THE WILL OF GOD WILL NEVER TAKE YOU WHERE THE GRACE OF GOD WILL NOT PROTECT YOU - Ashlee Hillis Kelley

Going to GOOOO-LOOOOO

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Our team arrives at the bus station in Lira, Uganda, and boards a mini bus to Gulu. It is a 14-passenger vehicle, but I count 22.

Our luggage is tied to the roof, and we're praying the ropes are strong because these dirt roads are bumpy.

The mini bus is loaded. Not only are there too many passengers, but we're also accompanied by a chicken and numerous cockroaches.

Don heads to the back seat. Shannon sits in the third row and is handed a baby boy to rest on her lap. Kendra and I are beside each other in the row behind the driver, and ken and I are separated by Sara who is headed to Gulu for school. Katie is up front next to a lady that is taking baby Grace to the hospital. Sitting on the floor in front of Ken is the older brother of the boy Shannon is holding, who looks to be about eight years old.

The bus ride is sweltering. Everyone is crammed, sitting on top of each other with no room to move. We are driving slow because the bus is overloaded and won't go much faster.

I look back and see Shannon comforting the baby in her arms. Ken continues to comfort the boy in front of him by smiling at him. Katie tries her best to speak to the young mother beside her even though they don't speak the same language.

Shannon leans forward and tells us to pull the Rockets (M&M's) out of her purse to give to the boy sitting in front of ken.

He is now my buddy because I'm the lucky one who handed him the candy. We smile at each other throughout the rest of the ride.

We come to a brief rest stop, and local venders swarm the bus windows to offer us different items. Kendra buys a bottled water to give to the boy sitting in front of Ken.

The little boy in Shannon's lap returns to his mother, attracted to the food and water in her hands.

After several hours on the bus, we finally arrive in Gulu. The bus station is a busy place. Many people are offering to help, but we deny them; otherwise they will expect payment for simply carrying our bags five yards from the bus to our team.

As we are unloading, the little boy in front of ken comes and gives me a hug. It makes my day.

We are now waiting on Pastor Patrick and Pastor Stephen to pick us up, and some of the local men are telling us we owe them for helping with our bags. Ken tells them we don't owe them anything.

Then the guys start harassing the lady who sat by Katie and Sara. Sara begins to cry. I want to help, but I must be smart. I pray that God will make them go away.

Then I approach her and comfort her. I put my arms around her and ask her if she is ok. She tells me they are being ugly to her, so I speak words of love into her ear. I pray for her and hug her.

They finally stop bothering the women.

Sara seems to be better so I help her gather her things to leave the area.

The pastors finally arrive, and we are ready to see what our home for this month is like.

On the way to our new home, I look back on the bus ride from Lira. It would have been easy for our team to complain and be irritable. But I noticed something different in my team. I saw Christ in them like never before.

It was a moment that I saw us die of ourselves and gain more of Christ. Each member was willing to be Christ to the ones around them.

I believe it's going to be an awesome month for team Olur.

MATATU

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ken wrote this great blog about our our transportation this month hope you enjoy!

Matatu: A van that is a privately owned but is the sole local public transportation system throughout Kenya.

We have had some crazy situations on these vans, and they always seem to be an adventure.

Some have been old and junky, others have been tricked out with big screen TVs and padded ceilings.

Sometimes we pay 20 bob (about 25 cents) and sometimes 50 bob. We like to have exact change so that they do not keep a tip for themselves.

Everyone has a driver and another guy that acts as money collector, advertiser, change maker, stop announcer, matatu banger, and passenger recruiter. He is what really makes a matatu.

Money Collector: When you get on the matatu, you know that you need to pay, but the time of payment is up to him. Sometimes it happens right away, other times you drive for quite some time. Usually it is somewhere in between, but when you need change the same thing happens. Usually, he takes your money, collects the money from everyone else, and then it appears he is done. After driving a little longer, he then decides it is time to give change and proceeds to do so.

Advertising: When it is time to find a matatu, you know the route and the price because he is yelling out where the van is heading to all those who pass by.

Change Maker: This is a new one that I was a part of today for the first time. Apparently, our guy needed to make change from a 500 bill in order to give change back to the other passengers. As we drove through traffic-congested streets, he talked to a few other matatus and asked for change. One van almost took the bill, but then drove off. Then our guy gave the 500 to another matatu's driver. We then dropped behind them, due to the traffic, swerved here and there, then came up on the other side of the matatu where the change was handed back. A few minutes later, another matatu guy asked our matatu guy to change a 500 for him, and our guy took it (I was wondering why, since he just changed a 500 and now he was going to change another one, but such is matatu life). It seemed like our guy was trying to give him 400 in change for the 500, but since they completely deal with each other in Swahili, I wasn't exactly sure. Our guy took the 500 and we kept driving, but we weren't able to pull next to them again. So when the traffic stopped, their guy jumped out, transacted with our guy, and then hopped back in his own matatu!

Stop Announcer: When you need to get off of the matatu, you tell your guy and he will do one of many things. He either tells the driver when and where to stop, whistles really loudly, opens the door and starts to hang outside the matatu (where he simultaneously acts as advertiser as well), or most often he bangs on the walls or roof of the matatu with his fist or open hand... which leads to the next role.

