The disciples make me laugh

Recently for my quiet times, I've been reading through the gospels, "watching" Jesus. Mainly as I see Him interact with His disciples, I'm learning two things.

1. The disciples were so ignorant, it made me laugh many times! They daily questioned Jesus with what He was doing or saying. He often referred to them as "Oh you of little faith" - and they physically walked with and talked with Jesus. They sort of make me feel better when I think I'm "weak" in my faith.

2. Jesus always answered with kind and gentle words. His responses were always seasoned with grace and love.  He was 100% faithful and never got fed-up with them. 

The word "Christian" refers to 'little-Christ's. As believers, we've been given the gift of Holy Spirit, through salvation, the acceptance of a relationship with God. Therefore, He lives within us and calls us to live like Jesus did. That's one of the reasons Jesus came - to be an example for us in how to live life here on earth. And He is ready and willing to help us in that.

I know there are many times I don't utilize His help, and rely on myself - fail. Depending on myself is a set up for failure! I'm only human. But, when walking in step with the Spirit, I am not living out of my own power or abilities - and as much as I want to think I've "got it together" on my own, I don't. And won't without Him! 

Truly responding to others out of grace, kindness and love, I really need His guidance. And I'm thankful He is actively there to help and shows me how through Scripture.

Enjoying Christmas and Preparing for Upcoming Transitions

So it's been a little while since I've blogged. Mainly because life has been so busy, full and preparing for transitioning to Orlando!

Christmas was good to see family, buy presents for people (I love gifts! Giving and receiving) and snow! It's been a while since I've experienced a "White Christmas". It was different this year as many cousins are now married with kids and live far away.

New Years was so fun (I also completed my 2012 picture a day album on Facebook)! It was my first time spending New Years Eve in Grand Rapids. The four years of college (2006-2009) were spent at Indy Christmas Conference as a student with Campus Crusade.  2010 was spent overseas while on STINT and last year in 2011, I rang in the New Year again at the Indy Christmas Conference, this time as an intern.

New Years 2010 - Interlaken, Switzerland

I was able to introduce my boyfriend, JP, to many close friends from Grand Valley (though several were also out of town), go snowboarding and show him around Grand Rapids. It's a great city with much to offer. Eventually, we headed back to Northville and spent some time with my family, watching movies, sledding, exchanging Christmas presents and sharing good conversation.

After he headed back to Chicago, I started the packing process for Orlando. And it's quite a process! I've decided against installing a trailer hitch to my little Mazda3, to instead ship a few boxes to my new place in Orlando. I'm really not bringing much, as my new housing is furnished and I am borrowing a bed and dresser for a while. All my other belongings just won't fit in my car :)

Packing up my clothing was kind of exhausting.

I LEAVE EARLY MONDAY MORNING, January 7th and begin the trek to Orlando. My sister, Gracie - who recently graduated from Central Michigan University, will be helping me make the drive! Our goal is to be in Orlando at least by Wednesday, with some stops on the way.

For the first week, I will be staying with friends, as my new roommate's current roommate doesn't leave till AFTER I head out for MidYear Conferences. Logistics of moving my things into my room will be tricky, but I am thankful for helpful friends to make the move happen.

It really won't be until February 1st that I really get to start settling in to my new abode. BUT I would still love getting mail! I feel like that always helps make the new location seem more like home. I will be sending out my new address in an email very soon.

As early January brings fresh and new beginnings, I thought I'd share some New Years Resolutions or Goals.

1. Floss my teeth - I think this has been a resolution for the last 6 years... one I've yet to accomplish.

2. Stretch each night before going to bed. It helps the body relax and be more flexible!

3. No pop. Not that I drank much anyways, but water is always the best choice.

4. Read at least one chapter of the Bible a day and take time to meditate on it. It's the active WORD of God. I totally take it and my freedom to own a copy of it, for granted.

5. Just try to smile more often. 

Happy New Year!

Merci in November

Life in the Booth household is always crazy, hectic and fun when all seven of us are back under the same roof. With me living at home for a few more weeks and my sisters back from college, Thanksgiving break was great – we even managed a family photo WITH the dogs!

This is my first time home for Thanksgiving in two years. My first year, I spent it across the ocean, living in France. (Side note: France does not sell Turkeys. We bought rotisserie chicken instead to feed to our 29 guests). My team and I hosted a feast for our new friends and explained the meaning of the American holiday. It was a great foundational event that allowed us to get to know our neighbors and some of the locals, on more of a relational level.

Thanksgiving in France 2010

Last year, I spent Thanksgiving in Orlando. I specifically chose to stay because I had randomly met (God’s divine plan) my UK friend, Meena a couple weeks prior. She and I had talked about many things, including American culture. I thought Hello, what other country celebrates AMERICAN Thanksgiving (Keyword: American… I know Canada has a Canadian thanksgiving – a bit different)? Invite Meena to celebrate with you! Which as we all now know, was somewhat of a pivotal point in Meena’s life as she met Bryn and other Christians during our Thanksgiving party!

