Re-evaluating the "talk"

This week has been a challenge, but the startup of Circles has brought a lot of..... hope.

I was out of town for work (for TWO weeks). The traveling for work lifestyle drains me quickly and offers little resource for being refilled, being loved, being encouraged... I was by myself working with two individuals who are older than myself, married, and can hold the title "boss." I felt alone, kinda abandoned. And I do not handle alone, isolation, being by myself very well. I actually am quite horrible at being alone. I was in Fresno, worked 8-5 and then was alone the rest of the evening. Where is the purpose when you aren't in relationship?!

So, to say the least, I was DRAINED when I made the drive back to the O.C.

I was given Friday OFF from work.... which rarely ever happens at my firm, but PRAISE the LORD, because I needed it. I was able to get things done around my apartment, sleep, and not have to be sitting in an office all day staring out a window into construction and fog. AND I was able to go to lunch at RH. So good, there were just three of us, but I was able to be myself, eat food, and laugh as stories were shared and glimpses of out lives were discussed. I didn't feel any sort or pressure, any expectations on me; I was just able to be there and enjoy it. This doesn't happen often; isn't that crazy? I constantly feel surrounded by expectations and people thinking I should act a certain way. Maybe its all in my head, but its how I feel.

Anyways, lunch was great. Loved it.
Saturday's meeting was great as well. Group discussion on listening & speaking, hollar. Identifying the noise and why I allow it to take away from conversations is something that I need to re-evaluate frequently. Learning to seek silence... ahhhh, I don't want to right now... but I need to!

All this to say... Circles, everyone's blogs, lunches together, meetings & discussing Jesus on Saturdays + everything else = brings Corinne HOPE :)

Okay, so I apologize for the mess that I have written.... it probably doesn't make any logical sense.

CIRCLES, An introduction:

Hi, I'm Corinne. I was born March 1st to Mr & Mrs Robert (Bob) & Holly. I am the firstborn of four. Curtis: 20, Courtney: 16, Connor: 15. I was raised going to church and attending a private Christian school not to far from home. I moved down to the Southern California area to transfer to Azusa Pacific University (APU), quite possibly the best college ever. Just this last May I graduated with a degree in Accounting. Just a few weeks after graduation I led a mission’s trip to Nepal (which you can read about below if you’re interested) and two weeks after arriving back in the States I started my position as an accountant at a firm in Irvine. I am still employed there and they keep me very busy. I audit local and regional governments, federal clients, not-for-profits, and entities along those lines. This year I have set before me the goal of passing all four parts of the CPA exam. Should be a great challenge, but so worth it when I’m done.

Before I heard about Circles I was on the search for a mentor and only dead ends were to be found.  I was also interested in joining a small group, but this didn’t exactly work out either. Transitioning from APU to life in the corporate world has been really difficult and I yearn for a close-knit community of authentic people who love on each other, seek God together, and are working to build His Kingdom. Basically, I want everything that Circles is defined as. Iron sharpening iron, new amazing truths of the Lord revealed through one another. I cannot begin to share how excited I am.

What I want more than anything: 

To hear the Lord say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” 

I think you can tell a lot about a person by the people they surround themselves with. So here is a short introduction to a few of my favorites:
 

These are my lovely roommates. We enjoy our trips to Disneyland. Miss Dani is on the far left, then Ashley  (the birthday girl in this picture), myself, and Alex. They graduated from APU with me and are constant joys in my life.

 This is my baby sister whom I mentioned above, Miss Courtney Brooke. She is simply amazing and totally gorgeous. I want her to move down to So Cal and live with me, but shes only 16, so that might still be a while. I hope that she comes and visits soon & I can bring her to Rock Harbor.

P.S. I really really like flowers: 

Reflecting through the tears

My roommates have left to go out dancing. I have cleaned the kitchen and sit with a glass of water as my company. What to do in the silence? What to do now that life has gone through so many changes this past year. I would have given most anything to have a few solid moments of silence to myself with nothing to think of and nothing to do and nothing to think about doing just a few months ago, but now its weird. I don’t know if to enjoy it or wish there was someone by my side. Perhaps I should seek God’s company and appreciate these moments because soon they may be impossible to come by. So I choose to be thankful instead of embarrassed at having little to do. I have accomplished much and should be at peace in this silence.

He never lets go, you know? He is always there. Its all about acknowledgment. Thank you God that tomorrow is Sunday.

Transitioning from college to big girl life has been really hard and I haven’t paid attention to how difficult it has been. I haven’t reflected, I have ignored, I have simply told myself that this is the next step and every step in better than the last, but I miss college. I miss being needed. I miss being surrounded by people who love God and love me and tell me so constantly. I miss being appreciated by so many. I miss being encouraged continuously. I miss being a great catalyst of God’s love. I miss  having so much purpose in every day and just titling it as my life. When I say I miss these things its not that I am not getting these different needs, but it once came from like 50+ people & now those surrounding me has significantly been reduced. Its not that those 50+ individuals have walked out on me, its just life & distance.

We don’t have to constantly be going. But, I have been conditioned to think otherwise. Ahhhh, NO GOOD. It okay to sit & take in the view.

O, hey Pandora in the background: “It happens in a blink it happens in a flash it happens in the time it took to look back. I try to hold on tight but there’s not stopping now. What is it I have done with my life?”

I just want HIM to be proud of me & I feel that I am not living up to this greatness.

But, who am I & where am I headed? I pray these tears dry & no more mascara streaks will make their way down my cheeks for a very long time. 

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. May love be poured out on you today. 

A Heart of Thanksgiving

We have made it to Singapore. Debrief has been wonderful so far. I have enjoyed every moment. Tomorrow should be filled with more love, peace, pleasure, and memories to last forever. Then we fly home the following morning. I think I have a lot of processing to do still. Your prayers are a blessing.