Matatu Banger: This can be my favorite. All matatu guys hit, bang, and smack their matatus. You hit to stop, you hit to go, and apparently, you also hit for no reason. While waiting for passengers at a stop, surrounded by a crowd of other matutus , the banging gets out of control. Sometimes while we are sitting inside there is banging coming from all sides of the matatu. A double bang here, a single there. I still have not totally figured out why they beat up their vans so much or why every Kenyan man on the streets likes to hit these things, but for some reason, when it gets crazy, it really makes me laugh.

Passenger Recruitor: It does not matter where you need to go, you should always be going where they are going. Even if you are walking up the street, not looking for a matatu, you will be invited to get inside every matatu you pass by. If you happen to be looking for a matatu, it is hard to see the number without almost getting grabbed and thrown inside. In fact, they are so good at passenger recruitment that early in the month a couple of our guys got tricked into getting on a matatu that took them in the opposite direction that they needed to go, which is a whole other story in itself.

All in all, we love the matatus and it sure makes life here an adventure

Kibera

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a video my teammate Ken made from our time in the slums. you can check out his blog about it as well here:

http://kenvirzi.theworldrace.org/?filename=salvation-city-the-slums-of-kibera

TO HOLD A CHILD

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We all know i love kids! i have really been blessed to play with, love on, and spend time with many of them this month. Kids of all ages are very special to me and so it was great to just spend some time with them this month. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Can I Stay

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I didn't realize how much I would love Africa. I knew things would be different, and I expected the worst. Before arriving in Kenya, our squad would make comments about something bad and then say "wait till we get to Africa." I came in thinking Africa was going to be a miserable place to live.

I thought we would not like the food, and we would get such small servings that we would starve. I also thought we would be sleeping in mud puddles and get carried away by the bugs. I don't know why I assumed all of this, but I am really glad I was wrong!

We have been blessed and are staying in the church's Sunday School classrooms. They gave us some foam pads to sleep on so the floor isn't bad at all. We are all sleeping under mosquito nets too so our room is a sight to see.

We have showers and indoor plumbing. Although we don't have hot water, the showers have not been bad showers because it's warm here.

The church has hired a cook for us so we get three amazing meals a day. We even get a snack and juice between breakfast and lunch some days. We have eaten a lot of great meals, and I think our team is gaining weight instead of losing it.

Our ministry here is what I am enjoying the most. We are going out daily and talking to people in the community around the Church. We have talked to people in the streets and have gone door-to-door. We have also enjoyed following up and building relationships with the ones we have met.

In one week, we have seen 10 people get saved, and eight people who we invited to church during the week came on Sunday. It has been awesome, and I will say it has been a really good week for Team Olur.

We have been a part of prayer meetings too. We went to a pastors fellowship prayer service, which is a weekly gathering to encourage church leaders in the area. It was a good experience for our team.

This week, we will start doing some manual labor. There is an old office building we will clean out and tear down to give the children more room to play outside.

My team really enjoys manual labor so it should be fun. If we have time, we are going to try to build a fence for them too.

I have really enjoyed playing with kids also. I have played soccer, danced, and sang a lot of songs.

Toward the end of the month, we plan on traveling seven hours west to Garissa, where we will work with missionaries. We will be a part of different ministries there. They have some sports camps I am really looking forward to.

I am really enjoying Africa!

The weather is great. It's not too hot, and it cools off at night so sleeping isn't bad. The bugs have bitten some more than others, and I'm lucky to only have a few bites so far.

I am glad my expectations of Africa were all wrong. I have had an amazing month so far, and it has only been 11 days. I know God has a lot more in store for my team, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

WHO I WAS AND WHO I AM NOW

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have reached the halfway point of the August 2009 World Race. I remember beginning this trip and realizing the next 11 months would be the longest I had ever been away from home. I love to go, but I also love being at home with my family. I thought holidays and birthdays would be hard to miss. My parents really believed I would get homesick and want to come home.

I am on Month 6 of the Race, and I am far from being homesick and ready to come home.

The first half of the trip for me was really focused on myself. I was growing spiritually and growing as a person. I spent a lot of time asking God to reveal things in my life that needed to be removed.

I went through several different seasons so far this race. I went through abandonment, brokenness, and dependency the first 3 months.

I was in abandonment for a short season but it was a good season for me. I had to let go of home, family, friends, my Church, and life before the race. I had to give them all to God and focus on what God had in store for me this race.

It was hard to let go of all the things that were comforting to me. For many years I leaned on these things but I was ready to give them up and allow God to do a work in me.

After a long talk with Aaron our squad leader I realized I needed to start praying for brokenness. I prayed for about two weeks that God would break me from any and everything that needed to be removed from life.

Our squad joined H, I , and K squad, world race alumni, and staff at the Awakening Conference. I attended the first worship service and God begin to break me.

It was hard to go through and it was just the beginning of brokenness. God revealed things that needed to go in my life. He showed me things that I was holding on to that were really holding me back from the fullness of Him.

After several weeks of dealing with brokenness and really figuring it all at I finally saw that light at the end of the dark tunnel. I knew it was worth it because God was making me a better person.

As I was dealing with brokenness I realized so much about myself. I realized I found a lot of self worth in people, things, and past experiences. I realized I was holding on to past failures and living in shame because of them.

