Hello!! All you people that helped me make my way to China and back!!
I am so sorry that it has taken me forever to get my blog posted. Ever since I have been gone I have been way busy, and just haven't taken the time to thank all of you one thousand times. My trip was literally amazing. Now, before we left, we found out that we weren't allowed to go to the camp that we were supposed to go to..
So, instead we got to visit Buddhist temples, Masques, and go to an amazing village of people that inside are yearning for God's love.
This trip had to take a lot of patience in it all. Because we couldn't preach, we really had to watch what we said about God. Cameras, mics and video cameras were everywhere that we went. It was hard to understand that we couldn't be ourselves through Christ on the trip. At points, it really stopped my consentration to realize that that was one of the reasons that I was in China. To help them, especailly from persecuting Christians.
We saw little children that looked so joyful on the outside. It was hard to think about the fact that we could've helped them if the laws weren't the way they were. All we could do at that point was pray to God that he would just help us put blessings on them through a different way, a way where they didn't realize it.
Our whole trip was amazing. And I am looking forward to going back again. Going back at a point in China's life where people can follow whatever they want. To where, I can go and save everyone I wanted to while I was there.
THank you sooooo much for all your donations, your prayers, and your love for Christ. THe point is Jesus loves you, and thats why, He made you a part of my life!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
And they are off!
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. NIV
Well – it was a looonnnggg day yesterday and today will be an even longer one for the team as they travel on to their destination. I was one of the lucky parents who drove the team to Denver last night to catch their plane (which left at midnight). A long day and not much sleep before mine started again, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything!
We met at the church at 8pm to load up the two cars and have prayer with the parents and pastor of our church. God decided to join in with some loud thunder and VERY bright lightning (praise God that none of us were struck). The kids hugged and kissed their parents (some siblings just cheered as they waved goodbye!) and then JJ (the youth pastor) then pulled the kids aside and gave them a pep talk about how LONG their next 35 hours was going to be and he reminded them to stay focused on God and His plan and not any of the petty things that might happen when you travel with 7 other people in close quarters for such a long time. He then gave each of the drivers a CD for the group to listen to for the first 15 minutes in order to clear their minds and get them focused in on their mission.
As we drove off and headed toward DIA the hail began, rain poured and we listened to the 3 songs he had selected to begin the journey. The first was “You Gave Your Life Away” by Paul Baloche. Beautiful. Lyrics to all songs below. It was wonderful to listen to the songs while the kids sang quietly and praised. Once the music was over, the chatter began. Sweet Kaitlyn says “I’m afraid my braces will set off the alarms at security” then Corey (the older smart aleck girl replies) “duh, they aren’t going to do that”. JJ and I just giggled as we listened to their chatter.
We arrived at the airport without incident and 2 hours before flight time (again, did I say MIDNIGHT)? With NO TEARS we unloaded the cars, hugged and kissed one last time and then I silently prayed again for God’s protection over all of them.
I can say now that they landed safely in Newark, NJ where they have a 7 hour layover. They leave at 12pm and have a 13 hour flight to their next destination where they will have one last 2 hour flight. Whew! Kaitlyn called and spoke to Greg a while ago and she didn’t understand why they were all sitting around when they were going to be sitting for so long later on! That’s my girl! Run through the airport, do some lunges etc!!!!
We sent Kaitlyn off with notes of encouragement hidden in her backpack and luggage. I made her a mini scrapbook to show the children she meets all those who love her back home and that have been praying for ALL of them they will be meeting on this journey. 2 of Kaitlyn’s friends in Phoenix emailed me notes to give her as well. She’s going to love it. We even took crazy photos of ourselves and put them in her books, bible and purse to stumble upon occasionally!
Thank you all for everything you’ve done to help her get to China. She takes a part of each one of you with her as she goes on this phenomenal adventure! Each one of you has a special part of who she is today. We couldn’t be more proud as parents to send her out to answer the call she felt in her heart.
1 Chronicles 28:20 Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.” NIV
Thank you again for your continued support and prayers. Remember we will receive minimal information from the church and as we hear we will update the blog and let you know!
Love,
Aimee and Greg et al
Mighty to Save – Hillsong
Everyone needs compassion, Love that's never failing; Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,The kindness of a Savior; The Hope of nations.
Savior, He can move the mountains, My God is Mighty to save, He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me, All my fears and failures, Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow, Everything I believe in, Now I surrender.
