What's wrong with Community Service??

When I returned from Mexico, I had a burning in my heart to get my youth group kids involved in some sort of service. I had just served people hungry for the truth and had hopefully reached lives and hearts forever. In part of my quest to share the excitement of my trip I showed the kids my pictures and a short video that I had made. After talking to the kids about how God stretches us beyond what we are usually capable, but are capable because we have His unending love and support, the kids asked how they can makes a difference. We talked about doing things around their house for their parents and neighbors, but they desired more, they want to do community service. So the kids came up with a list of things they would like to see our youth group do to help the community so they could share the love of Christ with others.
I gave the list to the youth pastor hoping he would be excited to see 4th and 5th graders desiring such service, yet when I handed it to him I got much less. It has taken a lot to even get the youth pastor to agree to some sort of service. So after weeks of asking he finally agreed to have me submit ideas that he would take to get approved. After a couple more weeks of waiting, I got response on Thursday, and I wasn't happy.
It honestly takes alot to make me frustrated and mad, but he was able to accomplish it in one swoop. The senior pastor wants the kids to first serve the church...yes that is right the church. Now remembering that these kids are only in 4th and 5th grade, that seems a little bogus. One of my ideas that came from one of the kids ideas to help sick kids, was to make pillowcases for the sick kids at CHOP. Serving the church is a good idea, but these kids have grown up in the church and have helped alot in the church, is it too much to ask for the kids to serve God in the community?? How about to put a smile on a sick kids face and give them a glimmer of hope when they feel all hope is gone? Isn't that what true serving is all about?
Please pray for me as I am going through this frustrating situation, I just want to teach these kids to be difference makers and make a change in the world. But they can't do that if all they can do is serve their own church and only the church.

Scrapbooks and Videos...

So lately I have been working on finishing up the Thank You DVD's I made for the people who generously supported my trip to Mexico. It has been long process, but they should be done soon. I pretty much just have to make the DVD labels, and finish burning some more copies. I can't wait to give them to everyone!
I started my Mexico scrapbook this evening. Kacie and I started at the same time, and yet she is more done then I. Must be her young age... I am excited at how this is turning out, it is going to be a great tool for witnessing and sharing my experiences on this trip...although there might be some things that ppl just aren't going to understand. Oh well...

I haven't blogged in quite a long time...I just haven't felt led to share anything. anyway, last weekend I went to revelation generation. A christian music festival in frenchtown, NJ...it was quite amazing. I was excited when i got to meet bethany dillon, and was able to share with her how i used one of her songs in my video. She also encouraged KC to do missions work, which i know made KC's day. There were alot of good bands, and I even got to hear some that I never really heard before. Shawn McDonald is very talented...you should check him out. It was great weather and there were tons of people. I even found out that people from college were there, but I didn't get to see them. KC-remember when I said I thought I saw a friend from college on the big screen...well, it was her!!

Anyway, I am excited to start saving for Mexico...I can't wait til I can go back and see the fruits of my labor, and see all the kids whose lives we touched.

Broken Hearted...

So it has been a week since I last posted. So much has happened in that week, and I am going to use this as an outlet to convey how I am feeling about the happenings that have unfolded. When I last journaled everything was great...but on that same day 8/13 I lost a friend. I was completely unaware of the happenings that were taking place at the moment I was making that entry. On 8/13 in Cancun, Mexico the life of my friend Tara Riedley had ended, she died peacefully in her sleep to an apparent heart attack, she was 30 years old. She was vacationing with her beloved family and didn't wake up that fateful morning. Her mom went in to her room and was talking to her, but she was not responding, her mom thought that she was still sleeping. Then she tried to wake her and shook her, and realized that her precious only daughter was gone. Of course the Mexican authorities were hard to communicate with, and they had to determine there was no foul play, which obviously there wasn't. Needless to say they returned home, and their daughter came home too just not the way they or I or the countless people who loved her would have wanted. I have known Tara since elementary school, and played softball with her for at least two years, and then remained friends in high school. Tara had an infectious smile, when she smiled you couldn't help but recriprocating the smile back. She could light up a room... I haven't seen Tara in years, but I am sure that if I passed her on the street we would smile and hug just like time had never passed. That seems to be the way it is with us New Hope Grads...you just pick up where you left off years ago.
So yesterday was the viewing, and there were many people who came to say farewell to Tara and pay their respects to her parents and her brother. Many people from our high school were there...you need to understand that we went to one of the smallest high schools in Bucks County, so we were all like family...even if you were in a grade above or below. As I entered the funeral home and entered the room where Tara's body lay, tears filled my eyes. My thoughts were I shouldn't be her saying goodbye to her or giving her parents and brother unending love and support...but then I realized that ultimately God obviously needed Tara in heaven for something much greater than here on Earth. I hugged her mom, and her mom cried, she couldn't believe I was there, and honestly I wouldn't have been anywhere else... Her mom told me that it was an honor to have me there, more tears ensued...then her dad...more tears...more hugs...no words.
Today was the funeral, and it was more tears as you can imagine. The service was beautiful, very honoring of a life so very well lived. Two of her friends spoke, and shared many stories that made us laugh, but there were also stories that made us cry. Then her brother spoke, then her dad. He was grateful to all of us for being there, (apparently Tara's mom and dad were worried ppl wouldn't show up, but show up we did...) and then shared some things about Tara that we may not have known. then the service ended and we made our way to our cars for the drive to the cemetary. We arrived at the cemetary and filed to the graveside. We followed Tara's casket and settled in around her final earthly resting place. Then a poem was read and butterflies released, it was beautiful yet heartbreaking...
I was able to spend a few minutes talking with Tara's mom back at their residence and we talked about life, we remembered funny things about Tara. Tara's dad laughed when we talked about softball, and all the fun that we had doing it. Somehow life will go on for the Riedley's, they will be sustained by all the people that Tara's life touched. There will always be that thought in my head that I wish I had stayed in better contact with Tara. She was a special person, loved by many and missed by many.
Tara,
Thanks for always making softball so much fun, I am so glad that God allowed us to share that time together. Your smile will always be remembered along with your kind, gentle spirit. I will look for you when I get to Heaven so we can have a catch just like we used to always do, although I am sure that I won't have to look far, I will be looking for that smile. You are missed and so well loved. Thank you for showing us how to live life so well and living life to the fullest. I love ya!

