This one will be quick...
Tomorrow marks 4 weeks that I've been back in NL.. hard to believe that time can travel so quickly.. I moved in with J 2 weeks ago tomorrow as well, and we are getting along famously :) On Friday we welcomed a group of 8 women that came from the States for a 10-day mission's trip. I have been helping "lead" them around to various places and events, which has been a blast- and they are here until Monday. Then I will be helping out with another group of people that are coming next week to help another missionary with some things at the church. GOD has also blessed me incredibly with a church that feels like FAMILY and HOME to me in A'dam Noord (North Amsterdam) called Agape. The people have welcomed me with open hearts and arms, and this is more incredible than I can describe. Today and tomorrow we have our KIDZARK children's meeting, so please keep those kids in your prayers!! They may be the only missionaries their families ever encounter.. :)
Today I and a friend of mine took the ladies to the Corrie Ten Boom Huis in Haarlem.. it always amazes me when I am there.. And yes, if anyone ever visits me here, we WILL go there!!
OK, that's all for now. Love to everyone.. :)
~A
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
1st week back
Summary~
Traveling: My day of traveling was wonderful. We left the house around 13:00 (1 pm) and I had a great sense of Peace settle into me. Up until that moment, it had been quite hectic trying to pack and sort and see people and prepare to leave my family and babies (my cats!!) that I'd been feeling all kinds of emotions and some pressures. So leaving the house and being on the road to the airport was a good feeling. The flight was uneventful- yes, I was blessed with a direct flight! Ahhh, quality time with ME!
I met this guy on the flight who was co-leading a mission's trip to Zambia or Uganda... Praying for you Adam! He was taking some of them to an orphanage for a few days- what a blessing- softened my heart.
Then I got the the airport, and met a lady who was going to Ghana and told her I'd been there (and all the while she is filming me with her little video camera) and she was really excited to meet someone who'd been in Ghana- go figure?! Made me laugh. Awkwaaaaaaarrrrrd being on someone's camera after being UP ALL NIGHT ugh! haha
My luggage all came through just fine- nothing damaged or lost- and that is a miracle sometimes, ha! I loaded my stuff up onto a cart---- which the airport does NOT charge you for, thank you very much! Love that about NL---- anyway, and chugged on out to where MY missionaries were waiting for me, as well as another missionary- and both had 2 bouquets of tulips for me! Awwwww! I KNOW! I love this place, haha!
OK.. moving on :)
JetLag: Well, I've been back in Netherlands for almost a week- left the States a week ago today. And amazingly, I'm almost over jetlag- and maybe I am completely! The first 2 nights I had 4 or fewer hours of sleep, so by Friday I was really tired, and slept through the night until sunlight woke me around 7:45 am! I was thrilled. It's been pretty even since then, so that is such a blessing.
Choir: I had choir rehearsal the second day after I'd arrived, so I felt pretty out of it. In fact, the night before I had told Jackee to wake me if I wasn't up by 15:00 (3pm)- never thinking I'd actually need her to wake me. We had planned to go over the music during the day, so I was planning to be up. I woke up really early that morning- around 3 or 4, and was awake until past 9. I decided to rest just "an hour or so" more, and ended up drifting in and out of sleep- resetting my alarm over and over- until finally I heard J saying "it's after 3..."! haha. She wasn't sure if she should wake me! But I am glad she did. I got up, showered, we ate supper, and were off to choir! I felt like I was on a heavy dose of Dramamine or something! But made it through the night. Everyone that was there from last season was as excited to see me as I was to see them, and that thoroughly warmed my heart. It is never easy leaving my friends and family in the States... but having people welcome me so warmly... well it eases the pain :) I love them so much!
General: I am staying with DJ&N until Monday, when I'll be moving in with JM! Yay! All of them have been a blessing! I am so thankful for places to stay with people that I know. God has continually provided for me along this journey, and will continue to do so. I've been seeing people here and there that I know, and making plans to see others. Excited to see my friends!
OK, that's all. Is it ever all? :) But for now, it is. Love you all!
