December 20, 2009
December 7, 2009
November 20, 2009
November 14, 2009
I am feeling the holiday cheer. Now, I know what you're saying. It's November--not even Thanksgiving yet. And I've already had my fair share of admonitions. But I can't help it. I am a sucker for anything Christmas. From the snow, to the trees, to the lights, to the peppermint mochas--I love it all. And I proudly blare Bing Crosby, The Carpenters, and Andy Williams from my car speakers. I LOVE this time of year (even though, many say it isn't quite this time of year yet). Why only celebrate something you love for one month, when you can enjoy it much, much longer?I wonder why it is that this time of year feels so special. I think it definitely has something to do with being with family and getting to enjoy good food, game nights, classic movies, and just good ol' wholesome fun. But I think what I really love about this time of year is that it feels like magic.
I'm about to turn 25. In fact, I only have 17 days left to be 24. And that's a big scary thing. For some reason, 25 feels way older than 24. But that's a whole other story! So--25. Yes. Old(er). But I love that I can still feel the magic of this time of year. I can still be moved to tears over a beautiful Christmas tree or a holiday Hallmark commercial. This season of Thanksgiving and Christmas--it's magic. Miracles can happen. I believe it. I really do.
And who doesn't want a miracle. Why, I can name 10 right now. Things that I think would be GREAT if it happened. I think we can all do that. It's easy to think...if only...
If only I had...money/friends/a relationship/a house/a car/etc...--fill it in however you wish! We can all think of something that if we only had it--life would be better. Well, that may be true. But know what else is true?
We are so blessed. Today, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances--you are blessed. I am breathing. I have a roof over my head. I have a family and friends who love me. I have a job. I have a car that runs. I have a hope and a future as a daughter of Christ. How can I not be grateful for that??
There are things I cannot control. There are things I want and even think I need. Things that would allow me to get back to Portugal today, or see brokenness restored, or relationships healed. Things that, if they happened, would most definitely be considered miraculous. But I know, despite those things--I'm blessed.
This weekend, Young Life Portugal took their kids on a 24 hour trip. That basically involves 24 hours of chaos and fun. It is EXHAUSTING, and at the end of it, you kinda feel like you might die. Nothing will take it out of you like 20 teens will. But those 24 hours have the potential to change lives. In between the midnight paintball, games, skits, and craziness, there are meaningful conversations that take place. Those kids heard about Jesus this weekend. They had the opportunity to talk about their doubts and questions and problems with adults who love them and care about them and accept them.
That is a blessing. I am so very blessed that those 24 hour trips are part of my life with Young Life. I love that my job will be loving on and hanging out with kids who are looking for purpose. I love that I get to be someone who pours into these kids on a daily basis. I cannot wait to get back to Portugal and reach the kids who are waiting to be reached--and knowing that I get to do that is a blessing.
I'm not there yet. But I'm a firm believer that God does stuff in His perfect timing. When the funds come in, and I'm able to leave for Portugal--it'll be awesome because it'll be the right time to go. And in the meantime, I'm going to count my blessings. Because God is so good to me. Even when it seems chaotic and ridiculous and frustrating and confusing--God is still good. And I'm blessed.
There's a song in Irving Berlin's White Christmas called "Count Your Blessings." It's quite possibly one of my favorite Christmas songs--even though it's not explicitly Christmas. The lyrics are simple and the tune catchy. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney lull you to sleep--reminding you to count your blessings. We have so much to be grateful for, and God is responsible for that.
We can believe and hope for miracles. I'm not giving up on those! But remember to count your blessings--and always thank the One who loves you so much that He takes joy in heaping those blessings on you.
And here's a little something to hum as you do it...Count Your Blessings
October 29, 2009
It's been a rough week. I am not lying to you when I say that I am ready for this week to be over. It's been a culmination of a myriad of stresses that has now taken a turn for the worst and has manifested itself as some sort of nasty cold.
