the first full week.

This week was my first week on the job. It was good and I really like the people I work with, and now I am tired! I thought I would write this blog and give you a glimpse of what my week at kaleo looks like. A lot of people have asked me if I just get to hang out at the beach all the time, and that is definitely not the case. I do try to visit some on my days off, but not as much as I would like!

Sunday: I attend the First Baptist Church of Panama City with a group of Kaleo people. They assign us different churches so that we are getting involved with more of the community. Then we grab lunch and head to a church for Evangelism training. This lasts about an hour-two hours. Then we set out with a partner to share the gospel on the beach. We return around 5 and have share time to hear about the different experiences on the beach. That is really neat. After we clean our rooms because we have room checks every Sunday night. Then we have world prayer. We have prayer groups, and we rotate to different countries each week and learn how we can specifically pray for countries such as China, India, African countries, etc. It is a great learning experience and great to know how we can be praying for different places and religions. That is a normal Sunday.

Monday: I go to work at Royal American from 6:00 AM to 3:00pm.
That evening we have our discipleship group meeting time. This lasts at least a couple hours. We recite our scripture memory for the week, we discuss the "Cross Centered Life" book and then go over the inductive Bible study. After all of this, we talk about applications and certain ways we can apply what were learning to our lives.

Tuesday: Work-6:00-3:00 Tuesday evening we have our all Kaleo worship service, Stumo. We meet around 6 30 and have pizza, then we have worship and awesome speakers! I really love Tuesdays. After Stumo, Kelly and I go and have a one-on-one, which is a time for accountability and more growth. We read some and she asks specific questions about the text.

Wednesday: Work 6:00-3:00 Wednesday night we have our Inductive Bible Study Training. We are learning how to observe and interpret the Bible. It is a lot to learn, but it is very helpful! After training, we have campus prayer which is a time when we get to break off with our school groups and pray for SNU specifically, and the people on our campus.

Thursday: Work 10-3 Thursday night there is usually activities at a local park. Many people invite the employees they work to join too.

Friday: Work 6-11:30. Friday is one of our free nights, but I usually spend some of it trying to catch up on the things that are due on Monday.

Saturday: Free. This week we are having one of our social events, and the theme is "Things that come in 4," but since Kelly is gone for the weekend, our group is going to have to do 3. It should be fun!

Work has been really good, and I get to work with some great bosses. They look after us, and are very hard working as well. I am really praying that the Lord will give me the eyes to see people that need to hear the gospel that I work with.

I am sorry if this blog is kinda boring, but I thought it might be nice for some of you to see what I am doing. My prayer this week is that the Lord will give me energy so that I can be productive outside of work. Im so blessed to be here, and I am learning so much. I am so excited that I will be able to bring this home.

Thank you all for reading! Love you guys.

cross centered life.

One of the books we are reading this summer is "The Cross Centered Life." It talks about how our lives should always be focused on the ultimate sacrifice that God has given us, his Son. It is amazing how as a Christian we can forget how truly amazing God's sacrifice was. I am learning a lot, and also learning how to apply it to my life. On Sunday we went out and did beach evangelism. I got to go with Kelly which was very helpful. At first we were nervous because people were not as willing to give us their opinion on our illustration, but the Lord definitely opened up some great opportunities. We talked to a lady that was Buddhist. She didn't seem to really follow Buddhist beliefs, but she knew that she did not believe what Christians believed. She began telling us how her nephew was killed in the name of Jesus Christ. I am not sure exactly what this meant, but you could see that her heart was very hardened to Christianity. Kelly and I listened and then explained the "Bridge" illustration. Although she was very avid about not being open to our beliefs, she listened the whole entire time, and I hope that maybe the Lord spoke some truth and maybe some hope into her life.

After beach evangelism we always have share time with the group. It really is amazing to see how God works through people that trust Him and share the gospel.One really neat story was from a guy named Heath from UCO. He talked about how he shared the Bridge with a man on the beach who at first seemed really cold-hearted, and not at all open to the idea of Christianity. He said he just kept praying that the Lord would soften the man's heart. At the end of the bridge he asked the man if he had ever made the decision to put his trust in Jesus Christ, and the man said no, and that he wanted to! Heath was really excited about it, and after he left he ran into the man's sister. She was praising him for what he did. She told him that she had been trying to get him to accept Jesus Christ for 6 years, but the man finally understood what it meant after seeing the bridge! I just thought that was an amazing story, and also really neat to see how the Lord blesses us when we share His gospel.

