Australia DAY THREE

*Getting exited, not your stereotypical mission experience

A months worth of rain in 7 min. And the rest of Australia cant get enough rain.

Perths worst storm in 50 years. Info on the Base Damage HERE.

So tomorrow I start working in the Media office and BLS (more here). And next week Matt will start his training (more here).

Matts recent Facebook status: Can't we just get the April quarter (his training) started already!! :D Anyways.....won a game of Settlers Of Katan last night. Yay! Yesy is leaving tomorrow. Boo! Getting base b-ball organized. Yay! Splinter in my hand sucks. Boo! Got full accsess to internet. Yay! Missed the great Perth storm of 2010. Boo!


Despite the fact we have been here 3 full days now and the jet-lag makes me feel like I'm drugged up on Benedryl , it still seems like we never left in October. There is such a regular rotation of people here in this huge 200-300 strong community… so the ‘change’ is the constant. Although many people Matt and I worked with before are still here. Our first moments on the base were a swell of people trotting towards us or jaunting past us until realizing who we were then turning quickly around for hugs and welcome greetings.

“It’s the Bells!- I heard you guys may be coming back!” . . . “So are you guys staffing? Where will you be staying? How long will you be around?” to which we responded appropriately. Not that their positive response is at the top of the reason why we are here but ‘Ain’t it something to know your loved?’

Right now I’m sitting in on the base in the gymnasium sized dining room. In front of me, at the next table, is a crew of a few people that have apparently been debating different areas of struggle in Western culture over coffee. Every once in a while I have looked up due to some interesting phrases exchanged. Phrases and words like ‘homosexuality’, ‘relentless redemption’, ‘non-partisan studies on the psychological effects of abortion on generations in different nations’(yes I seriously heard that), ‘have we grown so cold that we care for the “poor” from a distance’. . . All the while quoting long verses from the bible and scriptures from other religious books. I would of joined the discussion instead of typing up our budget and writing this; but alas I know I will have plenty of opportunities in the future for that.

If you cant tell, this is not your stereotypical missionary experience.

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FEATURED CHRISTIAN ARTIST:
Thought I would pick a musician this time around.
LISTENING TO:
BLINDSIDE
Album- The Great Depression
Song(s) -Aint it something to know your lost.
You must bleeding under your eye lids

Australia DAY ONE

*Travel

*Jet-lag

*Housing

*Communication

We left the house at 4:30 AM Tuesday, and got here about 6 something PM Thursday. Strange, we flew over the date-line in the Pacific so we lost Wednesday forever. Traveling for 30 plus hours kinda beats ya up.




The first plane ride had a disturbing amount of turbulence. More disturbing due to the fact Matts Granpa, just the other day, thought it would be funny to joke and ask us briefly if we really thought that plane travel was safe. Matt of course, in his love for history, brought up gory stories from WWII where few men survived after plane wrecks. I had immediately went back to this conversation in my head, when the plane was bouncing up and down like an ol’ chevy driving down a pot-holed road in Pennsylvania. (I will STILL miss your ‘picking’ and stories granpa!)


This flying stuff, is rather funny and foreign, but often ends up being for a majority of the time, a solitary-reflection time that makes me feel a little more human. Realizing that I am not the only one in this odd in-between stage surrounded by strangers. One small part of that: I watched Blindside tiny screen in front of me. It reminded me so-so much how I felt adopted into the body of Christ. If you haven’t seen it. You should.


So we have landed.
Safe and Sound.


Discovering again that if one takes one’s body to the other side of the planet where day is night and night is day, there are ramifications to be had.


Jet lag.


It is officially Friday morning here, 4 AM Western Australia time. At home its about 4PM Thursday. Obviously my body thinks its time to be awake, after crashing and burning at about 7:30 or so. Neither Matt or I slept too much in the vertical sitting position on the plane.


The jet lag should take a few days or so to completely get over.