I had a lot of weight lifted from my shoulders after this season of the race. It was a huge relief for me personally. I also realized that I was finally walking in freedom. I am now working on not picking these things back up.

I really thought I was going to get a break from dealing with the junk in my life. I should have known better. I hadn't really even had time to process the different things yet when I realized I was starting to go through dependency.

Dependency was the hardest season for me. I saw leaning on God and others as a weakness. I wanted to be able to do it my way and the way that was most convenient for me.

We were in Bulgaria during this time. It was our ATL month where we were depending on God to provide. It was the month for me that I realized I didn't choose my team, God did. I didn't have a choice in what was happening around me.

I did not have the comforts from home or other options. I was stuck and had to play the cards that were dealt to me. It wasn't easy and I found it frustrating.

I finally gave in and just started to depend on God and allow Him to guide me through this time in my life. It was amazing how much better life started to be for me when I really started to depend on Him.

Around month 4 I started to realize the importance of living each day for that day. I was really bad about holding on to yesterday or planning tomorrow instead of enjoying the that day.

Living each day really gives me a freedom that is hard to describe. I like to look a head and plan life the way I think it should look. Learning to live each day and lean on God to guide me through it has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.

I have learned a lot and it has really shaped me into a better person. I have had many ups and downs. I have cried but I have laughed more. I have made some pretty amazing memories in just five and half months.

I am excited to start putting all I have learned into action this next 5 months.

I have several areas I really want to grow in over the next few months. I am no where close to being where I want to be but im growing daily and that is all that matters to me.

I want to have more Grace and Mercy. I also want to be a more loving and judge less. I also want to think more before I speak. These are areas I struggle in but I know that God can help me and I am willing to give it my all to work in these areas.

I am really glad I obeyed God and left my comfort zone to join 40 or so other amazing sisters and brothers in Christ to discover who we are as women and men of God and allow God to work in us and through us.

I am so blessed to be who I am and where I am today. I am very thankful for all of you who have made this journey possible for me. I appreciate all your prayers and support. Many of you went above and beyond to help make this possible.

goodbye 2009

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I am still a little shocked that 2010 is already here. I will have to say that 2009 was an amazing year for me personally. I started 2009 with the Youth of Immanuel Baptist Church at a Lock-In and I ended the year with my World Race family at a hostel in Kenya. I look back on many events that have shaped my life this past year but more importantly I look forward to seeing what 2010 is going to bring.

Last year was a year of growth for me. I was beginning to discover who I was as a woman of God. I learned a lot about faith and depending on God. I had to learn to focus on God and what He wanted for me because I was so used to doing what Ashlee wanted instead of what God had planned for me.

In March, I finally stopped doing things my way and obeyed God. I applied for the World Race and was accepted. It was very hard to leave home, family, my church, the youth I was working with, and my comfort zone.

I knew, without any doubt, this is what God was calling me to do. I attended training camp at the end of May and it was an amazing, life-changing week for me. It was the beginning of me realizing I was settling instead of going after the greater things of God.

I went home and spent two months really investing in my family, friends, church, and youth group. I knew being gone for 11 months was a long time and I wanted to spend quality time with them.

In August, I left everything behind to begin a journey that would challenge and change me. I was not sure what to expect but I knew it was where God wanted me.

August was a hard month emotionally. It was a huge change and learning to live in community was the thing I had to get used to the most.

September was a great month for me. I enjoyed our ministry and I really started seeking more of God in my life this month. I was hungry for more of Him and I desired a more personal relationship with Him.

October may have been the hardest month for me so far. I was dealing with brokenness and God was really shaping me into who He had called me to be.

November was a month of being still for me and that was hard but good. I really learned to invest in my team this month. I was being challenged not to go this entire trip and not invest in my family God has provided me with.

December was a refreshing month. The team we were serving with really poured into my life and was very encouraging to me. I left Turkey with an excitement and ready to start the new year refreshed and ready.

I arrived in Africa with a joy in my heart and something stirring inside of me. I love being here and I really have a heart for the people here.

Pastor Ezekiel gave me a great compliment and I want to share it with you. He told the group "She is a woman of great FAITH"! I was very honored to hear that.

I want to Thank God for all He has done in me and through me in 2009. I am expecting Great things to come for 2010.

She Needed A Friend

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We were going door-to-door inviting people to church and just talking to them about Jesus. Ken and I were partners for the day and we went to the first door, with no luck. At the second door, the lady didn't want to talk. I began to get discouraged, but I just prayed that God would have His way. We went to the next floor.

I knocked and the lady answered the door, but she was too busy to talk. I knocked on the next one, but she didn't speak English. Ken and I then stopped because a few girls under the age of ten were coming down the stairs.

We talked to some of the girls for a few minutes. I told them I would come and play if I had time a little later. They all smiled and went off to play.

We finished talking to people with not much luck in the first building. So we went to the courtyard area to wait on the others.

As we were waiting, a lady holding a baby motioned for us to come to her house.

Ken and I went to visit her and she welcomed us in. Her name is Frieda and she has a little girl name Cindy. She just shared her life with us. Cindy was not so sure of us, but I kept trying to get her to like me.

Finally, Cindy liked me, so I got down on the floor to play with her. She really liked playing with my watch and she really enjoyed peek-a-boo.