A conversation I was having earlier with a friend made me think of these verses:
Galatians 5:1, 22-23
"(1) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery... (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
We were talking about patience- and really, my lack of it that he pointed out- and I was reminded of how, even if something does not come as something "natural" or as a personal strength... it can come through help. Having God in my life has helped me to be more patient. I was once told to NOT pray for patience, because then God will test me in it! But this passage talks about living by the Spirit- which I can't do on my own- and which I CAN do with God's help. And since praying is the way we communicate... well, I pray for God's strength to live according to His Spirit- and to bear fruit- even though it might not be so 'natural' for me to do so. And if you look at that list- well all of those qualities or "fruit" are beneficial both to me and others. So I can't really argue them away. :)
Ok that's really all. Love'Hugs
I met this guy on the flight who was co-leading a mission's trip to Zambia or Uganda... Praying for you Adam! He was taking some of them to an orphanage for a few days- what a blessing- softened my heart.
Then I got the the airport, and met a lady who was going to Ghana and told her I'd been there (and all the while she is filming me with her little video camera) and she was really excited to meet someone who'd been in Ghana- go figure?! Made me laugh. Awkwaaaaaaarrrrrd being on someone's camera after being UP ALL NIGHT ugh! haha
My luggage all came through just fine- nothing damaged or lost- and that is a miracle sometimes, ha! I loaded my stuff up onto a cart---- which the airport does NOT charge you for, thank you very much! Love that about NL---- anyway, and chugged on out to where MY missionaries were waiting for me, as well as another missionary- and both had 2 bouquets of tulips for me! Awwwww! I KNOW! I love this place, haha!
OK.. moving on :)
JetLag: Well, I've been back in Netherlands for almost a week- left the States a week ago today. And amazingly, I'm almost over jetlag- and maybe I am completely! The first 2 nights I had 4 or fewer hours of sleep, so by Friday I was really tired, and slept through the night until sunlight woke me around 7:45 am! I was thrilled. It's been pretty even since then, so that is such a blessing.
Choir: I had choir rehearsal the second day after I'd arrived, so I felt pretty out of it. In fact, the night before I had told Jackee to wake me if I wasn't up by 15:00 (3pm)- never thinking I'd actually need her to wake me. We had planned to go over the music during the day, so I was planning to be up. I woke up really early that morning- around 3 or 4, and was awake until past 9. I decided to rest just "an hour or so" more, and ended up drifting in and out of sleep- resetting my alarm over and over- until finally I heard J saying "it's after 3..."! haha. She wasn't sure if she should wake me! But I am glad she did. I got up, showered, we ate supper, and were off to choir! I felt like I was on a heavy dose of Dramamine or something! But made it through the night. Everyone that was there from last season was as excited to see me as I was to see them, and that thoroughly warmed my heart. It is never easy leaving my friends and family in the States... but having people welcome me so warmly... well it eases the pain :) I love them so much!
General: I am staying with DJ&N until Monday, when I'll be moving in with JM! Yay! All of them have been a blessing! I am so thankful for places to stay with people that I know. God has continually provided for me along this journey, and will continue to do so. I've been seeing people here and there that I know, and making plans to see others. Excited to see my friends!
OK, that's all. Is it ever all? :) But for now, it is. Love you all!
A conversation I was having earlier with a friend made me think of these verses:
Galatians 5:1, 22-23
"(1) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery... (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
We were talking about patience- and really, my lack of it that he pointed out- and I was reminded of how, even if something does not come as something "natural" or as a personal strength... it can come through help. Having God in my life has helped me to be more patient. I was once told to NOT pray for patience, because then God will test me in it! But this passage talks about living by the Spirit- which I can't do on my own- and which I CAN do with God's help. And since praying is the way we communicate... well, I pray for God's strength to live according to His Spirit- and to bear fruit- even though it might not be so 'natural' for me to do so. And if you look at that list- well all of those qualities or "fruit" are beneficial both to me and others. So I can't really argue them away. :)
Ok that's really all. Love'Hugs
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
21??
Wow.. in just 3 weeks I will be leaving for NL once again! It's hard to believe that it is so soon. It really hit me a couple of days ago how short 3 weeks really is.. I'll be flying over New York and Canada and the Atlantic.. all in no time! There is so much to do!