All and all though, we are simply content to be here, despite the fact our bodies are confused.


Also on the bodily confusion side of things- as soon as we hit the ground and the Air Con turned off. . . We could FEEL the late afternoon sticky humidity. Unfamiliarly gross as the sweat raced towards our pours, but very odd due to the fact that at home snow was on the ground not too long ago. (There was a lady in an Aussie airport returning home that thought it was interesting that we could have flooding with no rain- due to the snow melting- an oddity to her because they don’t get snow many places.)


Anas (ON-‘us’), originally from Denmark, picked us up from the airport with a glee little smile on his face and ready for quick hugs. He was the only one available for a pick up. A little by default he shared, because everyone else was at Commissioning Night. This is the official, celebration and dedication to send out the previously trained group of people. This happens every three months. I guess they had delayed Commissioning Night because massive flooding and damage that occurred here on the base.

He took us back to a small industrial building (previously a print shop) that had been turned into a series of contemporary looking rooms that all share a kitchenette and a couple stalled bathrooms.

Our room is about 10ft by 12ft (I haven’t converted to meters yet ;) ) and a very high ceiling, with a double bed, a few shelves, and a left over bunk bed from the previous inhabitants. Probably from a visiting family I have concluded. Down the road, after our long term visa kicks in, we will be able to possibly take on a small efficiency apartment. More pictures (from last time)
Last years blog reflection on the place where we stayed. Same place.



Today -once the rest of the world wakes up we will probably go to a coffee shop that we know of, that has free internet and good-cheap coffee. Mom’s gotta know that I’m ‘OK’ some how. Once we have signed up for internet at the base we will be able to communicate from there. (SKYPE anyone? Throw us your information/contact details if you haven’t yet. patient.in.affliction@gmail.com)


Hopefully we will be able to catch up with old teammates later on today, as many of them are just coming back from outreach and about to go home, or many of them are about to go on out reach and about to


Once everyone gets here, to start the next season of training, then the REAL challenge will begin.






AGAIN, Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of praying us in this far and partnering with us to see the Great Commission happen.


If you are JUST tuning in and want to know more about what we are doing, or have a hard time remembering the basics, check out our recent newsletter for details HERE or scan the info up top.

VISA PULL message #4

Yep.

Thats right.

Our prayers were answered.

Poof!

Mom.

Were going to Australia!

(again)

Its CRAZY. There is so much to it. PLEASE just pray that God would continue to open doors and give us discernment and direction.

Why in the meantime,
has it been a struggle just to get there?
I believe there are three main (of many) factors. Human opposition intentional and unintentional; Satanic opposition -definately intentional and sometimes so obvious its funny; and God for the sake of allowing us to grow or whatever other reason he decides, his intentions are always just, loving, and right Psa 111:7. I would say that in my understanding and experience up to this point would direct me to believe that God and the Devil have a direct influence on people so at the end of the day its a spirital battle against them not people.

First, every time I have left for Australia, its been a different battle, not just with the logistics but emotionally and the not-so-fun pressure on Matt and I's relationship. This is my 4th trip and Matts 2nd.

Ive noticed, and other missionaries will tell you this. The 3 main places to struggle with before you even 'get there'. Visa's, finances, and travel. At this point we have struggled with all three. Before you say "well-duh", tourists dont deal with this stuff, especially not to this extent. Everyone we will be working with will have a story of struggle with one of the following I assure you.

Visa issues- anything from getting the paperwork finalized and in time, to the actual granted visa not being recognised when entering a country. Ive heard soo so many stories about this, and have a few complicated ones of my own.

Finances- Anything from identity theft days before leaving, to really struggling to raise awareness and support. Ask Matt about the time that God told him that our team whould get all our finances when our leader had her baby. No joke, Jess a young girl on our team was the last to get her finances, the same day Jess our leader had her baby. Irony? Maybe. Fate. Don't think so.

