My first week of work has not been so bad. Though, I can't do much. It's all about observing. The girls can't come to me for anything and I can't tell/ask them anything unless it's about the program. It's hard to hold my tongue especially when I start to pick up the things they can and cannot do, but they know the rules and the staff and I shouldn't have to remind them.
This week has also been very windy! It sounds like huge waves of water were about to crash on us any moment. When we walked outside, I could see the tall trees sway and it's a little scary. I was talking to one of the staff that lives off-campus and she said there was a tree that blocked the road. I'm not surprised. Apparently it's been windy throughout California when I was reading the news. But high speed winds and the cold weather here make for chilly days and nights. Thank goodness though, Redding is a little warmer because it is farther from the mountains than where I live.
Redding is quite nice. I planned to go to the night service at Bethel Church, but took a few detours getting there. As I was driving up a hill, I noticed the pretty lights of Redding below. Redding is beautiful day and night. And every time I drive to or from the campus, I could see Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak. It really feels like being in Alaska again. Surrounded by all these mountains. Even when I'm on campus and I'm walking back to my dorm, I look up to a clear night sky of stars. It's like being in the desert. I remember visiting my aunt, uncle and cousins when they lived in 29 Palms. We went into the desert and looked at all the stars. The desert was a great place to look at the stars. Alaska was nice too, especially with the northern lights out. It's funny how this wave of my life is spent in or near the mountains more than any other time in my life.
This month, I'll be doing a lot of exploring. Exploring for a church, the city and fun activities to do with the girls. I don't know if they have done this already, but I think I'm going to suggest that we make pinhole cameras. We'll see how it will go and how much it may cost.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
New job opportunity
Even though I doubt that many people read my blog, especially now that I'm back from Alaska, there is always something interesting about writing and publicly posting one's experiences on a blog. Ok, ok. Facebook is exactly like that. Sharing public announcements about our personal lives, but this blog is the public journal that allows for more explanation than that one liner status update or always posting something and blowing up everyone's news feed. Anyway, I haven't written anything in awhile so I'm just typing out me reminiscing about writing on a blog.
What is this new job opportunity? It's with troubled teens at a Christian boarding school near Redding, CA. People there would ask me how I heard of the school and to be honest, I couldn't remember. I came across the website randomly while looking for jobs last year but could not exactly remember how I came across it. I read their whole website and read reviews on the school and was interested in working for them but didn't apply. Then came Alaska. But Alaska came and is now gone and I knew that I needed that to apply for the job. So I applied for this and another job that basically has the same job description but it was in San Francisco. I also knew about this organization last year and didn't apply.
After talking and having interviews with both organizations, there were pros and cons for both. The Redding job was in a nice area and Christian-based (by that, I know that they do not just call themselves Christian but truly live out Christ while helping troubled teens). Cons were lower pay and no benefits. They also had no cell service on their property and slow internet. The no cell service and slow internet are not real cons because I will be working anyway, but they are 45 minutes outside of Redding so I would have to drive out a bit to use my cell phone. The San Francisco job had full benefits, better pay, consistent training, scholarships for further education, and it was closer to family. I didn't seem to have many cons.
I had a phone interview with the Redding job two weeks ago then had a group interview with the San Francisco job a couples day after and then was invited to visit the Redding campus the week after. Both jobs will provide great experience.
I secretly really wanted the San Francisco job, but after touring the Redding job, I knew it would be best that I go there. So the night that I was at the Redding campus, I asked God not to give me the San Francisco job so that I wouldn't be tempted to take it. A few days later, I got a rejection letter from their organization. So that pretty much made my choice easy to go with Redding. I'm not saying that just because I wanted the other and didn't get it that I'm settling for Redding, but that I knew it would be too much for me to decide where to go if I had the option and I truly believe that the Redding job is where I'm suppose to be. I just didn't want to face that temptation so I asked God to take it away.
I'm on break right now on my first day of work and really enjoy being back. Some of the girls told me last time that I would be back. HA. I'm well moved in and have nothing much left to do except change my address. But other than that, this first month will be training and observing. I feel a little useless, but it's the beginning and it's generally that way.
What is this new job opportunity? It's with troubled teens at a Christian boarding school near Redding, CA. People there would ask me how I heard of the school and to be honest, I couldn't remember. I came across the website randomly while looking for jobs last year but could not exactly remember how I came across it. I read their whole website and read reviews on the school and was interested in working for them but didn't apply. Then came Alaska. But Alaska came and is now gone and I knew that I needed that to apply for the job. So I applied for this and another job that basically has the same job description but it was in San Francisco. I also knew about this organization last year and didn't apply.
After talking and having interviews with both organizations, there were pros and cons for both. The Redding job was in a nice area and Christian-based (by that, I know that they do not just call themselves Christian but truly live out Christ while helping troubled teens). Cons were lower pay and no benefits. They also had no cell service on their property and slow internet. The no cell service and slow internet are not real cons because I will be working anyway, but they are 45 minutes outside of Redding so I would have to drive out a bit to use my cell phone. The San Francisco job had full benefits, better pay, consistent training, scholarships for further education, and it was closer to family. I didn't seem to have many cons.
