Traveling to Jamaica [day 1]

Our day of travel began bright and early, meeting at the International Terminal of the Atlanta airport at 7:00am.  The nine members of our team (Our team leaders Mike and Casey, Lindsay, AC, Rebecca, Patrick, Izaac, Charles, and myself) greeted one another with smiles, then stood in that awkward silence you experience only when you don't know the other people well.

After checking in, getting through security, and making a quick stop at McDonald's for breakfast, we arrived at our gate in time to snap a quick pre-trip team picture before boarding the plane.  Our flight was just over 2 hours to Montego Bay.

Our small team of 9, ready to board the plane to Montego Bay.
Charles, Izaac, Rebecca, Mike, Lindsay, Patrick,
me, Casey, and AC.

Once we landed and gathered our suitcases, we stood outside in the sweltering Jamaican heat waiting for our bus.  I can't speak for anyone else, but right then and there I prayed that Wait-a-bit wouldn't be as hot as Montego Bay.

We stopped at a Jerky's for lunch.  Most of us ate Jerk Chicken, a few ate ribs, and we all munched on french fries.  When our stomachs were full, we loaded back on the bus for the most nauseating ride of my life.

We must have just left the airport because no one looks nauseous!

Imagine MarioKart in real life.  Winding roads, so narrow the bus barely fits, with turns so sharp you can't see what's coming from the opposite direction.  On one side of the road you see a wall of mountain.  Out the opposite window you crane your neck to look down a deathly steep cliff.  Cars speed towards us, then veer back into their lane at the last second as they pass.  But to Jamaicans, these roads are completely normal.  Our driver accelerated through the narrow roads as we let out frequent shrieks and gripped the handles in front of us until our knuckles were white.

Roadside markets along the highway.

We learned that honking the horn can mean 3 different things:
1. To let a car from the opposite direction know that you are rounding a blind turn.
2. To alert a person walking or a car in front of you that you are passing them.
3. To say hello.

As we got closer to Mandeville, we were able to enjoy the ride.

After about 3.5 hours in the car, we finally arrived at the Life In Abundance campus, where we would stay for the week.  As the bus doors opened and we stepped outside, I was shocked at how cool the temperature was!  The LIA campus is on a mountainside, so we were kept very comfortable with a constant cool breeze.  It was like we were in a completely different climate than the one we'd experienced in Montego Bay.

The campus is made up of a few different buildings and dorms, including the kitchen and dining hall, small cabins, and large sleeping areas for larger teams.  Because we had a small team of only nine, we were each given our own private bedroom.  Our living quarters were much nicer than I'd expected!  My room had a beautiful view of the mountainside.

The view from my room.

Before dinner we had some time to unpack and relax.  We met our LIA leader for the week, David.  David is awesome and unlike anyone  I've ever met.  He's known to break into song mid-conversation and laughs abundantly.  After only one night of knowing him, we knew God most definitely put him on our team for the week.

Before going to bed, David told us that we'd need to prepare a song to sing at church in the morning. We all chuckled at the mention of singing in front of a congregation, because not one of our team members is musically talented.  Not one.  How unfortunate... for us and for the poor ears of those who'd be our audience!

David quickly chose a song for us and forced us to practice. Sitting around our living room for the week, the nine of us shyly sang 10,000 Reasons, laughing less and less at our selves each time.  It's funny how embarrassing we find it to sing without music!  We said our goodnights before heading to our rooms.

I get to serve in Jamaica this summer!

This summer I have the opportunity to serve in Jamaica.  While we're there, our team will work on a few different construction projects, as well as host a teaching seminar with the local youth leaders.  As we meet with the youth leaders we will discuss topics like sharing Christ with young people and the importance of healthy friendships and dating relationships.  

The organization in Jamaica we're partnering with, Life in Abundance, wants to focus on the teenagers.  Not the children, not the babies, but specifically the teenagers.  Don't misunderstand me, I LOVE children, but I am excited to focus on the teenagers!  These teenagers are the future.  They will soon be teachers, leaders, pastors, and doctors of the country and I am excited to pour into them.

The people in Wait-a-Bit speak English {Hallelujah!}, which means I won't have to rely on a translator or my broken Spanish!  Without a language barrier, I think our conversations are going to be incredible.