This time that I've been back in the States has been mainly full of seeing friends and family, sorting through my house (one day at a tiiiiiiime... ), and doing some projects for the 'rents. Plus, a lot of resting and tv'ing. Maybe too much of that, sometimes I get carried away! Then I go months without hardly turning on the Tube, so I guess it all equals out!
The next three weeks are going to be more of the same: spending time with friends and fam, sorting, packing (oh JoY!) and so on. These things never change in life- at least in mine!
I am very excited to get back to NL and get involved again with the FireChoir and KIDZARK ministries. It is not unfamiliar ground to me this time, so that alleviates some of the pressure of going away from "home". I am going to live in a totally new place with someone that I haven't before- but I am SO excited to have a roommate again! I'm sure you'll hear more about that in the future ;)
Well.. It's sleep-time! Well, actually Bible time, then sleep time!
Prayer Warriors: Please pray for: 1) That I will get everything done that I need to before I leave; 2) For my Finances to come in; 3) For me emotionally as I transition again, and my parents as well, as we say goodbye once again.
Thanks all- Much Love
God bless~ A
This time that I've been back in the States has been mainly full of seeing friends and family, sorting through my house (one day at a tiiiiiiime... ), and doing some projects for the 'rents. Plus, a lot of resting and tv'ing. Maybe too much of that, sometimes I get carried away! Then I go months without hardly turning on the Tube, so I guess it all equals out!
The next three weeks are going to be more of the same: spending time with friends and fam, sorting, packing (oh JoY!) and so on. These things never change in life- at least in mine!
I am very excited to get back to NL and get involved again with the FireChoir and KIDZARK ministries. It is not unfamiliar ground to me this time, so that alleviates some of the pressure of going away from "home". I am going to live in a totally new place with someone that I haven't before- but I am SO excited to have a roommate again! I'm sure you'll hear more about that in the future ;)
Well.. It's sleep-time! Well, actually Bible time, then sleep time!
Prayer Warriors: Please pray for: 1) That I will get everything done that I need to before I leave; 2) For my Finances to come in; 3) For me emotionally as I transition again, and my parents as well, as we say goodbye once again.
Thanks all- Much Love
God bless~ A
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Raising Funds...
Here I am, back to the grind per se :)
One of the joys and greatest challenges missionaries of the denomination I am working with face is raising their support. As a short-term missionary, I am not at all exempt from this. I have much less to raise, but in a shorter amount of time. Some of my budget is fixed regardless of what the dollar is doing at that moment, but some of it is influenced by how well the dollar is doing. For example, if my rent is 600 Euros, it will be €600 whether the dollar is strong or not. So sometimes my rent might be only $800 but them some months it might be up to $900 or more.
This can make it easy to start worrying or to be afraid. But then I turn to my Father who says 'not to worry.. rather, in everything, with thanksgiving, (to) make my requests known to Him, and He will keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus'... this is loosly translated of course- taken in a personal way. The same way you can too. God has never failed me. Truly. In fact, the moment He stops taking care of me here on earth will be the moment I am in heaven with Him-- probably wondering why I ever worried here on earth in the first place! :)
So back to my original subject: Raising....Funds... :) I really have very little to raise, in the grand scheme of things- less than $10,000 at this point. I believe that God will provide for all my needs- He says so in His word, and I take Him at it. I've seen countless times where He's provided when it seemed that it couldn't be done. He uses seeds that we plant, and that other people plant- for His glory and honour.
The point being.. NO amount is too little. I've had people come up to me and apologize for the amount they are giving to support me....! It doesn't matter how little or how much we give- God WILL use it for His glory! He will multiply it to meet all our needs. He has blessed me over and over for the small, little seeds that I have planted- and some of them weren't even watered with that much faith either- and I've seen Him do it in others too, over and over and over and over again... It's neverending.
So.. even if you think "How can I help impact someone 4,221 miles (give-or-take) away from me.. How could this amount help them".... BELIEVE ME.. it will! Give in Faith to GOD--- not to me- "put your faith in God and NOT in man".. miracles will happen. :)
If God is leading to help me out financially- please obey Him- I can't be more direct than that. He WILL take care of you- no matter what!
