July 5, 2009

School of Communication Foundations (SCF)

I finally made it through SCF at the U of N in Burtigny, Switzerland!  Yea!!  One final lecture phase school and one final field assignment to complete before I graduate with a BA in Counseling and Health Care!  YIPEEEE!  It’s been a great school – lots of wonderful students and staff and of course, I learned a lot more about communication… not that I’m wonderful at it, but I’m on the road to becoming a better communicator!

I especially enjoyed the weeks on Trends in Communication, Writing from Your Heart and working on my research paper titled:  “Discovering Jordan’s Honor Code within Islamic Society.”  It was very interesting to discover more about this culture and how some still consider honor killing legitimate.  Having learned a lot, and realizing I know so little, I look forward to continuing to be a lifelong learner and better communicator. 

Something else which I alluded to on another website was our week of Interpersonal Communications where I ended up doing something special for our “Risk Night.”  That was the week we were challenged to step out of the box of our comfort zone and really put ourselves forward and to do it in front of an audience!  I think all of us students were stretched… I ended up making a statement about giving up my comfort zone by literally stepping into the huge cow manure pile and slathering it on myself as you’ll see if you check out my pictures…too bad I can’t upload the video of it!  It taught me that I can walk in discomfort when called to and even when it may feel like I haven’t done it 100%, to trust God and know it is a process to walk it out.

Once again, it has been difficult to say goodbye to all my friends from the school and to grieve their leaving.  That is one of the hardest parts of living in YWAM – I don’t think we ever quite get used to saying goodbye although sometimes we meet up again in various parts of the world or even as we pass through various airports!  At least I can say with confidence that I will meet up with my friends once we pass on to eternity.

Switzerland in the spring time is so lovely!!  I have never really lived in a rural area experiencing the spring time like I have here.  It is so quaint and feels as though I have walked into a postcard.  Photos The most difficult thing outside the campus is the language.  My 9th grade French doesn't go very far here but blessedly many people speak at least some English!

Mini-Vacation

Last week, I took a short break between schools at the U of N base I did my first school at this year - Chatel.  I love the people and they have been gracious in letting me be a guest here for a few days.  I feel like it is my home away from home.  Everyone is very welcoming and the area overlooks Lake Geneva -- beautiful and peaceful.  Flowers and flower boxes are everywhere; I’ve picked berries for my cereal and made fresh picked cherry pies the other day – crops of sunflowers, soybeans, corn and canola are growing everywhere and the hillsides are covered with lush vineyards.  I could feel the stress leaving my body.  I also was given an old bicycle to use over the next three months which is a huge blessing that I expect will give me more opportunity to go a little farther than I can walking.

NEXT...God is so good to give me this time to recharge my spirit, soul and body for the next 12 weeks.  On Monday, July 6^th, I begin my final school here -- Humanities and Science.  It is slated to be bi-lingual; French and English which should make the class interesting and challenging!  Prayer Requests

At this point, I am hoping to graduate at a ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland in early September at an YWAM/U of N conference.  It will be held in several locations around the world simultaneously.  The graduation ceremonies will be linked together via something called Genesis.  If I do graduate at this time, I would not receive my actual diploma until I complete my final field assignment – hopefully in early 2010. 

A hearty and heartfelt thank you to all who have invested in my education!  It is honoring to me that you believe so much in what I am doing.

Contact Info

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Methods and Models of Biblical Counseling (MMBC)

The winter season is passing quickly and it is already time to move on from the MMBC school, in Chatel, to my next course just 20 minutes away at the YWAM/U of N base in Burtigny, Switzerland.  It was such a pleasure to take this course.  I felt like God really met me in several areas with the most powerful being a change in my ability to trust Him as my Leader more.  I felt like a princess as he put me in a wonderful group of people and gave me great role models of grace and acceptance.  We learned several models of counseling with speakers ranging from Fuller Seminary professors to YWAMers and pastors outstanding in their fields.  Our topics included Theophostics, understanding family systems and ways to minister to them, depression, stress and anxiety, Divine Plumbline Ministry, Powerful Peace Prayer for working with the sexually abused, debriefing and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), & other topics as well as participating in peer counseling within our class.  Unlike most universities, the U of N also has a mandate to craft the character of those it disciples and that is done in the live-learn environment.  Part of this is 10 hours of work duty per week per student.  My work duties included after dinner clean up, making 8 loaves of bread at a time (grinding our own wheat), making desserts, cleaning bathrooms and the upkeep of several common rooms – enough variety that I fully enjoyed it all!  

God took me through some fairly intimate and touching times with him – times of healing that I cannot even explain right now.  He did this through relationships with others, teachings, dreams, counseling, ministry, walks in the countryside and even an anointed CD that I received from friends in Norway during the school!  Of course, what would it be if I didn’t gain any tools in counseling?  This was a wonderful way to experience a good variety of counseling methods and gain insight into how the human mind, body, soul (heart) and spirit function.  We are so complex and God knows each of us individually and is really the only one who can make a difference in our lives.  My work with another is to invite God’s presence and then to facilitate the person’s relationship with God for a deeper healing than can be obtained without God. 

