Day Before

     I have sat down multiple times in the last week to pen words. Alas, every time I get distracted, or it just makes me too sad. However, today is the day before I leave...and its time to get some thoughts down on paper.
     Yesterday I said some of the saddest goodbyes. Cody's and Trent's were over, and we had a fun family day. Mindy and I redecorated Mom & Dad's house while Trent slept, Dad worked on Skype, and the rest played Settlers. Thinking back over the day, I think it was the most fun I have had with my family in the last few months. It was relaxing and refreshing.
     Today has flown by. I was up at six and out the door by 7:45. I ran errands, and stopped to see Nat and Courtney. Came home, finished packing, wrote thank-you notes, and went to tell Grandpa's goodbye.  My wonderful brother was a HUGE help to me today. He ran around for me, weighed my luggage and helped in anyway he could. After that Mom, Carson, and I played a last game of Settlers and I actually enjoyed it.
     Tonight some friends are coming to spend the evening and the night with me...and tomorrow I get on a plane to Thailand. Its so hard to explain the emotions I'm feeling...I'm so excited, and yet my heart feels sadness. Eight months is really not that long, and it will go by so fast...but things will be so different when I arrive home. Please keep me and my family in your prayers...This is a journey for all of us.

Streaming Tears

     We interupt the story of Michigan to bring you a heart update. Right now it is 4:11PM and I have been crying off and on for about an hour. I want to make it clear I'm SOOOOO excited for IGo, and its only 14 days away!!!!!!!!! However, I'm starting to feel very sad. Here is why.....
     Thursday night is my last night working at Miami Valley Women's Center. I have been working there off and on for about three years. I have watched the kiddos grow up, and have fallen in love with most of them. Two of my dearest friends were made by working Thursdays nights, (I love you Jess and Susie). They will be greatly missed. Friday night will most likely be the last night I babysit for Tanner, (Maybe Vienna too but I have not got to babysit her yet so I'm not sure she is going to be there).  Not that I really watch him a lot, but its still a saddening last.
     I have been staying with Great Grandma while Grandpa Lavy's are in CA. Its not a big deal to stay up there, but I am realizing I'm missing the last two weeks of my own bedroom (Its my haven away from crazy life, and I miss it). Grandma is a gem, one of the dearest old ladies ever!
     Almost every day is filled with meeting up with people, running errands, working as much as possible and so on. I know that I'm not going to get to be with nearly all the people I want to before the 24th. To leave without telling all my peeps goodbye is hard. I know things will be so different when I come home.
     Also, my days have been filled with pain in my ankle and back. I know that the devil is trying his best to get me down. I'm getting so tired of not feeling well. My nights are restless and so short. I lay in bed for hours before falling asleep and wake up way before my alarm goes off. In these moments I remember the verse in Philippians 4 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Somehow that is a much harder verse to follow then one would think. Please keep me in your prayers.
       On a very exciting note....I got my prayer cards. Please let me know if you want one.

Tonia Schauer took them, and I am very impressed. 

Thanks for prayers.

End Of A Chapter, Or End Of A Book?

     Today was a milestone in preparation of my journey. This day marked the end of classes at Sinclair Community College. As I walked out from class I felt, scared, exhilarated, a bit sorrowful, and most of all, glad to be done with ALH 104.
     The reason for feeling a bit scared is, well, Sinclair has become a home of sorts. When I needed a haven to study, relax, meet up with friends, and get Starbucks, to the main campus library I would go. It's became a familiar friend. Moving into the unknown is a bit frightful. Many memories were made at SCC, and I believe I grew up a lot while attending classes.
     I felt exhilarated because I have the opportunity of a life time. Really, how many people are able to say at twenty years old they moved across the globe to learn more about Jesus? God has blessed me beyond what I ever though possible. While serving in a different land has always been a strong calling, I always wondered if it would really happen. Now I'm getting a chance to learn how to effectively serve, share, and bless others!!! :) My hearts desire is to glorify my risen Lord by serving, and sharing Him with others, no matter what the cost.
     Sorrowful, because I'm going to miss out on so much time with friends and family. Morgan, Tanner, and Vienna will grow up so much while I'm away. Friends will move on in life. Carson will be taller then I, when I get back. Over time things change, and if I'm not around to experience the changes, it will be different when I arrive home.  Nevertheless, this is what I want to do. This is what God blessing me with.
     Never have I had a class I was so ready to be done with. ALH 104 is the most boring class I  have ever taken. As much as I love to learn new things, this class was just not interesting. So, as I walked out of class, I felt super glad to put it behind me. I felt like my IQ would start to go up, simply because I was out of the dull, time-wasting class. Yes, it really was that bad.
     I have started to wonder, is this the end of a chapter, one that may be returned to in the future, or is this the end of a book never to be opened again? I don't know what God has in store next. Maybe I will get done at IGo and finish my education, or maybe I will go serve somewhere indefinitely, or perhaps, I will go back to IGo and do an internship. Right now I have no idea what is next, and I'm surprisingly okay with that. As much as I want to be a nurse, I want to follow my Father more. Probably, I say that over and over, but its what He is teaching me, COMPLETE SURRENDER!!!