My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
You Gave Your Life Away – Paul Baloche
You spoke and worlds were formed
You breathed and life was born
You knew that one day You would come
So far from Heaven's throne
Clothed in human form
You showed the world the Father's love
You gave, You gave Your life away
You gave, You gave Your life away
You gave, You gave Your life away for me
Your grace has broken every chain
My sins are gone, my debt's been paid
You gave, You gave Your life away
For me, for me, for me
You lived a sinless life
Yet You were crucified
You bought our freedom on the cross
Forsaken for our sin, You died and rose again
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God
How glorious is Your love
If I could sing forever, it's not enough
How glorious is Your love
If I could sing forever, it's not enough
It's not enough, 'cause
Forsaken for our sin, You died and rose again
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God
Well – it was a looonnnggg day yesterday and today will be an even longer one for the team as they travel on to their destination. I was one of the lucky parents who drove the team to Denver last night to catch their plane (which left at midnight). A long day and not much sleep before mine started again, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything!
We met at the church at 8pm to load up the two cars and have prayer with the parents and pastor of our church. God decided to join in with some loud thunder and VERY bright lightning (praise God that none of us were struck). The kids hugged and kissed their parents (some siblings just cheered as they waved goodbye!) and then JJ (the youth pastor) then pulled the kids aside and gave them a pep talk about how LONG their next 35 hours was going to be and he reminded them to stay focused on God and His plan and not any of the petty things that might happen when you travel with 7 other people in close quarters for such a long time. He then gave each of the drivers a CD for the group to listen to for the first 15 minutes in order to clear their minds and get them focused in on their mission.
As we drove off and headed toward DIA the hail began, rain poured and we listened to the 3 songs he had selected to begin the journey. The first was “You Gave Your Life Away” by Paul Baloche. Beautiful. Lyrics to all songs below. It was wonderful to listen to the songs while the kids sang quietly and praised. Once the music was over, the chatter began. Sweet Kaitlyn says “I’m afraid my braces will set off the alarms at security” then Corey (the older smart aleck girl replies) “duh, they aren’t going to do that”. JJ and I just giggled as we listened to their chatter.
We arrived at the airport without incident and 2 hours before flight time (again, did I say MIDNIGHT)? With NO TEARS we unloaded the cars, hugged and kissed one last time and then I silently prayed again for God’s protection over all of them.
I can say now that they landed safely in Newark, NJ where they have a 7 hour layover. They leave at 12pm and have a 13 hour flight to their next destination where they will have one last 2 hour flight. Whew! Kaitlyn called and spoke to Greg a while ago and she didn’t understand why they were all sitting around when they were going to be sitting for so long later on! That’s my girl! Run through the airport, do some lunges etc!!!!
We sent Kaitlyn off with notes of encouragement hidden in her backpack and luggage. I made her a mini scrapbook to show the children she meets all those who love her back home and that have been praying for ALL of them they will be meeting on this journey. 2 of Kaitlyn’s friends in Phoenix emailed me notes to give her as well. She’s going to love it. We even took crazy photos of ourselves and put them in her books, bible and purse to stumble upon occasionally!
Thank you all for everything you’ve done to help her get to China. She takes a part of each one of you with her as she goes on this phenomenal adventure! Each one of you has a special part of who she is today. We couldn’t be more proud as parents to send her out to answer the call she felt in her heart.
1 Chronicles 28:20 Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.” NIV
Thank you again for your continued support and prayers. Remember we will receive minimal information from the church and as we hear we will update the blog and let you know!
Love,
Aimee and Greg et al
Mighty to Save – Hillsong
Everyone needs compassion, Love that's never failing; Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,The kindness of a Savior; The Hope of nations.
Savior, He can move the mountains, My God is Mighty to save, He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me, All my fears and failures, Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow, Everything I believe in, Now I surrender.
My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
You Gave Your Life Away – Paul Baloche
You spoke and worlds were formed
You breathed and life was born
You knew that one day You would come
So far from Heaven's throne
Clothed in human form
You showed the world the Father's love
You gave, You gave Your life away
You gave, You gave Your life away
You gave, You gave Your life away for me
Your grace has broken every chain
My sins are gone, my debt's been paid
You gave, You gave Your life away
For me, for me, for me
You lived a sinless life
Yet You were crucified
You bought our freedom on the cross
Forsaken for our sin, You died and rose again
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God
How glorious is Your love
If I could sing forever, it's not enough
How glorious is Your love
If I could sing forever, it's not enough
It's not enough, 'cause
Forsaken for our sin, You died and rose again
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God
Monday, June 22, 2009
O WOW!!!!