When it was time to leave, Frieda invited me back, so I told her I would return in a few days.

Frieda let me know that she did not have many friends and was lonely, so I was going to make sure to go back and visit with her.

Today, Kendra and I went to visit Frieda. She seemed really excited to see us! She says that she is a Christian, so my goal is to continue to visit her and get her plugged into the church we are serving with. I would like to see her have a church family since she is lonely.

When Kendra and I left, we invited her to church and she agreed to come. I left with a smile on my face and couldn't wait to see if she would join us for church!

Around 5 o'clock or so, Frieda and baby Cindy showed up for church. She told us that she really enjoyed the service and would be back for the next service.

Kendra and I walked her home after the service. She told me that she knows God sent me to meet her. It was great to hear that she has been blessed by our friendship.

I look forward to seeing how God uses this friendship this month. She has taught me so much already. I pray God continues to touch her life this month. I ask that each one of you who read this post will be in prayer for Frieda and baby Cindy!

i dont want to leave but i cant wait to get to Africa

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My time in Turkey was amazing. I will never forget the 5 amazing women and men of God we served with. I love each one of them very much. Each one of them has touched my life more than they will ever know.

They have encouraged me so much this past month. Seeing their hearts for Turkey and wanting to bring Kingdom has been refreshing. They have opened up their homes knowing they were busy, it would be crowded, and it was Christmas time.

I don't know when our two teams bonded exactly but it was like we were one happy family. I know they will be glad to have their home back but I believe they are sad to see us leave.

I have enjoyed the many memories we share together. They have made our time here unbelievable and I really don't want to go yet.

With all that being said my team and I are headed to Kenya for the month of January. I will be honest with you all I CAN NOT WAIT. When I signed up for this trip Africa is the one place I couldn't wait for.

I am sad to leave here but very excited for this next month. We will be working with Somalia refugees. I am super pumped about all God has in store for us.

Please be in prayer for my team and I during the next month. I have several blogs I hope to get out in the next few days about my time in Turkey.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

we had fun singing, laughing, and dancing!

Merry Christmas

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A CHRISTMAS THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

An Amazing Christmas it Was

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We had an amazing few days. I made a picture video but Ken captured the past few days with video. Take time to watch and see what KEN put together. HE did a great job!

wanna see Israel?

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I hope you all enjoy the Israel Video!

Live Nativity

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My Church back home, Immanual Baptist Church, does the Live Nativity every year! Here is the video from this years!

Merry Christmas

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM TEAM OLUR

DON AND KEN

SHANNON, ASHLEE, KATIE, AND KENDRA

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!

Why Wait for March Madness

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I throw up a jump shot and miss, but Don rebounds the basketball and scores two points. Shannon takes aim and drains a shot, and now Katie dribbles between her legs and passes to Don, who does a little showboating before shooting and hitting nothing but net. Each person has a distinct style but as a team, we have some skills on the court.

While we're still shooting around, five neighborhood boys walk past us and march to half court. We don't pay too much attention to them, but then I notice they are scrawling graffiti at half court. I would say they are all under the age of 10.

We're a little shocked they are defacing the basketball court, but we continue playing.

As the boys are leaving the court, I ask them if they want to shoot with us. They just keep walking and exit.

We continue our shoot-around, and the boys return. They act shy, not wanting to shoot, but I can tell they want to join the action. So I pass the ball to one of the boys, and he launches a shot and scores. One by one, they take turns shooting.

Then one of the braver boys takes off dribbling down the court, and Katie gives chase, playing her spastic brand of defense. This was the start of our 5-on-4, full-court basketball game. I have to say these inexperienced boys have some skills. There's a lot of laughter from both sides.

Don takes it out and passes me the ball. I dribble down the court and have three boys guarding me. One of them makes a weird, high-pitched noise to distract me and then bursts into laughter after I pretend to be scared. I pass Katie the ball, and she shoots and misses, and the boys rebound. Down the court they go.

Then they start setting up plays. One of them brings it down the court and passes behind his back. The taller one dribbles in and scores. We have a good game going, and everyone seems to be having a great time.

But it's getting dark, and the boys have to leave. This time, they exit the court smiling.

We could not speak Turkish, and they knew little English, but that did not slow down the game. It was a fun time, and I am glad I got to play a game of hoops with them.

As a team, we could have been too caught up in our own game and missed out on a fun game of hoops with the boys. After many adventures on this trip, I have realized we cannot be so caught up in our own schedules that we miss opportunities to put smiles on the faces of a few neighborhood kids.

I hope to play the boys again. Maybe next time, we will win.

Can i give up my ipod and facebook?

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I cannot believe we are in month 5 already! It has been an amazing journey and even though i did not realize it until the past few days i have grown a lot.

There has been good days and bad ones. I have made memories that i will never forget. I have seen God work in me and through me. We have done street ministry, worked with kids, painted trees, walls, doors, and more. We have planted trees, taught english, witnessed to the lost, and so much more.

It's been an awesome 4 months but its time to gain more. It is time for J squad to be willing to lay some of our comforts down and gain more of Christ.

So as a squad we are giving up electronics starting the 3rd for 14 days. I am excited about this. I will not have my computer, ipod, or phone till the 17th.