I had a phone interview with the Redding job two weeks ago then had a group interview with the San Francisco job a couples day after and then was invited to visit the Redding campus the week after. Both jobs will provide great experience.
I secretly really wanted the San Francisco job, but after touring the Redding job, I knew it would be best that I go there. So the night that I was at the Redding campus, I asked God not to give me the San Francisco job so that I wouldn't be tempted to take it. A few days later, I got a rejection letter from their organization. So that pretty much made my choice easy to go with Redding. I'm not saying that just because I wanted the other and didn't get it that I'm settling for Redding, but that I knew it would be too much for me to decide where to go if I had the option and I truly believe that the Redding job is where I'm suppose to be. I just didn't want to face that temptation so I asked God to take it away.
I'm on break right now on my first day of work and really enjoy being back. Some of the girls told me last time that I would be back. HA. I'm well moved in and have nothing much left to do except change my address. But other than that, this first month will be training and observing. I feel a little useless, but it's the beginning and it's generally that way.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Home
So I was actually home as of Monday, Septemerb 26th. September has gone by so fast. So much has happened and so much needed to get done. I realized that I rarely took any pictures in September. But my experience working at a hotel, experiencing the park, being part of the ministry all had its ups and downs. Would I do it again? Yes, of course. I would definitely be doing a lot of things differently, but I cannot regret what I have done. If it were not for the ministry, I would have never gone to Alaska in the first place and the ministry is really a blessing. People have told Bekky and I that it was nice that we were there offering worship services because it was convenient and refreshing. Some even noticed that there was no team last year, so that is saying something about this ministry is getting noticed.
Overall, my experience with the ministry has been a good one. There have been times where I did not feel like planning a service, but it was very rewarding and a blessing to do it. We are not ordained ministers, but you really don't have to make an elaborate sermon to talk about Jesus. Besides, like any (or all ministries) this ministry is mostly all relational. There are things that I wished I could have done differently but like I said earlier, no regrets. At least I know now for next time if I decide to go back or to another park. We did have service every week with the exception of 2. One week, we were both very tired and the other, there was a job fair in the building that we held our services. Anyway, it was nice to worship with others especially when times were low.
Working at the hotel was not bad. I worked full-time as a houseperson/porter in housekeeping. During September, many of my fellow employees and I had to work a lot harder because people were leaving so we were becoming short staffed quickly. I stripped the rooms of all linens and towels so they could go to laundry right away and cleaned and covered public area furniture for next year's season. It was weird seeing people leave and our employee community was becoming a ghost town. One day, there were a wave of people that left all at once and that's what made it very weird to still be there without those people there, but it was nice and quiet. Also, my last working day was a very lonely day. The day before, I worked with 3 friends cleaning furniture, but because for one it was her last day, she wasn't with me on mine. So I cleaned the lobby and picked up dirty linens all by myself that day. It was kinda sad, but it was not so bad. I remember on my last day my boss saying she wanted to vacuum the dall sheep in the main lobby and asked me to get sheets/covers for them so they don't get dusty over the winter. It was funny and weird to see covers over them because these stuffed dall sheep sit on top of a big rock in the lobby so she had to climb the rock to put the covers on. That lobby was so empty and the doors were boarded up that it felt like a ghost could pop up any minute.
I rarely got to go in the park during September but I could definitely see the colores change or plants wither as winter was approaching. I was told while there that it may snow and rain the day I was going to leave for Anchorage. It never did. But two days later it did. And I was jealous. I did take the train down to Anchorage from Denali National Park. That was the most beautiful ride I have ever been on. Seeing the colors and landscape was incredible. I can only imagine if I took the train earlier when the plants really started changing. Seeing the colors change in Alaska is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Now I know why people from New York or New Jersey make that drive to see the colors change. Watching that change is amazing.
Experiencing Alaska is something I will never forget and I have no doubt that I will go back but I just do not know when. But when I do, hopefully someone will be able to come with me because there is so much beauty in the vastness that we didn't even know was there. It's like experiencing God. You don't know beauty or love until you go there, until you experience Him. And because you've experienced it, you want to share it with others because it is just that amazing!
Overall, my experience with the ministry has been a good one. There have been times where I did not feel like planning a service, but it was very rewarding and a blessing to do it. We are not ordained ministers, but you really don't have to make an elaborate sermon to talk about Jesus. Besides, like any (or all ministries) this ministry is mostly all relational. There are things that I wished I could have done differently but like I said earlier, no regrets. At least I know now for next time if I decide to go back or to another park. We did have service every week with the exception of 2. One week, we were both very tired and the other, there was a job fair in the building that we held our services. Anyway, it was nice to worship with others especially when times were low.