Thank you for reading. I pray that the Lord bestows upon you love, mercy, wisdom, and a thankful heart.

p.s. James of the New Testament is a great book to read if you are in need :)

Pictures

...is this what you want?
Here are a few: http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab343/Team_Nepal_2010/


Hope you enjoy :)

Teach Me Mercy

And here it is, the last day of June 2010.
(The date may say the 29th, U.S. vs. Nepal time zones = big difference)

Just two more night at our Ganesh Himal hotel. Emotions are running a bit high, exhaustion is becoming overwhelming, and time is quickly vanishing. The last few days have been filled with the same ministries we have been involved with since our return from Pokhara, but just a little bit more packed... did I say a little bit? I meant jam packed. Everyone wants to do everything, we still have many tasks to complete (finished the translating yesterday!), and I am here writing this blog to you. Its a necessary outlet, right? :)

As I have mentioned previously, many of my team members believe they will return to Nepal. I'm excited to see how that all lays out, but only time will reveal those events. Many conversations have to do with the love we have discovered for the people we are both serving and serving alongside. An abundance of tears is sure to come in the next few weeks as their hearts will break from being separated from their passions and from one another. And where does that place me as a leader? A rather difficult situation. I am relieved that they will be a phone call away, some a half hour drive, but I will still be responsible for them to an extent. They are now my babies, I am already having separation anxiety, and I don't want them to walk any lonely roads by themselves. God give me wisdom, love, strength, the right words to say, or silent understanding.

It is raining lightly. Perhaps Kathmandu is sad to see us go. I just can't stop wondering who will return, when, for how long, and what they will be doing. Guess praying is all I can do for now.

My thoughts, oddly, have been all about doing a YWAM DTS (Youth With a Mission Discipleship Training School). Two days ago I was growing frustrated with the fact that I hadn't taken time out earlier, while after high school or during college to do a DTS. Fortunately, the Lord quickly calmed me saying that I was exactly where I was suppose to be and had walked the correct path placed before me. But, why has this desire sprung up in me so quickly and now. In times past, I thought that it would be cool to do.. one day... I even put it on a time line of my life in a Consumer Behavior course I took last summer at APU. But now, I'm done with college, I'm starting a real-life job in just a few weeks. When in the world will I have the chance to take 6 months + off to do a DTS?! I don't know. I do not know. I have no idea. But, why has this been placed inside me with a this silly giddy hope? Any ideas? Please!

Another rant for your entertainment, joy :)

Today will consist of many different things. But, tonight! We are having a party at Shushmas (one of our wonderful translators) and she is making us Dal Bot (I haven't a clue what I am going to do without it in the states, I crave it always, and have it typically every other day) and lots of wonderful people are coming. It should be a delight.

Thanks for your interest and your prayers.
I hope you understand that they truly do change the world.

All my love,
Corinne

p.s. Title 'Teach Me Mercy' has to do with recent scripture readings. I love the book of James. I read 1st Peter and many others as well & a theme that I have been stuck on is mercy. We will be given mercy to the extent that we have given it to others. I cannot recall a personal example as to how I have shown mercy. I do not think I understand what exactly it is. The clique answer = not getting something that you rightly deserve. But, how does this play out in day-to-day living? How can I act in such a way? Part of my asks God to give me opportunities, but then does that somehow translate into: "Have someone wrong me so that I can practice mercy." Why in the world would I make such a request?
I don't know once again. And now I will laugh at my ignorance. O, Lord I teach me wisdom and the opportunity to learn the true meaning of mercy. (other then clearly the mercy He has given each of us through His death & resurrection & therefore, salvation & eternity with Him forever!)

K, k, truly I am done!

He is Truth

Morning = early

Pashtupati = cutting fingernails & toenails of all the elderly. I wasn’t expecting it, would I have been notified ahead of time I would have been weary. Don’t want to hurt them, want to make sure everything is smooth so it doesn’t cause a cut, many have missing limbs, most are incredibly senile and yelling all the time. Prior to the challenge I would have thought I would be a bit terrified, but I loved it. I want to go back every day & trim their nails. Many would kiss my hands & bow. They treated me like the Messiah. It was incredible to catch a glimpse of what Jesus may have felt during times in His ministry.

Maiti Nepal = incredibly quick. Learned some, but not much more then their news clips, articles, website, films, etc. have already explained to us. They didn’t want us to take up too much of their time, but were hospitable enough to share with us a presentation and answer a short Q&A time. It was just a little off. I don’t mean to accuse them of anything. They shouldn’t have anything to hide when their intentions and actions are good.

Street Kids = My team has fallen in love with these boys. Boys addicted to the streets. Boys that know how to play on emotion, morph into what they know will make you melt, they lie, cheat, steal, anything to get what they need or want. They know the part to play. Boys that have the opportunity to change it all, but refuse due to addiction. My team has fallen for them. It could be dangerous it could be what Jesus would do.

Dance Bar = 5 of my babies are out their right now doing their thing. I am praying for them, the girls they are ministering to, and the men would are simply looking for a good time, but desperately needing Jesus. 

And He is Love

I pulled up an online radio station a few days ago while working on translating. The last time I heard the song that came on was when my Christian Missions in the 21^st Century class (changed my life) visited the Dream Center in LA and went to Church of Angeles (or something like that). Concert status, but I cannot believe that was the song that came up. “Everybody dance, everybody move, we can make a change from New York to LA LA LA LA.” Repeat it! “We all need love, a different kind of love, one that only comes from above.”

Anyways, that may have been an odd rant, BUT I LOVE IT.

It is Friday morning before breakfast – I continue to wake up between 6-7am. I enjoy it; alone time is a necessity for me.

Life has been good. I am feeling much better, probably about 80% currently, but without difficult pains and the constant need to be asleep in bed. J The team continues to be little busy bees out here changing the world for Jesus. They are unbelievable, never ceasing, but persistently giving forth their all to accomplish much for the kingdom. They are impacting lives every day. It is difficult for me to watch them doubt themselves, their usefulness, or their ability to move mountains and shake up this country a bit.

