, the money to be raised- I just have to remember, it's one step at a time.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1-2
All right Lord, let's go.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Bingham Academy
Currently eating: Cap'n Crunch. (Still trying to make up for the foods I lost out on due to my corn allergy consumed childhood).
As I have already announced, I am in process of raising support so that I can teach at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this fall. While I could go on and on with my stories, I wanted to share with you a newly produced video that gives a fabulous (and much more concise) picture of what Bingham looks like, the students it impacts, and a snapshot of the community there. Enjoy!
As I have already announced, I am in process of raising support so that I can teach at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this fall. While I could go on and on with my stories, I wanted to share with you a newly produced video that gives a fabulous (and much more concise) picture of what Bingham looks like, the students it impacts, and a snapshot of the community there. Enjoy!
Impacting the world for God's glory!!
Friday, June 1, 2012
TCKs represent!
Senior year of college... one might think this would be a time of looking to the future, trying to figure out what the rest of your life is going to look like. For me, it was slightly different. This past (school) year became a time of finding myself- not like I went on an epic journey to far off places to do this- although that would have been awesome! Instead, even in the little hamlet of Grantham, these last couple months have been a time of self-discovery.
Fall: Enter Senior English Seminar. Although a literature-based class, it's claim to fame is the twenty to thirty page paper one has to write by the end of the semester. Thankfully, it's a topic of your choice- because if you're going to write thirty pages about something, it should at least be something you're interested in. For my topic, I picked TCKs. For those that don't know the lingo, a Third Culture Kid is someone who has grown up in a culture different from their parent's/home culture. This means they have the privilege of experiencing various cultures at a young age and can become excellent "bridges" between various cultures- among many other fantastic qualities.
Fabulous example: A Teacher, A Cultural Translator -Cassie Vergel http://www.denizenmag.com/2012/06/a-teacher-a-cultural-translator/
Being a TCK can also lead to various struggles, especially throughout a transition from one's adopted culture to one's "home" culture. The feeling of being thrust into a culture in which you are expected to know the various social cues and supposed to know the pop culture that you have missed out on- these can be trying times as one attempts to adjust in order to fit in.
These are just a few tidbits I learned as I was writing my paper- now some of you may be sitting there and thinking to yourselves- "Danielle, you lived in Ethiopia. That would mean you're a TCK right? How did you just now learn what a TCK was?" You know what?! That's a great question!
But, alas, it's true. It was not until this fall and this massive paper (thank you CD!) that I truly learned what a TCK was- and how much I am a TCK- and how that has affected my life in so many ways. (For example, if I haven't been on a plane in six months- there's a problem. Rootlessness/restlessness sound familiar my fellow TCKs?)
Why do I tell you all this? Because I am proud of my TCK-ness. I am grateful for the gifts it has given me. I am even grateful for the struggles it has put me through. Though my heart still hurts at the thought of them, I have learned so much about myself, about my culture, and about other cultures.
And now, I have the exciting privilege to teach fellow TCKs! As I look forward to my students in Ethiopia, I am excited to share in life with them- their joys and their struggles of life as a TCK- because I have been there. Our stories may look slightly different, but they boil down to the same truths. Here's to being a Third Culture Kid!
Hey, any fellow TCKs or people working with TCKs~ if you're looking for a great resource, Van Reken and Pollock's book: Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds - it's also known as the bible of TCKs.
Fall: Enter Senior English Seminar. Although a literature-based class, it's claim to fame is the twenty to thirty page paper one has to write by the end of the semester. Thankfully, it's a topic of your choice- because if you're going to write thirty pages about something, it should at least be something you're interested in. For my topic, I picked TCKs. For those that don't know the lingo, a Third Culture Kid is someone who has grown up in a culture different from their parent's/home culture. This means they have the privilege of experiencing various cultures at a young age and can become excellent "bridges" between various cultures- among many other fantastic qualities.
Fabulous example: A Teacher, A Cultural Translator -Cassie Vergel http://www.denizenmag.com/2012/06/a-teacher-a-cultural-translator/
Being a TCK can also lead to various struggles, especially throughout a transition from one's adopted culture to one's "home" culture. The feeling of being thrust into a culture in which you are expected to know the various social cues and supposed to know the pop culture that you have missed out on- these can be trying times as one attempts to adjust in order to fit in.
These are just a few tidbits I learned as I was writing my paper- now some of you may be sitting there and thinking to yourselves- "Danielle, you lived in Ethiopia. That would mean you're a TCK right? How did you just now learn what a TCK was?" You know what?! That's a great question!
But, alas, it's true. It was not until this fall and this massive paper (thank you CD!) that I truly learned what a TCK was- and how much I am a TCK- and how that has affected my life in so many ways. (For example, if I haven't been on a plane in six months- there's a problem. Rootlessness/restlessness sound familiar my fellow TCKs?)
Why do I tell you all this? Because I am proud of my TCK-ness. I am grateful for the gifts it has given me. I am even grateful for the struggles it has put me through. Though my heart still hurts at the thought of them, I have learned so much about myself, about my culture, and about other cultures.
And now, I have the exciting privilege to teach fellow TCKs! As I look forward to my students in Ethiopia, I am excited to share in life with them- their joys and their struggles of life as a TCK- because I have been there. Our stories may look slightly different, but they boil down to the same truths. Here's to being a Third Culture Kid!
Hey, any fellow TCKs or people working with TCKs~ if you're looking for a great resource, Van Reken and Pollock's book: Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds - it's also known as the bible of TCKs.
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