So please pray for our squad as we fast electronics. Pray that we will use this time to lean on God and our team mates. Pray that we will not turn to other comforts either.

Thank you for your prayers!

I love you and miss you

ashlee

Israel by Pictures

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A day in Nazareth team Olur and team Chrysalis ! We served with Team Chrysalis in a village in Israel. We helped with youth groups, taught English, cleaned the church, and attended prayer meetings.

we ended our day in Nazareth spending time with two amazing people who took time to give us a personal tour

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM J SQUAD

THIS GUY WAS THE MOST FAMOUS COOK IN THE VILLAGE

WE DID CARDBOARD TESTIMONIES FOR THE CHURCH " I AM ACCEPTED"

katie and i on top of mount precipice in northern Israel. this is the site were the angry mob tried to throw Jesus from.

we floated the dead sea

me and the camel

Don over looking Jerusalem

Hezakiahs Tunnel .. we walked forever in the water.. i am short so i seemed to get a little more wet than others did

Praying at the Wailing Wall

serving in the Soup Kitchen

Team OLUR

Boys Football game for Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How much is a smile worth to the one receiving it?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I walk into the room, and something comes over me. I don't really understand what it is. I try to ignore it, but I can't. I'm just here to serve food and do whatever I can to help.

Or is there more to why I am here?

I am standing behind a table, and my directions are to hand out 4 or 5 pieces of bread. I can handle this.

The door opens, and there is a line of about 25 people. They all have their containers and bags ready to receive food.

The first lady I see is a cute, little gray-haired lady. She is smiling and greets me with, "Good day, I love you." I smile back and reply, "Good day, and I love you too." She just smiles again and laughs, receives her food and leaves.

A few more people enter, and I give them bread. I try to speak to them, but most of them don't understand English. So I just smile and do my best to greet them in a friendly, loving manner.

An older man walks in with a grin on his face. He fills his container with hot food and shuffles over to the bread table. I look at him, smile, and give him an extra chunk of bread. His smile grows and so does mine.

My heart is breaking on the inside. I want to know more about them. What are their stories? What do they need? How can I help them more?

Kendra is taking pictures for a video our team is working on, and few people really enjoy it. One of the guys even models his bag, and another fellow even takes a picture with me.

A few more people come and go, and my smiles get wider. Smiles are universal and understood by all.

I continue to serve bread. We are down to our last few people, and I'm not ready for our daily visit to end.

I am excited about serving again tomorrow. I can't explain how much I love these people I don't know. I don't know how to speak to them, but I can show them love through a smile.

Please pray for my team as we serve this amazing group of people. I want to serve them in every way possible.

I don't think it will be the last time God is talked about at the dinner table

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I was a stranger until I walked in their door.

Aaron had invited Kendra, Colin, and I to dinner with him at the home of his friend, Sally, whom he had randomly met at a hostel in Central America while on his first World race over a year ago. It just so happened that our ministry in Northern Israel was a short drive from her parents' house, and they had invited us to dinner that Friday night with the expectancy of serving our two teams for lunch Saturday afternoon. (To hear the entire, incredible story of Aaron and Sally's friendship, go to Aaron Bruner's blog.)

Sally picked us up, and on the way to her house, I was feeling a little nervous about going to eat dinner with her and her family because I did not know what to expect. I didn't know their names or how to speak their language. However, I was eased in knowing that they could speak a little bit of mine.

The moment I walked in the door, I realized that all the differences I was so concerned about did not matter to them or to me. I was greeted by Sara and Paul, Sally's parents, with smiles on their faces. (names have been changed) Sally's two brothers were in the living room playing guitar and banjo, but stopped to introduce themselves to us. We were also greeted by the family dog. I felt like I was at home again. This is exactly how my family (dogs included) would greet dinner guests.

The dinner table was set, and the smells from the kitchen were amazing. We all sat down in the living room to talk. We sat around the coffee table and chatted about our trip, where we had been so far and where we will be going. Sally and her family are travelers as well and have been to places all over the world. Sally even shared that out of all the places she had been, New Orleans is her favorite so far.

Then, Sara announced dinner was ready.

Every Friday, the family has their traditional Shabbat meal. I was really excited about joining them for this, and it was an amazing feast. We started by eating salads, which you don't put on your plate, but eat right out of the bowls on the tables. Then Sara served us some fresh, home-made bread. She is such a fabulous cook. Then she served us a piece of fish. Just when I thought we were done, she brought out beef and noodles. This was probably the biggest meal I've had on this trip so far, and I know it was easily the best!

We sat around the table, talking and laughing. I never once felt like I was a guest, but rather, they treated me like I was family. Aaron and Colin started talking to Paul about Jesus. Kendra and I were talking to Sally's oldest brother and his girlfriend about the difference in believing in a God and having a relationship with Him. I will never forget him telling me that they never talk about this type of stuff at the dinner table. This made me smile. I now understood why I was there.

They invited Kendra and I to stay the night, so we did. It was a nice treat to sleep in a real bed. The funny thing is there were two full-sized beds, and we decided to sleep together. It was so much more fun that way!

We woke up the next morning, and Sara served us breakfast. Sally, Kendra, and I went for a walk around the neighborhood they lived in. It was a beautiful view, and Kendra and I got to share why we are on this 11-month journey around the world. We got to share with her about God and what He is doing in our lives.