One of the greatest truths that God has taught me on this trip is His ability to use me here and now, in the moment. Everyone always asks, “Are you ready?” when faced with something new. The world always tells me, “No, you should have done so much more to prepare, prayed more, read your Bible more, you are never quite there, you will never be completely ready for this moment.” But, these are straight up words from hell. There is a reason for everything under the sun and I am good enough. I am ready for the plans set before me today, for the opportunities and challenges that arise. If I weren’t then God wouldn’t give them to me. I don’t need to be more than what I am. I am designed for these moments; that is why I am here in my shoes. Praise the Lord O, My soul. Praise the Lord.

Another observation: the need for business minds in ministry. The majority of organizations we visit are desperate for someone to organize their business: create inventory systems, accounting spreadsheets, design websites, create marketing plans, eye-catching advertisements, drafting grants, and everything else that we learn in our business classes. Though I would say when it comes to accounting I am an average new college graduate, the basic knowledge and skills that I have can help these organizations (who are saving women from sex-trafficking, keeping kids from living on the streets, providing jobs for the down & out) become more efficient and effective, increasing their ministry opportunities.

Today we are going to Pashtupati, where the sisters are for sure going to drain every ounce of energy from each one of us. We will have enough time to shower & eat before heading to Maiti Nepal (the largest organization that is saving girls in Nepal). They are outstanding & the news clips we have seen about them & from them are remarkable. I believe we are going to a dance bar tonight. It is going to ultimately be a very long day.

Tomorrow we are going to church (hours & hours of church, but o so good). In the afternoon we are putting on a sports camp for the children from all of the homes we have been visiting. The evening is to consist of visits to children’s homes & a sleep over with some girls from the dance bars we have been ministering at.

We fly to Singapore a week from today. Just 10 more nights out of the country & then I will be asleep in my own bed. So nuts.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

God is Good & God is Faithful

I have come to find that the only time I have to blog is when I am ill. Prayers for my health are very much appreciated J

Today is Saturday, 19^th of June. I am sitting in the garden at Hotel Ganesh Himal in Kathmandu. The rest of my team is somewhere between church, lunch, and visiting children’s homes. Justin may actually be teaching English right now. It appears a week and a half has passed since my last writing. But, here we go!

Pokhara was a great change of pace from the craziness we had been experiencing. It is a city on a lake, very touristy, but due to it being off-season the streets were rather empty (loved it). Tiny Hands has two children’s homes located in Pokhara. They are probably some of our favorites. But, to be fair, we spent several days at each, more so then we have with the others located in Kathmandu. We spent our mornings digging trenches at the sight of the Dream Center, Tiny Hands’ latest and largest project. The Dream Center will be a small community of sorts designed for children saved out of horrendous situations. Homes, a school, church, and a school for foreigners to come to study the injustices of the world are some of the structures that will be built on the land. Digging trenches is HARD, but we were able to see immediate results. Not just planting of seeds or watering them, but actually seeing something come from our labor is refreshing and inspiring even the more.

Some fun facts of our adventures (memories to last) include my room (shared with Tay & Ang) being pretty much infested with cockroaches. So gross, Angela would scream and cry and sing about killing them while jumping from bed to bed. Hilarious. Renting motorscooters and exploring the city. Ang nearly killed Chris, but we all made it out alive with…. just a .. few scratches J

But the greatest news of all: My team has been given the opportunity to sponsor our very own children’s home. We must find 10 individuals to commit to donating $50 a month. This will enable us to change the lives of 10 kids. The more sponsors we find the larger the home (more children) can be or if we come across more then enough a second home can come into reality. I have already committed to be a sponsor and I am ecstatic. When we visit homes the children are eager and delighted to share with us pictures of their sponsors and gifts they have received from them. During our time in Pokhara we interviewed prospective parents, visited possible schools, talked through ideas of what we should name the home (ex. Holy Home, Paradise Home, One Way, Living Home, Salvation Home, Morning Star are names of some of the current homes), and we actually met children on the waiting list. These babies are living in prison with their mothers. PRISON! No child should be in prison ever. One of the mothers has HIV and all of the fathers have either passed away or abandoned them. My heart breaks for these Nepali children. How could I not jump at the opportunity to rescue any one of them. Let me know if you have any questions or are possibly interested in being apart of such amazing God work J I would be overjoyed to talk with you when I get back to the States.

We arrived back in Kathmandu on the 15^th in order to prepare for our visit from Chiraphone, the Queen of OWM/Focus International at APU J Many of us were relieved to be "home", which is crazy to think as we didn't have the same sentiment before we left. For our final weeks here we have broken up into teams to tackle as much as we can. We have teams for street children, trafficking, children's homes, one-on-one projects, sports ministry, teaching English, etc. There is a long list of things to get done and it is fantastic to check them off one-by-one and know that we have made a difference. So far I have worked with translating testimonies, many are of girls prevented from crossing the border of India into a life of the sex-trade. Its unbelievable, maybe I can post some for you to read, but I must get permission first. I will also be going over the business processes at Tiny Hands and making recommendations! Super exciting to see God use my college degree in His ministry over seas. But, I knew when I declared it as my major God could use it anytime anywhere for His glory. 

To be honest I was a bit nervous of having CK (Chiraphone) visit simply because she sees truth (sometimes what we cannot see ourselves) and she is very honest about it because it is the Lord's work we are here to accomplish. Ultimately, every moment was a blessing and I wish she could have stayed longer. May God continue to bless her work as she travels to Bhutan and back to Laos. 

Callee's birthday was Thursday and today is Kyle's. My babies (team members) are getting older and I am happy to celebrate life with them. So good.