I've been sitting here tonight, reviewing the last week in my mind--my struggles to maintain faith that this budget can be raised; the challenge of trying to come up with effective fund-raising ideas; the oversleeping that made me late for work and threw off a day completely; the pain I unintentionally caused a close friend; the excitement I feel for others as they set off on new adventures; and the sadness I feel because I want to do that, too.
And as I replayed those things in my head, I easily imagined the burning in my throat as a miniature monster (I immediately envisioned a pint-sized Edward Scissorhands) trying to claw his way out of my throat.
Sadness.
And then, I thought whoa, now. This attitude is not okay. Yes, it's been a rough week. Yes, I am legitimately allowed to feel sad and frustrated by some of the things that have happened recently. But I am not allowed to sit here and wallow and be miserable--even if the rain outside is the perfect soundtrack to my melancholy.
Then I was reminded of the "Desert Song" by Hillsong United. The bridge in that song goes,
I've been sitting here tonight, reviewing the last week in my mind--my struggles to maintain faith that this budget can be raised; the challenge of trying to come up with effective fund-raising ideas; the oversleeping that made me late for work and threw off a day completely; the pain I unintentionally caused a close friend; the excitement I feel for others as they set off on new adventures; and the sadness I feel because I want to do that, too.
And as I replayed those things in my head, I easily imagined the burning in my throat as a miniature monster (I immediately envisioned a pint-sized Edward Scissorhands) trying to claw his way out of my throat.
Sadness.
And then, I thought whoa, now. This attitude is not okay. Yes, it's been a rough week. Yes, I am legitimately allowed to feel sad and frustrated by some of the things that have happened recently. But I am not allowed to sit here and wallow and be miserable--even if the rain outside is the perfect soundtrack to my melancholy.
Then I was reminded of the "Desert Song" by Hillsong United. The bridge in that song goes,
All of my life, in every season, You are still God, and I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship.
I cannot control the situations or circumstances around me. I cannot control when alarm clocks don't go off, the influx of $58,410, or the emotions of the people in my life.
BUT that's no excuse to sit around in some pensive and tragic period of mourning.
Because all of my life, in every season--good, bad, stressful, joyful, dry, rich, whatever--God is still God. He's still sovereign. He's still good. He's still holding me in his perfect hands and guiding me through his perfect plan. And because God is still God, I have a reason to sing.
So what do I do now? Well, now I surrender this week and everything it brought with it. I lay it all down at the feet of Jesus and focus the rest of my energy on singing for the one person who created my voice from dust and wove it together in my mother's womb.
It's been a rough week, yes. But I have a reason to sing.
Click here to listen to "Desert Song"
I cannot control the situations or circumstances around me. I cannot control when alarm clocks don't go off, the influx of $58,410, or the emotions of the people in my life.
BUT that's no excuse to sit around in some pensive and tragic period of mourning.
Because all of my life, in every season--good, bad, stressful, joyful, dry, rich, whatever--God is still God. He's still sovereign. He's still good. He's still holding me in his perfect hands and guiding me through his perfect plan. And because God is still God, I have a reason to sing.
Whatever life throws at me, it's always appropriate for me to worship God.
So what do I do now? Well, now I surrender this week and everything it brought with it. I lay it all down at the feet of Jesus and focus the rest of my energy on singing for the one person who created my voice from dust and wove it together in my mother's womb.
It's been a rough week, yes. But I have a reason to sing.
Click here to listen to "Desert Song"
October 25, 2009
October 12, 2009
19 Big Days.
Can you believe it's October? I love it. It's brisk and absolutely beautiful. The high today is only 56ºF, and the sun keeps poking through the clouds. It's pretty much perfect.
I've officially been fund-raising now for about 2 months, and in those 2 months, I've raised about 13% of my annual budget and about 3% of my start-up costs--which somehow comes to about 9% of my TOTAL budget...(hmm, not sure how that works--Math has never been my forte). This is a good start--but I still have so far to go. And that has been something that I'm struggling with a lot. I am so ready to be back in Portugal, and the money seems to be coming in so slowly. This weekend at church, I was reminded of how big God is. I had been reading in Psalm 136 of all the huge things that God has done. He's parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites out of Egypt; He's saved Jonah from the belly of a whale and Daniel from a den of lions; He's rescued his people from furnaces and slavery. That's a big God.