The journey begins in...

34 days!!!

Sponsorship

     This weekend at the Haiti Benefit Auction, a lot was said about sponsoring children, and different projects. Some of the sponsorship organizations talked about are Compassion International, Save The Children, World Vision and this weekend schools, IFM, Heart of Compassion, and International Fellowship Haven. Every photo of these kiddos makes my heart long to hug them and let them know they are loved. How much more must our Father feel that way when He looks down at each of us needing the love and salvation of His son Jesus. I look at those kiddos and think about their human needs, but the Father, He looks at all of us and sees our ultimate need, a personal relationship with Jesus.

     I’ve never though I would be in a position to need sponsorship. After all, I come from a middle class American family. Why would I ever have that kind of need? Well, when faced with the opportunity to attend IGo I quickly realized I had no way of paying for it, and no time to raise the required money. Nevertheless, I was certain that was where God was calling me.

     One night I decided He and I needed to have a little chat. God wants to hear what we have to say, and He wants to have to chance to answer back. So, while I was driving I started to talk. I laid it all out there, asking “Why are you calling me here and not providing for me? Why am I so excited about this and have no way to go? Why God, Why?” That night I received no answer and I went to bed feeling discouraged and confused.

     God’s mercies are new every morning! I woke up the next day, and I was ready to put hard work into this calling. When God speaks, it’s time to follow no matter what the odds look like. My day was going to be spent researching fundraisers. I have never been okay with flat out asking people for money, and knew that was absolutely not an option for me. Mom and I talked about doing a spaghetti dinner, cleaning, babysitting, bake sale, etc. That all sounded like a grand place to start.

     However, God, He had other, more wonderful, something I never would have considered, ideas. He, the most amazing person in my life, provided beyond my wildest expectations. There was a family, who felt God calling them to help me on this journey. (Every time I tell this story tears fall, God is just so faithful!) This family is living out Romans 10:15 by sending me on this journey. In the end it ended up I did need sponsored. My Father in Heaven provided in a way that I never had to ask, I only had to pray.

     There are still daily needs, and things that I have to get before I go. God is showing Himself faithful and I know He is going to continue to provide. Please pray for me and my family as everything comes together.

     My departure date is April 24^th. I will be gone 7 months, and 24 days. This equals, 34 weeks or 238 days, or 5712 hours, or 342,720 minutes, or 20,563,200 seconds, give or take a few. My arrival date is Dec 17^th.

     8ish months is the longest I have ever been away from home. God has been preparing me and my family for this day for the last few years. Every trip I have taken has gotten progressively longer. First I was gone a month, then six weeks, then two point five months, then just under three months, and now 8ish. Just as every other journey He will be present in this one too.

     Nursing school is being put on hold right now. Many people keep asking me what I'm going to do after this...I don't know. God has not unfolded that part of His plan yet. I am comfortable waiting on Him to guide me. All my life I have wanted to be a nurse, but if God has something else in mind, well, I choose to follow Him. How exciting to be able to completely trust Him for whatever is next. I'm in for the journey of a life time!!! "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD". ~Isaiah 55:8

     Currently I'm finishing up one class at Sinclair. I will be done with it March 22, and what a happy day it will be!!! :) This has not been the most interesting class. Around our house people daily hear me say "I'm going to fail this class from pure, simple BOREDOM".  Never fear, I really do have an A. The days I don't have class are spent working for Dad in the shop. Not the most enjoyable job, and I have to work to have a happy attitude about it, but its helping pay for things! I'm so thankful Dad is providing me a place to work before I go. Its hard to find a job when you are gone so much! 