Soon, the rest of our group showed up for lunch. Sara cooked another amazing meal for us, and we all ate and ate. Different conversations were going on, but I noticed several of my squad mates talking about Jesus. Once again, Jesus was being discussed around their table.

I don't know if they realize it yet, but I believe a seed was planted, and something is stirring inside of that family. I believe that God desires a relationship with this family and He is pursuing them.

We Are Olur

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

meet my team

Think it's POSSIBLE?

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

J squad came together in Istanbul for a mini debrief at the end of October. We knew some changes would have to take place because Aaron and Caroline, our squad leaders, would be leaving soon. We all assumed Brandy and Dan would become squad leaders. I knew this meant I would have a new team leader, but I didn't think my team would change. Would I be ok if my team did change?

Aaron and Caroline got us together as a squad to announce Brandy and Dan as our new squad leaders. Then they announced some other changes would take place in the next 24 hours. I began to cry and I wasn't sure why. I had just given God control and told him I was ok with the unknown earlier that week. I now had to make the decision to be ok in this moment. In my head I was ok, but human nature took over. I started trying to figure out what the changes would be in my head, which was the worst thing I could do. They dismissed us and told us we would find out more tomorrow.

I trust Aaron and Caroline very much. I knew they had been in prayer and heard from God on these changes. I knew they were doing all of this for the best interest of the squad. I believe they desire to mold a squad that will make a difference in this world. I made the decision to trust them and be ok no matter what the changes would be.

Finally the time came to announce the team changes that had been made. The only rule Aaron and Caroline gave us was that after teams were announced, we had to have 2 hours of silence. They wanted us to spend time with God and process the team changes. Don, Holland and Colby were new team leaders and Jodi, Melanie and Austin were still team leaders. Don was the first person to announce his team. Don announced Shannon, Ken, Katie, Kendra and Ashlee. I will admit I did not hear any other team changes after that. I knew my team hadn't had many changes, but what did change I was ok with.

I knew from spending 3 months with Don that he would make an amazing team leader. I was really excited about being under his leadership. I also was really excited about having all my girls minus Brandy still with me. Losing Brandy was really hard, but I knew it was coming so I had already prepared myself. We lost Anthony and that was hard for me. We had just gotten to a place where we understood each other and then we were separated. We gained Ken on our team to replace Anthony.

During our time of training camp, Ken and I did not see eye to eye. While we were in Ireland we talked and put all of that behind us. It's funny now that at training camp we both put each other's names down to not be on a team with each other and now we are serving together on the same team.

Our team name is OLUR. Olur is the Turkish word for POSSIBLE. I really like our new name. We are still getting to know each other but so far things are going really well. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us. Change is hard, but I know it is what we all need.

Greece for a Day

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last month i was able to travel to Greece for a day....

A glimpse of what is to come

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After a night of squad praise and worship time, Anthony asked everyone to pray for Gabriella, an employee at our hostel in Istanbul. Earlier that day, we had prayed over another employee, and he told Gabriella about the change he felt after we prayed with him. Gabriella was curious, and she wanted to experience what he was talking about. She walked into a room of 43 strangers, and we all gathered around her and prayed over her. As we prayed, something inside of me was stirring, and I had no clue what it was.

After the prayer, something told me to hug Gabriella. I embraced her, and she wrapped her arms around me and did not let go. For a moment, I really didn't know what to do. I just prayed, "God have your way." People gathered around us and prayed some more. We were still hugging, and neither one of us wanted to let go. I could only tell her how much God loved her, and she began to experience God's love for her. During this time, her body collapsed, and she just sat in God's arms and allowed Him to love on her. It was amazing to be God's love to Gabriella. To just hold her and allow her to feel His love surround her was the moment I realized the true greatness of God's love.

I looked Gabriella in the eyes and told her God loves her, and she smiled. She experienced God's love in a real and tangible way. She may not understand it fully now, but I pray she continues to seek God in her own life. God is love and loves each and every person unconditionally. He wants everyone to know of His love.

This is just one of the many experiences with God that is yet to come for me. Several people have spoken words over me about greater things that are yet to come, and that God is going to use me in a mighty way to continue to seek all He has for me! I believe miracles and healings can still happen. I believe God still does great things. I believe He wants to use all who believe in Him to change the world, but I didn't have enough faith that He could use me in these ways.

I am now walking and believing God does want to use me for mighty things. I may never be a part of healings or miracles, but that doesn't change my faith. I may never see someone raised from the dead, but that doesn't change my faith. I am no longer going to live on just the stories from the Bible, because God is still writing these stories. He wants us to be a part of these things. He wants us to seek Him and step out in faith and walk in obedience to do His work here on earth.

He will never force us to do anything. But if we are willing, He will use us.

So here I am God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SELENA

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bulgaria by Video

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

i hope you enjoy

BULGARIA IS THE PLACE TO BE

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

BULGARIA IS THE PLACE TO BE

IT WAS A LONG BUT AMAZING JOURNEY...

This month was a time to "ATL" (ask the Lord) Team Proclaim I 61 and Fuel were together. We started our journey with one contact. Thank God for Al! He put us in contact with several people and it allowed us to have a great month and be able to pioneer through Bulgaria. We found many areas that are great places for other teams to serve in. We had a great month and this is what it has looked like for us.

