Everyone who knows me knows that I live by lists. My sisters tease me incessantly about the fact that I have so many lists for everything. I have lists of people to call, emails to write, things to buy, things to pack, little tasks to accomplish, big projects to take on, books to read, movies to watch, ideas to look into, questions to ask, and the “list” goes on…
But the truth is, there’s so much going on in my head at any given time, I have to be able to write it down, or it may just slip off, never to return. So, here’s my little list of the things I wanted to tell you, my dear reader:
The Coin Drive results are in. 1st-6th graders tallied in at $553.06, while the 7th-12th followed with $260.23. That’s a grand total of $813.29! But more is still trickling in, so I’m hoping to hit $900
I’m attaching my Winter/Departure Newsletter. Use the link below to access the Newsletter at another website.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23992515/Final-Winter-Newsletter
My departure date is fast approaching. As I write this, I’m working my last week at my job, and then it’ll really get interesting. There are several things I’ve saved for when I’m no longer working full time, so now I have to really do those things.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Latest...
Thanks again to all of you who regularly read my blog. It’s funny, writing for the world to see, but not really knowing if anyone reads it. If nothing else, it’s a good way to process—putting things down on paper.
The penny drive is going really well. The kids at church that are participating seem pretty excited. I’ve given out around 125 bottles. It’s especially cool when kids come in on Sunday morning, bursting at the seams with excitement, and pumped to announce the total amount they raised that week. So far, the winner comes in at $69! Some are even canvassing their neighborhoods asking for change! It’s neat to see how involved they are getting and connected they feel. The innocence reflected in their questions and the awe in their eyes is beautiful.
Because my departure date is fast approaching, there are lots of little things on the list that have to get done. Changing banks, renewing passports, lining up medications and vaccinations, airfare and packing, just to name a few. I’m trying to learn to just write it down on the list and then not carry it on my shoulders until it’s crossed off. While I am so thankful for my job, and the income and experience it’s providing me, that is just another hurdle that must be overcome, as it takes up 4 full days of the week.
Taking it to a more emotional level, I’ve been a little discouraged lately. God is providing the financial support I need. He’s paving the way in so many other important areas. My church family is rallying behind me and showing great enthusiasm and support. But this is a very lonely road. I think back to all the friends I made at “Missionary Training International”—a school that provides 3-week-long training courses for missionaries from all organizations. There were so many couples and whole families that had each other to walk with down this new, scary, difficult and exciting road. While I do have a great support network of family and friends, and many friends from college in the same situation, when it’s boiled down, I’m (humanly-speaking) in this alone. I don’t have a family member traveling with me. I can’t pass half the “to-be-written” thank-you’s to anyone. I can’t delegate researching International ATM withdrawal fees to my husband or friend. The burden of networking and communication rests on me alone. I have chosen to take this adventure on, and have to stand strong under the resulting pressure of responsibility and change.
It’s difficult to ward off feelings of being misunderstood. It’s also easy to see things that you already think are there. I sometimes get the impression that people see full-time international missions as a sort of cop-out. They couldn’t make it in the world, so they had to move somewhere else. Or they’re running from commitment and real life. They’re just seeking adventure. Yes, this is a narrow-minded view of missions, but the scary part is that I see it more in Christians that non-believers. The reality of my situation, and the situation of many other missionaries, single or married, is that they are making so many untold sacrifices and enduring so many “unnecessary” hardships. They work before they leave to raise their support, then work on the field to earn their support. They leave behind their families, their culture, their comfort to embrace a totally new way of life. But: with the inconveniences, there come an abundance of rewards and blessings that make it worth it. I’m reminded of the verse in Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
Don’t hear me as complaining. I’m not. But I’m also not going to go along with the stereo-type. Missionaries, just like pastors and parents, are just people too. We struggle, we don’t always “feel” like Christians, and we don’t always carry a bible in our back-pockets. We’re not running from responsibility, but rather embracing the responsibility that God has placed on our lives, and gives us the grace to bear daily.
The penny drive is going really well. The kids at church that are participating seem pretty excited. I’ve given out around 125 bottles. It’s especially cool when kids come in on Sunday morning, bursting at the seams with excitement, and pumped to announce the total amount they raised that week. So far, the winner comes in at $69! Some are even canvassing their neighborhoods asking for change! It’s neat to see how involved they are getting and connected they feel. The innocence reflected in their questions and the awe in their eyes is beautiful.