Travel- Anything from being stopped at the boarder of a communist country for suspicion of bible carrying (jail sentences pretty common), to lost luggage, to getting stuck in an unfamiliar city because there was a 'miscommunication issue' between the airline carriers and travel agency. We dealt with the last one on the ride home. We got stuck in New York City. God provided a free place to stay, a way home, and peace of mind that it was all taken care of after a 6 hour phone conversation with the people that messed it up.


I dont know the whole reasoning this time about why we have seen some rounds won in this match and some not, but I dont have to know Isa 55:9. I trust that Gods got us protected because we know that we are in his will. You may laugh, but its a huge risk I am willing to take. If you dont believe in this "God" or "god" Im talking about, your not the one risking my life-dreams-or-heart in the balance, so please just watch, don't assume that you know.  The times Ive entrusted in myself for such ability Ive crumbled, stumbled, and fallen, and I have learned alot about my pride, immaturity, self-rightiousness, and negative-independence through reaching back towards my Jesus.

Hey one benefit. Ive noticed more people are coming together. People are praying because the voice of desparation is getting louder as we get closer and closer to leaving. We have also learned the most efficiant means of communication. (not this- this is just an editorial vent-fest most of the time- haha) We have also, or at least I have also been encouraged by others alot,... encouraged to trust people more,... that through these moments I know that people are behind us Heb12:1. We are not alone, and can run this race just a little faster with a little cheering on.



Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Psa 111:7 The works of his (Gods) hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

Isa 55:9-11 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Hbr 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

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Sorry no featured artist this post: as this is too soon from the last post to have one ready.

VISA PUSH message #3

Its looking better.

Right now we are going through a local travel agent to get the plane tickets.


Our plane tickets are set for the 23rd.

We will keep you updated.












Photo above found at: http://elysebutler.blogspot.com/2009/12/looking-out-airplane-windows.html

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Featured Christian Artist: Jeanie DeBeer (Holmlund) Graphic Designer, Media Visionary. This girl has one of the most professional and expansive resume's I've ever seen for an artist, and actually has the eye to back up the skill. This is just a volenteer project she did while at a theological/worldview training time.  TRUTH BLOG

VISA PUSH message #2

So  since my last post things have almost been at a standstill with our visa application.

 At least from our end.

Matt and I are praying and just chilling (or trying to). Which reminds me. I used to have a friend that jokingly said "being in a state of "Chill" should be a fruit of the spirit." He was native Hawaiian, and was pretty layed back, and even more so since knowing the Jesus. Me? I personally struggle with this "Chillness" he spoke of, meaning Im not laid back. I am a little over analytical and a little over serious... especially when there is so much on the line... I can have a tendancy to be a control freak or just self medicate in some way er so but learning to grow out of that more and more. . .


We have alot of options being prayed over at the moment. 

Pray that Matt and I would deepen in unity and trust. Also for all the other warefare going on, we have 2 other sets of friends almost in the same place that we are with a bit of red tape to cut through, for compleately different reasons in compleately different countries.. Also Matt and I have been getting sick. He with an on and off stomach thingy, and I with massive daily heart burn. We never get sick at the same time. haha - Welcome to my world... Thank you for your encouragement and all that jazz everyone...


We have been told we should know soon, as of Wednesday morning -our time.

A voice (in my heart) says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isa 40:6-8

In other words. I am reassured that I do not have to be perfect, or hard on my self (or Matt) for our mistakes or mistaken mistrust, but just trust that God is working behind the scenes.

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Featured Christian Artist: Megan Schmitt. Worship Artist, and gradeschool art teacher.
Thomas Kinkade you better run cause there's a new "painter of light" in town!! Yes that is UnderOath playing in the backround, turn up the volume... and "cry out".



