I AM HERE!!!!!!! Yay!!!!! I arrived early this morning at about 12:30...everything went really smoothly. The first flight I slept a lot and watched P.S. I Love You :)..I love that movie...I love Gerard Butler, hehe. There was a kids/younger teen dance group from Scotland that sat in some seats near me and I LOVED listening to them talk...it was hilarious! I definitely need to go there someday. Anyways, changing flights in London went smoothly also it just took forever to see what gate we needed to be at. Then that flight seemed to take forever...I'm not really sure why it just seemed to drag on. When we finally landed, going through customs was actually really easy and I found my luggage right away then went through bag check and headed towards the exit where I saw Jay immediately.
The apartment is really nice, I like it a lot. My room is actually bigger than I thought it would be which is nice. The internet is really great..they have there own connection that I am now hooked up to so it should be working all the time. They did say that it cuts out every once in a while but that is shouldn't be too much of a problem.
The boys are adorable. Salem just turned 3 and Justice is 5. Justice goes to school 5 days a week and Salem goes to like a daycare place 4 days I think. Kim does language school as well 5 days a week. They are all so sweet and really easy to get along with as I knew they would be. I am really excited about the things that they have talked about doing. Kim is and has been the only girl around the house for a long time so I am happy to be a friend and smiling face for her.
Well I am pretty tired and think I am going to take a nap now. Please continue to pray :)
XOXOXOXOXOX
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
5 more days
Well It has been pretty busy this past week. I have been helping around the house a lot and helping out the Seniors at TJ's school. They are doing fundraisers and things to raise money for their senior trip and Coletta and James help them out as much they can so I get to as well...they are all really fun. It has been really great to get to know them all. The Women's study at the school has also been really really great. I am loving the study and the women are really fun and encouraging as well. It makes me think of the ladies in our church and how every time they get together or have an event they are always FULL of cackling and laughter. While these women aren't quite as lively it still is a fun group.
The family went and spent the day at the beach yesterday. It was absolutely incredible. The place we went was about 2 hours away but it was way worth it. The area is really kind of a more wealthier area and the houses are absolutely gorgeous and there are trees and mountains everywhere. It was SO awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! The water was freezing though haha.
Tonight we have an Easter outreach event. They are having this choir come and sing and then having like a little snack time/fellowship afterwards. It should be a lot of fun. It will be weird being so far away from my church family this Easter but It is cool to experience something new like this. I pray that the service over in good old Anaheim goes really well and the Holy Spirit works in everyone's hearts.
It is weird to think that I leave this Thursday. You become so use to your little lifestyles and habits after a while. It will be hard to leave the family and really difficult to leave TJ as we have become really good friends. Please keep me in prayer that everything will go smoothly and I wont have any problems. When I arrive at LAX on Friday I leave very shortly after for Tennessee so prayer for all of that would be great too.
Love and miss you all! Have an AMAZING time worshiping our Lord and Savior that is alive and SO active in our lives!
The family went and spent the day at the beach yesterday. It was absolutely incredible. The place we went was about 2 hours away but it was way worth it. The area is really kind of a more wealthier area and the houses are absolutely gorgeous and there are trees and mountains everywhere. It was SO awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! The water was freezing though haha.
Tonight we have an Easter outreach event. They are having this choir come and sing and then having like a little snack time/fellowship afterwards. It should be a lot of fun. It will be weird being so far away from my church family this Easter but It is cool to experience something new like this. I pray that the service over in good old Anaheim goes really well and the Holy Spirit works in everyone's hearts.
It is weird to think that I leave this Thursday. You become so use to your little lifestyles and habits after a while. It will be hard to leave the family and really difficult to leave TJ as we have become really good friends. Please keep me in prayer that everything will go smoothly and I wont have any problems. When I arrive at LAX on Friday I leave very shortly after for Tennessee so prayer for all of that would be great too.