This week we (people that have not started their jobs) have been helping out with service projects at the City Rescue Mission in PCB. This is outside of the world prayer, small group, church service, and bible study that we have been doing throughout the week. It was fun, but a lot of work. Today I officially am employed at the Royal American after all my tests came back clear. I go in on Monday for a run through and then my first official day is Tuesday at 6 AM. I am excited to get a set schedule and officially have a job. I pray that the Lord will help me to be disciplined to get up before work to spend daily quiet time with Him, and also that I say dedicated to the inductive Bible study, my book reading, and scripture memorization. It is a lot of things, but I want to be able to stay focused even when I get tired and busy with work. If you can pray about these things that would be wonderful. Also, the oil spill is heading our way as of now. We will not be leaving PCB if this happens, but it will affect our beach evangelism, and maybe some jobs if it does hit us. Sometimes I pray, "Lord PLEASEEEEE don't let it hit here", and kinda laugh to myself like that really wouldn't happen. BUT i have been convicted because I am limiting God and his miracles. I believe that he hears our prayers and He is WAY bigger than my thoughts can perceive. I mean he parted the RED SEA! If it does hit, I know he will take care of us and things will work out just the way he wants.

Anyways, this is a really random post but I thought I would send out a little weekly update. Thank you for your comments, and prayers. They really are such a blessing to me. Love you all!

Kaleo 2010

It does not seem like too long ago that I was writing about our adventures at Kruger Park, and wrapping up an amazing summer in Mozambique. Well this summer I am getting to experience God in a new experience and I am really so excited about it. Thank you for all your support for me through both of these experiences. I am really looking forward how God is going to use these two experiences.

Well to sum up the past couple of days they have been crazy, and amazing all at once. We got in on Friday night and we moved in then went down to the beach for capture the flag, and meeting the group. There are about 175 Kaleo participants in Panama City! So it was a little intimidating for the 9 of us SNU kids walking out on the beach with many students that knew each other, but everyone was really friendly. After capture the flag we headed to bed. Saturday morning we woke up and had a little training on job searching. They told us that it is not about where we work, but how we work. At first I was thinking to myself, "I am not going to work at Taco Bell for the summer," but as we began searching for jobs I began just praying that I would get a job. The day was very stressful and many companies told us to come back in a couple weeks, or that they were not hiring. So we hunted till 5 30 and then we ate dinner and hung out with the group. I was pretty overwhelmed by this point.

The next day we were assigned a church in the community to be a part of. My discipleship group will be attending First Baptist Church in Panama City. We will be going to this church with 4 other D groups (Discipleship). The Sunday School class was very friendly, and had a small church feel to it. We asked the pastor if there was anyway we volunteer in their church. He led us to a lady that was going to assign us jobs. One of the positions was to be in the choir.. I thought that sounded fun. Well turns out Kara, Caylee, and I sang with a choir of about 50..not to mention in robes!! It was quite the experience. It kinda reminded me of something I would have done in Mozambique. After church we headed to evangelism training. They taught us the bridge and how to approach others about the gospel. They do it in a very conversational way, which I really like. Well the training was kinda short, and they paired us with another Kaleo participant and sent us on our way. God really calmed my spirit because I was definitely nervous. The first person we went up to share the gospel accepted Christ into her heart!! It was really awesome and just God's way of telling me that he can work in peoples' hearts. We had some good conversations, and I am looking forward to learning more about evangelism, and sharing with others on Sundays.

Yesterday was pretty exhausting. We job hunted for 8 hours and we didn't really know if anything was going to come through even though we sat through a 3 hour interview. The interview is for a catering service for a resort (Royal American) that serves kid campers at a resort. I wanted it so bad, and I didnt know how it was going to turn out. Last night we had our D Group time. It was awesome. We learned about how to spend quiet time with the Lord, and how it is such a necessity for our walk with God. I know you are probably thinking .. well duh Kaylee, but it is really what I needed. Kelly (my D group leader) gave us strategic tips of how to spend quiet time with God. It was a really great time together, and I am just loving what I am learning.

Today we went back to job hunt.. To make the story short WE GOT THE JOBS!! Seth, Kara, and I will all be working for Royal American, the job we wanted. So it turns out the 3 hour interview paid off. It was such great time, and God definitely provided for us. We were praying from every different business we would drive from this morning that we would get a job, and God provided.

Tonight we were reading from Philippians 4: 6-7 which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I felt that God really gave me this peace this morning. I am so thankful for a God that will hear all my requests. Anyways, God is faithful and I am loving growing closer to Him.

I don't know how often I will update my blog, but I really wanted to share an update for all my faithful supporters. Thank you for your prayers and for you support for me.

