In the Mud

Generally, I see myself as a humble person. But maybe, when we start assessing ourselves as "so humble," that is when we jump the fence to the land of proud. Sometimes I think the Lord puts things in our path as if to say " Are you really humble?" For it me, this happened 3 weeks ago today. I got up for the day, took a shower, even blow-dried my hair, and then put on the outfit that I had spent 5-10 minutes considering (from many other options). My Kenyan son, Albert, came over and after a long conversation, we headed out for some shopping. The trouble came when we reached one of the main roads for that area, which they were working on. I am not talking about a blacktop road that was easy to pass anyhow....this was a road of dirt...that turned into mud central from the rain. In order to improve the road, they removed some of the dirt and had huge mounds on the side which made it super tricky to pass by. My son, being 17 and very agile, passed around one of these first huge mounds of dirt with a confident, "This will be no trouble. Just follow me."

I bet you can guess where this story is heading. I, being almost 30 and certifiably clumsy, tried to pass by said mound of dirt in the same manner and PLOP!!!! in the mud I went. It was not graceful, it was not pretty,    I almost took out a child on the way down, and I found myself covered in mud on one side of my body up to my knee on my leg and elbow on my arm. As I got up from the mud, I had a decision to make in the moment: would I react with anger and yell, cry, or even curse or would I take it in stride, shrug it off, and have a good laugh? (Side note: My Kenyan son was so far ahead of me at that point that he did not even know I fell down. It took him a good minute to realize i wasn't behind him and he came rushing over to my aid). By the grace of God, though, I was able to react with laughter. I was laughing so much in fact that I kind of froze in position and could not move to go clean myself up back at my friend's house. 

Albert was struggling to know how to help me and decided he would go and get some water from a small restaurant across the road (which he sort of flew over, by the way, with out mud even touching him it seemed). As I waited for him, many passed by and said "sorry" and pitied my condition. I was able to say to them "Oh, it is no trouble. It is just a bit of mud!!" I think they were really surprised. The water boy came back and I cleaned myself up, rolled up my jeans, and continued the journey to go shopping. About every 10 minutes, one of us would break out into laughter and relive the event all over again.

I think we all need to fall in the mud sometimes. I am glad that the Lord reminded me of humility through such a circumstance. He was willing to humble himself by becoming a man and then dying on a cross. How am I being called to more humility? It is easy to be proud here if I allowed myself to be. My skin alone brings me a lot of attention and elevates my "status" so to speak. Honestly, most days I forget I'm a foreigner here but very quickly after leaving the house I'm reminded that I'm different in many eyes. But through my actions and interactions, I want to humility of Christ to shine forth more than anything else...whatever that looks like and whatever lengths I am asked to go. I want to set an example. I want to set a standard that is like Jesus' standards. 

Start with One

I meet with people from Start with One ministries the other day but this blog is not about them. However, through the name of this ministry, the Lord got my attention. One of the ministries that I am serving with is at a baby home. To be honest, when the Lord first called me here, there was a bit of confusion. "How does this fit into the bigger plan, Lord?" was my first question. As I follow Him in obedience, I see that clarity is coming. And one of His answers is "start with one." This can be a struggle for me because I want to help as many disabled children and adults as I possibly can...like superhero Alysha with Jesus power (as i have mentioned in the past i'm sure). Now you might be asking, "Well, how do you know who is the "one"? I know who is the one because there is one special little lady at this home...with a physical disability...who is not a baby anymore...who is still here because of the lack of special needs/disability programs in the country. Meet Lizzy Lou.

Lizzy is a 6 year old girl with Cerebral Palsy. She was one of the first babies to enter Haven of Hope back in 2009. She has been a joy to the home ever since. She has received different therapies while at HOH and has made significant progress. She is loved well here by the aunties, visitors and by the babies in the home. Unfortunately, for Lizzy, she has seen many babies come and go from Haven of Hope while she remains. 

One of my duties during the week is to work one-on-one with Lizzy and then arranging for the staff to work with her doing special learning times and therapy times on the days I am volunteering at the school. Also, i will assist in making God-directed decisions of what Lizzy future looks like and how we can best help this amazing little girl. 

I have known Lizzy from the very beginning of the home. For years now, the Lord has put her on my heart and I've even felt led to give to her specifically over the past few years. Now, the Lord has brought me here to "start with one"....one that I've already had a connection with and a love for. I know I've only been here a few days but we are already the best of friends. I know the Lord will do much through this relationship. I don't know what the Lord has planned for Lizzy in the future but I have a feeling it will be HUGE. 

The Lord challenged me to start with one and challenge you to do the same. Often we bite off more than we can chew and end up giving up. But one intentional relationship...led by the Spirit...can make more difference than we can see with our own eyes. 

And if you remember, Pray for Lizzy! This is a time of hope for Lizzy...whether that means that she is adopted by a "forever family" or if that means that she finds another children's home where she live and grow and flourish!!