Sincerely yours! Blessings & Peace - Miss Corinne

p.s. gmail is alive & kicking

Nepal: Kathmandu & Chitwan

:) Love you! Thank you for all the prayers

3 June: I felt horribly under the weather. I stayed at the hotel to rest while the others became testers for young women learning beauty parlor practices. Turns out they got free head and hand massages. Jealous! I had wanted to go, but slept until 4pm…. All day pretty much. Guess I needed it. That night we did a dance club outreach. Check out the team blog for details. It did break my heart that many of the women felt it was their only option (we were able to chat with them when it wasn’t their turn on stage), but I was preparing for the worst and was relieved to find that they were dressed (many had like tube-tank dresses that ended high on the thigh) and not the dirty dancers you find at clubs in America or even high school dances… or the streets of Amsterdam (what I was expecting). I guess it could very well have been scandalous here in Nepal where modesty is very important. Showing the backs of women’s knees is similar to the equivalent of exposing the breasts. Idk, a little outrageous, but just different culture norms. Pray for those trapped in jobs, especially jobs that abuse the individual.

4 June: We visited the Nepalese Home. An NGO that is similar, but larger and more advanced than Tiny Hands. I was very impressed. The homes were very nice and they showed us all their self-sustaining jobs and ideas. Many NGOs here currently depend on foreigner money/ overseas donation. They make carpets, beaded jewelry, and are starting a hot dog vendor business. I think that Nepalese Home is doing a great job rescuing children and preparing them/equipping them for a very bright future. I loved it.

5 June: PRINCESS HOME J We went to a Nepali Church. It was a 4 hour service I think- all in Nepali. Worship was amazing though I didn’t know the words. We were dancing about, shouting, sweating, laughing, praying for each other, and everything great. I prayed for a young girl, maybe 12 who was to my right and she knew it and she loved it & me. I love praying for these beautiful children. The girl introduced me to her family after the service and walked with me (and my team) part of the way to our next stop, the pastor’s home. Ron Jeet (Probably completely spelled wrong, but that’s how I would say it out loud) is both the pastor and the father of the Princess Home. He is AMAZING and his testimony is one in a million if not more. God showed him hell to get him saved! He spoke so much truth that I hung on his every word. He opened up his home to us and showed us multiple children’s homes that he is in charge of. He fed us both lunch and dinner, DeLICious. Mhmm. Lol, and showed us his daughters (I mean to include all the girls he takes care of) jewelry store. Definitely bought a few pieces J How could I not? Lol. Anyways, I would love to spend more time with him and his giant family. So wise and hospitable.

6 June: Sunday!! We went to a padeshi church (foreigners). It was a stark contrast to the Nepali church we had visited the day before. Very mild. Prior to going I was so excited, overjoyed. Worshipping my God, the Father of the universe in my own language with people who may actually understand me as a person?! What could be better, nothing, right? I had expectations, I went in as a consumer, and my hopes were… well… dashed. My heart and soul wanted to cry out, but felt oppressed. It was a church full of people that love God and have given up everything to be missionaries here in Nepal. There’s no question that Jesus is the center of their lives. It just wasn’t what I was hoping for or needed. I need my church from home please. But, still at least a month away. After church we went to lunch as Higher Ground which is all good! Yummy and to help young women and men without jobs skills or an education learn the ends and outs of a restaurant business. The rest of the day was free for the most part. I wandered Thamel with Stephen and Angela, had an iced coffee!!! And tried to just take it easy, however, just walking the streets takes a toll on you, especially when you have Angela with you. She looks Nepali and all the boys love her…. Way the heck too much, lol, but seriously. At the end of the day I didn’t feel rejuvenated, rather exhausted, but I was so excited to get out of the valley the following day! Chitwan here I come & then Pokhara.

7 June: Chitwan = the weather of purgatory? The worst temperature/humidity that I would never wish on anyone. Though sweat is a constant (especially while sleeping) it is quiet and beautiful. I feel that I have fallen into a book series I read when I was younger with a setting of an Indian plantation. The bus ride was 5-6ish hours. I slept mostly and admired the view. People had shared horror stories about the drive. I was thinking everyone would be puking their guts out the window due to the curves and road conditions. I was perfectly content. Praise the Lord. Though the hotel is pleasant and fans are nice (though the electricity is turned off most always) I would never recommend you visit the city of Chitwan. We visited Tiny Hand’s first children home. The kids were great, but we were all so tired, especially after play and before dinner, during dinner, and the ride back to the hotel. Sleeping here is so difficult for me because the temp/hum. The fan… not on… what?! Idk, why you would turn off the electricity when people are paying to stay at your hotel. Anyways, I’m looking forward to traveling to Pokhara in a couple days!

June 8: Adventure day! The morning was spent a) in a boat (like a canoe from Pocahontas) searching for crocodiles, b) in the forest seeing monkeys & deers & buffalo (which are everywhere in Nepal), peacocks & the sort. c) at an elephant breeding resort. They had twins!!! So cute, and d) finally BATHING with ELEPHANTS. So much fun. So much fun. So much fun. We climbed up in groups of three (I was with Angela and Callee) and the elephant (with a guide yelling at it) would go into the river, spray water on us, roll over so we would fall in, and let us jump off its head, lol. It was like a water jungle gym. I loved it. The team loved it. I’m so glad we were able to do this together.  

Sincerely yours, 

Corinne

Written on the 3rd of June

I'm feeling very much under the weather, so I am home at the hotel for the morning while the rest of my team is off on grand adventures (getting their hair cut, eyebrows, facials, etc. done by women who have started working in the beauty trade industry to get out of the sex trade industry. I really really wanted to go.) Only positive: Time to blog

Decided to do highlights :) (These are tidbits, leaving out a lot, sorry!)