Love and miss you all! Have an AMAZING time worshiping our Lord and Savior that is alive and SO active in our lives!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
I hate these title things
The Internet has been down a lot lately making it very difficult to keep these updated :/ but it is working now so that makes me happy. Thank you so much for all of your positive feedback on my last blog. It encouraged my heart even more from all of your support and comments. It was really strange to look back and read over what I wrote because I didn't even really remember saying all that I said. I meant every word, no doubt, but it was like the words were just flowing out of me and then I was blessed even more later by all of you. God works in mysterious and crazy ways. I love that about Him. Just some follow up...He really has been trying to focus my heart and mind on loving others and how we are to do that and following Christ's example in that area. I am reading Blue Like Jazz and it has talked about that a lot lately and a message that I was re-listening to by Louie Giglio talked about loving others despite everything that may be wrong or out of ordinary or just weird to us. I started thinking about all of the times I have looked at others and the immediate thoughts that come into my head sometimes. I hate it so much. He tells us not to judge or we will be judged. In meditating on that I can't even imagine the number of times I have been judged and how crappy that leaves you feeling. We do it so often in our world today and don't hardly think twice about it many times. Even with our own brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are supposed to be living like Christ....I can guarantee you that He never looked upon another with jealousy or prejudices or thoughts about what they must be like. He focused on the fact that they were created by God and therefore deserved the same loving that we, as God's children, receive. In fact...we should be even more cautious about how we are with others. So often in this world you find heaps of people who have a tainted view on Christianity from bad experiences or the way it has been portrayed in the media. I hate that...and then we go out and get frustrated because we have to wait a little longer at a restaurant or our food isn't prepared exactly to our liking or someone made you upset while driving so we show our frustrations so that the people will see it...how dumb is that. Christ never would have taken that approach. He was himself with everyone, no matter who He was with and loved everyone as though they were his best friend in the world. Man I would love to be able to that. Ok I don't know how this happens but I didn't intend to write all of that again :/ sorry bout that.
To give you a little update on what has been going on...Last Sunday was my birthday and the family surprised me and took me to a nicer and more updated zoo because I love animals so much :) It was wonderful! Coly also prepared a delicious lunch and blackberry pie!!!!!! It was REALLY good!
These past couple of weeks I have been doing things around the house...cleaning and such as the tasks come up. Dusting, cleaning the bathroom, dishes, cleaning windows...all of that good stuff that they don't have time to do when it needs to be done. I also have still been helping out with the children Sunday mornings. They are adorable and the teachers are really sweet...most speak a little English so that helps. This Sunday, however, Coly said that we will probably sit towards the back of church and she will translate the message for me as best she can so that I can get some more biblical teaching. Also Wednesday mornings there is a Bible study for women that is starting at TJ's school (which is an English school) and the first meeting was last Wednesday. I am really excited because it gives me an opportunity to fellowship with other believers again which is a TOTAL answer to prayer. God is good :)
Well I better wrap this up before it becomes another novel, hehe. Hope everyone is doing well!!! May God bless you throughout your day! oh yea and to those of you at Calvary...really listen to and take advantage of that awesome preacher that ya'll have. It's not everyday that you get a guy like him.....seriously!!!!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX (that's a lot of hugs and kisses hehe)
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY and DEBBIE!!!!!!!!
To give you a little update on what has been going on...Last Sunday was my birthday and the family surprised me and took me to a nicer and more updated zoo because I love animals so much :) It was wonderful! Coly also prepared a delicious lunch and blackberry pie!!!!!! It was REALLY good!