Working at the hotel was not bad. I worked full-time as a houseperson/porter in housekeeping. During September, many of my fellow employees and I had to work a lot harder because people were leaving so we were becoming short staffed quickly. I stripped the rooms of all linens and towels so they could go to laundry right away and cleaned and covered public area furniture for next year's season. It was weird seeing people leave and our employee community was becoming a ghost town. One day, there were a wave of people that left all at once and that's what made it very weird to still be there without those people there, but it was nice and quiet. Also, my last working day was a very lonely day. The day before, I worked with 3 friends cleaning furniture, but because for one it was her last day, she wasn't with me on mine. So I cleaned the lobby and picked up dirty linens all by myself that day. It was kinda sad, but it was not so bad. I remember on my last day my boss saying she wanted to vacuum the dall sheep in the main lobby and asked me to get sheets/covers for them so they don't get dusty over the winter. It was funny and weird to see covers over them because these stuffed dall sheep sit on top of a big rock in the lobby so she had to climb the rock to put the covers on. That lobby was so empty and the doors were boarded up that it felt like a ghost could pop up any minute.
I rarely got to go in the park during September but I could definitely see the colores change or plants wither as winter was approaching. I was told while there that it may snow and rain the day I was going to leave for Anchorage. It never did. But two days later it did. And I was jealous. I did take the train down to Anchorage from Denali National Park. That was the most beautiful ride I have ever been on. Seeing the colors and landscape was incredible. I can only imagine if I took the train earlier when the plants really started changing. Seeing the colors change in Alaska is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Now I know why people from New York or New Jersey make that drive to see the colors change. Watching that change is amazing.
Experiencing Alaska is something I will never forget and I have no doubt that I will go back but I just do not know when. But when I do, hopefully someone will be able to come with me because there is so much beauty in the vastness that we didn't even know was there. It's like experiencing God. You don't know beauty or love until you go there, until you experience Him. And because you've experienced it, you want to share it with others because it is just that amazing!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Birthday Shirt
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Alaskan August
Click the link for some pictures from my Seward trip and Savage River watching the leaves change.
Alaskan August Pictures
Alaskan August Pictures
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Birthday and Beyond
Thank you again to all my family and friends for the birthday wishes. Since my birthday fell on a Tuesday this year, I celebrated the weekend before by going to Seward. I did not get to stay in Seward for the night but I did spend all day there by going on a cruise tour of the Kenai Fjords National Park. It was amazing. It was a 6 hour tour of natural coastal beauty and wildlife. I saw humpback whales, orka (killer whales), sea lions, sea otters, a bald eagle, and puffins (which by the way is one of my new favorite animals). Towards the middle of the tour, we got to see glaciers. The captain got close to the glacier, turned off the engine and we all stood outside listening to the glacier cracking and watching parts of it fall. It was very peaceful listening and watching glaciers. And its ice blue color is magnificent between the mountains. Not to mention that the glaciers themselves are enormous in size. The more and more I see Alaska, I cannot believe how vast this place is.
On Tuesday, I was traveling home from Seward. I wanted to go out that night with some friends, but I knew that wouldn't be a good idea since I had work the next day at 9am. So I went out Thursday night to one of the famous bars/restaurants here in Denali Park called The Salmon Bake. I asked all my friends to wear a bad/ugly/funny/cheesy tourist shirt in honor of my birthday. Mine was funny and unrelated to Alaska altogether, but it did say Alaska on it. I will post a picture soon. That night also happened to be two people's last night in Denali so there was a big party.
Also, a couple of days ago, my laptop died. Sad day :(
On Tuesday, I was traveling home from Seward. I wanted to go out that night with some friends, but I knew that wouldn't be a good idea since I had work the next day at 9am. So I went out Thursday night to one of the famous bars/restaurants here in Denali Park called The Salmon Bake. I asked all my friends to wear a bad/ugly/funny/cheesy tourist shirt in honor of my birthday. Mine was funny and unrelated to Alaska altogether, but it did say Alaska on it. I will post a picture soon. That night also happened to be two people's last night in Denali so there was a big party.
Also, a couple of days ago, my laptop died. Sad day :(
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Prayer Requests and Praises Page
In case you haven't noticed, I've added a prayer request and praises page on my blog. I don't know why I haven't started this earlier but I still have less than two months here so prayer to get through it would be much appreciated. Thank You :)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
And so it was August
Well it's August and I am really bad at updating my blog. July has been by far the busiest month and it just so happens that it is the rainiest month of the year here in Denali Park, AK. In July, I got to spend some time in Fairbanks again, went backpacking for the first time in the park (which was also my first time going into the park past the paying point), and had many visitors including my family.
A trip to Fairbanks is just really a shopping trip. There's nothing much to do there and as an employee, all you really want to do there is shop because you know you will be without a Wal-Mart or Fred Meyer's for weeks. I also got a pedicure and my eyebrows waxed which is always nice to be pampered.