29 May: Church was so different, but so great.
We visited a children's home which had 40 kids. 40! The father's name is Bishnu & he is AMAZING. He is nearly blind and joked about still riding his motorcycle super fast. The game I was taken to at the beginning of play involved throwing chickens in the air. I had never done this before, it was quite alarming at first, but hilarious. After a time of playing several games with the young ones I made sure to spend time with the older girls (who are highschoolish age) and they love all the attention though they try to act whateverish at first. They called me sister to get my attention and held my hand wherever we went. I loved wandering around, taking pictures, and being clung to, truly. I think it is of the upmost importance that I focus on the older girls at whatever homes we visit. That night we played mafia at Johns, I won as the mafia, but walked away with an upset tummy & headache from lying. I don't want to be the bad guy again, lol. Rode on the back of a motorcyle today. If my mother reads this you should skip the next sentence :) On motorcyles only the driver wears a helmet & the roads are horrid, it is crazy dangerous in my opinion.

30 May: Breakfast at Northfields, our usual, with one of our contacts who shared stories that would blow anyones mind. I feel that my faith lacks so drastically when these tales are told. I pray for an expansion of faith every day. "Faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains." What is the size of my faith? Why do I feel so incredibly small and incapable when this is God's promise? In the afternoon we went to my favorite home so far. Motorcycle ride again, saw my life flash before my eyes too many times, but this expands my prayer life, lol. The home was way out away from much of the city noise. The children were beautiful and the family was humble to the greatest extent possible. I loved everything. "Can I move in please?!" Sidenote: Before this trip I didn't know how many kids I wanted if any, now I want to fill my house with bunkbeds and kids. lol, this may change, but it is so wonderful to see here and now. && they called me dede (big sister is Nepali <3)

31 May: Pashtupati = Mother Teresa's home for the elderly = Incredibly devoted nuns/sisters ordering us about doing hard hard work all for Jesus. I cleaned beds, swept, moped, fed people that were SUPER old. I felt like the hands and feet of my Lord and it felt amazing. I was dripping in sweat, dripping, like hot yoga style, lol. The moping is INTENSE. You haven't moped until you have moped for a sister of a Mother Teresa's home. Truth. I was exhausted by the end of the shift. We got there around 8am and I thought it was probably 4pm when we finally were given juice as our thankyou. It was like 11:30, WHAT?! That was only 3&1/2 hours and I am ready for a full night of sleep please. Feeding the oldest individual there, a woman of 97 was something that changed my life. Definitely was frightened at first. I'm sorta scared of elderly. But, I just went for it and I will remember those moments for the rest of my life. I wish there had been a picture take. God will show me one later I'm sure :)

1 June: We worked at Pashtupati. I did much of the same, but helped bathe the women instead of feed them. I was frightened, but once again my world was shaken a bit. Hands and feet baby! It was so good. In the afternoon we went to a prayer time where many representatives come from different organizations to pray for their shared cause of fighting the trafficking of women and children. I loved hearing about the different organizations and what God is doing in their midst. Weak networking is probably what hinders the most growth in stopping this injustice. The traffickers have an incredibly strong network, those fighting them need to have a stronger one. Many organizations stick to themselves and their area, but to see some come together as a unified body was awesome. This is a prayer request: The good guys band together, recognize they are fighting the same fight, and can use each others strengths to cover any weaknesses. And beat the bad guys. God is on their side without a doubt.

2 June: Pashtupati day 3. We finished sanding and painting all of the beds blue. Finally. We then met with an organization that benefits women working in massage parlors, dance bars, and cabins (all which sell sex) through education, medical, counseling, and teaching other trades for them to go into. They seemed to be a newer organization with room for a lot of growth. They were not Christian, but very excited to have us visit. They asked us to volunteer if we have any time later on in our stay. I asked a woman what we would be doing and it sounds like they just want to pick our brain for advice and ideas. They asked if we would put together a report of all of our findings during our time in Nepal. I had never thought of this before, but it could truly make a different. We could send it to all the organizations we visited, the government, other governments (India where girls are trafficked to), and countless others. I pray that fruit will come from such efforts. At this organization a representative from the U.S. Embassy joined us. He was American, his mother-in-law actually went to APU, coincidence :) He specializes in the political & economical areas of Nepal. He was a great addition to our meeting. He wants us to meet the Ambassador. We are to call him a week before our departure to set something up and they want a copy of our essay if we put one together. SO COOL.

Ok, update that isn't too updated :)

Kathmandu has been so crazy. I have learned so much already and have definitely broadened my horizons. Learning more about the sex industry has been devastating, but now this knowledge is my responsibility to do something about it. Children sleeping on the street, beggars everywhere, the elderly dieing right before my eyes, and the diseased treated as less than dirt is all around me. It is unfathomable. God is good all the time, right? But how can this all be going on. This country is so focused on Buddha and every other god in the world, every god but the true God. The little hope they have is all based upon these religions that are nothing more than idols and high places that the Bible warns against. I have met amazing people working here all for the Kingdom. They blow my mind. They have given up all that is America or Europe or home, and come to one of the poorest places in the world where there is nothing fulfilling to do but serve God's people. Its all about Him and not about them, that is for sure.

We have been working with children and the elderly for the most part. Its hard work, really hard, but it is so worth it. I fall asleep feeling like a follower of Jesus, the true Jesus who served everyone around Him. The one who calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, love the fatherless, the widows, etc. I feel that I am doing exactly what He would be doing if He were here and its unbelievable.