These past couple of weeks I have been doing things around the house...cleaning and such as the tasks come up. Dusting, cleaning the bathroom, dishes, cleaning windows...all of that good stuff that they don't have time to do when it needs to be done. I also have still been helping out with the children Sunday mornings. They are adorable and the teachers are really sweet...most speak a little English so that helps. This Sunday, however, Coly said that we will probably sit towards the back of church and she will translate the message for me as best she can so that I can get some more biblical teaching. Also Wednesday mornings there is a Bible study for women that is starting at TJ's school (which is an English school) and the first meeting was last Wednesday. I am really excited because it gives me an opportunity to fellowship with other believers again which is a TOTAL answer to prayer. God is good :)
Well I better wrap this up before it becomes another novel, hehe. Hope everyone is doing well!!! May God bless you throughout your day! oh yea and to those of you at Calvary...really listen to and take advantage of that awesome preacher that ya'll have. It's not everyday that you get a guy like him.....seriously!!!!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX (that's a lot of hugs and kisses hehe)
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY and DEBBIE!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Forgive and Love
I had a question answered this morning that I have been having for a little while now...(understatement)...Do I need to actually love someone that has betrayed me so deeply that I sometimes felt like just shutting my mind off so I wouldn't have to think about them or completely shut my eyes because I look around and think that I see them which stirs fear and anger in my heart....or can I just forgive them. In the back of my mind I felt like I knew the answer but I have never searched for the actual true fact. Today I read in Matthew 5:43 about loving your enemies...right away that came to mind and while the term "enemies" is mostly referring to those that persecute you and think ill of you for some reason, I believe that enemies has a little more than one meaning. For further confirmation I went to the good old Internet and typed in the words "biblical loving your enemies" and this woman's XANGA site came up that had a little one line sentence talking about how Jesus loved his disciples...even his betrayer...Judas. He sat there with him with a calm heart and actually washed his feet, knowing that Judas would betray Him......Talk about an example to follow! Easy? Nope. But with God's help, all things are possible, right?
So today, I pray that God will bless the one who has hurt me (and those that I love) more deeply than I thought possible. I pray that he will find the right way through God and His word. I pray that I will be able to love them just as Christ loved his betrayer and I pray that mine and their hearts will grow and be healed of all that has taken place and that God's will will triumph in the lives of all involved.
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul."
May God truly bless your day
So today, I pray that God will bless the one who has hurt me (and those that I love) more deeply than I thought possible. I pray that he will find the right way through God and His word. I pray that I will be able to love them just as Christ loved his betrayer and I pray that mine and their hearts will grow and be healed of all that has taken place and that God's will will triumph in the lives of all involved.
"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul."
May God truly bless your day
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Rafting
Yesterday we went white water rafting through the mountains for TJ's birthday....it was really cool and really fun!!!!! The water was freezing but we had to wear wetsuits and windbreakers and a life jacket so by the time you had all of that on it wasn't soo bad. I had never done that before so I was excited and it all went so well. It was great :). Pretty soon here things will start to get more serious than they have been. TJ is goin back to school tomorrow and things will get back to normal with the church so life is guna be a bit different I think than what I have been used to lately. Last Sunday James spoke at another church...much smaller than the Morsey's. The family of the church is the Mitchel's, the same people that we went and played games with at their house a while ago...we went over to their house again afterwards and had lunch and dinner and played games again...it was really fun! Nothin much else is goin on right now I don't think. I miss everyone so much. It is weird to think that I only have one more month left. Keep praying for the language thing. Everyone is pretty used to the fact that I can't speak it but sometimes they will forget and try and speak to me and I'll just be like...uhhhh what? haha it is actually pretty funny but anyways, hugs and kisses!
here's some photos
http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x228/jmkettenring/Chile/
here's some photos
http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x228/jmkettenring/Chile/
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Valpo and Vina (the coast)
Sorry I have been away for a while. I just spent the last week at the coast. I only expected to be there a few days but I ended up staying 4 more days....it was really beautiful and it was so good to be at the beach again. I am finally getting my tan back, hehe, and loving every moment of it. The sunsets were absolutely beautiful and the days were clear and perfect. 6 of us stayed the first few days in a little apartment about 10 minutes from the water and then James and Coly went home Thursday and the guys stayed at the apartment and the girls rented a room in a Hostal that was like a 10 minute walk from the beach. We stayed till Monday evening and then came home on a nice bus. I stayed with 2 other girls in the Hostal...one that speaks english really well and one that doesn't speak it at all. So we had a bit of interpreting going on, lol. It was actually really great to be able to get to know them a bit more. Still really difficult, however, to understand all that was going on and what they were talking about and stuff. It is really difficult not to feel lost sometimes but they do a pretty good job of trying to make me feel included no matter what is going on...but there is only so much they can do ya know. All in all though that was a really awesome trip.