Kruger=success!! / Flight Itenarary

What a day we had! We set off bright and early at a little after 5 in the morning. We did not have electricity so we had to try to dress ourselves in the dark. It was quite the challenge! We arrived in South Africa a little after 7. We went through customs and got another stamp in our passport. Then we set off for Kruger! First of all the Restricks were wonderful tour guides because they have been to this park over a hundred times. I loved that they both were still so excited to go with us still. They did warn us that they last trip they made with the teachers of the seminary, they did not have any luck seeing any animals. We were all saying our prayers that we would have better luck!
We had driven around 15 minutes and had seen some impalas and also some warthogs. Then we saw something jogging in the middle of the road so we sped up to see what it was. It was a lion!!! We followed it while it was jogging to catch 2 other lions! They were on the hunt and we got to follow behind them for at least 5 minutes! Then they went and laid down on the side of the road and we saw at least 8 elephants standing in the field! We were so excited. I am sure Dave and Rhoda thought that the girls in the back seat were pretty funny. We continued on driving and we saw another cat-like figure ahead. So we sped up again... there was the most beautiful leopard walking slowly ahead of us, waving its long tail behind! We were so amazed. Kruger has "The Big 5" this is the 5 hardest animals to hunt and kill and we had already seen 3 of the 5!! We knew God was blessing our trip! This was just the beginning and we continued on and saw sooooo many other awesome animals:
giraffes, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, kudos, beautiful birds, baboons, Bambis, crocodiles, zebras, a vulcher, eagle, bush buck,wildabeasts, and even more but I can't think of them off the top of my head! As you can tell we had a very successful day and we got to see all the Big 5! We had so much fun. Then we ate at this place called "Wimpys" it was really American and hit the spot!

On the trip home Allyson, Kristin and I laid the seat back and looked at the stars through the moon roof. We had such great conversations. I am going to miss them so much, they have helped me greatlly during my time here. We returned at 9 and I began to pack my stuff. It is the weirdest feeling to know that I am going to be telling my kids bye tomorrow night. They have become such a huge part of me, and it will be so hard to say goodbye. I am dreading this. The Lord has blessed me so much here, and he used these kids to help me. I wish I could bring them all back with me, but since I can't I will carry them in my heart. I cannot wait to be home and see you all.

Here is my flight itenarary to El Paso for debriefing.

Depart Maputo Wednesday at 3:55pm (1 hour flight)
Arrive in Johannesburg at 5:05 pm
Depart Joberg at 8:40 pm (11 hour flight)
Arrive in London Thursday at 6:50 AM
Depart London at 8:30 Am(10 hour flight)
Arrive in Houston at 12:30 Pm
Depart Houston at 3:00PM (1 hour flight)
Arrive in El Paso at 3:57 PM FINALLY!!!!!
Hopefully I got this correct.

As you can see we have quite the journey ahead of us, so I would definitely appreciate your prayers that everything runs smoothly and that we arrive safely!

Can't wait to see you all! Thank you for EVERYTHING!
Love,
Kaylee

Swaziland!

We returned from Swaziland last night! It was so fun to see this country since I have heard so much about it. It was really beautiful and a great break from the city. We got to tour the Manzini Nazarene hospital which Rhoda used to work at. We saw some heartbreaking things as we walked through the halls. We also go to see the Nazerene Bible college there. It was really nice. We also go to see the house the Restricks lived in by the campus and the church they got married in. We went to a place where they made candles and we also got to see some of the amazing artwork and Rhoda and Dave wanted to stop and get a cup of tea. Then on the way out we saw the Houses of Parliament. It was really interesting. We stopped by KFC and got some food on the go. I must say I have had my fair share of Kentucky Fried Chicken for a while. Today we are going to a service to honor the new General Superindent from Cape Verde. This is really exciting because he is the first GS from Africa and we get to meet him in Africa! (This will probably include a huge feast after wards.) Then tomorrow we are traveling to Kruger Park for the day! We are praying that the animals come out to see us while we are there! I cannot believe this is my last couple days here in Mozambique. I am definitely ready to come home but I am sad to say goodbye to my family here. Be praying that we have a good farewell to our friends.
I am excited to see you all!! Thanks so much for your support and comments. They mean a lot to me!
Kaylee

God is present!

Thank you so much for your prayers during this challenging time. We are doing so much better. Although we have many unanswered questions, we know God has not forsaken us. He has definitely provided for us during this time. It is amazing how evident God is when you are challenged and weak. God is definitely my strength during times of limitation. I definitely believe that when I am weak, God is so strong.

We have had a very busy weekend. Saturday we attended the Maputo Youth District Concert. These are always fun because the people have such beautiful voices. I will definitely miss this when I am home. Not that people at home don't have beautiful voices, but these people just sing at the top of their lungs and it is so beautiful. At the end they sang "I want to march" and they started dancing and telling us (the three girls) to come up to the front and dance with them. Everyone loved that we joined in with them. It was a lot of fun. After the 5 hour event, we took the chappa with our friend Antonio to get us home (we were not sardines this time). When we got back the electricity was out (very typical) so we sat in the dark and looked at our wonderful pictures from the past months, and watched the funny videos we have made. We have been so blessed while being here, and I would not change my experience!