This year, I was nice to be back home, celebrating with extended family, playing games, watching movies, and doing some Black Friday shopping with my siblings… (Though, I did feel a bit guilty going to Target at 10 pm on Thanksgiving night….) Traditions are still lots of fun.

Waiting in line at Target

Living at home in Michigan this fall, I’ve realized I have much to be thankful for: being home for Thanksgiving, my growing family, having cool hair and knowing how to do it, my new car, the ability to vote, a nice camera to take family pictures, freedom, watching football, meeting friends like Meena and seeing a change in her life, my support team, the use of all five senses, traveling for my job,  and great friends, among many other things. God is so good and always faithful. #Iamthankful

"God Save the Queen"

"What does it mean?" We were both puzzled, unsure of the origin of this phrase.

Last October, during my internship with Campus Crusade for Christ in Orlando, I met Meena. She had been interning with the Disney program for several months and still wanting to experience some true American culture. As our initial conversation continued to unfold, so our friendship began.

We baked that apple pie right there, oh yes we did.

We ended up spending the classic, American holiday - Thanksgiving - together. I think Meena would agree, that this was a good "taste" of American traditions.

In the next couple of weeks in December and early January, we continued to hang out, going out to eat at classic American restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Cheesecake Factory. We had many conversations about our internships, living in different countries, culture and religion. Based on the questions she asked, I knew Meena was definitely searching for the satisfaction only a relationship with God could bring.

Dinner at Cracker Barrel - biscuits and gravy! 

As the end of January approached, so did the end of Meena's internship and ultimately, her time in Orlando. As limited as it was, I was excited and thankful for the time we had spent together. We continued to stay in touch through out the spring and summer months. I was trusting God to continue to work in Meena's life as she had moved home.

WHICH HE DID!!! A couple of days ago, I skyped with Meena and she told me she had become a Christian!!! 

She explained to me that our friend Bryn had described the gospel in a creative way. We each have report cards, full of C's and D's, but Jesus has a report card full of A+'s! Because Jesus loves us so much, He is willing to trade His report card with us, so we can succeed and have a relationship with Him.

This August, she was visiting friends in Orlando. During her visit, she faced some challenges and tough choices. Toward the end of her trip, as she was processing life, her future and her journey thus far, she decided she wanted to trade report cards with Jesus. She realized He was pursuing her and wasn't going to stop.

Praise God for technology!

Since then, "I've been focusing on God, learning to really enjoy Him. My job right now is to become more Christian (Christ-like) everyday" Meena said this afternoon. My jaw dropped a little bit at how God has been transforming Meena in her newfound relationship with Him. Truely awesome!

It was so great to hear more of her testimony/story, listen to her questions and experiences as a new Christian. I asked her if I could write about her and share prayer requests.

Please pray:

• First that Meena would continue to trust in the Spirit and His work in her life.
• For a teachable heart to soak up the Word
• For patience and trusting God to heal and lead

And Praise God for a new sister in Christ!!!

A Weekend in Amsterdam

Living in Europe has a lot of advantages. This weekend, I was able to travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands to visit the Grand Valley State Cru Spring Break team! They spent their spring break on some of the campuses in Rotterdam, doing various ministry activities with the staff of Life Agape [Campus Crusade’s International name].

My journey actually began Friday morning around 9am. My roommate and I took the train into Paris. We were meeting up with the Paris Metro team, who do campus ministry in Paris. We met Margo, one of the team members, at her apartment then headed to the university. The Life Agape staff led us, two of Margo’s teammates, and 4 students in a short devotion. We focused on prayer, the power it has, and how it can bless others. We paired up and prayer walked the campus.

I partnered with Heidi, one of the Life Agape staff. As we walked around, we approached people explaining we were praying for Paris, the campus and wanted to see if they had anything we could pray for as well.

The spiritual atmosphere of youth in Paris, well Europe in general, is very apathetic or nonexistent. Almost everyone turned us down. As we walked, Heidi brought up the story about Philip when he was led by the Spirit to a man in chariot to pray for him. Not ten minutes later, we approached this girl sitting on a bench in the garden. When we asked if there was anything we could pray for her about, she declined and said she was an atheist. Heidi noticed she was reading a bible, and asked if she had any questions about what she was reading. She said no, that it was only for class. We were still curious, so Heidi asked if she could ask one more question: “what book are you reading?” She responded “Job.” Talk about meaty stuff!

1. It is ridiculously rare to see a student reading a bible on campus, much less a non-believer!

2. I just wonder what this girl was thinking after we left – reading the bible for class, and two Christians come up and ask if there is anything they can pray for.

3. Please pray for her! We didn’t exchange names, so I’ll call her “Sofia”. Pray that God would continue to make Himself know to Sofia and that see would see that, rather than conscience. Pray also that God would lead more Christians in to Sofia’s life and that she would start having deep questions about God.