More IGo posts 

1^st http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2011/11/institute-for-global-opportunities.html

2^{nd http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/01/decisionmade.html}

3^rd http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/01/prayer-partners.html

Serving an ever faithful Father, 

Bree 

Decision...Made

     I have made the decision, decided to take the leap. What a journey it has been getting to this point of surrender to the will of my Father in heaven. This is not to say that there are not still parts of my life that are unsurrendered...because there are, nor does it mean I have it all together, and figured out. In fact...I really have nothing figured out at all. Except that I am ready and willing to follow after my Abba Father.
     Some people may call me crazy, and others say its an easy road out. However, this has been the hardest and most difficult time of my life. When God calls us to do things that are out of the norm, its hard. When I'm in the middle of my nursing education and its being put on hold, its hard. When God is blessing me with another niece or nephew and I know I'm leaving that behind, its hard. Friends who will move on with life and make wonderful memories with out me is hard. Though this is all difficult, God is providing and showing me His wonderful faithfulness each day.
     God does not call us to be simple American Christians who have it all figured out. He wants us to be needy of Him every day, in every way. Living a radical life for Christ is shown all through out the bible. Why do I think its going to be an easy, asphalt paved way. He tells us in His word that people are going to hate us, kill us, persecute us, if we follow Him. So many times we forget those verses and focus on how God will bless us. He does blesses us for our faithfulness. I'm so thankful that God has abundantly showered His blessings upon my life. However, I also know I can't used Jesus as a vending machine to just give me blessings. Being a Christ follower is about so much more.
     What I am choosing to do is not for everyone. I believe that the great commission "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."is a command and for all of us. While I say that, I feel like God calls us all to different places to live that out. Some of us go to foreign lands, but some need to stay and live it out here on America soil. This chapter in Mark goes on to say that whoever does not believe will be condemned. Its my job to tell others the truth so they can have the free gift of Salvation God has given me.
     A few months ago I posted about a school in Thailand, called IGo. I was asking for your prayers as I prayerfully, considered attending. God has completely shown me that His will is for me to leave in April and be gone until December. This means that I will be attending classes at IGo for 8 months. Exactly what these eight months are going to look like is unknown. What I do know is that I will be taking classes on Theology, Cultural Anthropology, World Religions, Growth in Christ, History of Missions, Christian Family, Principles of Teaching, Local Church Evangelism, TESOL, and Bible classes.
     I am excited beyond what I am capable of putting into words. It looks big and challenging, but I am so ready! Please pray for me in the coming months as I prepare, and as I go that God will continue to show me His unending faithfulness, and grace. Also, pray for my family as I leave. I'm not sure if its going to be harder on them or on me! :) If you are interested in being a weekly prayer partner please send me an email at breelavy92@gmail.com. 
~Deciding to follow Jesus,
Bree

Airport Arrival

Here are some photos of all of us making the trip to Thailand! We are all very excited!!!! Please continue to pray for us! :) 

The luggage 

My beautiful adopted family! They are such a blessing to me! 

Checking in! The airline ladies were amazing!

Sweet girls trying to contain their excitement 

All our luggage!

Woot woot

Boarding the train to get to our gate

{Packed} in the train

At our gate

All our carry ons! :)

Loving all the activity going on outside

Lunch time

Sea-Tac Airport

Aww

My Little man

He even has a carry on jkjk

Very pleased to have LACY'S carry on

Ever moving

Last Post in the USA

     Well...tomorrow is the big day. We are heading to Seattle around 6AM. The house is still busy with van packing, floor sweeping, and child chasing. Its going to be a grand blessing from God if any of us sleep tonight. However, God will supply the strength we need to get through our travels. Please pray for protection as we embark on this amazing journey.
     I thought I would list a few things I am thankful for before we leave. (NOT in any particular order, just the order the thought happened to come in!). This is kinda a prayer of thanksgiving in my heart.

