Training Day...

Lake Street in downtown Minneapolis... 
For those of you unfamiliar with the Twin Cities, this isn't the best part of town.
This is where Hannah and I spent our Saturday (in different groups) to complete our required training for our upcoming trip.  

Our missions for the day...

1.  Figure out the bus and train schedules.  (Have any of you ever done this with me... it's not pretty... let's just say my group spent more time walking the streets than riding buses or trains.)  
2.  Experience the diverse culture in the area.
(100 different languages spoken, amazing ethnic food)
3.  Start up conversations with complete strangers.  

Here is how the day went...

This is Hannah, and I just wanted to say what a very different experience for me.  I was so pumped to get to do this but not knowing what in the world to expect.  It was an experience I will never forget and one I guarantee I will be doing again!  The people were so open and funny to listen to.  Some broke your heart, others warmed it.  I met a guy my age on the streets with his dog.  He was saving up money for an apartment.  It broke my heart.  Not only by that but that he also smoked and was doing drugs.  The girl I was with and I  decided to go to Target and buy an umbrella (it was pouring rain at the time) for them to keep dry.  There were so many others who I got the pleasure of meeting and talking with.  It was an unforgettable experience and I am so excited to get to do it again in Ethiopia!

As I (Regina) headed out to complete our training,
I did not share the same enthusiasm as Hannah.
I was so nervous and felt completely out of my comfort zone.
But the day turned out to be an amazing experience!
Some of it was great, some of it was uncomfortable, some... overwhelmingly sad.  
But as I hopped on buses and talked to random strangers, I realized people just want to talk with other people.  Funny how we seem to be doing that less and less today...

If any of you are like me, you are too busy.
Sometimes too busy to stop and see who is intersecting our lives.
We might even see them as a distraction...

I challenge you to slow down and take time to start a conversation 
with someone who crosses your path. 

It's a gift!


May God bless each of you!

Lots of love - regina and hani


"Dear Children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 
1 John 3:18

More than enough...

The following entry was written on June 30th of 2008.
I decided to post it as it explains the blog title.
But for now, it will serve as a way to communicate with all of you
about our upcoming trip to Hosaena, Ethiopia.




I have always wanted to write a book... well, sort of. You see I am very lazy... and I am a really horrible writer! Those two things don't seem to be qualities a writer must possess. So for now, I will give this blog thing a try

So... what in the world am I going to write about...

Well, God has placed on my heart young women up through the ages... why? I am guessing because I am a woman... and I know I want to share what I have learned. I am sure our lives are different, but we all have many "women" things in common.

My hope and prayer for all of you...
that you discover Christ is more than enough!

What does that mean... more than enough? If you have the opportunity to listen to the song Enough by BarlowGirl... that pretty much sums it up. Take a moment to listen...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn9A09G1OGc

So how did I come this realization? Well, I was recently asked that question by a wise Titus 2 woman who was listening to my history. "What happened?" she asked. (She was asking what the turning point in my life was... how I really came to know Christ.) As I reflect on my life... I can see God's hand all over every situation. Throughout my whole life, God just kept taking care of and loving me.  He was changing me from the inside out... He just hung out, patiently waiting until I saw who He was, who He is, and who He will always be. And most of the time I didn't even realize He was there. Oh, I knew Jesus had died for me... that He had come to save me... but that was the end of the story. I had NO idea the plans he had for my life. And as I look back at my history, I can see His hands all over everything... molding me for His purpose.

A lot of people believe in coincidences... I used to... Now, I just believe in God.

EVERYTHING, my dear friends, happens for a purpose.

EVERYTHING is part of His plan.

EVERYTHING, even our story, is part of the plan to prosper us.

Seek Him, trust Him, and get to know the One who is more than enough!

Prayers

To our first blog readers,

Hannah and Regina here with our first blog entry!  First off, THANK YOU so much for walking with us as we prepare for Ethiopia!  We cannot even put into words how appreciative we are for YOU and your support!

We will be using this blog as an online journal, doing our best to keep you updated throughout this entire journey... the before, the during, and the after.  Check back as often as you like!

This entry will give you the prayers we have on our hearts right now.  We will update with others as we go.

Hannah's:
   Peace as we prepare for this trip with no anxiety.  (The anxiety is for school as I will be missing eight days.)
   Clear vision of God's plan for us: to say what He would have us share.

Regina's
   God's guidance and that everything we do brings glory to HIM!
   For our team members and the women and children we will spend time with.
   Safety!
   Protection against the side effects of the malaria meds!
   Prayers for Ben, Gracie, and Ry while we are away!

Thank you again for supporting us!

Blessings to each of you!
regina and hannah