For more information for why I am featuring Christian Art

Visas: Holding our ground in this battle

Last week, I 'bumped into' an old friend from quite a few years ago. He jokingly said "
(you’re going to Australia) boy that sounds rough." I have to tell you. Despite the time since we last spoke, I know he was totally joking, but it’s a pretty common impression that I get. Because Australia isn’t a 3rd-world country a lot of people don’t see it as a mission field or see past the 'mission base' part. Being based somewhere to be sent out. It bugs me, but it’s part of the territory right now I guess…especially since we are just getting started.


That being said, my point is - It is not easy, and the benefits at times outweigh the struggles only if one has the right perspective or a good attitude. We gotta focus on something bigger than ourselves, and know that God has called us to this despite opposition from the uh,…warfare or temporary misunderstanding.


Case in point: Our visa.
For those of you that do not know, a visa is a stamp or sticker that functions as a permission-slip to be in a country for any time over 30 days-ish (depending on the country). A passport, the book it’s placed in, is only good for basic short term trips if used alone.


We paid the fee to apply for our visa(s) to Australia about 2 1/2 weeks ago, so the file will be open for about 30 days. Enough time to get our flights and whatnot… no biggie. The Australian embassy, who received it, has periodically asked us, via email, for different information along the way. Sometimes I think they are looking for your great, great aunt twice-removed, it ends up being so much trouble finding the info they need. Oh yeah, and they ask in extremely legal-jargon type code that only an experienced mission vet can understand. Obviously they do this to cover their butts.


Anyway…This past Thursday they said "we don't currently have a record of your medical exams, in order to continue expediting your file." We asked around (YWAM), and realized that this is a special exam, including a chest X-ray, only performed at about 25 places nationwide. Don't ask me what they need all that for. We haven’t flown any planes illegally lately. Either way what they ask for you provide or you don’t go.


Friday, the next morning, also my day off, I look up those 25 places and call em one at a time. One is only about an hour away drive without the massive winter snow we've been getting. Still a long distance phone call, but only an hour away to drive. I’m feeling good,…Ill have this settled before the morning is up.
Nope. I spend more than several hours on the phone calling locations 6+ hours away.. Before I know it- my day-off is gone. I find out that the special 'exams' are gonna be an unexpected 420$ each. Gulp. I remind myself that I’ve seen miracles happen before. Finances come from absolute strangers, and other completely unexpected places. God I know you are calling us to this, and you are more than able to make it happen. Then she tells me that once the exam is done it will take 2 weeks or more to process,...oh and by the way "we won’t be able to get you in for an appointment until April 12." I couldda swor she said March 12. . .Nope. She said April. I was in shock. It took me a min to let the ramifications of that date, the only date available, set in. This means the current Visa case we were applying for would be closed , and the chances of someone canceling were 10,000 to one. I had to wait till Matt got home from work to make a decision like this. "Thank you for your help, Ma’m have a nice day." I shed a few solid tears, called out to God, and then called a good friend of mine because I was home alone and just couldn’t stand to be alone with my-now racing thoughts.
Beyond the fact that this current visa processing closing, we were set to be in Perth all ready a month by the time the visa would even be granted. It just doesn’t work that way. Training starts every three months.


So that night (Saturday morning Perth time) I spoke over Skype with someone from the Admissions office in Perth. Thank God for the people that have been doing this for much longer than us.
She said that this is an extremely unusual case for someone from the States. And both Matt and I have been in the country before with no problems like this. . . .Yep. . . . This is 'not so fun part'.
Nevertheless. Pray for us. We are still working out our options.

Above Photo:    Charissa Booher  http://www.booher.wordpress.com/

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Post Featured Christian Artist: Marcia Furman.
Paintings.Whimsical, fun, and enlightning.
And a proud Pennsylvanian may I add!!  blog: http://marciafurman.blogspot.com/ 

Also recently featured on the back cover of Heavy Metal (HM) Magazine.... AGAIN! I would say "not fair" but she works very hard for it.

For more information for why I am featuring Christian Artists .