Email me and I'll get you the info: aicilalicia@gmail.com
If not, then that's ok. But PLEASE pray for me in every way. There can never be too much prayer!
Blessings
And... thanks :)
~Alicia
One of the joys and greatest challenges missionaries of the denomination I am working with face is raising their support. As a short-term missionary, I am not at all exempt from this. I have much less to raise, but in a shorter amount of time. Some of my budget is fixed regardless of what the dollar is doing at that moment, but some of it is influenced by how well the dollar is doing. For example, if my rent is 600 Euros, it will be €600 whether the dollar is strong or not. So sometimes my rent might be only $800 but them some months it might be up to $900 or more.
This can make it easy to start worrying or to be afraid. But then I turn to my Father who says 'not to worry.. rather, in everything, with thanksgiving, (to) make my requests known to Him, and He will keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus'... this is loosly translated of course- taken in a personal way. The same way you can too. God has never failed me. Truly. In fact, the moment He stops taking care of me here on earth will be the moment I am in heaven with Him-- probably wondering why I ever worried here on earth in the first place! :)
So back to my original subject: Raising....Funds... :) I really have very little to raise, in the grand scheme of things- less than $10,000 at this point. I believe that God will provide for all my needs- He says so in His word, and I take Him at it. I've seen countless times where He's provided when it seemed that it couldn't be done. He uses seeds that we plant, and that other people plant- for His glory and honour.
The point being.. NO amount is too little. I've had people come up to me and apologize for the amount they are giving to support me....! It doesn't matter how little or how much we give- God WILL use it for His glory! He will multiply it to meet all our needs. He has blessed me over and over for the small, little seeds that I have planted- and some of them weren't even watered with that much faith either- and I've seen Him do it in others too, over and over and over and over again... It's neverending.
So.. even if you think "How can I help impact someone 4,221 miles (give-or-take) away from me.. How could this amount help them".... BELIEVE ME.. it will! Give in Faith to GOD--- not to me- "put your faith in God and NOT in man".. miracles will happen. :)
If God is leading to help me out financially- please obey Him- I can't be more direct than that. He WILL take care of you- no matter what!
Email me and I'll get you the info: aicilalicia@gmail.com
If not, then that's ok. But PLEASE pray for me in every way. There can never be too much prayer!
Blessings
And... thanks :)
~Alicia
Friday, January 9, 2009
Quick Update
Hello all :)
Quick update here- I have been invited back to work with the FireChoir again in Amsterdam, and hoping to get involved in a couple other ministries as well. I am working out how to get a visa and what that all entails (it's a lot of details and work and so on).
The two biggest things that I really need right now are:
1) Prayer. Can I ever get too much of that? No. Enough said :)
2) Money! With my parents back here in the US now to raise funds for a year, I don't have a *free* place to stay- so I need to raise more money than I had before for rent, utilities, and et cetera. And, as I mentioned, I'll most likely be needing a visa, which is expensive. The most important thing that I ask is not for specific amounts- but rather that people tap into what God wants them to give to this ministry! He has never failed me yet, so I am trusting in Him to bring it in. Yay!
Ok, I need to go, life awaits. Please feel free to email or call with any questions! My email is: aicilalicia@gmail.com
Blessings and Thanks!
~A
Quick update here- I have been invited back to work with the FireChoir again in Amsterdam, and hoping to get involved in a couple other ministries as well. I am working out how to get a visa and what that all entails (it's a lot of details and work and so on).
The two biggest things that I really need right now are:
1) Prayer. Can I ever get too much of that? No. Enough said :)
2) Money! With my parents back here in the US now to raise funds for a year, I don't have a *free* place to stay- so I need to raise more money than I had before for rent, utilities, and et cetera. And, as I mentioned, I'll most likely be needing a visa, which is expensive. The most important thing that I ask is not for specific amounts- but rather that people tap into what God wants them to give to this ministry! He has never failed me yet, so I am trusting in Him to bring it in. Yay!