John 3:16-17 - 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Just this past week I attended a church camp that really changed my life. Before this camp, life was just something that you lived, but by attending this camp your faith and perspective of everything just grows.
This camp was called Camp Cedaredge. For me it was just a preview to what hopefully I will be doing in China! Realizing my strength at this camp is getting me prepared for the unexpected.
My China Missions team kicks off next Monday! But sadly a little change has been made to this amazing trip. We will no longer be going to a camp in China because the Chinese are afraid we will bring sicknesses-(swine flu). Luckily though, we get to go around that same area and somewhat preach to the people. I now realize that the trip will be even better because I learned something new last night…. Even though Satan thinks he won the fight of getting the camp closed, God comes back with an even bigger hitter!!
Right now we need all the prayer we could possibly get. Just to get to China our trip is around 21 hours. WOW!!! If from time to time you could just pray about these following things or pray the prayer below.
Dear God I just pray that you will help the mission team as they go on this trip. Lord, all of these people that are going are going for a purpose and that purpose is to expand Your kingdom above. Just speak Your words through our mouths to just be able to touch so many people’s lives. Hopefully the Chinese people will realize that You are the only God there is. Bless all the people’s hearts that we will be preaching to. Just allow them to get prepared to know the truth. Even though their language may be a little different, let that not be a barrier of your ways. Lord just keep everyone safe, and allow us to just heal all of the sinners, that are exactly like us.
I hope you prayed that prayer and keep praying ones like it. Everyone thank you so much for all that you have done. I can’t wait to tell you all about it, and this is the last post done by me. During the trip my parents will be updating so again keep checking.
Thank you again and God bless you!!
*...HuGs AnD kIsSeS...*
Just this past week I attended a church camp that really changed my life. Before this camp, life was just something that you lived, but by attending this camp your faith and perspective of everything just grows.
This camp was called Camp Cedaredge. For me it was just a preview to what hopefully I will be doing in China! Realizing my strength at this camp is getting me prepared for the unexpected.
My China Missions team kicks off next Monday! But sadly a little change has been made to this amazing trip. We will no longer be going to a camp in China because the Chinese are afraid we will bring sicknesses-(swine flu). Luckily though, we get to go around that same area and somewhat preach to the people. I now realize that the trip will be even better because I learned something new last night…. Even though Satan thinks he won the fight of getting the camp closed, God comes back with an even bigger hitter!!
Right now we need all the prayer we could possibly get. Just to get to China our trip is around 21 hours. WOW!!! If from time to time you could just pray about these following things or pray the prayer below.
Dear God I just pray that you will help the mission team as they go on this trip. Lord, all of these people that are going are going for a purpose and that purpose is to expand Your kingdom above. Just speak Your words through our mouths to just be able to touch so many people’s lives. Hopefully the Chinese people will realize that You are the only God there is. Bless all the people’s hearts that we will be preaching to. Just allow them to get prepared to know the truth. Even though their language may be a little different, let that not be a barrier of your ways. Lord just keep everyone safe, and allow us to just heal all of the sinners, that are exactly like us.
I hope you prayed that prayer and keep praying ones like it. Everyone thank you so much for all that you have done. I can’t wait to tell you all about it, and this is the last post done by me. During the trip my parents will be updating so again keep checking.
Thank you again and God bless you!!
*...HuGs AnD kIsSeS...*
Monday, June 1, 2009
Getting Closer.....
Hey wow, another two weeks have gone by. I am literally freaking out. At our last meeting, last Sunday, we found out that the price of the trip had gone up another $200.00. For some people there were no worries, and for me there were definitely none thanks to all of you out there.
We are down to less than a month until we take off for this trip. Chinese, Bible studies, and praying are my main bullet points in my life right now. I want to be able to inspire these kids, change their lives, and better yet, change their futures. Almost all of these kids have never heard the word Jesus, or the word Savior, and they need help. I need all the prayers I can get, everyday, twice a day, I just need help.