We had a guest speaker at our church this weekend, and one of the scriptures he used was Romans 8:31-33, "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us?" (The Message) God is Huge. He's done so many miracles and even sent his own Son for us. What else wouldn't he gladly and freely do for us?
I know that there are many ways one can adopt this promise. And I see it in my own life--in so many different ways. But right now, I'm also adopting it as I fundraise. I believe that God has called me to Portugal for a specific purpose and reason. I also believe that he is more than capable of sending me there (I mean, seriously, look at his track record). There are 19 days left in October. I've been told that this is one of the most productive months in the history of Young Life fundraising. I'm believing that God can and will do big things in the next 19 days--and I can't wait to witness His provision.
I'd love it if you'd pray with me :) Thanks!!
xoxo
Ariel
I've officially been fund-raising now for about 2 months, and in those 2 months, I've raised about 13% of my annual budget and about 3% of my start-up costs--which somehow comes to about 9% of my TOTAL budget...(hmm, not sure how that works--Math has never been my forte). This is a good start--but I still have so far to go. And that has been something that I'm struggling with a lot. I am so ready to be back in Portugal, and the money seems to be coming in so slowly. This weekend at church, I was reminded of how big God is. I had been reading in Psalm 136 of all the huge things that God has done. He's parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites out of Egypt; He's saved Jonah from the belly of a whale and Daniel from a den of lions; He's rescued his people from furnaces and slavery. That's a big God.
We had a guest speaker at our church this weekend, and one of the scriptures he used was Romans 8:31-33, "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us?" (The Message) God is Huge. He's done so many miracles and even sent his own Son for us. What else wouldn't he gladly and freely do for us?
I know that there are many ways one can adopt this promise. And I see it in my own life--in so many different ways. But right now, I'm also adopting it as I fundraise. I believe that God has called me to Portugal for a specific purpose and reason. I also believe that he is more than capable of sending me there (I mean, seriously, look at his track record). There are 19 days left in October. I've been told that this is one of the most productive months in the history of Young Life fundraising. I'm believing that God can and will do big things in the next 19 days--and I can't wait to witness His provision.
I'd love it if you'd pray with me :) Thanks!!
xoxo
Ariel
September 25, 2009
Every Soul. Every Day.
Well it's been awhile since my last post. Let me catch you up, shall I? I'm back in the good ol' US of A, and I'm pretty much spending my time doing two things--working and fund-raising. It's been an interesting 3 months since I've returned, and I've gone through a few stages. At first, there was the--yay! Home! Bagels! Pizza! Dunkin Donuts! phase--and it was great. But, sadly, it didn't exactly last. Then, there was the okay--let's get down to business and raise that moola phase--and that's still going. But the oh-my-bob-I-just-want-to-be-back-in-Portugal-now phase has come alongside it, and created some sort of motivated-sad fusion.
This is something I'm working on. I really want to be able to see this time of fund-raising as a period in my life where I can grow and learn to trust in plans that are much bigger and better than my own. But this can be difficult when I am just missing everyone so much back in Portugal...and really longing to be there already working with Young Life and doing something that feels like it matters. It's a work in progress. I just keep reminding myself to be grateful for my time here--something that I probably won't get to have again. I'm going to be 25 in just a few months, and this may be the last time that I'm home with with my family and wonderful New Jersey friends.
In Philippians 4, Paul writes that he has learned to be content--no matter the circumstances. That's what I'm striving for--the ability to be grateful for this time here and this opportunity to be stretched and to grow.
And days like today--when the sun is shining and it's a perfect 70 degrees and the leaves are already starting to turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold--it's not hard to feel grateful. I hope there are more days like today.