My backpacking trip was amazing. I went with a friend for a night. We were near Eielson Visitor Center which is 66 miles into the park. We must have hiked 16 miles round trip. The first day was sunny; the perfect day to hike. Not even 5 minutes into our hike, I spotted something 20 yards away on the same trail as us while we were hiking downhill. I couldn't see what it was really well because the hill was very dense with brush. But after a little while we were able to spot it again. It was a lynx. It stopped long enough and turned it's head facing us so that we could take a picture. Lynx are apparently are rare to come by so we were lucky. We hiked near Mount Eielson and next to (but not into) Muldrow Glacier, which is a part of Denali (Mt. McKinley). That night, it was overcast and started raining at 9pm and it was nonstop rain all of the next day. My friend got sick and didn't get much sleep, as I got about 5 hours of sleep on and off. Our hike back to the Eielson Visitor Center was longer and very wet. The last couple of miles in our hike, it wasn't just raining but raining sleet. Then as soon as we arrived to the Eielson Visitor Center, it started snowing. The snow did not cover the ground but we could see the peaks of the mountains next to the visitor center covered in snow. The Eielson Visitor Center is about 3600 feet and the peaks of the mountains right next to the visitor center are about 4600-5000 feet. I think that was also the first time it had snowed in the park this season. It wasn't too fun hiking in that cold weather, but it was very cool to experience the park.
One week, we had two visitors. One was Bekky's friend from Ohio and the other an employee from ACMNP named Kimberly. It was nice getting to spend time with both of them. Bekky's friend just came out to experience a little of Alaska and Kimberly has the fun job of visiting various ACMNP teams. We all went out to dinner and spent some time conversing on how our ministry is doing in the park (well, on the resort). Both were a blessing to have visit. The week after that, we had another visitor that is part of ACMNP national board. She just happened to be vacationing in Alaska and was staying next door at the Princess Wilderness Lodge. She contacted the main office and got our info, then within a few days, we met up and had dinner. All these visitors sure like to feed us. And I'm grateful, cause cafeteria food can get mundane after a while.
The last week of July my parents and grandparents got to visit me. I was very excited. Even my friends could tell that I was excited. It was nice to be able to see a familiar face in a place like here. We took a bus trip out to Eielson Visitor Center where I tried to show them where I had hiked, but it was so overcast and rainy that it was impossible to see a mile out from where we were. The goal of that trip was to see Alaska's wildlife. Not even a full two hours into our drive did we see a grizzly. It was not too far from us where it was impossible to take a picture of it. It was also roaming near a caribou carcass. Once the bus starts driving off again, my dad jokingly says, "we can go home now." I almost feel that's half truth, half joke. Anyway, we did see a lot of caribou and almost saw a moose. I would say that's a pretty successful trip, especially since we saw a grizzly. The next day, we went to a free sled dog demonstration. There, you can pet Denali National Park's finest mode of winter transportation. And of course, they have their demo of five dogs pulling a ranger on an ancient sled. I've seen this twice and every time it's exciting to watch. My parents and grandparents got cool pictures standing on the sled with the dogs still attached to it. Later that day, they shopped and we ate at Cabin Nite, a dinner theater on my resort's property. The food and show was good and not to mention, all free (other than tip). It was very fun having them here in Alaska and having them experience the exquisite magnitude of the park.
This month, I don't know how it will be but it's starting to get colder. There is a plant here called fireweed, and when its blossoms reach the the top, Alaskans say that winter is about 6 weeks away. They are just about to the top and our fall season is moving fast. It's also starting to get darker. It gets pretty dark at 11:15-11:30 pm now. I know that sounds funny and it is even weird me saying that, but I've gotten so use to the sun not really setting that I forgot that it can.
To end, I want to wish my beautiful and wonderful mother Happy Birthday. She is....young today and I love her completely. They are in Southern California today and I hope they're having fun. I love you mom and I hope your birthday is going great. Thanks for visiting me and feeding me and birthing me and all that other wonderful stuff you do.
A trip to Fairbanks is just really a shopping trip. There's nothing much to do there and as an employee, all you really want to do there is shop because you know you will be without a Wal-Mart or Fred Meyer's for weeks. I also got a pedicure and my eyebrows waxed which is always nice to be pampered.
My backpacking trip was amazing. I went with a friend for a night. We were near Eielson Visitor Center which is 66 miles into the park. We must have hiked 16 miles round trip. The first day was sunny; the perfect day to hike. Not even 5 minutes into our hike, I spotted something 20 yards away on the same trail as us while we were hiking downhill. I couldn't see what it was really well because the hill was very dense with brush. But after a little while we were able to spot it again. It was a lynx. It stopped long enough and turned it's head facing us so that we could take a picture. Lynx are apparently are rare to come by so we were lucky. We hiked near Mount Eielson and next to (but not into) Muldrow Glacier, which is a part of Denali (Mt. McKinley). That night, it was overcast and started raining at 9pm and it was nonstop rain all of the next day. My friend got sick and didn't get much sleep, as I got about 5 hours of sleep on and off. Our hike back to the Eielson Visitor Center was longer and very wet. The last couple of miles in our hike, it wasn't just raining but raining sleet. Then as soon as we arrived to the Eielson Visitor Center, it started snowing. The snow did not cover the ground but we could see the peaks of the mountains next to the visitor center covered in snow. The Eielson Visitor Center is about 3600 feet and the peaks of the mountains right next to the visitor center are about 4600-5000 feet. I think that was also the first time it had snowed in the park this season. It wasn't too fun hiking in that cold weather, but it was very cool to experience the park.