Our primary focus, although we will have a few other projects, will be relationships: building them and teaching about healthy relationships.  God created us to be relational people.  We were created to have close relationships with others, and an intimate relationship with Him.  Without relationships, there would be no ministry of any kind.  The relationships are what I am most looking forward to on this trip!

Before I can go to Jamaica in July though, I would like for you to consider partnering with me and my team.  

First, in prayer. Please pray that the leaders and the youth we meet in Jamaica will be receptive to us and what we're teaching.  Pray that God works through us in powerful ways.  Please pray for the members of our team, that we are reliant on His presence and guidance, not our own.  

Second, in financial support.  My trip costs about $1,900.00, which will cover airfare and travel in Jamaica, lodging, and materials (for construction and teaching).  I greatly appreciate all donations, big and small!  All of the donations are tax deductible and you may donate online here: https://globalx.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/annalivermore2

Thank you so much for your prayers and donations.  I cannot wait to tell you all what God does in Jamaica while we're there!

Like a Roller Coaster

13.1 Update:

My half marathon is on Sunday!  I am anxious and nervous for this race.  A few weeks ago I felt very prepared and confident, but now I don't feel the opposite.  It's like this race and I are in the early stages of high school dating. [It's a little bit exhausting.  Mentally and Physically.]  I am very excited to complete this race and breaking up with the treadmill since we've recently spent together spent so much time together [the treadmill and me].  

Here are a couple of things I've come to realize in the past few weeks:

-Training for a half-marathon during the school year is not the best idea...especially right before conferences.  I have multiple teacher friends who ran/are running running races around this time, and although I haven't talked to them about their training experiences, I know I won't time it like this again.  I hate not having enough time to commit to training.  I hate when my workout adds to my stress because my day doesn't have enough hours in it.  If there's a next time that I run 13.1 miles, I will not do it the week of conferences!

-The last 4 weeks of training is the worst possible time to get sick.  My body's encountered just about every germ and bacteria possible [not really, but it has been a lot!] in the past few weeks, which has kept me in my bed, counting down the minutes until the next dose of medicine, attached to a box of Kleenex, or chugging liquids.  I have continued to run, but I haven't been able to keep up with my training guide.   It's been very frustrating.  Thankfully I am healthy now!  So I am praying [seriously, I am not just using that as a figure of speech] that I will stay well and make it across the finish line.

I can't believe the race is next weekend! Ahh!  Want some good news?  I have broken in my new Asics and I will be beachbound on Friday.

So, ready or not, wish me luck!  

A New Small Group

About a year and a half ago I registered for GroupLink at Buckhead Church, completely unaware of just how strange of an experience it would be, in the hopes of joining a women's small group.  After possibly the most uncomfortable night of my life, I left feeling unsure of what would come of the group I'd formed with some other women.  We didn't have a leader and none of us knew each other.  Then, after about a month, I was chosen to lead the group.

To be honest, I would have to tell you that the group experience wasn't everything I'd hoped it would be.  Please don't get me wrong, the girls in the group were amazing.  Only when God's in control of forming groups is it possible for 12 20-something women to all get along and genuinely enjoy each other's company.  Am I right?  So the group was made up of some [12] incredible ladies.  As we each shared our stories, we learned that we're all from different places and in various stages of life.  It was great.  We'd meet on Wednesday nights for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer.

I said earlier that this group wasn't everything that'd I'd wished, so let me tell you why.  It wasn't because of the girls in the group, because I can't say enough how wonderful they were.  I truly love each of them and loved getting to have discussions and grow with them.  I think the issue was just the number -- 12.  

12 is a lot of people.  It's almost how many students I teach.  How can you meet for 2 hours, once a week, and have 12 people equally join into a conversation?  How can you grow close to 12 people?  We tried and tried, but it just wasn't working.  Intimacy with 12 people is really difficult.  Vulnerability with 12 people is almost impossible.  So, although I met some wonderful friends in our group of 12, I don't think the group flourished as it should have, and our group ended up dissolving.  

So why do I think I should lead a new group since my last group dissolved?  

Well, for one, God is asking me to do it.  To open our home to a group of women for fellowship.  [Do I need any more reasons after this one?]  If God wants me to do it, I will.  I am trusting that He will lead this group from our very first meeting.  I know that He has great things planned for this group.