Last November, I got two tattoos--on my wrists. They are in Hebrew and say the words "every soul, every day." There's a story behind it...three years ago last April, a close friend of the family was killed in a drunk driving accident. It was a horrific and tragic event in all of our lives, and we all dealt with it in different ways. I immediately felt guilt and shame. I was convicted because I hadn't loved him well enough, hadn't shown him enough grace, hadn't shared enough truth with him...and that's something I still struggle with. I decided then and there that I'd never let that happen again--I'd never feel guilty about how I loved those around me again. I tattooed those words on my wrists--small, simple and in black ink--as a reminder to love with the love of God--every single person I meet, every single day.
That's what I long to do in Portugal--to bring truth and love to all those kids. But every soul, every day is not just for the ministry I'm going to be doing in Portugal with Young Life. It's also for today--a challenge to live for every soul, every day--to never miss an opportunity to share the love of God with the people around me, whether it's with words, with service, with a smile, with some coffee--whatever. I want to get to heaven and hear God tell me that I loved well. My life-theme right now is best expressed in Philippians 1:9-11, "So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God."
xoxo
Ariel
P.S. As far as fund-raising goes--I'm at 10% of my annual budget raised! That's great!! But I've still got quite a ways to go...especially if the goal is to get me back to Portugal at the end of January. For more information about all of that--contact me anytime either by leaving a comment here or e-mailing me at ArielPutnam@gmail.com!
June 1, 2009
Woohoo!
I've been horrible at updating this lately--but if it's any consolation, it's been because my life has been ridiculously hectic and crazy! This week is our last week of school, so I'm just trying to tie up all the loose ends (aw, who are we kidding--I'm just trying to survive!) This is just a quick note to say that I'll be back in the states on June 24, and that I'll be on a mission to fundraise! If you have any ideas whatsoever on how to do this...well, I'd be eternally grateful!!
Can't wait to see ya'll!
xoxo
Ariel
Can't wait to see ya'll!
xoxo
Ariel
April 25, 2009
And April's almost over....
Well, it's April 25. It's actually a holiday here in Portugal--the Carnation Revolution. On April 25, 1974, Portugal officially became a democracy. I'm not really sure how people celebrate it...but I'm pretty sure people wear carnations--and hey, I like flowers. So what's crazy about April 25 is that it is the end of April. And after April comes May and then June...and then I'll be returning to the States to raise a whole heck of a lot of money!
I can't believe I've been here for almost 9 months. I really love living here. I love what I'm doing--how I'm able to hang out with kids and just be a positive influence in their lives. I love the friends I've made here. I love that it's warm and sunny, and that the beach is just a short walk away. I love that I feel like I'm absolutely where I am supposed to be. All of those things are such a comfort to me--especially right now. Which is just another reason why I'm glad April is almost done--it's been an insane month.
Every Monday night, I get together with some of my other 20-something friends for a weekly dinner. As we eat, we go around the table and say our highs and lows of the week--something we don't all particularly love doing, but is sometimes a bit therapeutic. So, here are my highs and lows of April....
Highs: (because they're more fun to talk about)
Love you all,
Ariel
Wyld Life Club...It was egg night. It's like Spoons. But with raw eggs :)
And then they had to run around and crack eggs on each others' backs...they loved it!
Me and Gina in Madrid
Mom and Rachel's visit to Portugal!
I can't believe I've been here for almost 9 months. I really love living here. I love what I'm doing--how I'm able to hang out with kids and just be a positive influence in their lives. I love the friends I've made here. I love that it's warm and sunny, and that the beach is just a short walk away. I love that I feel like I'm absolutely where I am supposed to be. All of those things are such a comfort to me--especially right now. Which is just another reason why I'm glad April is almost done--it's been an insane month.
Every Monday night, I get together with some of my other 20-something friends for a weekly dinner. As we eat, we go around the table and say our highs and lows of the week--something we don't all particularly love doing, but is sometimes a bit therapeutic. So, here are my highs and lows of April....
Highs: (because they're more fun to talk about)
- Big job switch! It's looking like I'm going to be working with Young Life come this fall--and that's so exciting!
- Gina and I traveled to Spain for our Spring Break--Madrid and Barcelona.
- My mom and sister came out to visit--and even though I was working while they were here, they were still able to see what my life is like here. And I'm so glad that they can be a part of that. And my mom's spaghetti in Portugal? Love it!