STRAY DOG!!

So I entered a classroom yesterday and one of the boys was looking at a book. So as he was reading I was sitting across from him writing my daily letter for the parents. All of a sudden I hear him say "stray dog"...I immediately stopped what I was doing, and looked at him and said "
did you just say stray dog??" He was like yeah Miss April, see "stray dog"...there on the page were the words I couldn't believe I had heard. I started laughing so hard that it looked like I was crying...and no one else got it. Where is team dirty mattress when I need them?? oh the memories...
Kacie texted me last week and said she saw a dirty mattress on the side of the road... it is amazing what will make you remember some amazing times...

I MISS YOU TEAM DIRTY MATTRESS!!!

What God has taught me since I have been home!

So it has been a week since I left Mexico. I will be the first to admit that this week was tough. I missed the team and the kids very much, and would find myself looking at the clock thinking about what I did the week prior at that particular time. I also spoke alot of spanish...I would be talking and would just blurt out something in Spanish. The kids at work thought it was funny, but it made me just want to be there more.
Mexico has definitely left an impression on my heart. God has been speaking to me alot lately. Last Sunday in church I had to stand and share a little about my trip. As soon as I stood up and began talking, I began to cry. Those of you who know me, know that I am NOT a cryer...at least in front of people. Yet there I was tearing up and not being able to talk...but God gave me the strength to speak and share what He wanted to be shared. I don't even remember exactly what I said, so I am buying the tape of the service so I can hear what words God put into my mouth.
After church I had many people tell me how well spoken I was...all I could say was that God gave me the words...because for me there are no words for me to describe the trip...and the pictures just don't do it justice. I have posted the pictures from my trip onto my myspace page along with a video I have made. The video is a big thing for me, I created it as a Thank-You to all the people who have supported me financially. It is my way of showing them the work I did so they can see the money they invested went a long way. I put alot into the video, I think I changed it 6 times... and have finally figured out the right layout for it. I stayed up late Sunday night to create it...I think I only got maybe 2 hours of sleep, then jumped up to go to VBS at my church in the AM. So worth it...
I returned to work on Tuesday to the cheers of the kids in my class... As I walked into the classroom to go to the kindergarten room to see a certain little monkey I got mobbed at the door. They were so excited to see me, which helped make me feel a little better. But then they started chanting my name, and that brought back a ton of memories from Mexico. It was good though, it showed me that I have made a difference in their lives. Everyone had a lot of questions about my trip and I answered them as best as I could without mentioning the name of Jesus or God. Which was hard because that was the purpose of the trip.
God has showed me that I have a heart for missions. I have decided to begin looking for a job in a school district so that I can have summers off. Why you may be asking...not because I don't love my current job, but so that I can spend my summers doing missions work. I want to spend more time devoting myself to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. God has opened my heart to the brokenness of the world, and I can't just sit back and let the passion in my heart slip away.
So please pray for me as I search for a job in a school district that will allow me to do more for Christ. I am totally stepping out in faith and praying that God will guide me in this decision.