Because my departure date is fast approaching, there are lots of little things on the list that have to get done. Changing banks, renewing passports, lining up medications and vaccinations, airfare and packing, just to name a few. I’m trying to learn to just write it down on the list and then not carry it on my shoulders until it’s crossed off. While I am so thankful for my job, and the income and experience it’s providing me, that is just another hurdle that must be overcome, as it takes up 4 full days of the week.
Taking it to a more emotional level, I’ve been a little discouraged lately. God is providing the financial support I need. He’s paving the way in so many other important areas. My church family is rallying behind me and showing great enthusiasm and support. But this is a very lonely road. I think back to all the friends I made at “Missionary Training International”—a school that provides 3-week-long training courses for missionaries from all organizations. There were so many couples and whole families that had each other to walk with down this new, scary, difficult and exciting road. While I do have a great support network of family and friends, and many friends from college in the same situation, when it’s boiled down, I’m (humanly-speaking) in this alone. I don’t have a family member traveling with me. I can’t pass half the “to-be-written” thank-you’s to anyone. I can’t delegate researching International ATM withdrawal fees to my husband or friend. The burden of networking and communication rests on me alone. I have chosen to take this adventure on, and have to stand strong under the resulting pressure of responsibility and change.
It’s difficult to ward off feelings of being misunderstood. It’s also easy to see things that you already think are there. I sometimes get the impression that people see full-time international missions as a sort of cop-out. They couldn’t make it in the world, so they had to move somewhere else. Or they’re running from commitment and real life. They’re just seeking adventure. Yes, this is a narrow-minded view of missions, but the scary part is that I see it more in Christians that non-believers. The reality of my situation, and the situation of many other missionaries, single or married, is that they are making so many untold sacrifices and enduring so many “unnecessary” hardships. They work before they leave to raise their support, then work on the field to earn their support. They leave behind their families, their culture, their comfort to embrace a totally new way of life. But: with the inconveniences, there come an abundance of rewards and blessings that make it worth it. I’m reminded of the verse in Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
Don’t hear me as complaining. I’m not. But I’m also not going to go along with the stereo-type. Missionaries, just like pastors and parents, are just people too. We struggle, we don’t always “feel” like Christians, and we don’t always carry a bible in our back-pockets. We’re not running from responsibility, but rather embracing the responsibility that God has placed on our lives, and gives us the grace to bear daily.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Penny Drive
I got the idea to do a penny drive to help raise the funds I need to go to Kenya...I thought it would be an easy, fun way to do it! But I learned quickly that in order to do it well, it would take lots of time and effort. But I'm excited to say that we had the kick-off this morning. Already, just from having a bottle at my mom's desk at work, and some bottles placed at our church's Fall Festival last night, I've received almost $100!
We're hoping for $1500, and I think we're going to get it! The kids seem pretty excited and anxious to find ways to fill their 20-oz gatorade bottle with coins each week. We're emphasizing the competition aspect between the younger and older kids, as the month's theme is "Sibling Rivalry!" Please pray that God will meet and even exceed the financial goals of this event during the next 4 weeks!
Travel Update: I've secured a one-way ticket from Miami, through London and on to Nairobi for the 12th of January. It's the perfect ticket, in terms of timing, cost and luggage allowances. Praise the Lord!
Keep praying for that last 10% and the vehicle!
We're hoping for $1500, and I think we're going to get it! The kids seem pretty excited and anxious to find ways to fill their 20-oz gatorade bottle with coins each week. We're emphasizing the competition aspect between the younger and older kids, as the month's theme is "Sibling Rivalry!" Please pray that God will meet and even exceed the financial goals of this event during the next 4 weeks!
Travel Update: I've secured a one-way ticket from Miami, through London and on to Nairobi for the 12th of January. It's the perfect ticket, in terms of timing, cost and luggage allowances. Praise the Lord!
Keep praying for that last 10% and the vehicle!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
These last few weeks have been both busy and exciting! It seems to all be coming together so quickly!
I've reached 90%
I have 100% of the absolute minimum needed to go—it does not include any costs relating to a vehicle, which accounts for the final 10%. That being said, I am still hoping for the continued funds to come in for the purchase of a car. That only is about $175 a month and the up-front purchase price of the car itself.