I also put together a power-point presentation on Post Abortion Syndrome which is a silent kind of grief that many post abortive women experience.  My lesson, which began in Kona, was that it is not for me to place judgment on anyone who decides to have an abortion but to help them through the physical, mental, and emotional trauma that comes as a result of that decision which they often keep hidden from everyone else – even their most intimate relationships.  Often what they thought would be an easy solution to a devastating shock has more traumatic effects and daily reminders than if they had gone ahead and had the child.  My heart goes out to them, especially as sisters in Christ.  If you feel challenged by this yourself – please take the time to look into this and get understanding.  There are many websites and even YouTube videos that can help you understand the depth of abortion that Satan is using not only to destroy our future generations, but also the women, men and family members involved 

All in all, MMBC has been a great learning adventure, but I have yet to complete the course with my final 3-month internship somewhere in the world!  I plan to do that after October and its completion will signify the end of my studies for my BA in Counseling and Health Care!  

Praise Report

From the time I decided to pursue my degree this year, I felt I could really trust God for all the finances of it and it has been fun to see how he has provided so far during this time of financial transition for so many.  I have had several friends (and even some I have just recently met!) who have been willing to invest in my education.  It has been much more relaxing to simply trust God in this area than to worry repeatedly about how it will get paid.  He is so much bigger than I think and I believe it has been part of his plan to make sure his girl is provided for.  Although right now, I have only paid about 1/3 of this second school, I wait on God for his abundance!

Another praise report is that I received my student visa!  Although everyone said they were pretty sure I would get it, the visa laws recently changed and there was a bit of concern over the continual incoming mail requesting I pay various things like fire insurance and retirement.  Most of it is ironed out and the important thing is that I now have my student visa card and am sure the next 6 months will be secure.

Spring Break!

10 years ago when I first went to YWAM in Hawaii it was for a Crossroads Discipleship School.  There I met Julia, from Switzerland, who was one of my roommates.  How fun to finally have the chance to visit her in her home for a weekend!  I arrived in Lucerne where she met me with her family and we toured the city.  Then it was on to Engleberg – a beautiful village in the mountains of ski resort country in central Switzerland!  Unfortunately Spring time was beginning to melt the snow there enough that the lifts were closed but it gave me an opportunity to go cross-country skiing which I have never done before.  Julia’s four-year-old daughter skied with us and it was a fun and bonding experience that I will never forget!  Later we went to the village monastery to watch them make cheese which is very important staple in the Swiss diet.  Hanging out with Julia and Pete gave me greater insight into the culture of my home away from home.  

CURRENT:  School of Communication Foundations (SCF)

I have been at this new base for about 1 1/2 weeks. I am a little tired from all the recent change but know that will pass.  The village of Burtigny is somewhat bigger than the 12 houses at Chatel and most of the roads and paths around us are paved.  It is quite beautiful and scenic in the midst of farm lands.  From one point, we can see the fountain at the end of Lake Geneva which spouts about 500 feet in the air although we not so close to Geneva.  The wildflowers are popping up everywhere, fields are being plowed under and the smell of cow manure is pungent at times.  Even the clip-clop of horse drawn carts is a delightful sound every so often.  I am anxious to see the vineyards begin to sprout after their severe pruning and marvel at the fruitfulness of their harvests because of their prunings as the Bible illustrates in John. 

It turns out that I am the oldest person in my class of 22 (including staff) with the youngest being 18.  I have found that I know several people at the base from Hawaii and it is good to get re-acquainted with them.  Already we have each spoken publically before the class and can look forward to lots more (oh joy!).  We are beginning with a book called “Clearly Communicating Christ” by Landa Cope.  Monday we left for a retreat at Lac de Joux (I was there at the beginning of January), where there is a lot of snow and the lake is still mostly frozen.  We had a great time getting to know each other and I expect it will be the beginning of many bonding times and personal stretching too!   Some say this is like another counseling school as it really searches your hearts motivations as you learn better communication skills with others and God.  I can see it beginning to look that way already and am embracing it.

Thanks for your prayers and support once again!  I am blessed that the body of Christ is demonstrating the love of God in my life for His glory.  Merci!   

Photos of Switzerland

Contact Info for me in Burtigny, Swizerland

Sunday, January, 18, 2009

Bonjour! … from Switzerland!  What a beautiful country this is -- in the dead of winter with everything sparkling like diamonds when the sun hits the snow.  Of course I knew it would be different from Hawaii, but I had forgotten the beauty of so much snow, even in the cloud covered days.  I am studying Methods and Models of Biblical Counseling (MMBC) in the hills between Geneva and Lausanne in a small village called Chatel where they speak Swiss-French.  The campus is comprised of two houses (in picture) that have quite a history and have had much renovation.  We have 6 students in the school with 4 of us from the States, one from Nigeria and one from Romania.  Our staff are from Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Korea.  So, even in a small YWAM base, there is the international flavor that I love. 