Day 7- Saturday Aug 2

"Final Day- Departure"
So this morning was a little surreal. It doesn't seem possible that I am on this plane right now heading back home. I would love to still be with the gang from Miami and the crazy yet very loveable group from Global Infusion. It's amazing how difficult it was to say goodbye to everyone- yet we will see each other again one day.
Just a recap on the day so far-
woke up had a yummy breakfast (chocolate chip pancakes!! thanks Hannah and Jonathon).
Then we took a final team picture. The morning was going smooth but there was a little bump in the road (before we even got in the vans)...apparently the key to the trailer was lost at some point during the week so Jonathon and Matt had to use a powersaw to take it off. It was quite a sight... We left after loading the trailer and vans up. Larry was now our driver-and he made quite an exit that wasn't quite so smooth...but it was awesome!!! Water splashed everywhere!! We had one last dirty mattress chant together. The morning didn't seem like it should be happening-but it was-and we made it through. We arrived at the airport with no glitches-well almost. The red van overheated...almost, but Jonathon saved the day. The line was long to cross the border- but that was good cause it gave Adrian time to come up and chill alongside the van... We eventually got across the border with no problems. As we crossed we prayed for the white van who had to be pulled over cause they had the trailer and it needed to be inspected. As soon as we got done praying and said "amen", Liz got the call that they made it through with no problems! God is sooo good! Larry had everyone where his hat and take a silly picture-what a crazy and fun way to end this trip!
The goodbyes at the airport were tough-we grew so close to everyone and they have deeply impacted my life. I know when I see little reminders I will laugh and reflect on this trip and remember all the people who came together to serve our God in a mighty and powerful way.
As we were in line for security checks I could have sworn I heard the GI team singing "na na na na na na hey hey hey goodbye..." So appropriate...
We sat at the gate and soon I realized that our departure time had come and gone, so I went up to investigate-apparently the place was having smoke in the cabin from the A/C system, so the flight was canceled. I promptly began talking with an agent who made sure we would make our connecting flight to Philly... and I was clear that I wanted our luggage to arrive there with us. (it did) While standing near the gate Kacie, Liza and I kept hoping that by chance the GI staffers would start walking down the hallway. We joked that we'd probably start jumping up and down to tackle them in the hallway. We got bummed when the airline announced that anyone making changed due to the canceled flight would need to go down to the ticket counter to make alternate arrangements, but we already had tickets... It meant that we would have been able to see them once more-but God had everything in Control.
Although our trip has ended the memories will never ever go away. I was so blessed to be with such an amazing group of people- I can't wait to start planning my next Global Infusion trip.

If I could describe the Global Infusion staff with a phrase or word it would be:
Larry: crazy, heart on fire for God, loving man..
Liz: dedicated to His service, amazing woman of God, trusting, encouraging and supporting
Summer: Funny, motivational-kept me going when I wanted to give up
Felipe: Serious yet joyful man of God, dedicated to serving God throughout the world
Danielle: serving God with all her heart and havingfun doing it

GI Staff, if you happen to read this-
Thank you so much for being dedicated to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout all the world. God is going to bless each and everyone of you. Thank you for showing me how to serve His people and having fun while doing it. You are all an amazing group of people and I hope I can join you on another GI trip soon
You guys are the best!! WE LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!!

Day 6- Fri Aug 1st "Picture This"

As I write this I am sitting atop a mountain sitting next to a cross high above the city of Juarez. the view is absolutely amazing and breath-taking. Yet beneath all the beauty that I can see, throughout this week I have witnessed a broken city, a broken God, and broken people. I can't help but think that when God sees His people that His heart just breaks for those people-His children. We are all God's people- it doesn't matter what we look like, where we come from because in God's eyes we are beautiful simply because He loved us so much to send His son to die for us. This group of people that are around me right now have learned to live together and serve God together and that's what it is all about-stepping outside of your comfort zone to serve the people- God's people. They are just like you and me yet they struggle to make a way in this world, yet we have everything we need and more. I have learned this week how to live on basics. I don't need all the extra stuff- that's just extra blessings from God. Yet thinking about the people of this amazing city. I have so much respect for them because they have nothing yet they have everything. I have been so blessed to be able to come here and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If I have touched one life then I have made all the difference. This has been an experience I will never forget, as I leave this place tomorrow I am leaving a piece of my heart, and Juarez has left an impression on my heart- and I will always remember to lvie the basics of life. I encourage you to do the same---


We truly are a CHOSEN people- we were put in this city for a reason and we accomplished what we set out to do.


I have never put so much effort into anything in my life- I am glad that I put 100% in everything I have done this week.

SI SE PUEDE!!

Yes, you can do it!

As you face challenges in life always give your best for God because He gave us His best in the form of His son who died for us on the cross!!! and besides "you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength."

**the rest of this post was written later in the afternoon after the mountain hike**

After visiting and climbing the mountain to view this amazing city we went to the indoor market. It was a little marketplace where you can barter for merchandise. It was quite an experience, the people had beautiful merchandise and I spent quite a bit of money but got beautiful things. We had lunch at a place that the GI team is very familiar with-and it was delicious food. Then after the market we returned to the "Las Tapias", we had a final debriefing and then had to clean and pack to get ready to leave tomorrow. Tonight was a night of last. Last time to see the kids at Centro Victoria, last night at Las Tapias. It is bittersweet. I don't really want to leave, I don't feel like my work is done yet it is. I definitely see myself returning next year and making a huge difference!