I’ll also be making a couple big purchases in the next week. First, I’m buying my plane ticket to Nairobi! Also, I’m purchasing a new computer—mine is from college and is especially susceptible to viruses transmitted over the internet in Kenya. I also just purchased Rosetta Stone for Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. That will give me a little head-start on the language-learning process.
We held my Open House at the church last weekend—it was a whole lot of work, but totally worth it. It was a 1920’s-British-Colonial-Safari-themed party and we had a great turnout! I was very encouraged by the more than 50 people that attended. God used it to both encourage and provide for me.
Thank you to everyone that came and everyone that helped before and after!
One last thing: I’ve made Wish Lists with two online stores. They include ministry-related items like Bible Study books, reference materials and necessary techie gadgets. They also have a few things that are more for personal use! Feel free to check them out if you are interested in helping me in this way!
Target: https://www.target.com/lists/I6JBYULY2ELI
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brittany-Clark/wishlist/7E5DK9271E/ref=cm_wl_search_1
I've reached 90%
I have 100% of the absolute minimum needed to go—it does not include any costs relating to a vehicle, which accounts for the final 10%. That being said, I am still hoping for the continued funds to come in for the purchase of a car. That only is about $175 a month and the up-front purchase price of the car itself.
I’ll also be making a couple big purchases in the next week. First, I’m buying my plane ticket to Nairobi! Also, I’m purchasing a new computer—mine is from college and is especially susceptible to viruses transmitted over the internet in Kenya. I also just purchased Rosetta Stone for Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. That will give me a little head-start on the language-learning process.
We held my Open House at the church last weekend—it was a whole lot of work, but totally worth it. It was a 1920’s-British-Colonial-Safari-themed party and we had a great turnout! I was very encouraged by the more than 50 people that attended. God used it to both encourage and provide for me.
Thank you to everyone that came and everyone that helped before and after!
One last thing: I’ve made Wish Lists with two online stores. They include ministry-related items like Bible Study books, reference materials and necessary techie gadgets. They also have a few things that are more for personal use! Feel free to check them out if you are interested in helping me in this way!
Target: https://www.target.com/lists/I6JBYULY2ELI
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brittany-Clark/wishlist/7E5DK9271E/ref=cm_wl_search_1
Friday, October 9, 2009
80%
So...I've officially reached 80% funding! That's a 10% jump from 4 days ago! All I need is another 10% and I can purchase a one-way ticket to Nairobi, Kenya. Keep praying...
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October Update!
Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm new to this whole thing, but it seems like a great way to stay in touch! I hope to be on here regularly to keep you all updated.
So far, plans for Kenya are coming along. I've reached 100% on my one-time support and just over 70% on my monthly support. Just a little ways to go! I'm also working on getting together my team of prayer supporters.
I just recently got a temporary job, which was totally God's provision. I'm working at NutraMedix here in Jupiter and really enjoying it. It's difficult working full-time when I'm also working "full-time" raising support. But it's good training I guess!
I'm planning several events in the next few weeks. On October 17th, in the Youth Center of Tequesta's First Baptist Church, from 7-9 I'll be hosting an Open House. It'll be a casual and informal time where I will share about Kids Alive, the ministry God has called me to in Kenya, and how anyone interested can be involved.
Also, I'm planning a penny drive with the children and youth at Tequesta's First Baptist. We'll be handing out collection bottles, so feel free to stop by and pick one up!
I think that's all for now...stay tuned for more!
So far, plans for Kenya are coming along. I've reached 100% on my one-time support and just over 70% on my monthly support. Just a little ways to go! I'm also working on getting together my team of prayer supporters.
I just recently got a temporary job, which was totally God's provision. I'm working at NutraMedix here in Jupiter and really enjoying it. It's difficult working full-time when I'm also working "full-time" raising support. But it's good training I guess!
I'm planning several events in the next few weeks. On October 17th, in the Youth Center of Tequesta's First Baptist Church, from 7-9 I'll be hosting an Open House. It'll be a casual and informal time where I will share about Kids Alive, the ministry God has called me to in Kenya, and how anyone interested can be involved.
Also, I'm planning a penny drive with the children and youth at Tequesta's First Baptist. We'll be handing out collection bottles, so feel free to stop by and pick one up!
I think that's all for now...stay tuned for more!
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