During our last meeting, we had to say our testimonies that we had written. It was difficult for me to write this testimony. But with careful praying and thought, I knew what i was doing. I didn't understand how I would write one because big things haven't really changed my life that involved the Lord. But after some prayer, the Lord really helped me remember what brings me closer to Him, what brought me to Him, and how I am staying closer to Him.
During this last month we have just two fundraisers left to help the China team. Finding jobs for people that need help around their house is one that we will be doing until we leave. From cleaning houses, to washing cars, pets, and stuff like that we will hope to raise more money. If you would like an odd job done and you live in Colorado, then you can contact me at (719)-358-6075. And our last fundraiser we will be doing is a car wash. Again I will update you on that a.s.a.p.
Also, on this page you will see a picture of my China team. On the top row we have Rachael, Libby, Corey, Richard and Pastor J.J. On the bottom row we have Chad, Hannah and myself. These people all are working hard to go to China and help these kids as well. They also need your prayers and love.
Thank you all so much for how you support me. I really appreciate it and if it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't be making it to China. I love you all and have a great week.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Follow Up..??!!
Hola folks! Wow, everything is going crazy...
Just last night the China Mission's team prepared a delicous meal for the Fine Arts Showcase. The showcase was so amazing and everything we did taught a lesson to people who came to watch it. My friend Hannah and I sang the song "In Better Hands", by Natalie Grant. I sang "Fly Away", by FFH. Apparently I did well, but if you come back to my blog soon we will have the videos. In the meantime, if you are on Facebook - check out the videos on my parents' pages. : )
One of the skits we did really touched so many people. The skit "The Everything Skit" was one of the biggest. Basically, it explains the struggles we have trying to stay with God after He created us. With distractions we get pulled away from God and bad things happen. Eventually at the end, the main person realizes that she just needs God in her life, and it is very touching here is the sight to this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA.
Our last skit was called "The Stool." It is about a confused girl (played by me) that doesn't know either to let God chose her decisions, or her follow what her head thinks. I really enjoyed learning and playing this part. For those of you that are lost in God's plan, you should check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o2Afq6Tm3s
New things that are going on are....
I am working on learning Mandarine Chinese 2 hours a week. (it is very confusing). Also, I am still in the Bible study stuff, which is going good. In a few days, I will be sending out prayer magnets to the people that I have their address and such. It has a picture of my China Missions Team, and it is just a friendly reminder to pray for us.
As always I love all of you and thank you for your help with my progress.
Kaitlyn
Just last night the China Mission's team prepared a delicous meal for the Fine Arts Showcase. The showcase was so amazing and everything we did taught a lesson to people who came to watch it. My friend Hannah and I sang the song "In Better Hands", by Natalie Grant. I sang "Fly Away", by FFH. Apparently I did well, but if you come back to my blog soon we will have the videos. In the meantime, if you are on Facebook - check out the videos on my parents' pages. : )
One of the skits we did really touched so many people. The skit "The Everything Skit" was one of the biggest. Basically, it explains the struggles we have trying to stay with God after He created us. With distractions we get pulled away from God and bad things happen. Eventually at the end, the main person realizes that she just needs God in her life, and it is very touching here is the sight to this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA.
Our last skit was called "The Stool." It is about a confused girl (played by me) that doesn't know either to let God chose her decisions, or her follow what her head thinks. I really enjoyed learning and playing this part. For those of you that are lost in God's plan, you should check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o2Afq6Tm3s
New things that are going on are....
I am working on learning Mandarine Chinese 2 hours a week. (it is very confusing). Also, I am still in the Bible study stuff, which is going good. In a few days, I will be sending out prayer magnets to the people that I have their address and such. It has a picture of my China Missions Team, and it is just a friendly reminder to pray for us.
As always I love all of you and thank you for your help with my progress.
Kaitlyn
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Upcomings!!..??
Romans 3:23- For we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
That is most likely my favorite verse in the Bible. It just makes me feel good, knowing that I am not the only one that sins, or disobeys what the Lord says.
This week is most likely one of the busiest weeks I will have for my China Missions trip. Finally, for real this time, Fine Arts is happening. We are hoping to have an amazing turn out, and everything we do involves the Lord. We will be serving steak(YUMMO)... Tickets are on sale for ten dollars $10, but if you don't want to pay for your kids to see it, allow them to go to the day care and only pay two dollars $2 for them. I will be performing In Better Hands by Natalie Grant, and Fly Away by FFH.