*That Jesus lives today*

*Freedom to live for Jesus*

*The call on my life*

*The Word of God* 

*Dad, Mom, Trent, Malinda, Cody, Natalie, Carson, Morgan, Tanner, Bebe*

*Shane, Cindy, Hank, Nikita, Brandy, Aspen, Lacy, Hunter*

*Gale, Shirley*

*The ability to read*

*Freedom to travel*

*Support from friends and family*

*My dear brothers and sisters in Christ*

*Prayers of the saints*

*Funds that make this trip possible*

*Health*

*Healing of my ankle* 

*Clean water*

*Warm beds*

*Hot showers*

*INTERNET*

*Cell phones*

***The list goes on and on***

     Please pray for us each day as you think of us. We all know that God has called us for such a time as this and we are willing vessels of Him. Thank you all for the prayers you have already said and the prayers you will continue to pray. We feel them and know that they make a huge difference in our lives! 

     I will do my best to keep the blog up. It totally depends on the internet connection and the amount of time I will have. Perhaps this is something else to pray for?!?!?! :)

A servant for the King, 

Bree

The Return

      I found this post I had written a few months back. It seemed very fitting considering we are leaving for Thailand in a few days! :)

     One day soon things are going to change. Are you going to be ready: am I? Matthew 24:44 says, Therefor you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.* We are already seeing the changes. Mark 13:8 says, For nation shall rise against Nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.* Look at the world around us. Earthquakes = Haiti, New Zealand, and Japan. Nations against Nations = the Middle East. Famines = everywhere except the wealthy in Canada, USA, and Europe...but when you really look at the city's...its here too.  The Son of Man is coming soon!

      As I look at the Bible and I compare it to the things I see happening, I know that the end is coming soon. So I start to ponder: How would I spend my life if I knew that Jesus was coming back in a week? That is 7 days, 168 hours, 10,080 minutes, and 604,800 seconds. Would I spend my time complaining about pain in my ankle, taking photos, blogging, reading anything other than the Word of God. When I look at life in this manner I think I would spend my time in the Word of God, and telling the people I am around about Jesus! He wants to have a personal relationship with each one of us. My friends, please realize your need for Jesus!!!

When Bad Ankles Make Fashion Leave

     Most of my life I have dealt with bad ankles. Sometimes I look back at my years from 12 to 17 and feel like I spent most of it on crutches and in casts. Last time mom and I figured it up I have had around 15 casts. Now that I am older I really felt like that period of my life was over. However, God had different ideas. I am fairly certan that He is wanting to show me His glory and His power through this. 

     About a week and a half ago I was walking outside and took a tumble. We were getting to go to a camp fire for the evening when it happened. I felt really horrid but I go up and walked to the van...um...I guess I kinda jumped...limped...hopped...tried not to cry to the van...When I got in everyone wanted to know if I was ok because they had seen what happened...I said I was fine...but...I think... maybe... I told a bit of a lie...I was in lots of pain. When we got home from our evening Cindy, Shane, Gale, and Shirley laid hands on my foot and ankle and prayed for Gods healing touch! Praise the Lord...I am almost pain free... I did not have to do a cast or crutches...but...I had to buy these NASTY shoes...Here are the photos of my fashion train wreck :).

I ordered two pairs so I could get the ones that looked the best and fit the best. 

They are green and gray so that helps me like them better

The side

The Heal

They come way up my ankle so I can't twist out of them. 

Maybe God is trying to show me that I don't always have to be up on the latest fashion. However, to God be the glory!!! I know that He is healing me and He is going to direct my foot steps. Today in Proverbs we happened to read 3:23,"Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble." God is going to take care of me!!! Praise be to His name forever and ever!

When Cows Fly ~ October 22, 2011 PM

     Today I had quite a fun time. I got to experience a sale barn for the first time. Never in my life have I seen cows fly. In fact, had someone told me they had I would have laughed and said they were crazy. However, today I feel like I can truly say I have seen such happenings. Some of the cows that went through were crazy, wild, and dirty. Part of me felt really bad for them; but mostly, I wanted to laugh at the people working with them.