- João and I broke up this past week. I absolutely think this was the right thing to do. But still, break ups are never a fun thing...
- On the same day that João and I broke up, I got a call from my friend Luana. She told me that she and I were going on a trip to Italy next weekend! I've never been to Italy, and really, this is the best timing ever. And it's free--so I can afford it! We leave for Milan next Thursday night...
Love you all,
Ariel
Wyld Life Club...It was egg night. It's like Spoons. But with raw eggs :)
And then they had to run around and crack eggs on each others' backs...they loved it!
Me and Gina in Madrid
Mom and Rachel's visit to Portugal!
April 4, 2009
A long overdue update...
Well, I have some exciting news :) And it's a bit long and complicated, so bear with me!
Over the past month, a few things have happened that have changed my life here in Portugal a bit. As I've written on this blog before, I've been volunteering with an organization called Young Life (a non-profit Christian Youth Organization) since I moved here in August. I've really enjoyed working with them, and I've been able to have more and more responsibility in planning activities and events in the past few months.
As I started becoming more involved with Young Life, I just began to question if teaching was really what I wanted to do. The truth is, and all of you probably know this because I've definitely said it before, I've never really wanted to be a teacher. It was just a way for me to be able to come overseas for awhile. Now that's not to say that I haven't completely loved working with ICSC kids--because my students here are so amazing and I love them to death!!! But when I came here, it wasn't because I was dying to be a teacher. It was because I was excited about mentoring teens, building relationships with them, and leading them towards Christ.
This whole year when I've been teaching, I've wanted to able to talk to my students about everything they are interested in. I've wanted to take them out for coffee and to the movies and just be able to be there for them! But, as a teacher, I have to maintain this professional boundary--which I totally respect and agree with. But still, I found it frustrating. And on top of that, if I was going to be a teacher, I wanted to be an excellent teacher. And the planning and paper-work part of teaching takes up so much time, that by the end of the day, I was so exhausted that I couldn't even think of taking some kids out to the movies! So here I was...trying to reconcile all of this in my head.
That's when I talked to Sarah--the area director for Young Life here. She saw me working with Young Life, and noticed how very "alive" that made me feel. In Young Life, I could have the friendships with these teenage girls that I wanted to have. These girls were starting to trust me, tell me about things in their lives, and I was able to just love on them and support them. This is what I was saying I really feel like I was made for--relational ministry like this. Sarah gave me one heck of an idea...Young Life could be my job! I hadn't really thought about this before. I can do what I really want to do...and still afford to live? Novel concept--I know!
Making this decision final though, was hard. I went back and forth--trying to decide what's the best decision. At the school, I get paid a salary (it's not much, but it's almost enough to get by--with a bit of help from home). With Young Life, I'd be agreeing to a three year commitment--for which I'd have to fund raise a huge budget. Young Life is a non-profit missionary association, so it's like most other missionary boards...I have to riase everything! And this is a scary thing, becuase the economy is so rough right now in the States, and I don't even know how to begin to or who to ask for money. And I hate having to ask for money :/
So this was certainly something I struggled with. I only told a few people about this job opportunity, and had them just praying with me as I tried to make this decision. And I finally have! Because I have the support of my soon to be-future-boss here, the application process has already been on a roll. I've had one interview with YL in the States, and they are currently finishing up checking all my references. Once that is finished, I'll meet with them again and take a strengths and personality test to make sure I match up with the team here in Portugal.
By the end of April, we hope that I'll officially be a staff member at YL! This means that when the school year is over in June, I'll be heading back to the States to try to fundraise as quickly as possible. It's not such a big deal that I'm not here for the summer, since most of the kids I work with will all be gone for the summer as well (the international school population is all over the place!) but it is important that I try to get back here as soon as I can when school starts. Since this ministry is relational, I need to be here to maintain the friendships I've already formed with some kids, as well as start building relationships with the new ones! We are hoping I can raise enough to be able to come back here in September.