One week, we had two visitors. One was Bekky's friend from Ohio and the other an employee from ACMNP named Kimberly. It was nice getting to spend time with both of them. Bekky's friend just came out to experience a little of Alaska and Kimberly has the fun job of visiting various ACMNP teams. We all went out to dinner and spent some time conversing on how our ministry is doing in the park (well, on the resort). Both were a blessing to have visit. The week after that, we had another visitor that is part of ACMNP national board. She just happened to be vacationing in Alaska and was staying next door at the Princess Wilderness Lodge. She contacted the main office and got our info, then within a few days, we met up and had dinner. All these visitors sure like to feed us. And I'm grateful, cause cafeteria food can get mundane after a while.
The last week of July my parents and grandparents got to visit me. I was very excited. Even my friends could tell that I was excited. It was nice to be able to see a familiar face in a place like here. We took a bus trip out to Eielson Visitor Center where I tried to show them where I had hiked, but it was so overcast and rainy that it was impossible to see a mile out from where we were. The goal of that trip was to see Alaska's wildlife. Not even a full two hours into our drive did we see a grizzly. It was not too far from us where it was impossible to take a picture of it. It was also roaming near a caribou carcass. Once the bus starts driving off again, my dad jokingly says, "we can go home now." I almost feel that's half truth, half joke. Anyway, we did see a lot of caribou and almost saw a moose. I would say that's a pretty successful trip, especially since we saw a grizzly. The next day, we went to a free sled dog demonstration. There, you can pet Denali National Park's finest mode of winter transportation. And of course, they have their demo of five dogs pulling a ranger on an ancient sled. I've seen this twice and every time it's exciting to watch. My parents and grandparents got cool pictures standing on the sled with the dogs still attached to it. Later that day, they shopped and we ate at Cabin Nite, a dinner theater on my resort's property. The food and show was good and not to mention, all free (other than tip). It was very fun having them here in Alaska and having them experience the exquisite magnitude of the park.
This month, I don't know how it will be but it's starting to get colder. There is a plant here called fireweed, and when its blossoms reach the the top, Alaskans say that winter is about 6 weeks away. They are just about to the top and our fall season is moving fast. It's also starting to get darker. It gets pretty dark at 11:15-11:30 pm now. I know that sounds funny and it is even weird me saying that, but I've gotten so use to the sun not really setting that I forgot that it can.
To end, I want to wish my beautiful and wonderful mother Happy Birthday. She is....young today and I love her completely. They are in Southern California today and I hope they're having fun. I love you mom and I hope your birthday is going great. Thanks for visiting me and feeding me and birthing me and all that other wonderful stuff you do.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 4th of July....Here's some pictures!
Worship Service June 19th and 26th
I am soooo sorry that this is overdue, but these past 2 weeks have been crazy busy and fun.
Since June 19th was Father's Day, we thought it would be appropriate to talk about God our Father and his unfailing, unconditional love for us. Our main verse was 1 John 4:7-12 but 7-21 is all great. Bekky spoke and elaborated on how great God's love is for us. A God that we can trust. Even if we have/had little to no relations with our own fathers, God is always there. There was only a handful of us, but very nice and intimate. This was also the week that we were going to start the prayer cards. I had printed them out and everything but completely forgot to bring them along with the cross that I made and that we are suppose to have at each service. But we compromised for that service and offered our phone numbers or to drop off a piece of paper to our room. Prayer cards are nice to have but it really won't keep us from praying for others whether they write one or not.
The week after June 19th's service, I felt ready to speak. So I spoke on June 26th. I spoke on Philippians 4:6-9. One of my favorite verses and one that helped me get through 2010. I felt like I had a lot of false hope in things last year so I shared how these verses helped me to practice whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and admirable. And since God says in verse 6 to "not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God", it was fitting to talk about prayer. At the end of the service we officially introduced the prayer cards and ended with the Lord's Prayer. It was a great day.
Since June 19th was Father's Day, we thought it would be appropriate to talk about God our Father and his unfailing, unconditional love for us. Our main verse was 1 John 4:7-12 but 7-21 is all great. Bekky spoke and elaborated on how great God's love is for us. A God that we can trust. Even if we have/had little to no relations with our own fathers, God is always there. There was only a handful of us, but very nice and intimate. This was also the week that we were going to start the prayer cards. I had printed them out and everything but completely forgot to bring them along with the cross that I made and that we are suppose to have at each service. But we compromised for that service and offered our phone numbers or to drop off a piece of paper to our room. Prayer cards are nice to have but it really won't keep us from praying for others whether they write one or not.