SEPT 26 RIDE AN OVER NIGHT TRAIN TO SOFIA

SEPT 27^TH ARRIVE IN SOFIA, ATTEND CHURCH, MEET AL,

SPEND DAY IN SOFIA, AND BUS RIDE TO PETRICH

He had arranged for someone to pick us up at the train station because he could not arrive to later that day. We get off the train and before we know it 2 English speaking people show up to take us to the church. We arrive at the church and was part of an amazing church service and a wedding. Yes, I did just say a wedding. After church service Al met us and took us on a tour of Sofia. After lunch and a tour of Sofia we took a bus to Petrich to spend a few nights.

SEPT 28^TH- 30^TH SPENT TIME IN PETRICH

Our time in Petrich was like a base camp. Al provided us with 3 houses for free' lodging and even did a lot of cooking for us. He provided our team leaders with all the contacts that he knew in Bulgaria. Team leaders and Logistic people spent time contacting different people and figuring out what our month would like. As a group we got an overview of Bulgaria, learned their alphabet, took a tour of Petrich. We spent mornings in prayers, went to the English club meetings, and even attended a wed night service.

OCT 1^ST ARRIVE IN SANDANSKI, I SPOKE AT A WOMENS

MEETING THAT NIGHT

We went to Sandanski not knowing what was expected. We were doing ministry with an Evangical Baptist church. They housed us and even cooked all of our meals. We really enjoyed our time here. It was full of ministry opportunities. Pastor Mitko and Angel were our two contacts.

OCT 2^ND WORKED AT COLD WATER A WOMENS MENTAL

HOME

We spent a day at Cold Water. We did not know what to expect. We thought we would spend the day with the women. We all took showers and got ready for the day. When Pastor Mitko arrived he let us know to change clothes for work. We took an hour ride up the mountain and it was beautiful. We found out that we would be painting trees for the day. We were a little shocked and just had fun with it. We used paint brushes, rollers, and brooms. After the shock of painting trees we just really enjoyed ourselves. We finished up the trees and had lunch. After lunch we picked up pine cones in a forest.

We learned that ministry looks different everywhere you go. It was truly a blessing to serve the women there.

OCT 3^RD WORKED IN THE CHRUCH

Today was day of painting in the church. We painted walls, doors, and window frames.

Oct 4^th CHURCH DAY COLIN AND DON SPOKE, THAT NIGHT

SOME OF THE TEAM WENT TO A GYPSY VILLAGE CHURCH SHANNON AND DON SPOKE

We attended the Sunday morning service today. We decided that Don and Colin would speak. Don gave his testimony and Colin spoke about the World Race. After they spoke we got up as a group to sing. We decided to sing Amazing Grace. After a few seconds of singing the congregation joined in because they recognized the song. They all had smiles on their faces and really enjoyed our singing.

OCT 5^TH OUR OFF DAY AND WE HEADED TO GREECE

Today was an amazing day. We got to spend the day seeing Thessaloniki. I really enjoyed walking along the Mediterranean sea too. Shannon also fell into the sea. Everyone seemed to have a very relaxing and fun day off.

0CT 7^TH WENT TO VISIT ORPHANAGES FOR KIDS AND BOYS

We arrived at the orphanage with chips and drinks. The kids were excited. We didn't spend much time but we did get a few minutes to slide down slides, swing, give hugs, and enjoy a snack together.

OCT 10^TH TRAVEL TO SOFIA AND WORK WITH MISSION

POSSIBLE

Team Proclaim I 61 worked with Mission Possible and Team Fuel spent time meeting different contacts that were in Sofia. We met Ivan from Mission Possible. He took us to a youth service that night. Anthony gave his testimony and it was an awesome night.

OCT 11^TH DONS BDAY CHURCH AND CELEBRATION

Happy birthday Don. We took Don to Starbucks before church. Then we headed to church. It was a really good service. I have really enjoyed visiting this church. After church we took Don out for some pizza. Then we spent time eating dessert and hanging out in the park! Anthony even got Don a balloon!

OCT 13^TH AFTER A DAY OF WORKING WE WENT TO A GYPSY
SERVICE SHANNON KENDRA AND KATIE SPOKE

We spent the day doing some work around Mission Possible. That evening we attended a service in a gypsy village. God is really doing a work in the youth in this village. This past year they have baptized over 100 youth age kids. We arrived at the church and we had to sit up in the front on the right side of the pulpit and on the left side of the church in front was the youth. There was a about 50 or so there that night. The women sit down stairs and the men sit in the balcony. Brandy introduced us and then Katie and Kendra gave their testimony. Then Shannon gave her testimony and preached. After that the Pastor talked for a few minutes and then asked everyone to come up and pray for our team. After they all prayed for us we were sent out into the congregation to pray. It was an amazing time. God was really moving in peoples lives.

OCT 14^TH HEAD TO DOBROMITCA TO WORK ON A WOMENS

SHELTER

It was a cold 3 days. We raked the front yard and picked up pine cones, cleared out a timber area, and the boys did other stuff that needed more muscles than us girls had! It was a cold three days but we ended up getting a lot of work done.