I talked with Pastor Carlos, the Director of ICSC, all about this a few weeks ago. I told him that I was thinking about Young Life, and he joined me in praying about my future. I had another meeting with him on Wednesday, and I told him I had made a final decision to not return to the school for another year, but to pursue YL. He was sad and disappointed about me leaving, but I think that ultimately, he wants me to pursue what I feel God is leading me towards. And, as I told him, I don't want to disappear from this school--I'm open to subbing and being involved in activities or whatever!
So here it is--all the drama of my life over the past month or so! I'm really excited about it, but kind of nervous too! God's going to have to do some sort of miracle! But I honestly feel like this is the right decision for me, and I believe it's all going to work out :)
Take a look at what I'm going to be a part of! www.younglife.org
Love you all so much!
Ariel
Over the past month, a few things have happened that have changed my life here in Portugal a bit. As I've written on this blog before, I've been volunteering with an organization called Young Life (a non-profit Christian Youth Organization) since I moved here in August. I've really enjoyed working with them, and I've been able to have more and more responsibility in planning activities and events in the past few months.
As I started becoming more involved with Young Life, I just began to question if teaching was really what I wanted to do. The truth is, and all of you probably know this because I've definitely said it before, I've never really wanted to be a teacher. It was just a way for me to be able to come overseas for awhile. Now that's not to say that I haven't completely loved working with ICSC kids--because my students here are so amazing and I love them to death!!! But when I came here, it wasn't because I was dying to be a teacher. It was because I was excited about mentoring teens, building relationships with them, and leading them towards Christ.
This whole year when I've been teaching, I've wanted to able to talk to my students about everything they are interested in. I've wanted to take them out for coffee and to the movies and just be able to be there for them! But, as a teacher, I have to maintain this professional boundary--which I totally respect and agree with. But still, I found it frustrating. And on top of that, if I was going to be a teacher, I wanted to be an excellent teacher. And the planning and paper-work part of teaching takes up so much time, that by the end of the day, I was so exhausted that I couldn't even think of taking some kids out to the movies! So here I was...trying to reconcile all of this in my head.
That's when I talked to Sarah--the area director for Young Life here. She saw me working with Young Life, and noticed how very "alive" that made me feel. In Young Life, I could have the friendships with these teenage girls that I wanted to have. These girls were starting to trust me, tell me about things in their lives, and I was able to just love on them and support them. This is what I was saying I really feel like I was made for--relational ministry like this. Sarah gave me one heck of an idea...Young Life could be my job! I hadn't really thought about this before. I can do what I really want to do...and still afford to live? Novel concept--I know!
Making this decision final though, was hard. I went back and forth--trying to decide what's the best decision. At the school, I get paid a salary (it's not much, but it's almost enough to get by--with a bit of help from home). With Young Life, I'd be agreeing to a three year commitment--for which I'd have to fund raise a huge budget. Young Life is a non-profit missionary association, so it's like most other missionary boards...I have to riase everything! And this is a scary thing, becuase the economy is so rough right now in the States, and I don't even know how to begin to or who to ask for money. And I hate having to ask for money :/
So this was certainly something I struggled with. I only told a few people about this job opportunity, and had them just praying with me as I tried to make this decision. And I finally have! Because I have the support of my soon to be-future-boss here, the application process has already been on a roll. I've had one interview with YL in the States, and they are currently finishing up checking all my references. Once that is finished, I'll meet with them again and take a strengths and personality test to make sure I match up with the team here in Portugal.
By the end of April, we hope that I'll officially be a staff member at YL! This means that when the school year is over in June, I'll be heading back to the States to try to fundraise as quickly as possible. It's not such a big deal that I'm not here for the summer, since most of the kids I work with will all be gone for the summer as well (the international school population is all over the place!) but it is important that I try to get back here as soon as I can when school starts. Since this ministry is relational, I need to be here to maintain the friendships I've already formed with some kids, as well as start building relationships with the new ones! We are hoping I can raise enough to be able to come back here in September.