Ok, I need to go, life awaits. Please feel free to email or call with any questions! My email is: aicilalicia@gmail.com
Blessings and Thanks!
~A
Monday, December 15, 2008
Not Done Yet!
Well.. we made it :) And our 7 suitcases too! In fact, we were not charged for our 7th piece (only allowed 2-per-person on international flights), so it was a total God-thing :) *"God-thing"= something only God can orchestrate... which is basically everything, but you get the picture*. Anyway, neither of our flights were full either, SO we all had extra seats next to us, meaning a more relaxing trip altogether. Nothing crummy happened- the flights were both great, and my friend picked us up in MSP and whisked us home! Well, actually my Dad drove because my friend and I do a lot of talking, and her husband didn't think she'd be able to concentrate and drive at the same time (HAHAHAAAA)... he was right, I think! All is good :D
The Journey Is NOT Over Yet...
I have been invited back to the Netherlands to help with the upcoming season of FireChoir! Very exciting, and I accepted. This means that I need a couple of visas, more money, and more PRAYER! But, I always need the Prayer, so don't ever stop that!
I'm not sure what my budget will be, but I want to get back asap... so if God leads you to support me in any way, please get ahold of me, and I will tell you how it can be done (IT Can Be Done!). :)
Tot Ziens for now- gotta head back out into the cold (YUCK!). Blessings and Love
~A
The Journey Is NOT Over Yet...
I have been invited back to the Netherlands to help with the upcoming season of FireChoir! Very exciting, and I accepted. This means that I need a couple of visas, more money, and more PRAYER! But, I always need the Prayer, so don't ever stop that!
I'm not sure what my budget will be, but I want to get back asap... so if God leads you to support me in any way, please get ahold of me, and I will tell you how it can be done (IT Can Be Done!). :)
Tot Ziens for now- gotta head back out into the cold (YUCK!). Blessings and Love
~A
Monday, December 1, 2008
December is here!
Happy December 1st!
Well here we are- we survived Thanksgiving and 2 birthdays all within 5 days of each other (we were described as people with "gluttons for punishment" and I think they were right!)! Haha. Wednesday I had several friends over to celebrate my 30th year of life outside of the womb! Then my "Sistah" from Spain (who is also from my home-church back in the States) flew in at 10:30 that night! Thursday was our Thanksgiving celebration-C'tal was here of course, and we also had 6 others come over as well- I think everyone had a great time, even though we had Chicken instead of Turkey! The Pumpkin pie that R&C made was the best I have ever tasted in my life! The apple pie was lekker too! Plus all the other food, heel lekker! We had a grand ol' time :)
Friday wasn't "Black Friday" here in NL... but C'tal and I shopped and shopped and shopped anyway... making up for being out of the US of course :D We had a blast! Saturday we went to Haarlem and Zaanse Schans, a windmill park- and then Sunday it was time to go home! So fast!! But we had a blast! (that rhymed).
Tonight we have our FireChoir party to go to. It'll be sad! But such is life :) Besides... well, more on that later.
OK, that's the quick update for the moment. We are in the process of moving out of the house, so please pray for all our strength and health- extra doses of it all too!
Hugs and Love to all- can't wait to see my MN peeps soon!
~A
Well here we are- we survived Thanksgiving and 2 birthdays all within 5 days of each other (we were described as people with "gluttons for punishment" and I think they were right!)! Haha. Wednesday I had several friends over to celebrate my 30th year of life outside of the womb! Then my "Sistah" from Spain (who is also from my home-church back in the States) flew in at 10:30 that night! Thursday was our Thanksgiving celebration-C'tal was here of course, and we also had 6 others come over as well- I think everyone had a great time, even though we had Chicken instead of Turkey! The Pumpkin pie that R&C made was the best I have ever tasted in my life! The apple pie was lekker too! Plus all the other food, heel lekker! We had a grand ol' time :)
Friday wasn't "Black Friday" here in NL... but C'tal and I shopped and shopped and shopped anyway... making up for being out of the US of course :D We had a blast! Saturday we went to Haarlem and Zaanse Schans, a windmill park- and then Sunday it was time to go home! So fast!! But we had a blast! (that rhymed).