The week after June 19th's service, I felt ready to speak. So I spoke on June 26th. I spoke on Philippians 4:6-9. One of my favorite verses and one that helped me get through 2010. I felt like I had a lot of false hope in things last year so I shared how these verses helped me to practice whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and admirable. And since God says in verse 6 to "not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God", it was fitting to talk about prayer. At the end of the service we officially introduced the prayer cards and ended with the Lord's Prayer. It was a great day.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Losing All Sense of Time
Since being here, I have been losing my since of time. Obviously the sun being out does not help. My work schedule use to be 330pm to midnight five days a week. So when I got off work, it looked like I was getting off at dusk or 8pm, but my body was telling me 'no, it's midnight.' So the time of the day is off, but now I'm forgetting what day of the week it is. Our work week for our pay periods starts on Thursdays and my days off are Sunday and Monday. I've been thrown off guard, but I'm getting use to it. My work schedule changed so now I get to work 3 morning shifts and 2 nights, but I'm still out of whack from a routine. And I need one too! Because waking up late in the day is not fun when there are tours I could be going on before I work later in the afternoon.
Speaking of tours and activities, I'll be going rafting and hiking today after service. I have already been rafting but wasn't able to take any pictures because it's very wet. I was tempted to buy a waterproof camera and I probably should have cause it's beautiful out on the river. I went to their early one at 730am. I sat in the front of the raft and got very wet (had a dry suit on of course). It was great though. Having that cold river water splash in my face definitely woke me up and it was refreshing. We'll see how it'll go today and I hope to see some animals this time.
Speaking of tours and activities, I'll be going rafting and hiking today after service. I have already been rafting but wasn't able to take any pictures because it's very wet. I was tempted to buy a waterproof camera and I probably should have cause it's beautiful out on the river. I went to their early one at 730am. I sat in the front of the raft and got very wet (had a dry suit on of course). It was great though. Having that cold river water splash in my face definitely woke me up and it was refreshing. We'll see how it'll go today and I hope to see some animals this time.
Worship Service June 12th, 2011
This is overdue. Talking about last week's service on the next Sunday. But our first official service went well. Before the service, Bekky and I prayed. Then Matt and Cherelle showed up so we prayed again. Six people showed up. We sang a couple of songs and Bekky gave a short testimony about how she heard about ACMNP. At the end of the service, a couple of us stayed behind and talked for a bit and we decided that it would be nice to start prayer cards.
So for this Sunday (or rather, today, Father's Day), I made some prayer cards for anyone that needs prayer. And since it's Father's Day, we will be talking about our Father God and his unfailing, unconditional love for us. It's gonna be gooooood. No, greeeaaat!
So for this Sunday (or rather, today, Father's Day), I made some prayer cards for anyone that needs prayer. And since it's Father's Day, we will be talking about our Father God and his unfailing, unconditional love for us. It's gonna be gooooood. No, greeeaaat!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Worship Service June 5th, 2011
When Bekky and I arrived at the building where we were suppose to have our services, the building was locked. We were told that we could use the building but someone could have forgotten. No problem. We waited outside the building in case someone showed up. We weren't able to advertise our services much cause we kept missing the HR person to get our flyers approved; so it was all based on word of mouth. When no one showed up, Bekky and I planned for next week's service. It would be the same as what we were going to do yesterday but with better preparation. The best thing we did that day was pray. To be honest, we haven't prayed together since we've been here. We even forgot to pray when we were planning for last Sunday's service. But that will definitely change this service.
We met a guy named Matt and his friend who have also been praying together since they've been here. When they heard about our service they were very excited and may even help us in the weeks to come. We still had to wait for our flyers to get approved but they finally were and we posted them up today. As I was hanging them, of course it sparked questions and conversations. Tomorrow will be a great day and I can't wait to start.
We met a guy named Matt and his friend who have also been praying together since they've been here. When they heard about our service they were very excited and may even help us in the weeks to come. We still had to wait for our flyers to get approved but they finally were and we posted them up today. As I was hanging them, of course it sparked questions and conversations. Tomorrow will be a great day and I can't wait to start.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Mailing Address
My roommate and I finally got a P.O. Box. It's
P.O. Box 784
Denali Park, AK 99755
I miss you all so much.
P.O. Box 784
Denali Park, AK 99755
I miss you all so much.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Settling In
Dear Family,
God is amazing! The past couple of days have been nothing short of His glory when I see the mountains from above and from the ground. The drive to my host family's house for the night to the drive up to the resort - I'm just in awe. Arriving to the resort has been like clockwork. Filling out paperwork and talking with the housekeeping manager. Apparently there were suppose to have been a lot more people here for housekeeping, including the other porter (which is my job), so everything is delayed and hectic.
