Pancake Monday

A few weeks ago a few of my little friends went to dinner with my parents and I on a Tuesday night.  There is a Mexican restaurant about 5 blocks from Mission Adelante that has $1 tacos, and $1.50 papusas on Tuesday nights.  While we were there my friend asked what a papusa was and my mom compared it to a pancake, except it is made from corn and stuffed with cheese, chicken or beans.  My friends then went on and on about their hatred of pancakes.  We found out that the only time they ever had pancakes was at school (no wonder they hated them).  So my dad, being the pancake connoisseur that he is said we had to have them over to try real pancakes.  Yesterday we did, and I am pretty sure it was a success. 


My nephews came over and had pancakes too, I think they made some new friends.


Afterwards we went to a park not far from my parents house to let off some steam.



I also had a realization yesterday.  I was quite the spoiled teenager.  My parents have lived in the same ranch style, 3 bedroom house since I was in 1st grade.  I can't count the number of times I felt embarrassed of where my house was, or how small it was.  I realized yesterday that I was a brat.  When my friends came to have breakfast at my parent's house their response was "wow, your house is huge."  Talk about humbling.  Did I ever need a bigger house?  No, our house was a good size for us.  We didn't have our own bedrooms, and that is ok.  I was caught up in a crazy game of "Keeping up with the Joneses."  One of the biggest lessons that I have learned living in KCK and being in community with the Bhutanese is that all these things are just that, things.  Happiness is better found in relationships than in bigger houses

I am reminded of Jesus' teachings in Luke 12.  The parable of the rich farmer who wanted to tear down his barns to build bigger ones to store his wealth.  Yet he was found to be foolish because he didn't have a rich relationship with God.  The verses following are some of my favorite, and I challenge you to think about them this week:


"Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.  Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." ~Luke 12:22-31

crazy busy saturday

This Saturday was filled with all sorts of fun.  The Bhutanese community hosted a festival honoring various members of the community.  I couldn't stay long, but it was great to see some of the kids I haven't had a chance to see during the break.  Just 2 more days of school and they are out for the SUMMER!
\




Saturday night the Meeks hosted a "Welcome the Interns" cookout.  It was great to see members of the Latino and Bhutanese communities coming together to hang out and get excited about our summer with the 6 AMAZING interns God has brought to Mission Adelante this summer. 








17th street is great

My dear friends Holly and David live just 2 blocks over from me on 17th street.  Their block is really one of a kind.  On Halloween, around Christmas, the beginning of summer and on the 4th of July they block their street off and everyone has a big party.  This past weekend they had their 18th annual BBQ contest.
 



New Volunteer Training

Our new volunteer training was this morning. We had 27 new volunteers that came down to KCK to learn about getting caught up in the mission of God in KCK.

things I am thankful for...

The Bhutanese knitters! We had a sale a few weeks ago at Waddell and Reed.  We didn't sell much this time around, but it is exciting to see where these things are headed.

Our house!  For a few weeks our house was slated to be in a delinquent tax property auction. Our landlord payed his taxes and we get to stay.  Big answer to prayers.

These lovely ladies have made it to the second round of the Kauffman Scholars application process. If you don't know much about Kauffman Scholars google it.  It is a great program.  They took the assessment test this past Saturday morning and have their family interviews coming up on June 1st.  Pray that things go well! 

InternDrew! Drew has worked with us in Kids' Club on Tuesdays this trimester.  He has been such a blessing to me and to the kids.  Thank you InternDrew for all of you hard work and loving these kids so well!

MultiCultural Night

Some of our Kids' Club kids go to Mark Twain elementary school where one of my good friends teaches music.  This past Tuesday night they had a MultiCultural celebration.  All of the classes sang songs and one of our girls finished the night with a Nepali dance.  I love getting the chance to be in their schools, and involved in their lives. 



Nashville....again

Last weekend I went down to Nashville to see Amanda graduate.  Who is Amanda?  Well, she is my little sister in my 2nd family.  I lived with her family during my summers working in Atlanta and they have taken me in as one of their own.  I am beyond blessed by the Bowers, and am so incredibly thankful for having them in my life. While down there I also got the chance to meet up with the ladies I taught with at Nashville Christian and see all of their new additions, and had some time to see friends from college I hadn't seen in awhile.  It was a short trip, but lots of fun.






Aradhna

Aradhna is a Hindi word that means adoration.  We were beyond blessed with the chance to host a night with Aradhna, a musical group that performs songs about Jesus in traditional Hindi and Nepali style.  The concert was an amazing chance for our Nepali friends to hear about Jesus in their culture and language.  Words can not express how wonderful the evening was, and the ripple effect it has had throughout the community.