Tonight we have our FireChoir party to go to. It'll be sad! But such is life :) Besides... well, more on that later.
OK, that's the quick update for the moment. We are in the process of moving out of the house, so please pray for all our strength and health- extra doses of it all too!
Hugs and Love to all- can't wait to see my MN peeps soon!
~A
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thank You
I just wanted to thank you all again for your supporting me to be here- both financially and in prayer! I am so thankful and amazed at God's provision for me through you. He will always take care of you, don't ever doubt His love for you! Amen and amen!
Hugs and Love to all- and Thank you again!
~Alicia
Hugs and Love to all- and Thank you again!
~Alicia
Concert!!
Well, it came and went. :) The concert was great!
Friday night we get to the church a little before 6pm. We wanted everyone there by 6:30, but I wanted to be a little early. Once I got there, I was getting nervous/anxious/excited, so I wished we hadn't hurried there- but then again, traffic can be a headache, so we may have been really late!
So, I sat there, after finishing off my make-up, and talked to people here and there. Most of us were excited, some were nervous. Director Doug was up front looking at all his music before everyone arrived and inundated him with questions and nerves. I think he was nervous too. A lot rests on a Director's head, that's fo sho!
We all got into place, and started going over some songs. It came my turn to go over one of my (2) solos. I got up there, sang the first line, and noticed the lights weren't set-up properly.... the lights were my responsibility... all of a sudden I realized that I didn't remember my next line to the song--- AAAAACK DISTRACTIONS!!!!!!! I stood there and all my choir peeps were reaaaaaalllllly nervous all of a sudden (HAHA)... nothing like feeling like everyone is depending on you, and you're suddenly letting them down! We got through the chorus, and the next verse was better... but it shook us a bit I think! But then I reassured everyone that I WAS FINE! And we moved on. Later on I ran to the lil' Girls' room and reviewed my lines, and was certain it'd be alright!
The audience starts wandering in. The place is filling up, and I'm getting instructions on using the Walkie to alert the guy who's gonna "announce" us once we're ready to come on stage, and relaying that to the girl who's leading the other half of the choir onto the stage... then I run back stage, and my side is all lined up, so I give them a "pep-talk" to kill time since we're all especially antsy now. Then I get the signal that it's time, so I relay that via Walkie to my guy, and we all walk to the backstage doorway. EEKEEKEEK..... I could almost hear everyones' hearts' pounding away!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming out on this very coooooold night. Introducing the all-new Amsterdam's Gospel FireChoir"!!!! Woohoo! Excitement. We walk out.
Whew... and it's done! Ok, so it seemed like it went *snap* that fast! We were shocked! Most songs went great, couple spots here and there, but everyone had a blast- including the audience!!! The choir Peeps surprised Doug and Jackee and me with flowers, cards and cd's at the end of the concert- that was so sweet. And Doug and Jackee surprised all us soloists with flowers too! So I was doubly blessed! I nearly cried after the choir thanked me for coming- what a blessing x a million!
So, now it is recovery mode... which isn't really happening, this week and next are packed full- almost more than last week! But such is life, and I'm gonna enjoy it.
God is good. You are wonderful. Love to all.
~A
Friday night we get to the church a little before 6pm. We wanted everyone there by 6:30, but I wanted to be a little early. Once I got there, I was getting nervous/anxious/excited, so I wished we hadn't hurried there- but then again, traffic can be a headache, so we may have been really late!
So, I sat there, after finishing off my make-up, and talked to people here and there. Most of us were excited, some were nervous. Director Doug was up front looking at all his music before everyone arrived and inundated him with questions and nerves. I think he was nervous too. A lot rests on a Director's head, that's fo sho!
We all got into place, and started going over some songs. It came my turn to go over one of my (2) solos. I got up there, sang the first line, and noticed the lights weren't set-up properly.... the lights were my responsibility... all of a sudden I realized that I didn't remember my next line to the song--- AAAAACK DISTRACTIONS!!!!!!! I stood there and all my choir peeps were reaaaaaalllllly nervous all of a sudden (HAHA)... nothing like feeling like everyone is depending on you, and you're suddenly letting them down! We got through the chorus, and the next verse was better... but it shook us a bit I think! But then I reassured everyone that I WAS FINE! And we moved on. Later on I ran to the lil' Girls' room and reviewed my lines, and was certain it'd be alright!