I've met a lot of great people from all over the world and when asked why I came here, I would tell them about the ministry. Every single person is pretty supportive and some are already interested in attending or checking it out. I talked with one guy that starting asking a lot of questions about the ministry and told me that he's Catholic and used to do prison ministry. Then we started talking about the apostle's creed (don't know how we got there) but he said it was in the Bible. I told him that it was not but that each statement can be supported in the Bible. He didn't agree and told me that it was in Matthew somewhere. I told him that we should meet and look it up. Thank goodness that our 20-somethings group went over the apostle's creed. At least I have notes from the discussions we've had.
Already God has been using me and has been surprising me with boldness only He could fill in me. And this is just in two days! But really, it shouldn't be a surprise to us when we ask God to use us this way. It is an answer to prayers! So thank you family for your prayers because I could see God working. Even though I can see God's glory in these mountains everyday, His glory is much greater in the people I get to interact with everyday.
God is amazing! The past couple of days have been nothing short of His glory when I see the mountains from above and from the ground. The drive to my host family's house for the night to the drive up to the resort - I'm just in awe. Arriving to the resort has been like clockwork. Filling out paperwork and talking with the housekeeping manager. Apparently there were suppose to have been a lot more people here for housekeeping, including the other porter (which is my job), so everything is delayed and hectic.
I've met a lot of great people from all over the world and when asked why I came here, I would tell them about the ministry. Every single person is pretty supportive and some are already interested in attending or checking it out. I talked with one guy that starting asking a lot of questions about the ministry and told me that he's Catholic and used to do prison ministry. Then we started talking about the apostle's creed (don't know how we got there) but he said it was in the Bible. I told him that it was not but that each statement can be supported in the Bible. He didn't agree and told me that it was in Matthew somewhere. I told him that we should meet and look it up. Thank goodness that our 20-somethings group went over the apostle's creed. At least I have notes from the discussions we've had.
Already God has been using me and has been surprising me with boldness only He could fill in me. And this is just in two days! But really, it shouldn't be a surprise to us when we ask God to use us this way. It is an answer to prayers! So thank you family for your prayers because I could see God working. Even though I can see God's glory in these mountains everyday, His glory is much greater in the people I get to interact with everyday.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Less Than A Week!
I have less than a week to Alaska and I'll be doing so much. Cleaning the house I've been living in today. Last day of work for both jobs Wednesday. Leave for SoCal Thursday. Old roommate's wedding Friday. Drive back from SoCal Saturday. Be at the church all day Sunday. Leave for Alaska from Sacramento at 1pm on Monday. Of course, whenever I have time in between, that is when I will be packing (or stuffing the suitcase). BUT I can't wait to go!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
A Christian Ministry in the National Parks --- The Details/FAQs
How'd you hear about this opportunity?
I first heard of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP), 2 years ago while at a large group meeting with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, a Christian club on my college campus. I talked to the recruiter and got a few materials from him. It sounded like something that I would really enjoy to be a part of but a lot to handle while in college (but many college and seminary students do do it over their summer breaks). Anyway, I completely forgot about it after that school year. Fast forward (ok not FAST forward) to January 2011, while I was cleaning my glove compartment, I came across the sticker that I got from the recruiter 2 years ago. I looked them up, read everything on their website and applied. A couple weeks later, ACMNP offered me a placement to my first choice of park, Denali. After a couple of days praying and determining whether this was what God wanted me to do, I accepted the call. Then I just had to apply for a job with ARAMARK, the concessionaire that owns resorts and tours on and off the park.
Where are you going?
To Denali National Park in Alaska. It's located 4 hours north of Anchorage and about 2 hours southwest of Fairbanks.
How long you gonna be there?
4 1/2 months
What will you be doing with this ministry?
Telling people about Jesus by helping plan and lead a multi-denominational worship service(s) IN Denali National Park! The purpose of ACMNP is to provide worship opportunities for park visitors, seasonal employees and National Park Service employees. The mission is to bear witness the love of Jesus Christ for all people and God's care for creation. (acmnp.com). The only difference from doing ministry there versus here is the location. THAT IS IT. God uses us where we're at and we are called to share the good news of Jesus with whomever and wherever he has placed us. I am thankful to be able to go to Alaska though.
What is this job you'll be working?
I'll be working a full-time job as a Houseperson/Porter at McKinley Chalet Resort (right outside the park). There were three different places that I could have applied to and my first two choices were jobs inside the park. Housekeeping was my third choice and the only one open when I had my interview. I was told that I won't be cleaning 12 rooms a day but rather have a lot of guest interaction delivering things to rooms, restocking all the housekeeping closets at each building and driving an ATV around. I wanted a job that would allow me to be with guests anyway, that's why my first choice was Baggage Claim Attendant. I know, huh? I picked housekeeping as my third choice because I didn't want retail, but thank God for answering my prayers by giving me a job that will still let me be able to interact with a lot of guests. I guess room attendants (or maids) can have good guest interactions too, but then again, you have to clean many rooms your whole shift so that'll be a lot of work and not a lot of time to talk.
So really...
I'll be volunteering with ACMNP while getting paid by ARAMARK. ACMNP and ARAMARK are not affiliated with each other, but ACMNP were our good references so that we could have a paying job while doing ministry.