When I led my last group, I went into the whole experience blindly.  I was completely unaware that I'd be chosen to lead the group I formed at GroupLink.  This time, though, I made the decision for myself.  So I think from the beginning this time, we'll be off to a better start.  We will set norms and expectations.  I also think that since I've led a group before, I will learn from the past experiences and allow them to help me in the future.  One of those things is not allowing 12 people to form a group.  I have learned that with 12 women, intimacy, trust, and vulnerability are unlikely.  Accountability is easily swept under the rug and it's easy to remain anonymous.

So, that being said, I am excited to begin a new group.  I am eager to make new friends.  Close, real friends.  I am looking forward to having real, intimate conversations, and getting to know the hearts of these women.  

I am praying that God uses this group to grow each of us closer to Him.  To grow in truth. To grow in our faith.  To become better examples of who Christ is.  To sharpen and support each other.  I am praying that this group will bring glory to God, while we are meeting, and as a result of our meeting.

Running Reflections

Training for a half marathon allows for a whole lot of time to think.  Miles and miles you run, and if you're like me, you're running without the company of others.  And since it's cold, running means many miles on a treadmill.  In the midst of those miles my thoughts flow freely as my feet repeat the same steps over and over.  So here you go... just a few of the thoughts I've had about running while running:

A squinty smile as I approached the finish line
at the end of my 1st half marathon.

1. Why did I think this would be a good idea? 

I ran my first half marathon in 2012 on Thanksgiving Day.  It was a far-fetched new year's resolution.  Honestly, I'm not sure where or why I was interested in running 13.1 miles, because before that January I'd never even run a 5K.  Though I ran occasionally, in my mind running was still more of a punishment to me than an enjoyable form of exercise.  

About halfway through my training I lost all interest and motivation.  I never ran more than 8 miles in preparation for the race on Thanksgiving Day and waited until the day before the race [you read that right] to buy new shoes, making the half marathon the first time I even wore my new Asics.  Luckily, my feet didn't blister at all [praise God] but unfortunately my feet were in such bad shape from wearing old running shoes, that I could hardly walk for a few days.  I think it'd be safe to say that my finishing that race at all was a miracle. 

To be completely honest with you, I have no idea why I thought running another half marathon would be a good idea.  I guess I'd always told myself that if I were to do another one that it'd be one with a nice view... so along came the Seaside Half and like a fool I registered.  Incase you were wondering, my amount of physical activity at the time I signed up for the race was limited to the walking around my classroom all day and possibly a walk with the pups at night... and that was it!  [You won't offend me by asking yourself, 'What was she thinking?']  

But here I am... training once more for a 13 mile run.  It probably wasn't the best idea, but I am more excited this time.  I have trained [so far] much better.  Just so you know, I ran 8 miles on Sunday...which made me incredibly proud of myself.  I also just bought a new pair of shoes.  They'll be here on Wednesday and I will be able to run at least a few times before running the stretch of 30A.   We'll see how this goes, but I think I'm making some good steps to make this a better experience, right?

2. Running is a lot harder than it appears.

Like I said, I have always viewed running as more of a punishment than as something I would willingly do by myself.  Growing up in an athletic family, we played lots of sports but running wasn't one of them.  At some point I remember hearing someone say, "Running is for people who aren't coordinated to do anything else.  Anyone can do it."  I will say right now, I could not disagree more with that statement.

I have never done a sport more mentally exhausting than to train myself for a half marathon.  Running is such a mental game.  Yes, obviously your muscles need to train and you must build endurance, but if you can't mentally find the will to do it, you won't.  If your mind it telling you to stop, you will.  If that little voice inside your head is saying, "This sucks," then it truly does and you won't keep going.  At the same time, if you can get your mind to enjoy it, to long for it, and to enjoy running, you will have a little pep in your steps.  

Training is an interesting experience.  I've never been challenged similarly.  It's a challenge I've put onto myself and although somedays I constantly ask myself why I thought I should do this again, I am enjoying it.  I love to push myself.  Although I know I won't ever be a stellar runner or set any sore of records, I am proud of myself so far and I am excited to run 13.1 miles again.  Wish me luck!

2015 Goals Update - January

At the beginning of 2015 I made a list of hopes and goals for the new year.  To hold myself accountable, I'll be keeping track of them here....  Let's see how this goes.  My hope is that this will encourage me to continue working towards my goals, so fingers-crossed that this won't have the opposite effect!