I love you Niki Jade! You are an amazing young lady! I am so glad God brought you into my life! You bless me so much! Xoxo

This was a VERY embarrassing moment. I was taking some photos of all the excitement and these men caught me...(They were the ones working with the animals)...Anyhow, they yelled up at me to hang on a sec...so I stopped taking photos..and this is what they did!!! I am certain my face was very red!!! Ok but..that is not all...the auctioneer then said "I'm not sure we are supposed to take photos, you never know what web site that photo might end up on...and guess what...its on here tee hee!!! Needless to say, this was the last photo of the day! 

     I did not get a photo of the funniest moment today. There was a cow that was so wild it kept trying to run the men over. It ran itself right into a very tight spot…..and got stuck…..they had to push on the front and pull on the tail to get the cow free. Needless to say the whole place was laughing! J My heart did brake for some of the animals…it was obvious that some of them were mistreated and in did need of TLC. There were a few baby cows I wanted to buy and bring home…they were sooooo cute!

My Home for a Little While ~ Tuesday September 27, 2011

     Tuesday September 27, 2011 I left Ohio and headed out west to Washington. I am so excited to be starting my journey. I started my trip at Dayton, had a layover in Chicago, and then flew to Seattle. When I arrived at Seattle, I got on a shuttle and took it to Yakama where Cindy and the children picked me up. 

     I forgot how much I love the mountains and landscape out here! It was so fun to drive over the pass again. The evergreens are a beautiful as ever. 

     After picking me up at the airport, Cindy, the children and I went to Costco. Shopping with six children for nine people is such a fun experience. Somehow I have seemed to forget how much I love the kiddos.

     When we got home I was given a tour of the house. I was here last time I was out, but they had just moved and nothing was unpacked. As I walked into the living room there was a huge banner that said "Welcome Bree". All the children and Cindy had written sweet little notes to make me feel welcomed and loved! God knows how to use other people to make me feel loved and blessed beyond measure. This was one of those moments where I just felt a hug from God! (Sorry I don't have a photo. We took it down before I could get one). 

     As we continued the tour I got to see the girls room and the ORANGE bathroom (Yes I love it!). Then we got to the boys room. Inside was the crib, and then it was all set up for me. There were little gifts on the end table, and another welcome note. Here is how it looks....  

I am still saving this chocolate bar for a rainy day :)

Yes I really did bring all these books :) I have to spend a bit of time reading before I sleep. 

Sorry the photos are not great. The lighting is horrid for photos. :) 

     I am so thankful for a little place to call my own while I am here. It's a great place to spend time with God, and rest. I always carry photos of my family in my journal so I was able to personalize the room a bit! This is my home for a little while, and I am so thankful Hank was willing to give up his room for me. He is sleeping in a tent in the basement on a cot. It looks like fun! 

New Challenge!

     During the start of this week I was given a challenge to read through the Bible in a year. I really struggled with committing to this journey. The biggest thing holding me back was reading so much about the wrath of God. Understanding that God is loving and forgiving has been a huge struggle in my life, so to take on a commitment of reading all about His wrath was very scary. However, I think before I can really understand the loving side of God I need to truly understand his wrath. While this is looks larger then life to me its something I really need to do. 

     I am so excited to see what I have to say about this year through the Bible when I am done next September. Somehow I think my life will have changed in ways that have never crossed my mind. The excitement to grow closer to God is very very real. It seems like the hardest most stretching times in life are the times that I am closest to God! 

     Of course I told God about my fear of His wrath and learning more about it...so today when I started reading guess what...It was all about the sinfulness of Jerusalem. It was about how God had an everlasting covenant with them and they had broke it. Basically it talked about how Jerusalem was a branch that had no use. Like a piece of wood after it has been burned. While I was reading this I kept thinking about how God still makes beauty out of ashes. Even though we mess up and we can be like a branch that is no longer useful, God's grace is enough. He is still going to use me even when I have completely messed up! Praise the name of the Lord!!! It was so exciting to keep the love of God in the back of my mind even as I was reading about His disappointment! Needless to say, its going to be a very exciting, stretching year!!