Oct 16^th happy birthday mom, we headed to Velika Tarnovo

A missionary from the states picked us up in his van and took us to our hostel. We were not even sure where this place was. We ended up arriving and it turned out to be a great place to stay. It was hard housing 14 people in a place for 8 but we all survived it.

Oct 17^th youth conference

We spent the day at Philadelphia church attending a youth conference. It was hard at times to pay attention because we didn't have translators. I did enjoy it though.

0ct 18^th thanksgiving service and lunch

Today was an awesome service. We all had translators and the message was really good. It was their thanksgiving service and it really made me realize things in my life that im thankful for. I am so blessed and some times I over look so much in my life. Our group got to introduce ourselves and why we are here. Emily and hope gave their testimonies and we all sang. Once again the congregation joined us in singing. After the service we attended a pot luck thanksgiving lunch. It was really good and just when we thought we were done they came around with trays of desserts.

0ct 19 meet the mayor of the village, off day spend time in the city

Today Don, Kendra, and I got up to go meet Mayor Ilia. Nick, an owner of a campsite I contacted, made arrangements for us to serve in the village of Dragizhevo where his campsite is located. We arrived and made plans for our team to serve them by planting trees in the village center.

0ct 20 and 21^st working in the village of dragizhevo planting tree

We arrived in the village around 9. Brandy, Don, Kendra, and I left with the mayor to get the trees. We had to take the trees and put them in a wagon pulled by a donkey. After about 4 trips we were finally finished getting trees. We get back to the site we are planting and newspaper reporters, police, village people, and our teams were all around. The people of the village were in shock that we would come to serve them for no reason. We really enjoyed our time in the village. It was nice to serve them and see their joy from it. Everyone we met was so hospitable. They cooked us lunch, served us hot milk and candy bars, and even gave us an overview of the village. Nick and Nicky were also amazing. They fed us hamburgers and fries the first night and then they served us a very delicious lunch the second day. They have a beautiful camp site as well.

Oct 22 travel back to sofia

We are back in Sofia for a few days

Oct 23 and 24^th Leadership Conference

We attended a two day leadership conference. It is from the states and it's the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. They had some amazing speakers and everyone really seemed to get a lot from the conference. I know I learned more than I thought I would.

Oct 27 leaving Bulgaria

We had a great time in Bulgaria. It was a great month and full of learning. We realized that we are not just friends this month we are a family. You learn to overlook the little things and love them through it all. We all have struggled in different areas but it was much needed to grow in a deeper relationship with God. We all have loved Bulgaria and have a lot of memories that will not be forgotten.

update

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I cant believe its already been 3 months. Our time on this trip is going so fast. We have been to Ireland, Romania, and Bulgaria. Each month brought different challenges for me personally and for my team. We have learned so much and each one of us has grown in our personal relationship with Christ. We have made some unforgettable memories so far and I look forward to many more. We are getting ready to travel to Istanbul Turkey for a J squad debrief. It will be good to get back together as a squad. The last time we were together was in Ireland. I am really looking forward to worship as a squad.

After our debrief in Turkey we will be heading to Israel for the month. I am really looking forward to this month. We have spent so much time in Europe and it will be a different atmosphere and life in Israel. We will not get to blog a lot of details in Israel so I will do my best to blog and post pictures. I will have to be careful with my blogs and im asking you to please be careful of what you write when you leave me a comment.

Thanks for all your love and support.

ash

BULGARIA IS MY FAVORITE ROLLER COASTER

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I feel like I have been on the most amazing rollercoaster for a month. As you slowly yet assuringly climb your way to the top of the steep hill, you look to your side and see the ground below you inching away as you make your way towards the skies. As you reach the top, thoughts in your head are jumbled; fear, excitement, nervousness... As the train comes to a sudden stop, your heart is in your throat; you look to your front to see that you have reached the peak of the giant hill. A sudden silence hangs above the train as the riders prepare for the stomach-turning descent. Before you know it, your heart is in your throat, your stomach turning as you watch the hands of your fellow roller coaster enthousiasts sway in the air. The speed increases by the second, the wind blowing through your hair as you climb up the bumps, feel the shakes as the coaster twists and turns, and fall down to earth. The excitement rushes through you like the water in a river.

Before you know it, the adventure is over, leaving your head spinning in a way you had never imagined. You climb out of your seat, legs shaking, and laugh in your mind; the mysteriously frightening coaster leaves you wanting more excitement.

Bulgaria was one amazing ride. It cost me my life but I will gladly give it up. I had to die of myself this month. I had to be broken so I could depend on God in my life. I had to go through some challenging times to appreciate this time in my life. I was still living for tomorrow. I was still living life my way and not His. I was not allowing God to have all of me. I was holding on to things that He has already freed me from. it was hard at times but i would be willing to do it all over again.

I have experienced enough to make me hungry for more. I know that God has more and I want to do what it takes to receive it. I want a more intimate relationship with Christ. I want to experience Him in a new way. I am seeking for more. I don't want to become satisfied any more. I will ride the rollercoaster over and over if I have to. I will learn through the bumps, turns, and twist. I will enjoy the peaks and embrace the moments I am descending. I will throw my hands up when I can and I will hold on during the rough times. I will enjoy my ride and get all I can out of it. God I am asking for MORE!