Also, the China missions team raised so much money with the Aerating fundraisers. Thank you so much to those of you that helped with that purchasement that helped all the kids so far that need to reach that goal. Of course, I am a lucky person that has many people I love, and that apparently love me as well. But other than that everything is going good.
I have received a Mandarine Chinese disk, that helps me with my Chinese, it is so hard!! But, if I out my mind to it, I can do it.
I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!..?? And keep all of you in my prayers.
That is most likely my favorite verse in the Bible. It just makes me feel good, knowing that I am not the only one that sins, or disobeys what the Lord says.
This week is most likely one of the busiest weeks I will have for my China Missions trip. Finally, for real this time, Fine Arts is happening. We are hoping to have an amazing turn out, and everything we do involves the Lord. We will be serving steak(YUMMO)... Tickets are on sale for ten dollars $10, but if you don't want to pay for your kids to see it, allow them to go to the day care and only pay two dollars $2 for them. I will be performing In Better Hands by Natalie Grant, and Fly Away by FFH.
Also, the China missions team raised so much money with the Aerating fundraisers. Thank you so much to those of you that helped with that purchasement that helped all the kids so far that need to reach that goal. Of course, I am a lucky person that has many people I love, and that apparently love me as well. But other than that everything is going good.
I have received a Mandarine Chinese disk, that helps me with my Chinese, it is so hard!! But, if I out my mind to it, I can do it.
I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!..?? And keep all of you in my prayers.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Oh Yeah!!!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life."
Have you ever wondered what this means. Well last Sunday we had to write in our own words this verse. It was difficult to write because God wrote it and said it in the most perfect way that could ever be said. God allowed this imperfect world to hold His Son and eventually kill Him, all so we could what? Be able to live a perfect life eventually with Christ in Heave! We as sinners, Him as perfectness. Pretty AWESOME right? Well without that ,I wouldn't be doing this!
I am so.... excited!! One, the Lord is so amazing to where I have raised all of my money in such a short time. Thank you to all of you out there that have helped in your many ways. I know many people are still wanting to help and support me. My group still needs the money - some kids are having a hard time raising their amount and another friend, Sam, wants to go and I think money is keeping him back - so with your permission I'd like to offer him some of the money being sent for me to help him since I've raised my portion.
Though that is done, I still need the prayers. This will be my first mission trip, and it is nerve wracking. Knowing that I get to inpact someone's life makes me just have this amazing feeling. So please keep me in your prayers, as I do the same to keep all of you amazing people in my prayers.
The upcoming fundraisers are a Fine Arts Showcase, on May 8th. More details to come but it will be amazing. I will be singing "I'm letting Go" and "In Better Hands Now". Also there will be skits and much more. Please come to support the China team they will be serving steak and also be performing so come and enjoy the fun.
Love you all!
Kaitlyn
thermometer
for your
Again, thank you to all you people that have helped me and have even read my blog so thank you and I love you all!!
Have you ever wondered what this means. Well last Sunday we had to write in our own words this verse. It was difficult to write because God wrote it and said it in the most perfect way that could ever be said. God allowed this imperfect world to hold His Son and eventually kill Him, all so we could what? Be able to live a perfect life eventually with Christ in Heave! We as sinners, Him as perfectness. Pretty AWESOME right? Well without that ,I wouldn't be doing this!
I am so.... excited!! One, the Lord is so amazing to where I have raised all of my money in such a short time. Thank you to all of you out there that have helped in your many ways. I know many people are still wanting to help and support me. My group still needs the money - some kids are having a hard time raising their amount and another friend, Sam, wants to go and I think money is keeping him back - so with your permission I'd like to offer him some of the money being sent for me to help him since I've raised my portion.
Though that is done, I still need the prayers. This will be my first mission trip, and it is nerve wracking. Knowing that I get to inpact someone's life makes me just have this amazing feeling. So please keep me in your prayers, as I do the same to keep all of you amazing people in my prayers.
The upcoming fundraisers are a Fine Arts Showcase, on May 8th. More details to come but it will be amazing. I will be singing "I'm letting Go" and "In Better Hands Now". Also there will be skits and much more. Please come to support the China team they will be serving steak and also be performing so come and enjoy the fun.
Love you all!
Kaitlyn
thermometer
for your
Again, thank you to all you people that have helped me and have even read my blog so thank you and I love you all!!
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