When do you leave?
Monday, May 16th :( but :)
So the sun will be out all night?
Kinda. It won't be dark dark but will be dusk for about 4 hours then the sun will rise again. It differs depending where you are in Alaska.
Those are just a few FAQs. More will probably pop up when I'm not staying up late typing this, but there you have the details for now.
I first heard of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP), 2 years ago while at a large group meeting with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, a Christian club on my college campus. I talked to the recruiter and got a few materials from him. It sounded like something that I would really enjoy to be a part of but a lot to handle while in college (but many college and seminary students do do it over their summer breaks). Anyway, I completely forgot about it after that school year. Fast forward (ok not FAST forward) to January 2011, while I was cleaning my glove compartment, I came across the sticker that I got from the recruiter 2 years ago. I looked them up, read everything on their website and applied. A couple weeks later, ACMNP offered me a placement to my first choice of park, Denali. After a couple of days praying and determining whether this was what God wanted me to do, I accepted the call. Then I just had to apply for a job with ARAMARK, the concessionaire that owns resorts and tours on and off the park.
Where are you going?
To Denali National Park in Alaska. It's located 4 hours north of Anchorage and about 2 hours southwest of Fairbanks.
How long you gonna be there?
4 1/2 months
What will you be doing with this ministry?
Telling people about Jesus by helping plan and lead a multi-denominational worship service(s) IN Denali National Park! The purpose of ACMNP is to provide worship opportunities for park visitors, seasonal employees and National Park Service employees. The mission is to bear witness the love of Jesus Christ for all people and God's care for creation. (acmnp.com). The only difference from doing ministry there versus here is the location. THAT IS IT. God uses us where we're at and we are called to share the good news of Jesus with whomever and wherever he has placed us. I am thankful to be able to go to Alaska though.
What is this job you'll be working?
I'll be working a full-time job as a Houseperson/Porter at McKinley Chalet Resort (right outside the park). There were three different places that I could have applied to and my first two choices were jobs inside the park. Housekeeping was my third choice and the only one open when I had my interview. I was told that I won't be cleaning 12 rooms a day but rather have a lot of guest interaction delivering things to rooms, restocking all the housekeeping closets at each building and driving an ATV around. I wanted a job that would allow me to be with guests anyway, that's why my first choice was Baggage Claim Attendant. I know, huh? I picked housekeeping as my third choice because I didn't want retail, but thank God for answering my prayers by giving me a job that will still let me be able to interact with a lot of guests. I guess room attendants (or maids) can have good guest interactions too, but then again, you have to clean many rooms your whole shift so that'll be a lot of work and not a lot of time to talk.
So really...
I'll be volunteering with ACMNP while getting paid by ARAMARK. ACMNP and ARAMARK are not affiliated with each other, but ACMNP were our good references so that we could have a paying job while doing ministry.
When do you leave?
Monday, May 16th :( but :)
So the sun will be out all night?
Kinda. It won't be dark dark but will be dusk for about 4 hours then the sun will rise again. It differs depending where you are in Alaska.
Those are just a few FAQs. More will probably pop up when I'm not staying up late typing this, but there you have the details for now.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
A Prayer
This is but an excerpt from John Piper's book Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. It's a prayer that he so eloquently says at the end of Chapter 3 titled 'The Lion and the Lamb'
Almighty and merciful God, we exult in the reflection of your might and mercy in your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the strength of his lion-like power and in the tenderness of his lamb-like meekness. We take heart from his incomparable combination of excellencies. It reassures us that there is none like him, and that he is not a mere man like others. O grant us, in our brash indifference, to tremble before the Lion of Judah and to humble ourselves under his fierce holiness. And grant us, in our brokenness and fear, to gather courage from the lion-like Lamb. Oh, how we need the whole Christ! Open our eyes to see the fullness of his excellence. Remove the lopsided and distorted images of your Son that weaken our worship and lame our obedience. May the power of the Lion and the love of the Lamb make our faith in Christ unshakable. So deliver us from small dreams and timid ventures and halting plans. Embolden us. Strengthen us. Make us love with fierce and humble love. Let us share the confidence of the Lion of Judah that gave him the will to die like a Lamb and rise in everlasting joy. And in it all, grant that all might see the glory of Christ and that you might be honored through him. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Life to the Fullest
I wrote this while in Hawaii, but never posted it. My time in Hawaii gave me a lot of time to think.
What does life to the fullest look like? Well, I'm sure many people have their opinions, but many (or none at all) wouldn't say to suffer. Well that's what having a relationship with Jesus Christ is like. You can have life and have it to the full (John 10:10b) but you'll be a target of Satan because "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10a) especially those that are with Christ.
What does life to the fullest look like? Well, I'm sure many people have their opinions, but many (or none at all) wouldn't say to suffer. Well that's what having a relationship with Jesus Christ is like. You can have life and have it to the full (John 10:10b) but you'll be a target of Satan because "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10a) especially those that are with Christ.
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