We are painting the house today and doing the edges and really difficult stuff tomorrow...we already did the main things but we may need to go over it again so we will see. It is actually kind of fun except when you have to get into really awkward positions to get difficult spots and stuff. One of TJ's really good friends came over and helped us too so that made it go faster.
It is TJ's b-day on the 25th and the parents are planning a little trip for that too. It is a surprise...i'm excited...I love birthdays!
I miss everyone alot! I was really struggling last week cuz it was Amy's birthday and I couldn't be there and that really sucked. I had to force myself not to think about it too much on the way to the coast otherwise I would have lost it completely, haha. Such a girl :)...I also really wanted my big brother hug...actually still do. It is hard bein away from the youth group as well and everyone there. Since it is difficult to connect with lots of people here in the church I am way more aware of how far away everyone is and that can be very saddening but no matter what I try to keep my spirits up and just remember that this is where God wants me and He has a reason for me being here! And I am enjoying so don't get me wrong there :) Well I better go, we are heading to the church soon to go swimming. Love and miss everyone SOOOOOOOOOOO much! XOXOXOXOX
We are painting the house today and doing the edges and really difficult stuff tomorrow...we already did the main things but we may need to go over it again so we will see. It is actually kind of fun except when you have to get into really awkward positions to get difficult spots and stuff. One of TJ's really good friends came over and helped us too so that made it go faster.
It is TJ's b-day on the 25th and the parents are planning a little trip for that too. It is a surprise...i'm excited...I love birthdays!
I miss everyone alot! I was really struggling last week cuz it was Amy's birthday and I couldn't be there and that really sucked. I had to force myself not to think about it too much on the way to the coast otherwise I would have lost it completely, haha. Such a girl :)...I also really wanted my big brother hug...actually still do. It is hard bein away from the youth group as well and everyone there. Since it is difficult to connect with lots of people here in the church I am way more aware of how far away everyone is and that can be very saddening but no matter what I try to keep my spirits up and just remember that this is where God wants me and He has a reason for me being here! And I am enjoying so don't get me wrong there :) Well I better go, we are heading to the church soon to go swimming. Love and miss everyone SOOOOOOOOOOO much! XOXOXOXOX
Monday, February 11, 2008
Hiking
I went Hiking with the family and some other guys from church today and had an absolute blast!!! The mountains are so gorgeous and it was so incredible to be reminded of God's awesome and indescribable glory. The whole thing was about a 7 mile hike: uphill on the way to a small lake thing but downhill on the way back. As I said before...it was incredible. I was kinda tired after though.
Sunday's are proving to be a bit difficult. I love the people..they are really nice and welcoming but I really want to be able to talk to them and understand them and that simply isnt possible without going through someone who know english and even then it is limited on how much you can actually connect and get to know a person like that. It is really frustrating for me cuz i am such a talker and want to get to know everyone but when I am in a group or something I am forced to be quiet because I dont know what is going on nor would they if i said something. So that is the most difficult part of my journey right now. If you could pray for my strength in that area i would greatly appreciate it. We leave for the beach tomorrow for a couple of days!! I am WAY excited!!!
Love and miss you all!!!
Sunday's are proving to be a bit difficult. I love the people..they are really nice and welcoming but I really want to be able to talk to them and understand them and that simply isnt possible without going through someone who know english and even then it is limited on how much you can actually connect and get to know a person like that. It is really frustrating for me cuz i am such a talker and want to get to know everyone but when I am in a group or something I am forced to be quiet because I dont know what is going on nor would they if i said something. So that is the most difficult part of my journey right now. If you could pray for my strength in that area i would greatly appreciate it. We leave for the beach tomorrow for a couple of days!! I am WAY excited!!!
Love and miss you all!!!
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