After our time of ministry was done for the day, I eventually headed to the airport to fly to Amsterdam! I was so pumped to see some old friends, hear how their week doing ministry in Rotterdam went, and share with them all about STINT and Summer Project.

During the flight, I started talking with two American girls sitting near me. They were studying abroad in Paris and headed to Amsterdam for a weekend of fun – and by fun, they meant legal drugs and partying.

To be honest, it caught me off guard. I casually tried to ask why they did drugs, being one who has never been high. “It makes life better”, “It makes me numb”, “It feels good.” I was saddened for them. In return, they asked why I was headed to Amsterdam. I saw this as an opportunity to bring up Spiritual subjects and hoped I could lead into sharing the gospel. Both had gone to church and labeled themselves as ‘Catholic’. Neither felt that it was the right time in their life to go to church or “get into that stuff.” They then bi-passed questions I followed up with, and led the conversation onto other things.

I did get these girls names: Kaitlyn and Leeda. Please also pray for them – they are trying to find satisfaction in material things. Pray that they would see that NOW is always the right time to meet with God.

Once we landed, my next task was to figure out how to get to the hotel. The information desk suggested a train then tram. I’ve learned some ‘travel smarts’ these past couple months so I knew I’d be fine.

As I walked up to the hotel, Kelsey Perras, Erin King and Curtis Blackwell were waiting for me! It was so refreshing to see them! We dropped my stuff off in the room and went out to explore and get a late dinner. Back at our room, I got caught up on life with Erin and Kels! Bless their souls; they shared their bed with me. One word: SPOONING.

The next morning, I was reunited with the rest of the group and we all headed to the Anne Frank house museum. It was really interesting to be walking through the historical place this little girl wrote in her journal of her secret, sad life. Afterwards, we all headed to a pancake place for some European style pancakes! I actually got one with spinach, garlic oil, goat cheese and pine nuts. It was so delicious!

Pancakes!

Through out the day, I was able to have many good conversations with some individuals on the team about STINT and also Summer Project. I think talking about STINT also helped me process a little what I have been doing these past 5 months. I can’t believe STINT is half over!

Some of the Spring Break team

The next morning, the team left the hotel at 7:45 am. I walked with them to the bus stop and said our last “see you laters”, and I went back to bed! Later in the morning, I packed, checked out and walked the streets of Amsterdam in leisure.

Amsterdam

Sooo many bikes!

I got some last minute souvenirs and headed to the airport... and now I am back at my apartment, ready for another week!

Until next time...

Campus time!

My STINT team and myself went to “de-code” the local college campus a couple weeks ago. What's "de-coding" you ask? As a team, we observe the campus, students, hot spots, passing hours, fashion, and things like that to help familiarize us with the campus. At lunch, we met some students, which was a bit interesting, as most of them did not speak English! Fortunately, one of my team members, Nalani, speaks French pretty fluently and was able to be the bridge of communication. [Hopefully soon, the rest of us will have the basic conversational skills to communicate for ourselves!] One of the girls we met, Celia, wants to hang out and also practice her English!

Last week, we went into Paris to team up with the Paris Metro STINT team - they are campus staff as opposed to office staff, like me! The campus was similar to the campus we went to the week before. I was paired up with Jen, one of the team leaders of the Paris Metro team. We ventured out into the cafeteria, around lunch time to meet some students. (French colleges tend to have class 9-12, lunch from 12-2 and then class 2-6.) We ended up sitting with two different groups of girls who spoke some english. We casually started the conversation, asking what they do for fun on the weekends, what they are studying etc. As the conversation continued, we explained that we are working for a non-profit organization, asking students their point of view of spiritual topics. Sadly, neither of the girls from the first group had an opinion. As our conversation continued with them, I found it hard to take things to a deeper level.

The second group of girls sat down next to us mid-conversation with the first group. I started talking to them, asking similar questions to break the ice. I learned that each of them were Muslim and also did not really have an opinion of Jesus. They seemed to "bob and weave" the more thought-provoking questions I asked about spirituality.

Later, when I was debriefing with Jen, she explained that is the typical atmosphere on any college campus in France.

If you think about it, it make sense. Logically, if you don't grown up attending some sort of religious organization, you tend to not have a care, opinion or value about spiritual things - why? - because you don't know any better! Europe has been spiritually dead for a long time and it is evident in the responses given by college students.

Fortunately, God is faithful and Sovereign and can do anything even with the brief spiritual conversations we had with those girls.

Please pray for Europe. Yes, that's big, but God is bigger.
Please pray for the 5 girls Jen and I were able to connect with - that God can use anything for His greater good!
Please pray for encouragement, faithfulness and fruit for the Paris Metro team - this is what they face everyday. They have started an "English club" for French students to practice English - great relationship building opportunities!