I talked with Pastor Carlos, the Director of ICSC, all about this a few weeks ago. I told him that I was thinking about Young Life, and he joined me in praying about my future. I had another meeting with him on Wednesday, and I told him I had made a final decision to not return to the school for another year, but to pursue YL. He was sad and disappointed about me leaving, but I think that ultimately, he wants me to pursue what I feel God is leading me towards. And, as I told him, I don't want to disappear from this school--I'm open to subbing and being involved in activities or whatever!
So here it is--all the drama of my life over the past month or so! I'm really excited about it, but kind of nervous too! God's going to have to do some sort of miracle! But I honestly feel like this is the right decision for me, and I believe it's all going to work out :)
Take a look at what I'm going to be a part of! www.younglife.org
Love you all so much!
Ariel
March 26, 2009
I know!
I know!!! I'm horribly behind in updating this--and I promise I'll have a good, long and complete update here in a few days. Things have been crazy and full of new changes...I'm very excited about them!
Love you all!
Ariel
Love you all!
Ariel
February 17, 2009
Chicken Pox!
I have the chicken pox. Yes, I had them as a child. Yes, I should technically be immune to them, right? Yet, I woke up Friday morning with a few spots...I thought, hmm...that's funny. Maybe I have dry skin? On Saturday, a few more popped up...And Sunday, well there was a whole mess of 'em on my back. So now, it's Tuesday, and I'm confined to my apartment. I cannot go out; I cannot be around people; I am a big, infectious germ! So, instead, I'm sitting on my couch, watching Portuguese television and updating my blog!
I actually don't feel that sick--just itchy. Which is almost kind of worse...I feel like I should be allowed to go out and do things...but I can't! And so yesterday I had my needy-pity-party, and today I'm feeling like this may not be such a bad thing. I've been so busy lately, with hardly any time to call my own, that being forced to sit down and relax could be good for me. It could be GREAT for me. (At least, that's what I keep telling myself...)
I'm going to go to the doctor later this afternoon--my very first Portuguese hospital experience!--to make sure everything's okay. I'll definitely keep you all updated!
I actually don't feel that sick--just itchy. Which is almost kind of worse...I feel like I should be allowed to go out and do things...but I can't! And so yesterday I had my needy-pity-party, and today I'm feeling like this may not be such a bad thing. I've been so busy lately, with hardly any time to call my own, that being forced to sit down and relax could be good for me. It could be GREAT for me. (At least, that's what I keep telling myself...)
I'm going to go to the doctor later this afternoon--my very first Portuguese hospital experience!--to make sure everything's okay. I'll definitely keep you all updated!
February 2, 2009
Updates!
I'm sorry it's been about 3 weeks since I last posted. My life has just been super hectic lately--all sorts of stuff going on! But I'll catch you up...
1. School: We are back into the swing of things. The kids are great--as always--even though they are not huge fans of homework and exams. I actually got a new student, Sunni, about 2 weeks ago. He's fitting in really well, and though he was very shy and quiet at first, he is starting to warm up to the other kids. Aris, one of my Greek boys, officially returned to Greece on the same day that Sunni started. We were sad to see him go!! As a "thank you for being my teacher" he brought me a Venti Caramel Macchiatto from Starbucks on his last day. Super sweet kid! The kids have been way into Ping Pong lately (Portugal is a strange, strange place sometimes!) and they play every chance they get. In fact, we even went to a Ping Pong Tournament today for the Cascais area schools--which Gaby won by the way! I just don't understand their fascination with the game...I lose interest in about 2 seconds!
2. Wyld Life: Bible studies and Clubs are up and running as well. This Wednesday, I'll be leading Bible Study as we finish up the book of Luke. And at our big club event on February 20, I'll be the main speaker. I'm a little nervous--but excited. There will be a lot of kids there--more so than usual we think since we're having a Valentines Day Dance after Club. So that's exciting! I'll even get to wear a fancy dress, and who doesn't love that?? :)
3. ICC: Church is going well...somehow I agreed to lead the music next week with Matt Murphy, a friend who plays the guitar. I don't know how I got into this...but hopefully it'll go well!
4. ICSC NEWS: I will have to make a decision by the end of this month about returning to Portugal for another year and teaching at ICSC. Please pray that I'll have some direction about this...