Some of you maybe have not heard what my plans are.  Last fall after coming back from Brazil, as I was thinking about what I want to accomplish in the next two years, one of the things I was reminded of was finishing my degree.  As I prayed about it, I felt like God confirmed it through having all my remaining courses line up in one country so I could finish in about a year.  Here I am in Switzerland planning to do the MMBC, Foundations in Communication, and Humanities, then finish up with my internship for MMBC somewhere in the world.  Each course is three-months and it is a requirement of the University of the Nations to do at least one lecture phase of a course in the degree outside of your own continent and where a different language is spoken.  I will then have a BA in Counseling and Health Care.  This is something I have wanted for over 30 years and plan to finally complete.  I am praying in the funds for this special year and hope to put the degree to work in a non-profit organization afterwards.  If you feel inclined to contribute, please click Donations for options.

In December, I moved all my things from Hawaii to my parent’s home in Virginia.  I established residency there, celebrated the holidays with my family and then packed up again and came here.  It has been a long couple of months, but I am finding rest here for the moment – not having to pack or unpack anything but two suitcases!  I even have my own room – what a rare treat from God on a YWAM base as a student!

On Sunday a week ago, we went to Lac de Joux, a beautiful lake in the mountains that freezes solid in winter.  It was a winter wonderland and the sun was shining brightly – finally!  The lake was covered with a frosting of snow and there were hundreds of people out on the lake, skating, walking, hot air ballooning, socializing and eating at tables and chairs on the lake.  It was so much fun!  I haven’t skated in a long time and was thrilled to be able to do so.  The last thing we did was take a “bob” or sled ride down the hill behind where we parked our car.  The view was magnificent and the ride a blast!  It was a fun introduction to Switzerland and a good way to work off the heavy bread, cheese and chocolate while trying to acclimate to the cold weather.   

At the airport, I was greeted by a familiar face from Kona, David deCarvalho.   I also met Sharon Minor in the airport as she was also picking up her baggage to take the same course.  It certainly is a small world in YWAM.

Sunday, January 18, 2009 – The wind is blowing strongly through the pine trees on the ridge and I can hear it inside the house.  It makes it feel like it is very wintery and a good day to stay in and rest, study, and hang out together.  It is raining too but I’m praying for more snow as I prepare an apple cake from apples that have wintered over in the cellar for the farmers who give us a lot of our vegetables. 

The first two weeks of school went well and we learned a lot about Theophostics Prayer Ministry.  Mel and Sarah Hannah have arrived for our next two weeks of class.   (Thanks for the note you sent with them Elisabet!)

I’ve posted some pictures of my last days in Hawaii, a few family Christmas pictures and some of Switzerland on my website.  Photos 

November 2008

"Switzerland,                here I come!"

Over the past couple of months, I have felt God put on my heart to finish my degree in Counseling and Health Care with the University of the Nations.  So beginning in January, 2009, I will be in Switzerland!  I have always wanted to see Europe (previously I've only been to Ireland) and now God is making my dream come true -- again!   He knew I wanted to go to Hawaii and blessed me by sending me there for 10 years.  It has been a rich time of learning and teaching and being refined, but it is time to move on.  I will dearly miss my friends that I leave behind, but know we will see each other again sometime so will only say "see you later" which is the YWAM way. 

I'm continuing to volunteer at The Pregnancy Center in Kona for the next several weeks.  I am loving this ministry!   It is full of opportunity to get to know the local women and to help them to see the beauty of God through their pregnancies.  Several women have let me pray for them recently and I am hoping to be able to introduce them to the God I know and his loving character. It will be hard to leave them as I feel like I am just beginning to develop relationships with several of them.  Please pray for me (and them) as I finish up my time here.  My last day will be Thursday, December 11th.

On Monday, December 15, I leave for Richmond, Virginia to spend the holidays with my family.  What a joy to be able to hang out with them before I leave for about a year.  I am relishing the warmth of the weather here and hope my stop in Richmond will begin to acclimate me to the chill of what is waiting in Swizerland.  I'll be looking around thrift shops for some warm clothing and boots before I go since just about everything I have is hot weather clothing.

My first 12-week school will be a in Chatel, Switzerland (pic. above is where I'll be staying) and is called Methods and Models of Biblical Counseling.  This requires an internship that I will do in the fall of 2009.  The next course will begin in April and is at the Burtigny U of N location.  This school is called Communication Foundations and has an emphasis on advocacy.  The final school, Humanities and Science, is also being held in Burtigny.  Chatel and Burtigny are located to the west of Lake Geneva between Geneva and Lausanne -- check out these very small villages on Google Earth. 

My plan is to finish the schools, receive my BS in Counseling and Health Care and afterwards, apply to a non-profit organization to work in counseling and/or community health development.  Of course, it is all subject to how the God leads.

I especially appreciate your prayers for this new phase of :"The Adventure".  I am walking in great faith for provision -- moving expenses, clothing, airfares, school tuition and fees, insurance and visa requirements.  For those of you who may be interested in supporting me financially, please click Donations for more information on how to do that.