Grow Closer to Jesus
What did I do? I am not great at it yet, but waking up in the mornings to spend time in the Word and in prayer before school is becoming more of a routine... Maybe 3/5 mornings during the week and on the weekend.  My January tithe didn't happen, if I'm being honest.  I hate that.  I didn't do it at the beginning of the month, and by the end of January I was out of money.  It will happen next month.  I am praying about leading a women's small group and serving somewhere this summer.  I'm trusting God that He will open the doors to lead me where HE wants me, and not where I want to go.  Byron will join me serving Middle School Camp this summer and I am pumped!
Results: I feel a lot more at peace in life and less stressed.  I have always believed that God answers our prayers, but spending intentional time with Him each day truly does bring a sense of peace and comfort.  I know my behaviors are different -- I am more patient with my students and joyful in general.  I stress less about worldly things and have begun to have many short conversations with God throughout the day.  If this is the most important relationship in my life, I need to make it a priority.

Make Exercise a Priority Again
What did I do?  As I am training for this half-marathon, it is mandatory for me to spend at least 3 days working out.  I've already hit 8 miles!
Results: I have more energy and my endurance is much better!  I don't always feel like I'm gonna die.  I crave working out, like I have before.  I've genuinely enjoyed making time for it and how I feel afterward.  I do need new shoes, though!

Read At Least 1 Book Each Month
What did I read?  The Giver by Lois Lowry
What did I think about the book?  I liked it a lot.  It was a very simple, quick read (obviously, it's on a middle school reading level).  A dystopian society where one person in the community holds the memories.  I can definitely see how it influenced the Hunger Games and Divergent series.

Write 1 Blog Per Week
Have I done this?  No.  I haven't posted weekly on the blog.  I love to write and that's why I made it one of my goals for 2015, but I definitely need to manage my time better so this will happen!

Take More Photos with my Camera
Have I done this? Nope.  I did finally upload my Christmas photos to my computer though!  I need to take my camera with me more often.  Just like blogging, I love to photograph.  It brings me genuine joy and I need to make this happen more in my life as well.

Go Somewhere New
Where did I go?  I didn't go anywhere...  Hopefully I can make something happen in February.

Figure Out my Stomach Issues
What have I figured out?  Gluten most definitely agitates my stomach.  So I've basically eliminated gluten from my diet, with the exception of a few items.  I can never give up pizza, but we don't eat it that often so I can prepare myself for a stomach ache when we do.  It seems there's another component but I'm not sure what it is yet.  But, hallelujah!  A GF diet has made a wonderful improvement!

2015 -- let's do this.

I can't believe I'm just now getting this together... I'm already slacking on one of my goals for the year!  But I'm only human and I am determined -- so here we go!

Before making new goals I think it's incredibly important to look back to what I've recently experienced -- to set realistic, attainable goals.  I made this list, separated into 4 sections [the idea was given to me at church and I thought it was great!] to help me organize my thoughts on the year.

of and off are not the same thing.  I meant off, not of.

After  pondering on my reflections, I decided it was time to formulate some hopes and goals for the year to come.  It's important that I learn from my memories and to understand that God has the ability and power to change the future.  That my experiences have built a foundation for where God can take me in the future.  I don't want to focus on only 1 resolution for the year, because well, quite frankly I couldn't come up with just one.  Instead, I came up with a list of smaller, achievable goals in multiple areas of my life, from my relationship with Christ to my traveling.  

As I wrote these hopes for 2015 in my journal, my spirit was excited.  These are things that I truly, deeply desire to accomplish.  Not because I want to look better in my bikini or to earn extra cash or gain recognition for an accomplishment, but because these are things that will joy into my life.  Things that, if accomplished, will make my heart happy.  So I am anticipating this year with jubilee.  I am eager to make these hopes a reality.

So where will God take me this year?  I'm not sure yet, to be honest.  And when I say not sure, I mean I don't have a clue.  But I am praying for something... something big.  I want God to use me in a great way this year.  I don't know how exactly, or with who, or where it will happen, but that is my desire.  At the end of 2015, I want to look back and say, 'Wow, God did great things this year because I was willing to let go and to let Him work through me.'