Ahoy Mateys!

Operation Mobilization (OM) is a missions organization that I have become acquainted with since meeting David. He spent two years ministering on the Doulos ship as music coordinator. The ships travel all over the world stopping at port after port, spreading the Gospel through music, drama, practical skills, and its large on-board book fair. Recently we got word that their brand new ship, the Logos Hope, would be stopping in Belfast for a few weeks! So off we went, to tour this beautiful vessel of Hope. 

Our day on the ship...

After touring the large book fair for several hours, we relaxed in the cafe and had a nice "cuppa". It was quite spacious and very nicely laid out.

My sister-in-law, Sarah, has decided that she is going on the ship as well for a year or two. I am very excited for her. It is going to be an awesome experience although quite challenging I am sure!

In the evening, we enjoyed a night of praise and I caught a bit of video from the Korean dance that was shared...so beautiful! There are many, many nationalities represented in the volunteers on board. It's a cultural experience like none other!

Summer Update: Holland!

After our week of VBS, it was time to say goodbye to my family and friends. It was a bitter-sweet time. I was so excited to be married and going to live in a new and beautiful country with my husband and yet, I was sad to have to leave behind so many that I love dearly. It is good to know that you are in Gods will though, over wise it would be unbearable! So we packed our bags and headed for our new home....

We had a short one-day stay over in Ireland before heading off once again. This time we went to Holland for two weeks. David was playing with the worship team for the big Operation Mobilization conference. There were many new missionary families and individuals there getting training before heading off into their field of service for the next two years or so. It was a very exciting atmosphere. Holland was beautiful!

David and I were recruited as mock airport personal during a training day. 

There were so many different cultures represented. I was fascinated by it all!

I spent most of my days working in the "creche" (nursery). Most of the kids spoke two or three languages. I was completely impressed and felt a little bad that I have barely mastered one. It was good fun though, trying to communicate with each other! 

We were able to do a bit of exploring and found some friendly cows.

Everyone in Holland rides bikes it seems so we just had to find some ourselves and try to look as "native" as possible. Only problem was, our bikes were ancient and make squeaky sounds as we went along. Oh well, it was still fun.

We biked to this little town and rested near a lovely canal. The sun was shining and there was a group of old men near us chattering away in Dutch. Then the bells went off and started playing a hymn!...I was charmed and completely amazed by the beauty of God's diverse creation. Gorgeous! 

The other side of the world

What a blessing it was to be amongst the people of south Asia for the past few weeks.

I was confronted with the stark reality of Muslim lifestyles and how they look at us as Americans. Although our team was treated very well and welcomed wholeheartedly, the general belief there is that Americans (whom they believe to be Christians) are people with very loose morals and no modesty. It is no wonder that they believe this with the television and Hollywood movies that they are exposed to from the West. It makes me sad to think that our once Godly nation now has such a terrible reputation.

I felt a very grave responsibility to represent Christ in an honorable way so as to bring Him glory in every thing I said and did. What a good reminder it was to be constantly watchful and careful of every word I say and thing I do because I am always representing Christ no matter where I am.

Here are a few pictures...

A neighbor sweeping her floor

We experienced many new fruits and vegetables that were delightful!

The mosques and temples stood as silent witness to the bondage in people's hearts.

We're on our way!

Tomorrow morning at 6 am our team will be heading out on a trip to south Asia to minister in a predominately Muslim country. Please pray for us. Pray for wisdom whenever we open our mouths, boldness in our faith, safety, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and team unity.

I am so excited to see what the Lord is going to do!

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them

is that they may be saved. Rom. 10:1

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

Thank you for praying for me!