That was my quick overview of my feelings. Read more if you want to hear more day-by-day :)

Friday, 28 May:
We traveled by bus to this ancient city of Bhaktapur (touristy). The bus ride was drastically bumpy... and an hour long. I have slight remaining marks of the bruises I received to my knees. There were shooting pains through my tummy, normal? I don't think so. Anyways, CRAZY adventure. We wandered around. I had children, beautiful children begging me for 5 rupees (1 dollar = 75 rupees) or a biscuit, which lasts in their bellies perhaps a couple hours? There were men behind several of them directing them. Sick to my stomach ready to punch? Yes. Christ like? No. But, we aren't to give them anything. Then I struggle with what Jesus would do. Then I struggle with what I actually do. I was reprimanded for being nice & asking their names, I guess I'm suppose to forcefully say no and turn my back ignoring them? What?! This is not okay to me. Prior to this I had turned down women asking me to buy milk for their skinny babies. Tears in my eyes walking away with Mr Chandler praying & singing Jesus songs to me. Back to it. We had a wonderful and cheap lunch (we maybe are spending 60 dollars a day for our entire team to eat) (and everything tastes GOOD) and continued to walk about. We had to depart in order to visit Children's Homes. My favorite. The group split into 2 & we went to different homes filled with children that were saved while at risk before actually being trafficked. The homes are set up with a Christian Nepalese mother and father (who are some of the greatest people God has every created) who pretty much adopt these kids (ages 3ish+). They are a family and the kids live with them until they find real jobs or get married or decide to move into their own home (not typical in any family in Nepal). The number of children in homes range from 6-40.40! Yes, you read that right. It is the happiest most joy filled moments we spend at these homes. The smile on just one child (thinking of one in particular) is enough to say the trip was fully worth it.

Saturday, 29 (I'll Write later)

News I have heard:
Death of Mr Coleman
Celine is prego with twins
Bangladesh has banded Facebook

LOVE OUT LOUD. Your prayers are changing my trip, changing the organizations I am working with, changing the lives of girls (trafficking), and ultimately changing Nepal.

God is good, Amen!

First full day in Kathmandu

Namaste,

Currently in the hotel the team is staying at. Its 9:45pm and I am exhausted! I feel that I have already been here a week, seriously. We arrived yesterday after days of flying. Airport was a little different then my norm. First people I saw were women carrying bricks on their backs building an extension onto the airport itself. It was hot, they were in flip flops, and the men were inside a) with guns patrolling or b) checking out our visas. It was a little surreal. We were picked up at the airport, Praise the LORD, and just walking to the bus involved refusing many peoples 'charged help' or 'paid labor' carrying our bags and such. The ride to the hotel was unbelievable. I felt that I was in a movie. I could never have imagined this. People everywhere, many roads are dirt, trash lines the streets in front of buildings that look like they have been abandoned for a hundred years except for the laundry line. There are no rules for driving, it is utter madness with buses, motorcycles, pedestrians, rickshaws, regular cars, bicycles. Did I say madness?! Truth. I would not drive here. Period. The hotel we are staying at is in great condition compared to much of the surrounding area. I feel completely safe and taken care of. There is a restaurant attached, therefore, in case of emergency we can stay at the hotel for a few days if necessary. There is beautiful garden in the back that is completely surrounded by giant buildings. I absolutely love it. I am rooming with Taylor & Angela, both wonderful, wonderful girls. We walked to dinner (I was slightly hesitant to say the least), but Rhoman was with us. Praise the Lord again and always. I have entered another world. I don't know how else to say it. Words could never describe the city of Kathmandu, Nepal. At the end of the day I wanted to go home.

Today, was a new day, new opportunities, new chance to change my previous attitude, and everything else. It was Buddha's birthday, a national holiday. We had tea at Rhomans (some of the best tea of my life) and proceeded onto breakfast, which was delicious as well (eggs, bacon, toast - you know, American :)). The afternoon consisted of visiting the Monkey Temple. There were millions of people there. You couldn't stay together in a group. It was hundreds of stairs that felt straight up. We were in the middle of a whole lot of worship to Buddha in a city stronghold that looked out over Kathmandu. To say I was slightly overwhelmed would be a lie. I was FREAKING out, I couldn't handle it. The darkness there was unbelievable and all of the people carrying so much oppression upon them and so little hope -hope they have is Buddha, who lets face it, is a dead man. If you want to hear more, we should have a one-on-one when I get back.

Next step was Tiny Hands Nepal. Amazing, AMAZING. Check out their website. All that they are doing is unbelievable. God is at work in Nepal even when darkness is just down the street. I want to be associated with this organization for forever. I hope that I can be apart of all that they are doing. It is altering the reality that is Nepal. They save over 1,000 girls a year from being trafficked into the sex industry of India.

I must go. Taken way too much time already. Hope to hear something back from you :)
Comments or email at cpaget08@apu.edu
My gmail is definitely not working here.
Love big

Singapore Airport

We have made it to Singapore after a brief layover in Tokyo.
Its humid and it is the middle of the night.
One more flight and we will be in Kathmandu. Our contact picks us up from the airport and I think we will head to the hotel, but its really whatever he has in mind, though I know we are all very tired. Feels like a never ending day & sleep doesn't help, but to pass the time.

What feels like this morning (though it was the morning of the 24th and it is now morning of the 26th here in Singapore) we had a commissioning prayer time, which was so great! Lots of friends came to see us off and promise to be in prayer for us.

Last night we had a worship & prayer night at one of the Resident Director's homes in University Park. Jonny Liu. It was amazing and exactly what my team needed. The words that were shared, the promises made, and the prophecies proclaimed were mind blowing. God is so good and He has a lot of crazy things for us to accomplish while in Nepal.

All for now as I am about to be kicked off the computer due to time limits :)
Thank you for the prayers! Hope to update you again soon. Please pray for the city of Kathmandu and the political situation that is going down right now. Not ideal, but praying for a safe, harmonious outcome soon.

Love, Corinne

May 14th

Its May already and I have entered a whole new world :)

Graduation took place just this last Saturday, almost a week ago, so crazy. I am having some difficulty wrapping my brain around reality. Currently, I am home in Redding (I feel like I have 3 homes) writing thank you notes, spending time with family, and trying my best to prepare for my trip to Nepal, which is just over a week away. The missions work hasn't really set in yet either, I'm just in this in between delusional place. Its difficult because all of these are good things, but so much change is overwhelming to say the least.