Awake

This is a blog post from my first night in Kenya, about 4 hours after I actually fell sleep. It is not a blog post that will be full of pictures and detailed stories, but a look at what was on my heart the night I arrived. Those picture-full posts will come but in the meantime, I hope this post somehow encourages you.

1/24/13
Oh, I am awake. One of the joys of jet lag. Yes, I want to be sleeping because that seems more pleasant to me in the moment but no...I am AWAKE. I think if i remain in my bed with my eyes closed that I won't have to truly wake up. My thoughts circle in my head and even though i am halfway between wakefulness and slumber, I know I must take these thoughts captive. So I pray and my soul eases a bit. I know I am to turn on the light and be in His Word. But...ahhhh...no...I am still so tired. However, I obey this nudge. The scriptures my heart is drawn to have a theme: AWAKE (or in modern day English: WAKE UP!!!!)

As soon as I think about it, my soul has been sleepy lately and not attuned to the voice of my Father (as it should be). I've been walking around with a groggy heart and it has been taking its toll. Instead of meeting each new day (and this new journey for that matter) with joy and anticipation, I have been downhearted and skeptical. Do I want to remain there? NO MORE!!

Lord, wake me up from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Stir my heart and clothe me with joy. Give me the same attitude that you have and make my heart strong. If I rest Lord, may I find rest in You and getting away with You. Even when my physical body sleeps, I pray that it continues to be in touch with you. Lord, I am AWAKE! Help me rise up and greet the new day and be ready for all that you have in store.

The plan is revealed!

So, it has been a while since I blogged so I want to give you a very thorough update. If you look back, in May, I was really concerned about my ability to stay in Kenya once I got there. The Lord revealed to me that He would take care of the details of the visa and that I could not let that hold me back from going. The Lord is bigger than any visa problem and if He told me to go there, He would make it so I could stay there.

I went to serve at Camp Hope again this summer; this time as Head Female Counselor. I was extremely blessed working with a tremendous staff and being able to spend 2 1/2 months working non-stop within my passion of ministering to those with special needs and disabilities. If you want to learn more about Camp Hope you can visit www.cbfny.org. Although, it has been different not going to Kenya the past two summers, I would change my experience for the world. My life has been touched by those at Camp Hope, both staff and campers.

It was during camp this summer that I was asked to consider going to Guatemala for a visit. My organization, CTEN, has a number of missionaries there doing disability ministry. I reluctantly agreed because I felt the Lord was saying that I needed to go. I was reluctant because I was unfamiliar with Guatemala and I feared that if I went for two weeks, the Lord would tell me to go for longer. When I arrived, however, my fear subsided. I was able to visit so many wonderful ministries (a school for special needs, a large home for people with disabilities, village outreach, wheel chair distribution) and missionaries. The most important thing I learned from going to Guatemala was this: my passion for the special needs and disabled population is so great and strong that it does not matter which country I am in. The Lord gave me a great love for the Guatemalans I met and spent time along side. I believe that the Lord wanted me to go to show me that I can serve Him within my calling anywhere. This way, if He does call me to another country at some point, I can move forward without hesitation.

 

 



The Lord spoke to my heart and told me that He would make it clear to me where I was to go. After returning from Guatemala, I still did not see an open door for ministry in Kenya. This was a point where I needed to surrender all preconceived plans and hopes and say "Lord, where am I to go?" Honestly, I thought it was going to be Guatemala. But one night as I was driving to church, singing obnoxiously to a song from a musical, I felt like the Lord said "This is my plan, walk in it." In the next few moments, He revealed a plan that I did not even consider (which was confirmation it was from Him).

So, God willing in January, I will serve with two established ministries for a period of time. The one ministry is called His Cherished Ones and they run a baby home called Haven of Hope (a women's ministry and a ministry to teenage boys as well). This home was started and is directed by an American missionary. The purpose of serving here is to be mentored by the missionary as to how to direct and maintain a ministry but also to love on and care for the babies there. Haven of Hope has several babies with special needs as well, so I will be able to give them even more one on one attention and help than they are already getting from the wonderful staff. To learn more about this ministry, you can visit www.hischerishedones.org.

The second ministry is a Kenyan Government school and a boarding home for the mentally and physically challenged. The school is called Gilgil Special School and they have about 80 students ranging from age 6-30+. The boarding home is run by an organization called Kivuli Trust and they house and care for about 35 students when school is in session. I have visited this school before and I feel in love almost immediately. I am excited to share my gifts and abilities with them....the gifts and abilities the Lord has given me since He woke up this passion within me. I was so touched by the staff's love for the students, in a country where the stigma against those with disabilities is so strong. I am excited to come along side them and assist in all aspects of their school and home life.

I have also been communicating with another ministry and we will see what the Lord tells me in regards to my service with them. The plan is to serve with established ministries for at least two years and then, if the Lord allows, start my own ministry in Kenya or where ever the Lord leads.

I have been so blessed my missions organization, Commission to Every Nation. There is no doubt the hand of the Lord has been upon everything that happened this years. This year has had its share of struggles but I believe that, in part, Satan is super scared of what God is doing and so he is bringing on the attack. But if God is for me, than who can be against me?