The audience starts wandering in. The place is filling up, and I'm getting instructions on using the Walkie to alert the guy who's gonna "announce" us once we're ready to come on stage, and relaying that to the girl who's leading the other half of the choir onto the stage... then I run back stage, and my side is all lined up, so I give them a "pep-talk" to kill time since we're all especially antsy now. Then I get the signal that it's time, so I relay that via Walkie to my guy, and we all walk to the backstage doorway. EEKEEKEEK..... I could almost hear everyones' hearts' pounding away!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming out on this very coooooold night. Introducing the all-new Amsterdam's Gospel FireChoir"!!!! Woohoo! Excitement. We walk out.
Whew... and it's done! Ok, so it seemed like it went *snap* that fast! We were shocked! Most songs went great, couple spots here and there, but everyone had a blast- including the audience!!! The choir Peeps surprised Doug and Jackee and me with flowers, cards and cd's at the end of the concert- that was so sweet. And Doug and Jackee surprised all us soloists with flowers too! So I was doubly blessed! I nearly cried after the choir thanked me for coming- what a blessing x a million!
So, now it is recovery mode... which isn't really happening, this week and next are packed full- almost more than last week! But such is life, and I'm gonna enjoy it.
God is good. You are wonderful. Love to all.
~A
Saturday, November 15, 2008
SeVeN dAySssssss...
...and it will all be over! Or, should I say, Season 1 of FireChoir will be over?! We are performing on Friday, 21 November at Keerpunt Church in Amsterdam- near the VU (Vreij University) at 20:00 hours.... come if you can!!
For those of you that cannot (due to large water-like ditches called the Ocean), please PLEASE PleeeeaaaSe pray for us: 1) That God will speak through our words to both the choir members and the audience; 2) For us to continue ministering to these wonderful people we have been able to meet through the choir; 3) For Doug (choir Director) during the last few days of rehearsal and preparations..
I am very excited!! And God is good (that's not ever circumstancial either!)! God is good and faithful and with us no matter what we are facing as person, family, country or world.
After the concert, we are still going to be very busy: 2 birthdays to celebrate, packing up (we have to move out of our row-house by Nov. 30th... and this includes removing ALL flooring and light fixtures that were put in here, PLUS packing up the house into a container for storage while my parents go on furlough!!); we also are celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday the 22nd with the NL field missionaries; recording more for our cd; then my friend is coming from Spain (who is from MN!) for 5 days, and we get to sightsee, yay! .... :)
Life will be insane! Just like I like it! Ok, well not insane, but busy. Please keep all of us in your prayers throughout these next 3 weeks as we prepare not only physically, but emotionally, for another change in all of our lives. :)
Love and Blessings
~A
For those of you that cannot (due to large water-like ditches called the Ocean), please PLEASE PleeeeaaaSe pray for us: 1) That God will speak through our words to both the choir members and the audience; 2) For us to continue ministering to these wonderful people we have been able to meet through the choir; 3) For Doug (choir Director) during the last few days of rehearsal and preparations..
I am very excited!! And God is good (that's not ever circumstancial either!)! God is good and faithful and with us no matter what we are facing as person, family, country or world.
After the concert, we are still going to be very busy: 2 birthdays to celebrate, packing up (we have to move out of our row-house by Nov. 30th... and this includes removing ALL flooring and light fixtures that were put in here, PLUS packing up the house into a container for storage while my parents go on furlough!!); we also are celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday the 22nd with the NL field missionaries; recording more for our cd; then my friend is coming from Spain (who is from MN!) for 5 days, and we get to sightsee, yay! .... :)
Life will be insane! Just like I like it! Ok, well not insane, but busy. Please keep all of us in your prayers throughout these next 3 weeks as we prepare not only physically, but emotionally, for another change in all of our lives. :)
Love and Blessings
~A
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