My family came down to Azusa for my graduation (this included by dads parents, his brother, wife, and two daughters, as well as my mom's mom, mom's sister, husband, and their son David). It was a delight to have them all in town and help me celebrate, there was just so much going on that everything together was not manageable. I was moving to my new apartment in Anaheim! (thepromenadeatanaheim.com choose Broadway Arms) I will be living there with 3 other APU girls!! Two of which were my residents and next door neighbors: Dani Davis & Ashley Morgan, as well as Alex Tillapaugh, whom I have mentioned in a previous blog. I was buying and setting up new furniture, like you know, a bed, dresser, and everything that an apartment entails. I was checking out my 50 residents, super crazy. I was finishing up last minute papers as well as my last couple days of work at University Relations. I was trying to make time for my Nepal team and packing for that trip. I bought a CAR!! Tried to spend as much time with friends as possible and o ya, I graduated college. You know, my life's not psycho busy or anything. (BUT, I LOVE IT)

Anyways, I miss APU & my loves there way too much already. I have already had three of my closest friends leave on missions trips to Ghana, South Africa, and Cambodia, and more are getting ready to leave. Crazy good, but terrible to be away from them, but all I can do is pray. I have enjoyed the peace that home is. Redding is the opposite of Azusa. Like complete opposite and I love that I will always have the ability to escape away here.

I have been in conversation with my mentor, Jeremy at MHM. I am very excited for work (though no vacation days till Thanksgiving is a little depressing) and the first few months will be a make it or (well, I won't break it) period. I'm anxious to start there as I know that the Lord has called me for a very specific purpose in each of the lives of the individuals I will be working with. Every day will be my missions field and I am overjoyed at this prospect.

God's love reaches to the heavens, and His faithfulness stretches to the skies. His righteousness is like the mightly mountains, and His justice flows deep. How priceless is His unfailing love.  -Psalm 36 5-7

March 25th. A Thursday.

I have felt the need to write an update for some time now, but not the desire.


A lot is going on. The Lord’s preparing me for change yet again. Never to be settled, but always learning and moving forth. I have come to the conclusion that change is a good thing, yet difficult still. Moving on means you have learned what the Lord has designed for you to learn in that phase or chapter and is pushing you forward to bigger and better things. Graduation is right around the corner. I’m apartment hunting. However! I have found a roommate  Alex Tillapaugh, whom I adore. She is a beautiful delight and I could not be more excited. Once again! God is always faithful. Though she will be the one steadfast similarity outside of God everything else is new and that is scary.

My mission trip this summer has required a flexible and willing spirit from everyone on my team. The big news: Looks like we will be going to Nepal instead of Bangladesh. We will be working with the same organizations, just in a different location. This is what God wants and requires and we are more than open to His plan.

Last weekend we had a fundraiser that was quite a lot of fun. We had an auction date night. Our friends bid (through email) to win us for a group date. It was held at Justin’s with games and dessert. It was a time filled of laughter, excitement, and love.

In other news: Its practically Easter Vacation. I will be flying home Sunday evening for a week with my family. I am looking forward to this tremendously. I am a little worried about being “home sick” from some of my friends that I adore and see every day. I feel that the more I spend time with someone the more I need to spend time with them. However, if a week is troubling to me now, I can’t image six weeks and then you know… moving away from them.

Life: Its all about choice. The atmosphere I carry depends on me and God. My attitude and emotions are my decision. I will take these steps with grace, love, peace, righteousness, striving to practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lord, help me. To you be all the glory, honor, and praise.

The formation

Hi J

Here is an update on team Bangladesh 2010!! Finally, right

Last semester Justin and I found our perfect team of 4 girls + 4 boys, plus us. They are each brilliant and have so much to bring to the team. Shockingly no one is musically talented, but boy can we dance! Lol J Our first team night took place on the night of a school wide event called Christmas Chaos and everyone certainly hit it off. The following week we had sleepovers, the girls at my place, boys at Justin’s after a time of frozen yogurt. Christmas break then took us from one another for a time. Justin and I were required to be back on campus early because we are apart of RezLife and had a training week. We were able to meet up with our Tiny Hands contact and chat with him about the organization and how we could serve while in Bangladesh. It was so great to be able to have face-to-face time. The following week our team met with him to go to a Bengali restaurant (sorta) and have a Q&A time. I do not know of any other teams that were able to meet with their contact yet. Therefore, this was a huge blessing. The food was a lot of potatoes and something that I cannot recall right now that begins with an L…. lentils! That’s it. Lots of sauces as well, not what I am used to in the least. It was a splendid evening.

We decided to have team meetings Sunday nights, 8:30-10:30. Last week the girls volunteered to make dinner, which was fabulous and put together a gift bag titled “Surviving Bangladesh” for Stephen, a boy on the team whose birthday happened to be that day. They decided on these things all on there own.

We have had other team times as well, we go to each other sporting events, concerts together, grabbing lunch together, its so great! I love love love it. We are already a family, how could God have blessed me with such great team chemistry.

This last week I was the due date for sending out sponsorship letters. I was able to get my first wave out.

Last weekend I had an all day leadership training day at CalBaptist. I learned so much, I cannot begin to write it all down. The sessions I went to were the ones God wanted me at! Andrew Gaines shared on the armor of God, ummm.. AMAZING. For lunch all teams (groups from APU, CalBaptist, Vanguard, San Diego Christian College, and even Simpson in Redding) were placed into rooms based upon the region they were traveling to and we shared our concerns, ideas, and such, then prayed for one another, such valuable time that I wish I could relive.