I finished my job at the preschool :( so the next 1 1/2 -2 months will be used to prepare and continue to support raising. I know my Jehovah Jireh will provide for all my needs accordingly to His riches in glory.

If you would like to, you can visit www.cten.org and swing by www.cten.org/alyshaoswald.

Many blessings to you all!!

Close to Kenya, but can I stay?

Almost 6 months into the year and 6 more to go. My sights are set on the mission field with a perspective leave date of January 2013. Of course, all is not going to go smoothly along the way; I know this. Right now the struggle I face is acquiring a visa that allows me to stay in the country longer than 6 months. If i only get a tourist visa when I arrive in country, then at the end of six months I will need to leave the country and return. I know many missionaries face these issues in the countries they serve in. It is no easy task sometimes and often not a cheap task. I ask you all to pray for me as I am gathering information and moving forward. Pray for revelation about the Lord's leading and about where and how long I am to serve at a given ministry as well. Thanks :) 

(If you are a missionary in Kenya reading this blog and have any suggestions, I welcome your input! God Bless!!)

Commission to Every Nation

We are commissioned to preach the Gospel here and around the world. We are to spread the love of Jesus world-wide! Everyone's purpose is to love God and love others...this is very apparent in God's word. However, He assigns as different tasks as we walk through this life that enable us to reach others with Truth. Two tasks that I feel that were specifically assigned to me from Him are to be a missionary and to work with special needs/disabled people. About 3 1/2 years ago, when the Lord confirmed these two areas of focus, He also told me that He would provide me with an organization that would help me to be a full-time missionary. The waiting was becoming hard and I had seasons of doubt. But lo and behold, the Lord again showed me that He is faithful and keeps His promises. The things He speaks to are hearts, He will make come to pass.

I happened to find Commission to Every Nation (CTEN) on the internet one afternoon as I was doing a search. It seemed at the time an accidental find, but it would turn out to be a gem..a treasure from the Lord. I e-mailed them and then spent time on the phone with the director of pastoral. I liked what I heard but I wanted to find out more. So, I e-mailed about 15 CTEN missionaries and heard very positive feedback about the organization. Also, at the same time, I had a couple close friends and my pastor check out the organization to see if they saw any red flags. It seemed to me, after all this, that this was the promised organization so I took the next step of faith, I applied.

I sent in my application and two weeks later I heard I was approved. Two more weeks later I attended an orientation in Texas with CTEN and I was so pleased with all the staff there and with the orientation in general. I had moments where I was like "Is this for real?" and "I can't believe this is happening." It was all coming together and it was totally by the Lord's hand.

The organization asks that I serve with an established ministry in the country I am going to first. I am prayerfully considering my options and know that the Lord will give me a peace about what special needs/disabilities ministry I am to serve with. Join me in praying for clarity as I move forward.

So The SKY Mission will come under Commission to Every Nation and will accomplish the calling I have received. CTEN's motto is "Helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary." This is a true representation on how I feel: I am (and we are) ordinary but with Christ in me (in us), I (we) can accomplish extraordinary things. And to Him be the glory and honor forever!

Obedience

What are some reasons we obey:

1. Out of fear or to avoid negative consequences of not obeying.
2. Social obligation. For example: He is a cop so i need to listen to what he says.
3. To get some reward or compensation for following the rules.
4. Out of love and respect for the person who is making the rules and setting the guidelines.

I would say these are the 4 big reasons we are obedient. I would say often you and I jump back and forth between the first 3 listed more often than we successfully achieve #4. In fact, the reason I am writing this blog tonight is because my realization of how I lately, in one area of my life in particular, have been obedient to God and looking for the reward instead of being obedient out of a complete and genuine love and respect for my Lord. When I say things like "Jesus, I've followed your calling and I know it would be a lonely calling but if you would just now provide for me a husband, that would be grand", which reason do you think I am obeying for?? Another way to say it would be " Lord, I've done this for you...now do what I want." Ouch...here I am in my head and heart trying to boss the maker of the Universe around.

And the thing of it is: Jesus tells us that there will be negative consequences for our disobedience out of love and respect for us. Jesus is not obligated to give us anything or do anything for us, but He does out of love and respect for us. Jesus blesses us for our obedience because of His great love and respect for us. So essentially i am serving someone who will love and respect more than any other man ever will. He ALWAYS operates for that place of love and all He does he does out of unconditional love. He has no ulterior motives, no angles He is playing, no scheme He is working out...He is pure and genuine through and through.

Lord, help me to do everything for you out of love and respect. I repent for the times where I have been obedient to you because I am Your follower but then I allowed my heart full of wants to twist the truth up and then look for my reward. I repent for feeling You were obligated to do for me because I had done something for you. Lord, make me genuine in my thoughts and acts and reasons for serving. I really do only want your will for my life and I trust in Your perfect timing in all areas of my life. Allow me to stay focused and BELIEVE!