One of the things I'm loving about being an AFS host is that I have so many opportunities to learn about other countries and cultures. Throughout the year AFS plans various events for the exchange students and families. There are currently about 35 students from over a dozen countries (maybe more) currently placed around WNY.… Continue reading An International Community
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Where it all began…
"So how did it come about that you are hosting an exchange student?" This question in various forms has passed through my ears into my brain countless times in the last couple months. The fascinating thing is I literally have no clue where the idea came from initially. I was standing at my stove making… Continue reading Where it all began…
Write 31 Days Challenge – Instant Motherhood
"So basically you're an instant single mom to a 17-year old from another country whose third language is English?!?" As I heard someone say this to me this week, I realized again how "unconventional" this all really is. Though those who know me aren't surprised. My journey into, and now, through this year as… Continue reading Write 31 Days Challenge – Instant Motherhood
Blessed are the merciful…
Mercy is undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted. It's compassion inexpressible, grace unimaginable, love unconditional. Mercy is holding a door, holding a hand, holding a heart. It's that extra step or extra mile to show someone they matter. Mercy doesn't just "look past" our differences and our quirks, our idiosyncrasies or our weird behaviors, but celebrates them, respects… Continue reading Blessed are the merciful…
A woman named Joy…
Joy. That isn't really the woman's name, but it's the name I call her. To be honest, I tried and tried to learn and remember her given Chinese name, but it wouldn't stick in my brain. All I could remember was that it started with a "J" sound and the last name began with a… Continue reading A woman named Joy…
A Parent’s Heart
In just 3 weeks from today I will pick up a jet-lagged, new-to-America, beautiful young woman and take her home to live with me for the next 10 months as a "daughter". In terms of literal age it may not seem I'm old enough to have a teenage child, but it's true. As host parent… Continue reading A Parent’s Heart
MOVE 2016 – Saturday – Heading Home
We're heading back home today and it's been an AMAZING week! Keep you eyes out here and on Facebook as students continue to share about their experience! Thanks again for your prayers! Schedule: Drive home Arrive at First Trinity in the evening Prayer Ideas: Safe Travel and transitions back to “real life” Rest and… Continue reading MOVE 2016 – Saturday – Heading Home
MOVE 2016 – Friday – SENT
Today’s Theme: Kingdom Workers are sent. When God changes us, He also sends us to be people who tell of the hope of change to others. Today we look and how we may be challenged to work in God’s Kingdom everyday of our lives and share that hope with others back home and wherever else… Continue reading MOVE 2016 – Friday – SENT
MOVE 2016 – Thursday – CHANGED
Today’s Theme: Kingdom Workers are changed. Through Jesus, we are loved, rescued, and united, and the result of all of those things coming together is lives that are changed. In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us we can’t live like the Gentiles do anymore. We must put off our old self and put on a new… Continue reading MOVE 2016 – Thursday – CHANGED
MOVE 2016 – Wednesday – UNITED
Today’s Theme: Kingdom Workers are united. When God rescues us, He doesn’t just leave us isolated and alone, He unites us with others who have also been rescued. Today, we look at what it means to be united. As people who have been included and made a part of God’s family, we are to be… Continue reading MOVE 2016 – Wednesday – UNITED
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