In two weekends training for all APU teams take place I believe in Twin Peaks. Should be excellent, I am greatly looking forward to it. Did I mention that I adore my co-leader and my team. Here’s a family picture:

Top Row: Angela, Lizzee, Chris, Stephen, Justin Bottom Row: Kyle, Taylor, Callee, Eddy, and me

An excerpt from a recent spiritual journey paper that I wrote:

I am now in training to co-lead a mission trip to Bangladesh this summer. It is so crazy. I am so honored by God. The people on my team may just possibly be the raddest people that applied to OWM missions 2010. This experience over seas will not be like anything I have seen or experienced before. Its kind of frightening. It is easy to fear what I have not seen, what I do not know, and what I cannot handle. However, the greatest concern is for the people I will be traveling with. They are somewhat entrusted in my will, and of course God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, but I want them to be safe, healthy, happy, and having their needs met. I am ecstatic to say the least about my team and the bonding, growth, learning from one another, and love that will take place. For myself I am excited about seeing life differently, about finding God in my darkest hour, for building relationships, spreading love, and being forever changed. This trip is a once in a lifetime, probably not even that, perhaps one in several lifetimes, and I cannot fathom why God chose me, it blows my mind, and makes me joyful.

Currently, outside of direct preparation for my mission trip God has been transforming me in many areas of my life. Over Christmas break I read the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. I was able to see Christ as the lover of my soul, as truly everything. I had said this countless times before, however I still struggled with what that felt like. However, this book unlocked the door that I think God was trying to have me open for months. Things started to click. I better understand and accept the woman I am, the women and men around me, and that God is my everything and I can never look to a man to fulfill my needs because they can only fully be met by God and this was how I was designed. Another thing I have been learning is that plans change. God may speak to you one day causing you to go on a journey, but the destination you thought that path would take you to turns out completely different than you expected. It is important not to assume when it comes to the plans of God. I must let him lead, guide, and direct my steps without assuming I know the way or the ultimate purpose. I am always being taught more about grace and forgiveness. I do not think I will ever be done learning, but that is all the more fun I believe.

xoxo, mucho love! Corinne

Bangladesh

This summer I will be traveling as a missionary to Bangladesh.

I am co-leading a team with Justin Blomgren. We have finished interviewing 25 potential team members and are in the final steps of putting together what we hope is God's ideal team for this summer. Justin is a Resident Director in the male dorm, Smith Hall at Azusa Pacific University. He is from Folsom, graduated from Cap Baptist and working on his masters in College Counseling and Student Development. He is amazing and I am so glad we are co-leaders together.


We will be working with two different organizations. One is called Tiny Hands International. They are a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to orphans, street-children, and the victims of the self-trafficking industry. We will be helping combat against child trafficking. Please check out the organizations website: TinyHandsInt.

The other organization is Mother Teresa Homes in Dhaka. We will be serving/loving the physically and mentally disabled. There is The Home of Compassion, an orphanage, and other homes. Unfortunately, not until Christmas break will I speak with the contact in person and have a greater understanding to pass on to you.

My trip will take place mid-May throughout most of June for a total of 6 weeks.

The Office of World Missions at APU requires that we 'Friend Raise', translating into having 50 friends who have promised to be in prayer for our team. If you would be interested please email me (chpaget89@aol.com) with your information and I will make sure you are on my mailing list. I will also be using this blog as a status update to share more and more as I learn and get closer to my trip. Please post any questions that you have, especially the hard ones. I would love to face those before so I am better prepared when I go.

The cost of the trip is roughly $3500 + a 10% tithe. My first installment is due December 7th. The following in January, and so forth. If you feel called to support me in such a way please contact me. 530-949-8836. My mailing address is:
Corinne Paget
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 9521-7409
Azusa, CA 91702

I think the key to this mission will be love & showing Christ in all that we do. In a later post I will go enter greater detail on the country itself and the great need that is there.

To God be all the glory!

November 2009

Hi :)

Here is a bit of an update on my life:

• I’m currently a senior accounting major at Azusa Pacific University.
• I’ll be graduating May 2010.
• I am a Resident Advisor, meaning that I am responsible for building community and supporting 55 upperclassman that live in my building.
• I work at University Relations as the Business Intern.
• 18 units including Schools for Business Achievement which puts together speaker series, meet & greets, and events for the School of Business.
• I’m playing intramurals volleyball that is so much fun as well as a Discipleship group.
• I’m looking forward to the Holidays and being home with my family.
  

Big updates:

• Graduating May 2010.
• I was offered a position at Mayer Hoffman McCann in Irvine. I accepted and my start date in July 19th. I am extremely excited, but my summer will fly by.
• I was asked to lead a missions team to Bangladesh this summer. I accepted :)☺

My Summer Continued

Hello!
I thought I would write a little update since arriving home :]

I ended up taking 5 flights over a 31 hour period to finally reach Redding: Prague -> Frankfurt -> London -> LA -> San Fran -> Redding. Exhausting!
The week following my homecoming I fell asleep between 8and9pm -pretty much no matter what I was doing- and waking up at 5am. I enjoyed that schedule very much actually; I was able to conquer a lot in the mornings and I always woke up refreshed and ready to go.

My sister and I are taking tap classes and I am also returning to my ballerina roots. A lot of my time has been spent by the pool- I have been reading like crazy!- and at the gym. I have enjoyed every moment of my time spent at Little Country Church, whether that be Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings/evenings. I have met up with a lot of my friends that live in Redding and whom I have missed very much. I have seen several movies in theaters with my family members. I highly recommend UP in 3d & The Proposal :]

My sister and I just returned home from Healdsburg where we visited my aunt and uncle. We helped my Aunt Paula sell my grandmother's fruit at a couple different farmer's markets and we greatly enjoyed it. We were able to have lunch with my cousin Carrie, which we rarely get to see, but love very much. She invited us to visit her in San Fran, hopefully we will be able to put something together. I adore walking around the plaza and spending time with my aunt and uncle so of course my sister and I had a fabulous time.

In just a couple days my family is traveling down to Laguna Beach for our annual trip with my grandparents and aunt, uncle, and cousins on my dads side. I can't wait, I love going down there. I hope to be able to meet up with my best friend Cayla & maybe catch Harry Potter with Bre & Megan!!! It would be amazing to see those girls, I love and miss them all so much.

I must go load the dishes! I'll write sometime soon I'm sure :] Thanks for reading & having interest in my life!


and I do miss Europe and all my travel buddies very very very much