Sunday we had some miscommunication between the church districts, so Jerry attended a church in the Maputo district (the church we painted), and the girls attended the Mafuanine Nazarene Church which is in the Matola district. This church was almost to the Swaziland border, and it was a very pretty drive. We definitely got to see more African scernary. The church was the smallest hut we have been in. As we pulled up there were ladies outside working so hard to prepare a meal for us. The people were so welcoming to us. We sang "I love you Lord" and also "God is so Good." It was also fun because they had never heard of the God is good song, so we actually got to teach them it in Shangaan. Osvaldo spoke and he did a wonderful job. God really spoke to us today because we never can understand the service and we actually could understand it through translation. Not only that, the topic was perfect for us. God works in really creative ways. After the service we ate with the leaders of the church. Allyson got really lucky and got the head of the chicken on her plate. It is really hard to control your facial expressions in moments like this.

When we got home it was around 3 and Adimi called to say that his wife was preparing a meal for us, and he would pick us up shortly. He picked us up around 4 and we headed out to his house, which was also near the Swaziland border. As we were driving Adimi was asking us where each of us were from. I told him I was from Bethany, Oklahoma. He then asked me what church I attended. I told him I attended BFC and he interrupted me and said, "BETHANY FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE!!! Oh Kaylee this is just wonderful! I have met your Pastor David while he was in Swaziland and he is a wonderful man!" I was so shocked! What a small world! He then told me that he interpreted for him while Pastor Busic spoke at the church. He said it is a dream to visit the United States, and especially to visit my church! (I am determined to help him achieve this!) He told me he looks at our website once a month, and also was amazed that we have 10 pastors. It was really neat to make this connection with him.

His wife Celeste is really good friends with the Restricks and Rhoda taught her how to make pizza. So she made yummy pizza for us. Not only that, she made chicken that she cooked on coals. It was really neat to see that, and it was really delicious!! She also made coleslaw (with tuna), and potatoes. We were so stuffed but she made 6 pizzas so we had to stuff ourselves more so that we did not offend anyone. She also made cake and cut up huge pieces. We did not leave hungry! It was also wonderful to meet his children. It was the first African family that we have had the opportunity to be with. We enjoyed ourselves!

Monday we began our week of VBS and really was great! We went to two churches (one in the morning and one in the afternoon.) They both were in the Matola district and they were great churches. In the morning we worked with Adimi and helped teach a big group of children. We lead worship, taught a little bit about how they should take care of themselves (ex: brushing your teeth), we also helped with verse memorization, and had a competition at the end. It was a lot of fun! We had a little break and we went to eat at KFC! The only American place here. It was really good. In the afternoon we met with the youth and we had some group discussions. It went really well besides the fact that a man asked me if he could marry me. haha This is very common for us. (Watch out Seth, the men love American women!)

Today was one of my favorite days here, besides the fact that my stomach was not feeling good. We attended the Matola A church and the pastor was actually Adimi's mother in law. The kids were great and we did the same routine as yesterday. Then we met with the youth and they were all very interested in learning about us, and vice versa. After we were done we went again to KFC and the people who worked there acted like they were best friends with us because they recognized the Americans! After lunch we were supposed to go to the Liberdade church but the doors were locked, so we got to go home and set up for the birthday party. Kristin did an amazing job finishing the dresses in such a short amount of time. When we were all set up we brought 3 girls in at a time and changed them into their new dresses. Their faces were priceless. They looked so beautiful. After, we went outside to take pictures. Then the mothers of the girls started running up to us (we thought we might be in trouble) then they started telling us how beautiful they were. They started kissing their children. I seriously wanted to cry because this was the first time in almost 2 months that I had seen the mothers on campus truly interacting with their children. It was like the children had been awarded something, and the moms were congratulating them.

We brought the boys in and also gave them their shirts and they loved them! We sat everyone down and the loved all the decorations we had set up, especially the balloons.. We also made each one a cupcake so they enjoyed that. Then after we played pin the tale on the donkey. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed our time with them so much! We danced and played until it was time for dinner.

I know you all were praying for my team these past couple days, and it is so evident from the rewarding experiences we have had. Thank you so much for you faithfulness. I love you guys!

Can't wait to see you soon!
Kaylee Ann

Family and friends,
I am sorry I have not written in a couple of days. The past 3 days have been the most challenging days our team has encountered. We are doing much better and really seeking the Lord's wisdom in the situation. We have had some frustrations and difficulties. We really believe that Satan is really trying to knock us down. We are really clinging to God's foundation during these time. Just please pray for our team as this next week approaches and our schedule is now changing. Please pray for wisdom and grace through it all.

We are all safe and healthy which is a total blessing. I believe your prayers have been so helpful during my time here, and that is why I am asking you to pray for this situation. Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting me through your love and prayers.


"No temptation [trial] has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted [tested] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted[tested], he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13


I look forward to seeing you soon!
In Christ,
Kaylee