5. Life in General: Life is good :) I have great friends who are tons of fun! And...in case you hadn't heard, I'm seeing someone here. He's pretty great too. If I decide to stay on another year here, I'm going to have to get a car--being a pedestrian just isn't realistic for all the stuff I'm involved with! So the great search for an automatic car has begun...Keep your fingers crossed! I feel very blessed with my life here--not that it's all daisies and roses! But, God is good, and I am definitely blessed.
Just a little support update too, folks...I want to thank those of you have been such faithful supporters. Your contributions have allowed me to be here and minister to these kids while still remaining faithful to the scary student loans that I have back home. Lately, however, some of these funds have started to dwindle, and things have been a bit tight. I hate having to talk about money, but the truth is that money is an issue for a teacher/missionary...If you feel like supporting me is something you can and feel led to do--awesome! Know that you're really appreciated. And if you're not in a position to do so right now, well, your prayers will be just as welcomed!
Love you all so much!
xoxo
Ariel
January 9, 2009
Back In The Saddle Again...
Happy 2009! I know it's technically been 2009 for 9 days now, but this is the first chance I've had to sit down and post a new blog. And actually, I don't even really have time to do this! I should be grading papers and writing midterm exams, but I wanted to at least let you all know that I'm back in Portugal and doing well.
I had a great time at home, and it was fantastic to see my family and friends. But, it's a good feeling to return too--and I've launched right back into my busy, hectic schedule.
I arrived last Saturday morning, and did my best to stay up all day Saturday and Sunday. I got to hang out with some friends and attempt to get back on Portugal time. But, I have still struggled a bit with jet lag. That five hour difference doesn't seem like much, but it totally kicked my hiney! Fortunately, I'm nearing the end of that now.
We started school again on Monday, and the kids all arrived for the first day of the new year in new uniforms! I think they're adorable, but the kids are not too excited about them. In fact, most of them hate the uniforms, but they'll learn to deal with it...they really do look super cute! We dove right into learning...for which my students had a bit of difficulty finding motivation. But, now that it's the end of the week, I think they're doing better. We have midterms coming up at the end of January, so they're starting to realize they better bit the bullet and start studying! Midterms for them mean lots and lots of work for me. I have to compile exams that test over all of the material we've covered since the beginning of the year....not exactly looking forward to doing that.
We also had our first Bible Study of the new year with the Wyld Lifers on Wednesday night. It's so good to see all the kids again--I really missed them! We're finishing up the book of Luke right now, and the kids are so insightful. It's really a blessing to see the passion through their eyes--they see things and think of things so differently than we do.
Love you all lots--and thanks for your support!! Wishing you all a very healthy and happy new year!
xoxo Ariel
I had a great time at home, and it was fantastic to see my family and friends. But, it's a good feeling to return too--and I've launched right back into my busy, hectic schedule.
I arrived last Saturday morning, and did my best to stay up all day Saturday and Sunday. I got to hang out with some friends and attempt to get back on Portugal time. But, I have still struggled a bit with jet lag. That five hour difference doesn't seem like much, but it totally kicked my hiney! Fortunately, I'm nearing the end of that now.
We started school again on Monday, and the kids all arrived for the first day of the new year in new uniforms! I think they're adorable, but the kids are not too excited about them. In fact, most of them hate the uniforms, but they'll learn to deal with it...they really do look super cute! We dove right into learning...for which my students had a bit of difficulty finding motivation. But, now that it's the end of the week, I think they're doing better. We have midterms coming up at the end of January, so they're starting to realize they better bit the bullet and start studying! Midterms for them mean lots and lots of work for me. I have to compile exams that test over all of the material we've covered since the beginning of the year....not exactly looking forward to doing that.
We also had our first Bible Study of the new year with the Wyld Lifers on Wednesday night. It's so good to see all the kids again--I really missed them! We're finishing up the book of Luke right now, and the kids are so insightful. It's really a blessing to see the passion through their eyes--they see things and think of things so differently than we do.
Love you all lots--and thanks for your support!! Wishing you all a very healthy and happy new year!
xoxo Ariel
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